Kiwanis Club of Niagara-Wheatfield wraps up 2018

The Niagara-Wheatfield Kiwanis ended 2018 supporting the community in various ways.

The 2018-19 officers and board members were inducted by Lt. Gov. Dean Beltrano on Sept. 27. The new officers are: President Susan Smith, President-elect Brenton McKenzie, Treasurer Debbie Bentley Buckley and Secretary Jane Cushman. The 2018-2020 board members inducted were Gary Heuck, Kate Klimek and Colin Smith. Danny Maerten is the club’s immediate past president and the liaison to the K-Kids programs at West Street, Errick Road and Colonial Village Elementary schools, and the Builders Club at Edward Town Middle School. Also, that evening, Diane Buckley was inducted into the Niagara-Wheatfield Kiwanis, her sponsor was Debbie Buckley Bentley.

On Nov. 5, the Niagara-Wheatfield Kiwanis Club served as parade marshals for the Town of Niagara Electric Lights Parade to assist the town commencing the Christmas season. It was the club’s responsibility to manage the parade’s setup. Beginning at 3 p.m., the members began to organize the parade units into their appointed location in one of four quadrants, so they could receive the proper announcement at the reviewing stand, a process known as “Kontrolled Khaos.”  

On Saturday, Dec. 5, some Kiwanis members were at Tops in Sanborn ringing bells for the Salvation Army. A steady flow of residents kept the ringers busy collecting bills and coins for the Army’s major fundraiser. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., members greeted and conversed with many from the neighborhood. 

On Dec. 11, members of Niagara-Wheatfield participated on the Charter Night for the Kiwanis’ Niagara Frontier North’s newest club, Northern Niagara County Kiwanis. The charter presentation and banquet was held at the Wilson House in Wilson.

On Saturday, Dec. 12, the Kiwanis members delivered over a van filled with household and personal necessities for the club’s Safe Passage project. The club collected, donated and bought these essential items for victims of domestic violence. Kiwanis received Christmas gift wishes from the children living under these conditions. The gifts were purchased and wrapped and delivered. Some of the items on the gift list were a coat, games, books and small toys.

On Dec. 20, the club volunteered for Intandem (previously Opportunities Unlimited) gift-wrapping at the Fashion Outlets Mall. The day was a busy, but enjoyable evening assisting Intandem with its fundraising event.

For information regarding the Kiwanis, such as membership, community service, membership, helping the children of the community, or meeting location, contact Maerten at 731-3696 or [email protected].