BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Telegraph Staff Writer
Nelson Green was installed as the new president, while David Kniseley, the outgoing president, presented awards to two members at the Kiwanis Club of Starke installation banquet, which was held Sept. 26 at the Downtown Grill.
Green said his motto for the 2023-24 is “Service with a smile,” harkening back to days of old when gas stations displayed such signs in their windows. The new president said club members should enjoy giving back to the community.
“We want to have fun while we do it,” Green said.
Green said clubs having signature projects was stressed at the district convention. He admitted that the Starke does a good job of fundraising, but said some thought needed to be given to having that one project that is associated with the club.
“What is our signature project? Something where the community goes, ‘That’s Kiwanis who does that.’ In the next few weeks, I want to think about that,” Green said.
Green also said he wants club members to encourage family members to be involved as well and expressed his desire to host several family events throughout the year. In noting spouses and other family members in attendance at the banquet, Green said, “You all are part of this organization one way or another. We want you to participate with us at events.”
Increasing membership is always a goal. Green said, “We can grow the club so we can have even more fun, and we can provide more service with a smile.”
Kniseley received a President’s Award from Green as the gavel was passed and handed out two awards himself. One was Kiwanian of the Year, which went to Patricia Evans.
“This person is involved in everything that we do,” Kniseley said. He told Evans, “I want to thank you for everything you do. You are amazing.”
The outgoing president also handed out a new club award — Rookie of the Year. That went to Tanya Remirez.
Ms. Remirez did a lot of things behind the scenes — got it done,” Kniseley said. “I was so impressed.”
Lt. Gov. Patricia Hatch, who is a member of Keystone Heights’ Lake Region Club, installed the 2023-24 officers and board members. Before doing so, she gave kudos to the club for increasing its membership.
“Coming off of covid the last couple of years, the membership has been just a problem across our whole district,” Hatch said. “You guys have grown the last year. That’s a big deal.”
Hatch first installed the board members — Evans, Remirez, Bear Bryan, Warren Carver, Richard Cason and Cliff Smelley.
The board of directors handles the true business of the club,” Hatch said, referring to board members as the “ground-level leaders.”
In installing George Konkel as vice president/president-elect, Hatch said, “As an officer of the club, you contribute your vision and your ideas to club leadership. As the president-elect, you have been selected to lead the club in the following year, but your time really starts now. You will help out.”
Hatch said formal training is offered for officers, but added that Konkel would also learn a lot from club members.
“You’ll have everybody in this room to help you out as well,” Hatch said. “You’ll build relationships with your president and your board members.”
Two members who stepped in to fill unexpected vacancies this past year were then officially installed, beginning with Ed Rensberger as treasurer.
“As treasurer, you have been elected to an office that demands absolute integrity and financial and accounting skills,” Hatch said, adding, “Thank you for stepping into this significant role.”
Lisa Heeder will serve as secretary.
“In Kiwanis, the secretary is the master of details,” Hatch said. “Your role is handling club affairs, the details of the club and board meetings, the reports, correspondence, records. You keep up with who’s here, who’s not here.”
Hatch added, “You also make sure everything runs smoothly.”
It was then Kniseley’s turn to officially become past president. Hatch said the club would continue to rely upon his guidance, adding that Kniseley will also empower and mentor the new officers.
“You think you’re done? You’re not done,” Hatch said. “Your club benefits from your immediate past presidency.”
Finally, Green was installed as president.
“You have been elected to the highest office your club can bestow on you,” Hatch said. “It is an office of great honor and great responsibility. The success of your club in the new year will depend upon your leadership in the club and board meetings and as you counsel and inspire club committees.
“In our community, you will be face of Kiwanis in your club.”
Prior to the installation, Green recognized club members with perfect attendance. Out of 36 members, 17 had perfect attendance in 2022-23.
“I thought that was pretty impressive,” Green said, adding, “We appreciate your attendance and hard work. Does that mean they make every meeting? No. That means they do make-ups by attending other Kiwanis events.”
Receiving perfect-attendance certificates were Heeder (1 year), Kniseley (4 years), Brad Smith (6 years), Kenny Clark (7 years), Pat Mundorff (7 years), Evans (11 years), Smelley (13 years), Jim Lewis (14 years), Mike Reddish (14 years), Virginia Walkup (14 years), Bryan (18 years), Cheryl Canova (20 years), Rensberger (27 years), Carver (28 years), Bob Milner (34 years), Phillip Johns (37 years) and Steve Futch (44 years).
