International president helps Kiwanis club mark anniversary
By Laura Collins
Published in News on July 27, 2010 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MICHAEL BETTS
Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo hands a Kiwanis banner to Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro President Tangela Craft during the local club's 90th anniversary celebration at Lane Tree Golf Course.
The president of Kiwanis International was on hand Monday night to help members of the Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro celebrate their organization's 90th anniversary.
Paul Palazzolo of Illinois encouraged members of the local club to take pride in their long history, noting the many lives that club members have touched over the decades. He emphasized that the club needs to continue its efforts to make Goldsboro and Wayne County a better place in which to live.
"Don't rest on your laurels of 90 years," he said. "We certainly can't say, we've done it all and there's nothing left to do because that would be the opposite of what Kiwanis Club is all about."
Palazzolo urged the Goldsboro club to look ahead to its 100th anniversary and find new services to offer and ways to bring in more members.
The club that once had more than 100 members now has just under 40. Palazzolo suggested members set a goal for their 100th anniversary to recruit enough new members to bring the club's membership to 100 again.
"You need more eyes to see need, more ears to listen, more hands to get things done and more senses of humor," he said. "I think you need to have 100 members, because the needs in this community are always there."
Club President Tangela Craft said members are excited and proud of their organization's 90th anniversary and have vowed to strengthen the club and maintain its goals.
"Ninety years is impressive," she said. "It's time that Kiwanis has been focusing on kids, mentoring them and teaching."
President-elect Beverly Weeks agreed that the club's impact on children is rewarding.
"Being a member of Kiwanis is like being in a ministry," she said. "Kids need people to love and listen to them."
Kiwanis International has more than half a million members around the world.
The club was founded in 1915 in Detroit, Mich. In its early years, members focused on business networking. In 1916, Kiwanis became an international organization with the creation of the Kiwanis Club of Hamilton, Ontario. In 1919, the organization changed its focus to service. By 1962, worldwide expansion was approved.
The club's focus in on young people and helping them get a good start in life. Many club sponsor Key Clubs at high schools, designed to instill positive values that will last a lifetime.
Longtime club member Bob Hill, 79, said his first experience with the Goldsboro club came in 1942 when the club sponsored his Boy Scout troop. Almost 20 years later, Hill joined Kiwanis and has been active ever since.
"I heard of its programs and activities," he said about his decision to join. "They raise money for charities and community organizations, and that's important in the community."
Over the years Hill has been a club board member, club president, co-chairman and also served as district lieutenant governor, but he said one of his favorite titles was that of champion popcorn seller during a fundraising drive.
Hill was on the receiving end of some good-natured ribbing during Monday night's anniversary celebration at Lane Tree Golf Club for being both the oldest and longest-serving member of the club.
Anyone interested in joining the Kiwanis Club of Goldsboro can contact Ms. Weeks at 919-920-5189.