The Kiwanis Club of Woodhaven celebrated 50 years of community service on Wednesday, March 25.

President Ed Spivey called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. and the festivities began, with governmental leaders, Kiwanis leaders and Downriver Kiwanians in attendance.

Proclamations were presented by Congresswoman Deborah Dingle's office, State Senator Darrin Camilleri, Brownstown Township Supervisor Sherry Berecz, and Woodhaven Councilman Darrel Penix. Charter members Bill Meadows and Mark Evans, as well as chartering Lt. Governor George Brown were able to attend our ceremony. The room was literally filled with 29 Downriver Kiwanians celebrating with their Woodhaven sisters and brothers.

Three Kiwanis of Michigan Foundation "Skip Clack Warrior" Awards were presented to past club presidents who made a significant difference to the Woodhaven Kiwanis Club. The Skip Clack Warrior Award represents a $500 gift to the Kiwanis of Michigan Foundation Endowment to perpetuate the work of our foundation in helping hospitalized children and their families. Warrior awards were presented to President John Schultz (1979-80),

President Robin Azzopardi (2005-06) and President Deborah Lobb (2006-07).

The following Woodhaven Kiwanians were honored by Lt. Governor Jacob Waltz for their many years of Kiwanis service to the community: Jim Robbins (17 years), Rosemary Robbins and Linda Cahalan (20 years), Louisa Elsey
(22 years), Darrel Penix (24 years), Barb McCoy and Jim Jorgensen (30 years), Mike Gyolai (46 years), and Paul Elsey (49 years). Two new members were installed, bringing Woodhaven up to plus nine for the year.

Executive Director Ben Probert was on hand for those important announcements. Michigan District Governor Cindy Greening congratulated Woodhaven Kiwanians on their first 50 years of service and gave them their walking papers for the next 50 years.

The evening finished with a toastby Second Vice President Dennis Mahaffey, who quietly reminded Woodhaven Kiwanians not to live in our past but always look for the next opportunity to serve.