Local Kiwanis turns 25

The Platte Valley Kiwanis celebrated their 25th anniversary May 19. The Kiwanis was formed May 18, 1990.

Connie McGuire and Bill Rathbun are charter members of Kiwanis, and treasurer Wanda Eberg has been with Kiwanis for 23 years. Eberg has served as the treasurer since joining.

The Kiwanis focuses on meeting needs of children, President Dave Gloss said. Some of the programs they have sponsored include providing books for the reading program, reading to children at HeadStart and the preschool programs and sponsoring muffins and milk once a month at the elementary schools.

Kiwanis has also provided swimming pool passes for families, hosted the local Stars of Tomorrow competition and given scholarships to graduating seniors.

Gloss said they are particularly proud of the Stars of Tomorrow sponsorship as three of the contestants have gone on to have music careers including Mary Jo Greenwood-Cline, Garry Wood and Sam Platts. While Cline performs locally, Garry Wood has performed in the United States and Europe and Sam Platts has performed all over the United States and in seven countries including China and Russia.

The Kiwanis community service is not just limited to children as they also provide gifts at the local nursing home on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, sponsor the August birthday party and purchase Christmas gifts for the residents.

Gloss who joined the Kiwanis in 2004, said the group is always looking to increase membership and anyone who is interested in helping the community qualifies to be a member.