My former boss invited me to become a member of the Elmira Kiwanis Club in 1988 as one of the first women to be allowed membership into Kiwanis International. When I moved my business to Corning, I joined the Corning Kiwanis club. Leadership for youth is an integral part of Kiwanis International. I love taking part in the opportunity for developing leadership skills in students. Our club accomplishes this by sponsoring Key Club in the high school, sending chosen students to statewide leadership conferences and sponsoring a local program annually for 60 sophomores. This has become my passion, makes my life meaningful and I have a great time doing it with the great people in our club and community.

I recently became a Kiwanis member because, for many years, I have admired the work that Kiwanis does for the community, children in particular. I have participated for years in some of the activities, such as selling chestnuts at sparkle, because my husband Steve has been very involved since we were first married over 30 years ago. I have always admired the members of this particular club with the easy going cheerful way they get things accomplished. As my nest became empty I decided I could use some of that "free" time to become a member so hopefully I will be part of this team doing good for the community.

I joined my co-worker, Sally Ketchum, in becoming a member of Kiwanis. Shortly after I was inducted, I was asked by the secretary to take over her position. I agreed to take on that responsibility. It has been great fun getting to know the members and the many laughs at the meetings.

My employer had asked I join a service club. This was in the eighties and women were not heavily involved in service clubs. One day Shirley Sutherland, who was the first lady to join Corning Kiwanis Club, came in the bank and said, I want you to join Kiwanis. That was it. I was familiar with Kiwanis and was impressed with all their work and activities in the Corning Community. They also had great programs, workshops, and activities for the youth in our area. While working I could not be as active in the club as I would have liked because of my work schedule and raising a family, however, I did participate as often as I could. I was asked to be President several times and said I would when I retired. I made the decision to retire in June and became President that October. I am very proud of the members of our Club and all the activities the Kiwanis Club of Corning do to improve the world one child and one community at a time.

I joined Kiwanis to help make kids’ lives better. And it has been fun!

Eileen Bell talked me into joining the Kiwanis Club of Corning. It took me about a year of coming to meetings to learn how much this club does for children of our community and worldwide. I have become the club photographer and editor of our newsletter which I enjoy.

By being a member of Corning Kiwanis Club, I have made wonderful friends. I am very proud of the accomplishments the club has made over the years. I enjoyed serving as president in a past year.

I joined Kiwanis because my father was a member. It is a worthwhile organization.

My manager at the Radisson Hotel assigned me to a Kiwanis membership. I help with many projects like the spaghetti dinner, shaking the bell for the Salvation Army, getting speakers and offering many suggestions at the meetings. It is a fun group.

The Corning Kiwanis Youth Leadership Conference served as my first exposure to leadership development as a high school sophomore. I learned first-hand Kiwanis' impact in the community, and especially for youth. Over the years, I have maintained involvement with the club as a non-member but am pleased to have the time now to be a full member. I look forward to giving back to the community where I grew up and making a difference in the lives of children within our area.