GRAVETTE -- Members and guests of the Gravette Kiwanis Club met at the Cellar Creekside in Sulphur Springs Saturday night to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the club. The club was organized Aug. 2, 1975.
Those attending enjoyed a social time before dining on assorted appetizers, choice of chicken breast or pork loin, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, potato-corn chowder and green salad. Chocolate-covered strawberries and a 40th anniversary cake were served for dessert.
Brenda Yates gave a trivia quiz of happenings from 40 years ago, and Jay Oliphant proved to have the best memory of 1975 events. Retiring officers were given gag gifts carefully chosen to reflect their special interests, and new officers were given gifts to help them do their jobs.
Outgoing president Zane Vanderpool was recognized by Tom Wiles, of Huntsville, trustee of Region VI, Moark District 19, of Kiwanis, and praised for the outstanding job he did as president. Dr. Nancy Jones was introduced as a new member of the board of directors. Other directors include Jim Singleton, Bryan Johnson, Zane Vanderpool, Jay Oliphant, Robert Kelley and Dan Yates.
Dan Yates was recognized as outgoing district governor and given a special commemorative coin celebrating 100 years of Kiwanis Club International. He was also honored as Kiwanian of the Year for the Gravette club.
An installation of officers concluded the banquet meeting. New officers, installed by Tom Wiles, are Richard Page, president; Lavon Stark, president-elect; Linda Oliphant, secretary; and Malcolm Winters, treasurer.
The Gravette Kiwanis Club holds regular breakfast meetings at 7 a.m. every Friday in the cafeteria at Ozarks Community Hospital.
Community on 09/16/2015