Gravette Kiwanis hold banquet, install new officers

Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND
Dennis Kurczek speaks to members of the Gravette Kiwanis Club at their annual banquet and installation of officers Tuesday evening, Oct. 11. Kurczek talked about the duties and responsibilities of each officer before presenting them with certificates of election at their installation.
Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Dennis Kurczek speaks to members of the Gravette Kiwanis Club at their annual banquet and installation of officers Tuesday evening, Oct. 11. Kurczek talked about the duties and responsibilities of each officer before presenting them with certificates of election at their installation.

GRAVETTE -- Members of the Gravette Kiwanis Club held their annual banquet and installation of officers Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Billy V. Hall Senior Activity Center. Members and guests kicked off the evening by singing "Take Me Down to Kiwanis" to the tune of "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" and enjoyed a delicious roast beef dinner.

Lavon Stark led the group in a game where guests listed one thing about themselves they felt no one knew and others guessed the identity of that person. A drawing was held for a $50 Grumpy's gift certificate, won by Steve Harari.

Incoming president Dr. Nancy Jones welcomed guests and gave a brief message, thanking each member for help in ensuring a successful year. She said, "It takes a community" and reminded each one that help is always needed, particularly with programs. She presented a gift to Dennis Kurczek in appreciation for his good work as president during the past year.

Installation of officers was held after dinner, with certificates of election presented to each one by outgoing president Kurczek. 2022-2023 officers will be Dr. Nancy Jones, president; Colt Moorman, secretary; Dan Yates, treasurer; and Steve Harari, Lavon Stark, Bob Kelley and Kurczek, additional board members.

Kurczek, who is also lieutenant governor of Division 19 Kiwanis, addressed the group and suggested the club consider designating a president-elect and grooming him or her for office. He said all members share responsibility for recruiting younger members to ensure the continued success of the club.

Yates reminded club members that, according to records, the charter date for the club is Aug. 2, 1975, so it will soon be 50 years old. He suggested appointing a committee to begin work on planning for an appropriate celebration and looking for a venue large enough to accommodate the expected large attendance.

photo Westside Eagle Observer/SUSAN HOLLAND Officers of the Gravette Kiwanis Club pose after their installation at the club's annual banquet and installation of officers Tuesday evening, Oct. 11. Pictured are 2022-2023 officers, Dan Yates, treasurer; Dennis Kurczek and Bob Kelley, board members; Colt Moorman, secretary; Dr. Nancy Jones, president; Lavon Stark and Steve Harari, board members.