The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada Installs 2019-2020 Officers and Directors

Pictured are members of the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada 2019-2020 officers and directors.

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada held its 72nd annual installation of 2019-2020 officers and directors at the Oakmont Country Club. It was there that the gavel was officially presented to the new Kiwanis President Maureen Bond from the Immediate Past President Michael Freed.

Adding some surprise at the installation was the presentation of two awards that are always kept under wraps until the night of the ceremony. The 2018-2019 Gil Smith Award was presented to Jack Dawson for his dedication to the Club and its projects. In addition, for the first time the Rookie of the Year Award was presented to two individuals, Trish McRae and Alice Perez, for their leadership and service as new members.

From left, siblings Trish McRae and Alice Perez were both honored with the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada 2018-2019 Rookie of the Year Award.

“We’re going to make it a great year with the members involved at every engagement,” said Bond. “We’ve got a group of dynamic volunteers with a lot of heart and talent who are committed to making a difference for the youth in our community. I’m looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish and welcome anyone who’s interested to check out the noon day Kiwanis.”

Bond joined Kiwanis in 2015 where she showcased her photographic skills overseeing publicity and marketing before quickly moving up the ranks to vice-president Programs, president-elect, and to her current post as president. Bond grew up in Glendale where her love of sports inspired her at a young age to launch her life-long vocation of helping youth be the best they can be. She worked in such programs as CampFire, the YMCA and the Girl Scouts, and spent almost a decade working with troubled youth creating a therapeutic camping program to encourage positive change in their lives. She spent 15 years as a higher education instructor and student affairs professional.  In 2014, Bond became the executive director of the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge where she works to keep the community connected through its many far-reaching recreational and social activities. She currently serves as an advisory board member for CoachArt, whose goal is to create a transformative arts and athletics community for families impacted by childhood chronic disease. She has also served on the board of the La Cañada Tournament of Roses Association.

From left Jack Dawson was honored as the recipient of the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada 2018-2019 Gil Smith Award presented by the Kiwanis Immediate Past President Michael Freed.

Those interested in joining the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada are invited to a lunch meeting. The group meets every Wednesday at Descanso Gardens at noon in Van de Kamp Hall and features a guest speaker-of-the week program. The goal of the Club is to help youth by sponsoring community projects and scholarships within an atmosphere of friendship and fun. Visit www.lacanadakiwanis.org and click on “Meetings” to reserve a seat.