The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada recently celebrated the 76^th annual installation of officers and board of directors. Members and guests were greeted by classical music provided by the LCHS string quartet at the Oakmont Country Club, where the gavel was ceremoniously passed to newly inaugurated Kiwanis President Joe Radabaugh from Immediate Past President Trish McRae.

Kicking off the evening’s festivities was master of ceremonies Dr. Michael Leininger who lent his signature humor as Michael Freed led a patriotic song followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Alice Perez and a heartfelt inspiration recited by Nancy Leininger.

At the event, Immediate Past President Trish McRae unveiled two awards. The Gil Smith Award, the Club’s highest honor, was presented to Nancy Leininger for her exemplary service as coordinator of the TERRIFIC Kids program, which recognizes local youth for demonstrating qualities such as kindness, positive attitude and good citizenship. In addition, the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year was presented to Payton Parker for her outstanding leadership and service to the club as a new member, including her stellar work on the Sparkle of Kiwanis gala fundraiser.

With the installation program in full swing, President Joe Radabaugh’s acceptance speech reaffirmed his commitment to local youth and the community.

Radabaugh joined Kiwanis in 2017 when La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Pat Anderson invited him to a club meeting. He recalls it didn’t take long for him to realize that Kiwanis felt like home, given that the mission of Kiwanis International completely lined up with his focus of helping kids. Radabaugh said it was “a no-brainer” for him to join and from that day forward, Kiwanis became an inspiration in his life’s work.

For local schools, Radabaugh is now serving his second term on the LCUSD governing board and his second stint as governing board president. For Kiwanis, he’s served on several committees, including the board of directors, served as vice president of Programs and, most recently, as president-elect.

When asked about his new role in Kiwanis, Radabaugh said, “I am over-the-moon excited about leading this storied club, and I am looking forward to the new levels of impact we can make for our kids and the community.”

As a part of the evening’s program, special greetings and certificates recognizing Immediate Past President Trish McRae were presented by La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Rick Gunter; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. – Crescenta Valley Station Captain Robert Hahnlein; and La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board Dr. Michael Leininger representing the LCF Chamber. Presentations were also made by La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Pat Anderson on behalf of Congresswoman Judy Chu, State Senator Anthony Portantino and Assemblyman Chris Holden.

Among the dignitaries attending the event were the Honorable State Senator Carol Liu, La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Rick Gunter, La Cañada Flintridge Councilmember Terry Walker, LCUSD Board of Education Governing Board President Joe Radabaugh, Governing Board Clerk Caroline Anderson, and Governing Board Member Octavia Thuss; Captain Robert Hahnlein of the LA County Sheriff’s Dept. – CV Sheriff’s Station; LCUSD Superintendent Wendy Sinnette; and LCUSD Associate Superintendent, Educational Services Anais Wenn. In addition, attendees included Kiwanis Cal-Nev-Ha Division 3 former Lt. Governors Jose Sierra (2021-22), Tom Passanisi (2015-16) and Pat Liddell (2001-22).

The official installation of the incoming 2023-2024 officers and directors was presided over by 2023-24 Kiwanis Division 3 Lieutenant Governor Monica Sierra. The formal board of directors include: Officers – President Joe Radabaugh; Immediate Past President Trish McRae; President-Elect Alice Perez; Vice President-Programs Stephanie Arnold; Treasurer Michael Freed; and Secretary Jeremiah Arnold. Incoming Directors: Caroline Que Anderson, Pat Liddell, Payton Parker, Sky Sprowles and Hovig Tokatlian; Continuing Directors are Diane DellaValle, Mary Gant, Kaitzer Puglia and Terry Walker.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada or wants to attend a meeting that includes featured speakers, email president@lacanadakiwanis.org or visit https://www.lacanadakiwanis.org for more information.