Kiwanis Club of Georgetown holds 90th anniversary banquet

The Kiwanis Club of Georgetown celebrated its 90th anniversary with a Sept. 22 banquet in Jones Hall at Wesley United Methodist Church.

The club is best known for two signature programs. Chicken barbecue sales are held every weekend from May to September to raise funds to support local projects and community groups. The Memorial Day program held each year on The Circle in Georgetown honors those who died in military service to the country.

As guests arrived, they enjoyed appetizers, fellowship and musical entertainment by Max Kichline, and a slideshow presentation plus a display of photos and artifacts documenting the club’s service history. 

President Ivan Neal welcomed everyone and introduced the Boy Scouts from Troop 95, who presented the American flag and led guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Attendees included past presidents, local officials, and members of the Millsboro and Seaford Kiwanis clubs. Several local businesses donated door prize items. 

Of behalf of the Town of Georgetown, Mayor Bill West presented the club with a 90th year proclamation. Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner, R-Georgetown, presented a proclamation from the Delaware House of Representatives. On behalf of Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, Jones Giltner also presented the club with a tribute from the Delaware Senate.

Following the invocation and blessing given by the Rev. Maleia Rust of Wesley UMC, guests enjoyed dinner catered by leaders and parents of Boy Scout Troop 95.

Holland VanValkenburg, secretary, provided some club history. Former members Joe Booth, Rich Comly and Martin Donovan shared their stories of becoming Kiwanians along with memories of cooking chicken at the barbecue pit.

Guest speaker Ruth Briggs King talked about how different the town, community and country must have been 90 years ago when the club began, and lauded the many contributions its members have made to the community.

For her many years of commitment and involvement in the Georgetown club, Shirley Dennis was presented with a certificate of appreciation, along with flowers. Everyone also sang Happy Birthday to Dennis, as she recently turned 96.

Kiwanis Lt. Gov. Darlene Phillips congratulated the club on reaching this significant milestone.