Mercer Island Kiwanis Club held its 57th installation and awards banquet on Oct. 16, where Carol Mahoney was installed as president and welcomed several new members.

Kiwanis had past Kiwanis Lt. Governor Joseph Murashi install its new board members. Kiwanis thanked outgoing immediate past president, retired veterinarian Harry Dingwall, for his service. Dingwall now assumes the secretary/treasurer role on the Kiwanis board. Other 2018-19 Kiwanis board members include vice president Rick Sessions, membership chair Barbara Tivnan and directors Dena Kindred and Eleanor “Bunny” Rogers.

The club also welcomed four new members: Mercer Island School District communications and alumni relations coordinator Craig Degginger, Mercer Island High School teacher and Key Club adviser Emily Lange, Lakeridge Elementary School teacher and K-Kids Club adviser Amber Bobst, and Lakeridge K-Kids Club parent adviser Julia Hokanson.

Several awards were presented, including the Distinguished Service Award given to Inge Lettini. Lettini chairs the club’s fireworks sales efforts at Summer Celebration, as well as vice chairs efforts to collect supplies for Eastside Baby Corner.

The Stepping Up Award was presented to Sue Miller, who helped lead the club’s shaved ice sales as well as chaired collection efforts for Eastside Baby Corner.

Tivnan was given the Membership Award. A retired Lakeridge teacher, she sponsored three new Kiwanis members this year, and was instrumental in recruiting a fourth new member.

The Flag Service Award was presented to Dave Sherman. Sherman, a member of Kirkland Sunrisers Kiwanis Club, has assisted Mercer Island Kiwanis Club with its flag service fundraiser, whereby Mercer Island businesses have Kiwanis Club set up/take down an American flag on key federal holidays.

Kiwanis also recognized the late Jim Stipes for his service. Former school teacher and 2017 Kiwanian-of-the-Year Award recipient, Stipes acted as the Club’s liaison with Mercer Island High School’s Key Club and was a valued Kiwanian for his tireless service to his community. Mercer Island Kiwanis Club recently donated $1,000 in Stipes’ honor to Kiwanis Pacific Northwest Outreach, which supports Key Clubs throughout Washington, Oregon and Alaska – as well as parts of Idaho, California and Canada (British Columbia and the Yukon Territory).

The club welcomes new members, and meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at noon at Island House (7810 SE 30th St.).

For more information about Mercer Island Kiwanis Club, contact club president Carol Mahoney at carolmahoney12@yahoo.com.