ORLEANS – Orleans Kiwanis Club members and guests gathered Wednesday, July 19th at Unity Hall to celebrate 100 Years of service to the children and youth of the Orleans Community.
Joining the local club were representatives from all the other Hoosier Division Clubs including Bedford, Bloomington, Martinsville, Mitchell-Grissom, Oolitic, South Central Indiana, and 25+Kiwanians Who Care.
The Orleans Club was founded 100 years to the date on July 19, 1923.
Photo provided.
Hoosier Division Lt. Governor Vanessa McClary welcomed everyone with local Club Secretary-Treasurer Robert F. Henderson giving the Invocation. Unity Hall was beautifully decorated and turned out in Kiwanis colors of blue and gold for the occasion. Following a delicious buffet meal served by Jerry Wall attendees were treated to a special performance by Kiwanis Idol Teen Audrey Clampitt.
Club President John F. Noblitt gave a brief history and overview of the Orleans Kiwanis down through the years. A PowerPoint presentation was shared with glimpses of club activities and members past and present through the various decades. Local Club memorabilia was also displayed highlighting the past 100 years.
McClary presented a special award celebrating 100 years of service to both Noblitt and Henderson who accepted the award on behalf of the local club. Several of the neighboring clubs paid tribute and made special presentations to the Orleans Club to mark the occasion as well. It was noted that the Orleans Club had been the sponsor of the Mitchell-Grissom Club in 1967.
Special Guest of Honor was Indiana District Governor Bruce Andrews who recognized the Orleans Club on its Centennial Celebration and all its works of serving the youth of the community since 1923.
As a “Birthday Gift” Orleans Kiwanians gathered and donated 100 children and teen books for the Free Little Library, located in Bicentennial Park on W. Vincennes.
