Joliet Kiwanis Begins Centennial Celebration with Installation of New Officers

Vince G. Portlock was installed as president of the Joliet Kiwanis Club during the club’s 100th Installation Dinner held on Sept. 30 at the Jacob Henry Mansion. Also installed were president-elect Mark Karner, Treasurer Caroline Portlock and Secretary Karla Guseman. Ralph Sherman serves as Immediate Past President. In addition, Steve Brandy, Mark Hornung, David Kaller, Mike Kelly, John Kilday, Kate Kresek, Beth Ann Laken and Vince McGirr will serve as the club’s board of directors.

The club recognized member David Gardner as Kiwanian of the Year for his efforts with our annual Peanut Day fundraiser and awarded the Elmer Geissler Lifetime Service Award to Marty Terlep for his service to the club as well as his local community.

The Joliet Kiwanis supports numerous local community projects and organizations. In addition, the club offers a Young Children Priority One Program serving children 0-5 by providing books and reading to students in area pre-school programs and supports the Joliet Little Libraries. The club also sponsors youth activities through Key Clubs at Joliet West and Joliet Central, an Aktion Club (for youth with different abilities), and Builders Clubs at Hufford, Dirksen and Elwood Junior High Schools.

Chartered in April, 1920, the club will celebrate its centennial year with a variety of activities and events including a display at the Joliet Area Historical Museum beginning in February and a centennial dinner in May.

For information about the club, visit www.jolietkiwanis.org or Facebook: Kiwanis Club of Joliet.

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