E.M. Kiwanis celebrates 71st installation

East Meadow Kiwanis members got all dolled up for a night of installing and honoring their own on Oct. 11 at their 71st installation at Verdi’s of Westbury.

The room filled with conversation as everyone got ready to welcome the new officers and directors, and thank those who served this past year.

“71 years going strong,” Tom Gallagher, the club’s famous emcee said at the start of the evening. “This is a club that has just been the most amazing club and has changed so many lives.”

Throughout the past year, under President Jennifer Reinhardt, the club has soared as it usually does. Each event was planned with fellowship and service in mind. From toy drives, to backpack drives, pancake breakfasts, and more, the club never stopped doing what needed to be done for the community.

Reinhardt spoke of her past year as president and thanked her board and club members for all of their help.“What a wonderful year,” Reinhardt said. “There were many firsts for our club this year and many moments that I am particularly proud of.”

With the help of her chairpeople and committees, she said, each event was special in its own way, and her board of directors had “unwavering commitment” to the community, which ultimately caused the club to be so successful.

Now, it is time to pass the baton to a new president. Diane Krug was sworn in as East Meadow Kiwanis’s new president by Margaret Silberger of the Wantagh Kiwanis Club.

“It is my honor and privilege to serve as your president and continue to serve our community,” Krug said. “We have achieved great success as a club through the leadership of those who have come before me.

“Kiwanis should be a positive influence in communities worldwide,” Krug continued.

For an added special touch, Reinhardt announced who Kiwanian of the Year was for. Ted Rosenthal was picked by Reinhardt for always answering her calls and helping out wherever he was needed.

“They stepped up without any expectation of gratitude and their advice helped me to become a more effective leader,” Reinhardt said of Rosenthal. “They taught me to think outside the box to trust my gut. And then there was always a way to accomplish your goals regardless of roadblocks or hurdles.”