Kiwanis Club of East Liberty History
The Kiwanis Club of East Liberty held their charter meeting on September 26, 2001. The Club was sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Pittsburgh. Lt. Governor Bob Marko was the new club builder assisted by Past Lt. Governor Terry Shaffer, Lt. Governor-Elect Dale Brackin and a host of volunteers from the western Pennsylvania area.
The Charter Dinner was held at Minutello's Restaurant on January 12, 2002. Pennsylvania District Governor Janet Cowan presented the Club’s charter to Charter President Michelle Urquhart. Dan Powell, president of the Kiwanis Club of Pittsburgh presented the Club’s banner. Bob Marko and Dale Brackin presented the Club’s bell, a keepsake from the previous Club, and gavel. Governor-Elect Don Sanker and District Secretary/Treasurer Kevin Thomas also attended, along with representatives from most of the Division Five clubs and several other Pittsburgh area clubs.
One of the Club’s first service projects was a booth at E-Fest. Children were assisted in creating origami frogs and rings out of dollar bills. Both children and adults enjoyed the challenge of creating the origami items. There was also a story teller.
The 2003 and 2004 booth at E-Fest assisted children of all ages in creating finger puppets. There was a stage where the puppets and their creators could perform. For children too young to create their own puppets, the three little pigs, created by Kiwanian Ruby Wilkosz, performed on the stage for them. We were never able to determine which group had more fun, the big kids or the little kids.
Every Thursday afternoon at Eastminster Child Care Center the club participates in the Pennsylvania District’s “Thirty Million Words by Age Six” reading to children program by reading to the children as they wait to be picked up from daycare.
The Club has also been involved in various service projects including serving dinner at the homeless shelter and preparing housing units for occupation. A bowling team from the Club participated in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl For Kids’ Sake. The Club provided gifts at Christmas time which were distributed by East End Cooperative Ministry.
Our newest large project has been founding a K-Kids Club at Fulton Academy and a Builders Club at Reizensten Middle School. These clubs give students the opportunity get involved in community service. They also develop leadership skills by electing their own officers and planning and funding their own projects.
Our club has raised funds for educational projects through an annual "High-Key" Tea.
Past Presidents
2001-2002 Michelle Urquhart
2002-2003 Michelle Williams
2003-2004 Ruby Wilkosz
2004-2005 Tom Wiese
