Kiwanis returns to the Heights

Kiwanis International has returned to the Cleveland Heights-University Heights community with a new club, Kiwanis of the Heights. It intends to continue the work that the old Cleveland Heights and Cedar Center clubs started years ago, providing service to the community’s children and adults with disabilities.

Spearheaded by the club president (the author), the new club achieved charter status last November. Yvonne Conner serves as treasurer, and Cassandra Swift serves as secretary. Dee Ann Long Marsky, Cindy Seaman and Eva Bekes serve as the club’s board.

Kiwanis of the Heights’ commitment to service will begin by establishing Key and Builders Clubs in the local school system, and an Aktion Club for disabled adults. These clubs should be fully active by fall 2018. The school clubs are designed to teach high school and middle school students about leadership, community and service in a structured program of self-government, fundraising, and volunteering for community projects. Future near-term plans include K-clubs in the various public elementary schools, appropriate clubs in the community’s private primary and secondary schools, as well as Circle-K Clubs at John Carroll University and Notre Dame College.

Kiwanis of the Heights seeks to break away from antiquated, traditional social outreach with new and innovative ways to engage with the community. As an example, the second club meeting of every month, usually the third Friday, takes place at a local dining establishment rather than a meeting hall.

The club already has held fundraisers in collaboration with several entertainment establishments. As momentum takes hold, and weather cooperates, there are plans for outdoor, family-oriented events.

Kiwanis of the Heights is always looking for new members and corporate sponsors in the community to aid in the goal of serving Cleveland Heights and University Heights, and it welcomes your involvement. You are invited to attend any of the club’s upcoming social events, and its next official meeting on March  7 at the Cleveland Heights Community Center. For more information, visit www.kiwanisoftheheights.org, Facebook (@KiwanisoftheHeights), or send an e-mail to contact@kiwanisoftheheights.org.  

Mark Harris

Mark Harris is president of Kiwanis of the Heights.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 12:43 PM, 02.20.2018