| On a September evening in 1958 ten men from Geneseo and representatives from the Mt. Morris and Perry Kiwanis Clubs our co-sponsors met to form the Geneseo Kiwanis Club. Charter night was in March of 1959. The Clubs growth was initially slow. Dropping from the 25 Charter Members in 1959. The next year, 1960, the club had only 16 members. By 1964 it slowly grew to 22 members. however, in 1965 the membership grew from 22 to 40 members. By 1969 we had 75 members. Since that time we have been consistent with membership's averaging in the mid 70s. For a village of 5000 to 6000 people and competing with a Rotary club, this represents a strong membership. On the administrative side, Geneseo has sponsored two Key Clubs. Presently it sponsors a Circle K Club, which is a leader in New York State, having many Lt. Governors and a Governor in its Alumni. Geneseo has sponsored or co-sponsored five Kiwanis Clubs. One of which, the York-Leicester Club, is the Home Club of Gerald Christiano, the Kiwanis International President for 1996-1997. Geneseo has provided three Lt. Governors to date in a division made up of 20 plus clubs. Geneseo has been and is very active in Community Action. The sponsoring of a Boy Scout Troop and an Explorer Post, planted and distributed thousands of trees, built a Park Pavilion, purchased the Jaws of Life for the fire department. Provided Birthday parties at the County Senior Citizen location, formed the Local Young at Heart Chapter, too Seniors to Church and for Fall outings. Also organized a Kiwanis Youth Hockey program, sent deserving students to Kamp Kiwanis, sponsored High School Sporting events, provided high School Scholarships, and held Big Band Dances for the areas enjoyment. Geneseo organized and held a parade for an Epileptic Home /Hospital Facility. This was the first time some of these people had ever seen a parade. This was done with three other Kiwanis Clubs and continued until the facility was closed. Although the above listed projects are only part of our community activity, they do represent the total scope of the community served. Our major fund raiser is a Bi-Annual Antique Show. This excellent project leads the way for Geneseo to return to the Community approximately $20,000 in goods and services. The majority of Geneseo's efforts are targeted towards the youth of the area. The major reason that Geneseo has continued strong and healthy is the constant flow of new members who bring new ideas and challenges to the front. The past 43 years have given Geneseo Kiwanians a sense of pride because of the difference they have made in their community. A good fund raiser, new members, a strong base of experience and a total commitment to the community promises an exciting future for Geneseo. |
| Geneseo Kiwanis Club History |
| Compiled by Past President and Charter Member Ron Scott |
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