Richard VanBuskirk accepts the Kiwanis president's gavel from Immediate Past President Terry Young.

Photo by: Courtesy to the Ledger Dispatch

The Kiwanis Club of Amador County recently installed its 41st Board of Directors. Richard VanBuskirk accepted Kiwanis President's gavel from Immediate Past President Terry Young. Other 2006-07 officers include President-Elect Sheldon Johnson, Vice President Steve Brown, Secretary Melody Anderson and Treasurer John Wagner. Directors for 2006-07 include Dick Anderson, Kate Hamon, Harmon Higgins, Gil Norr and Brian Oneto.

The club had a very successful year under Young's leadership. She completed her term of office by presenting awards to members whose achievements were determined as outstanding.

The most coveted award was a Dunlap Fellowship given to Henry Cardana, a past distinguished club president and past treasurer. There were also three Cal-Nev-Ha Districts Distinguished Service Awards presented. The recipients were Past Distinguished Club President and Secretary Melody Anderson, Director Harmon Higgins and Director Gil Norr. The award for Kiwanian of the Year was presented to Past Distinguished Lt. Governor Richard Anderson.

The current Kiwanis Division Lt. Governor Jim Wunschel and his wife, Nancy, participated in the Installation and Awards Banquet. He assisted in the presentation and exchange of pins appropriate to board and specific positions. A raffle was held for the benefit of the club's administrative fund.

The Amador Kiwanis Club's new president, VanBuskirk, said that he "encourages the development of new 'hands-on' community service projects in addition to financially supporting local youth and seniors."

Plans for the new year are to maintain the club's scholarship program to local youth and to continue the sale of See's Candy at the "Candy Wagon" as its major fund-raiser.

The new club president's father is a Past Distinguished Lt. Governor of the Cal-Nev-Ha District Division 45 which includes the Tahoe area.

Kiwanis Club breakfast meetings are held at 7 a.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Mel's Diner in Jackson. Guests are welcome to attend the one-hour meeting. Information about Kiwanis may be obtained via the Internet at www.amadorkiwanis.org.