Most people have to wait until Jan. 1 to make resolutions on how to better themselves.

But in Kiwanis, members get to say “Happy New Year” every October and start fresh for a new administrative year. Sara Nichols was installed for a second year as president by Diana Keplinger, Past Ohio District Kiwanis Governor from the Mount Gilead Kiwanis Club earlier this month.

In her address to the Evening Kiwanis Club of Delaware, Nichols likened life to a camera.

“You focus on what’s important, capture the good times, develop from the negative and if things don’t work out, take another shot.” In referencing the past year, she said, “(it) has been an interesting ride. We have had our share of ups and downs like any other organization, but I feel like this quote is telling us to take another shot. This club is 98 years young, so we have and will continue to accomplish great things.”

On June 10, 2018, the Evening Kiwanis will celebrate its 100th birthday. Nichols referenced the impact that the club has had over the last 98 years with a look to the future.

“We have had our presence felt by serving the children of the world and in our community. What I would like to see for the coming year is to take a closer look at what we do well and improve on those things. In the coming year, our club needs to make an impact on the kids in our community.”

One of the goals Nichols has is making a difference in the lives of children from the Second Ward. This month, club members will be collecting different items each day for thirty days and putting them in a special bag which will form the basis for a Thanksgiving basket. Working with the Second Ward Community Initiative, these bags will provide a needy family the items they need for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner – complete with left-overs!

Long-time secretary, Sharon O’Neal, was officially retired and her replacement, Dick Brulotte, was installed. New directors for the next two years are Kelsey Fox, Kim Kirk and Ed Powers, while Sharon O’Neal was installed as a replacement for Dick Brulotte on the Board of Directors to serve with Judy Domire and Diane Girardi, who are beginning their second year. Because of a member transfer to another club, the office of treasurer is vacant and should be filled in the near future.

The Evening Kiwanis meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at The Old Bag of Nails Pub on North Sandusky Street. Meetings begin with fellowship and a light dinner at 5:45 p.m., followed by a short business meeting at 6:00 PM and a special program usually starting around 6:15 p.m. If you would like to find out more information about The Evening Kiwanis, check out its facebook page or contact Brulotte.