Kiwanis Welcomes New Members, Officers, and Board

Kiwanis Club of Marco Island held its Installation Dinner on Wednesday, October 21, at CJ’s on the Bay. Incoming President Marie Lynn McChesney welcomed Kiwanis members, guests, and past Florida Lt. Governor Diann Keeys to the meeting. The club is celebrating its 33rd year and was very happy to have founding and current member Joel Gewirtz in attendance. After a delicious dinner, Lt. Governor Keeys installed four new members: Jill Scarnavack, Lynn Nathanson, Marvin Nathanson, and Kim Porter. She then installed the 2026-2027 Board of Directors: Cindy Crane, Pat Hagedorn, Rondi Hauser, Dr. Kathleen Reynolds, Barb Murphy, Mike Murphy, and Judy Battista. Keeys also installed the incoming 2026-2027 officers: President Marie Lynn McChesney, Vice President Sandi Massie, Secretary Lori Galiana, and Treasurer Alex Galiana.

President McChesney also honored the 2025-2026 Kiwanian of the Year, Donna Dubey, who could not attend the gathering.

Kiwanis Club of Marco Island meets the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 PM at The Burrow, where they plan their many events and host guest speakers, as well as the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 AM at Ori’s Bakery, where they celebrate and honor TERRIFIC Kids from Tommie Barfield and Manatee Elementary Schools. Kiwanis Club of Marco sponsors Builder’s Club at Marco Island Charter Middle School and sponsors Marco Island Academy Key Club. Each year, they provide Christmas toys for every child at Manatee Elementary School. They provide funds for Optimist Club and provide funds and volunteers for Camp Able. Kiwanis Club of Marco helps to raise funds for Meals of Hope and will take part in the packaging event on November 14. They have provided books for the YMCA Early Learning Program and have provided funds for MIA Cross Country and MIA Girls Lacrosse programs. They have also provided $24,000 in Key Club Scholarships for MIA and take part with Key Club members in beach cleanups. You will see Kiwanis Club of Marco participating in the Marco Island Fire Foundation Chili Cook-off. They will also be hosting the Santa Fun Run at Mackle Park on November 28.

The two major fundraisers are the Marco Island Cornhole Tournament that is co-sponsored with Rotary Clubs on February 6 and the ever popular 23rd annual Kiwanis Car Show on March 6.

If you are interested in joining our Kiwanis family, contact Membership Chair Cindy Crane at lucindaed@aol.com