Merrick Kiwanis Honors Outstanding Members

The Kiwanis Club of Merrick held their 63rd annual Charter Night on Tuesday, honoring their members for their contributions to both the group and the community as a whole.

Kiwanis member Hal Horowitz was in charge of planning the evening, which was held at La Piazza of Merrick. The festivities included an awards presentation ceremony, followed by a lavish buffet dinner.

“There are a number of awards that we’ll be giving out to our members tonight for good deeds this past year,” Horowitz said. “We also have some members from our fellow club in East Meadow here and one of their members is being inducted into our club tonight as an honorary member because of his wonderful participation in many of our activities.”

The East Meadow resident Horowitz spoke of was Tom Gallagher, a past lieutenant governor of the organization who has taken a very active role in attending many Kiwanis functions. Merrick Kiwanis member, Douglas Mills, presented Gallagher with his honorary membership.

“Tom has supported every single fundraiser we have ever promoted and has attended many of our events. He’s a true credit to the Merrick Kiwanis,” Mills said. “Thank you so much from all the clubs and all the Kiwanis and we are proud to have you among the ranks of the honorary members of our club.”

Among other awards presented that evening were annual citations making the length of every member’s affiliation with the club; some newcomers celebrated their first year with the Merrick Kiwanis this evening, while two distinguished members found themselves well beyond the 50 year mark. Kiwanis member Kim Scharoff handed out the numerous awards in this category.

“We’re recognizing all of our members at out Charter Night for all their years of membership,” she said.

Cathy O'Malley, chapter president, held her head high as she received her citation, marking her Kiwanis affiliation at three years and counting.

Other honors bestowed included the Brittany Fellowship, the Hixson Award, and an award presented by North Shore Hospital’s Pediatric Trauma Center. The Trauma Center was represented by Joe Corace, who recognized the Merrick Kiwanis’ generosity.

“We thank clubs like yours who have always supported us,” he said.

Several members were also inducted into the Merrick Kiwanis Hall of fame.

The next meeting of the Merrick Kiwanis is scheduled for June 6 at 6:45 p.m