Kiwanis 75th Anniversary

The Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington celebrated its 75th anniversary at the Port Washington Yacht Club recently. In 1939, the Port Washington Kiwanis Club sponsored the Manhasset Kiwanis Club, both clubs running separately until 2011, when a certificate of change was approved to become the Kiwanis Club of Manhasset-Port Washington. Click here for more photos. The club flourishes, with nearly 100 members. The mission of the organization is dedication to “changing the world, one child, and one community at a time.”
The honorees of this year’s event were Carl Lalena and Selwyn “Jerry” Rudnick. Both men are integral to the success of this local chapter and have served as past presidents of the Manhasset-Port Washington Kiwanis Club. Rudnick has served as lieutenant governor of Kiwanis International. Dr. John Lalena and Rudnick received the coveted Brittany Medal which was awarded to them for raising the most money for the fight against Lyme disease. Currently, John is serving as vice president and Rudnick as treasurer.
The event began with a cocktail hour with musical entertainment from the Manhasset High School String orchestra under the direction of Caroline Shyr. Betty DeVries sang “America the Beautiful” and the longtime members and honorees were introduced by Dr. Kathleen Levinson, president of Manhasset-Port Washington Kiwanis.
In attendance at the event were many dignitaries who are themselves members of the Kiwanis organization, including Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio,
Town Clerk Wayne Wink, and Charles Berman, receiver of taxes.