Kiwanis Club members worldwide are celebrating 90 years of service. In Decatur, the Golden K Kiwanis Club has a strong 90s influence - eight members are age 90 or older.
Five were recognized with appreciation at a recent meeting: Bill Mueller, 92, Vern Price, 91, Bill Bracelin, 90, Don Collins, 90, and Roy Schilling, 90.
Unable to attend were Walter Vincent, 93, Adrian Kaisor, 93, and Melvin Cox, 91.
Lynn Peterson, 96, is an honorary member.
Jack Albert, another honorary member, died this month, just short of his 90th birthday.
They typify the Kiwanis goal of volunteers dedicated to changing the world, one community and one child at a time.
Mueller is the most active, donating 448 hours last year and has more than 2,000 hours of total service. Retired from Mueller Co., his projects include helping Dove Inc. Recycling Center, Special Olympics, Bringing Up Grades, Boy Scouts, high school basketball Turkey Tournament, making deliveries for people and mowing the lawn at Mound Chapel.
"I've been a Golden K member since 1987," he said. "I can't hear but I'm the most fortunate guy in the world."
A retired real estate agent, Price last year had 98 hours of service to the Decatur Public Library and tutoring in the schools. He also volunteers at bingo events and is another member with more than 2,000 hours of service.
A Golden K charter member, Bracelin, retired from Burks Pumps, has assisted with the Salvation Army bell ringing program and Kiwanis peanut sales, Dove Inc., American Heart Association, St. Mary's Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes. Last year he contributed 64 hours.
Collins, who was with Sunbeam Bread for 40 years, does most of his volunteering at the Decatur Airport information desk. He also helps with the Turkey Tournament and with fund-raising events for Kiwanis and the Salvation Army. He volunteered 162 hours last year.
Schilling, a retired school teacher and administrator, volunteers for the Central Christian Church and the Macon County Historical Society. He volunteered 75 hours last year.
Golden K Kiwanis dates from 1981. There are about 170 members. During 2003-04, Golden K service cash donations exceeded $22,000 and volunteer hours exceeded 18,000.
By BOB FALLSTROM - H&R Community News Editor
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