Michelle Duff passes the gavel to new Redmond Kiwanis Club President Ron Hagen.

The Kiwanis Club of Redmond has begun a new administrative year, with President Michelle Duff passing the president’s gavel to Ron Hagen as members gathered at Juniper Golf Club to celebrate accomplishments of the past year.

She recognized Barb Lutz as member of the year, for her continual contributions as club secretary and her activities on the social, public relations and R’Oktoberfest committees and accomplishing a revision of club by-laws. Duff noted among the accomplishments of the club in the past year were contributions exceeding $45,000 to other nonprofit, kid-centered organizations, and $32,500 in scholarships to college bound graduates. The club’s largest fundraising event, the 18th annual Vintner’s Dinner in May raised nearly $70,000.

Jane McGuire and Tom Mooney were honored as rookies of the year. As new members in the past year, they were involved in the most Kiwanis activities among the 15-member rookie class.

On the other end of the spectrum, John Bruce was recognized as Greatest of All Time (GOAT) as he retires from Kiwanis after nine years of service in virtually all aspects of involvement.

Earl Fisher received the spirit of Kiwanis award for his continual involvement and chairmanship of the Redmond Food Project. He was also recognized as documenting the most service hours in the past year.

The integrity award went to Josh Werner for upholding the values of Kiwanis, and the Most Valuable Person award went to Amber Wilson, incoming president-elect, for superb program scheduling, R’Oktoberfest leadership and her multiplicity of involvement.

Nearly 40 members and guests attended the event celebrating our community service.

Others receiving recognition:

Public Relations Committee: Carl Vertrees, Barb Lutz, Dave Shirley

Children and Family Programs: National Night Out: Ron Hagen and Katie Mercer; Fish Fair: John Duff.

Community Service Programs – Bell Ringing for Salvation Army: Dan Tippy and Chris Richie. Highway Clean-up: Chris Richie.Flag Day: Dave Schluckebier. Community Prayer Breakfast: Josh Werner and Dan Young. Community Candidate Forums: Amber Wilson.

Food Insecurity: Ronald McDonald House: Barb Lutz. Jericho Road: Dan Tippy. St. Vincent de Paul: Earl Fisher, Roland White, and John Bruce. Redmond Family Kitchen: Hannah Grandey

Support Programs: Spiritual Aims: Dan Young. Social Club: Ron Hagen, Stephanie Martin-Flanders, Barb Lutz, and Suzie Helfer.

Key Clubs and Scholarships: Earl Fisher, Noah von Borstel, John Duff and Carl Vertrees.

Fundraisers: Vintner’s Dinner: Carl Vertrees and Dan Tippy – Bottle Drop: John Duff, High Desert Florals Fundraiser: Gloria Rice. R’Oktoberfest: Amber Wilson and Barb Lutz. See’s Candy: Hannah Grandey.