Kiwanis Club Celebrates New Leadership at 2024‑2025 Installation Banquet

On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, the Kiwanis Club of Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach held its 63rd annual Installation Banquet at The Grand in Long Beach, California. The event celebrated the incoming officers and board members for the 2024-2025 term, setting the stage for another year of dedicated service to the community.

The evening began with a lively social hour at 6:00pm, giving attendees the opportunity to mingle and connect with fellow Kiwanians. Club President Tony Diaz welcomed everyone and acknowledged the presence of special guests, including the Downey Noon Club, incoming Lieutenant Governor Steven Chu, Region 8 Trustee and former Lieutenant Governor Jason Tripicheski, and current Lieutenant Governor Armando Velasquez.

After the Pledge of Allegiance led by board member David Lalonde and an invocation, dinner was served. Attendees enjoyed a delectable “Chef’s Choice” meal, complete with a selection of fine wines.

The highlight of the night was the installation ceremony, officiated by Steven Chu. The incoming officers and board members were officially inducted into their new roles:

• President: Tony Diaz
• Vice President: Myra Kremen
• Secretary: Roger Leue
• Treasurer: Stephen Donnenfield
• Board Members: Matthew Helms, David Lalonde, Alba Swalheim

In his acceptance speech, Tony Diaz outlined three key goals for the club in the coming year:

1. Each member to invite one friend or family member to visit the club
2. Increase member participation in club and community activities
3. Make the Kiwanis Club more visible in the Long Beach community

Throughout the evening, various members spoke about upcoming events and initiatives, including the Theater Night fundraiser, Kids & Cops program, Two-Club Golf Tournament, and Student Awards Banquet. The club also recognized new members and expressed gratitude to the Downey Noon Club for their consistent support.

The banquet featured entertainment by club member Roger Leue, who delighted the audience with his harmonica skills, playing blues tunes. The event concluded with a spirited rendition of “Hail Kiwanis International” led by Ed Schneever.

As the newly installed officers and board members begin their term, the Kiwanis Club of Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach is poised for another impactful year of serving the community and making a difference in the lives of others. The club expresses its gratitude to all who made this special evening possible and looks forward to the continued support of its members and friends.