The Kiwanis Club of Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach gathered at Taboon Mediterranean on March 17th for a productive evening packed with recognitions, announcements, and an engaging guest presentation.
Jewelry Fundraiser Results
Alba Swalheim, Chair of the Social Committee, shared a recap of the club’s inaugural Park Lane Jewelry fundraiser held March 14th at her home. With approximately 18 attendees enjoying brunch, mimosas, and games, the event raised close to $1,000 for the club’s Foundation programs. Earrings proved especially popular among guests. For those unable to attend in person, the online ordering link was extended an additional day. Alba noted that suggestions are already coming in for future events, including a potential Mother’s Day-themed fundraiser.
Distinguished Club Award
In exciting news, Tony Diaz announced that the club has earned the Kiwanis International Distinguished Club Award for the second consecutive year. Roger Leue was presented with the Distinguished Club Secretary pin in recognition of his outstanding contributions, with a banner addition to follow.
Upcoming Elections
With officer elections scheduled for April, the club put forward nominations for the 2026-2027 leadership team:
President: Myra Kremen or David Lalonde
Vice President: David Lalonde
Secretary: Marco Marano
Treasurer: Stephen Donnenfield
Board Members: Roger Leue, Alba Swalheim, Scott Ostergren, Tony Diaz, and Janice Guevara
Members not present will have the opportunity to submit nominations via email before the April vote.
Key Club Scholarship Updates
Tony Diaz reported that scholarship applications have been distributed to seniors at both Rancho Dominguez and Jordan High Schools. The club offers three $2,000 scholarships exclusively to Key Club members, with applications requiring responses to eight questions, a resume, one reference, and official transcripts.
Student Awards Program
Roger Leue and Marco Marano provided an update on the upcoming Middle School Citizenship Awards Luncheon, now in its 28th year. Scheduled for June 2nd at 11 a.m., the event will honor 42 students — one boy and one girl from each of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades across seven local middle schools — recognizing exemplary citizenship rather than academic achievement alone.
Lydia House Meal Service
Scott Ostergren shared a positive recap of the club’s most recent Lydia House dinner delivery, serving approximately 40 residents. The upcoming rotation includes David Lalonde in April, followed by Roger Leue and Carey von Gremp in May, Janice Guevara in June, Alba Swalheim in July, and Marco and Carina Marano in August.
Upcoming Events
Bowling Night: June 23rd at Cal Bowl, 6–8:15 p.m. Teams of four, with 10 lanes available for up to 40 bowlers. Sign-ups begin next month.
Governor’s Visit & Distinguished Service Award Ceremony: Sunday, May 3rd at the ARC in Downey. Roger Leue will be honored as the club’s Distinguished Service Award recipient. Sign-up sheets will be available at the April meeting.
District Council Meeting (Club Hosted): June 3rd at Taboon Mediterranean, 6 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Heidi Frank, Edward Jones Financial Advisor
Long-time friend of President Myra Kremen, financial advisor Heidi Frank of Edward Jones provided a timely and engaging market overview. Drawing on recent reports, she discussed the impact of Middle East tensions on oil prices — which spiked roughly 15% in a single week — while reassuring members that a diversified portfolio remains the most resilient strategy. Heidi used an accessible garden analogy to illustrate the principles of long-term investing: seeds as contributions, rain as dividends, succulents as bonds, and a bountiful harvest as the ultimate financial goal.
She also shared retirement calculator worksheets for members to explore at home, noting that it’s never too late to start investing. As Heidi put it, “Buy and hold doesn’t mean buy and put your head in the sand.”
The club donated a book to the Dana Branch Library in her honor, as is their tradition with monthly speakers.
June 2, 202611:00 am - 1:00 pm The Grand, 4101 E Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
Join us for our 28th annual celebration honoring outstanding citizenship in our community's youth. We'll recognize 42 exceptional students (one boy and one girl from grades 6-8) representing seven local middle schools in the Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach area. This special luncheon celebrates character, leadership, and service rather than academic achievement alone.
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Last Updated: May 10, 2026 by kiwanisadmin
March 2026 Meeting Recap
The Kiwanis Club of Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach gathered at Taboon Mediterranean on March 17th for a productive evening packed with recognitions, announcements, and an engaging guest presentation.
Jewelry Fundraiser Results
Alba Swalheim, Chair of the Social Committee, shared a recap of the club’s inaugural Park Lane Jewelry fundraiser held March 14th at her home. With approximately 18 attendees enjoying brunch, mimosas, and games, the event raised close to $1,000 for the club’s Foundation programs. Earrings proved especially popular among guests. For those unable to attend in person, the online ordering link was extended an additional day. Alba noted that suggestions are already coming in for future events, including a potential Mother’s Day-themed fundraiser.
Distinguished Club Award
In exciting news, Tony Diaz announced that the club has earned the Kiwanis International Distinguished Club Award for the second consecutive year. Roger Leue was presented with the Distinguished Club Secretary pin in recognition of his outstanding contributions, with a banner addition to follow.
Upcoming Elections
With officer elections scheduled for April, the club put forward nominations for the 2026-2027 leadership team:
Members not present will have the opportunity to submit nominations via email before the April vote.
Key Club Scholarship Updates
Tony Diaz reported that scholarship applications have been distributed to seniors at both Rancho Dominguez and Jordan High Schools. The club offers three $2,000 scholarships exclusively to Key Club members, with applications requiring responses to eight questions, a resume, one reference, and official transcripts.
Student Awards Program
Roger Leue and Marco Marano provided an update on the upcoming Middle School Citizenship Awards Luncheon, now in its 28th year. Scheduled for June 2nd at 11 a.m., the event will honor 42 students — one boy and one girl from each of the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades across seven local middle schools — recognizing exemplary citizenship rather than academic achievement alone.
Lydia House Meal Service
Scott Ostergren shared a positive recap of the club’s most recent Lydia House dinner delivery, serving approximately 40 residents. The upcoming rotation includes David Lalonde in April, followed by Roger Leue and Carey von Gremp in May, Janice Guevara in June, Alba Swalheim in July, and Marco and Carina Marano in August.
Upcoming Events
Guest Speaker: Heidi Frank, Edward Jones Financial Advisor
Long-time friend of President Myra Kremen, financial advisor Heidi Frank of Edward Jones provided a timely and engaging market overview. Drawing on recent reports, she discussed the impact of Middle East tensions on oil prices — which spiked roughly 15% in a single week — while reassuring members that a diversified portfolio remains the most resilient strategy. Heidi used an accessible garden analogy to illustrate the principles of long-term investing: seeds as contributions, rain as dividends, succulents as bonds, and a bountiful harvest as the ultimate financial goal.
She also shared retirement calculator worksheets for members to explore at home, noting that it’s never too late to start investing. As Heidi put it, “Buy and hold doesn’t mean buy and put your head in the sand.”
The club donated a book to the Dana Branch Library in her honor, as is their tradition with monthly speakers.
Category: Events Tags: Meeting Recap
Upcoming Meetings
Kiwanis Club Meeting
Kiwanis Club Meeting
Kiwanis Club Meeting
Upcoming Special Events
Middleschool Awards Luncheon
June 2, 2026 11:00 am - 1:00 pm
The Grand, 4101 E Willow St, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
Join us for our 28th annual celebration honoring outstanding citizenship in our community's youth. We'll recognize 42 exceptional students (one boy and one girl from grades 6-8) representing seven local middle schools in the Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach area. This special luncheon celebrates character, leadership, and service rather than academic achievement alone.
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Division Council Meeting
June 3, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Taboon Mediterranean, 539 E Bixby Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807, USA
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Kiwanis Bowling Event
June 23, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Cal Bowl, 2500 E Carson St, Lakewood, CA 90712, USA
Teams of four, with 10 lanes available for up to 40 bowlers. Sign-ups begin in April. Contact Myra Kremen for more details.
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