Kiwanis Club welcomes new leaders

SANDUSKY — Members representing the Kiwanis Club of Sandusky honored its past leader while welcoming its newest one. During a recent club meeting: • Heather Gilchrist stepped down as club president. A special event took place to recognize her many contributions. • The club's new leadership team was unveiled, which included Steve Hamm succeeding Gilchrist as the local club's president. • A dinner took place at the American Legion Post 83. During the dinner, those representing the statewide Kiwanis organization as well as local officials showed up to thank Gilchrist, welcome Hamm and wish all new members/leadership well. "The primary mission of Kiwanis is to support the needs of our community's children," according to the local chapter's mission statement. This would include supporting programs such as the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which provides books at no cost for local children up to 5 years old. "Research has proven that reading aloud to young children cultivates better vocabulary, cognitive abilities and sparks their natural instincts to learn," the local club noted. "The added bonus is developing the close bond between parents and their children as they cuddle and read together. The Kiwanis Club of Sandusky is committed to its affiliation with the Ohio Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and is grateful for the grants and donations received from community citizens, organizations and businesses." Hamm vowed to uphold these values and others in his role as club president. "I'm excited to lead this club, and my goals are to continue fostering teamwork, increase membership, encourage fresh ideas and make sure every member feels empowered to contribute," Hamm said. People can learn more by visiting k00178.site.kiwanis.org.