Kiwanis Clubs unite to celebrate anniversaries

Mayor Dennis Clough, left, presents a proclamation to Westlake Kiwanis President George Christ. Photo by Victor Rutkoski

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The Westlake and Bay Village Kiwanis held a joint meeting Jan. 12 at Buca di Beppo to celebrate their 65th anniversaries. Both clubs were founded in 1950 so the party was a little late due to busy schedules by both clubs. Club presidents George Christ of the Westlake club and George MacDonald of Bay Village officiated over the meeting together, including cutting a 65th Anniversary cake.

The evening's guest speaker, local historian Mel Maurer, spoke of the history of the two cities which evolved from one, Dover Township. Dover Township was founded in 1810 by early settlers Joseph Cahoon and Asahel Porter. Then in 1901 Bay Village seceded from Dover Township due to squabbles over taxes and a railroad right-of-way. In 1940, after tiring of confusion with another town named Dover in Ohio, the village changed its name to Westlake.

The Kiwanis clubs maintain a friendly competition over possession of a "Golden Railroad Spike," with the trophy going to whichever club has the most members in attendance at the joint meeting. However both clubs perform many works of community service and work together on occasional projects.

Mayor Dennis Clough presented a proclamation to the Westlake Club declaring Jan. 12, 2016, as Kiwanis Day in Westlake. The Westlake Club presented the guests with Kiwanis car magnets with the respective clubs' name on them. 

If you are community oriented and want to be of service to your community, both clubs will welcome you as a member.