On Oct. 10, officers for the Kiwanis Club of Mercer Island (chartered in October 1961) were officially installed by lieutenant governor, Matt Gregory, of Kirkland Kiwanis, for the current year. Taking the place of former Mercer Island attorney who is still not fully retired, Rick Sessions, as president, is former Mercer Island retired veterinarian Dr. Harry Dingwall. Former Mercer Island realtor Jack Robinson continues as vice president, but Leigh Jacobson  — on the operating staff of the Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club — steps up and in to be secretary, as does former Mercer Island resident Bernie Feldman, to replace former Mercer Island banker Jim Baker as treasurer.

Island residents Clare Hruska, Mike Tye, Frank Black and Aida Kouyoumjian, plus Baker, will be serving on the board of directors, along with immediate past president, Sessions.

Baker received a special ‘Kiwanian of the Years’ award for all of his active and appreciated involvement for more than 30 years. Sessions was awarded a past-presidents plaque awarded for the second time.

The Mercer Island Kiwanis raises money to help support community needs by selling shaved ice at local events, placing United States flags at local businesses, and selling fireworks.

Island businesses that wish to display the flag should phone Mike Tye at (206) 232-1680 or email tyedesign@earthlink.net.

The Mercer Island Kiwanis Club meets Thursdays at noon at Aljoya, at 2430 76th Ave. S.E. Visitors are welcome. For more information, contact Aida Kouyoumjian at (206) 402-6752 or hdingwall@msn.com.