Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

It was a rainy day for change at Kiwanis Park early Tuesday afternoon.
The Kiwanis Club of Elizabethton held their annual officer installation luncheon at the park underneath the Don Tetrick Pavilion.
The inside of the pavilion set a much different tone than the gloomy one leering outside. Smiles and greetings were frequent as the club prepared to begin anew, as they do every year with new officers.
Before announcing new officers, those for 2019-2020 were retired, which included Seth Miller, President. Miller rang the bell when the meeting began and addressed the audience in his role before retirement.
Despite the hectic and different year it has been since COVID-19, everyone was thankful for the work achieved.
Howard Smith, Div. 7 Lt. Gov., Ky-Tenn District of Kiwanis International, retired the 2019-2020 officers and also installed those for 2020-2021.
In his remarks, Smith spoke of time. Referencing that in the year 2040, someone may be celebrating 19 years with the club, this same person who is not even a member yet. He discussed the importance of having this club 20 years from now, just as many years ago the idea of a Kiwanis Club being in Elizabethton wouldn’t be thought of.
New officers installed for 2020-2021 are the following:
President – Logan Tipton
President-Elect – Mitch Broyles
Vice-Elect – Drew LaPorte
Secretary – Bill Fryar
Treasurer – Jared Tetrick
Immediate Past President – Seth Miller.
Along with change were presentations.
A check for $1,500 was given to Head Start by Lisa Hayes, Past President. It was explained that this money helps aid in things federal money may not be able to cover. This money presented, for instance, could aid a child who may not have proper clothing, etc.
“It’s a passion for me and thank you for letting me support this,” she said.
The presentation of the 2020 George F. Hixson Fellowship was also presented. Those awarded this medal in the past have been Richard Barker, Tim Broyles, Bill Fryar, Kelly Geagley, and Jim Wilson.
Today was Dr. Danny Smith’s turn.
Smith was presented a medal and a plaque during the presentation, and was noted to be a pivotal role in the community with work he has done. He was given a standing ovation.
As the meeting came to a close, it was time for Tipton to take on his new role in the presidency. As he adjourned, he thanked Miller.
“Thank you, Seth, for leading us through this COVID mess,” he said. “I know it’s been a challenge.”
Tipton rang the bell as the meeting came to a close.