The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada recently celebrated the 76th annual installation of officers and board of directors.
Members and guests were greeted by classical music provided by the LCHS String Quartet at the Oakmont Country Club, where the gavel was ceremoniously passed to newly inaugurated Kiwanis President Joe Radabaugh from former President Trish McRae.
Kicking off the evening’s festivities was master of ceremonies Michael Leininger, who lent his signature humor as Michael Freed led a patriotic song, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance by Alice Perez and a heartfelt Inspiration recited by Nancy Leininger.
At the event, McRae unveiled two awards. First was the “Gil Smith Award,” the Club’s highest honor, was presented to Nancy Leininger for her exemplary service as coordinator of the Terrific Kids program, which recognizes local youth for demonstrating such qualities as kindness, a positive attitude and good citizenship. The second was the 2022-23 Rookie of the Year award was presented to Payton Parker for her outstanding leadership and service to the club as a new member, including her stellar work on the Sparkle of Kiwanis gala fundraiser.
With the installation program in full swing, Radabaugh’s acceptance speech reaffirmed his commitment to local youth and the community.
Radabaugh joined Kiwanis in 2017, when La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Pat Anderson invited him to a club meeting. He recalls it didn’t take long for him to realize that Kiwanis felt like home, given that the mission of Kiwanis International completely lined up with his focus: Helping kids. Radabaugh said it was a no-brainer for him to join, and from that day forward, Kiwanis became an inspiration in his life’s work.
Radabaugh and his wife, Tina Radabaugh, moved to LCF from Pasadena in 2007. They said the move exceeded their expectations in so many ways. The schools were amazing, but they said the community overall was just as special. As a result, they committed themselves to going “all in” in the community while being highly engaged in their kid’s lives.
In 2017, Radabaugh successfully ran for the LCUSD governing board and joined Kiwanis. He is now serving his second term on the governing board and his second stint as governing board president. For Kiwanis, he’s served on committees, including the board of directors as vice president of programs, and most recently as president-elect.
“I am over-the-moon excited about leading this storied club, and I am looking forward to the new levels of impact we can make for our kids and the community,” Radabaugh said about entering his new role as president.
To learn more about the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, email president@lacanadakiwanis.org or visit lacanadakiwanis.org.
First published in the October 26 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
