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Neargarder celebrates 40th |
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Friday, 23 February 2007 |
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 By MARY BARGDILL
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — George Neargarder was recognized for 40 years of service in Kiwanis Tuesday evening by fellow members.
"George always does a good job ... dependable," said Kiwanis president, Victor Von Blon.
Von Blon noted that during his many years of service with Kiwanis, Neargarder served on many committees. He chaired on the Christmas Wrap Committee and the Walk with Nature Committee. A local historian, Neargarder also served on the Kiwanis history committee. He served two terms as president, from 1971 to 1972 and again from 1999 to 2000.
"I’ve seen the club grow," said Neargarder of his tenure.
The Walk with Nature Committee, which Kiwanis sponsors in conjunction with Chamber of Commerce, and the New Bremen Rotary is held the third week of October. Participants begin the walk at the canal boat in Memorial Park in downtown St. Marys, and have the option of walking north to the Forty Acre Pond, or south towards Ohio 219.
Neargarder said that each fall, anywhere from 200 to 500 people participate. In past years, the walk was also held each spring. However, because it seemed to rain every year, they eventually cancelled the spring walk.
Neargarder recalls many other events Kiwanis participated in, including the pancakes breakfasts held at the Fellowship Hall at Wayne Street United Methodist Church in St. Marys, and working at the food tent during Summerfest.
Kiwanis also cleaned litter along Ohio 364, or the East Bank Road, near the shelter houses, and on Ohio 66 south towards Ohio 219.
Neargarder recalls his early years with Kiwanis when members helped establish the Kiwanis Park on South Beech Street and Red Kuck Kiwanis Cove Park.
"We built the shelter house out there," he said of Red Kuck Kiwanis Cove Park. "We donated the labor."
Kiwanis members mowed the grass until the city eventually took over the task.
Neargarder doesn’t want to take the credit for projects the entire group worked on.
"I’ve just been a member for forty years," he said, "some of the members in there are forty years old. Time goes by fast."
Contact Mary at:
nbreporter@
theeveningleader.com |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 February 2007 )
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