Couse receives award from Kiwanis

The Kiwanis Club of Swainsboro held its weekly meeting Tuesday night, May 20, at the Rustic Grille at 6:30 p.m. With President Paul Cerpovicz presiding, they had 16 in attendance including six guests, Georgia Kiwanis District Governor David Simmons, Division 17 Lt. Governor Chris Wiggins, and Statesboro Kiwanian Jim Thibodeau. Brenda and Austin Henry were also there as special guests of Kiwanian Gary Couse. Jim Thidobeau won the blackberry/raspberry pie donated by Deana Patrick, Wanda Ellis won the Domino’s Pizza donated by Domino’s and Austin Henry won the Kiwanis Lantern provided by Jim Thibodeau. Lt. Governor Chris Wiggins presented club and individual awards for the 2023-2024 Kiwanis year. 2023-2024 Swainsboro Kiwanis President Cheryl Goodman was presented banner patches for Distinguished Club, completion of the Interclub Challenge, Top Ten in miles traveled in the completion of Interclubs, 5-for-5 Support of the District Projects and the Governor’s Cup. Cheryl and Secretary Tim Goodman were named 2023-2024 Distinguished President and Distinguished Secretary. President Paul introduced Kiwanis Governor David Simmons, our program for the evening. Governor Simmons gave us packets of materials with important dates to remember, the 2024-2025 District Goals, Distinguished Club and Distinguished Member Criteria, the District Projects, the Interclub Policy, the Governor’s Leadership Medallion Criteria, and information on the Kiwanis International Convention in Pittsburgh on June 25-28. As a retired federal probation/supervision officer, Governor Simmons gave some examples of those persons he dealt with in his 30-year law enforcement career. He credits these experiences with his success in Kiwanis, and encouraged everyone to continue to recruit members so the club can grow and help others in the community. Governor Simmons presented a service award to 2022-2023 KY/TN Kiwanis Governor Dwight Watt who is also a 30-year member of the Swainsboro Kiwanis Club. Governor Simmons also presented a Governor’s Leadership Medallion to Swainsboro Kiwanian Gary Couse who is a 31-year member of the Swainsboro Kiwanis Club.