The Very Rev. Joseph Soltysiak, pastor of Westfield’s St. Joseph’s National Catholic Church, with a donation of school supplies was given to Westfield Public Schools by the church just in time for the start of the new school year. “Father Joe,” as he is known to his fellow Kiwanians, is marking 25 years as a member of the club and will be inducted into the Kiwanis International’s “Legion of Honor” at the installation banquet on Oct. 3 at Tucker’s Restaurant in Southwick.
Reminder Publishing submitted photo
SOUTHWICK — The Kiwanis Club of Westfield will kick off its 104th year of community service and celebrate the past year’s achievements and member milestones on Oct. 3 at the club’s annual officer installation banquet at Tucker’s Restaurant, 625 College Highway, Southwick.
Club President George Delisle said the annual installation night is an opportunity to publicly recognize the outstanding work done by its members each and every year.
Among those being recognized are William Parks, retired Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield with its “Lifetime Achievement Award” and Anne O’Donnell Benoit, a past club president and director of Behavioral Health Network’s Kamp for Kids in Westfield as “Kiwanian of the Year,” for her work in establishing the new Connecticut River Aktion Club, a Kiwanis-sponsored service club for adults with developmental disabilities.
Longtime club member Adam Wright, formerly a local radio personality and now director of marketing and communications for the Springfield law firm of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley, will be recognized as the new governor of the New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis.
Delisle said that several members will be recognized with the club’s presidential and “Master Kiwanian” awards. In addition, the Very Rev. Joseph Soltysiak, pastor of Westfield’s St. Joseph’s National Catholic Church, will be inducted into Kiwanis International’s “Legion of Honor.”
“Father Joe,” as he is known to his fellow members, is marking 25 years as a member of the club.
Delisle said in addition to highlighting the individual works of its members, the Kiwanis Club of Westfield also contributes as a whole to the community.
“We just donated $1,000 to It Takes a Village, which is based in Huntington. ITAV provides support to infants, children, and families across Western Mass. At the Village Closet, the organization’s headquarters in Huntington, families can shop for clothing, toys, furniture, diapers, baby formula and more with no charge. Full disclosure – my wife Geana and I are both board members for ITAV,” Delisle said.
“We also work with the Westfield Soup Kitchen, where we provide the meal and serve quarterly. Our club foundation, funded by the proceeds of our annual auction, gives dozens of grants worth thousands of dollars to non-profits in Greater Westfield,” he added.
Amanda Waterfield, lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis district’s Division 15, will preside over the installation of the club’s officers and directors for the 2025-2026 Kiwanis year. Waterfield is executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
Incoming club officers are President George Delisle, President-elect Amanda Waterfield, Vice president Stephen Dondley, Secretary Geana Delisle and Treasurer Anne O’Donnell Benoit. Club directors will be Cathleen Bastible, Brad Cassin, Darci Furr, John Lanoue, Drew Renfro and Daniele Sturmer.
Tickets for the Oct. 3 celebration at Tucker’s Restaurant are $55 and may be purchased online at https://bit.ly/3Jxh1Rw.
“We invite family and friends of our honorees to join us for an evening of fun and fellowship,” Delisle said.
