Kiwanis marks admission of women

Kiwanis Club of Sisters, like many other civic organizations 20 years ago, limited its membership to men. Like most civic organizations today, membership from both men and women is now encouraged.

Today, Kiwanis International celebrates the anniversary of the inclusion of women by honoring those women who have made a significant contribution to their communities through service.

Sisters Kiwanis nominated member Jean O'Hara for this distinguished recognition. President JT Taylor presented her with a star-shaped plaque as members gave her a standing ovation thanking her for her contributions over the last 11 years.

O'Hara served as Secretary of the Board of Directors for three years and chaired Interclub for four years. She and her husband Harold continue to be leaders in enlisting other members to attend Central Oregon Kiwanis meetings with them. They frequently attend Kiwanis meetings in other states while vacationing.

Five years ago she established the Save Old Spectacles Program to turn in eye glasses for recycling. She was instrumental in establishing SMART (Start Making a Reader Today) within the club. She continues to devote weekly reading time one on one with Sisters Elementary School students helping them to learn to read with other Kiwanis Club volunteers.

Three years ago she and two other Kiwanian women started Share a Meal, modeled after Kiwanis' Skip a Meal. Kiwanians' raise money for children's programs by donating at an annual potluck.

She was instrumental in involving Sisters club members in volunteering to help with Healthy Beginnings for pre-schoolers through the county. She initiated the Car Seat Safety Program within the club.

O'Hara is a regular delegate to district and international conventions and zone conferences of Kiwanis, as well as an active volunteerPresident, JT Taylor judged Jean O'Hara to be an invaluable, exemplary member of Kiwanis Club of Sisters.