Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Dr Doris Channer-Watson has taken up the awesome responsibility of leading the distinguished Kiwanis Club of Providence in Montego Bay, St James.

The ambitious medical doctor accepted the torch from outgoing president and insurance expert, Glenda Miller, at the Wexford Hotel in Montego Bay on Wednesday, October 7. Miller's year will go down in the Kiwanis history books as exemplary.

Having executed major goals surpassing the club's membership quota, Miller's track record is being touted as a legacy, Channer-Watson admits it will be a hard act to follow.

Holistic approach

"But my theme this year is going beyond boundaries," she said. Inviting the 64-member .all-woman club to join her in putting a 'pep in her step', she confidently urged, "Come on the deck with us," bent on carrying on the rich legacy left by her predecessors. The new president says she is using a holistic approach and will focus on clubs in Rhyne Park, Rose Hall and Adelphi in St James, spreading the objectives of Kiwanis International to give primacy to the human and spiritual rather than the material values of life.

The evening saw several members of the 2008/2009 administrative year being recognised for their outstanding achievements. President-elect Karlene Maye was named Kiwanian of the Year; Annmarie Cadogan won the president's plaque for her work as membership retention chair; Mervena Smith, Phyllis Thomas, Doris Morgan, Janice McGrowther and Janet Richards were among the best of the best for last year. The incoming team includes Maye, Nicoleen Rhooms, Joy Ford, Smith, Rosalee Brown and Paulella Reid-Morris.

The illustrious and dedicated servants of community service were charged by Lieutenant Governor Corris Samuels.