Club History
A Brief History of the
Kiwanis Club of Hacienda Heights
The Kiwanis Club of Hacienda Heights was organized on November 20, 1963, by
the Kiwanis Club of La Puente. The charter President of the Club was
Walter Stiff, manager of Crocker Bank. Its Charter was issued on
January 28, 1964. A joint charter party was held with the Walnut
Valley Kiwanis Club at Orlando's in Pomona. This was the first time
in Kiwanis history that two clubs were organized simultaneously by one
club.
Early years saw frequent meeting location changes that included: French
Basque Restaurant (where Great Western Bank is now located), California
County Club, Sunset Hills Club, Chuck Wagon, Mister J's, the basement of
First Federal Savings, Sunset Hills Club again, Jolly Roger, Moffetts', El Torito, Marie Callender's, Mimi's Café, now we meet at IHOP and Casa
Blanca Mexican Restaurant.
The Club sponsored the Los Altos High School Key Club which was chartered
in 1964, Wilson High School Key Club in 1969, and the Los Altos High School
KIWINS (formerly Keywanettes) in 1978.
The
Club co-sponsored with the Kiwanis Club of La Puente, the Kiwanis Club of
Hacienda Hills in 1969, but unfortunately, that club only lasted one
year. The Club also sponsored a Kiwanis club in Maranatha,
New Zealand in 1970.
One of the early community projects with which the Club was involved was
the development of Steinmetz Park (formerly known as Stimson Park).
In 1965 the park site was undeveloped. Under President Gary Graham's
guidance, the Club raised approximately $3,500, which was turned
over to the Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation Department
(LACPRD). The initial plans were to use the funds toward a sprinkler
system. However, the LACPRD was able to use the funds as 'seed
money" toward development of specific plans for the park. The
Board of Supervisors recognized community interest by this time and
authorized development of the entire park. At this time several
service clubs, the Hacienda Heights Improvement Association, and other
community leaders were able to convince the LACPRD to build a community
activity building at the site rather than the usual office and recreation
facility.
Another project which we have done is our ROP Steer Project. It is an
activity of the Youth Services Committee and has proven to be very
worthwhile. The Club purchases and underwrites the upkeep costs of
raising a steer during the year. It is provided to a local high
school student who cares and maintains the animal until it is auctioned at
the Los Angeles County Fair in the fall.
The Club has standing service committees which are: Community Service,
Spiritual Aims, Youth Service, Major Emphasis and Sponsored Youth.
Some of the youth-related projects have included the Junior High School
Science Fair, School Spelling Contests, recognition of the local high
schools valedictorian and salutatorian, Superstars Competition between the
seniors of Los Altos and Wilson High School. One of the most recent
school-related projects that has proven to be very
successful is the Terrific Kids project for the elementary schools.
This program benefits a large number of students and has had a significant
impact on young students' attitude toward reading.
The Club is particularly proud of the Sponsored Youth programs
which currently includes the Key Club and KIWINS at both Glen A
Wilson and Los Altos High Schools. These clubs provide valuable
leadership training to responsible high school students as well as
providing an opportunity for encouraging community service
activities. The Builder's Club at Newton Middle School and Orange
Grove Middle School also provides these same community
service and growth opportunities for our youth in the Middle School grades.
Designated goals and ideals of these clubs follow Kiwanis goals very
closely.
Each year Kiwanis International designates a Major
Emphasis theme, which is typically related to programs for disadvantaged
youth. July 2011 in Geneva Switzerland a new Kiwanis International service
project begins called Project Eliminate. Kiwanis International and UNICEF
have joined forces to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus MNT from the
earth by 2015. This deadly disease steals the lives of nearly 60,000
innocent babies and a significant number of women each year. The effects of
the disease are excruciating — tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful
convulsions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch.
Local club Fundraising projects over the years
have included: circus, art auctions, horse shows, sales
of coloring books, pit barbecue, travelogue programs, annual pancake
breakfast and a food booth at the Industry Pro Rodeo. Our main scholarship
fundraiser has evolved from a Crab-Fest to a Rib-Fest which is an all you
can eat rib dinner. It is at this event that we elect the Miss 4th of July.
Last year we operated a fireworks stand as a fundraiser.
The event our club is most proud of is the
sponsorship of the annual Hacienda Heights “4th of July Parade.”
With over one hundred entries each year, it is a true community
event.
As we say when we welcome guests attending our
meetings, we are proud of our Club. We welcome you to become a part
of it and join our fellow Kiwanians throughout the World.
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