Madera Ranchos Kiwanis Club president Sally Rowden is pictured with Madera County Supervisor Jordan Wamhoff on March 26 in Madera.
Madera Ranchos Kiwanis Club celebrated 40 years of service to the community on recently with special recognition for one of its most distinguished members.
The event was held at Liberty High School and led by current club president Sally Rowden.
Some 50 people were in attendance from past as well as current and district Kiwanis members to local officials including Emily Tymn representing the office of Assemblyman David Tangipa, members of the Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce board of directors, Golden Valley School District Superintendent Kevin Hatch and Madera County District 1 Supervisor Jordan Wamhoff.
“I was honored to recognize the Kiwanis Club of Madera Ranchos for 40 years of service to our students and community,” Wamhoff said.
“For decades, this group has quietly made a real difference supporting youth, strengthening families and giving back in ways that truly matter.”
He thanked the group for its leadership and continued commitment to Madera County.
Mona’s grandkids are shown, from left, Indi Strickland, Harvey Diaz, Charles Diaz, Mona Diaz, Alisa Diaz and Logan Lopez.
And the evening held a surprise for at least one important member.
Marie Cameron announced Madera Ranchos Kiwanis was honoring longtime member Mona Diaz for her unwavering commitment to the club.
Claudia Soria-Delgado and David Hillman met Diaz at the podium.
She was given the Legion of Honor distinction which recognizes a club member who has served for 25 years or more with distinction, leadership and enthusiasm.
“They deserve recognition for helping to make Kiwanis the great organization it is today,” officials said.
Diaz received certificates signed by the Kiwanis International President and Executive Director along with a lapel pin reflecting the highest office held by the honoree.
Also present to support her were sons, themselves Kiwanis members, Charles Diaz and Casey Diaz along with grandchildren Indi, Harvey, Charles, Alisa and Logan.
To put a cherry on top, Harvey Diaz received a check from club president Rowden to facilitate his attendance at a baseball tournament in Cooperstown, N.Y., this summer.
Madera Ranchos Kiwanis members are pictured at a celebration of the group’s 40th anniversary. Shown from left are Charles Diaz, Ollia Ridge, Jolene Mason, Sally Rowden, Andrea Pille, Katie Harr, Marie Cameron, Mona Diaz, Richard Wayne, Emily Tymn, Suzy Riche, Ramji, Kevin Hatch and Casey Diaz.
Madera Ranchos Kiwanis this year have already served at the Golden Valley Chamber of Commerce Crab Feed to raise money for the John Minney-Liberty High School Scholarship.
They plan to have a booth and a float at the Flatlanders Parade in May along with some exciting events planned for later in the year.
Kiwanis Club of Madera Ranchos meets on the second and fourth Thursdays at 6 p.m. at the Pizza Factory (37184 Avenue 12) in Madera.
Special thanks to Ram Gurnani who provided information for this story.
Pictured from left are Claudia Soria-Delgado, Mona Diaz and David Hillman as Diaz was presented with the Legion of Honor certificate. Marie Cameron is in back.
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