Twin Falls Kiwanis

It was on April 20, 1921 when the Twin Falls Kiwanis charter was presented to 48 men.

 Back in March of that year the minutes noted, “The ladies be NOT invited to participate in the program and entertainment on the night of the official charter presentation.”

Those men paid $4 per month in dues that included a 50-cent lunch each week. Late-comers were fined 25 cents.

In 1926 Twin Falls Kiwanis wrote, “We believe that a close relationship should be established between the farmers of Twin Falls County, their wives and their children, the city of Twin Falls and the service clubs. After close investigation, we have come to the conclusion that a restroom would be the answer so the farmers, their wives, and children would have someplace to sit when they come to town.”

Also that year Kiwanis created picnic areas at Shoshone Falls. The project committee asked each member to donate 8 hours of labor. If a member could not donate the time, he could donate $3.20 in cash, “enabling the club to hire common labor.”

In 1929 the club gave financial help to a boy just out of reform school, “To aid him in getting on his feet.”

The club built an ice-skating pond that year, too. And they thought name badges would be a good idea for all members.

 1939 saw the club give several hundred dollars to a family whose home had burned down.

For some reason there isn’t any documentation on what went on for the next few decades. Not till 1977 when Bill Kee and Harold Cook proposed that the club collect old newspapers to raise money. It turned out to be such a good idea that aluminum cans were added to the project.

Shawna Fuller was inducted into Twin Falls Kiwanis in 1987. And she was named Kiwanian of the Year in 1990.

Mary Lou Panatopoulos was our President in 1995-96; Jennifer Traughber in 1998-99; Linda Wright-Hartgen in 1999-2000; Norma Blass in 2002-03; Cheryl Juntunen in 2004-05; Adeanna Jenkins in 2010-11; Patricia Hansen in 2012-13; Lila Orton in 2017-18; SuzanneMcCampbbell in 2021-22.

Today the Twin Falls Kiwanis Club consists of 65 members, 17 of whom are women. We are the largest Club in the Utah /Idaho District.

We meet every Thursday at noon for lunch at Elevation 486, 195 River Vista Place (Magic Valley Arts Council Auditorium, first floor).

About Kiwanis

  • Kiwanis is a service organization — not a social club. However, through the spirit of fellowship, significant community services are accomplished, and enduring friendships are made.
  • Kiwanis is often a public forum — but never a political circle.  Meeting programs frequently provide platforms for the balanced and impartial presentation of public issues of interest to the members and the community.
  • Kiwanis makes its activities known.  It is not a secret society.  There are no private rituals. Public awareness of Kiwani’s activities is sought because it increases support for Kiwani’s service efforts.
  • Kiwanis clubs guide their own actions.  Kiwanis International does not impose programs upon its clubs or members.