Kiwanis will honor members at Oct. 3 installation
William Parks, retired CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield will be among the Kiwanis Club of Westfield members honored at the club’s annual installation banquet.
The October 3 event will kick off the club’s 104th year of service to the community. The event will celebrate the past year’s achievements and honor members who have made significant contributions to the club and community.
Parks, a past club president, will receive the “Lifetime Achievement Award.” Anne O’Donnell Benoit, director of Behavioral Health Network’s Kamp for Kids in Westfield and also a past club president, will be honored as “Kiwanian of the Year” for her work in establishing the new Connecticut River Aktion Club, a Kiwanis-sponsored service club for adults with developmental disabilities.
Long-time club member Adam Wright, formerly a local radio personality and now director of marketing and communications for the Springfield law firm of Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan and Blakesley, will be recognized as the new governor of the New England and Bermuda District of Kiwanis. Wright is only the second Westfield Kiwanian to serve as district governor in the club’s long history,
Club President George Delisle said, “The annual installation night is an opportunity for the club to publicly recognize the outstanding work done by our members, each and every year. We invite family and friends of our honorees to join us for an evening of fun and fellowship.”
Delisle said that several members will be recognized with the club’s presidential and “Master Kiwanian” awards. In addition, the Very Rev. Joseph Soltysiak, pastor of Westfield’s St. Joseph’s National Catholic Church, will be inducted into Kiwanis International’s “Legion of Honor.” “Father Joe,” as he is fondly known by his fellow members, is marking 25 years as a member of the club.
Amanda Waterfield, lieutenant governor of the Kiwanis district’s Division 15, will preside over the installation of the club’s officers and directors for the 2025-2026 Kiwanis year. Waterfield is executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
Incoming club officers are President George Delisle, President-elect Amanda Waterfield, Vice president Stephen Dondley, Secretary Geana Delisle and Treasurer Anne O’Donnell Benoit. Club directors will be Cathleen Bastible, Brad Cassin, Darci Furr, John Lanoue, Drew Renfro and Daniele Sturmer.
The celebration will take place at Tucker’s Restaurant, 625 College Highway, Southwick. An all-inclusive buffet dinner will feature sliced roast sirloin au jus, chicken francaise, and baked scrod with panko bread crumbs. Tickets for the event are $55 and may be purchased online here.
