By Ross E. Blouin

A special 90th birthday celebration was held by the Somerville Kiwanis at the Holiday Inn in Somerville on Friday night, May 22. The celebration was spectacular and included more than 200 community leaders and business people who are current or past residents of Somerville. The Somerville Kiwanis has led the city in community service with dozens of successful community programs that have enriched the lives of Somerville residents for the past 90 years. Greetings and citations were presented by a bevy of state and local elected officials who lauded the Somerville Kiwanis for the years of dedication and generosity given by its members. The club’s legacy is one of giving and helping the children and residents of Somerville with a steadfast belief in the potential of Somerville and love of community service.

The room was packed with notable members who have given decades of their time, money and service to the improvement of the community of Somerville. Mr. LeRoy H. Keihn, former President of the Winter Hill Bank and Somerville Kiwanis, was given a standing ovation for his years of service and dedication as well as the fact that he is a WWII veteran of Pearl Harbor and was onboard the battleship Tennessee.

Mayor Joseph Curtatone gave a welcoming speech to the members and guests assembled. He noted his own time as a Kiwanis member and his personal recollections of community service. Board of Aldermen President, William White Esq. presented a plaque with a congratulatory message from the City of Somerville. Printed salutations were presented by State Senator Patricia Jehlen and accepted by Kiwanis President Anthony Ciccariello.

The evening was a smashing success and special thanks went to former Mayor and Register of Deeds, Eugene Brune, Susan Calllahan Esq., Elaine McMichael, George McLean, Masters of Ceremony, Sal Bertomani and Frank Bellistri, and all those who donated gifts and prizes.