Carol Wood installed as Kiwanis Club
President — and she’s rarin’ to go!
Published:  September 23, 2015

Carol Wood has big plans for the Santa Paula Kiwanis Club and she’s rarin’ to go after being installed as President of the service organization.

The installation was held Sunday, September 13 at Limoneira Pavilion.

Wood, the retired program manager of The Arc, will put her organizational and people skills to work in the coming year to revitalize the club which stages the annual Citrus Festival to benefit various youth programs and activities.

Outgoing President Dan Robles introduced Kiwanis District 42 Lt. Governor Bob Engler and Incoming Lt. Governor Nick Esser.

District 42 includes Kiwanis Clubs in California, Hawaii and Nevada.

Said Robles, “It’s more than time for a new club president…I’ve served three years in a row,” but the duty was enjoyable. 

The club is small but “All of you are awesome with all you do,” to better the community and Robles said the group will continue their successful efforts to stage the festival, operate the Key Club for youth and take care of the Bike Path, just a few of the club’s projects.

“Every member of the club was on the board!” proving “One can make a difference, either individually or as part of a larger whole.”

With Wood becoming the 68th president of the Kiwanis Club of Santa Paula and the club’s accomplishments, “I’m proud,” said Robles, “to have been a Kiwanian…”

“It’s my pleasure to be a part of the transition to the future,” said Engler, who joked, “The whole club board that has been doing double duty,” as members and directors.

“I appreciated what Dan did this year, I enjoyed my visits and appreciate what the club has done,” noted Engler who presented Robles with a 100 year pin signifying his service during Kiwanis’ centennial.

“The City of Santa Paula,” Engler added, “would not be the same without Kiwanis…”

Wood was installed as President with Yesenia Gonzales — “I talked her into it and she’ll be my right hand” said Wood — installed as Vice President, Bill Grant Treasurer and Ken Stock Secretary.

Esser urged Wood to increase club activities in the community and noted, “I hope you exceed your expectations,” and takes to heart the motto for the club year, Kiwanis Now!

Wood said her husband Truk Ahlers told her, “You’ll get up there and say yahoo! Let’s go!” and she admitted she is poised for action. 

Working with other club members Wood  wants to “bring back the true meaning of the Kiwanis Citrus Festival,” enlarge the Aktion and Key clubs and start a Kids Club at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Clara Valley for children 6 to 12 years old.

“My first step is to increase membership…I know it’s hard,” said Wood, but “we’ll do it!” especially with the help of those already devoted to Kiwanis.

Said Wood, “There’s much I’d like to do and I’ll put my heart into it — and make everybody proud.”

The Santa Paula Kiwanis Club is a member of the Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce noted Chamber President-CEO Fred Robinson.

Robinson, a Kiwanian and Past District Governor, noted the business organization has pledged, “To work with Kiwanis to bring back a true Citrus Festival…”

There is a new fundraiser already on Wood’s drawing board: a Sweetheart Dinner Dance on February 14.

“Yahoo!” Wood told guests and members of the club. “Let’s go!”




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