Joanie Washburn and
a furry friend. |
Twelve years ago, Joanie Washburn joined the Kiwanis Club because she thought it would be a good way to get involved with the community. Last month, the Pittsburgh native, now Administrative director for Marketing and Planning at Marietta Memorial Hospital, was named Kiwanian of the Year at the Marietta Club’s annual induction ceremony. Joanie, who has served as president and secretary of the club has assisted or participated in nearly every club project including Relay for Life, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Lookout Park maintenance, Pancake Days and a variety of youth programs.
Outgoing president David Mitchem recognized Washburn for her service and dedication to the club. “You measure outstanding members by the ones who volunteer to do what needs done. Joanie is one of those members. She's willing to do anything that needs to be done.''
Joanie says she was right about Kiwanis. “It’s a very diverse group and a great way to meet a lot of different people. Kiwanians come from all walks of life but are linked by a common bond - they want to give something back to their community.”
Kiwanis is an international service club founded in 1915 whose purpose is to promote human and spiritual values, good citizenship, fellowship and altruistic service through voluntary action. The 58-member Marietta Kiwanis Club is active in the community year round through various events like Pancake Days and projects like Terrific Kids in the elementary schools and Marietta Street Signs.
With a major in medical communications from OSU and a Masters degree in Business from Ohio University, Joanie says she is particularly proud of being part of Kiwanis activities that encourage youth development and leadership for kids in middle school and high school. “We’re working with high school students now to build a picnic shelter for crew races on the Muskingum River.”
She has chaired “Pancake Days”, a local tradition that involves two days of serving up pancakes and sausage for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. She says, “With all the pancakes plus the silent auction, we raise about $11,000.”
Joanie also went door to door in a project shared by Kiwanis and the fire department, to install smoke detectors in low-income homes. “The experience was a real eye-opener for me, but one that was very gratifying.”
She plants flowers and trims trees at Lookout Park to keep it attractive for visitors and has helped with landscaping projects for the Marietta High School Key Club and the Marietta Middle School. “I’m happy to serve on the committee or chair it,” she says. “Since I’ve been here a long time, they often ask me to chair committees, but it’s nice when someone else takes the reins.”
Joanie says Kiwanis welcomes professional business people who have both the desire and the ability to serve their community. “That’s why I sponsored my best friend as a member.” The club evaluates children’s issues and community needs on an onoing basis, conducting service projects to respond to the needs identified. “We believe children and the community benefit from the efforts of caring, involved volunteers.”
Beyond her Kiwanis participation, Joanie has served on the United Way board, the YMCA board, and for the past three years, the Development Advisory Board developing a comprehensive development plant for Marietta. This December, she’ll ring bells for the Salvation Army during December, and shop for the family that the Kiwanis group sponsors each Christmas. “If I say I’m going to do it, I do it - all the way. When everyone does their part, it’s not so overwhelming.”
