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Club honors Bob Murray as Kiwanian of the Year

Bob Murray, holding the John Grear Kiwanian of the Year Award, is flanked by Kiwanis President Sara Swartz and Eloise Murray. [CONTRIBUTED]

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 7, 2024

Bob Murray, who for five decades has exemplified cheerful service to others, was honored last month as the John Grear Kiwanian of the Year by the Kiwanis Club of Hendersonville.

The John Grear Kiwanian of the Year Award is given annually to a Kiwanian who embodies the character traits of the late John Grear, a beloved member of the Kiwanis Club of Hendersonville who passed away unexpectedly in 2019. “John embodied the character traits which are essential to a true Kiwanian,” John Grear Kiwanian of the Year Award Committee Chair Erika McGilley said.

The recipient must have been active in Kiwanis at least five years and must have compiled an outstanding record of participation and service for the club.

Recipients of the award embody the character, ideals and principles of John Grear, which include leadership, personable behavior, courtesy, kindness, sincerity, integrity and sense of humor.

“Bob Murray is a longstanding Kiwanian who continues to exemplify these traits in all he does,” McGilley said during the Nov. 14 awards ceremony.

Past president Darla Lindeman shared endearing stories of Murray’s longstanding commitment to the Kiwanis Club of Hendersonville. Club president in 2014-2015, Murray has been a passionate advocate of and volunteer with the Aktion Club, a Kiwanis variant that empowers adults with disabilities to find community, create leadership skills and participate in local service projects.

“Bob Murray has been a member of Kiwanis for 52 years and has been committed to improving the world one child and one community at a time,” McGilley added.

Sarah Swartz installed as president

The club in October also installed new officers for the new Kiwanis Year under the Kiwanis Carolinas District theme of “We Are One.” New officers are Sarah Swartz, president; Robert Hooper, president-elect; Heather Staton, vice president; Vickie Ewing, secretary; and Rachel Buchanan, treasurer. Jamie Wiener, who will serve as immediate past president, was recognized for outstanding leadership as club president during the 2023-24 Kiwanis Year.

The Hendersonville Kiwanis Club sponsors K-Kids Clubs in local elementary schools and Key Clubs in local high schools as part of its commitment to service leadership programs. Since 1921, the club has been a force in supporting the children and youth of Henderson County by helping the needy, building future leaders and providing support to organizations that promote youth development. For more information, send email to hendersonvillekiwanis@gmail.com.