Wozniak named Kiwanian of the Year

Erwin, Tennessee, Record
http://www.erwinrecord.net/Detail.php?Cat=LOCALNEWS&ID=58576

A member of the Kiwanis Club of Erwin for only three and one half years, Jim Wozniak has jumped into the community service role and not only succeeded in raising thousands of dollars for club projects but fueled the drive to build the club’s first park.

“Even with all his various achievements within the club, he will be most remembered for initiating our current project, a new Kiwanis Park,” said Sarah Bailey, current club president. “During his presidency and even now, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that his vision of a new park in Erwin comes to fruition.”

By an overwhelming majority, club members voted Wozniak as the Kiwanian of the Year for 2007-2008.  “It was a huge honor,” Wozniak said. “I am touched that the club gave me the award.”

Wozniak dedicated the award to his wife, Emily, and 12-year-old son, David, whom he said were understanding and supportive of the time he dedicated to the club.

“I didn’t spend that amount of time just to get an award,” he said. “I truly enjoy what we do. I find it enjoyable and fulfilling.

“I derive a lot of pleasure from working with Kiwanis, where we are able to help others.”
He described the weekly Tuesday lunch meetings as “fun” and filled with a near brotherly and sisterly bond that can only be achieved by those of no family ties.

“What I enjoy most is the service work,” Wozniak said. “That’s what it is really all about. I joined the club to do things like the Christmas shopping tour, cleaning the Adopt-a-Spot and working toward building the park.”

Just a year after joining, Wozniak was elected to serve as vice-president. It was during this time that he quickly established himself as a leader within the club.

“His good humor and easy rapport with other members helped him find other members who were willing to work hard alongside him,” said Bailey in her speech to honor Wozniak. “Under his leadership as vice president, the pancake breakfast profited $2,500 and gained lots of local attention.

“After serving as vice president, he moved directly into the position of president, a position he gladly and wholeheartedly took on. As club president, he took great strides to make sure that every member of the club knew what was going on and what projects and activities were happening within the group. It was under his leadership that our Kiwanis Christmas Shopping Tour had an extremely successful year and raised more than $16,000 in the community that went directly to local children.”

“What drives me is no matter who you are it is your responsibility to leave the world a little better than what you get it in,” Wozniak said.

Although the award is given to one Kiwanian each year, Wozniak reiterated that many others in the club contribute equal amounts of service.

“The award recognizes an individual,” he said, “but you can’t have a club based on the work of one person. We have an outstanding club. I am not by any means the only one who contributes to our activities. Many club members contribute significantly. On the park, I am getting credit but there are a lot of people who have chipped in—Ashley Whitehurst and Lori Erickson have headed up the committees, and there are others too. The bottom line is we’re all focused on the community, both the children and adults who need assistance.”

This park will be located on the Erwin Linear Trail and will feature a gazebo, open play space and playground equipment for ages two through 12. But the uniqueness of this park will be seen in its equipment that will be specifically designated for children with special needs.

“It’s like an outlet,” Wozniak said. “I don’t fish. For me, this is like a substitute hobby. I am obviously good at Kiwanis. It gives me confidence and leads me to do more.”

The family resides in Johnson City and Wozniak is a parishioner and vice chairman of the St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Council. He is the Erwin bureau chief for the Johnson City Press and is a 2006-2007 graduate of the Unicoi County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class.