KIWANIS CLUB OF ALLEN, TEXAS

David E Olson

Club President 1990 - 1991

I joined the club as it was being organized. Roy Welch from Paris, Texas, and two other Lt Governors representing Texas Oklahoma District came into my office at the Allen ISD administration building on Cedar Street. I was an "easy sale," for I had been in Key Club in high school and recognized the compatibility of my career goals with that of Kiwanis to serve children.

I attended one of two preorganization meetings in the old middle school building. The club was organized on February 4, 1988. Charter Night with the presentation of club officer pins, club banner, bell, and president's gavel took place at K-Bob's Steak House on NB Hwy 75 in Plano on Thursday, March 24, 2008. Thirty-one charter members were recognized. Jerry Burleson, organizing club president, accepted the charter from Robert "Bob" Cowles, Governor of Texas Oklahoma District. McKinney Kiwanis Club, Steve Ferguson president, was our sponsoring club. When first chartered our club along with others in Collin County were assigned to Division 8 which stretched halfway to Oklahoma City. Some three years later, Division 37 was formed and the dividing line between these two divisions became the Red River. This resulted in more frequent visits from the Lt Governor, interclub visits became possible, and participation in division council meetings increased.

By 1990 - 1991, the club's regular meeting place had settled on El Rio's Mexican Food Restaurant, 602 East Main Street, across the street from Allen High School. Board meetings were still held in the Kiddy Dining Room of the newly opened McDonald's Restaurant on SB Hwy 75 at McDermott. Leadership efforts began to focus on becoming informed about Kiwanis as an organization and about getting members involved in division and district activities. PD Thomas was Vice President for Programs. Club membership had risen from 9 to 15, but we were struggling to support the Key Club which had about the same number of student members. During this year, Louann Dobbs, a new member and an assistant principal at the high school, was the Kiwanis advisor to the AHS Key Club. Frankie Jewett, a social studies teacher, was the faculty sponsor. Our major fundraisers for the project account included Peanut Day and selling snow cones at the Allen Country Fair.

I retired from Allen ISD in June 1995 as the director of curriculum and instruction. I served as Lt Governor for Kiwanis Division 37 in 1997-1998. Lynda and I continue to enjoy extensive travel. We both serve as charter members of the Allen Retired Educators Association. Our daughters, Kim and Ann, and their families live in Coppell and Frisco. We have fun watching our grand children grow and mature. Hunter and Ashleigh are fifteen and are excited about having their learner's driving permit. Michael David, who is almost four, is active, inquisitive, and independent all at the same time. Need I say more? In the fall 2009, Lynda and I will expand our volunteer experience to include activities at David E. and Lynda F. Olson Elementary School.

What I see in the future for the Allen Kiwanis Club is increased opportunity for community service through leadership development and through membership growth. Hopefully, a shared vision among club members will include a strong Kiwanis presence at each of the elementary and secondary schools of the Allen ISD.