KIWANIS CLUB OF ALLEN, TEXAS

Michael Stanger

Club President 1994 - 1995

You know, my memory is not that good at recalling events or achievements. What I remember most, and remember fondly, is coming to meetings every Thursday at TaMolli's to see folks I was happy to see-and who seemed happy to see me. (I belong to a Toastmasters club now, and every week I try to shake everyone's hand, as we did in Kiwanis. This is not common behavior, at least in the Pacific Northwest!) Second, from the day I was installed as President until the banquet the following year, I felt humbled and fortunate to preside over such a collection of selfless, community-minded leaders. We didn't have the prestige or "heavy hitters" that other clubs were known for; but no one outworked us in the community. The old adage was never more true, "The Rotary raises all the money, the Lions drink all the beer, and the Kiwanis do all the work."

I had two terms as a Kiwanian-as a charter member, and later when I was recruited by my friend Tammy Amosson. A couple of months after that, she nominated me as President-Elect, and then left the club! Maybe she was afraid she would get blamed for my presidency? ;) Anyway, I'm glad that I accepted, because it turned out to be among the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of my 15 years in Allen. I often said that it was a great tribute to the club that so many past presidents stayed active in the club. In fact, all except those forced to move away were still active at that point. Susie Bartlemay, David Olson, Kris Kistner, PD Thomas, and others come to mind. To me, it showed that they loved the club and had the humility to let others lead to the best of their abilities.

At the very end of 1999, my family and I moved to Seattle for me to enter the University of Washington in the school of urban planning. For better or for worse, I did not complete my PhD work here, but after a few difficult years of school, interning, and teaching, I took a full-time planning job in Everett, and we settled into a house on the east side of Lake Washington. Laura is in charge of children and family ministry at our parish. Annie is in 5th grade and loves to sing. Joseph's in 3rd and plays sports and video games. And I'm happily working to improve housing affordability in Snohomish County. I don't miss city management, although I do wish more cities up here were run with the efficiency and effectiveness that we enjoyed in Allen. In addition to my career, I've continued my civic involvement through volunteer work in my parish.

Two of my favorite Kiwanis events were Rangers concession sales. At the first, I spent all night cooking hotdogs and making a new friend, Debbie. At the second, Randy McDaniel and I snagged empty seats to see the last six outs of Kenny Rogers's perfect game. Randy was one of the funniest guys I've had the pleasure to be around. So was Ben Hubert-hoo boy, I still can't believe that guy is a minister! I'll never forget the time we cleaned up the house in south Dallas County; we literally shoveled it out. And the wheelchair ramps we built. I hope you all still do that kind of stuff outside the community. Working with and for the poor is good for the soul.