Wawasee Kiwanis Club

09/03/2026

This past Saturday the Wawasee Kiwanis Club played host, to the Kiwanis- Land of Lakes Division Council Meeting. The club is always excited to show off Syracuse and our beautiful Lakes region.

Kiwanis Clubs from South Bend x 2, Elkhart, Goshen x 2, Nappanee, North Webster, and Milford sent representatives for this quarterly meeting, with the mission of interacting with other local Kiwanis Clubs, and to be inspired to go forward with the Kiwanis Mission.

Wow were we inspired. We were treated to a keynote address from author, speaker, and coach, Jon Acton. We heard from our Land of Lakes Lt. Governor Leatra Scott, all of the business updates from the recent District Convention. And Wawasee Club President Jen Wilkinson was amazing as the mornings master of ceremonies!

The Wawasee Kiwanis Club is proud to serve the Syracuse community, as well as the Land of Lakes Division, in the Indiana District of Kiwanis International!

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Because one CAN make a difference!

https://brokenshells.net/pages/meet-jon

Kiwanis International of Milford Indiana
Goshen Noon Kiwanis Club - Goshen, IndianaMaple City Kiwanis of Goshen, Indiana

08/27/2026

At this past Saturdays weekly Club meeting we were treated to one of most unique programs we have ever had. We welcomed the Southern Michigan K-9 Search and Response Unit. This “not for profit” organization is at the ready, to assist law enforcement, in search and rescue missions.

After the dogs receive training they are able to do things no human or machine could ever do!

We were treated to a live search and rescue exercise in the parking lot! Wow, did these dogs like performing!

Funding this service comes from some state grants, and some donations! It’s obvious that this teams passion for animals, and helping others, benefit the region, in their times of need!

Guests included:

Sara Burr and her dog Maggie
Jackie and Keith Harris and their dogs Tier, Nix, and Ruk.
Betty Stezowski and her dog Jax
Mike Schall who is the Tech Specialist

https://smk9sar.org

08/21/2026

Welcome back to School!!

Wawasee Kiwanis Club Treasurer Matt Ringler, presented a $1,500 extra large check to Kristen Meeks, President of the Syracuse Elementary School PTO. The money will be used to offset unforeseen costs to teachers.

08/19/2026

We sent delagates to the Kiwanis Indiana District Annual Convention held in Muncie, Indiana. Club members were able network with Kiwanis clubs from all over the state!

Wawasee was represented well, as we accepted an award for Distinguished Club for the 2024/2025 year, as well earning a Spirt Award for our “49 Acts of Kindness” project, celebrating our 49 years in the Wawasee Community.

A highlight of the weekend event was our very own Land of Lakes Lt. Governor Leatra Scott, who gave a powerful presentation on things you can do to prevent “Burnout” in volunteering. She is an amazing speaker!

Each year our club brings our donation for Riley’s Children’s Hospital. We donated $2.000 this year, adding to the over $275,000 raised by Kiwanis clubs all over the state. Amazing!

Thanks to our member’s, Jennifer, Ann, Denny, and Teresa for attending this years convention!

08/19/2026

Wawasee Kiwanis member, and past club president,Tom Edington received some recognition recently. Tom received the Legacy Award, for his hard work and dedication with the Syracuse-Wawasee Trails. Congrats Tom, and thank you for all you do for our community, this recognition is very well deserved!

08/12/2026

Last Saturday we welcomed Sheriff Jim Smith and Chief Deputy Chris Mckeand to our weekly club meeting.

Law enforcement isn’t just law enforcement. It’s really amazing to hear of their efforts, trying to help people with addictions that have no where to go. We are very fortunate to have Law Enforcement Leadership that cares about people! Great presentation Sheriff!

And thank you for always supporting Kiwanis in our county!

08/07/2026

We are growing!!! In July our club welcomed two new members, Greg Beal and Joe Long!

Wanting to make a positive impact on your community? Check out the Wawasee Kiwanis Club! Guests are welcomed at any Saturday morning meeting, from 7-8 AM at the Syracuse Community Center!

Welcome to the club Greg and Joe!

08/03/2026

07/31/2026

07/27/2026

Saturday July 25th was the 18th annual Wawasee Kiwanis Triathlon, sponsored by K21 Health Foundation, and Bass Audiology.

The weather was ideal, with water temps at 77 degrees.

Over 180 athletes participated in this years event, Partipants from all over the region, look forward to coming to Syracuse every summer, for this USAT sanctioned event.

It takes many hands to put on an event like this. The Kiwanis Club is grateful for the help from the TCFT, Syracuse Police, Syracuse Parks and Recreation, Kosciusko County Sheriffs Department, and the numerous community members that volunteered to ensure a successful race!

The top 3 of each age bracket received an award after the event!

K21 Health Foundation

Shoutout to My Team Triumph, who competed with 10 teams this year!

https://mtt-northernindiana.org