August 21, 2008 Carlton Norris Sworn in as Districrt Governor

[This post is from the News-Reporter.]

Accompanying new District Governor Carlton Norris (right) to the annual convention in Peachtree City were Washington Kiwanians (l-r) Ross Maynard, Lillie Crowe, Bob Simmons, Sherry Hudson, Chris Hughes, Debra Guin, and Lee Benner.

For the first time in almost 80 years, a Washington man will lead the state's 185 Kiwanis Clubs as District Governor. J. Carlton Norris, a past president of the Washington Club, was sworn in as Georgia District Governor last weekend. His term will officially begin on October 1.

A member of the local club since 1995, Norris has served as club president, Division VI Lt. Governor, state chairman of New Club Building, and Governor-elect. He has received the Washington Club's "Outstanding Kiwanian of the Year" award and was designated Distinguished Club President and Distinguished Lt. Governor.

The last District Governor to come from Washington was M. Pembroke Pope, who was elected in 1929, nine years after the club was chartered. Norris' swearing in ceremony was held during the annual district convention in Peachtree City last weekend.

Georgia's 185 Kiwanis Clubs include over 7,800 members. Kiwanis International was organized in 1915 with the primary objective of serving children throughout the world. Now, worldwide, there are more than half a million members.

The Kiwanis Club of Washington was chartered in 1920 with 50 members including Pembroke Pope, B.A. Willingham, Rev. G.W. Frazer, R.R. Johnson, J.B. Green, Dr. A.W. Simpson, C.D. Colley, Dr. C.E. Wills, M.H. Barnett, T.W. Cozart, I.T. Irvin, Rev. H. L. Grice, and Gabriel Toombs.

Many community projects have been initiated by the Washington Kiwanis Club during its 88-year history. Most of the dogwood trees lining the streets of Washington were planted by Kiwanians.

"The newspaper recycling, and Spring Tour of Homes projects, along with the Kiwanis Art and Talent Showcase, are just a few of the many projects which have provided scholarships, educational material, playground improvements, and other support to enrich the lives of children in Wilkes County," Norris said.
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