Kiwanis Club honors community members

The California-Nevada-Hawaii Kiwanis District 33 held a meeting and awards luncheon at Hodel's Country Dining recently, covering over 400 clubs in the western region of the United States.

The district's governor, Valarie Brown-Klingelhoefer, was in attendance and presented two awards to Shafter community members for their years of service to their community.

Lt. Governor Ricardo "Chief" Ibarra also helped honor the pair of recipients. They gave a Community Service Award to Ronald Pierce, board chairman of the Minter Field Air Museum. Pierce has been serving the community of Shafter for over three decades, giving of his time and resources for the community of Shafter.

Pierce has led the museum in its effort to give Shafter a glimpse into the history of the United States military, and the important role that Minter Field played in it throughout the years.

He also has donated his time to different efforts that benefit the youth of Shafter, including special events during the holidays, such as visits from Santa Claus and giving the kids a chance to get an up-close look at real military vehicles and aircraft.

Another Distinguished Service Award went to Helen Gaeda. Gaeda recently retired director of the Shafter Kiddie Kollege. She spent over 30 years serving the youth of Shafter, as a teacher, mentor and director. Gaeda also has given her time and expertise in several other projects in the community, from special events, such as carnivals, fairs, and resource fairs, to events such as dinners, luncheons and service projects for the community.