Kiwanis Korner

Kiwanis Club of Ocala — Serving Above Self Always

Mayor Kent Guinn; Cindy Brown, Community Relations Representative for Congressman Daniel Webster; George Albright, Marion County Tax Collector; Cyndie McQuaig, District Secretary for State Rep. Joe Harding; David Ellsperman, former Clerk of the Court; Ocala Chief of Police, Mike Balken; City Councilman, Jay Musleh; Kiwanis President, Joe Voge and Wes Wheeler, Past-President and Program Chair

Kiwanis Club of Ocala recently had the honor of hosting two special speakers, sharing the effects that the COVID 19 virus has had in our community, both in the City of Ocala and Marion

County overall. Mayor Kent Guinn introduced the

Ocala chief of police, Mike Balken. Chief Balken gave a touching history of his life, dating back to his youth through present day, with special emphasis on the current opioid crisis in our community with additional information as to what he and the department are doing to fight the crisis and protect our younger generation. Tax Collector, George Albright spoke on the current status of the County Tax Office during the Coronavirus situation and how they have managed to keep operations open to the public in various ways while maintaining staff and using all required safety measures. His main priority has always been providing excellent service to the citizens of

Marion County, not only when elected consecutively to serve 12 years as the Representative in the Florida House of Representatives, but now as the Marion

County Tax Collector.

Mayor Kent Guinn Chief of Police, Mike Balken

Paul Conley inducting 2 new members, Jeff Ulmer and Ted Houck Special Guest Speaker George Albright, Marion County Tax Collector

Gary Rigby

From camping at Camp Kiwanis (since 1948), to projects to improve academics, citizenship, and child safety, the Kiwanis Club of Ocala serves and cares for the children of Ocala and surrounding areas.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Kiwanis International is a global community of clubs, members, and partners, dedicated to improving the lives of children one community at a time. Today, with more than 550,000 members in 80 Countries, Kiwanis empowers members to pursue creative ways to serve the needs of our children, such as fighting hunger, improving literacy and being a mentor. Kiwanis Clubs host over 150,000 service projects per year. www.facebook.com/KiwanisClubOfOcala