Santa Paula’s Fred Robinson installed as Kiwanis District 42 Lt. Governor
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: September 28, 2007
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula Times
Kiwanians from throughout the CalNevHa District Division 42 witnessed the installation of 2007-2008 Lt. Governor Fred Robinson at a luncheon held at The Grove at Glen Tavern Inn on September 16. “It’s going to be a good year for Kiwanis,” said Robinson, a resident of Santa Paula and a member of the East Ventura Kiwanis Club. “Irish” John Gore was the master of ceremonies for the Kiwanis blue and gold decorated luncheon, attended by Santa Paula Kiwanis Club members Carol Wood and Mary Mata.
Past and present leaders of Kiwanis Clubs throughout the district were introduced before Past District Governor Sid Smith of Santa Barbara, longtime active in the international level of the service organization, began the installation ceremony. Smith, who with 62 years of Kiwanis membership is the longest serving member in the district, also spearheaded the 1986 movement to admit women to the club.
Miller first retired Lt. Governor Michael Wesner of the Moorpark Club, who noted that the district had generated $130,000 to the community and volunteered more than 25,000 hours of service.
A native of Santa Paula and Santa Paula High School graduate, Smith said that Robinson started his career as CEO of ARC-Ventura County when the organization, which serves adults with developmental disabilities, had an annual budget of about $3 million. ARC-VC now serves about 800 adults and its annual budget has grown to $14 million.
Robinson, a former Ventura Citizen of the Year who served three terms as the president of the Ventura East Kiwanis Club, will not only do “a good job” as Lt. Governor, said Smith, but the district will “do more and better in the future.”
Robinson introduced his team and noted that he became active in Kiwanis seven years ago after searching for a service club to become active in. “I love the friendships” and the fact that “Kiwanians will be there for you.”
Robinson said that service clubs throughout the nation are grappling with declining membership, and he paid tribute to female members, noting, “Can you imagine what Kiwanis would be without women?” Robinson also offered special thanks to his wife, “First Lady Sharon.”
Several years ago while attending a Texas-based seminar, Robinson was asked by the facilitator to describe himself in two words. “Overachieving Okie,” replied Robinson, who said that he has been “very lucky” and pleased that Kiwanis Action Clubs have been specially formed for those with developmental disabilities.
