Kiwanis Club of North Parkersburg members pose for a photo at their September celebration marking the group’s 71st anniversary. Pictured from left are Jonelle Merritt, Steven Bentz, Mary Bentz, Doug Lockhart, Brenda McGinnis, Doug Hess and Jean Lawrence. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Kiwanis Club of North Parkersburg marked its 71st anniversary with a Sept. 27 celebration that installed this year’s officers and honored core members in superhero style.

Since its founding in 1954, the club has served thousands of children in the Mid-Ohio Valley through school programs, service projects and family initiatives like Terrific Kids, K-Kids and Key Club.

The luncheon featured a superhero theme, with each member recognized for their unique strengths and contributions:

* Steven Bentz (president) — The Everwatchful Guardian

* Ron Nichols (vice president) — The Steadfast Sentinel

* Jonelle Merritt (secretary) — The Iron Rose

* Brenda McGinnis (treasurer) — Keeper of Keys

* Patty Miser — The Guiding Star

* Jean Lawrence — The Busy Bee of Good

* Andrea Owens — The Nurturing Echo

* Doug Hess — The Voice of Valor

* Jeff Salmans — The Giving Grove (Mulberry Lane)

* Mary Bentz — The Catalyst

“Our members are ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” Steven Bentz said. “By embracing a superhero theme, we’re reminded that service itself is a superpower.”

The club’s motto is “United for Children; Powered by Service.”

Community members interested in discovering their own superhero power through service are invited to connect with the Kiwanis Club of North Parkersburg by emailing Steve_B_73@hotmail.com.