Serving Quincy since 1978
48 years of service—and still growing
As Gem City Kiwanis concludes its 2025–26 club year, we celebrate the people, partnerships and practical service that built our past—and the growing club carrying that work forward.
Where it began
A tradition built around service
On September 8, 1978, a group of community-minded leaders held the first organizational meeting of what would become the Kiwanis Club of Quincy, Gem City. They adopted the club’s bylaws, elected its first officers and directors, and began building a tradition of friendship and service that continues today.
The Quincy Noon Kiwanis Club chartered Gem City on September 29, 1978. The official Charter Night Banquet followed on October 28.
Gem City completed its first year with 35 members. The club concludes the 2025–26 year with 57 members and a renewed commitment to serving Quincy’s children and community.
Local service adds up
Time, talent and treasure at work
During the past eight calendar years, the Gem City Kiwanis Foundation has invested more than $250,000 in organizations and programs serving area youth.
Investing in young people
Helping children learn, lead and thrive
Gem City Kiwanis sponsors Builders Clubs at Quincy Junior High School and Blessed Sacrament School and awards college scholarships to Key Club members at Quincy Senior High School and Quincy Notre Dame High School.
The club also supports the Kiwanis International Children’s Fund and the Illinois-Eastern Iowa District Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation.
A hands-on tradition
Showing up for Quincy
Members serve people of every age through projects that answer practical needs, strengthen local organizations and bring neighbors together.
Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Clergy Appreciation Day
Weekly Meals on Wheels
Early-Childhood Reading
Youth Book Collection
Bridge the Gap Guardians
Adopt A Highway
Frontier Settlement Day
Canned-Food Collection
Teacher Appreciation Day
Lasting community contributions
Good work that keeps growing
Gem City Kiwanis established and initially operated the Quincy Concert Band, which presented its first concert on April 20, 1982, in the Morrison Theater at Quincy Junior High School—where it still performs today. The club later helped the band become an independent organization.
In 2015, Gem City joined Quincy Noon Kiwanis and Quincy Golden K Kiwanis to fund the all-inclusive playground and pavilion at Lincoln Park. The clubs have also served together through Kiwanis One Day.
A new chapter · January 2026
Stronger together
The Quincy Golden K Kiwanis Club merged into Gem City, bringing together members, programs, traditions and a shared commitment to service.
That added experience and energy position the club to serve the community even more effectively in the years ahead.
Experience and new energy
A club that continues to grow
Eleven current members were first inducted more than 40 years ago, and 21 have served for more than 20 years. The club also continues welcoming new members who want to form friendships, learn about their community and make a tangible difference.
September 16, 2026 · Quincy Boat Club
Celebrating service. Welcoming new leadership.
Gem City Kiwanis closed its 48th year by recognizing exceptional service, installing its 2026–27 officers and directors, and looking ahead to another year of helping children and strengthening the Quincy community. The awards celebration continued on October 2, when Pat Bauer received the Dr. Luis V. Amador Medallion, joining Keith Harrison as one of our two 2026 recipients.
Richard Walz Distinguished Service Award
Paul Brown
Recognized for distinguished service to Gem City Kiwanis and the community.
Dr. Luis V. Amador Medallion
Keith Harrison
Honored for exemplary service and commitment to Kiwanis.
Dr. Luis V. Amador Medallion
Pat Bauer
A member since 1982 and twice club president, Pat has given more than four decades of service to Kiwanis and Quincy. He is among the first to volunteer and quick to give others credit. His medallion was presented on October 2, 2026.
2025–26 Kiwanian of the Year
Karen Sedovic
Karen joined Gem City in 2021 at George Meyer’s invitation. She leads the club’s Adopt a Highway program, plays an instrumental role in Trivia Night and lends her leadership and hard work to many other club efforts.
Installed for 2026–27
The next year’s leadership team
Illinois-Eastern Iowa Governor Tracy Armstrong-Fyffe and Lieutenant Governor Samantha Bobor conducted the installation.
Officers
- President
- Jim Kase
- President-elect
- Jayme Connell
- Secretary
- Dan Conboy
- Treasurer
- Gerry Korb
- Past President
- Tom Klene
Directors
- Second year
- Mark Dedert
- Second year
- Brett Gosteli
- Second year
- Connie Koch
- First year
- Eric Ervin
- First year
- Lyle Nichols
- First year
- Andy Tappe
The celebrations in pictures
Honoring the past. Beginning the next chapter.
Members and guests gathered to celebrate the club’s history, honor service and renew the friendships that make the work possible. Pat’s October presentation added another moment of well-deserved recognition.
In grateful memory
Remembering three faithful Kiwanians
As the 2025–26 club year ended, Gem City Kiwanis honored three outstanding members who died during the year and gave thanks for the friendship, leadership and service they shared.
The next chapter begins
There is a seat—and a way to help—for you.
Join us for a Friday morning, meet a few neighbors and discover where your interests might fit.