“I moved from Pennsylvania to Elyria in 2012 to take the position of Executive Director of the Elyria Public Library System. The previous director had been a Kiwanis member, so I stepped into her membership without even knowing what Kiwanis was. Eleven years later, I have been a Board Member and am President for 2023-24. Being part of the Kiwanis family has been a valuable experience, both professionally and personally.” Lyn has a Masters’ in Library Science, was a high school speech and debate coach for 14 years, and a community theatre director for 8 years.
Neil Hubbard, Treasurer
Neal followed his father’s footsteps and Joined Kiwanis in 1968. He has served on the Board, as treasurer several times, and as President and chair of the Strawberry Festival. “I think Kiwanis is an important organization for providing service to the children in the Elyria Community. It has also provided opportunities to meet and work with other businesspeople in our community. I had close to 50 years of experience in Community Banking before entering private law practice, with a concentration in probate, business, and real estate.”
Mary Ochenas, Director
I joined Kiwanis in 1996 and enjoy the friends I have made. I am blessed to be employed by the Lorain County Sheriff and enjoy helping people in both organizations.
Dr. Dennis Lehman
Dr. Denny is someone who takes commitments seriously. He’s been married for 58 years, a member of the Salvation Army board for 40 years, and a Legion of Honor member as a Kiwanian for 56 years, where he has served as Ohio District Kiwanis Governor, Lt. Governor Division 13, Kiwanis Club President (5 times for 3 different clubs.) A proud Ohio State grad, Dr Denny is a retired veterinarian and former owner of Murray Ridge Animal Clinic.
Kenneth Frankel, Past President
Kenneth Frankel is the immediate past president of the club. He is a lifelong resident of Elyria and has been an attorney at law for 48 years.
Scott Serazin, Director
Scott began practicing law in Elyria in 1977, and spent 38 years in public service, as a law director or prosecutor for numerous municipalities. He retired in 2019 as Law Director of the City of Elyria. Scott’s service to the children of Elyria has included coaching CYO basketball for over ten years, as well as seven little league teams. He is the Key Club moderator for the Elyria Catholic HS club.
Mark Stewart, Director
My Kiwanis experience goes back over 30yrs, when Andy Forman, a long time Kiwanian. invited me to a luncheon and explained how Kiwanis helped the community and that I was a good fit to serve. The rest is history. I’ve enjoyed my timeline in the Club, serving as Club President, Vice President, Chair of the Strawberry Festival, and Patriot Flag Chair. Professionally, I retired after 36 years at the Lorain County Auditor’s office and 18 years as the elected Lorain County Auditor.
Stanley Wojdyla, Director
Stan retired from the City of Elyria, and has been active in community events and organizations, including the Elyria Apple Festival Co-President, President of Public Employee Retirees Inc, Fraternal Order of Police Associates Taft-Kerstetter Memorial Lodge #98. He joined Kiwanis 2011 and has served several terms as board secretary and is President Elect. He is married to Sandy, with two children.
Major Bob Sears, Director
Major Bob is the retired head of the Salvation Army Elyria Corps. He has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Elyria since 2011 and was a Kiwanis member while stationed at previous posts during his 30+ years with the Salvation Army.
Celeste Brlas, Director
Celeste has been a member of Elyria Kiwanis Club since 2003 and has previously served as Board Member and President, and has led numerous club committees. At the regional and state level Celeste has twice served as Lt. Governor, as well as Ohio District Youth Services Chair and for 3 years was Ohio District Chair of Kiwanis International Children’s Fund. Celest is a Certified Kiwanis Club Counselor.
Board Members
Lyn Crouse, President
“I moved from Pennsylvania to Elyria in 2012 to take the position of Executive Director of the Elyria Public Library System. The previous director had been a Kiwanis member, so I stepped into her membership without even knowing what Kiwanis was. Eleven years later, I have been a Board Member and am President for 2023-24. Being part of the Kiwanis family has been a valuable experience, both professionally and personally.” Lyn has a Masters’ in Library Science, was a high school speech and debate coach for 14 years, and a community theatre director for 8 years.
Neil Hubbard, Treasurer
Neal followed his father’s footsteps and Joined Kiwanis in 1968. He has served on the Board, as treasurer several times, and as President and chair of the Strawberry Festival. “I think Kiwanis is an important organization for providing service to the children in the Elyria Community. It has also provided opportunities to meet and work with other businesspeople in our community. I had close to 50 years of experience in Community Banking before entering private law practice, with a concentration in probate, business, and real estate.”
Mary Ochenas, Director
I joined Kiwanis in 1996 and enjoy the friends I have made. I am blessed to be employed by the Lorain County Sheriff and enjoy helping people in both organizations.
Dr. Dennis Lehman
Dr. Denny is someone who takes commitments seriously. He’s been married for 58 years, a member of the Salvation Army board for 40 years, and a Legion of Honor member as a Kiwanian for 56 years, where he has served as Ohio District Kiwanis Governor, Lt. Governor Division 13, Kiwanis Club President (5 times for 3 different clubs.) A proud Ohio State grad, Dr Denny is a retired veterinarian and former owner of Murray Ridge Animal Clinic.
Kenneth Frankel, Past President
Kenneth Frankel is the immediate past president of the club. He is a lifelong resident of Elyria and has been an attorney at law for 48 years.
Scott Serazin, Director
Scott began practicing law in Elyria in 1977, and spent 38 years in public service, as a law director or prosecutor for numerous municipalities. He retired in 2019 as Law Director of the City of Elyria. Scott’s service to the children of Elyria has included coaching CYO basketball for over ten years, as well as seven little league teams. He is the Key Club moderator for the Elyria Catholic HS club.
Mark Stewart, Director
My Kiwanis experience goes back over 30yrs, when Andy Forman, a long time Kiwanian. invited me to a luncheon and explained how Kiwanis helped the community and that I was a good fit to serve. The rest is history. I’ve enjoyed my timeline in the Club, serving as Club President, Vice President, Chair of the Strawberry Festival, and Patriot Flag Chair. Professionally, I retired after 36 years at the Lorain County Auditor’s office and 18 years as the elected Lorain County Auditor.
Stanley Wojdyla, Director
Stan retired from the City of Elyria, and has been active in community events and organizations, including the Elyria Apple Festival Co-President, President of Public Employee Retirees Inc, Fraternal Order of Police Associates Taft-Kerstetter Memorial Lodge #98. He joined Kiwanis 2011 and has served several terms as board secretary and is President Elect. He is married to Sandy, with two children.
Major Bob Sears, Director
Major Bob is the retired head of the Salvation Army Elyria Corps. He has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Elyria since 2011 and was a Kiwanis member while stationed at previous posts during his 30+ years with the Salvation Army.
Celeste Brlas, Director
Celeste has been a member of Elyria Kiwanis Club since 2003 and has previously served as Board Member and President, and has led numerous club committees. At the regional and state level Celeste has twice served as Lt. Governor, as well as Ohio District Youth Services Chair and for 3 years was Ohio District Chair of Kiwanis International Children’s Fund. Celest is a Certified Kiwanis Club Counselor.