Kiwanis officials 'test drive' donkeys
By Karen Blackledge
The Daily Item Reprinted with permission
DANVILLE -- International and state Kiwanis officials got to try out riding therapy donkeys.
Dave Curry, president of Kiwanis International from Butte, Mont., was in Danville this week for a tour of the Pennsylvania Kiwanis Children's Heart Center, which is part of the Janet Weis Children's Hospital at Geisinger Medical Center.
Following the tour and a luncheon, he and Pennsylvania District Gov. Mary Edwards of Corry took a short ride on the donkeys before continuing to the Williamsport area for a dinner at Camp Kiwanis.
Mr. Curry, who said he had ridden a horse before, chose Honeybun, while Ms. Edwards rode Henry.
They started at The Pine Barn Inn parking lot and rode to La Maison Blanche Bakery, owned by Jim Diehl.
The Wilkes-Barre Kiwanis Club sponsored the testing to certify Henry, 13, as a therapy donkey this past summer. Eighteen-year-old Honeybun was already certified as a therapy animal.
Mr. Curry said this was the first time he has visited Pennsylvania. Of the heart center, he said, "It's heartwarming and I didn't realize our entire district was involved in fundraising to make sure it happened. I am really proud of Pennsylvania Kiwanians."
Having just taken office as of Oct. 1, he has already visited Kiwanis projects in the Pittsburgh, State College and Altoona areas. He soon will be in New England, New York and Ohio and later on will visit Europe and Asia to see what Kiwanians have accomplished there.
Those accompanying him to Danville included his wife Eva and district governor-elect John Burke, of Perkaskie. The donkeys are owned by Kiwanians Neil and Vonnie Young, of Young's Funny Farm in Berwick. They are two of three donkeys in the U.S. registered for therapy work with the Delta Society.
Henry and Honeybun will be visiting Vintage Knolls and Maria Joseph Manor in the Danville area and Mountain View Manor near Trevorton.
E-mail comments to kblackledge@dailyitem.com.
Left to right - First Lady Eva Curry, president of Kiwanis International from Butte, Mont.on Honeybun, Pennsylvania District Executive Director Kevin E. Thomas, District Governor Mary Edwards of Corry on Henry and First Gentleman Dave Edwards.