Cathy Ollis named Kiwanian of the Year

The Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain-Swannanoa honored Cathy Ollis as the 2019 Kiwanian of the Year during its annual Installation Banquet at the Lakeview Center, Oct. 3.

In bestowing the honor, the club said Ollis “has shaped her life to be a life of giving” and that she “has been quietly serving (the club’s) membership for many years, serving the Swannanoa Valley for over 10 years and serving the world her entire life.”   

Ollis, who is married to local photographer Jack Ollis, is an active volunteer with the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry. The Kiwanis Club called Cathy, who has served as its Secretary for the past six years, “a loyal Kiwanian who embodies the true spirit of generosity, service and fellowship.” 

Cathy and Jack are active members of the First Baptist Church of Black Mountain, where she meets with Women on Mission and Stitch and Care, making toy bears and butterflies for charitable causes.

The couple came to Black Mountain in 2008 after years of Baptist mission work in Asia, where they served with their children Jennifer, Jim and Mary Nan. They have great fun on mountain camping trips with their grandchildren, Zander, Hayden and Keegan.