In 1952, the Kiwanis Club of Independence joined 17 other area clubs-extending to Rocky River, Westlake and Brecksville, to form the 16th Ohio Division of Kiwanis International. Independence resident Bob Longano, of the Brecksville Kiwanis, was instrumental in recruiting Independence businessmen to found what has become one of the most active clubs in the now Kiwanis Ohio District 24th Division.