Kiwanis Club of Omaha Westside

The Kiwanis Club of Redlands donated a 11 foot, 6 inch tall Newburgh Clock to Cortner Chapel funeral home in Redlands, honoring Cortner Chapel founder Art Cortner, Tuesday, January 31, 2012. (John Valenzuela, Staff Photographer) The Kiwanis Club of Redlands former president and current member, Jean Showalter speaks during the donation ceremony at Cortner Chapel funeral home in Redlands, Tuesday, January 31, 2012. The Kiwanis Club of Redlands donated a 11 foot, 6 inch tall Newburgh Clock to Cortner Chapel funeral, honoring Cortner Chapel founder Art Cortner. (John Valenzuela, Staff Photographer)REDLANDS - An elegant new clock now graces the lawn of Cortner Chapel. The 11 foot 6 inch Newburgh Clock was shipped in from the Florida-based East Bay Clock and Light Co. and is the latest donation made by the Kiwanis Club of Redlands. The clock was presented to Cortner Chapel on Tuesday in honor of the years of service to the community by chapel founder Art Cortner. Cortner, now 99, is retired. "He was very honored and very excited," chapel manager Michael Cauthron said of Cortner's reaction. "He was very close to the Kiwanis and he was very happy about this." Cortner has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Redlands since 1946. He is a former board member and a Hall of Fame member - an honor given annually to individuals who show dedication to the club and to the community. Club President Jean Showalter led the project from start to finish and was joined by a host of Kiwanis members at the dedication. "I'm just thrilled that we all came out," Showalter said. "We just had our Tuesday meeting and everyone just came over. They have been very supportive in this." The clock was a great addition, Showalter said. "It gives me a sense of pride," Showalter said. "I love clocks. I think it gives a sense of grace, dignity and longevity." Brookside Avenue Traffic in both directions has a view of the clock. "That was what we were going for," Showalter said. "The chapel has a colonial look to it. We wanted to enhance the look, not take away from it." Showalter said Cortner was well known for his sense of humor, evident a few years ago when Cortner purchased a new vehicle for the chapel. Kiwanis Club of Redlands policy states that when members purchase a new vehicle, a donation of $25 is made to the club. Cortner coughed up the fee by emptying his pockets of $25 in pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. The top of the clock is decorated with a plaque that says "Kiwanis." "I think it's beautiful," Showalter said. "I think it looks fantastic." Reach Ed via email.

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