Dick Nielsen Connects to Community Through CABA, Kiwanis Club

He's one half of a real estate team, a member of the Carrollwood Area Business Association and wrapping up his term as president of Carrollwood's Kiwanis Club.

Dick Nielsen, 69, has roots that sprouted in Iowa and landed in Carrollwood. Son Sean Nielsen with wife Karla was profiled last year on Carrollwood-Northdale Patch for his work in the web design business.

We recently talked to Dick Nielsen about what he loves about Carrollwood and how he got involved in the Kiwanis Club.

Patch: What do you like about Carrollwood?

Nielsen: Carrollwood is handy, first of all. There's a lot of opportunities here, I suppose, if you're shopping and so forth. You don't have to run downtown or to the mall. Everybody knows Carrollwood from around here. They know where you're at.

Patch: How did you get involved in the Kiwanis Club?

Nielsen: I was in a Sertoma Group before Kiwanis, and it grew to about 40 people. We withered away, and the club disbanded. I got into Kiwanis because I thought it was a similar opportunity.

Patch: Why did you decide to run for president?

Nielsen: There's an election process, and usually, people participate in different committees. You end up being president or treasurer. Last October, my term started, and ends next month. Ray Lawton of the sheriff's office is incoming president.

Patch: What are some of your duties and accomplishments?

Nielsen: Kiwanis has 50 plus members. We've continued to grow our club. It's international. There's Kiwanis clubs all over the world. It's primarily helping kids. We do a lot of work with Hope Children's Home.

For more information on the Carrollwood Kiwanis Club, which meets every Wednesday at noon at Brunchie's, call 813-295-5786.

Patch:

Nielsen: