Background
Sadowski, Vivien Lavonne was born on July 8, 1930 in Newton, Kansas, United States. Daughter of George William Reffner and Helen Margaret Hughes.
editor consultant publishing executive
Sadowski, Vivien Lavonne was born on July 8, 1930 in Newton, Kansas, United States. Daughter of George William Reffner and Helen Margaret Hughes.
Student, University Arkansas, 1968—1969.
Joined Abilene Reflector-Chronicle, 1973—1998, public editor, 1986—1998. Retired, 1998.
Member Alida Choral-Aires Gospel Music Group, 1975—1995. Board member, vice chairman, chairman Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, from 1979. Member subscriber advisory council Kansas Blue Cross-Blue Shield, 1980—1989.
Board directors Arts Council Dickinson County, 1984—1987. Appointed member Economic Development Council, from 1987. Member government affairs committee NNA, 1989—1997.
Member community corrections advisory board Eighth Judicial District, from 1992. Trustee William Allen White Foundation, from 1993. Member personnel advisory task force Central Kansas Council Girl Scouts American, 1994—1995.
Chairperson Abilene Convention and Visitors Bureau, from 2001. Choir director Alida-Upland Cooperative Parish, from 1972, treasurer parish board trustees, from 1985. Board directors Big Brothers Big Sisters Dickinson County, from 2000.
Member of Kansas Press Women (president 1993-1995, treasurer 1988-1990, 1990-1992, vice president membership 1992-1994, various awards including Communicator of Achievement award 1996), Kansas Press Association (president 1995-1996, 2nd vice president 1993-1994, 1st vice president 1994-1995, various awards), National Federation Press Women (president 1999—2001, treasurer 1991-1993, 1993-1995, various awards including National Communicator Achievement award 1996), Abilene Rotary Club.
Married William Ernest Showalter, August 28, 1949 (divorced 1952). 1 child Margaret Jeanine. Married Harold Gates Sadowski, December 4, 1955.
Children: Joe Keith, Barbara Annual.