What I didn’t know back then that the mission of the Kiwanis was to serve children, people around my age at the time. Must have been a challenge to have such a vexing example of children back in the kitchen seemingly bent on causing heartburn, though from my standpoint I was trying to raise the culinary bar and introduce new tastes to the local leaders that came once a week to Pledge Allegiance, chip in funds, listen to a speaker, and plan events for, one hoped, better behaved and more deserving youth than myself.

The Kiwanis Club was founded in 1914 in Detroit Michigan by a tailor Joseph Prance and Allen S. Browne, a professional fraternity organizer. A mere 12 years later a branch club was established in Lake Placid. Kiwanis was taken from the Otchipew American Indian expression “Nunc Kee-wanis” which meant “to trade” or “to share ones talents.” This was modified to mean, “we build,” which led to the vision that the foundation of our future was children, and their current motto, “we serve the children of the world.”

On Sunday Nov 7, the local chapter held its first Harvest Celebration at the Heaven Hill Farm to commemorate their 84 years of service and raise funds to support local scholarships, youth programs and other community service activities. By any measure it was a success. When I arrived cars were lined down the driveway, the Shipman Youth Center Band under the direction of Jim Cushman was wrapping up an exhilarating set, and Shirley Seney was selling raffle tickets at the door.

“Our focus is on children,” said Joan Kelly, Kiwanis co-president. “We give $1,000 scholarships for four years to a high school senior going into college, so at any given time we are supporting four students.”

“We also recognize citizenship, and the most improved student,” said Carol Prevost. “We present the annual Teddy Bear Picnic and this year we put in playground equipment for the Hillcrest Park, now known as the Kiwanis Teddy Bear Park.”

“Why the focus on kids?”

“It may sound like a cliché, but youth truly are out future,” said Prevost. “We want youth to stay or return after college and be a part of the community. Hoapefully they will want to raise their own families here.”

“Along with helping kids, what do you get out of Kiwanis?” I said.

“Personally the sense of community that I have through Kiwanis is so deep. When I first arrived here I met Mary Rock, who invited me to join. She said it is a great way to meet people. It is a great way to become part of the community,” Prevost said.

“I was the club secretary for three years,” said Susan Hockert. “I am the co-chair of this event. And what a success it is. The culinary students at Mountain Lake Academy created nearly all the food. They underscore our mission to support kids.”

“I joined this organization because I like children and I like what this organization has done for children,” said co-president Jo Ann Folin. “I have been involved for 10 years. This is the first time I have been an Indian chief of people. I get to work with a really nice group of people who are dedicated to the children of the community. We are committed to children.”

“We made all the food except the Grilled Duck Quesadillas,” said Jalil Fulton and Junior Lake, two students participating in the Mountain Lake Academy Culinary program. “Joe Kempa made them. We made wantons, puffed pastries and the dollar rolls. We made the pies and the cookies too.”

“We have three to four kids a quarter in the culinary program so we can give them personal attention,” said chef Carl Bowen. “We do fundraisers like this to provide the kids a hands-on approach to what they have learned in class. As an example, tonight they have the experience of being waiters and learning how people enjoy what they are being served.”

“How long have you been a member?”

“Fifteen years,” said Steve Preston. “I worked with Mary Rock. I was a charter member of the Lake Placid Key Club started by Art Thompson at the High School. When I think back to when the club was at the Mirror Lake Inn, I thought it was a prestigious club back then and it still is with all that it does and the quality of the people it attracts. It just does so much for the kids in this community.”

The Kiwanis Club of Lake Placid helping kids, one child at a time. They meet most Tuesdays at the Alpine Cellar. Visit their web site for times and dates at www.lakeplacidkiwanis.org.