by Kiwanis and Clubs
Each year, Kiwanis Clubs around the world join in a day of service. St. Johns Kiwanis is no exception, however this year members called upon three Kiwanis sponsored clubs – Aktion, Builders and Good Wins Key – to join in the effort. Together, the group swept across the grounds of St. Johns City Park Saturday April 14, wielding rakes, trash bags and other yard tools, leaving the location neat, clean and ready for the summer crowds.
Kiwanis President Marcia Peterson deemed the effort a solid success and during an after work hot dog luncheon expressed appreciation to the 40 or so workers who volunteered their time. “It is inspiring to see how these folks respond to these activities,” she said. “Both, last fall’s raking session and this spring work day turnout confirms that our students are caring and concerned about our community.”
Along with a dozen Kiwanians, the workers raked, picked up papers, twigs and tree debris and, in general, conducted a thorough park clean-up. Capping the cleanup was the spreading of woodchips in designated areas for aesthetic and practical use. Their efforts were rewarded afterward when Kiwanians roasted hot dogs, served chips, soft drinks and a variety of other goodies and snacks.
The entire day was identified as Kiwanis One, a reference to Kiwanis International’s day of service. Locally, it also identified members of Kiwanis sponsored clubs which joined to complete a project of community benefit. Membership in each of the three clubs, Aktion, Builders and Good Wins Key, represents a different grade level and member station. Purpose of each group, however, is the same – to encourage awareness and benefit of participation in community programs and projects.
The Aktion Club is comprised of adults living with disabilities. The Builders Club enlists members from the ranks of middle school students and the Good Wins Key Club includes all students at the high school level. All three groups are directed by St. Johns Kiwanis and school staff provides assistance. Each club arranges its own projects however a couple of times each year the Kiwanis One activity focuses on a specific effort. Spring and fall in the park has become a regular agenda item.