It’s a really pleasurable way to spend your noon hour. You are with people you like; you have an excellent meal; you enjoy some good laughs; and you know you are a part of a group that does positive things for your community. This is the essence of Wednesday noon hours if you are a member of Kiwanis.

A different policy is that you only pay for your lunch if you choose to eat. However, it is hard to turn down a meal catered by Rhonda Pokorny. She provides meat, potatoes, vegetables, a couple of salads’, a dessert and a drink all for only $6.50. This is a complete meal, and she is a fantastic cook.

There are always laughs if people choose to contribute a “happy dollar.” It might be a little gloating over a winning team or a confession about something learned the hard way. It could also be a happiness related to family and friends. But it is a time that everyone looks forward to and enjoys.

What is the hard part? Not anything really. Members take a couple hours once a year to make money by participating in the county tax sale. Also, around Christmas time, they take turns at the Christmas tree sales as a fund raiser.

What are the benefits? The banquet honoring middle school students and the banquet honoring senior high students are projects of Kiwanis. Sending students to leadership camps and helping foreign exchange students with their school lunch expense are both done bv Kiwanis. Giving to Dollars for Scholars and delivering meals on wheels are contributions.

It is said that it is more blessed to give than receive. In this case, Kiwanians are blessed twice. They receive all the food and fun of their meetings, and they give generously to their community – particularly things related to the kids.

Right now the group is looking for new members. They are hoping the days are not gone when Tama and Toledo folks cared enough about their communities to join service organization. They are hoping they can continue their banquets and their projects of giving to the kids and communities.

The dues are $14 per month, but the rewards of belonging are priceless. Come eat with us, laugh with us, and feel the great satisfaction of giving to your communities. Pitch in and join us.