"KIWANIS" is a thriving body of dynamic, service-minded individuals of all ages. In all, more than 600,000 members in more than 75 countries are "Serving the Children of the World" through their involvement in the Kiwanis family.

The name was coined from an expression of the American Indians in what is now the Detroit area. In the Otchipew language, the expression "Nunc Kee-wanis" meant broadly: "we trade" or "we share our talents".

Since 1921, the Kiwanis motto has been "We Build". This motto captures the spirit in which Kiwanis Clubs contribute significantly to their communities.

Kiwanis is one of the most successful and active clubs in Saugerties. In addition to the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival(tm), the Kiwanis Club of Saugerties sponsors, plans and puts on a Mothers Day Rose Sale and the July 4th celebration (parade and fireworks) that Saugerties has become renowned for.

Thanks to funds from these events, worthwhile events can be funded and contributions can be made to deserving groups and efforts such as the Kiwanis Club Ice Arena, the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, the Boy's and Girl's Clubs, Saugerties Area Council of Churches, Saugerties High School student scholarships, the Saugerties Mum Festival, the Key Club, the Builders Club, the American Cancer Society, the American Legion, the Blue Kats, Children's Annex, Diaz Ambulance, the Woodstock School of Art, the Saugerties Christmas tree lighting, and the "Coats for Kids" program.

For more info on the Kiwanis Club, visit www.kiwanis.org

George Terpening and Rick Smith installing the Stars and Stripes; photo by Mike Saporito, 2004