ORANGEVALE / FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) - The title says it all – it is one of a kind.  The Kiwanis Club of Orangevale – Fair Oaks! The new club held its Charter Night celebration on October 22, 2019.  Twenty-three members share a distinction that only they will forever hold – being the first inductees of a new Kiwanis club; a club that is already making an impact in their service area.  Think about that for a moment – the club was just a thought in March 2019.  It just goes to show that when like-minded individuals band together for a common cause, lightning strikes quickly!

The evening’s festivities included a resolution presented by Assemblyman Kevin Kiley, representing the 6^th district of California, and whose area includes Orangevale – Fair Oaks and former Kiwanis Governor, Rocci Barsotti, who represented the California-Nevada-Hawaii region.  More than 70 guests celebrated the evening with representatives from Kiwanis Clubs from Lincoln, Auburn, Rancho Cordova, Roseville, Folsom, and Carmichael.  They were treated to a tasty Octoberfest dinner and Kiwanis fellowship.

As with any social gathering of this kind, Kiwanis members got to share their thoughts and ideas of what each club is doing for the upcoming holidays and more.  Some clubs are holding foods drives for their community food lockers, while one club is selling See’s Candy to help support their community’s high school performing arts programs.  When asked what the Orangevale – Fair Oaks club had up its Kiwanis’ sleeve, we explained that we have a “Pajama Drive” to collect as many pajamas as possible.  They will be distributed before Christmas to those kids in our area that can benefit from a brand new pair of “pj’s!”

What else is on the horizon? I have a feeling we are going to join Santa Claus for breakfast soon in Fair Oaks. We also shared with the other Kiwanis clubs ideas for a Paint and Wine Night, a Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament, and a wine tour of Lodi in spring 2020. 

Kiwanis does make a positive impact in the community, and so much so that from this Charter Night celebration we have been joined by two new members!  We did not cast some magic formula over them; they joined because of what Kiwanis does and its community impact.  I have said before, the choice is yours – if you have the inclination to get involved - then join Kiwanis!  Our focus is children, but we do support many other worthwhile organizations.

The Orangevale-Fair Oaks Kiwanis is unique in that it meets twice a month on the 2nd and 4thTuesdays and for service projects. Every 2^nd Tuesday of the month the club meets at the El Gallo Mexican Restaurant located at 11173 Fair Oaks Blvd. in Fair Oaks from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.  The 4^th Tuesday is reserved for our social get-together and the location varies within our service area.  Be sure to check us out!

Special note: if you would like to drop off a brand new pair of pajamas (plain, no logos, any kids size), you can do so at the Last Tangle Hair Salon located at 8820 Greenback Lane, Orangevale, the Steadman Group, Inc. located at 10149 Fair Oaks Blvd., Fair Oaks or Lyon Orthodontics located at 7806 Madison Ave., Suite# 100, Fair Oaks by the deadline of December 13, 2019! Thank you in advance for your kindness.