Salvation Army kettles and bell ringers will continue to be set up at Walt’s Diner and Souvenir Village during this weekend’s Adirondack Christmas on Main Street event.

The project was coordinated by Bill Ransom, past president of the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks, who recruited Kiwanis, Key Club and Knights of Columbus volunteers to ring the bells throughout the two weekends of the event. Last year’s effort raised over $1,200.

“Kiwanis and our local community is pleased with the generous contributions of the many visitors, tourists and local citizens to the Salvation Army. The funds raised will be used in the Central Adirondack area during the holiday season to assist families in need,” Ransom said.

The Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks holds various fundraisers throughout the year to benefit its Christmas for Kids project, which provides gifts, mittens, scarves and food for area families.

Kiwanis Past President Sheila Brady selling raffle tickets at Wilderness Interiors. Courtesy photo

Kiwanis is currently conducting raffles for a basket of cheer and a basket of toys in support of the effort, with tickets available for purchase at Wilderness Interiors on Main Street in Old Forge.

Sheila Brady, co-chair of the project, expressed her thanks for the many Kiwanis members who donated items for the raffle, Kinney Drugs, and to Lori and Tom of Wilderness Interiors for the use of their property to sell tickets.

“Each year our community expresses its holiday good will by providing over 100 families in the community with special Christmas gifts for the holiday,” Brady said.

Camry Liddle and William Johnson, Central Adirondack Kiwanis Students of the Month for October and November, respectively, were presented with recognition certificates and a $50 check at a Kiwanis dinner meeting held on Monday, November 25. Pictured from left are, Carmen Mastroianni, Kiwanis Student of the Month Co-Chair; November Student of the Month William Johnson; and Ray Schoeberlein Kiwanis Past President and Student of the Month Co-Chair. Courtesy photo

The Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks annually provides twelve benches in Old Forge upon which visitors can take a rest and watch what’s going on along Main Street.

From left, back row: Dee Kraft; Co-Chair, Chris Kraft; Penny Stuart; Carmen Mastroianni; Ray Schoeberlein; President Mike Griffin; Front Row: Co-Chair Tom Smedley; Sheila Brady and Chris Gaige.

The benches are placed along Main Street in time for Memorial Day weekend in the spring and placed in storage shortly following Columbus Day.

In the spring, a group of Kiwanis and Key Club members sand, paint and reassemble the benches for placement.

A team of Kiwanis members recently removed the benches for winter storage.

Tom Smedley and Chris Kraft, co-chairs of the Kiwanis Main Street Bench Committee, expressed their thanks to the Town of Webb for allowing use of the Hiltebrant Recreation Center for winter storage of the benches.

Mike Griffin was presented with the Kiwanian of the Year Award at a Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks’ recognition event held Sunday, September 22 at North Woods Inn.

Outgoing President Jim Connerty(from left), Kiwanian of The Year Mike Griffin and Membership Co-Chair Bob Teasedale

Griffin, incoming president of the organization, was recognized for his active participation in all club activities. He serves as president of the Kommunity Youth and Activity Center (KYAC), advisor to Town of Webb School Key Club and Builders Club, and co-chair of the annual car wash fundraising project.

Membership Co-Chair Bob Teesdale, who presented the award, also acknowledged  Griffin as a tireless worker in many of the other Kiwanis activities. He will officially assume the club presidency for the program year 2013-14 on October 1st.

Griffin resides in Old Forge with his wife, Kandis, Town of Webb School Counselor. He is retired from National Grid and currently works in the Town of Kirkland Code Enforcement Office.