Since we didn’t get into the January edition because of lack of space, I would like to touch on a few things we accomplished in December before I talk about some of the exciting projects we have planned for January and February.

First though I will report on Tatianna French’s pig. It weighed in at 278 lbs, and was bought by the Bodine and Twig families of Kingston. It sold for $525; the food bank is really happy and thanks again Tatianna for your generosity.

On Dec. 12 many Kingston residents spent a delightful evening at the Firehouse Theater in Kingston listening to Christmas songs from the Kitsap Chordsmen. This free concert was sponsored by Kiwanis to support the North Kitsap Boys & Girls Club. No admission was charged, but attendees donated more than $400. One of our members, Hal Hoover, convinced more than 25 Chordsmen to participate. Thanks Hal.

Another Kiwanis tradition is free pictures with Santa. Kiwanis has been doing this for more than 26 years, and at one time we had seven Santas working. This fun event was possible this year because of the ongoing cooperation with the Oak Table Cafe. Santa was on hand Dec. 12 for kids, parents and grandparents to have their pictures taken.

Another one of our members, Jerry Schmidt, has our latest Ford Mustang almost finished and ready to go for our 2011 raffle. We are now selling tickets. This year it will be red with black stripes and a black vinyl roof. Thanks again Jerry and Lori!

We also had a food drive on Dec. 4 at IGA and Albertsons to help our neighbors through the holidays. We collected thousands of pounds of food and about $2,600 to help families in Kingston.

The toy drive that Judy Osborn has chaired for the last two years was a great success. ShareNet was able to give toys to 272 children that would not have had a Christmas. Judy will start collecting toys for this year in the spring. Thanks Judy.

Looking ahead, on Feb. 13 our second annual “An Evening of Romance” gala will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the Oak Table Café. Champagne, chocolate and hors d’ oeuvres will be served along with a raffle and entertainment. There will be a live auction at 7 p.m., and the movie “An Affair to Remember, ” will be shown in the Firehouse Theater. Tickets are $30. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club. There are not many tickets left, so get them soon. They are for sale in many local businesses, or call Judy Osborn at (360) 297-1619. Another great Valentine’s Day treat is a singing Valentine. A Kitsap Chordsmen Barbershop Quartet will deliver a single rose bouquet, a card and a love song in four part harmony. This is available from Feb. 11– Feb. 14.

Kiwanis is all about kids and community, and every penny we collect goes back into programs that support our community. Come down to one of our meetings and see what we do. Kiwanis meets 7 a.m. every Thursday at the Oak Table Café. For information call Dick Osborn at (360) 297-1619 or Bob Lee at (360) 297-4462.