The Kiwanis Club of the Islips-Bay Shore held their monthly meeting at the cozy Harp & Hound, in Islip, on Tuesday, March 21 at 6:30 p.m. The well-attended dinner—with more than 20 members in attendance, seated at a long family-style table—was hosted by the local chapter’s president Sandy Flandina and his wife Cathy.

The mission of the philanthropic organization is to benefit children, families, and underserved veterans in the local community. The next major fundraiser planned by the Kiwanis Club is a wonderful, fun event, for a good cause, honoring the new Mother Baby Unit at Good Samaritan Hospital. It was also mentioned at the meeting that Good Samaritan Hospital, which Kiwanis often helps support, is also now certified as a level-1 trauma hospital.

The Kiwanis Rocks Dinner Dance & Charity Event honoring Good Samaritan Mother Baby Unit will be held on Saturday, May 13, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. It will be held at the Amvets Post 18, located at 141 Carleton Avenue, East Islip. The suggested attire is “Rock and Roll Casual,” so dress for dancing! There will be an open bar, buffet dinner, desserts, and raffles galore. Those planning on attending please RSVP by May 1. Text Sandy at 631-882-4994 or email sandyflandina@hotmail.com. Tickets are $85 per person. A check, credit card or Venmo can be sent to @kiwanis – Islip – Bay Shore. Checks can also be mailed to P.O. Box 543, Islip, NY 11751. The fundraiser will feature The Astoria Revival Band, Steve Mitchell will be hip swiveling as Elvis, also featured will be the Star Wars 501st Legion.

Some notable Kiwanis members in attendance included Lt. Gov. Jarrod Gordon and Town of Islip receiver of taxes Andy Wittman.

Gordon explained the meaning of the club’s distinctive name, which some may find hard to pronounce, but is symbolic of a sentiment which was certainly felt by seasoned members and newcomers alike at the meeting. “It is Native American for Welcome,” he said, with the caveat, “It’s a loose translation.” Gordon’s home club is Sayville, but he is active in several local branches of Kiwanis. “I run seven clubs in my division: Islip/Bay Shore, the Mastics, Saville, Patchogue, East Hampton, South Hampton, and West Hampton. It’s a one-year position, but I’ll probably be doing it another year. There are not a lot of people who want to step into the role,” explained Gordon.

One of Gordon’s primary objectives at the helm of the area’s division is to make the Kiwanis Club more accessible and inclusive to a variety of people in the community who would like to join. “Diversity, equity, inclusion. The average Kiwanis member is a 60-year-old white male,” the Lt. Governor said.

One example of efforts being successful in starting the change toward a more diverse membership was a presentation at the recent meeting—which also reminded that Kiwanis Club is an international organization—given by Alain Romain Saintilus, ARS International Investors’ president, who spoke on charitable work that the Kiwanis Club is doing around the world, in places such as Africa and Haiti, to improve the quality of life of children and families in those areas, and other regions, around the world.

At the end of each meeting, there is a good-natured tradition—to raise a few extra dollars—called “Happy Dollars,” where everybody puts a buck or two into a hat, which is passed around the table, while each share something for which they are grateful as they add cash to the stash.

Cathy Flandina capped off the rewarding meeting, filled with good will and camaraderie, on a high note, stating, “One happy dollar for a great meeting and a great turnout.”

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 11, at 6:30, at Mary’s Pizza & Pasta in Islip Terrace.

For those fortunate enough to have something extra to give to others in need, Sandy Flandina encouraged members and non-members alike not to forget about the organization when looking to donate to a good cause. “Keep Kiwanis in mind when giving away money,” he continued, “we need you guys to help us raise money. If we don’t raise money, we can’t give any back.”