Indianapolis Star

As many of us were still waking up the morning after the Indianapolis Colts won the AFC Championship, the Carmel Kiwanis Club members were gathering for a weekly meeting.

Most of the Kiwanians are Colts fans, although treasurer Dick Klar spoke up and said, although he's lived in Carmel for years, he's a Chicago Bears fan.

President-elect Paul Felix had invited me to speak to the group about The Carmel Star, and I learned about their group in the process.

The group may be best known for its occasional pancake breakfasts. In fact, right after Monday's meeting, they went to Joe's Butcher Shop in the Arts & Design District to present a certificate of appreciation to owner Joe Lazzara. Don Moehn, the group's newsletter producer, said in an e-mail that Lazzara's helped the Kiwanis buy meat for the most recent breakfast.

The Carmel Kiwanis also raise money in rummage sales and efforts to sell poinsettias and other flowers.

All the money goes toward helping the community.

For example, Secretary Jeanette Denton is leading the program Bringing Up Grades in local schools. She said Kiwanians soon will establish a rapport with students in a reading project and then work with them on bringing home the best report cards they can.

The Carmel Kiwanis also have helped to start a new Boy Scout troop in a Carmel church.

Their Kiwanis group, started in 1963, is one of four in the city. You often can find meeting times for the groups and their guest speakers in The Carmel Star's calendar.

The groups also share stories and photos through CarmelStar.com's "News from you" section. You can do the same, and we'll share the good news from your community group.