Founded in 1915 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. There are over 600,000 members and nearly 15,000 clubs in more than 90 nations throughout the world.

The principle core of the Kiwanis mission is the belief that the most effective way to enhance a community is to enhance its children. When you give a child a chance to learn, experience, dream, and succeed - great things will happen. One act of kindness can change the course of life. Proving that one can make a difference, Kiwanians have helped eradicate diseases, build schools, shelter the homeless, feed the hungry, and generate millions of smiles.

Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis was organized on May 18, 1979. The club meets every Friday at 6:30 a.m. at Noah's Landing in Dexter. The next level is the Division, which for Dexter, is called the Maine Highlands Division 2, and consists of Dexter, Dover-Foxcroft, Greenville, Milo, and Orono-Old Town. Moving up the chart is the New England District, and then at the top - Kiwanis International.

Some of our more recent projects locally are the Bike Safety Rodeo, the swim program where 45 children are bused to the YMCA in Dover-Foxcroft for swimming, scholarship and citizenship awards to deserving students, and many other activities that directly or indirectly benefit our children.

Anyone who has an interest in improving life for our children and the community, please contact any Kiwanis member."This content originally appeared as a copyrighted article in the SVWeekly.com and is used here with permission." Photo: Dexter Sunrise Kiwanis Club officers for 2011-2012 year are President Frances Field, President-Elect Peter Mealey, Vice President Marilyn Hartford, Secretary Lois Field, Assistant Secretary Barbara Herring and Treasurer Amy Young. Directors are Ted Bryant, Denise Dinsmore, Maurice Neal, Fred Banks, Richard Pfirman, Joan Banks, Jill Jones and John Parola. (Contributed photo)