Palatine Kiwanis not showing signs of middle age

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Kiwanis Club of Palatine, and six members of the organization came to Monday's village council meeting to accept a proclamation of congratulations.

The local chapter of the global volunteer organization was chartered on July 14, 1960 and continues to be an active part of the Palatine community, Mayor Jim Schwantz said.

There's the well-known Peanut Day every September, which raises money for local youth baseball and soccer teams, day-care centers, senior homes and other charities. Kiwanis also supports students with disabilities at Palatine High School with an annual donation, and college scholarships for Palatine graduates.

And Kiwanis teams up with the Jaycees to sponsor an annual Christmas party to provide grants for children with disabilities to attend the Kiwanis summer camp.

"I want to assure everybody we'll continue to work for Palatine and raise money and help the needy for the next 50 years," Kiwanis Club of Palatine President Jim Dewey said.

To learn more about the group, which meets on Tuesdays, go to palatinekiwanis.com.