Mtn. Empire/Campo Kiwanis

October 01, 2020

Greetings fellow Kiwanians and members of the community,

This is a challenging time for many of us, which is why your Mtn. Empire/Campo Kiwanis is dedicated to working harder than ever to help out in the community where they can. While we have had to cancel some fundraising events and meetings the club is actively researching new ways to remain active in the communities we serve.

On October 1, 2020 the new Kiwanis year began and the club is looking forward to living up to the California-Hawaii-Nevada Governor's theme "Make It Happen"  We will continue to be there for those in need, giving of our time and talents as well as continuing to raise funds for those in need. 

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The theme for our local division is "Survivor" because of everything we have all been going through.  If we work as a team we will get through the hard times.

We'd like to thank the community for its ongoing support of Mtn. Empire/Campo Kiwanis, and we look forward to a great year.

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September 21, 2020

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By Marilyn Boryla, President

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As restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 crisis continue to impact our monthly meetings, I regret that there are no immediate plans at this time to resume meetings at Campo Café.

We are so looking forward to getting back to Kiwanis business and serving the youth and seniors of our back country communities.   We invite you to join us when that time comes!

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I am very happy to announce that on September 12th, I had the honor and pleasure of presenting a well-deserved Community Service Award to Lance Garmo, owner of the Campo Green Store.  This award was also recognized at the Annual Cal-Nev-Ha (California-Nevada-Hawaii) Governor’s visit meeting, which was held virtually via Zoom on September 19th.  The following bio was read as his award was recognized:

Kiwanis Club of Mtn. Empire-Campo

2020 Community Service Award Recipient - Mr. Lance Garmo

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Lance Garmo began working in his family’s general store in Campo, CA, known to locals as the “Green Store”, about 12 years ago. Ever since, Lance has commuted from his home in San Diego to Campo, gradually taking on more duties, until assuming the manager position full time.

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Lance and his family have provided vital support through the years to our Kiwanis Club, assisting many of our Community Service projects and supporting our Barn Dance fund raiser every year.

Lance goes out of his way to provide our Mtn. Empire residents with healthy food and other items he knows we need and enjoy, and he has been an especially critical asset to all of us who have sheltered-in-place during the shutdowns of Covid-19 this year.  Local residents always know that they will find assistance with their needs, or just a kind word and friendly smile from Lance, when they stop by the Green Store. 

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With Deepest Thanks Lance,

Mountain Empire Kiwanians and Residents

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·PLEASE DO CHECK our website and Facebook page for future updates.  Visit us at www.mtempirecampokiwanis.org or check out our FACEBOOK page at Mtn. Empire-Campo Kiwanis.  Please Like Us!

QUESTIONS???   Feel free to call me … (619) 478-2622.

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July 25, 2020

RILEY, MANCUSO, WEST ELECTED NEXT LEADERS OF KIWANIS INTERNATIONAL

Art Riley was elected president of Kiwanis International, Peter Mancuso was elected president-elect and Bert West was elected vice president during Kiwanis International Council, a special meeting of the board of trustees, past presidents, current district governors, the European Federation president and the Kiwanis Asia-Pacific chair. The Kiwanis International Board convened the Council on July 25, 2020, due to the cancellation of the 105th Kiwanis International Convention.

“The events of 2020 dictate that we look ahead with determination and optimism,” said Art Riley, 2020-21 president. “The air of uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 virus demands we examine our values more than ever. In the coming year I will work to transform Kiwanis through membership growth, more focused youth leadership education and greater attention to diversity and inclusion.”

All new officers for 2020-21 are:

• Art Riley, president

• Peter Mancuso, president-elect

• Bert West, vice president

• Kip Crain, U.S. & Pacific Canada trustee

• Chuck Fletcher, U.S. & Pacific Canada trustee

• Michael Mulhaul, U.S. & Pacific Canada trustee

• Michel Fongue, at-large trustee

Trustees from the Asia-Pacific District were elected during the Asia-Pacific District Convention held in Nepal in March. They are Buheita Fujiawara of Tokyo, Japan, and Wilfredo G. Aguilar of Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines. 

(Information on all candidates is here.)

Additionally, council voted to memorialize past international presidents who died in the past year, including: 

• Ray Lansford, 1984-85

• Frank DiNoto, 1986-87

• Anton “Tony” Kaiser, 1987-88

• John Button, 2014-15

• Florencio “Poly” Lat, 2018-19

Executive Director Stan Soderstrom addressed the challenges presented by the pandemic. 

“Our inability to predict where we will be three months from now has never been more difficult,” Soderstrom said. “We are not necessarily in crisis, nor are we in the midst of a calamity or impending disaster. We need to properly assess the environment in which we exist.”

During the evening portion of council, attendees and viewers were able to “Celebrate Great” during two awards ceremonies. 

Council presented eight districts with Distinguished Awards for the 2018-19 administrative year, noting that the districts achieved a net gain in membership. There were 433 new clubs formed to help children and communities that year.

Additionally, council presented awards to districts that won the Signature Project Contest and Recognition. Winners are: 

Tier I winners
GOLD — Kiwanis Club of Ormond Beach, Florida District, Kiwanis Reads! Summer Reading Challenge

SILVER — Kiwanis Club of Oak Lawn Area, Illinois-Eastern Iowa District, Feed 6 Mega Event

BRONZE — Kiwanis Club of the Adelaide Hills, Australia District, Kiwanis Book Shop

Tier II winners 
GOLD — Kiwanis Club of Prescott, Southwest District, Live Annual Auction

SILVER — Kiwanis Club of Ames-Town and Country, Nebraska-Iowa District, Teen Maze

BRONZE — Kiwanis Club of Mansfield, Ohio District, Friendly House

Soderstrom challenged members to be innovative when finding ways to meet, fundraise and support children in their communities. “We may not be able to predict the future, but we can begin to predict the skills we will need to survive and we can recognize that change is on the horizon,” he said. 

“It has been a difficult second half of the Kiwanis year,” said 2019-20 Kiwanis International president Daniel Vigneron. “We have lost members to the pandemic and it has not been easy for our clubs to meet. Some of our initiatives have been put on hold, including training for expansion in Africa. I know that coming through this we will be stronger in the future. The transition of leadership to Art Riley and Peter Mancuso will put Kiwanis in a position to move our organization forward.”

June 19, 2020

As restrictions imposed by the Covid-19 crisis continue to relax, I am very excited to announce that Mountain Empire Campo Kiwanis plans to resume our monthly meetings at Campo Café in July.  This meeting will take place on the 13th, keeping in step with whatever CDC and social distancing guidelines are in place when that time comes.    Campo Café is located at 1247 Sheridan Road in Campo.   Meeting time is 6:30 pm.  Look for our “Kiwanis Meets Here” feather flag in front of the restaurant. 

We are so looking forward to getting back to Kiwanis business and serving the youth and seniors of our back country communities.   We invite you to join us!

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STATUS OF EVENTS

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·I want to take this opportunity to extend our best wishes and congratulations to the entire Mountain Empire High School CLASS OF 2020.   Your senior year may not have been what you expected, but it will definitely be one you’ll never forget.   You overcame many obstacles to get that diploma.  Good luck in all your future endeavors, whether you to seek a career path in higher education, trade school, our US Military, and the many other possibilities out there.    Dream BIG and follow that dream…they can and do come true!

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• ·  Unfortunately, our March 29th “BACK COUNRY WINE TASTING” was cancelled…no reschedule date is currently planned.  The event will return in 2021.

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• ·The Annual BARN DANCE – Campo Kiwanis Signature Event

• Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, we missed our 2nd Saturday of the month date which would have been June 13th.   We do intend to reschedule this event to take place  sometime  in the September/October time-frame…of course assuming somewhat  normal activities can  resume keeping  CDC and social distancing guidelines in the forefront.    For now at least, certain restrictions will be ongoing, but we will make the best of our new “normal” as we move forward.

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• ·PLEASE DO CHECK our website and Facebook page for future updates.  Visit us at www.mtempirecampokiwanis.org or check out our FACEBOOK page at Mtn. Empire-Campo Kiwanis.  Please Like Us!

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QUESTIONS???   Feel free to call me … (619) 478-2622.

March 01, 2020

March 2020 marks the 45th Anniversary of our organization’s charter.  Throughout these years we’ve continue our presence serving the Mountain Empire-Campo communities, mentoring and supporting youth, supporting seniors, and a variety of service projects throughout our back-country area. We are always looking for service minded individuals with fresh ideas for ways to provide needed service projects to our youth and back country communities.  If you have a suggestion to share, join us at our monthly meetings that are held on the 2nd Monday of each month.

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Our next monthly meeting will be held on Monday – March 9 at the Campo Café (formerly Café B) located at 1247 Sheridan Road in Campo, CA 91906 at 6:30 pm.

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SAVE THE DATE…Sunday - March 29, 2020 is our annual spring “Back Country Wine Tasting” event at the Campo Creek Vineyard tasting room, located at 29556 Hwy 94 Campo, CA 91906.   Pre-sale tickets are now available for $35/person or $60/couple.  At the door will be $40 per person.    

Purchase online now at: www.campocreekvineyards.com or call (619) 478-2622 for reservations.  Proceeds benefit a variety of community & youth activities.

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Come find out what we are doing for your communities and how 2-3 hours per month YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE too.  For more information, visit us at www.mtempirecampokiwanis.org or check out our FACEBOOK page at Mtn. Empire-Campo Kiwanis.  Please Like Us!  Look for the Mtn. Empire Campo Kiwanis “Meets Here” feather flag in front of Campo Café.

QUESTIONS???   Feel free to call me … (619) 478-2622.

February 01, 2020

 Kiwanis Club of Mtn. Empire-Campo News for February 2020

By Marilyn Boryla , President

Our club continues to grow in numbers.  As always, we are extremely proud of our now 45 years of presence and history serving the Mountain Empire-Campo communities, mentoring and supporting youth, supporting seniors, and miscellaneous service projects throughout our back-country area. We are always looking for service minded individuals with fresh ideas for ways to provide needed service projects to our youth and back country communities.  If you have a suggestion to share, join us at our monthly meetings that are held on the 2nd Monday of each month.

We hosted our annual Thanksgiving Senior Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 22nd at the Campo Community Center.  We had a great turnout enjoyed by everyone in attendance.  The Christmas Senior Luncheon on Dec. 20th also at the Campo Community Center was well attended.  Over 70 seniors at each event.

In December, we also partnered with Salvation Army to adopt a local family.  The club and individual members provided lots of gifts and grocery gift cards to make their Christmas season bright.  We also donated 2 bicycles to the annual Christmas in Potrero event and volunteered at the annual “Santa” event.  Santa always arrives on a Cal Fire firetruck and personally listens to the little ones Christmas list before he returns to the North Pole to fill their orders.

February 10th is our next monthly meeting will be held at Campo Café (formerly Café B) at 6:30 pm as usual. 

SAVE THE DATE… March 29th…for our “Back Country Wine tasting at the Campo Creek Vineyard tasting room, located on Hwy 94.  Tickets will be available in February along with detailed information.

Come find out what we are doing for your community and how YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. (only 2-3 hours per month) For more information, visit us at www.mtempirecampokiwanis.org or check out our FACEBOOK page at Mtn. Empire-Campo Kiwanis.  Please Like Us!  Look for the Mtn. Empire Campo Kiwanis “Meets Here” feather flag in front of Campo Café. 

QUESTIONS???   Feel free to call me … 619 478-2622 

October 01, 2019

Kiwanis Club of Mtn. Empire-Campo News for October 2019

By Marilyn Boryla , President

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Our club continues to grow in numbers.  As always, we are extremely proud of our 44 years of presence and history serving the Mountain Empire-Campo communities, mentoring and supporting youth, seniors, and miscellaneous service projects throughout our back-country area. We are always looking for service minded individuals with fresh ideas for ways to provide needed service projects to our youth and back country communities.  If you have any suggestions to share, join us at our monthly meetings that are held on the 2nd Monday of each month.  This month has changed.  More details below.

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Our annual installation of club officers and board of directors will be held at the Lt. John Finn VFW Post 2080 on Saturday, October 12th at 6:00 pm.  The 2019-2020 Kiwanis year promises to be a fun filled year with multiple opportunities to give back and serve our youth and back-country communities in various ways.

Our members will be volunteering at the Campo Elementary Fall Festival on Oct. 18th which   will be held on school grounds. This festival helps to fund the Annual 6th Grade Camp for all students, so please support their efforts by attending.

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Don’t forget to stop by our booth at the Alpine Chili Cookoff & Car Show on October 19th at the Alpine Community Center park grounds.  It’s going to be a fun event for all the family. Be sure to cast your vote for “People’s Choice” and taste all the wonderful chili.

Our October 12th installation dinner will serve as our monthly meeting.  If you plan to join us, please RSVP to 619 478-2622 to guarantee a reservation no later than Monday, October 7, 2019.   Our November meeting will be held at Café B at 6:30 pm as usual. 

Come find out what we are doing for your community and how YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. (only 2-3 hours per month) For more information, visit us at www.mtempirecampokiwanis.org or check out our FACEBOOK page at Mtn. Empire-Campo Kiwanis.  Please Like Us!  Look for the Mtn. Empire Campo Kiwanis “Meets Here” feather flag in front of Café B. 

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QUESTIONS???   Feel free to call me … (619) 478-2622

July 29, 2019

Kiwanis Club of Mtn. Empire-Campo News for August 2019

By Marilyn Boryla , President

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As always, we are extremely proud of our 44 years of our presence and history serving the Mountain Empire-Campo communities, mentoring and supporting youth, supporting seniors, and miscellaneous service projects throughout our back-country area. We are always looking for service minded individuals with fresh ideas to provide needed service projects to our youth and back country communities.  If you have a suggestion to share, join us at our monthly meetings that are held on the 2nd Monday of each month.  More details below.

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July was a quiet month.  But stay tuned, another wine tasting is in the planning for October…date still to be determined.  Watch for flyers to be forthcoming.

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Everyone is invited to attend our next general meeting on the Monday - August 12, 2019 at   6:00 pm.  Café B Restaurant is located at 1247 Sheridan Road in Campo.  Find out what we are doing for your communities and how YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  For more information, please visit us at www.mtempirecampokiwanis.org or check out our FACEBOOK page at Mtn. Empire-Campo Kiwanis.  Please Like Us!  Look for the Mtn. Empire Campo Kiwanis “Meets Here” feather flag in front of Café B. 

QUESTIONS???   Feel free to call me … 619 478-2622

June 21, 2019

As always, we are extremely proud of our 44 years of our presence and history serving the Mountain Empire-Campo communities, mentoring and supporting youth, supporting seniors, and miscellaneous service projects throughout our back-country area. We are always looking service minded individuals with fresh ideas for ways to provide needed service projects to our youth and back country communities.  If you have a suggestion to share, join us at our monthly meetings that are held on the 2nd Monday of each month.  More details below.

JUNE 5TH AT MOUNTAIN EMPIRE HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP NIGHT…

We presented 5 scholarships to deserving seniors at the 2019 award night on June 5th. 
Charlie Sallee received a $500 scholarship awarded by the Mtn. Empire-Campo Kiwanis in the name of Don Taylor.  Farlin Anderson, Sujhey Rosas Valencia, Delanie Craighead, and Dallas Prince also received $500 scholarships from Mtn. Empire Campo Kiwanis Club.  Congratulations to our recipients and to the entire MEHS Class of 2019.   Good wishes for following your dreams, education and all future endeavors.  Kudos also to the numerous back-country organizations that came together that night to award over $76,000 in scholarships overall. 

May 01, 2019

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Our club started event planning this month at our April 8th meeting.  We are extremely proud of our 44 years of our presence and history serving the Mountain Empire-Campo communities, mentoring and supporting youth, supporting seniors, and miscellaneous service projects throughout our back-country area. We are always looking service minded individuals with fresh ideas for ways to provide needed service projects to our youth and back country communities.  If you have a suggestion to share, join us at our monthly meetings that are held on the 2nd Monday of each month.  More details below.

A special “Thank You” to everyone who came out to support and enjoy our first annual “Back Country Wine Tasting” event on March 31st.  We had an absolutely gorgeous day at a beautiful venue, the Campo Creek Vineyards on Hwy 94.  We were also joined by Westfall Vineyards of Campo.  Guests feasted on fresh fruits, cheese and crackers and multiple choices of award-winning local wines to satisfy their palate. 

THE BARN DANCE IS BACK…. OUR ANNUAL SIGNATURE FUNDRAISER!

Mark you calendars…our annual “Barn Dance” is scheduled for Saturday – June 8, 2019.   Check our ad in this month’s issue of Valley Views.   The event will feature dancing to live music by “BILL MOFFETT & THE GHOSTRIDERS” at the Star Ranch in Campo. Also included in the ticket price is a BBQ dinner with fixings’ (served from 7:00 to 9:00 pm), a cash bar and multiple raffle baskets.  Proceeds raised at this event will help fund miscellaneous community service projects for youth and seniors throughout the year, as well as scholarships and other various awards.  Our club members are grateful for all community support past, present and future.  Event tickets are available NOW…see our ad for merchant locations.  Make your reservations today!  For more information call (619) 478-2622.

Everyone is invited to attend our next general meeting on the Monday May 13, 2019 at 6:00 pm at the Café B Restaurant located at 1247 Sheridan Rd, Campo. Come and find out what we are doing for your community and how YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!  For more information, visit us at www.mtempirecampokiwanis.org or check out our FACEBOOK page at Mtn. Empire-Campo Kiwanis.  Please Like Us!  Look for the Mtn. Empire Campo Kiwanis “Meets Here” feather flag in front of Café B. 

QUESTIONS???   Feel free to call me … 619 478-2622

April 06, 2019

Our club continues to grow as we welcomed one new member this month at our March 11th meeting.  We are extremely proud of our almost 44 years of our presence and history serving the Mountain Empire-Compo communities, mentoring and supporting youth, seniors and miscellaneous service projects throughout our back country area.  We are always looking for service minded individuals with fresh ideas for ways to provide needed services projects for our youth and back country communities.  If you have a suggestion to share, join us at our monthly meeting that are held on the 2nd Monday of each month.

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THE BARN DANCE IS BACK...OUR ANNUAL SIGNATURE FUNDRAISER!

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Mark your calendars...our "Barn Dance" is back on scheduled for the 2nd Saturday in June as is the norm...June 8, 2019.  The event will include live country music, dancing, a BBO dinner with all the fixings, a cash bar and great raffle prizes.  As in the past the event will be held at Star Ranch in Campo.

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Proceeds raised at this annual event will help to fund miscellaneous community service projects for youth and seniors throughout the year.  Our club members are grateful for all community support in the past and the future.  Event tickets will be available soon...watch for future flyers.  For more information call:  (619) 478-2622.

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Everyone is invited to attend our next general meeting on Monday - April 8, 2019 at 6:00 pm @ Café B Restaurant located at 1247 Sheridan Road, Campo.  Look for the Kiwanis Flag.  Join us and find out what we are doing for your community and how YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.  You can also visit our Facebook page at Mtn. Empire-Camp Kiwanis.

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ANY QUESTIONS? Feel free to call Marilyn Boryla - President @ (619) 478-2622

February 12, 2019

On Sunday - March 31, 2019 the Kiwanis Club of Mt. Empire/Campo will be hosting their Annual Wine Tasting fundraiser at Campo Creek Vineyards/Winery from 1:00 to 5:00 pm.

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Campo Creek Vineyards and Westfall Winery are situated with the rural community of Campo among the beautiful mountains in San Diego's East County.  They each produce award winning hand crafted estate wines.  Campo Creek Vineyards offer Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Blends, Pink Rose' and Viognier.  Westfall Winery includes; Sangiovese, Grenache, Sauvignon Blanc. Zinfandel and Cab Franc.

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Come and enjoy these locally produced award winning vines with your friends and family.  21 and older please.

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Make your reservations today!

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Campo Creek Vineyards is located at 29556 Highway 94, Campo, CA 91906.  For more information call (619) 478-2622.  To purchase online tickets visit www.campocreekvineyards.com.

January 28, 2019

At our January 14th meeting, Sirena Griffin and Sebastian Shields of Vista Hill gave us an update on the services provided to many families during the past holiday season.   Their role in the community continues to expand in this new year as they reach out to families in need of vital information and available services.  They also introduced Adam Fruchey, the Back-Country representative for the Salvation Army.  He gave a brief presentation.  Adam is new to our area and is requesting assistance in finding points of contact for churches and other service organizations willing to partner with Salvation Army to provide any additional needed services.  Adam is based in El Cajon, but his service area covers a huge area from Alpine to Jacumba, along the I8, and including Dulzura and Potrero. 

For anyone who called in and supported The Rady Children’s Hospital Gift-a-thon (formerly Radiothon) which aired on the 7-San Diego I-Heart Radio Stations on December 13 and 14…the 2-day event raised a total of $286,577.   Thank you all.

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Our club continues to grow into this new year.  We are extremely proud of our almost 44 years of our presence and history serving the Mountain Empire-Campo communities, mentoring and supporting youth, supporting seniors, and miscellaneous service projects throughout our back-country area. Monthly general meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month.

More details below:

Everyone is invited to attend our next general meeting on the Monday February 11th, 2019 at 6:00 pm, Café B restaurant, 1247 Sheridan Rd, Campo, and find out what we are doing for your community and how YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. (only 2-3 hours per month)

For more information, visit us at www.mtempirecampokiwanis.org or check out our FACEBOOK page at Mtn. Empire-Campo Kiwanis.   Please Like Us!  Look for the Mtn. Empire Campo Kiwanis “Meets Here” feather flag in front of Café B. 

QUESTIONS???   Feel free to call me … 619 478-2622