The Noon Kiwanis Club has kept a relatively low profile this summer, but that doesn’t mean its service projects and other activities have slowed down much.

“Several of our members have changed from part-time to year-round residents, which is a good thing for us,” said club President Bernie Hoenle.

“But they are getting some surprises during this year’s monsoon.”

Ongoing projects include community blood drives, visits to the Ronald McDonald House to prepare and serve dinner to residents, helping at Extended Hands Food Bank and the anti-litter Adopt-A-Street program.

One of the big member events in July was the Kiwanis International Convention held in Las Vegas.

Members were updated on several worldwide programs and participated in workshops to learn best practices.

“The global environment was apparent, and a great deal of club growth is occurring in overseas countries,” Hoenle said.

The Noon Club is part of the Kiwanis Southwest District, which celebrated its 100-year anniversary in August in El Paso, Texas.

At that convention, Hoenle was elected to become lieutenant governor for Division 12, which includes Kiwanis clubs in Scottsdale and Phoenix.

Matt Jefferson will become Noon Kiwanis president Oct. 1.

During the past several months the club has distributed a variety of grants and scholarships -- $4,000 to graduating high school seniors, $1,000 to the food bank and $1,000 to Fountain Hills Youth Theater.

“We have also been working to broaden our reach and added AZ Brain Food, Reigning Grace Ranch and Recycle Your Bicycle AZ, supporting each with $1,000 grants,” Hoenle said.

“And we contributed to the Fourth of July celebration.

“All club efforts focus on helping children and families.”

Now that the new school year has started, activities will pick up with Pacesetters and Falcon Leaders student awards along with Terrific Kids at the elementary level.

Next will be bi-weekly meetings with K-Kids and Builders at the Middle School.

Those clubs emphasize leadership skills and community service for young students.

“It’s always great to recognize our local talented students and acknowledge support from parents and teachers,” Hoenle said.

“And we started planning upcoming activities with Sunset Kiwanis, Kiwanis Lite and the Boys & Girls Club.”

One of the other big changes started this summer was the venue for lunch meetings – now at Fountain View Village.

“Service and food have been excellent,” Hoenle added.

“We still share space at the Sunset Kiwanis Center and have our infamous food trailers stored there.

“The summer also is a good time to do required maintenance and get ready for Halloween in the Hills.

“We have grown to embrace additional hands-on service, and we have grown our contributions to support other organizations financially from our fundraising efforts.”

The Noon Kiwanis Club meets the first and third Thursday of the month, with lunch being served at 11:45 a.m., at FVV.

Visitors are always welcome to stop by, enjoy a free lunch and learn more about the club.

For more information, visit fhkiwanis.org or search Facebook for Fountain Hills Noon Kiwanis Club.

Hoenle can be contacted via email at hoenle85268@gmail.com.