East Meadow Kiwanis Welcomes Officers

The East Meadow Kiwanis Club welcomed Mitchell Allen as its new president at Saturday's annual installation dinner at Verdi’s in Westbury.

Allen had previously been treasurer and vice president of the East Meadow chapter.

“I decided to become president because community is everything,” Allen said. “I want to continue the traditions of the Kiwanis club.”

Known for helping the community, the East Meadow Kiwanis Club has 30 ongoing projects, all of which Allen will now oversee.

“We’ve worked on a lot lately,” Allen said. “We give out 120 food baskets three times a year which are donated to needy families in the East Meadow community. Every Thanksgiving we serve a full turkey dinner for 500 seniors. This is what we’re about.”

Also being inducted was the new secretary, Kevin Kamper, who was handpicked by Allen. Kamper joined the Kiwanis Club a year and a half ago.

“I’ve really loved it,” Kamper said of his experiences so far. “It’s a lot of fun and I’m with a good bunch of people who really care about the work they’re doing.”

Rich Santer, who was president in 2009 and 2010, only had compliments for Mitchell Allen.

“He’s going to be great,” Santer said. “He’s enthusiastic and highly organized. I’m involved with the children and I’m happy to see that he’s always involved with kids, too.”

Town Supervisor Kate Murray came to the induction to support Mitchell Allen and the Kiwanis Club.

“What I love is that you have different chapters coming out to support East Meadow’s induction,” Murray said. “The support is really phenomenal.”

The outgoing president, Harry Demiris, said he was very proud of his accomplishments during his tenure as president and thought the time was right for a new president.

"I feel that the time is right for a new president,” Demiris said, “But my feelings are a mix of satisfaction with what I’ve done and sadness at leaving.”