The tremendous value of community groups like Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, neighborhood associations and PTSA’s, is not just in the service they provide, but also the sharing of ideas, the interaction, the conversation that results.

The Sammamish Kiwanis Club is an excellent example of this. The Kiwanis are perhaps best known for their support of community events like the Fourth on the Plateau, fundraising activities for local charities, and their support of Eastside high schools.

But not so well known is the program of interesting guest speakers they conduct most weeks at their early morning meeting at the Sammamish Hills Lutheran Church, across from Town Hall and next to Skyline High School, at 22818 SE 8th St.

Kiwanis is not religiously affiliated, and is strongly focused on volunteering and serving the community.

The aim of the regular program of guest speakers is to discuss, inform and enlighten people in the community on all sorts of subjects, organizations and projects that are taking place in our city and our state.

The groups encourages nonpartisan representation, with equal consideration for opposing views on diverse, and often pressing, local issues. Better yet, a light breakfast, and coffee, is served.

In the recent past the Sammamish Kiwanis Club has hosted presentations from the Superintendent of the Lake Washington School District Chip Kimball, and Dr. Hilarie Cash, Executive Director of reSTART, who spoke about children’s addiction to internet use and video games, to name but a few.

In coming weeks there will be a number of opportunities for interested locals to get plugged into what’s happening on the Plateau.

On Wednesday, Feb. 17, new City of Sammamish Councilmember, former television personality, and “serial fundraiser” John Curley will offer his insights into the world of nonprofit organizations and offer tips on fundraising and promoting community events.

On March 3, former City of Sammamish Planning Commissioner and nationally recognized aerospace industry consultant Scott Hamilton will talk about how Washington can work to secure its economic future following the loss of several airliner projects to manufacturers in other states.

Two weeks later, Sammamish Police Chief Nate Elledge will field questions from the Kiwanis group about crime and safety on the Plateau.

Anyone who is interested in listening to these guest speakers, or in the Kiwanis Club in general, is encouraged to come along to one of the weekly meetings, at 7 a.m., each Wednesday. Not only will you learn more about the city in which you live, but also have the opportunity to contribute in a very hands-on fashion to any number of civic events, fundraisers and charitable projects.

Just show up and ask for Bob Keller or Nicky Beedle, phone 425-836-4210, or visit www.sammamishkiwanis.org.