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Neighborhood Newsbeat:
Insider’s view of the Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanians

January 13, 2025 Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Members of the Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
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MILL BASIN — They volunteer their time and give back to their communities in a myriad of ways, often staying clear of pomp and circumstance. They are Kiwanians — part of a global organization that in 1915 initially focused on business networking, but changed its focus to service in 1919 — specifically service to children.

Today, there are Kiwanis clubs in nearly 80 nations and geographic locations.

Members of the Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club smile for the camera before the start of their weekly meeting. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Members of the Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club smile for the camera before the start of their weekly meeting. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman

Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis, one of the larger clubs in the Brooklyn division, held its weekly meeting at Dolce Vita restaurant on Jan. 8, taking care of its business but always in friendly and unpretentious fashion. 

Taking care of business 

Mark Pohl, the highest ranking Kiwanian in Brooklyn, who oversees all nine of the borough’s clubs, is also a member of the Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis.

Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis brass, from left: Mark Pohl, lt. governor; Veronica Daniele, president; Richard Schweid, recording secretary; Steven Pelman, treasurer; and Joe Stile, vice president. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis brass, from left: Mark Pohl, lt. governor; Veronica Daniele, president; Richard Schweid, recording secretary; Steven Pelman, treasurer; and Joe Stile, vice president. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman

“Our club is very familial,” Pohl said. “We are pretty lighthearted — and while we take care of what we have to at our weekly gatherings, we do a lot of socializing here as well.” 

A significant portion of the meeting is typically dedicated to discussing planned events designed to do what Kiwanians do best: help others in need. 

Veronica Daniele, president of Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Veronica Daniele, president of Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman

 

Pohl spoke of a Bingo fundraiser scheduled for the end of January. “That will be used to support our local charities such as food pantries, children’s sports organizations and others,” he said. 

There is also a lyme disease gala in April on Long Island honoring Kiwanian John Ridley.  

“Throughout the year, there will also be a series of ‘honor nights,’ whereby we honor people from the Brooklyn division for their outstanding work,” Pohl noted, adding that the president of the Canarsie Merchants Association was recently recognized for her work in the community.

Steven Pelman, treasurer, Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Steven Pelman, treasurer of Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman

At the end of 2024, Kiwanis’ Winter Wonderland will be providing toys to needy children, along with a cameo from Santa (Kiwanian Richard Schweid), in addition to food, drinks and games.

The Kiwanian meet-up also consisted of a treasury report, random member commentary and a closing ceremony.

Times they are a-changin’ 

Vice President Joe Stile has been a Kiwanian since 1964, and was also charter president of the Kings Plaza/Canarsie club when it began in 1991.

Joe Stile, vice president, Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
Joe Stile, vice president of Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman

“I love what I do, and I value my time here,” Stile said, also noting that in the 60-plus years he has been a member, things have changed significantly.

“Years ago you had to be a businessman to get in,” Stile continued. “You had to wear a suit and tie; you couldn’t be a truck driver, for example, and be a member. Nowadays things are quite different.” 

New Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club member Davidson Alexis (left) alongside Mark Pohl. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman
New Kings Plaza/Canarsie Kiwanis club member Davidson Alexis (left) alongside Mark Pohl. Photo by Wayne Daren Schneiderman

Newly-minted member Davidson Alexis describes himself as a very community-related person, and pointed out that there is no greater reward than doing for those that are unable to do for themselves. 

“I was invited down to a meeting by a friend and fellow member, and immediately felt it was something that I wanted to do,” Alexis said. “It’s incredibly rewarding.”

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