From Keene Kiwanis

Warmer weather is coming soon and that means kids will be spending more time outside doing their favorite things like bike riding. The Kiwanis Club of Keene is a community service club that does everything it can to make life fun for kids in our community and we are especially focused on keeping kids safe and healthy. On Saturday, May 2 we will be hosting our annual Kool Wheels Family Fun and Safety Day at the Keene Parks and Recreation Center on Washington Street from 10 am to 12 pm. There is no charge for this community event.

Kool Wheels is our Kiwanis club’s annual effort to make biking safe for kids. Kids 4-12 years old will be able to choose a free bicycle helmet from a colorful selection of bike helmets while supplies last. Helmets will be properly fitted to each child. To help us make sure that bikes are safe, the Monadnock Cycling club will be there once again to provide a quick tune up for every kids bike brought to the event. The youth clubs that Kiwanis supports at Keene and Monadnock high schools will set up a bike safety riding range where good bike safety skills will be emphasized. Each child will receive a Certificate of Achievement when they complete the course. And best of all, at noon, a drawing will be held and a brand new bicycle will be given to the family that has the winning door prize ticket.

Many other organizations have volunteered their time to speak with the children and pass out safety tips and literature including the Keene Police Department and the Keene Fire Department.  Attendees are invited to bring a teddy bear or doll that might have a “broken arm or paw”, and the orthopedic staff of Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene will apply a colorful cast to the damaged limb.  Parents of younger children may choose to have a staff member of the CMC/DHK Children’s Learning Center do a safety check of the child’s car seat. Keene State College Dietetic Interns will be hosting the preparation and serving of healthy snacks and will provide dietary information about healthy eating.

To round out the enjoyable day, face painting and arts and crafts tables will be available and Ribby from the Swamp Bats will be on hand to talk with the children. Download a flyer for the day or for more information, contact co-chairs: Joan Hoose or Kelly Manning.

Mark your calendars! Saturday, May 2nd from 10-12 am at the Keene Rec Center. See you there.