Kiwanis Club changes up meetings

As steadfast as the Pancake Breakfast and Gourmet Lawn Party, the Kiwanis Club of Longboat Key has met at the Tavern and Whiskey Bar for its weekly meetings since 2010.

However, starting with the July 20 meeting, which will begin at 11:45 a.m. at The Lazy Lobster, the meetings times will change.

“We want to try to make the organization more accessible, if you will, to people who can’t make it to breakfast,” club President Steve Branham said.

The club will meet on the first Thursday of each month for breakfast at the Tavern and Whiskey Bar. There will be no meetings on the second and fourth Thursdays. The third Thursdays will be luncheon at various restaurants, such as The Lazy Lobster.

A fifth Thursday rule, for months where it applies, was also implemented. The club will gather at a home or restaurant for a wine and cheese social.

Right now, the club has about 50 members, Branham said. The average attendance at breakfast meetings in season is 16 to 20 people and off-season around 10 to 12, Branham said.

Attendance for previous lunches has been between 20 and 35.

The breakfast meetings will handle Kiwanis business, and the luncheons will feature guest speakers.