About Us
The Kenmore Village Improvement Society (KVIS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2008 by residents who believed their village could be made better through sustained, shared attention. Eighteen years later, we are still at that work - through committees of neighbors who look closely at community life, without rose-colored glasses, and act on what they see.
Over the years, KVIS has helped save our local library from closure, defeated a village dissolution proposal that would have ended Kenmore's independence, and served as a trusted federal communications partner during the aftermath of COVID-19. Our ongoing work spans public spaces, pollinator protection, addressing loneliness and social isolation, local commerce through our mission-driven shop Made for Good, and the many events - from the Children's Concert Series to Dog Days of Kenmore — that bring this community together throughout the year.
Our mission is to improve the quality of village life through consistent communication, engaging education, and thoughtful action. We pursue that mission alongside residents, businesses, the school system, faith communities, government, and other organizations - because village improvement is work no single group can do alone.
Getting involved. KVIS welcomes residents and friends of Kenmore as members. Membership is free, and members participate as their time and interests allow - some join a committee, some come to events, some contribute an hour here and there when something speaks to them.
When we meet. KVIS meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at our office at 7 Warren Avenue, Kenmore, NY (near the corner of Delaware and Warren). Each meeting includes reports from our committees, where most of the ongoing work happens, and decisions are made using a relaxed form of Roberts Rules.
EIN: 26-2771025
Over the years, KVIS has helped save our local library from closure, defeated a village dissolution proposal that would have ended Kenmore's independence, and served as a trusted federal communications partner during the aftermath of COVID-19. Our ongoing work spans public spaces, pollinator protection, addressing loneliness and social isolation, local commerce through our mission-driven shop Made for Good, and the many events - from the Children's Concert Series to Dog Days of Kenmore — that bring this community together throughout the year.
Our mission is to improve the quality of village life through consistent communication, engaging education, and thoughtful action. We pursue that mission alongside residents, businesses, the school system, faith communities, government, and other organizations - because village improvement is work no single group can do alone.
Getting involved. KVIS welcomes residents and friends of Kenmore as members. Membership is free, and members participate as their time and interests allow - some join a committee, some come to events, some contribute an hour here and there when something speaks to them.
When we meet. KVIS meets on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm at our office at 7 Warren Avenue, Kenmore, NY (near the corner of Delaware and Warren). Each meeting includes reports from our committees, where most of the ongoing work happens, and decisions are made using a relaxed form of Roberts Rules.
EIN: 26-2771025
our beginning
My mother was an ardent reader, and she subscribed to many publications which she shared with her five children. I always enjoyed Yankee magazine, and I was browsing an edition she had given me when I came across a two-page article about a New England improvement society that was turning 100 years old. As I read about that group's long and active life in their community, it struck me that the model could be just as valuable today as it was a century ago. I realized it could be a direct way for people to participate in shaping their community.
I thought about low voter turnout and a growing sense of apathy and missing connection among residents. What if we could join together to grow a thoughtful and better today for ourselves and for those who come after us?
So I sketched it out. With a grateful nod to that New England inspiration, I called it the Kenmore Village Improvement Society. I went to the Village Board and presented the idea, then scheduled the first meeting for May 2008. I walked the whole village myself, making sure every household and business had a flyer about the meeting. I came home with vicious blisters - but the smell of lilacs was in the air, and that drew my attention away from them.
The day of the first meeting came, and nearly 200 people showed up. They were interested. Our original plan was to look at each part of village life carefully - so we divided into committees, each with its own focus. When we started to look, we started to see. When we started to see, we started to plan. And when we started to plan, we started to work.
I remember saying to everyone at that first meeting that I may have started the KVIS, but it wasn't mine. It belonged to all of us - to everyone willing to come and graciously give of themselves to help us actively show our love and care for our community, our home, our Kenmore.
~ Melissa Foster, Founder
I thought about low voter turnout and a growing sense of apathy and missing connection among residents. What if we could join together to grow a thoughtful and better today for ourselves and for those who come after us?
So I sketched it out. With a grateful nod to that New England inspiration, I called it the Kenmore Village Improvement Society. I went to the Village Board and presented the idea, then scheduled the first meeting for May 2008. I walked the whole village myself, making sure every household and business had a flyer about the meeting. I came home with vicious blisters - but the smell of lilacs was in the air, and that drew my attention away from them.
The day of the first meeting came, and nearly 200 people showed up. They were interested. Our original plan was to look at each part of village life carefully - so we divided into committees, each with its own focus. When we started to look, we started to see. When we started to see, we started to plan. And when we started to plan, we started to work.
I remember saying to everyone at that first meeting that I may have started the KVIS, but it wasn't mine. It belonged to all of us - to everyone willing to come and graciously give of themselves to help us actively show our love and care for our community, our home, our Kenmore.
~ Melissa Foster, Founder
The Mission of the Kenmore Village Improvement Society is to improve the quality of Village life through
consistent communication, engaging education, and thoughtful action.
consistent communication, engaging education, and thoughtful action.
Ramona Santa Maria and son.
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Children are always welcome at KVIS meetings! Fred Frank and daughters.
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