Kiwanis Fish N Chips a huge success

The March 20 Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Fish 'N' Chips was a huge success. 450 carry-out and eat-in dinners were served by Kiwanis, Key Club, Builders Club and Circle K. Funds are earmarked for scholarships and service projects.

March 19 Program: Dennis Kohl, Scout Executive for Patriots' Path Council presented the "LEDR - Leadership Excellence - Direct Results Program".

Scout Executive Dennis Kohl (right) was introduced by Past Kiwanis Club President Dick Plambeck (right) at the March 19 Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club breakfast meeting held at Charlie Brown’s restaurant in Chatham Township. Dennis is Scout Executive for Patriots’ Path Council of Boy Scouts of America. He gave an overview of the new LEDR – Leadership Excellence – Direct Results Program”.

LEDR is a weeklong retreat designed to give students a chance to explore their leadership skills, to connect with peers, and to learn how to get involved in their community. This one week program is to be hosted at Camp Winnebago for 15-20 year old boys and girls. This program will be offered to current scouts and non-scouts with registration occurring during the application process.

Dennis started his presentation by giving an update on the Patriot’s Path Council (Morris, Sussex, Union and Somerset counties). In the past year, 345 young men became Eagle Scouts. Ten percent of their scouts become Eagle Scouts, compared with four percent nationwide. There are three outstanding Scout troupes in Chatham. Scouting is doing well, especially in our area.

Scouting is known for developing leaders. A new foundation and program was developed by Dennis with the assistance of Eagle Scouts to expand and focus efforts on leadership training.

Dennis presented a complete and clear description of LEDR. He asked Kiwanis to sponsor a student. The audience was very impressed with the program and enthusiastically applauded after a short Q & A session. To learn more, please visit the LEDR website.

Kiwanis March 12 Program: Dick Plambeck gave an overview of the Chatham Borough Environmental Commission’s "Explore Chatham” Website.

Dick Plambeck (left), member of the Chatham Environmental Commission, was introduced by Joan May (right) at the March 12 Kiwanis luncheon.  Dick described the new “Explore Chatham” website. He brought along a poster which is in the background in the photo. The Environmental Commission invites you to “take a hike”.

Dick worked with two highly qualified volunteers to produce the “Explore Chatham” program and website. Four trails have maps and descriptions which link to historic places and events. Residents and visitors can learn about the town while they enjoy their hike. The website lets people upload photos. There are also links to similar websites for Mendham, Chester and other towns. To view the website, open Google and type in “Explore Chatham” – then select the Borough website.

Trails are rated (for example, degree of difficulty) and downloadable maps are provided. Dick and the two volunteers are Boy Scouts and believe in being prepared. Information needed to hike the trails safely is provided on the website. There are wooded paths through forests, urban paths on sidewalks, and hybrid paths (combinations of both).

Descriptions of the trails are complete, including hyperlinks to other websites. For example, the Cornell ornithology website is used for birds. The “About” section includes the benefits for using the trails. Dick showed and described some of the photos on the “Photo Reel”. The Interactive Google Map shows hiker icons at each of the four trails and you can click on the symbol to go to the trail map.

What’s next? The program is coordinated with the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign and will be coordinated with other organizations.  Trails are being improved and new ones planned. Stanley Park trail needs improvement and that will be done starting 8:00 AM April 20. Also, a photo-contest is being planned. QR code signs are being planned for providing links to trail information for hikers.  Dick also recommended smart-phone Apps iBird and Leafsnap to use along the trail.

Members of the audience were delighted by the trails and the excellent presentation by Dick. To learn more, please visit the website.

Kiwanis March 5 Meeting Program: Vince DeNave, Chatham Borough Engineer, presented "Borough Infrastructure Upgrade Projects"

Vince DeNave (left in photo), Chatham Borough Engineer, was introduced by Dick Plambeck at the March 5 Kiwanis Meeting. Vince spoke about “Borough Infrastructure Upgrade Projects". He covered major problems caused by recent storms, which resulted in lengthy loss of power and interruption in traffic and commerce. Vince has been the Borough Engineer for a number of years and he has spoken to Kiwanis several times in the past. Vince mentioned that Bob Falzarano, Borough Administrator is now back to work after recovering from serious injuries and he is now providing leadership to our community. 

Last year’s super-storm Sandy created unprecedented challenges to Chatham Borough. Hurricane Irene and the “Halloween snowfall” caused extensive problems. It could be that lengthy, two weeks or more, power outages may be the new “norm”. People wonder why we don’t put all power lines underground. Vince pointed out that it would be too costly to do that.

Local communities are unable to help their neighbors when all of them have damage due to large scale storms. Chatham needs to be self-sufficient. In recent years, Chatham installed back-up generators for water and sewer pump stations.

Chatham Emergency Management Team holds weekly meetings to make continuous improvement in readiness to withstand future disasters. They are also meeting with JCP&L, the predominant electrical utility in Chatham, to try to do things better.

The audience listened with great interest to how preparations are being made for the next storm. After a few questions and answers, everyone applauded the presentation and innovative changes being considered to make our town safer and to speed up recovery in the future.

Kiwanis February 26 Program: Michael Goodnight, Chatham Branch Manager of Valley National Bank and President of the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce, presented an update.

Michael Goodnight, Chatham Branch Manager of Valley National Bank and President of the Chatham Area Chamber of Commerce (right in photo) was introduced by John Eyre, Kiwanis Club President-Elect at the February 26 meeting held at Charlie Brown’s restaurant in Chatham Township.

Michael moved to New Jersey from the San Francisco area of California about a year ago to lead the Chatham branch of Valley National Bank.  The branch was awarded the Chairman’s Club award as one of the top five percent branches and Michael was named one of the best rookies of the year.

Our Chamber has had a tough time over the past few years but Michael has approached his leadership role with enthusiasm and optimism. He appreciates the support by local business members, including some from Kiwanis. He is providing better connections to political leaders and to new businesses in the area. He and the Chamber will have increased participation in activities of the community.

The Chamber is working with The Alternative Press to provide improved visibility of Chatham businesses. Michael want to make sure everyone in the area is aware of the fine businesses operating in Chatham Borough and Township. More information on local business is available on the Chamber website. More “mixer” events are being held with businesses (both breakfast and evening). Networking and working together are being encouraged.

The audience enthusiastically applauded Michael’s inspiring presentation.

Kiwanis February 19 Program: Newark Municipal Court Judge Roslyn Holmes Grant, representing the New Jersey State Bar Association, spoke on the U.S. and New Jersey justice system.

Newark Municipal Court Judge Roslyn Holmes Grant was introduced by John Eyre, President-Elect of the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club. She is a full time judge, hearing approximately 1,000 cases per week. Judge Grant led the audience in a brief training program which taught everyone the foundations of our justice system. The program was loads of fun and very educational. She held a question and answer session at the end. The audience loudly applauded the excellent presentation.

Chatham-Madison Kiwanis hold Valentine’s Day Luncheon on February 12

Valerie Olpp (center in photo) organized the February 12 Kiwanis Valentine’s Day Luncheon held at Charlie Brown’s restaurant in Chatham Twp. On the left is Christie Sedita, new Kiwanis member and Branch Manager of Peapack Gladstone Bank in Chatham. On the right is Mary Anne Maloney, Past President of Kiwanis.

John Eyre (Kiwanis President-Elect) and Sally Deatly (Past Kiwanis President) enjoy a cup of coffee before the luncheon.

Betty Anne Keat and Doug Bryant check everyone in at the start of the Luncheon.

Nancy Boucher sells Supermarket gift certificates to raise funds for community charities and scholarships.

Enjoying the social time were (L to R) Marge Ahrens, Dick Ligertwood, Dave Mutchler and Shirley Mutchler.

The luncheon party was enjoyed by everyone and they applauded Valerie and Charlie Brown’s manager Alan Nekoukar for creating the wonderful event.

Kiwanis January 29 Program: Overview of United States Presidential Libraries and Museums

John Eyre introduced Bert Whalin (right in photo) at the January 29 Kiwanis meeting. She and Ron Whalin gave an educational and entertaining talk on the twelve presidential libraries. They have visited and toured all twelve presidential museums and libraries: Hoover, Roosevelt, Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, H. W. Bush and Clinton. The George W. Bush library is under construction. The new museum located at Southern Methodist University in Dallas will be opened to visitors in May.

Presidential libraries are operated by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

The Presidential libraries were illustrated using photographs and the National Archives websites. One of the largest and most visited is the Ronald Reagan library in Simi Valley, CA. The following photo shows the Air Force One plane which Reagan used while in office. This airplane is displayed in a walk-through exhibit.

The audience asked questions and contributed interesting comments during and after the presentation.

To learn more about the Libraries, please visit the CSPAN website (http://presidentiallibraries.c-span.org/ ), the NARA website (http://www.archives.gov/presidential-libraries/ ) and an educational website for students and teachers (http://www.presidentialtimeline.org/ ).

Announcements: Kiwanis January 29 Meeting

Nancy Boucher reported on the recent Kiwanis NJ District Mid-winter conference. There were very good training sessions. John Eyre passed around a sign-up sheet for the Fish and Chips Dinner.

January 22 Program: Jessica Hermansky, Registered Dietitian at Shop Rite of the Chathams, spoke on label reading for good health.

 

Jessica Hermansky (left in the photo), Registered Dietitian at Shop Rite of the Chathams spoke on label reading for good health. Joy (right in the photo), intern from College of Saint Elizabeth, was also present for the presentation.

Jessica said that the owners of the local ShopRite are very dedicated to bringing health and wellness to the community. They brought Jessica onto their staff to give customers nutritional recommendations and to make presentations to local schools and other organizations. At the Senior Services Center of the Chathams, she gives monthly lectures and cooking demonstrations focused on easy, healthy meals.

 

Jessica distributed guidelines for reading labels to all in attendance and then described how to read and get the most benefit from labels. She took questions during the presentation and held an active question and answer session at the close. We learned many tips on eating healthy by reading food product labels.

 

Members enthusiastically applauded this enjoyable and informative presentation. To learn more, visit Jessica at the Chatham ShopRite store or look at her website. Click here to learn more.

January 22 Kiwanis Announcements

John Eyre, President Elect announced that the NJ District Convention will be held Saturday January 26. Nancy Boucher announced that the club has brought in almost $400 for Union Beach hurricane Sandy relief. Members were updated regarding the upcoming Fish and Chips Dinner, March 20.

January 15 Program: Mary Meier, Director of Community Relations at Fellowship Senior Living spoke on Continuing Care Retirement Communities and other senior services

Mary Meier (left in photo), Director of Community Relations at Fellowship Senior Living spoke at the January 15 Kiwanis breakfast meeting. She was introduced by Ron Whalin (center) and Bert Whalin (right), who recently moved to Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge.

Mary gave an overview of retirement options offered by Fellowship Senior Living. These include moving to Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge, staying in their present home and receiving home care from highly qualified care-givers (Fellowship Village Senior Living at Home) or using Helping Hands on an as-needed basis.

She explained that Fellowship Village is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). Residents have a life-care program which includes independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care if needed.
Fellowship Village in Basking Ridge was founded in 1996 by the Fellowship Deaconry. They are a Christian based facility but people of all faiths are welcomed at Fellowship Village. A variety of housing units are available ranging from studio apartments to free-standing houses. Many recreational activities are available for residents including swimming pool, exercise facility, greenhouse, workshop, art room, trips, etc. Extensive healthcare options and facilities are available on site. The food plan is flexible, providing both fine dining and cafeteria style. Landscaping, snow shoveling, housekeeping and other maintenance services are provided by Fellowship Village.

Seniors need to decide how they want to live the rest of their lives. To learn more, visit the Fellowship Village website at https://www.fellowshipvillage.org/index.php

Alan Nekoukar, manager of the Chatham Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse recognized by Kiwanis Club

Joan May, President of the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club recognized Alan Nekoukar, manager of the Chatham Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse for hosting our club meetings for many, many years. His friendly and helpful leadership makes the restaurant a wonderful site for our Kiwanis meetings and a happy choice for diners in our area. Joan thanked him for the work of his staff in providing excellent food and service.

Announcements: Kiwanis January 15 Meeting

Joan May reminded members that there will be a Board of Directors meeting right after today’s breakfast meeting. Betty Anne Keat announced that the Chatham Middle School Builders Club has a project for collecting and clipping coupons. Members should give their Sunday newspaper inserts to Betty Anne and she will give them to the Builders Club. Bob Stannard announced the upcoming birthday of Past President Jerry Fedeler and passed around a card for everyone to sign. John Eyre recognized Joan Thubel who made a contribution to Hurricane Sandy Relief.

Kiwanis January 8 Meeting Program: Dr. Matthew Riordan and Dr. Paul Kochoa, Physical Therapists at the Madison Area and Summit YMCA

Dr. Mathew Riordan (center) and Dr. Paul Kochoa (left) were introduced by Dr. William Williams (right) at the January 8 Kiwanis luncheon meeting held at Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse. Both Drs. Riordan and Kochoa are Physical Therapists on the staff of Professional Physical Therapy & Training, LLC. They have offices at both the Madison Area YMCA and the Summit YMCA.

Dr. Riordan spoke on “Managing Arthritis Pain”. He explained what arthritis is and described treatments for the disease.

Dr. Lochoa spoke on “Improving Golf with Physical Therapy. He described how to be fit for the fairway and for everyday life.

Members of the audience found the presentations to be interesting and helpful. Learn more by visiting the Professional Physical Therapy & Training website: www.ProfessionalPTandTraining.com

Kiwanis January 8 Meeting Announcements

The January Kiwanis Board Meeting will be held next week immediately following the regular breakfast meeting. All future Board meetings will be held after the third regular Tuesday meeting of the month.  A sign-up sheet was passed around to sign up for NJ District Mid-Winter, to be held January 26. MHS Key Club donated $1,000 to the ELIMINATE Project and on December 13, 2012 - photos were taken.

Madison High School Key Club helps ELIMINATE Maternal Neonatal Tetanus.

On Thursday, December 13, 2012 the Madison High School Key Club donated $1,000 to help save new-born children and their mothers from Maternal Neonatal Tetanus. The Key Club raised the money by holding a dodge-ball tournament, a car wash, and other fund raisers. Standing in front of the Madison High School volunteer bulletin board are (left to right: Karen Swartz, Kiwanis Key Club advisor; Joan May, Kiwanis Club President; Alec Waksman, Key Club Treasurer; Leah Harris, Key Club Activity Coordinator; Bryan Rowe, Key Club Co-President and Mary Beth Gabel, MHS Key Club Advisor.

The ELIMINATE Project is a joint venture between Kiwanis International and UNICEF with the goal of eliminating Maternal Neonatal Tetanus worldwide. This tragic disease kills 160 babies a day in third-world countries, where Tetanus is still prevalent. By inoculating a mother (cost is only $1.80), the mother and baby are protected from Tetanus which exists in unsanitary birthing conditions.

Annual Kiwanis Christmas Party held December 18, 2012 - four members contributed program items

 

Kiwanis members who provided the Christmas program are shown in the photo. The program was organized and led by Jerry Cunningham, who led off the program with a clever and entertaining rendition of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Next came a wonderful reading by Karen Swartz. She was given the story by long time Kiwanis member Jim Baker. Debbie Behling found a hilarious YouTube video, which Rich introduced and played, to the delight of all who were present. Bert and Ron Whalin visited this year’s Christmas Display at Longwood Gardens (they went along on a Fellowship Village bus trip). Ron presented a photo slideshow.

 

Click here to see YouTube video – Silent Monks. Click here to see Picasa web album photo show.

Kiwanis December 11 Program: Sue Moore of the Chatham Township Historical Society presented "Chatham, Then and Now".

At the Kiwanis December 11 luncheon meeting, Sue Moore of the Chatham Township Historical Society presented "Chatham, Then and Now". Sue (Right in the photo) was introduced by Melanie Sze (Left).

Sue showed historic slides of buildings and places followed by modern slides of buildings that replaced them. Included in her talk were early farms and greenhouses, “the Colony”, Harry’s on Fairmount Rd., schools, public buildings, etc.

It was a very complete overview of the history of Chatham Township, told with excellent slides and interesting stories. Members enthusiastically applauded her presentation at the end of the program.

Kiwanis December 11 meeting Announcements

Karen Swartz announced that there will be a CHS Key Club meeting in the art room Wednesday 12/12/12 at 10:40 AM. Bob Stannard reported that all the Drew Circle K dues have been paid and he also noted the container in the room for water bottles.
 
Jerry Cunningham announced next Tuesday’s Christmas breakfast meeting and program. He passed around a sign-up sheet for members to sign up to do a part of the Christmas program. He also urged members to send him an email if they think of a program item to lead. Spouses and significant others are invited to attend.

David Mutchler announced that only chocolate covered pecans, deluxe mixed nuts and peanuts are available. Please buy these before the end of next week’s Christmas meeting.

Gary Arnesen reported that the Ogden St. cleanup went well and the Chatham DPW was very happy with the work that was done. Many bottles were picked up.

Nancy thanked members who donated money to buy ShopRite supermarket gift cards for Union Beach, NJ residents (as part of the Madison project to provide relief for Sandy).

Betty Anne Keat announced the ECLC Christmas activities to be held on Friday December 14 at 12:30 PM in the auditorium.

It was later decided to cancel the December Board Meeting which was originally scheduled to follow the December 18 Christmas breakfast meeting.

Kiwanis Cleans up Ogden Street in Chatham

On December 6, 2012 the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club cleaned debris from the shoulder of Ogden Street in Chatham Borough.  Six members shown in the photo arrived at 8:30 AM and filled bags with bottles, cans, cigarette boxes, and other items thrown there by passersby. Temperature was below freezing when they started but the hard work warmed everyone up. This was part of the New Jersey Clean Communities Program.

Kiwanis December 4 Program:- Robin Nestler of Chatham presented "Set Her Free - Empowering Young Women in Uganda".

Rich Behling introduced speaker Robin Nestler, who is President of “Set Her Free” (SHF). Robin is in the center in the photo and Karen Swartz, Kiwanis advisor for the CHS Key Club is on the right. This program (SHF Uganda) is a non-profit organization that works to restore the lives of young girls formerly enslaved by the sex trades – the vilest form of child labor.

SHF has set up a residence in Kampala, Uganda where girls are given basic needs and education. They go on to become productive members of the community. Robin showed a YouTube video.

To learn more about SHF, please visit their website: www.setherfree.org. The presentation was very informative and inspiring.

Kiwanis December 4 Meeting Announcements

Joan May announced that the December Board meeting will be held following the Christmas Breakfast on December 18. Karen Swartz announced that the CHS Key Club will meet at 7:00 PM in the cafeteria on December 5. Bob announced that he will be bringing a box to meetings to collect empty water bottles for Circle K. Nancy Boucher announced that Madison has started a project to help Union Beach, NJ which was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. She asked members for $20 donations to purchase ShopRite supermarket gift cards to give to Union Beach residents. Rich Behling announced that there was an article on Troy Dibley in in the December 2012 Kiwanis Magazine, page 43. Troy was very active in CHS Key Club. John Eyre announced that there are still many holiday nuts to be sold and he asked members to help sell them. Joan reported on Breakfast with Santa. She also announced that Dick Plambeck will attend the Chatham Roundtable on December 14. Gary Arnesen reminded members to participate in the Ogden Rd. clean-up in Chatham on December 6 at 8:30 AM.

Breakfast with Santa was held on December 1, 2012

On December 1, 2012 the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club hosted Breakfast with Santa at the Madison Community House.

Madison High School Key Club helped make the event a success.

Key Club members served breakfast.

Simon Mandel taught children how to do magic tricks.

Children posed for photos with Santa.

Monty and AD spent some time with Santa

Kiwanis November 27 Program: Alan Robertson presented "The French Connection", including a slide show from Joan and Alan's recent trip to France.

Alan Robertson presented an entertaining and informative slide show for his and Joan’s recent trip to France. In above photo, Joan is displaying a beautiful towel she brought back from the trip. At the end of the talk, Alan shared with the audience samples of excellent French dark chocolate. This was a Tauck Tour.

They started in Paris and then took a train to Provence

They ate many fine meals. Codfish is surrounded by slices of eggplant and tomatoes.

There were beautiful gardens.

Charming markets.

Beaujolais vineyard.

Famous Avignon bridge.

A happy finish to a wonderful trip.

Announcement: Kiwanis November 27 Meeting

Dave Mutchler announced that holiday nut sales continue to go well. There are still plenty of 26 oz. tins of mixed nuts, 16 oz. bags of almonds, and peanuts.

Caesar Sweitzer inducted into Kiwanis Club at November 27 meeting

Jerry Cunningham (left) introduced Caesar Switzer (right) to members attending the November 27, 2012 breakfast meeting at Charlie Brown's Steakhouse. Caesar lives in Chatham Borough and has worked in the banking industry.

Kiwanis marches in November 23, 2012 Madison Santa Parade

Thirteen Kiwanians and spouses marched in the November 23 Madison Santa Parade (aka Christmas Parade). Madison High School Key Club was well represented with eight student marchers, the club advisor, and her family. Many thousands of adults and children crowded the sidewalks to watch this annual event. After marching, Kiwanians went to Charlie Brown’s for supper.

Kiwanis November 20 Program: Drew University Circle K President Victoria Dayton described the club’s fund-raising and service projects.

Bob Stannard introduced Drew University Circle K President Victoria Dayton at the November 20 Kiwanis breakfast meeting. Chatham-Madison Kiwanis proudly sponsors the Drew Circle K and Bob is the Kiwanis advisor. All officers attended training for their positions this year.

She reported that the club has grown their membership to 25 student members who come consistently to all the meetings. The $600 International dues is paid by Drew and students pay $8 individual District dues by the end of the month. Victoria reviewed some of the recent events by the club locally and with the District.

Some projects are carried out at the meetings. One is Cards for Kids. Kids with serious illnesses are located via the Internet and cards are made to cheer them up, even though some have terminal illnesses. The club also does Trick or Treat for UNICEF, going door to door in Drew dorms. Over $100 was raised and donated to the ELIMINATE project.

The club went to a NJ state rally (a day of fun) held at Rutgers in October. They brought canned goods to contribute to fighting hunger. Drew came in third in point score for the day.

The club had a T-shirt designed for their club and will now order them to proudly wear to events.

They raise funds and made contributions by reselling used books. They had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich social where they made and took over 100 sandwiches, to Hurricane Sandy victims in Toms River. Fifty went to the Salvation Army and the rest were handed out by the students as they went door-to-door to help people.

Victoria organized a Drew project to collect Sandy relief donations - then they drove a truckload of donations to Toms River. She also sent out a flyer to Drew students reminding them to return from Thanksgiving break with more donations for Sandy victims. Victoria is heading up a Drew disaster relief committee. This week they went to Staten Island to provide relief.

Victoria and other students found tragic damage to houses at the shore. She invited Kiwanians to donate relief goods. One thing that is needed is pet supplies. Food, blankets, and other items are needed to help displaced pets.

The club held a “Dance the Damage Away” to raise funds for Hurricane Relief. The event was a success, raising $253.

They also are doing a Six Cents Initiative to collect used water bottles, turn them in for cash, and then donate the funds to bring good water to people in need. She thanked the audience for bringing in water bottles for her. They also collect can-tops for the Ronald McDonald House.

Upcoming events include the Free Rice Competition. When you answer a trivia question on-line, 10 grains of rice are donated to the World Hunger Program (freerice.com). Students will come to the event, group into teams, generate points (rice), and compete for prizes based on which team has the most rice.

Next year, they plan to hold a bowling social in the Madison shopping center near Staples. The club will attend the state-wide NJ District Winter Social to be held at Centenary College in February. There is also a NJ District Convention being planned for next February.

There will be a NJ District large scale service project hosted by Drew in April. Also, the Walk to Eliminate will be held again this year. A Dance for Dimes is in the planning stage to raise money for the March of Dimes. Also a Clean-up on Drew campus is being planned for next year in the spring.

The audience loudly applauded the great work of Victoria and the Drew University Circle K. Their extensive programs and enthusiasm are an inspiration to everyone.

Announcements: Kiwanis November 20 Meeting

Dave reported on nut sales. About $2,300 total have been sold - still have $2,500 to sell. Cashew bags, mixed nuts bags, pistachio bags, 26 oz. cashew tins and 16 oz. mixed nuts tins are all sold out. However, there is a wide selection still available. Please order soon so you won’t be disappointed.

Gary announced the Chatham Ogden Road clean-up is scheduled for November 28 at 8:00 AM.

Joan announced the Madison Christmas Parade on Friday at 5:00 PM at the Ambulance Corps parking lot on Prospect St. Also the Breakfast with Santa is on December 1 at 9:00 AM at the Madison Community Center.

Kiwanis Key Club Mixer a Success

The Kiwanis Key Club Mixer held in the evening on November 14, 2012 at Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse was a very nice affair.  Karen Swartz did a great job in putting this night together:  A total of 73 CHS Key Club members/parents were there, and 13 Kiwanis Club members were in attendance. (Thank you, folks for helping to make this a successful evening).

Karen opened the meeting and greeted all and spoke about our club and Kiwanis in general. She spoke on the history of Kiwanis, the fact that we are International and sponsor youth clubs from Builders through Key Club and Circle K on the college level, and that students participating number in the many thousands over the entire world.  She also spoke of the special projects we support in particular our local charities and scholarships. Statewide, Children’s Specialized Hospital and, Internationally: the Eliminate Project.  AND … most importantly that we are going down in member numbers, while the clubs we sponsor are going up in number of members, which is great, but we need help and members to continue to lead and support the young people and asked that our guests join us in continuing our work with youth and to “Serve the Children of the World”.
 
Key club President Olivia Antao (in photo above with her father) then officially opened the Key Club meeting and spoke very movingly about what being in Key club has meant to her and how she is thankful to Kiwanis and the Key Club for giving her direction in life.  She was basically drifting with no direction and, on a whim, joined Key Club.  Key Club changed her life and now she wants to continue to seek a future in a service oriented field.
 
Key club officers gave reports and their meeting was concluded. Thanks to Kiwanis Club President Joan May we have these photos and description of this fine evening.

Kiwanis November 13 Program: Marc Litwack Spoke

At the November 13 Kiwanis meeting, Marc Litwack spoke about his career serving Kiwanis. His next step is to run for a position on the Kiwanis International Board of Trustees. In photo taken before the meeting, Marc is talking with Bob Stannard.

October 6th and November 13th Meetings Cancelled

Because of Hurricane Sandy, two Chatham-Madison Kiwanis regular Tuesday meetings in a row were cancelled. Everyone was without power for up to two weeks and damage to buildings, cars, etc. was extensive due to high winds and falling trees.