Program: On January 24 Jeffrey Kerr presented “Who’s gonna make our gasoline?”

Jeffrey Kerr (R), Energy Correspondent at Thomson Reuters told Kiwanis “WHO’S GONNA MAKE OUR GASOLINE” at the 1/24/12 breakfast. Rich Behling (L) introduced Jeff, who follows the East Coast gasoline, heating oil and jet airplane fuel markets. He has 24 years of experience in the energy field, half as a journalist and half working in the industry. He lives with his wife and daughter in Madison.

Jeff gave a fascinating account of the status and trends for delivery of gasoline to the East Coast area of the USA. After giving an overview of how gasoline is produced, he covered the refineries and pipelines that deliver gasoline to our area.

Many rapid changes are underway because of economic conditions. Refiners are not making enough profit so they are closing plants on the east coast in the USA and in the Caribbean. Many people are out of work because of closings. Alternative fuel sources may not be available in time to fill demand, so the pump price of gasoline will probably rise more than usual this summer. Because local refineries are closing, gasoline must be shipped to the East Coast at considerable cost.

Jeff told about happenings in the transportation and refining of fuels. India is getting into the refining business with a very large export-only refinery north of Mumbai (Bombay). This is having a profound impact on the World market. Europeans are increasing their use of diesel fuel. Gasoline is a byproduct of diesel refining so the USA has received excess gasoline from Europe. Some of our gasoline even comes from Russia.

Huge oil storage tanks are being constructed in Cushing, OK to store oil from Canada transported via the proposed Keystone XL pipeline.

In New Jersey, we have the Linden Bayway refinery owned by ConocoPhillips and Hess refinery at Port Reading, NJ. The Sunoco Eagle Point refinery in Westville, NJ is shut down (assets may be shipped to India). At Paulsboro, NJ there are two refineries - the Nustar Asphalt Refinery and a large nearby PBF Energy refinery. The audience was surprised to learn that PBF Energy, with headquarters in Parsippany, NJ, is in the refining business (they also have a large refinery in Delaware). All the gasoline from the PBF refinery in Paulsboro, NJ goes to Lukoil gas stations. Also, Chevron has an asphalt refinery in Perth Amboy, NJ which operates seasonally.

In Pennsylvania, the ConocoPhillips Trainer, PA refinery is shut down – many workers lost their jobs. The nearby Marcus Hook, PA refinery owned by Sunoco is also shut down.

The very large St. Croix Hovensa refinery just announced that they will shut down next month. Loss of salaries and tax payments from the major employer is very hard on the US Virgin Islands economy.
USA Gulf refineries are increasing their capacity. The Colonial pipeline which carries gasoline from the Gulf to the Northeast USA will increase capacity, but not until next year. The supply of gasoline will be short in the Northeast this year.

Meanwhile, crude oil and distilled fuels from fields in the West are being transported via 100-car “unit trains” to Albany, NY and then by barges to markets in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware. It would help if the USA could build more pipelines for liquid fuels.

Jeff told many interesting and entertaining stories to the delight of the audience.  He was given a rousing round of applause at the end of the talk.

Announcements: Kiwanis January 24 Meeting

Mary Anne Maloney reminded everyone about the upcoming Webinar and Mid-winter Convention. She also reported on last week’s CHS Key Club meeting. She reported that the NJ District is seeking nominations for officer positions and she has forms that can be used. Mary Anne and Betty Anne Keat had a nice meeting with Heather Alonge at the ECLC Pride Program which provides activities for graduates of the school. Visitors are welcome to stop by – just call Heather. A meeting on “fund-raising” will be held right after today’s breakfast meeting.

Alan Robertson reported on the Fish and Chips Dinner. He has mailed letters out to companies asking them to purchase a placemat ad. He handed out letters to members attending the meeting who had purchased an ad in the past and to other members who will contact advertisers. 

"Food Allergies: A Primer" was presented by Karen Leister, Southern Boulevard School Nurse.

Karen Leister currently serves the Chatham, NJ community as the school nurse at Southern Boulevard School and as the school district’s Nursing Team Leader. She spoke about food allergies at the January 17 Kiwanis breakfast meeting. Her career spans 27 years and she has receive awards in the fields of food allergy and anaphylaxis.

Karen learned about food allergies at an early age because she is allergic to fish. Allergies run in the family – her brother is allergic to sesame. Two of her children also have allergies. Karen developed a keen interest in the field and now has a detailed understanding of food allergies and related emergency treatments.

Food allergies are on the rise in the whole population and especially among children. Thirty-four (6.8 percent) of the 496 students at Southern Boulevard School have severe food allergies. Adult staff statistics are much lower, about 4 percent. These percentages reflect the national trend. She went on to talk about managing food allergies in and out of the school environment. She asked if anyone in the audience has food allergies in their families and many Kiwanis members shared what food they are allergic to.

The incidence of peanut allergy doubled between 1997 and 2002. It is not known exactly why the incidence of allergies is growing. Anaphylaxis is a very serious allergic reaction that has a rapid onset and can result in death -aid is needed quickly. Approximately 50,000 to 125,000 emergency room visits are caused each year by allergic reactions.

Symptoms of a reaction are swelling, hives, eczema, and rash (like a sunburn).  Many other more serious symptoms exist. These are a reaction of the body’s immune system. The body generates histamines to rid the body of allergens and the histamines cause serious reactions. 

Karen showed a model of the Mast cell (see above photo), the white blood cell that is implicated in the allergic reaction.  She explained how the cell works and what histamine does to the body.
Eight foods in the United States cause 90 percent of the anaphylactic reactions: peanuts, tree-nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat, and soy. In Canada, a ninth food is sesame. Allergies can be outgrown. (Children with asthma also frequently have food allergies.)  

Benadryl is an antihistamine medicine which works against histamines. It is administered orally for less severe reactions and requires about 20 minutes to take effect. Epinephrine is administered using an EpiPen for severe reactions where urgent treatment is needed. Karen showed how it is administered into leg muscle. 911 must be called when an EpiPen is administered.

She also explained other conditions, like lactose intolerance, which are not strictly allergic reactions.
In school, children are taught to read labels. No label? No thank-you. Even non-food products need to be examined for allergens. Cross-contamination is a problem in food preparation. To illustrate the importance of reading labels, Karen gave commercial food packages to members of the audience and asked them to look for allergens in the ingredients. For example, Ritz bits cheese crackers contain peanuts.

Karen told about a student (who is allergic to milk) who drank Gatorade and discovered after reading the label that it contained milk. Gatorade had changed their product offering to include three different drinks: before, during and after exercise. The “after” contains milk to supply protein. Karen had to administer an EpiPen to the boy. You have to read the label all the time.

Preparations for treatment are needed. You need to have your medication with you all the time. You need to be able to recognize the symptoms. You need to have a food allergy action plan. Medic “alert jewelry” is a good idea.

The school provides a safety net under kids who have food allergies. Eating is always supervised. EpiPen designees are assigned and trained. Health classes cover food allergies. Teaching and other staff are trained. Individualized student health-care plans are prepared. Emergency health-care plans are written. Food sharing is prohibited. Parents are sent “holiday reminder”.

The Southern Boulevard School chose strategies that maintain a safe environment. They also teach the students simple strategies that they can use outside of school. There is a safe snack basket in every class, and peanut-free pal zone (table in the cafeteria). Children are taught to continue to manage their own allergies after they graduate from school.

Mary Anne Maloney (L) thanked Karen (R) for teaching Kiwanis about food Allergies.

New Member Simon Mandal Inducted into Kiwanis on January 17.

Simon Mandal was inducted into Kiwanis on January 17. His sponsor was AD Dudderer. In the above photo are (L to R) AD, Simon, President of the club Mary Anne Maloney, and Secretary Sharon Johnson.

AD introduced Simon to members. Simon is a sought after entertainer. He has performed as a magician, stand-up comic, actor, and clown. Simon has dazzled hundreds of thousands of adults & children with his lightning quick wit, disarming personality, and amazing sleight-of-hand skill. In addition to school and family shows, Simon performs for Fortune 500 Companies, including Google, Macy's, and JP Morgan.

 AD put the Kiwanis pin on Simon’s lapel. Sharon and Mary Anne welcomed Simon into the club.

Program: Andy Bobeck explained how to improve digital photographs

Award winning Chatham photographer Andy Bobeck spoke to Kiwanis about editing and printing photographs. At the January 10 meeting Melanie Sze introduced Andy, who is active in the Art League of the Chathams. Working with a renowned Drew University archeologist, Robert Bull, he brought to life details of figures in a film photograph of a fresco.

The fresco is located in the city of Caesarea Maritima in the western part of Israel on the Mediterranean coast. Andy explained the history of the city, now a resort town. Dr. Bull led a research expedition to the city in 1972. Excavation uncovered a statue and a stone structure containing a fresco. The Vault #1 structure containing the fresco is a Mithraeum, a meeting site for members of the cult of Mithras. The original research is described in book entitled King Herod’s Dream.

A photograph was taken of the fresco but it was not clear enough for analysis. Andy showed in his talk how he used digital editing software to bring a laser print of the fresco photo to life. Using a scanner, he created a digital photo and applied descreening to eliminate the laser-generated lines. He explained the photographic histogram (available on most digital cameras) and how it is used to edit digital images. The edited images were much clearer than the original, as everyone in the audience could see in the images projected during Andy’s talk.

As a bonus, at the end of his talk, Andy showed how he created photographic prints that look like an artist’s painting. He starts with five RAW images shot with a range of exposures. Files from these images are blended using special High Dynamic Range imaging (HDRi) software (e.g. Photomatix). HDRi adds detail to very dark and very bright areas of a photo taken in a wide range of lighting. He prints the photo, using an ink-jet printer, onto a canvas sheet. The print is sealed with acrylic and then bonded to glass with Gesso. He showed a framed photo of the center of Madison, NJ. Everyone in the audience thought it looked very nice. Samples of Andy’s work can be viewed at the Art League show now running at the Chatham Township Municipal Building.

The audience loudly applauded the very informative and helpful talk. Many of the Kiwanis members stayed afterward to talk with Andy.

Announcements: Kiwanis January 10, 2012 Meeting

President Mary Anne Maloney reminded members that the Fish and Chips dinner will be held March 28. She announced that the NJ District Mid-Winter Conference will be held on Saturday, February 18 at the Ocean Place Resort andSpa in Long Branch, NJ. Several members will be going. Please let her know if you want to go. Our club Board meeting is 8:00 PM, Wednesday January 18 at the Chatham United Methodist Church. The CHS Key Club will also meet on that date at 7:00 PM. Nancy Boucher reminded everyone that she is selling Supermarket Gift Cards. Dick Plambeck said a few words in memory of Alex DeCroce, Assemblyman in NJ District 26 for over 20 years, who passed away last night at the Statehouse. He will be missed.

January 3 Program: Michael Mulhaul explained the Kiwanis ELIMINATE Project

Mike Mulhaul (right), who is the Kiwanis NJ District Coordinator for the ELIMINATE Project was introduced by Jerry Cunningham (left). Mike is a Past Governor of the NJ District and an active member of the Greater Parsippany Club.

After introducing the ELIMINATE Project, Mike showed an excellent video explaining ELIMINATE. Click here to view the video on the web.

The last Kiwanis World-Wide Project was the Iodine Deficiency Disorders project, which raised over $80,000,000 to support UNICEF in eliminating this terrible illness.

Selection of the next International project was made by a consortium of Kiwanis members who participated in choosing the best project based on ideas from many members. The choice of the ELIMINATE Project was formally announced at last year’s Kiwanis International Annual Convention.

There are 38 countries around the world with serious Tetanus problems. UNICEF has been working on this since 1999. The MNT infection happens during the birthing process, which is often poorly controlled and very unsanitary. Both mother and child die horrible, painful deaths. The cost of prevention is minimal - only $1.80 for three tetanus shots, given at 8-week intervals. Treatment needs to be repeated every 10 years.

Mike asked the audience to seriously “take an interest” individually and as a club. The benefits of correcting the Maternal/Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) problem greatly exceed the cost and effort. Kiwanis is raising $110,000,000 over a period of four years. In 2015 when Kiwanis is 100 years old, the ELIMINATE project should be completed. In New Jersey, Kiwanis Family Clubs (including sponsored youth) need to raise $1,066,444.00 over the next four years. New Jersey has already contributed over $88,000.

Recognition is given, via the Zeller Award, for contributions of $1,250. This amount saves 695 lives. Walter Zeller is known for his contribution to the fledgling Kiwanis Foundation in the 1940’s. Individual Kiwanis Clubs can also qualify for recognition as “model clubs” ($75 per member during the 4-year period). Clubs can also qualify for the $100,000 Club Award. There are also other awards.

Mike passed around brochures describing what you and your club can do, how people can contribute money, and campaign recognition. To learn more about ELIMINATE, go to website www.TheEliminateProject.org. Click here to learn how to make a donation to ELIMINATE

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Announcements: Kiwanis January 3 Meeting

Stu Shippey announced that the Nut Sales were successfully completed in December and net income is $2,200. Members applauded Stu for running a very successful fundraising campaign. Income will go to scholarships and other local benevolences. Joan May, President Elect, announced that there was an Interclub at the CHS Key Club meeting on December 21. Deposits are due January 5 for the May 27 ELIMINATE cruise to Bermuda. Monty Montague volunteered to help run the March 28, 2012 Fish and Chips project.

Annual Kiwanis Christmas Breakfast Meeting Program on December 20, 1011

Annual Kiwanis Christmas Program participants (L to R): Mary Anne Maloney, Rich Behling, Joan May, Bob Stannard, Nancy Boucher, Nancy Holt and Simon Mandal.

Rich Behling started the Christmas Program by telling a story about the religious meaning designed into “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” After describing what each of the numbers signifies, he asked Bob Stannard to play the song while all the members sang the words. Click here to see a website with the story.

Ron Whalin showed a video of TubaChristmas at Rockefeller Center in New York City. He took the video of about 500 musicians on December 11, 2011. Click here to see the video on YouTube.

Joan May described the history of a Christmas song, titled “Where is the line to see Jesus.” Then she introduced a YouTube video, which all members enjoyed. Click here to see the video.

Simon Mandal gave a very entertaining Magic Show. The cups and balls trick had all members wondering “how did he do it?” Simon said the trick was over 5000 years old and people believe it started in Egypt. The audience was delighted and in stiches at the end of the show.  Click here to see Simon's website.

To complete the program, Nancy Holt spoke briefly about the true meaning of Christmas. She gave everyone her Christmas wish for all of us: Behind all the decorations, gifts, and parties she wishes that there will come a moment of quiet reflection and peace. That it will be truly said of each of us, we know how to keep Christmas. Merry Christmas and God bless you.

Announcements: Kiwanis December 20 Meeting

Stu Shippey announced that the nut sale is coming to an end and all members are asked to purchase the remaining gift tins. Karen Swartz announced that the CHS Key Club will meet for the last time this year at 7:00 PM on December 21 in the cafeteria. Nancy Boucher still has supermarket cards so please buy them and use them as gifts. Greeting cards were sent to members who have been unable to attend meetings. The December Board meeting will be held right after the regular meeting. Poinsettia table decorations were given out to some of the members attending today’s meeting.

Alan Nekoukar, manager of Charlie Brown’s Restaurant in Chatham Township, was recognized and thanked by President Mary Anne Maloney for the excellent service and food he and his staff provided at Kiwanis meetings today and over the many years. Alan thanked the club members and acknowledged his Charlie Brown’s workers who did such a great job. Alan said that last year Kiwanis posted his photo on website. A long lost friend from 30 years ago, who had moved to California, found Alan because of that photo. The friend found the photo of Alan on the Kiwanis website and called him up. They have now renewed their friendship. 

December 13 Program: - Rev. Richard Knox, Pastor of the Chatham United Methodist Church presented "Christmas in America”

At the December 13 Kiwanis Luncheon, Rev. Richard Knox, Pastor of the Chatham United Methodist Church presented "Christmas in America”. David Lloyd, on the left in the above photo, introduced Rev. Knox. The talk covered the amazing history of Christmas in the United States.

Announcements: Kiwanis December 13 Meeting – Buy Nuts

Stu Shippey needs everyone to buy/sell a few more nuts. He reported that all but about $500 worth of nuts have been sold. He asked each member to buy just one tin so that the club could make a profit to give to the scholarship fund. Please help the club successfully completed the project. PLEASE come to the December 20 Breakfast Meeting and buy the last of the nuts.

Karen Swartz announced that CHS Key Club will hold the talent show Project Showcase fundraiser on Friday night, December 16 in the auditorium.

Mary Anne reported that the St. Patrick’s Builders Club made all the ornaments for the Christmas giving tree. She also reminded members to buy Supermarket Gift Certificates which they can give as Christmas Gifts. She also noted that we will have our Annual Christmas Breakfast next week, December 20, 8:00 AM, Charlie Brown’s. If members have items for the programs, please email her.

Amos Chalif sent an email to Sharon Johnson, noting that he has been a member of Kiwanis for 57 years (he joined Chatham Kiwanis in 1954).

The December Board of Directors meeting will be held next week following the breakfast meeting.

December 6 Program: Joan Thuebel presented "Dancing Birds of Costa Rica"

Joan Thuebel gave a slide show presentation on “Dancing Birds of Costa Rica” at the December 6 Kiwanis luncheon meeting. She participated in an Earthwatch scientific expedition to the western coast of Costa Rica, where she and others in her group documented the dances of Long tailed Manakin birds. The bird is unusual for its coloring, which changes as it matures over the years. David Lloyd (on right in photo) introduced the speaker.

The mating of these birds is called a “lek”. Multiple male birds do a coordinated group dance to entice females. Joan gave entertaining renditions of the dances, to the delight of everyone in the audience.

You can view a video of the Manakins dancing on YouTube. Click here to learn more about Earthwatch. At the end, the audience applauded enthusiastically and thanked Joan for the very interesting presentation.

Announcements: Kiwanis December 6 Meeting

Matt Morris, Chief Fundraising Officer, brought greetings to our club from the Kiwanis International Staff Foundation. He said the International Kiwanis Club appreciates the good work done by our local Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club and thanked members for their contributions to the Kiwanis Foundation.  Gwen Walding, secretary of the NJ District of Kiwanis International, also attended the meeting. 

Mary Anne Maloney reported that representatives from our club attended the recent NJ District Governor’s Dinner at Mt. Tabor Country Club. She also thanked Joan May for her leadership in making “Breakfast with Santa” a huge success. Joan thanked all the workers who helped out at the event. Nancy Boucher announced that MHS Key Club sent eight members to help as “elves” at “Breakfast with Santa”. Stu Shippey sold nuts at the event and he gave an update on the fundraiser. We have many gift tins left to sell. He asked everyone to buy at least one item.

Karen Swartz announced that the CHS Key Club meeting will be held on Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the cafeteria. Betty Anne Keat announced that the CMS Builders Club will meet on Thursday.

Mary Anne also reminded the members that an ELIMINATE fund-raiser cruise to Bermuda is scheduled for May 28, 2012. Deposits are due January 5.

Breakfast With Santa December 3, 2011 was a huge success.

AD stirs the pancake batter.

Joan cooks sausage.

Mary Anne cooks pancakes.

Nancy checks in families.

Judy takes pictures of children with Santa.

David meets Santa.

David tells Santa what he wants for Christmas.

David enjoys his pancakes.

Children work on projects at the art table.

Magician Simon Mandal creates balloon art.

Simon makes a bicycle.

Simon creates a balloon Santa.



November 29 Program: Heather Alonge spoke on ECLC of New Jersey

Heather Alonge (L), Director of the ECLC Foundation at ECLC of New Jersey gave an overview of the organization that serves students who have learning disabilities. She was introduced by Kiwanis President Mary Anne Maloney (R).

ECLC includes a school in Chatham, a school in Ho-Ho-Kus, a supported employment program housed in the Chatham Borough Hall, a day program located in an office on Passaic Ave. in Chatham and a day program in Bergan County. ECLC has changed their role and the need for client services has changed.

ECLC was started in 1970 by a group of parents who felt their children would have had a better life with early intervention. The organization now provides support for their graduates and clients through all phases of their lives. Heather showed many examples of successful activities at ECLC.

Currently, ECLC serves over 700 individuals from 175 New Jersey Towns. Starting with 6 children in the first school, there are now 350 students in two schools. ECLC has served over 2000 clients over the last 43 years. Growth is largely in the area of adult services. The developmental disabilities of clients vary greatly. Unfortunately, the disabled population is growing.

In 2010 the Ho-Ho-Kus campus added a service dog. Now the Chatham campus has one. Click here to learn about Gino on Chatham Patch.

ECLC Foundation will be embarking on a new capital campaign in early 2012. New funds will expand project PRIDE facilities, add air conditioning to schools and make other needed improvements. She asked Kiwanis to continue to support ECLC in these and other endeavors.

Kiwanis members in the audience were very impressed with the improvements ECLC has made in the lives of their clients.

Announcements: Kiwanis November 29 Meeting

Mary Anne reported that the Madison Christmas Parade was a great success. She counted 13 members marching and reported that the crowd of onlookers was amazing. She asked members to let Ron or Rich know of any errors in the club directory. She also reported that Kiwanis is having an Interclub contest through June 30, 2012. Be sure to report all Interclubs to Sharon Johnson.

Nancy Boucher reported that a member of the Kiwanis International fund-raising effort for Project Eliminate will be in New Jersey next week. He plans to attend our Tuesday Meeting on December 6.

Karen Shippey announced that the club still has plenty of Mixed Nuts, Cashews and Tutles in holiday gift tins. She asked members to renew their efforts to sell the remaining nuts so that the club can make money for our Scholarship Fund. Stu wants to wrap up Nut sales by 12/24/11.
 
Karen Swartz announced several Key Club activities.  There will be a restaurant night on December 12 at McLynn’s Restaurant in Springfield sponsored by Jonathan Dayton Regional High School. Project Showcase talent show will be held at the Chatham Library on December 16. Income from the event will go to project ELIMINATE. January 15, Key Club will sponsor a “day of silence” for Autism awareness.

Kiwanis Marches in November 25 2011 Madison Christmas Parade

Kiwanis members and spouses started gathering at 5:00 pm. It was warmer than last year.

 Marchers waved Merry Christmas.

The Treasurer (middle) of the Madison High School Key Club marched with Kiwanis.

At about 5:40 PM, the Kiwanis marchers lined up near the Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps building.

A young marcher pulled a wagon carrying a Merry Christmas Tree, complete with lights.

 After we reached the end of the parade route, the marchers waited for Santa to go by on the final float.

November 22 Program: Susan Lubin of Integrity Life Settlements spoke on turning life insurance into cash.

Jill Gregg (left) introduced Susan Lubin of Integrity Life Settlements. Susan helps people who own a Life Insurance Policy sell the policy for cash. There is a Live Settlements Market that buys and sells Life Insurance Policies.

Some policy holders find that they no longer want the policy and would rather have the cash value of the policy. Life Settlement is an alternative to asking the insurance company for the cash value. This can result in the policy holder receive more cash than the “cash value” offered by the insurance company.

Today, an estimated $5 billion of life insurance policies are sold through the Life Settlements market each year.

The process involves many factors which potential sellers should examine before taking this step. Susan handed out literature explaining the process. Click here to go the Integrity Life Settlements website and learn more.

Announcements: Kiwanis November 22 Meeting

Karen Shippey announced that last weekend’s Nut Sales at the Supermarkets went very well and we are about out of all bagged nuts. There are still plenty of nuts in gift tins: deluxe mixed nuts, cashews and kiwis. She asked all members to accelerate their sale of these items. We are about at the breakeven point. Next, we need to sell all the remaining nuts so we will have funds to put into scholarships and youth programs.

Gary Arnesen reported that the clean-up of the Passaic River Trail near Shepard Kollock Park in Chatham Borough went very well. Because of the storms this year, the work was pretty tough. He thanked all the participants. Click here to see photos on Chatham Patch.

Joan May reminded everyone about the November 25 Madison Christmas Day parade. We will gather in the Ambulance Corps parking lot starting at 5:00 pm. Club members are invited to meet Joan at Charlie Brown’s after the parade. Click here to view the Madison Patch article about the parade. Joan also reminded everyone to help with “Breakfast with Santa” to be held on December 3.

Betty Anne Keat told members that the Chatham Middle School is selling Entertainment Books and asked members to buy one.