Noon luncheon meetings are held on the first two Tuesdays of each month, at Charlie Brown's Steakhouse in Chatham Township. Breakfast meetings are held at 8:00 AM on the last two or three Tuesdays of each month. Breakfast meetings are held at Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse in Chatham Township. Guests are always welcomed to attend our Tuesday meetings. COME JOIN US

Wednesday

October 25 Kiwanis Meeting Program: Ron Whalin gave a presentation on Alaska


In July, Ron and Bert Whalin went on a Road Scholar mainland and cruise trip to Alaska. Titled by Road Scholar (used to be called Elderhostel) “ALASKA: Deep into the last frontier”, the trip started in Fairbanks and ended in Vancouver. The above photo was taken from the MS-Zaandam in College Fiord. The program included many still photos and videos.


Traveling up the Chena River on the Discovery III paddle wheel boat, there was a stop at Trail Breaker Kennels where Alaskan Huskies put on a nice show.


At the Chena Village stop, tourists were given an interesting presentation on furry Alaskan animals.


During a 7-hour bus ride on the Denali Wilderness Tundra Tour, a Grizzly was seen eating berries.


In Glacier Bay, the cruise ship gave passengers a nice show of Margery Glacier calving ice. A National Park ranger narrated the event.

In Skagway, there was a very enjoyable ride on the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad. About 400,000 people travel on this narrow gage railroad every year.


While Whale-Watching with Allen Marine out of Auke Bay, we witnessed a pod of seven humpback whales bubble net feeding. Many times, the large mammals dove, confused their prey of herring with a net made of air bubbles, and then soared to the surface with their mouths open.


After having a Salmon Bake at Orca Point Lodge we spotted Bald Eagles in the trees.


In Juneau a statue of Patsy Ann, a Bull Terrier, was placed on the dock after she died in the 1940s.  Stone deaf, she was famous for greeting every ship that docked.

Kiwanis October 25 Meeting Announcements

Sharon Johnson, Co-Chair of the Pasta Dinner reported that the club did very well at the Pasta Dinner. She thanked everyone for all the hard work. The final results are not yet tabulated. Nancy Boucher announced that ten members have not yet paid. An email will be sent out reminding all members to send her any outstanding payments. Karen Shippey reported on the holiday nut sales. We are half way to the break-even point in the project. She asked members to keep the orders and checks coming in. Club President Mary Anne Maloney attended the recent CHS Key Club meeting and reported that we had an “Interclub” and student participation is huge. She also attended the CMS Builders Club meeting. She reminded members about the Parsippany Kiwanis wine tasting in Mountain Lakes this coming Thursday. An email went out asking members to help pour wine. Also, Cape May Kiwanis is having an ELIMINATE walk to raise funds on November 12. Next year, a cruise to Bermuda is planned for May 27 to raise funds for the ELIMINATE project. Karen Swartz announced that she turned over a 16 gallon container and five grocery bags full of travel toiletries donated by members and others to the Eric Johnson House. Laura Silvius, editor of Chatham Patch posted a terrific article – click here.


Joan May announced that immediately after the meeting, there will be a workshop to assemble Christmas Bell favors to be handed out at the Madison Christmas Parade. The photo shows volunteers hard at work.

Sunday

2011 Annual Kiwanis Pasta Dinner Enjoyed by Everyone

Dave and Melda Pike and their grandchildren enjoyed the October 20, 2011 Kiwanis Pasta Dinner. Attendance grew again this year as many families dined in the Chatham High School cafeteria or carried out the spaghetti and meat ball dinners.

Friday

October 18 Program: Marisa Bolognese, Director of Good Grief, Inc. in Morristown and volunteer Beth Karpowic of Chatham spoke about the mission of the organization.

Beth Karpowic (Left) and Marisa Bolognese of Good Grief, Inc.

Diane O’Brien introduced Marisa Bolognese, Director of Good Grief. The mission of Good Grief is ”to normalize grief in our communities through education, advocacy, and year-round support group programs for grieving children, teens and adults.” 

Children are often the forgotten mourners. Good Grief has been around since about 2004. It was formed by a group of people who had experienced the death of a parent or sibling when they were young, had not been given much support, and believed that more support was needed. Children need to be brought into the grieving processes and Good Grief serves as a resource for children.

In 2007 they started a center where they could give direct support to the families. The demand for services grew quickly to the point that there was a waiting list. In four years, they have grown over 300 percent and currently serve over 100 families. Free support is provided as long as it is needed.
Marisa narrated a story about a typical family served by Good Grief. The father died in a sudden tragic accident. Group counseling helped the two children and their mother deal with their grief over a necessary period of time.

Beth Karpowic shared a story about a mother who lost her young son a few years ago. The mother and her 4 year old daughter came to Good Grief. Beth described the opening circle ritual where everyone passes the baton, says their name and says who died. Following the circle, people go into separate groups and then return for a ritual at the end of the evening. After a period of a year, the mother was able to deal with the loss of her son. Beth invited everyone to be a volunteer for this important work. Training is provided and it is a rewarding job.

Funding is provided by contributions from individuals, foundations and businesses. There is no governmental funding.

Good Grief is located on Elm Street in Morristown and everyone is invited to come for tours. Check out the Good Grief web site to learn more and to schedule a tour.

Thursday

Announcements at Kiwanis October 18 Meeting

Gary Arnesen thanked everyone for selling Pasta Dinner tickets and Mary Anne thanked Nancy for tracking the ticket sales on her laptop computer. Stu Shippey announced that he has received all the nuts for our Holiday Nut Sale. He thanked members for sending in their orders and urged them to get more sales. He needs another volunteer for Kings Supermarket sales. He will sell nuts at the Pasta Dinner. Mary Anne reminded members about the Parsippany Kiwanis Grand Tasting event on October 27. We will have an “Interclub” of members attending. Nancy Boucher reported that the head of Kiwanis International will attend on behalf of the ELIMINATE project. Betty Anne announced the Middle School Builders Club meeting on Tuesday and their Entertainment Book Sale. Also, Karen announced the CHS Key Club on Wednesday. There will be a MHS Key Club meeting on Thursday. She also announced that member John Hadamuscin’s mother (Clara Henry) passed away and the memorial service will be held at the Chatham United Methodist Church on Saturday at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow. Mary Anne mentioned that the Chatham Courier had an article about CHS Key Club collecting baby items to support a project led by Dr. Hurley. Joan May asked members to attend the Santa Bell workshop next week (see photo). She also asked members to review the Member Manual which was recently emailed out.

Photo of Madison Christmas Parade Kiwanis handout bell.

Sunday

Enjoy Kiwanis Pasta Dinner October 20, 2011

Chatham-Madison Kiwanis will hold its annual Pasta Dinner for the benefit of community projects and scholarships on Thursday October 20, 2011 in the cafeteria of Chatham High School, 255 Lafayette Ave., Chatham, 07928. Dinners will include spaghetti and sauce, meatballs, salad, parmesan cheese, rolls, drinks and a dessert. Arminio’s of Chatham, NJ will prepare the meals in the cafeteria. Servers will be members of Kiwanis, the Key Clubs of Chatham and Madison High Schools, the Builders Clubs of Chatham Middle School and St. Patrick’s and Circle K Club of Drew University. Kiwanis sponsors all of these student service clubs. Dining room service will start at 5:30 pm and continue until 7:15 pm. Take-out service is available from 4:30 pm to 7:15 pm. Tickets, available at the door, are $12.00 for adults and $7.00 for children 12 and under. Tickets can also be purchased from members of Kiwanis.

Chatham Mayor Nelson Vaughan spoke to Kiwanis on bipartisanship in politics


President Mary Anne Maloney welcomed Chatham Mayor Nelson Vaughan who spoke to his fellow Kiwanians at the October 11 luncheon meeting. Nelson feels very strongly that this county needs bipartisanship in politics.

He pointed out that bipartisanship has worked in the past. When our founding fathers met to establish the United States, they understood that the common values that are shared are stronger than the less important differences that divide us.

We face major problems today. Democrats and Republicans should work together to create common-sense solutions using shared visions. As an example, our great President Dwight Eisenhower regarded Political Party difference as unimportant when he ran for president of the country. 

In his early years, Nelson was a Republican and campaigned on behalf of Republican candidates. More recently, in 2004, he registered as a Democrat because he felt that changes were needed.
Nelson believes that there are good people on both sides of the aisle. Both parties generally have the same goals, but have different ideas on how to achieve those goals. Republican Leona Brown suggested that Democrat Nelson Vaughan run for Chatham Mayor – and he won. Republicans and Democrats working together, that is what it should be.

As Mayor, he wants to work with all residents, whether they agree with him or not. There is no partisanship in wanting to have a beautiful downtown Chatham, creating a Farmers Market, making the Borough greener, and establishing a Community Garden. Everyone wants Chatham to be a great Borough.

Although a Democrat, Nelson is a financial conservative. However, he is more in the middle on Social issues. He and the Council have worked together to accomplish many things. For example, the recreation fields have been greatly improved. In spite of the recession, improved services have been provided while keeping taxes under control.

We can overcome common challenges when we stand on common ground. After he took office, Nelson was asked by a relative of a resident who died in 9/11 to construct a Chatham monument. His greatest helper was Representative Republican Rodney Frelinghuysen. The monument was built on time.

Nelson is proud to be a Democrat but he also supports Republican candidates representing Chatham in the NJ State Legislature. Nelson called for voters to support leaders who will create a shared vision and work to achieve the best compromises to resolve differences.

After a round of applause from club members, Mary Anne Maloney thanked Nelson for his devotion to Chatham and for helping us to be a wonderful town.

New member Pat Davidson Inducted into Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club

At the October 11, 2011 luncheon meeting, Pat Davidson of Chatham was inducted into the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club. In photo, left to right, are Tom Mullin (past Secretary of the club), new member Pat Davidson and Al Robertson, who sponsored Pat. The club members enthusiastically welcomed Pat into Kiwanis.

Friday

Kiwanis October 11 meeting Announcements

Club President Mary Anne Maloney reminded members to buy Supermarket Gift Cards. The club makes five percent of the value of all cards sold. She mentioned that Randolph Kiwanis is the sponsor of the Morristown Craftmarket to be held October 21 to 23 at Morristown Armory. She also mentioned the Parsippany Kiwanis 5th Annual Grand Tasting at the Villa in Mountain Lakes on October 27 at 6:30 PM. Stu Shippey said the nuts will be arriving this week and next. He passed around the signup sheet for supermarket sales.  Gary Arnesen thanked everyone for participating in the planning for the October 20 Pasta Dinner. Betty Anne Keat announced that Chatham Middle School Builders Club will be selling entertainment books for $30.00 again this year. See her for more information. She also mentioned that the MHS Key Club is meeting every Thursday at about 2:45 PM in the cafeteria. Joan May announced a workshop following the breakfast meeting of the 25th for making handouts for the Christmas parade.

Sunday

October 4 Kiwanis Meeting Program: Dick Haenschen spoke about the Chatham Kiwanis Scholarship Fund

Dick Haenschen (Left) was introduced by Past President Rich Behling. Dick has been responsible for managing the CHS Scholarship Program. Every year the club gives scholarships to two graduating CHS seniors. Years ago, a member left in his will to the club a large amount of money which was invested in a 501(c)(3) foundation. This foundation funds the scholarship under the guidelines used when the foundation was established. Dick gave members information to consider as the club plans for the future of the scholarships.

October 4 Announcements

Club President Mary Anne Maloney thanked Dick Plambeck for his leadership as President of the club last year. She also recognized the new officers of the club, including Sharon Johnson who will be the new Secretary. She also thanked Tom Mullin for his many years as Secretary. Mal Kitson is recovering at home from his eye injury. Gary Arnesen passed out the work assignments for the Pasta dinner. He also handed out Pasta Dinner posters. The poster is available on the club website. Stu Shippey handed out Holiday Nut Sale forms and displayed his new electronic marque badge telling people to buy nuts. Order forms are coming in already. He passed out signup sheets for supermarket sales. Nuts are ordered from our vendors and delivery is scheduled October 14 and 18. The Parsippany Kiwanis wine tasting was announced by Nancy Boucher.  Joan May announced that Christmas is coming and the club will do the Madison Christmas Parade (11/25) and Christmas with Santa (12/3) at the Madison Community House. Mark your calendars.