Chatham High School Key Club Meeting with Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club at Charlie Brown's Restaurant

Karen Swartz (left), Kiwanis CHS Key Club Advisor; Nicole Avery (center), CHS Faculty Key Club Advisor and Kiera Spadaro (right), Faculty Key Club advisor. All helped organize this meeting.

CHS Key Club officers made presentations regarding student service projects.

Key Club members had a happy time socializing and planning future service projects.

Parents of Key Club members also attended and learned about the work of Kiwanis and Key Clubs.

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.

Chatham High School Student Gianna Rose Strand Wins Key Club Scholarship

At the 2012 New Jersey Key Club District Convention (DCON), the winners of the annual New Jersey Key Club Scholarships were announced. Gianna Rose Strand, the 2011-12 President of the Chatham High School Key Club, was awarded one of the 18 scholarships.

The Dr. George McCrossan Memorial Scholarship was created to honor Dr. George McCrossan, who was a past Kiwanis Governor and Key Club Financial Counselor.  This scholarship was the first New Jersey Key Club Scholarship ever established.  This $2000 scholarship will be granted to a member of the Chatham Key Club, Gianna Rose Strand.

The Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club sponsors the Chatham High School Key Club.

New Jersey Key Club members can apply for scholarships next year by visiting the website: http://njkeyclub.org/index.html  Then click on District Convention and click on the Scholarships Packet to download an application.

Program: May 1 Luncheon - Marc Litwack spoke about the history of Kiwanis International

Past Kiwanis NJ District Governor Marc Litwack was introduced by past Division Lt. Governor Nancy Boucher. Marc gave a history of Kiwanis International. The Key Club, which is sponsored by Kiwanis, is an excellent and successful organization.

Bria Metivier (left) with Kiwanis Sponsored Youth Chair Betty Anne Keat (right) at the April 17 Kiwanis meeting. Bria gave an overview of her goals and objective as the newly elected 2012-13 Division 14 Lt. Governor. She plans to maintain a close bond with Key Club officers and advisors in her district and wants to build a K-Kids club in Union. She also plans to spread more knowledge of Key Club and improve communications between her clubs.

March 28 Fish and Chips Dinner Supports ELIMINATE Project

On March 28 the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club held a Fish and Chips Dinner to raise money for the  ELIMINATE Project: Kiwanis eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT). In addition to Kiwanis workers, volunteers from Chatham High School Key Club, Chatham Middle School Builders Club and Drew University Circle K Club served in the kitchen and in the dining room.

Bill and Nancy greet diners as they arrive.

The Chatham High School Cafeteria was a busy place with many "dining in". There were also many "take home" customers.

Barbara and Dick were served by Kate, who holds the office of Treasurer in the Drew University Circle K Club.

Nancy shows her card as professionald maician (and Kiwanis member) Simon Mandal entertains the table with his magic tricks.

Drew University Circle K Club President Victoria Dayton (holding microphone) presented plaques of awards to Kiwanis President Mary Anne Maloney and Circle K Advisor Bob Stannard. In the background, Lakota and Kate look on.

Program: Celina Baquiran, NJ District Key Club Lieutenant Governor for Division 14 spoke at the August 9 meeting

Celina Baquiran, introduced by Key Club advisor Karen Swartz, is the NJ District Division 14 Lieutenant Governor. She attended the 2011 Key Club National Convention held in Phoenix, AZ. The photo shows Karen holding the NJ District T-Shirt and Celina is holding the badges she collected from other International and National Key Club Districts. She thanked the club for helping send her to the convention, where she learned much more about the workings of Key Club.

Before the convention officially started, the Celina had a chance to tour northern Arizona places like the Grand Canyon, Flagstaff and Sedona.  Celina reported on preliminary bus tour followed by the daily events at the convention.

Dressed for a cool airplane and airport, it was a shock for her to walk into 110+ temperatures in Phoenix. Following a 3-hour bus ride to the Grand Canyon, she and the others went to view the beautiful sunset. She left the hotel the next morning at 4:30 AM to go see the sunrise and found that the temperature was a cold 45 at the Grand Canyon during sunrise. From there the bus went to Flagstaff, Sedona and then to the official hotel in Phoenix.

There was opportunity to meet other Key Club members during free time in the pool and while walking to the Mall. She was particularly impressed by the California-Nevada-Hawaii District.  Members of that district are spirited, wear black and yellow outfits and have a special Cheer. She passed around photos taken at the convention.

The “Meet and Greet” session was held on Wednesday. Everyone wore their District T-shirts and pins. Pins were exchanged. Fund-raisers and other activities were on the schedule. An ice-breaker was a huge “Twister” mat. At the opening session, Amy Meisner of the NJ District sang the National Anthem. Nominations were made for International President, Vice President and Trustees. Caucusing was held after lunch. Jared Greene from Tenafly, NJ was running for International Trustee and he made it past the first round. Celina attended the ELIMINATE workshop and the “Keys to Meaningful Service and Great Service Projects” workshop. She also participated in the candle-lit “ELIMINATE Charity-Walk”. The first day ended with a dance.

On the second day, there were more workshops and a “Service Fair”, where Districts could do things. NJ had a booth where they raised $80 for the ELIMINATE project.  Then there was more caucusing – NJ delegates lobbied for election of Jared Greene. Next was the recognition session. NJ District won many awards (click here to go the NJ website and read about the awards).

The next morning there were more workshops and Celina attended the Lieutenant Governor workshop. She also attended a workshop presented by NJ District on “How to Hold a Benefit Concert”. It was based on last year’s successful chain of “Generosity Rocks” concerts. The workshop drew a huge attendance with people sitting on the floor when all chairs were filled.

Next on the schedule was the “House of Delegates” meeting followed by election of officers and voting on amendments. Jared Greene was elected as one of the eleven Trustees. The 2012 convention will be held in Orlando, FL.

Celina said that she will try to get members of Division 14 more involved in the activities of Key Club. Members of Kiwanis loudly applauded the fine presentation made by Celina.

Key Club Division 14 Lt. Gov. visited Chatham-Madison Kiwanis

Karen Swartz (left) introduced Celina Baquiran, the new Key Club Lieutenant Governor of Division 14. A member of Union High School Key Club, she started her Lt. Gov. job officially last week.  She was very happy to meet Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club members and hopes to work with us to build stronger Key Clubs. Key Clubs in New Jersey District’s Division 14 are Milburn High School, Chatham High School, Madison High School, Union High School, Columbia High School in Maplewood, Jonathan Dayton High School in Springfield Twp. and Summit High School.

Chatham High School Key Club visits Children's Specialized Hospital

On March 28, Chatham High School Key Club advisors and 21 student members went on a field trip to the Children's Specialized Hospital (CSH) in Mountainside, NJ. The club has raised funds to support the hospital. This photo, taken by faculty advisor Kiera Spadaro shows the group in the hallways of CSH with patient artwork in the background, Kiwanis advisor Betty Anne Keat is in the background

Key Clubs Present at Kiwanis Meeting – March 22, 2011

Chatham and Madison High School Key Club Officers and Advisors presented an overview of their activities. Betty Anne Keat (see above photo) did the introductions.

Sitting in the “Library room” at Charlie Brown’s are (Left to Right) CHS Key Club Recording Secretary Erin, Treasurer Natalie, Faculty Advisor Kiera Spadaro, Vice President Christina, President Annie and Corresponding Secretary Kallan.

Five officers and the faculty advisor of the Chatham High School Key Club made a presentation to the March 22 Chatham-Madison Kiwanis breakfast meeting held at Charlie Brown’s in Chatham Township. The Kiwanis Club sponsors all Key Clubs.

Key Club officers reported that they recently sponsored a successful “Restaurant Night” fund raiser for The Children’s Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, NJ. The Key Club will also be taking a field trip to visit the Hospital where they can visit with the patients and see first-hand where funds are used. Club members also participated in a NJ state-wide “American Idol” style fund raiser. Chatham band “Castle Park” placed third in the competition, which also raised funds for the Children’s Specialized Hospital.

CHS Key Club meetings are held in the evening in the school cafeteria. Outside speakers make presentations and members sign up for volunteer projects. Officers for the 2011-2012 school year will be elected at an upcoming meeting.

Sitting in the “Library room” at Charlie Brown’s are (Left to Right) MHS Key Club Treasurer VJ, Points Secretary Henry, 2011 Vice President Andrew, 2012 President Brenna, Publicity Caroline, 2012 Vice President Shannon, 2011 President Rebecca and Secretary Kelly.

Eight officers and the faculty advisor of the Madison High School Key Club made a presentation to the March 22 Chatham-Madison Kiwanis breakfast meeting held at Charlie Brown’s in Chatham Township.

The officers reported that funds were raised recently by selling “Pots O’ Gold” (a type of candy-gram which students give to their friends). Small leprechaun kettles filled with candy were sold for five days during lunch and then delivered to recipients on St. Patrick’s Day. A car-wash is also planned. The Key Club will be assembling goody-bags for the participants in a Special Olympics Bocce Ball Tournament to be held at Madison High School.

The club has been collecting funds for several years and now has $4,000 which will be given to the Children’s Specialized Hospital, located in Mountainside, NJ.

Madison High School Key Club Faculty Advisor Peggy Cox speaking to the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club at the March 22 breakfast meeting held at Charlie Brown’s in Chatham Township.

Announcements - March 1 Kiwanis Meeting

The Chatham High School Key Club is holding a Restaurant Night fund-raiser to benefit the Children’s Specialized Hospital on Thursday, March 10 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Friendly’s Restaurant in New Providence (75 South Street). Betty Anne announced that Ten percent of customers’ bills will be donated to the Hospital. You can do take-out as well as eat-in. Alan Robertson reported that Fish and Chips placemat adds are doing fine. Other preparations are going fine. Gary Arnesen reported that Chatham Boro clean-up will be rescheduled from April to May or later in the year. Nancy invited members to the 7:30 PM April 12 Awards Recognition Reception to be held at Charlie Brown’s. Checks will be given to Benevolence recipients and a special Community Aid Award will be given to someone selected by Kiwanis. Members are requested to nominate candidates.  Rich gave a quick update on the successful Wine-Tasting event. He asked for feedback on the event. Members were asked to submit any last minute bills within the next two weeks. A very high percent of members participated in the event. Dick noted that the Wine-Tasting was a great Kiwanis Team event. 

Kiwanis January 4 Meeting Announcements

Rich Behling passed around a sign-up sheet for the Wines from Around the World Wine Tasting Event. Members are asked to volunteer for unfilled jobs on the sheet. He will continue to pass the sheet around at future meetings.

Stu Shippey gave members a final report on the Holiday Nut Sale project. The project was completed as scheduled December 25th last year, income was very good and everyone gave Stu a rousing round of applause for a job well done. He and President Dick Plambeck thanked everyone, many of whom stood in the cold, for selling all the nuts. Mary Lloyd told everyone how helpful Stu was in delivering a large order of nuts to her office. She thanked him for doing a fabulous job.

Dick will be going to the training session Thursday evening and he asked anyone interested in going along to contact him. He also passed around a sign-up sheet for the NJ District Mid-Winter Conference to be held on Saturday, January 29 at the Crown Plaza in Somerset. Tom Mullin mentioned a letter from the NJ District office asking for input regarding planning for the 2012 District Convention. He will forward the letter to Ron to email it out to everyone. Karen Swartz announced that next Wednesday at 10:40 am there will be a general meeting of the CHS Key Club in the auditorium.

The buffet lunch menu for the day was announced: cream of broccoli soup, chicken Frances, meat balls, teriyaki salmon, mashed potatoes, string beans, garden salad, mushroom salad, corn salad, barley salad, garlic beans and assorted deserts.

Kiwanis marches in November 26, 2010 Madison Christmas Parade

Kiwanis of Chatham and Madison marched in the 2010 Madison Christmas Parade. The above photo shows marchers in the Ambulance Corps parking lot before the parade started.  Madison High School Key Club members pose in front of the Kiwanis Banner and 13 Kiwanians are standing behind the banner.

During the parade, an announcer at Waverly Place briefly described the Kiwanis Club. The above photo show marchers rounding the corner near Gary's on Main Street. Click here to view the Chatham Patch coverage of the parade.

Chatham High School Key Club Officers Meet October 22

CHS Key Club officers met on October 22 to make plans for the 2010-2011 school year. Photo shows officers in attendance. Recording secretary is holding the new Key Club long sleeved t-shirt, on sale for $20. Proceeds benefit Children's Specialized Hospital  and other Key Club sponsored Charities.

Announcements for the August 3 Kiwanis Meeting

Vice President Mary Anne Maloney officiated at the meeting while President Rich Behling was away.

She called on Nancy Boucher who announced the upcoming NJ District Convention. Attendees will contributions for a food drive collection. Member Marc Litwack will be installed as Governor of the District at the Saturday Governor’s Banquet. There will be a Sunday memorial service for members who passed away during the past year. View the Convention website to learn more.

Nancy Holt invited members to attend a Benevolence Committee meeting scheduled for 1:30 PM on August 10 at the Chatham Methodist Church.

Bob Stannard reported that there will be a NJ Key Club Division 14 meeting to be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday August 14 at The Chatham Methodist Church. Kiwanis members are invited to attend. Click here to view Jiayun Fang’s June-July Key Club Div. 14 Newsletter.

Tom Mullin reminded members about the Chatham Library Summer Reader’s Kiwanis picnic to be held behind the library on August 19 at 3:30 PM.

Mary Anne reminded members that the Installation Dinner will be held at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, September 22 at the Brooklake Country Club. She also mentioned that next week’s August 10 luncheon meeting will be held at Charlie Brown’s.

Madison High School Key Club Participates in School-Wide Service Day

On June 2, the MHS Key Club participated in the Madison High School Service Day. The Key Club hosted twenty-four 3rd and 4th grade Newark SCEEP students.

The Suburban Cultural Educational Enrichment Program (SCEEP) pairs inner-city children with suburban community high school students, who serve as tutors. On MHS Service Day, the children participated in field day and Color-a-Smile activities. Much fun was had by all.

Madison High School Key Club attends May 25 Meeting

The Madison High School Key Club attends May 25 Meeting. Photo shows faculty advisor Peggy Cox on the right with seven Key Club offiicers (L to R): Henry (Points Secretary), Shannon (Vice President), Emily (Secretary), Brenna (President), Caroline (Public Relations), Leo (Treasurer) and Jason (Events Coordinator).

Cole Park May Day in Madison – 2010

On May 1, Kiwanis participated in May Day in Madison by sprucing up Cole Park. Cole Park is located on Greenwood Ave. and was given to the Borough of Madison by Howard Grant Cole on July 27, 1918 in loving memory of his wife, Louise Cole. Early in the morning on Saturday, 11 Kiwanis members, four Madison High School Key Club members and about 15 volunteers from St. Vincent the Martyr School (Girl Scouts and others) removed weeds from around bushes and trees – then distribute a huge pile of mulch to all the garden sites. Everyone had a lot of fun, even though temperature was over 80 when we finished, about 10:30am.

Chatham High School Key Club will come to April 20 Breakfast Meeting at Charlie Brown's

CHS Key Club meets with us for breakfast at Charlie Brown's 8:00 AM 4/20/10.  Get to know the advisors and officers of Chatham High School Key Club. They are really great and have a lot to report.

ECLC Key Club visits April 6 Meeing

ECLC of New Jersey Key Club attended the April 6 luncheon meeting. Assistant Principal Susan Tillis, Key Club faculty advisor Samantha Zelevansky, and two Key Club officers reported on recent activities. See photo of Key Club secretary (left) and faculty advisor. The club raised money for Special Olympics, Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter and Haiti Relief.