Kiwanis-Rotary Picnic Held on Rainy June 12, 2012

Kiwanis and Rotary members held their annual picnic on a rainy June 12, 2012 at 6:00 PM. The two clubs who met are the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club and the Chatham, Millburn and Short Hills Rotary Club. Delicious beef tenderloin was grilled on a heavy duty barbeque grill provided by the Chatham Department of Public Works. Because of the rain, food was cooked outside on the grill and eaten inside of the Chatham Borough Firehouse. This year, Kiwanis served as the host. It is a great opportunity for the two service clubs to socialize and exchange ideas. John Eyre was in charge of setting up the whole event, including buying and cooking the tenderloin. He also baked brownies that were outstanding. The food was excellent and everyone had a great time. Total attendance was 21, which was great, considering the rainy weather.

“One World Many Stories” - Kiwanis Sponsored Library Picnic

The annual Library of the Chathams Summer Reading Program picnic was held on August 18, 2011 in hot, humid summer weather. Morning showers ended before the picnic, which was held in the afternoon in Memorial Park. (Photo shows Kiwanis Pres. Dick Plambeck and Children's Librarian Laura Weinbrom.)The park is behind the library which is located on Main Street in Chatham Borough. Food and workers were provided by Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club.  Kiwanis picnic organizer Tom Mullin reported that almost 300 hot dogs were served.  He also reported that about twenty Kiwanis members were on hand to grill and serve hot dogs, chips, fruit juice and ice cream. 

 “One World Many Stories” was the theme for the Summer Reading Club at the Library of the Chathams this year.  The program ran from June 27 to August 18 and was open to all children living or attending school in the Chathams. Children, including pre-K youngsters, participated in the summer reading program by reading books or by having books read to them. 

 Children’s Librarian Laura Weinbrom reported that 126 teen volunteers, with backup from the library staff, listened to book reports made by participating children.  272 children who read and reported on enough books were invited to the Kiwanis picnic.  Weinbrom said that 548 children read and reported on 10,247 books. Volunteers who listened to reports contributed 1,388 hours with 59 volunteers giving over 8 hours and 37 giving over 20 hours.

 Entertainment at the picnic was World Music with Daria. Children enthusiastically danced and played instruments to the beat of rhythmic music. The Chatham Women’s Club sponsored prizes for readers and the Friends of the Library sponsored the entertainment.

 Library of the Chathams Director and Kiwanis member Diane O’Brien said “we were very happy that the weather cooperated and everyone had a good time.”

Annual Kiwanis-Rotary Picnic June 14

Ed Kostrowski, incoming President of the Chatham, Millburn and Short Hills Rotary Club barbequed London broil at the Kiwanis-Rotary picnic held at the Chatham Borough Firehouse on June 14, 2011. The Kiwanis-Rotary picnic is held every year. The clubs alternate serving as host – this year, Rotary was the host. It is a great opportunity for the two service clubs to socialize and exchange ideas.

There was a huge rain shower just before the picnic, but about 6:00 PM, the sky brightened, the rain stopped and the sun came out.  The picnic was just ending when the showers returned, so everyone went inside the firehouse to enjoy a last cup of coffee.

The food was excellent and everyone had a great time. Total attendance was 25, which was great, considering the rainy weather.

The Rotary club holds three meetings per month at Enzzo’s Trattoria in Milburn and one meeting per month at the Library of the Chathams.

Kiwanis May 17 Meeting Announcements

The annual Stanley Park picnic was held at Nancy’s house because of the heavy rain. Members of the club sang “happy birthday” to Erv. Joan announced that there will be 17 tables at the Yard Sale if everyone comes. Vendor Agreements have not been sent in, probably because of the bad weather this week. She said we will definitely hold the event on Saturday. Marge announced the annual church service at St. Paul’s at 10:00 AM and brunch at Winberies at 11:30. Joan announced the Alumni Concert on May 28 between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM at Memorial Park in Madison. Gary reminded everyone about the Ogden St. clean-up May 25 at 9:00 AM. If it is raining, the clean-up will be moved to early June. Memorial flag placement at Fair Mount Cemetery will be May 26 at 9:00 AM. Rain date is the next day.

Kiwanis August 24 Meeting Announcements

President Rich Behling began announcements by passing around the sign-up sheet for the September 22 Installation Dinner.  He asked members to give payment ($40 per person) to Treasurer Monty Montague. He also passed around the final draft of the club directory for a last review by members. The directory went to the printer after the meeting. The club is looking for a volunteer to be the liaison to the Summit High School Key Club since the Summit Kiwanis has turned in their Charter. Tom reported on the very successful Library Picnic project. Diane O’Brien thanked Tom and the club for the support of the Library of the Chathams. She said Tom has the project down to a science. Leftovers were donated to the Food Pantry. Nancy B. gave a report on the District Convention held at the Hanover Marriott. Marc Litwack was installed as District Governor in his home by a delegate from Italy. Bob reported on awards the club received at the convention. Bob received awards for best club newsletter/bulletin. Gary announced that a Shepard-Kollock Park cleanup will be held on September 16 at 9:00 AM. Nelson Vaughan introduced Laura Silvius, the new editor of ChathamPatch.com.

“Make A Splash! Read” - Kiwanis Sponsored Library Picnic

The annual Library of the Chathams Summer Reading Program Kiwanis picnic was held on August 19, 2010 in hot, sunny summer weather. The picnic, held in Memorial Park behind the library, was funded and served by the Kiwanis Club of the Chathams. Kiwanis picnic organizer Tom Mullin reported that over 200 hot dogs were served. He also reported that over twenty Kiwanis members and spouses were on hand to grill and serve hot dogs, chips, fruit juice and ice cream.  Photo shows Dick Plamback, Dick Ligertwood, Jerry Cunningham and Monty Montague barbequing hot dogs.

“Make A Splash! Read!” was the theme for the Summer Reading Club at Library of the Chathams this year. The program ran from June 28 to August 19 and was open to all children living or attending school in the Chathams. Children’s Librarian Laura Weinbrom announced at the picnic that 121 student volunteers, with backup from the library staff, listened to book reports made by participating children. Children who read and reported on enough books were invited to the Kiwanis picnic. Weinbrom said that 549 children read and reported on 8004 books. Volunteers who listened to reports contributed 1171 hours with 22 volunteers giving over 20 hours. 

Photo shows Kiwanis project chairman Tom Mullin putting out the charcoal fire using the left-over ice-water as Mal Kitson and Clyde Zukswert look on.

Announcements for Kiwanis Luncheon Meeting held July 6

Rich Behling asked Nancy Boucher and Hal Witlinger to stand up to be recognized for attending the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas last weeks. Rich also attended. All three wore green Kiwanis T-shirts and while in Vegas they went to casinos as frogs. Rich said it was beneficial for him to attend the convention and he strongly recommended that members go to the convention next year in Geneva, Switzerland.

Rich is verifying the data for next year’s member directory and he passed around a draft of the directory for comment. He asked all members to review the data and if it is OK, put a check mark beside their name. If not, they should make corrections. If they want to, members can write their cell phone number on the right side of their data.

Tom announced the upcoming Chatham Library Children’s Reading Program picnic on August 19 and he will pass a sign-up sheet around in a couple of weeks.

Mal Kitson announced that the Independence Day parade went off with a lot of success. Both floats were decorated nicely; we had a lot of help. There were only about seven marchers – we could use more. Stephanie Cooperman, who marched with Karen Swartz, said she will try to get Builders Club and Key Club to march next year.

A brief meeting was held following regular meeting to discuss a wine tasting fundraiser.

Annual Kiwanis-Rotary Picnic June 15

The Annual Kiwanis-Rotary picnic was organized by Mary Anne Maloney, Vice President of Kiwanis. John Eyre purchased filet mignon and grilled it to the delight of hungry people who were present. The event started at 6:00 pm and was held between the Chatham Borough firehouse and the gazebo. The weather was perfect and everyone had a great time. In attendance were 22 members of Chatham-Madison Kiwanis and 4 members of Milburn-Chatham Rotary.

May 18 Picnic Meeting moved to Chatham United Methodist Church

Bob began the meeting by playing “America” on the piano while 26 Kiwanis members sang “My country tis of thee …”. The May 18 luncheon meeting was supposed to be a picnic held in Stanley Park. Because of cool 50 degree weather and steady rain, Rich decided to change the venue to Rodda Hall in the Chatham United Methodist Church. We confortably enjoyed our meeing and lunch of sandwiches, sodas and coffee inside. After the pledge of allegiance, we also sang “God Bless America”.  Rich thanked Mary Anne and her team for arranging the luncheon and all in attendance applauded loudly.

Rich recognized Erv’s birthday and we sang happy birthday to him. He also recognized guests Stu and Karen. Announcements: Gary reminded all of the May 20 Ogden St. cleanup (it needs our work); Jerry reminded us of the Thursday May 27 Fair Mount Cemetery Memorial Flag Placement (meet at Hillside Ave. entrance). Rich passed around a “’thank-you” note from Melanie. Kiwanis of Morristown and Rotary of Chatham invited all to meetings. Remember, attire is informal until Fall. Estimated income from the Cole Park Yard sale was a net $720. The May Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 19 at 8:00 pm in the Methodist Church.

May 11 Kiwanis Meeting at Broccolini’s - Announcements

The Luncheon meeting was held at Broccolini’s in Madison. The photo shows members Melanie, Betty Anne, Nancy and Mary Anne. Bob introduced guest Stu, who is interested in joining the club. Nancy introduced guest John. Starting at the Stanley Park picnic next week, the dress code for meetings is casual until we go back to more formal attire at the installation dinner.

Mary Anne passed around signup sheets for people to help out at the Stanley Park picnic next Tuesday and the Rotary-Kiwanis picnic on June 15. Gary passed around the signup sheet for May 20, 9:00 am Ogden St. area cleanup as part of NJ Clean Community program. It will only take about an hour to do the work. A map is available and it will be emailed to members. Nancy asked for orders for supermarket gift certificates. Tom asked members to fill out an interclub event form showing names of our members and where the event is held. This is needed to receive credit for attending the event.

Saturday is the Cole Park yard sale. Set-up people have to be there at 7:00 am. Tables will be picked up and delivered Thursday and Friday by Doug and Sam. Alan will assign sellers to table spaces identified using stakes supplied by Dick.

Election of next year’s officers began by reading names of all nominees. The members in attendance elected nominees by voice vote. The list of next year’s officers is shown in the Blog officers’ page.