July 23 Kiwanis Program: Cynthia Cutcliff spoke on The Compassionate Friends, Supporting Family after a Child Dies.

Cynthia Cutcliff, The Compassionate Friends of Morris Chapter Leader, spoke at the Kiwanis breakfast meeting at Charlie Brown’s in Chatham Township on July 23. Also speaking were Pat Tetta and Jim Lanahan. She introduced her remarks by saying “those who need us will find us and those who find us will be helped.”

The Mission of The Compassionate Friends: When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family. There are 640 chapters in the United States. They hold local meetings in Chatham Twp. and Parsippany once a month to help bereaved family members.

Throughout the presentation, the audience loudly applauded the stories shared by Cynthia, Pat and Jim and thanked them for their message.

She handed out brochures for the national organization, which is 501c3. The Morris, NJ area has designed a brochure and needs donations to pay for printing and distributing it. Please support the work of this fine organization. Learn more by visiting the national website and the Morris area website.

Kiwanis July 16 Program: Mary Lloyd, Esq. spoke on "Important papers we should all have."

Mary Lloyd, Esq. spoke on "Important papers we should all have." She is with Stickel Frahn and Lloyd, located in Chatham Borough. She began with an overview of the latest scams and then moved on to documents you need. The first thing is an up-to-date will. Many problems will come up if you don’t have an up-to-date-will. She recommends more than one executor and that all heirs be correctly shown.

She explained “portability” and how a large inheritance can be banked by filling out the correct forms. The banked funds can then be used to reduce estate taxes for subsequent heirs. Older existing trusts must be reviewed in light of the new portability law.

People need to keep in a safe place a record of their logon ID’s and passwords. Lawyers, executors and heirs have a hard time finding and processing accounts without PIN numbers. With the increasing use of technology, this is a growing problem.

Everyone needs a medical power of attorney. Every doctor asks for this and will not help you without it. Someone must know and be available to provide sensitive medical information on your behalf.
Mary talked about other important information that people should keep.  She shared many stories about troubles people encountered when they did not have the needed documents.

The audience enthusiastically applauded her helpful and entertaining presentation.

Kiwanis July 9 Program: Joan Thuebel spoke about her Earthwatch Polar Bear experience in Churchill, Canada.

Kiwanian Joan Thuebel gave a very interesting and educational talk about her trip to Churchill, Canada to study Polar Bears as part of Earthwatch. She started with an overview of Polar Bears. Joan then described the activities she carried out as part of the Earthwatch project.

Because global warming is reducing ice formation, the bears are have a difficult time finding enough food. The bears mate in April and May, but the pregnancy does not start until after the bear eats enough food to produce the required amount of blubber. If the female bear has enough blubber in October, she we will be able to give birth to cubs.

The study observed play-fighting among male bears. Also studied was the effect of humans on the bears. The bears were photographed and their behavior was documented.
Joan showed excellent slides of Polar Bears and their habitat. The members of the audience enthusiastically applauded this entertaining and educational presentation.

Boy Scout Troop 8 Eagle Scout candidate Brian Goldstein gave an overview of his project at the July 9 Kiwanis luncheon meeting.

Boy Scout Troop 8 Eagle Scout candidate Brian Goldstein is requesting financial backing for his project. The project is an environmental experiment and educational tool for Milton Ave. School. Natural species of plants at the school have been driven out by deer and have been replaced by invasive species. Two deer exclosures (enclosures that keep deer out), 4 wooden benches and an information kiosk will be constructed behind the school. Invasive species of plants will be removed from both exclosures. In one exclosure, the natural plants will be restored and the soil in the other exclosure will just be left alone to let nature take its course.

The primary beneficiary is the Chatham environmental commission but the school would also see benefits from the project. Brian has requested funding from Chatham JC’s, Chatham Environmental Commission, Milton Ave. PTO, and the Soil Conservation District of Morris Co. These organizations have also suggested Kiwanis as a source of funding. Cost of the project is $2,50; so far, Brian has raised about $1,000. He sent an article requesting local residents for support to the Chatham Courier, asking that it be printed. Checks should be made out to Troop 8 with Brian Goldstein Eagle Project in the memo field and sent to the Ogden Presbyterian Church (which sponsors the troop). He closed by asking Kiwanis to make a donation to his project. Everyone enthusiastically applauded the presentation.

Fourth of July 2013 Parade

 

 

 

 

Roland Romano, Community Outreach Coordinator, Lung Cancer Institute, Saint Barnabas Medical Center spoke on the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program.

Roland Romano (right in photo), Community Outreach Coordinator, Lung Cancer Institute, Saint Barnabas Medical Center spoke about the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program. Bridged Saggese, Nurse Navigator is on the right in the photo.

Roland told the audience that Lung Cancer is the most prevalent cause of death due to cancer; yet early detection tests are not widely available. To correct this situation, Barnabas Medical Center is offering people free low-dose CT screening if they are at high risk.  85 percent of lung cancer is caused by smoking. By stopping smoking, people can significantly reduce their likelihood of developing cancer.

Lung cancer is almost always discovered in late stages, where it cannot be successfully cured. By the time symptoms are apparent, the cancer is in late stages. However, lung cancer can be effectively treated if found very early in its development. That is why screening is very important.

Bridget will discuss risk factors with potential candidates. People who have been exposed to smoking and other risk factors are asked to call 973-322-6644. Also, please visit the Barnabas Lung Cancer website to learn more.

June 25 Meeting Program: Martha Corson, Vice President/Program Chair of Morris Area Genealogical Society, presented an overview of genealogy.

Martha Corson (left in photo), Vice President/Program Chair of Morris Area Genealogy Society, presented an overview of genealogy. She was introduced by Betty Anne Keat (right). Both attended Dickenson College.

Martha gave a PowerPoint presentation covering genealogy. She showed how she researched the family history of Betty Anne Keat, going far into the past. Martha showed the sources she used to obtain information and described her logical analysis of the available data.

The audience enthusiastically applauded this interesting presentation.

Two new members were inducted into Chatham-Madison Kiwanis on June 25, 2013: Tony Britt and Sue Burlingame.

Tony Britt (right in photo) of Chatham Borough was inducted into Kiwanis during the June 25, 2013 breakfast meeting at Charlie Brown’s restaurant. Past President Dick Plambeck (left) introduced Tony and welcomed him into the club.

Sue Burlingame (left in photo) of Chatham Borough was also inducted into Kiwanis during the June 25, 2013 breakfast meeting at Charlie Brown’s restaurant. Betty Anne Keat (right), sponsored Sue, introduced her to everyone and welcomed her into the club.

Kiwanis Service and Music Awards were presented to Madison High School Seniors Alec Waksman and Megan Riley at the June 20, 2013 Awards Ceremony.

Alec Waksman was presented with the 2013 Kiwanis Nancy Boucher Madison High School Service Award.  This highly qualified student serves as the Treasurer and “points person” on the Key Club executive board at Madison High School. Alex is truly dedicated to volunteer work and helping others. He volunteered for the Special Olympics bocce tournament, worked at the car wash, and helped facilitate a recent dodge ball event. He has been present at every key club event this school year. Alec is self-less and has a quiet sense of leadership that students gravitate toward. When something needs to be done, Alec is always ready and willing to pitch in. He has a calm, pleasant demeanor which serves him well when working with children, people with special needs, and senior citizens.  We are grateful to have a student of Alec’s caliber on the Key Club executive board this year.

Meghan Riley was presented with the Kiwanis 2013 Jerry Vezza Madison High School Music Award. She completed a very demanding college prep program of study. Meghan is more than willing to rise to the academic challenge that a difficult program often presents.  Her efforts have resulted in an excellent grade point average and she was inducted into the National Honor Society.

Meghan has clearly defined goals for her future. She is focused on becoming a music teacher.  She has been involved in every phase of the MHS music program including Orchestra, Concert Band, Marching Band, Pit Band, and Wind Ensemble.  Outside of school she also performs with Drew University’s Wind Ensemble.

When not making music, Meghan is an assistant editor of the yearbook and she volunteers as a math tutor.  She is also very active in the youth ministry of her church and has volunteered to give music lessons during the summer in the summer youth program.  Her experiences will help her achieve her goal of becoming a music teacher.

Kiwanis June 18 Meeting Program: Regina Braham of New Jersey Battered Women Services spoke about the important work of the organization.

Regina Braham (left) of New Jersey Battered Women Services spoke at the June 18, 2103 weekly Kiwanis meeting. She was introduced by Betty Anne Keat (right).

JBWS does not have a store-front so it is harder for clients to find their services. They began in 1976 providing a hot-line service where clients could call and ask for help. Since then, the agency has added housing services and extended the program to include young people. Regina showed a short DVD which explained the problems with violence in relationships. She also handed out brochures and described how JBWS help their clients. They address safety, the cycle of violence, help people become self-sufficient, and counter the social norms that allow domestic violence to continue.
They have a shelter, a hot line, legal support and counseling. Many clients have multiple problems that make the problem even worse. Programs are aimed at preventing the problem from developing. Education in public schools is provided to help young men develop healthy relationships. Women recovering from abuse are helped to return to a productive and happy life. Misuse of power in a relationship is no longer being acceptable. Progress is being made.

Regina closed with a quote that has been making the rounds on Facebook. We need to teach our daughters to know the difference between: A man who flatters her and a man who compliments her; A man who spends money on her and a man who invests in her; A man who views her as property and a man who views her properly; A man who lusts after her and a man who loves her; A man who believes he's a gift to women and a man who believes she's a gift to him. And then we need to teach our sons to be that kind of man.

Members of the audience enthusiastically applauded the presentation. Please visit the JBWS website to learn more about the good work of this organization.

Green Village resident Nickie Cheney was awarded a Walter Zeller Certificate of Appreciation In support of Kiwanis Project ELIMINATE.

Nickie Cheney (left in photo) of Green Village, NJ proudly wears her Walter Zeller medal. It was given to her at the June 18, 2013 Kiwanis meeting held at Charlie Brown’s Restaurant in Chatham Township. In the center is her mother Penny Nichols Wilson of Milton, Florida. Michael Mulhaul (right), District Coordinator of the Kiwanis NJ District Project ELIMINATE campaign was on hand to make the presentation.

Penny is a Kiwanian who served as President of Florida’s Kiwanis Club of Santa Rosa Sunrise from 2009 to 2011. She wanted to give her daughter a memorable Mother’s Day gift this year. She chose a contribution, in Nickie’s name, to project ELIMINATE.

Project ELIMINATE will stamp out Maternal Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) by raising funds for inoculating women in 30 third world countries, where MNT is a serious problem. In those countries, women give birth in unsanitary conditions where the newborn baby is infected with tetanus. The baby dies a horrible death within two weeks, which is easily preventable by inoculating all women against tetanus - at a cost of only $1.80 per person. Kiwanis International is raising 110 million dollars and directing the funds to UNICEF, which handles the distribution of funds to countries which have the greatest need. This project is for women of child-bearing age, many in remote areas. One baby dies every 9 minutes because of MNT. New Jersey Kiwanis is raising a little over one million dollars to support the project. Click here to learn more about ELIMINATE.

Kiwanis International acknowledges major contributions to ELIMINATE by presenting a Walter Zeller Award. A special broche is included for Mother’s Day. Michael Mulhaul, who is a past Governor of the Kiwanis NJ District, made all the arrangements to obtain and present the award to Nickie, who was an active member of Key Club in high school. The award was a surprise to Nickie and she graciously thanked her mother and Kiwanis for the gift.

Christine Rehm, President of Circle K Club at College of New Jersey, is serving with Kiwanis this summer.

Christine Rehm, left in the photo, has joined the Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club as a summer intern. In late August, she will return to the College of New Jersey where she will be the President of the Circle K Club (which is sponsored by Kiwanis). Joan May (right), President of Kiwanis welcomed Christine, who lives in nearby Florham Park.

Joan May, President of Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club Presented Special Awards to Every 2013 Graduating Senior of ECLC of New Jersey in Chatham.

Joan May (left in the photo), President of Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club Presented Special Awards to Every 2013 Graduating Senior of ECLC of New Jersey in Chatham. The club presented $75 to each of the 38 graduates and the June 13, 2013 graduation ceremony.

Kiwanis President Joan May attends Chatham High School Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony.

Click here to view Chatham Patch article about the June 9,2013 recognition ceremony for Chatham High School graduates who earned theirGirl Scout Gold Award.

Joan May, President of Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club presented awards to seven graduating seniors at the May 31, 2013 Chatham High School Awards Assembly.

Joan May, President of Chatham-Madison Kiwanis Club presented awards to seven graduating seniors at the May 31, 2013 Chatham High School Awards Assembly.

Music Awards: Theodore Walker, John Philip Sousa Band Award; Nicholas Zmijeski, Louis Armstrong Jazz Award; Megan Myers, National School Choral Award; Jillian Srygley, National School Orchestra Award.

Drama Awards: Kelly Cole, Performance; Stephanie Gallucci, Technical Theatre.

Kiwanis-Rotary Annual Picnic held on June 11, 2013

Kiwanis and Rotary clubs in Chatham held their annual picnic on June 11. Weather threatened but it was OK and everyone had a great time.

Kiwanis pulled pork booth at the June 8, 2013 Chatham Fishawack Festival.

Kiwanis selling lots of pulled pork sandwiches at the June 8, 2013 Chatham Fishawack Festival.

Preparing for the June 8, 2013 Chatham Fishawack Festival.

Pulling Pork to make delicious sandwiches which were sold at the June 8, 2013 Chatham Fishawack Festival.

June 4 Kiwanis Meeting Program: Mimi Mehta and Mary Rohe spoke about the Chatham Skate Park.

Mimi Mehta (left in the photo) and Mary Rohe (right) spoke at the June 4 meeting about the history, status and plans for the Chatham Skate Park. They were introduced by Karen Swartz. The park is located next to the police station on Southern Blvd. in Chatham Township. It has been actively used by local young people since it was built in 2003.

The speakers are raising $15,000 to pay for an acrylic protective coating for the skating surfaces.

The skate park provides a unique opportunity for young people to develop and enjoy their skateboarding skills. It also provides a place for them to come together for camaraderie. It is a sort of playground for older kids, a place to relieve stress and develop social skills. It is a terrific local resource – the next closest skate park is a thirty minute drive from town. The speakers presented a PowerPoint presentation and a video explaining how the park has been used in the past ten years.

To learn more, please visit their website. You can find it by searching on Google for “chathamskateparknj”. Also visit their facebook page: “savechathamskatepark”. Some videos of the park in action are also available on YouTube – on the YouTube search field, enter chatham skate park to find videos. You can also find articles on this in Chatham Patch.

Mimi and Mary are asking local organizations and citizens to make donations for repairs to the skateboard park. The members of the audience enthusiastically applauded the work of the speakers and their fine presentation.

Kiwanis May 28 Meeting Program: Author Ann Frommer reviewed her latest book: TailGunner – war defines us if we let it.

Ann Frommer (right)was introduced by Melanie Sze (left) at the May 28 Kiwanis breakfast meeting held at Charlie Brown’s in Chatham Township. Ann collaborated with Victor Merkel to write “TailGunner”, a historical novel set in World War II. She researched real places and events to create an exciting story centered around a real WWII hero.

She described how she became involved in the project and how she went about writing the book. Here presentation was fascinating and enjoyed by the many club members and guests attending the meeting. Everyone enthusiastically applauded the excellent digital slide show. Please visit Amazon to learn more about this book.