Two Christmas Tree Lightings

Kiwanian Dr. Tammy Kaminski stuffs a few thousand dollars worth of food, clothing, toys, games, books and toiletries as much as she can possibly get into her SUV as she and fellow Kiwanian Jo-Ann Dixon prepares to travel to the Domestic Violence Center to bring a little joy to the kids and moms who are living there this holiday season. Kiwanian Mike Dixon also helped load the vehicle for its trip to make it's delivery.

15th Annual Kiwanis Free Holiday Childcare

On December 11th the West Caldwell Presbyterian Church was abuzz with Kiwanians, Key Clubbers and children from 3-9 years old having a great time making holiday decorations, spin art, playing games and working on jigzaw puzzles.

Key Club members from both James Caldwell High School and Mt. St. Dominic Academy guided the children through creation of unique decorations for their homes, played games with the little ones and made sure everyone had fun.

But the highlight of the day was when Santa Clause arrived with candy canes for everyone.

Kiwanians who participated were: Ann Calvin, Diane Lilli, Andrew Segal, Rob Linnett, Jr., Pat Collura, Michael and Jo-Ann Dixon.

The holidays have arrived

November 23rd will see Kiwanians joining with Rotary, Lions and religious leaders from throughout West Essex at Mayfair Farms for our Annual Ecumenical Luncheon.

December 11th is our 15th Annual Free Holiday Childcare ~ Yep, parents get three free hours while their children from 3-9 years of age join with Kiwanians and local High School Kiwanis Key Clubbers at West Caldwell Presbyterian Church from 12:30-3:30 for arts and crafts, games, holiday movies, snacks and maybe Santa if we're good! Children must be pre-registered to attend.

And during all of this we are collecting toys, games, puzzels and books for the children at the Essex County battered women's shelter. No small pieces, no violent toys, all must be unwrapped. For more information call: 973-228-4067.

Author John Lanza Speaker at Kiwanis Club

The Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex Hosted author John Lanza at their most recent luncheon meeting. Mr. Lanza's book, Shot Down Over Italy is the true story of courage and survival in Nazi-occupied Italy during World War II.

Mr. Lanza told of how he learned 60 years after the war ended how the B-25 Mitchell bomber had been shot down over Italy and how he and his six comrads survived, by living in a cave and supported by the local citizens.

Kiwanis President Mike Dixon thanks John Lanza for his exciting presentation.

Young Children focus of local Kiwanians

Character Counts is the name of the program, creating self-esteem in the three to five year old group of youngsters who came to hear stories, play games, solve puzzels, engage in puppet play, get measured and weighed was the focus.

Diane McMahon of Caldwell, a Montessori early childhood educator lead the group through a series of fun activities that helped them better understand their own value in the society they live in, in their families and pre-school settings.

This Saturday-morning event was part of the ongoing series of programs that are part of Kiwanis Young Children Priority One.

Kiwanis Host Magical Evening for Intergeneration Event
By Diane Lilli (The Jersey Tomato Press)
Kiwanis Caldwell West Essex member and past president, JoAnn Dixon reads to the young crowd at Saturday's magical event in Caldwell.
It was more exciting than watching a magician pull a rabbit out of his top hat - although that happened too.On Saturday night, in the Masonic Hall in Caldwell, the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell - West Essex Club threw a free shindig that drew attendees that represented the youngest - and oldest - of the community.All children between the ages of 3 - 5 were invited to attend with their grandparents, as part of the club's 'Grandparents and Kids Series'.Grandparents happily sat with their grandchildren to enjoy a night of magic, dinner, and entertainment all geared towards one important lesson - healthy living and nutrition.Kiwanis member JoAnn Dixon said she was thrilled with the numbers of people who showed up for the free event."We are packed," she said, smiling. Dixon, who working with Young Children Priority One chairperson, Robin Lavorato, to organize, not just this event but other activities focusing on children's wellness, read to the children from colorful books as they patiently waited for the magic show to begin.

Skip Tobin drove all the way from Rhode Island with his wife to spend some time with their 3 grandchildren. "It took about 4 hours to get here," he said. "But this is well worth it."Magician Ken Northridge tailored his act to coincide with the evening's message of health and nutrition."I am going to do some tricks and teach the kids at the same time," said Northridge. "I'll do a disappearing act with salt, to make the point that less salt is better." Dr. Tammy Kaminski took the tykes through their paces by teaching them some fun exercises.

Another great trick this health minded magician did was to have the kids pick an envelope - and when they opened it, they found healthy foods or drinks such as nonfat milk or water.But, not to disappoint his small audience, this magician did pull that furry rabbit out of his hat.And his snack? Carrots of course!Dinner was provided by Casa Fillipo and deserts were catered by Sue's Suppers and Sweets, owned by Sue Ferrullo of West Caldwell.If you would like to learn more about the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell - West Essex, go to http://www.caldwellkiwanis.org/.

Save the Date for the Kiwanis 6th Annual Prayer Breakfast

Come join the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex for our 6th Annual Prayer Breakfast at
Crane’s Mill Retirement Community 459 Passaic Avenue •West Caldwell
7:45 AM - Wednesday - May 12, 2010

Please join us to hear Ellen Dotto, former Vice President of State and Local Government Affairs for Verizon. Ms. Dotto directed all activities between the Verizon state organizations and three key national organizations – US Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities and National Association of Counties. With a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Trinity College, Washington, DC and an MBA from Seton Hall University; and a Fellow of Leadership New Jersey and former member of the Board of Governors of Union County College. She served as a member of the Public Library Construction Advisory Board in the State of New Jersey, is a former member of the Board of Trustees of Homes Now, a community development corporation and served on the Board of the Philharmonic Orchestra of New Jersey. But none of this prepared her for the day her son, Jay went off to serve the U.S. Marines in Iraq.

Join us at Crane’s Mills to hear how prayer kept their family focused on what was important, how the prayers of friends sustained them and how their spirituality helped them find something within themselves they never knew they had throughout Jay’s, not one, but two tours of duty in Iraq. And learn how we can all find these gifts and opportunities. Call: 973-228-4067 for more information

In the Kiwanis tradition, you’re invited to bring a guest.

RSVP by May 6, 2010 - $12 per person

A Happy Healthy Kiwanis Kid Event!!!

A Happy Health Kid Event is scheduled for March 27th - A HAPPY AND HEALTHY KIDS MAGIC SHOW! A Grandparent and Grandchild Night Out - come for a light dinner and learn while having fun with your grandkids. Check www.CaldwellKiwanis.org for more information.

86th Charter Night

The Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex celebrated its 86th Charter Night on March 4th. Delayed by the previous week’s snowstorm the gathering of 80+ area residents was a gala affair at the Mayfair Farms.

Kiwanians presented to Terry DeMasi their 2010 Community Service Award for her unswerving dedication to handicapped children and adults of West Essex by founding the Adult Canteen and her helping to develop the establishment of the Vo-Tech school in West Caldwell.


Additionally the Kiwanians awarded a George F. Hixson Fellowship to member and past president George W. Carnrick, Jr. of Caldwell and a Carrington-Swain Award to member Tony Bocchino of Glen Ridge for their enthusiasm and commitment to the Kiwanis focus on service to community and young children.

In attendance were Mayor Susan Gartland of Caldwell, Mayor Joseph Tempesta of West Caldwell, West Caldwell Council President Joseph Cecere who presented a town proclamation to Terry DeMasi.

Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex To Honor Terry DiMasi

On March 4, 2010 the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex will honor Theresa (Terry) DiMasi of West Caldwell for her focus on helping those physically and mentally challenged residents of the area.
DiMasi is Founder of the West Caldwell Canteen for the Handicapped (mentally and physically disabled adults). West Caldwell Civic Center was made barrier free as a result of one of the many grants received.
DiMasi has also received numerous awards and recognitions by the New Jersey Governor and the State of New Jersey for the uniqueness and effectiveness of the program. It was described as one of the best recreational programs for handicapped individuals in the state.
In addition, DiMasi has held such posts as Chairwoman of the Mayor’s Advisory Board for the Disabled, West Caldwell; President and Member of the Essex County Vocational School Board. Co-Founder of the Essex County Vocational/Technical School, West Caldwell; Member of the Board of Directors of the Essex County Educational Services Commission; President and member of the West Essex Parent’s of Exceptional Children; she is also the creator of the 1st after school recreational program for disabled children in the district, housed at Jefferson School in the early 1970’s.
DiMasi will be awarded the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex 2010 Community Service Award with deep appreciation from the members of the club and the West Essex residents for her dedication and hard work.