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/.