The Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex

2011-12-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Thank you

to the home owners who generously offered their homes for our tour;

to the restaurants who offered discounts when you showed your tickets for the day:
the Cloverleaf, Rockin Joes, Calandra's, Angelino's, Rose and the
wonderful cooperation of local businesses. Special thanks to Caldwell Flowerland
for donating their beautiful venue as our gathering place; to ShopRite for donating
all the cookies; to Rockin Joe's for donating all the coffee, milk, cream and sugar; and
to Foodtown for donating all the needed paper goods for the day.
And to the many volunteers who guided you through those homes on Dec. 4th!

2011-11-05T07:57:00.000-07:00

The House Tour of the Season

Enjoy the eclectic charms of six local homes, and visit three historic 19th century homes: Caldwell’s Grover Cleveland’s Birthplace; West Caldwell’s Zenas C. Crane House and Roseland’s Harrison House - all open with docents available to answer your questions.
Pine boughs, ribbons, aromas of the season, distinctive collections, and unique décor of homes filled with pride and respect for the structures welcome us into the joyful holiday season.

Nine sites to Tour
Sunday, December 4, 2011 - 12 noon to 4:30 PM

Complimentary Refreshments at all Historic Sites and
Caldwell Flowerland
329 Bloomfield Avenue • Caldwell, NJ

Yes, please send me _____ tickets with tour maps at $25 per ticket ($30 after Nov. 23rd)(Day of Walk ticket sales at $30 available at Caldwell Flowerland)
Name__________________________________
Address__________________________________
Telephone No._________________________
Email address: ________________________
Questions: Call 973-228-4067
Make check out to Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex Foundation & mail to:
Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex P.O. Box 447 Caldwell, NJ 07006

Bob Hodge New Kiwanis President

2011-10-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

The Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex witnessed the swearing in of it's 87th President by Kiwanis Lt. governor Lynn Oliver on Oct. 4 at the Mayfair Farms. The Caldwell Club is one of the oldest Kiwanis Clubs in New Jersey and founded only 8 years after Kiwanis International was established in Chicago.

The full Board of Directors was also sworn in by Lt. Governor Oliver.

20 years of Street Fairs!

2011-10-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

The Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex is thrilled to have been a founding organization of the Rotary/Kiwanis Caldwell Street Fair.

Fun and games were the order of the day with Kiwanians and Rotarians in the Beer Garden and Kiwanian Dr. Nancy Blattner, President of Caldwell College and some of Caldwell College Students hamming it up on the Avenue

Kiwanis sponsors 9/11 Memorial on Caldwell Green

2011-09-27T12:11:00.000-07:00

There are somethings in life that impact us so much that we never forget, where we were, what we were doing, how we felt and even the words we uttered at that moment.
December 7, 1941, November 22, 1963, September 11, 2001.

Two weeks ago Kiwanis sponsored an observance of September 11, 2001 on the Caldwell Town Green. Mildred Fitzburgh our Vice President said a few words to bring us together as we remembered those innocent souls who lost their lives that sunny day ten years ago.
Jackie Allworth lead a gathering of Kiwanians and local residents in the singing of Amazing Grace.
Our firefighters who so bravely gave their all to help save lives that day and for months afterward observed the day with us.
The West Essex First Aid Squad many of whom volunteered at the

Trade Center site as well, were there as part of the memorial service.

Fourth of July tradition

2011-07-07T14:38:00.001-07:00

Kiwanians were out in force serving lemonade and cold water to the many Caldwellians in support of the Annual Ice Cream Social at the Grover Cleveland Birthplace historic site.

2011-06-30T10:40:00.001-07:00

Irene Gibbons, a Kiwanian for 25 years has been recognized by the Rotary Club of the Caldwells with their Service above Self award at their June 21st meeting. Long time Rotarian Sam Kent presented Irene with her plaque as many Kiwanis family members were on hand to celebrate Irene's recognition.

2011-03-22T10:41:00.000-07:00

Chief Deuer of North Caldwell was the speaker at the Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex meeting on March 17 at The Rose Mediterranean Restaurant.

The Chief talked about the safety of our community and how our law enforcement groups work to keep West Essex as safe as it is.

2011-03-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex

All-you-can-eat Beefsteak Dinner
North Caldwell Firemen's Community Center
151 Gould Avenue – N. Caldwell
Saturday
March 12, 2011 6:30 – 10:00 PM

Catered by Nightingales
Wine, Beer and Softdrinks
Funds raised will support local Kiwanis sponsored

youth programs in West Essex communities.
Silent Auction – 50/50

Reservations a must – No Walk-ins.

Please send your check and reservation with Name – Address – Phone # and email Address to:
Kiwanis Beefsteak Dinneri c/o 1 Sunset Dr. N. Caldwell, New Jersey 07006 or email: Kiwanis006@aol.com

2011-01-27T10:17:00.000-08:00

Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex

87th Charter Night Dinner
481 Eagle Rock Avenue, West Orange, NJ

February 24, 2011
Cocktail Hour (cash bar)
(6:30 PM)
Passed Hors D'oeuvres

Dinner
(7:30 PM)
Posthumously Honoring

Bill Payne
Former West Caldwell Councilman
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Please reserve _____ seats for me. I’ve enclosed my check for_____ @ $40. per person.
Reserve by February 20, 2011.

Name ________________________

Phone ____________________

Guest(s) name(s) _____________________

Address _____________________________

Email address __________________________
Please mail with your check to:
Kiwanis Charter Night c/o Pat Collura 21 Bowers Rd.

Caldwell, New Jersey 07006

2011-01-27T10:12:00.000-08:00

Kiwanis Club of Caldwell-West Essex Celebrates Nine Years of service to St. John’s Soup Kitchen!
Last week was the start of our 10th year of service to St. John’s Soup Kitchen – very early every third Friday morning a hardy band of Kiwanians wend their way to Newark to help make sandwiches, put hot meals together or do whatever needs to be done to insure that homeless and destitute individuals are fed that day. A tip of the hat to Kiwanian Irene Gibbons for recommending that we step up to this worthy endeavor nine years ago and for her leadership in this endeavor.

The month of January was busy

2011-01-27T09:59:00.000-08:00

Young Children Priority One committee reminds us that February is also Give a Kid a Smile Month. - Make sure young children in your life are aware of how to take care of their teeth and have been to the dentist recently.
The Committee also brought the Essex County Domestic Violence Shelter another huge bag of new baby clothes – courtesy of Bob Blackwell’s staff; assorted toiletries and a $200 Target gift card for necessities for the Shelter.

Our Key Clubbers are pretty busy too.
West Essex Regional – with a little of our help Theresa Valentino, Dev. Officer for Children’s Specialized Hospital, was speaker at their last meeting on Jan. 11th. The students are planning some fundraising and visiting the hospital to learn more.
Congratulations to Joseph Toumanios on being elected Lt. Governor of Division 18 of New Jersey Key Club International (our division)!

Mt. St. Dominic - Christina and Gina spoke enthusiastically at their Jan. 6 meeting about their experiences at the Key Leader weekend – we probably will be seeing more of their members wanting to participate at those kind of events in the future. They are also meeting with some of the JCHS members to learn more about CSH and will be joining them on their next visit there. The girls are also interested in helping Joyce Servis in her Operation Paperback initiative.

James Caldwell HS – Seventy five members of this Key Club met on Jan. 19th to discuss selling t-shirts to raise money for children’s specialized hospital; participating in recreational therapy at CSH; accumulating prom dresses to donate to various organizations from the inner cities and
getting newer members to register for district convention in King of Prussia, Pa.

One of our own – On January 4 a number of Kiwanians were present to witness the swearing in of new Mayor (and Kiwanian) Ann Dassing. Good luck, Madam Mayor!

Two Christmas Tree Lightings

2010-12-20T17:07:00.000-08:00

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

2010-12-20T16:55:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-22T08:42:00.001-08:00

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

2010-08-11T12:52:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-27T06:25:00.000-07:00

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.

2010-04-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

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

2010-03-09T17:13:00.000-08:00

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!!!

2010-03-07T16:06:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-07T15:53:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

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.