Kiwanis
Kiwanis Club of New London, CT

Serving the Children of the World

Meeting Date Change

The board of directors has voted to change the meeting day to Thursdays at 12:00pm. The meetings will continue to be held in the Clarke Center at Mitchell College.

Actions of the Board

The board of directors held their monthly meeting on September 13th.

The board appropriated $500 to New London Youth Football.

The board appropriated $1000 to Homeless to Hopeful.

The Board voted to spend $300 to purchase a printer to print the News and Views.

Next meeting: Tuesday October 11, 5:15 pm at the New London Public Library

RIF Wrap Up

Once again, our Reading is Fundamental (RIF) program was a great success for about 35 children, aged 3 to 5, at the Riverfront Children Center in Groton and about 65 children at the Ballestrini Daycare Centers located in Waterford, Niantic and Salem. Over 350 books were distributed to these young listeners. Eleven club members, Bob Grills, John Russell, Pam Stevens Moriarty, Marty Olsen, Rich Cheatham, Sherry Lombardi, Jim Sylvester, Carol Ballestrini, John Vincent, Ted Nelson, Suzanne Maryeski, were our volunteer readers. A big thank you is due to these club members for their service.

1000 Mother Challenge/Project ELIMINATE

The club reached it goal of raising One Thousand Eight Hundred dollars which will be used to help support the the ELIMINATE Project - Kiwanis International’s Worldwide Service project. The $1,800 will provide Maternal Neonatal Tetanus vaccinations to 1,000 mothers and their offspring. Club members who helped support this effort are John Russell, John Kashanski, Bob Grills, Gordon Jackson, Marty Olsen, Ted Nelson, Tom Moriarty, Sherry Lombardi, Pam Stevens Moriarty, Jack Russell, Jim Sylvester, and Rich Cheatham. A great big thank you is due these members who have stepped up to be part history as Kiwanis eliminates MNT. Great Job!

King Scholars Recognized

Two graduating Robert E. Fitch Senior High School seniors, Annaliisa Erickson and Neariah Jarvis, selected to receive the Kiwanis Club of New London’s N. B. King Scholarship, were introduced to the club on June 15. They will each receive $3,000 toward their secondary education.
Ms. Erickson, an active Key Club member, will be attending Sacred Heart University here in Connecticut and major in pathobiology.
Mr. Jarvis will be majoring in culinary arts at Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH.
Annaliisa was joined by her guardian, Ms. Maricar Knowles. Neariah was joined by his guardian, Ms. Dorothy Reas, as well as Co-Op Youth Group Leader, Ms. Kristen Negaard O’Brien.
Both recipients posed for photos with the books that will be donated in their name to the New London Public Library’s Children’s Room.
A big thank you for a job well done to this year’s Scholarship Committee: Glenn Hamler, Jim Sylvester, Andrew Ely and Sherry Lombardi.
These scholarships are named for N. Blake King, a long time member of the New London Kiwanis Club and past governor of the New England District of Kiwanis

Honors Dinner

Over one hundred people congregated at the US Coast Guard Academy Alumni Center on Sunday, February 27th to honor Sally Ryan for the club’s Lifetime Community Service Award in conjunction with the club’s 70th Anniversary Celebration. Joining the many family, friends and club members for the festivities were many New London City
Councilors and members of the Board of Education: club members Mayor Martin Olsen and Deputy Mayor John Russell; Councilors Michael Passero, Michael Buscetto and Rob Pero; along with board members Bill Morse and Ronna Stuller. Frank Dennett, New England District of Kiwanis Secretary from Eliot, ME, represented District Governor Ron Sanville. Al Paul, Kiwanis Foundation of New England president, made the trip from Rutland, VT. Glenn Hamler did his usual stellar job as master-of-ceremonies. The Coast Guard Academy Choir opened the event singing the National Anthem and then followed with a selection of patriotic songs, concluding with Danny Boy in honor of Sally Ryan. Representatives from organizations that Sally had designated as recipients of her percentage of the fundraising component were well represented: New London Community Boating- Carolyn Leuze; New London Landmarks- Sandra Chalk and Susan Mungar; Lyman Allyn Museum- Nancy Hileman; New London Historical
Society- Ed Baker and the New London Public Library- Doreen Roth and club member Suzanne Maryeski. Tim Grills catered the event through TVCCA and Catering to You. A big thank you to Jim Sylvester, Bob Grills and Rich Cheatham for their efforts and
coordinating this major benefit and honor banquet. Other club members in attendance were Gordon Jackson, Ted Nelson, Tom Moriarty, Sherry Lombardi, Pam Stevens-Moriarty, Jack Russell, Bill Everett and John Vincent. We thank our many sponsors
and donors in helping to make this a very special evening, A full accounting will be forthcoming.

2011 Honor Dinner

click to view

Helen at 100

Club members visited honorary Kiwanian Helen McCartin on her 100th birthday recently. She was presented with a birthday card signed by club members and Key Club members. Happy birthday Helen.

Update- Helen McCartin has moved from her house and is now living in an assisted living facility in Cape Cod. Helen’s new mailing address is:
Helen McCartin
Woodlands at Pleasant Bay Room 218
120 Woodlands Way
Brewster, Ma. 02631
Don’t be shy. Send Helen a card or letter. I am sure she would love to hear from you. Hi Helen!

Farewell to an Old Friend

Former member, Ed Brailey, 58, passed away on January 3rd at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill, NC. Twenty years ago Ed was diagnosed with Alpha 1, a severe respiratory illness. After receiving a lung transplant in 2002, Ed dedicated the remainder of his life to education, awareness and fundraising for Alpha 1. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alpha-1 Foundation, Attn: Development Office, 2937 SW 27th Ave., Miami FL 33133 or to the Niantic Baptist Church, PO Box 502, Niantic CT 06357.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Lt. Herb Rader of the New London Salvation Army praised Kiwanis family Bell Ringers for raising $1368.28 on Saturday, December 18th at the Crystal Mall for the benefit of the local Salvation Army between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Volunteers staffed
the kettles at three entrances to the mall: Christmas Tree Shop, Food Court and the former Charlie’s Eating & Drinking Saloon. Each of our seven Key Clubs provided Bell Ringers throughout the day: Fitch (11), Montville (11), Waterford (6), Lyme-Old
Lyme (6), Ledyard (4), New London (3) and East Lyme (2). Special thanks to the following Key Club Faculty Advisors who volunteered their time: Amanda Marchese and Ian Cheney (Waterford), Barbara Morales (New London) and Kim Glover
(Montville). Nastasia Humphries (Ledyard), Division 29-A Key Club Lt. Governor, did a fine job coordinating the Key Club effort. Kiwanis club volunteers over the course of the day were Rich Cheatham, Gordon Jackson, Glenn Hamler, Bob Grills (double
shift), Andrew Ely, Loreen Lockwood, Andrew Lockwood, John Russell, Jack Russell, Paul Holden and Marty Olsen. Photos submitted by Rich Cheatham

Ham and Turkey Sale

Bob Grills, event chair, reported the Annual Ham & Turkey sale netted $946.52 with the usual suspects leading the way with sales: Ted Nelson with 19 units and Paul Holden with 12 units. A total of fifty-nine units were sold, including forty-four spiral hams, ten turkeys and five fleur di lis hams. Other club members supporting this fundraiser were Gordon Jackson, Carol Ballestrini, Andrew Ely, Loreen Lockwood, Tom Moriarty, Pam Stevens Moriarty, Marty Olsen, Glenn Hamler, John Kashanski, Sherry Lombardi, Bob Grills, John Vincent, John Russell and Helen McCartin. Proceeds will support the John Kashanski Community Service Fund ($662.56) and the Kiwanis Club of New London NB King Scholarship Endowment ($283.96). A big Kiwanis thank you to Bob Grills for a job well done.

Odds & Ends

Golf Committee: Wednesday, March 9th immediately following the regular meeting at 1:30 PM in the Clarke Center at Mitchell College

Be a News & Views Patron for 2010-2011 for only $100 and have your name listed for
the year.

Need batteries? Buy Interstate Batteries and support our club. The club receives 30% on
all retail purchases through this program. Visit our club website in the Members area at
http://www.newlondonkiwanis.org for more details!

KPTI Open House

Kiwanis Foundation of New England board member Robert Grills and President Rich escorted Mitchell College Circle K Club officers Dena Slotoroff, Lauren Chiaramonte and Caitlin Brown to the open house at the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute (KPTI) in Boston on December 4th. The Wolf Auditorium was standing-room-only when Dr. Walter Chwals, KPTI Director and Chief of Pediatric Surgery, provided an outstanding briefing about trauma in young children; highlighting some of the methods used by the pediatric trauma unit to respond to various traumatic injuries. This open house provided many Kiwanians an opportunity to meet our new KPTI Program Specialist, Patricia Lupien, who recently replaced Jon Freeman. The day’s events also included group tours of a couple of Paramedic ambulances, the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Ward, and the Hospital Helipad.

Salvation Army Chlidren's Christmas Party

With a jolly laugh and bells a ringing, Santa and Mrs. Claus excited fourteen children, ages 6-14, from the Salvation Army Youth Program, who joined the club for our annual Christmas Party on December 15th at the Officer’s Club at the US Coast Guard Academy. Smiles and sparkling eyes were to be found on every child, young and old alike, as Santa worked his magic. Bob Grills played the keyboard and sang Christmas songs. Each child received a gift(s) from club members who adopted them for the occasion along with books donated by Bob Grills. Our young guests and their hosts were as follows: Percy (Glenn Hamler), Ryle (Carol Ballestrini), Karnie (Marty Olsen), Avery (Tom Moriarty), Aniyah (Pam Stevens Moriarty), Ariana (John Vincent), Kenny (Ted Nelson), Moli (President Rich), Donavan (Pam Stevens Moriarty), Tatieonna (Sherry Lombardi), Quienten (Bob Grills), Michael (Jim Sylvester), Arianna (Gordon Jackson), and Patricia (President Rich). Joining the festivities was Gloria Dover. Student guests were from the Isaac School, St. Mary’s and Harbor School. Thanks again to Jim Sylvester for making the arrangements to use the “O” Club!

Holiday Party

A big Kiwanis Thank You to Andrew Ely and his lovely (and very pregnant) wife Laurie for opening their beautiful home on December 11th for some Christmas cheer and fellowship. They were joined by Bob Grills who was accompanied by his daughter,
Merrijo Logan, Bill Everett and his wife Joyce, Andrew and Loreen Lockwood, John Vincent, Ted Nelson, and President Rich. Submitted by Rich Cheatham.

Thanksgiving at the Salvation Army

Submitted by Rich Cheatham

Once again our annual Community Thanksgiving Meal, held November 23rd, at the Salvation Army in New London, was very successful. Well over one hundred people enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast of turkey with all the trimmings prepared by Billy Hadley
and his team of volunteers. The following club members volunteered and/or donated pies: Gordon Jackson, Marty Olsen, Glenn Hamler, Sherry Lombardi, Bob Grills, Tom Moriarty, Rich Cheatham, Andrew Ely, Suzanne Maryeski, Pam Stevens Moriarty,
John Vincent and Jim Sylvester. Lt. Governor Nastasia Humphries and twenty-one Key Clubbers representing our Key Clubs at Fitch, Montville, New London, Waterford, East Lyme, Lyme-Old Lyme and Ledyard High Schools also volunteered. Lieutenant Herb Rader of the Salvation Army praised the Key Clubbers for their outstanding participation. He also thanked the Kiwanis Club of New London for our continued partnership with the Salvation Army. A special thank you is due to Barbara Morales, Faculty Advisor for the New London HS Key Club, who, at her first Kiwanis Service project, got right in there and helped in the kitchen and her club brought eight pies as well. Thanks are also due to Amanda Marchese and Ian Cheney, Faculty Advisors for the Waterford HS Key Club, who have helped out for several years. A job well done to all.

Fall Training Conference

Submitted by Bob Grills

The Kiwanis Club of New London was represented by Club President Rich Cheatham and Board member Bob Grills at the Annual New England District of Kiwanis Fall Training Conference. It was held at the North Conway Grand Hotel, at Settler’s Green,
North Conway, New Hampshire. More than 200 Kiwanis members from Bermuda and the six New England states attended. New England District Governor Ron Sanville of the Kiwanis Club of Hardwick, Vermont, presided over the event. The Fall Training Conference offered educational seminars, exhibits, leadership training and related activities. It informed local clubs of community service projects that support the children of New England District and beyond. Present and future Kiwanis leaders received a mix of solid Kiwanis programs and general sessions. Grills and Cheatham introduced two new 8 ft tall x 3 ft wide advertisement banners that will be used to inform Kiwanis members and the public of the work being done by KFNE (Kiwanis Foundation of New England) at the KPTI (Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute) located at the Tufts Medical Center’s Floating Hospital for Children in Boston, MA. Mr. Al Paul, president of KFNE, announced that the Foundation is starting a program to inform Kiwanians and the public of all the research being funded by Kiwanis at the Trauma Institute. Trauma is 70% of the
cause of death to children ages 1 – 14 while all other childhood diseases account of 30% of the fatalities in children of those ages. Grills also lead a Spiritual Aims Breakfast on Sunday morning, which concentrated on God and the flag and its impact on family life. He was assisted by Kiwanians Elizabeth Cary, Motkue Bowles, Bill Jenkins, and Ray Tannock of Bermuda.

70th Annual Installation of Officers and Directors

Cheatham Installed President for 2010-2011

RIF, KFNE, Sponsored Leadership and Project Eliminate

to head club initiatives for new year

Over forty members, guests and dignitaries enjoyed a festive celebration culminating with Rich Cheatham being installed president for 2010-2011. Past Governors David Koohy (Newport, RI) and Dick England (Bourne/Wareham, MA), Kiwanis Foundation of New England President Al Paul (Rutland/Marble Valley, VT) and Division 23 Lt. Governor Robert Seiler (Newington, CT) headed the list of district leadership in attendance. A large contingent of our SLP programs from Fitch, East Lyme, Ledyard, and Lyme-Old Lyme High School Key Clubs and the Mitchell College Circle K Club also attended and were led by Division 29-A Key Club Lt. Governor Nastasia Humphries and Circle K Mystic Division Lt. Governor Heather Yablin.

In attendance was the club’s senior member, John Kashanski, who was recognized for his 57 years of service to the Kiwanis Club of New London. Gordon Jackson was recognized for thirty-nine years of membership as well as thirty-nine years of Perfect Attendance. Also receiving Perfect Attendance tabs were Jack Russell (1), John Russell (1), Bill Everett (1), Rich Cheatham (3), Bob Grills (6), Ted Nelson (12) and Marty Olsen (22). Loreen Lockwood was inducted as our newest member. Chris Sinnett (2008-2009) and John Russell (2009-2010) were presented plaques for their outstanding leadership as president for their respective year at the helm. The following were inducted as officers and directors for 2010-2011: Andrew Ely, President-elect; Pam Stevens Moriarty, Vice President; John Russell, Immediate Past President; Bill Everett, Treasurer, Martin T. Olsen Jr., Secretary; Jim Sylvester, John Vincent and Bob Grills: Directors One Year and Sherry Lombardi, Loreen Lockwood, Glenn Hamler and Tom Moriarty: Directors Two Years.

During his remarks, President Rich challenged the club to raise $1800 to support the Kiwanis International Foundation Worldwide Service Project to eliminate Maternal Neonatal Tetanus, which will bring life-saving medication to one thousand mothers and infants in third world countries. By the end of the program $860 had already been donated! President Rich has also had 70th Anniversary commemorative club pins made honoring the club: 1940-2010.

A big Kiwanis thank you to Distinguished Past President Tom Moriarty who put together a wonderful pictorial slide show with photos donated by Bob Grills and Rich Cheatham. John Driscoll did an outstanding rendition of the National Anthem to open the program. Past President Glenn Hamler did his usual smooth job as Master of Ceremonies. Photos taken by Tom Moriarty and submitted by Rich Cheatham.

President’s Message

By Rich Cheatham

        The Kiwanis Club of New London is about Serving. This year we will be “Celebrating 70 years of service to the community.” As we begin our next 70 years, I would like to highlight three areas we will continue to service: first is our Reading Is Fundamental programs, next, by joining forces with all Kiwanians to help ELIMINATE maternal and neonatal tetanus by 2015, and finally, by increasing support to our Kiwanis Foundation of New England.
        During my very first visit to anything dealing with Kiwanis, I remember hearing Robert Grills speak about reading to very young folks and the reward that effort translated into later in the child’s life. Coming from the Adult Literacy field, I
understood that I was among friends and in the right place.
        To me, inspiring a young child to read, in part, by you reading to them, is one of your most valuable gifts to share. It changes lives ... for the better. Isn’t that what service is all about? Remember the Kiwanis International tag line: “Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time.”
        I am particularly proud to announce that we are continuing our partnership with Veolea Water, to provide readers to Riverfront Children’s Center in Groton, as well as, our long standing RIF programs at the Ballestrini's Child Care Centers and our
partnership with the Salvation Army’s Summer program. I continue to marvel at how excited these kids get when they know readers are coming.
        We did our first book distribution this week at Riverfront. Wow! One need only look at the expressions of these first-time book owners to understand, in part, why we are Kiwanians. I challenge every club member to sign up and read to these children. Even when you can’t get to every club meeting, you can still be a reader; contact me by email or phone and I will get you in the reader rotation. We need everyone’s help. Please sign up soon and often.
        Kiwanis International recently announce our new WorldWide Service project, Project ELIMINATE, to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT). The effects of this disease are excruciating — tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful convulsions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch. MNT kills one baby every nine minutes. Yet, MNT can be prevented, for roughly $1.80, with a series of three vaccinations to a woman of childbearing age.
        KI has pledged to raise $110 million by 2015 to help finally eliminate MNT in the last 40 countries. This year, our club will be helping to protect 1,000 mothers by providing the funds for these tetanus vaccinations. I am challenging our six Key Clubs
and our Circle K club to raise the funds to help protect an additional 1,000 mothers.
        There are some exciting things coming down the line from the Kiwanis Foundation of New England. Bob Grills and other Foundation board members are working hard to develop strategies to strengthen the foundation. This year our club will continue to support the Foundation. But we can do more. We can educate ourselves about KFNE and KPTI. We can increase our financial support. We can advocate more for both KFNE and KPTI. It is our foundation.
        Let’s remember, there are a lot of children who are depending on us to serve.

Mitchell College Circle K

Mitchell College Circle Kers on Founders Day, September 15th, recruiting and raising
money for the Worldwide Service Project to eliminate Maternal Neonatal Tetanus

District Convention

Four members of the Kiwanis Club of New London attended the 92nd Annual New England District of Kiwanis Convention the weekend of August 19-22 in Mansfield, MA. A total of two hundred seventy-five Kiwanians and guests, including two hundred thirty-one members with two hundred one delegates attended representing eighty clubs. Ron Sanville of the Kiwanis Club of Hardwick, VT was elected Governor for 2010-2011. Other district officers elected were Vesta Browne, Governor-elect from the E Kiwanis Club and George Delisle, Treasurer, from the Kiwanis Club of Westfield, MA. Bob Seiler from the Kiwanis Club of Newington was installed as Lt. Governor for Division 23. After an unsuccessful attempt for International Trustee at the most recent International Convention in Las Vegas, the House of Delegates endorsed another run by Steven Hill for next year in Geneva, Switzerland. The Kiwanis Club of New London was recognized for the following awards for the 2009-2010 year: Public Relations, Club Newsletter, K Family Interclub and Young Children Priority One.

Second Annual Summer Reading Program at Salvation Army Concludes

Kiwanis volunteer readers completed their second consecutive summer Reading is
Fundamental program at the Summer Youth Camp at the Salvation Army in New London
during the month of July. Approximately thirty children ages 3-13 were read to each
week during the program. The club donated approximately fifty books to the children
participating in the program that were generously contributed by Homeward Bound
Treasures. The following club members participated: Bob Grills, Marty Olsen, Rich
Cheatham, Suzanne Maryeski and Jim Sylvester.

2010 Kiwanis Club of New London

NB King Scholarships Awarded

Gayle Moriarty and Kathleen Cicchese

Two graduating Montville High School seniors, Gayle Moriarty and Kathleen Cicchese have been selected to receive the prestigious Kiwanis Club of New London N B King Scholarship Awards. Each recipient will receive $3000. Gayle Moriarty was founder and Charter President of the Montville High School Key Club, a member of the National Honor Society and active in the school’s jazz, concert and marching bands. Gayle will be heading to Central Connecticut State University in the fall and major in History. Kathleen Cicchese served as Key Club Lt. Governor for Division 29-A this past year earning Outstanding Lt. Governor status. She has participated in two varsity sports while also working at Shop Rite in New London. Along with her parents, she is very active supporting the Special Olympics. Kathleen has managed to maintain a GPA in the top 15% of her class along with her very busy and well-rounded schedule. Kathleen is heading to the University of Hartford and will undertake a dual major of Special Education and Elementary Education. Gayle was joined her parents Tom and Selina at the program and Kathleen by her parents Vic and Eileen. Thanks to the Scholarship Committee chaired by Glenn Hamler, including Ted Nelson, Sherry Lombardi, Rich Cheatham and Jim Sylvester for a job well done.

Golf Tournament

The club’s Annual Golf Tournament held Thursday, May 20th, at Shennecossett Municipal Golf Club in Groton was, once again, a big success. A field of eighteen teams went out with a shotgun start at 12:30 PM. It was a great day! The weather was wonderful; our sponsors were acknowledged through signage, programs and participation; the golfers had fun; the food was good; and the volunteers worked hard to make it all happen. While final numbers are not available, it looks as though the event will net close to $12,000, and may be yet another new record for our tournament! A committee co-chaired by Sherry Lombardi and Ted Nelson oversaw the tournament. Joining Sherry and Ted on the event committee were Rich Cheatham, Bill Everett, Tom Moriarty, Marty Olsen, Pam Stevens-Moriarty and John Vincent. The other club members who contributed to the success of the tournament were Bob Grills, Carol Ballestrini, Ed Brailey, Marla Champagne, Glenn Hamler, Paul Holden, Gordon Jackson, Robert Jones, John Kashanski, Rob Krawic, Mary Ellen Leone, Andrew Lockwood, Helen McCartin, Bruce Patterson, John Russell, and Jim Sylvester. The club also wants to thank and recognize our major sponsors: Robert Grills; L & M Hospital; TJ Nelson Home Improvements; Easy Street; Secor Subaru; Bartol Air Conditioning; Bottinelli Monuments; Fallon Insurance; Senkow Builders; Cross Sound Ferry; Jackson & Harrison Lombardi; and TVCCA. There were four Golf Cart sponsors, forty Tee sponsors, five Patrons and thirty items that were raffled and/or auctioned off. A special note of thanks must be extended to the following guest volunteers who were absolutely necessary in making this tournament function: Carol Artino, Rusty Ballestrini, Mary Christina, Donna Green, and Sarah Kate Ragsdale. Editor’s Note: A big thank you to event chair Sherry Lombardi for a job well done!

Bike Rodeo at St. Mary’s School

On Tuesday, May 18th, a total of twenty-five kindergartners and first graders from two classes at St. Mary’s School in New London received free bike helmets donated by the club.
Each student had their helmet properly fitted and had club member and New London Police Sergeant Trish Lieteau give the children a course in a bike safety, as well as skateboard,
roller skates and scooters. Other club members participating were event coordinator Bob Grills, Pam Stevens Moriarty, Rich Cheatham, John Russell and Marty Olsen. Photo
submitted by Rich Cheatham.

Division 29-A Key Club Spring Dance

Montville High School Senior Kathleen Cicchese, the immediate past Lieutenant Governor of Key Club Division 29-A, recently held a Spring Dance Fundraiser to benefit the New London Salvation Army. It was held at the Groton Municipal Building on Saturday, May 22nd from 7-11 PM and there were over 240 people in attendance and over $3,000 was raised. Along with having a DJ, pizza and soft drinks were served and there were raffle prizes. The dance was sponsored by the Key Clubs in the Division(East Lyme, Fitch, Ledyard, Lyme-Old Lyme, Montville, New London and Waterford) but was open to any high school student in the area. The cost attend was a $15 ticket and a non-perishable food item. Three large boxes of food were collected and the food will be going to the Gemma Moran Food Bank. Key Club Division 29-A met regularly to plan details for the dance and their hard work paid off. There were no problems at the dance and the night was a huge success. Photo and article submitted by Kathleen Cicchese.

Kiwis Little League Opening Day

The Kiwis Little League team sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of New Lond kicked off their season on Sunday, May 2, 2010, at the Mitchell Woods Little League Complex.

Photos submitted by Rich Cheatham

Annual Meeting

Officers and Directors elected at the Annual Meeting on April 28th for 2010-2011:
President: Rich Cheatham                    President-Elect: LCDR Andrew Ely, USCG
Vice-President: Pam Stevens Moriarty         Treasurer: William Everett
Directors (1 Years): Jim Sylvester, John Vincent, Andrea Kaiser
Directors (2 Year): Glenn Hamler, Sherry Lombardi, Tom Moriarty and
Loreen Lockwood                             Immediate Past-President: John Russell
There were no nominations from the floor on April 21st. The 2010-2011 Board of
Directors will elect its secretary.

Mitchell College Circle K Receives Charter

The newly formed Mitchell College Circle K Club received its Charter on Friday, April 2, 2010 at a spirited celebration held at the Weller Center on campus. The club, which was formed last fall, recognized the Charter Members and Officers. The Charter Officers were Heather Yablin- President; Lauren Chiaramonte- Vice President; Caitlin Brown- Secretary and Skye Cavise- Treasurer. Officers elected to serve for 2010-2011 are Dena Slotoroff- President; Lauren Chiaramonte- Vice President; Caitlin Brown- Secretary and Mark Mancusi- Treasurer. Heather Yablin has been appointed Lt. Governor for the Mystic Division and will be a representative on the New England Circle K District Board for 2010-2011. Presiding officer for the celebration was Circle K Governor Abbe O’haire from Keene State College in Keene, NH. Six members of the Kiwanis Club of New London, the sponsoring Kiwanis club, were in attendance (see Interclubs). Visiting Kiwanis dignitaries included Governor David Koohy (Newport, RI), District Treasurer Bill Jenkins (Sandwich, MA), Circle K Administrator Tim Daly (Hingham-Weymouth) and Division 23 Lt. Governor Toni Walker. Photo credit Rich Cheatham.

Mitchell College Circle K last meeting of school year

Bob & Valeda Grills Honored

Event Nets Over $14,000 to Kick Off Valeda Grills Pre-K Reading Scholarship Endowment, John Kashanski Community Service Fund and Kiwanis Club of New London NB King Scholarship Endowment

Over ninety people attended the honor banquet at the Alumni Center at the US Coast Academy to recognize Bob and Valeda Grills for a lifetime of community service on February 5th. Featured speakers were New London Mayor Rob Pero who presented Bob with a Proclamation . Father Joseph Castaldi from St. Joseph’s Church discussed Valeda’s tenure as church secretary in a thoughtful, yet humorous manner. Former Congressman Rob Simmons offered insight into his relationship with the Grills and how he and Valeda share the same birthday- February 11th. Dick England, Immediate-Past Governor of the New England District of Kiwanis, shared his
memories of Bob and Valeda in their roles with the district and Kiwanis Foundation of New England. Carol Ballestrini, fellow club member and owner of Ballestrini’s Childcare Centers, enthusiastically spoke about joining Kiwanis and the impact both Bob
and Valeda has had and how their friendship has grown. It is now ten years that the New London Kiwanis has sponsored Reading is Fundamental (RIF) at the Ballestrini Childcare Centers. New London City Councilor and Past Distinguished Governor of the
New England District of Kiwanis Marty Olsen discussed his longtime friendship with the Grills that spans over twenty-five years. Bob Grills closed the speaking with a thoughtful, and at times emotional, overview of Valeda’s and his community service and
thanked club members- over half the club in attendance- Kiwanians who traveled from afar along with friends and neighbors for attending and their support. Although this dinner was planned last July, much thought went into how Bob and the club could
recognize Valeda in perpetuity after her sudden passing last October for her outstanding contributions, especially working with children and her love of reading. It struck a chord to initiate the Valeda’s Pre-K Scholarship Endowment, which will provide opportunities
for preschoolers to gain access to books, literacy and the joy of reading. In an effort to get this worthy endeavor going, Bob Grills and the Grills family has contributed $10,000 with the club donating $1000 of the function proceeds. Approximately $2000 will
support the John Kashanski Community Service Fund and $1000 the Kiwanis Club of New London NB King Scholarship Endowment. The club thanks all those who contributed to this very special evening. A special thanks to Jim Sylvester, event coordinator, and his committee consisting of Rich Cheatham, Bob Grills and Marty Olsen.

Bruce Patterson enters Legion of Honor

Past Distinguished Governor Marty Olsen welcomed Dr. Bruce Patterson into the Legion of Honor and presented him with a certificate and twenty-five year president’s pin. Bruce joined the Kiwanis Club of New London on September 12, 1984 and served as President 1987-88. The Legion of Honor is a Kiwanis service award that requires twenty-five years of membership. Dr. Patterson has served on the Scholarship Committee and Golf Committee over the years. Recently he has actively supported the Defenders partnership, Ham & Turkey Sale and been a Golf Tourney sponsor. The photo,submitted by Rich Cheatham, features from left to right: President John Russell, Marty Olsen and Dr. Bruce Patterson.

Connecticut Sun

                              Only Four Games Remain!
Club members are asked to buy or sell a Connecticut Sun game for 2010. Each game
consists of ten tickets each for $80 per game. They are great for family, business or to
donate to a local youth group or charity. Contact Marty Olsen for your tickets.
7/17, Saturday, Atlanta Dream, 7:00 PM            8/15, Sunday, Indiana Fever, 5:00 PM
7/24, Saturday, LA Sparks, 7:00 PM               8/17, Tuesday, Tulsa Shock, 7:30 PM

Farewell to a Good Friend

Valeda Grills 2/11/40-10/17/09

From the moment Valeda Grills joined the Kiwanis Club of New London on January 12, 1999, she immediately stepped into a leadership post as club treasurer. Her love of children and dedication to Kiwanis at the local, district and foundation levels manifested itself with nine years of perfect attendance. During her entire tenure with the club Valeda served in leadership positions: club president, treasurer, secretary and board director. She also served as Lt. Governor for one and a half years from October 2004 through March 2006, earning Distinguished Lt. Governor honors. Valeda also served with distinction as a Director of the Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) including Vice President for 2008-09. Valeda also supported the Kiwanis Foundation of New England’s Red Jacket program as a Friend of the Foundation that signified a $1000 contribution to the KFNE endowment, which supports the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute (KPTI) at Tufts Medical Center in Boston. Valeda also supported the Kiwanis International Foundation’s Hixson Fellowship program with a $1000 contribution that is dedicated to supporting the Kiwanis International Worldwide Service Project to eliminate Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD), which is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation as well as goiters and other thyroid related disease. Over time, Valeda convinced her husband, Bob, to join Kiwanis, especially to earn an interclub credit to the Kiwanis International Convention in Taipei in 2001. As a team Bob and Valeda have traveled throughout New England, the United States and the world, including numerous trips to Bermuda in their roles as Kiwanians.

Valeda, you have been a wonderful friend and you will be missed. Rest in peace. A complete obituary is available in the October 20, 2009 edition of The Day. Donations
in her memory can be made to The Kiwanis Club of New London, P.O. Box 333, New
London, CT 06230; Saint Joseph Endowment Fund, 17 Squire Street New London, CT
06320; and Saint Mary Star of the Sea Capital Fund, 10 Huntington Street, New London,CT 06320. Cards can be sent to Robert Grills, 105 Thames St., New London, CT 06320.

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

With a big snowstorm on the horizon, a full complement of Kiwanis and Key Club Bell
Ringers fulfilled their obligations on Saturday, December 19th and made their way to the
Crystal Mall in Waterford to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. Volunteers staffed the
entries at Charlie’s Eating & Drinking Saloon, the Christmas Tree Shop and Food Court
from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM in the evening. A plethora of Key Clubbers from all of the
clubs we sponsor- Fitch, New London, Montville, Waterford, East Lyme and Lyme-Old
Lyme- volunteered, including a group from the newly formed Ledyard High School Key
Club. Four Faculty Advisors aided the cause as well: Erin McGuire (New London),
Kim Glover (Montville) and Amanda Marchese and Ian Cheney (Waterford). The tally
at each location was as follows: Charlie’s Eating & Drinking Saloon- $481; Christmas
Tree Shop- $769 and Food Court $308. A big Kiwanis thank you to those members who
volunteered their time: Pam Stevens Moriarty, Gordon Jackson, Glenn Hamler, John
and Jack Russell, Sam Christy, Bob Grills (double shift), Andrew Ely, Paul Holden,
Ted Nelson, Carol Ballestrini, former member Rusty Ballestrini, Rich Cheatham
(double shift and more) and Marty Olsen.

Salvation Army Thanksgiving Dinner

Lead by Billie Hadley in the kitchen, the club provided its annual Thanksgiving feast
complete with turkey and all the trimmings at the Salvation Army on November 24th.
Over one hundred people enjoyed the meal. This annual service project was again very
successful and our Key Club participation was extraordinary with nineteen Key
Clubbers representing New London, East Lyme, Waterford, Fitch, Montville and
Lyme-Old Lyme High Schools volunteering their services! Ian Cheney, Faculty
Advisor at Waterford High School, along with Erin McGuire, Faculty Advisor at New
London High School, pitched in once again. We are proud of our Key Clubbers who did
an outstanding job at all of the various tasks. The following club members volunteered
and/or donated pies for dessert: Andrew Ely, Glenn Hamler, Pam Stevens Moriarty,
Sherry Lombardi, Gordon Jackson, Tom Moriarty, Bob Grills, Rich Cheatham, and
President John Russell. Submitted by Rich Cheatham.

Salvation Army Christmas Kids

Christmas Party Filled with Fellowship and Cheer Salvation Army Youth Guests Wowed by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Eleven children from the Salvation Army Youth Program, ranging in age from 4-14, joined the club for its annual Christmas Party on December 16th at the Officer’s Club at the US Coast Guard Academy. Bob Grills played the keyboard during the meeting and reveled us with seasonal songs. Santa and Mrs. Claus appeared right on time with bells a ringing! The children, young and old alike, were in Santa’s spell. Big smiles and sparkling eyes were to be found on every child. Each child received a gift(s) from club members who adopted them for the occasion along with donated gift bags and books donated by Bob Grills. Our young guests and their hosts are as follows: Zachary (John and Jack Russell), Ryan (Jim Sylvester), Crystal (Carol Ballestrini), Dylan (Gordon Jackson), Hailey (Bob Grills),George (Marty Olsen), Makayla (Rich Cheatham), Ariana (Sherry Lombardi), Everett (Sam Christy), Chris (Pam Stevens Moriarty), Matthew (Ted Nelson) and Makai (Loreen Lockwood).Thanks to Jim Sylvester for making the arrangements to use the “O” Club!

Ham & Turkey Sale

Bob Grills, event chair, reported that the Annual Ham & Turkey sale was another
success. A total of sixty-four units were sold for a net profit of $1150. Ted Nelson led the
sales effort with twenty units sold followed by stalwart Paul Holden with fourteen.

Circle K Club forms at Mitchell College

A new Circle K Club has formed at Mitchell College this fall. To date nineteen students
have signed on with great enthusiasm. The group has already embarked on a clothes drive and is seeking information on how to get involved at the soup kitchen on Montauk Ave.

Rich Cheatham is our Kiwanis Advisor to the club and he has worked with the students
as they have adopted the Standard Form of By-laws and elected officers. Formal
paperwork will soon be filed with Kiwanis International and a Charter Celebration will
be scheduled. Marty Olsen, an adjunct instructor at Mitchell College, will be the Faculty
Advisor. The officers for 2009-2010 are Randy Coons: President; Lauren
Chiaramonte: Vice-President; Karol Gejda: Secretary and Tom Henderson: Treasurer.

Third Annual Holiday Gathering

An intimate number of club members and spouses enjoyed a delightful evening at the
home of Andrea and Michael Kaiser on December 5th. The club thanks the Kaiser’s for
again opening their home for seasonal fellowship and cheer.

2010 Golf Committee

Sherry Lombardi: Co-chair

Ted Nelson: Co-chair
Rich Cheatham
Marty Olsen
Bob Grills
Pam Stevens

John Russell Installed as President for 2009-2010

Jack Russell Celebrates 88th birthday

On his father Jack’s 88th birthday, John Russell was installed as President of the Kiwanis
Club of New London for 2009-2010 on September 29th at Ocean Beach Park by
Governor Designate David Koohy. President John has established a goal of twelve new
members for the upcoming year- or one new member a month! A total of forty-two
members and guests celebrated the installation of officers and directors including District Treasurer Designate Bill Jenkins, Division 29-A Key Club Lt. Governor Kathleen
Cicchese, an interclub from the Guilford/Shoreline club, representatives from the
Waterford, Montville and Ledyard High School Key Clubs and two Mitchell College
students working on chartering a Circle K club at the school.. Governor Dick England
installed the following officers and directors for 2009-2010: President-elect Rich
Cheatham; Vice President Andrea Kaiser; Immediate Past President Tom Moriarty;
Treasurer William Everett; Secretary Marty Olsen; Directors One Year LCDR
Andrew Ely, USCG; Sherry Lombardi; Ted Nelson; Glenn Hamler and Directors
Two Years Jim Sylvester, Sam Christy and John Vincent. Lt. Governor Designate
Toni Walker retired the 2008-09 Officers and Board of Directors. The following
members were recognized for Perfect Attendance: Rich Cheatham (2), Bob Grills (5),
Tom Moriarty (5), Valeda Grills (9), Ted Nelson (11), Marty Olsen (21) and Gordon
Jackson (38). John Kashanski (56), Frank Penny (40) and Gordon Jackson (38) were
acknowledged for their years of service as members of the Legion of Honor. Glenn
Hamler did an outstanding job as Master of Ceremonies.

Serviceperson-of-the-Month

YN1 Brian Lewis was recognized as Serviceperson-of-the-Month at our club meeting on September 30th. This important program is co-sponsored by the Navy League and the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. Each month a different service organization hosts this program. Denny Hicks, Director of Strategic Planning for the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, made the presentation to Mr. Lewis. Joining the celebration was Lewis’ wife, Veronica, along the following officers and enlisted Coast Guard personnel from the Coast Guard Academy: Lt. Tammy Michelli, Command Master Chief John Niece, Chief Yeoman Kathy Pliska, Fireman Nathaniel Gerson Vega, CWU Sam Pederson and YN3 Melissa Beeker. Lena Blanche, Community Liaison from the Naval Sub Base, also attended. Mr. Lewis was recognized for his superior work at the academy as well as his volunteer work in the community, especially with children. On behalf of the Kiwanis Club of New London, President-elect John Russell presented Mr. Lewis with a $100 US Savings Bond along with a club mug, program certificate and certificate recognizing a book being donated to the Otis Library Children’s Department in his name.

Kiwanis Funding Policy

The Board approved a new funding policy that was prepared by the Giving and Standards Committee at its last Board of Directors Meeting on September 8, 2009. This new policy has been mailed out to all members for their information. The primary focus of this new policy is to address requests outside of the Kiwanis Family. Andrea Kaiser chaired the committee and was joined by Sherry Lombardi, Andrew Ely and Rich Cheatham.
Click here for more information

Team Kiwanis

On a glorious day Team Captain Andrea Kaiser led fellow club members Sherry Lombardi, Rich Cheatham, John Russell and Marty Olsen at the American Diabetes Association StepOut Walk held September 20th at Harkness State Park. Each member made the three-mile trek and enjoyed a morning of fellowship and camaraderie. The team has collected a total of $590 to date. Donations and pledges are still being accepted.

All photos submitted by Rich Cheatham.