Chinatown Walks for Eliminate Project

On March 14, 14 members of the Kiwanis Club Of Chinatown led by President John Yu walked around the (2.6 miles) of Manhattan Bridge to support the Eliminate Project.

(Posted March 17, 2020)

Club Honors Work of SLP Clubs

Pictured are seniors who received Community Service Awards. From left, front, Mackenzie LaPorte, Paige Schweinsberg, Emily Greene, Kendra Carnell; back, Macgregor Ritz-Kenny, Tyler Rudolph, Rachel Smith, Shawn Hansen, Fern Bailey, and Ryan Johnson

At a Central Adirondack Kiwanis meeting June 21, Diane Amos, Health/Family Consumer Science Teacher and Town of Webb School Key Club Advisor reported on the outstanding year of community service performed by the Key and Builders Clubs of the Town of Webb Union Free School.

Amos thanked Central Adirondack Kiwanis the sponsor of the Key and Builders Clubs. "You Kiwanis Members give hope and possibilities to our students. You are a role model to them. Serving our community. Showing them how important it is to help others. You believe in what our students can do and become".

Amos reported that the 42 members of Key Club performed 1,512 hours of community service during the 2017-18 school year. There were 14 members of Builders Club performed 294 hours of community service. Key Club had 9 members who served over 30 hours, 7 members over 50 hours and 1 member who performed over 100 hours of community service. Builders Club, a Middle School Service Club, had 7 members who served over 30 hours of community service.

The 42 Key Club members are 43 percent of the eligible school population and the 14 Builders Club members are 30 percent of their eligible school population.

At Town of Webb School graduation, 9 graduating seniors, Fern Bailey (150 Hours of Community Service); Kendra Carnell (300 hours); Emily Greene (163 hours); Shawn Hansen (225 hours); Ryan Johnston (152 hours); Laura Levi (214 hours)); Macgregor Ritz-Kenny (171.5 hours); Tyler Rudolph (153 hours); and Paige Schweinsberg (184 Hours) will be presented with Distinguished Key Club Community Service Awards and will wear a blue cord on their gowns at graduation.

Various fund-raising events generated funds that were donated to: Old Forge Library Annual Elk Walk $150; Local Food Pantry $444; Kiwanis Eliminate Project $90 and Students participating in Tapestries of Life Mexico trip $500.

An event of special note was Relay for Life where 25 members participated and raised $4,852.

Key and Builders Club members participated in the following activities: Old Forge Half Marathon, Inlet Adirondack Kids Day, Old Forge Library Elf Walk, Old Forge Ballet, TOW School Webb Way project, Sponsored movie for Elementary Students, Can & Bottle Drive, Old Forge Christmas on Main St., Kiwanis Christmas for Kids gift wrapping, Kiwanis Holiday Movie for Kids, Reading to Elementary Students, Painted Kiwanis Main St. Benches, Relay for Life, assisted at Niccolls Church Mission Boutique annual Kiwanis FREE Car Wash, Assisted Town of Webb Historical Society with set up of annual yard sale, AYSO referee and bake sale for annual student musical.

(Posted July 5, 2018)

Frankfort SLP's Support Eliminate Project

Pictured at this year's wrap-up breakfast are from left, fron: K. Long, Reese Road School; M. Delconte, CVS Key Club advisor; Kristina, Brook and Anna, CVS HighSchool Key Club officers; G. McClean and M. Libritz, FSCS Builders Club Advisor and middle school principal respectively; secon row, Greg Riddle, Frankfort Kiwanis President, and Vincent Palmieri, Frankfort Kiwanis Eliminate Project coordinator.

Frankfort, NY Kiwanis has actively participated in the Kiwanis Eliminate Project.  In the past five years, more than $7,000 has been raised by Frankfort Kiwanis-sponsored Central Valley School District Key Club and Builders Club, Frankfort Schuyler School District K-Kids, Builders Club and Key Club.  

Again, in 2016 the project was an overwhelming success with more than 125 elementary, middle and high school students participating in the fundraiser,  The project is truly a "kids helping kids" endeavor in that Frankfort Kiwanis provides only material and logistic support with actual fundraising done by students.

(Posted April 25, 2016)

Queens West Baby Shower

From left, Queens West Lt. Gov. Robert Kueber, Tina DiTroia, First Lady Helene Irvine, Gov.-Elect Steve Sirgiovanni, Gov. Forbes Irvine and Past Lt. Gov. J.P. DiTroia.

The Queens West Division conducted a baby shower as part of the First Lady's Project, "Warm Beginnings". The division had its Eliminate Project mascots Kiwally and Kiwanna participate in the event.

(Posted April 22, 2016)

Middle Village Receives Eliminate Donation

From left, Tina Di Troia, past president of the Middle Village club; Victoria Schneps-Yunis owner Queens Courier, and Immediate Past Lt. Gov. JP Di Troia presenting the Centennial Award.

The Kiwanis Club of Middle Village recently received a donation pf $1,250 from Schneps Communications as part of the club's Eliminate Project campaign.

Victoria Schneps-Yunis, Schneps Communications co-publisher, (center) presented the proceeds from a raffle to the club. In turn, she received a Centennial Award in gratitude for the donation. Shown presenting the award are, left, Past President Tina DiTroia, and Past Lt. Gov. J.P. DiTroia.

(Posted December 20, 2015)

Chinatown Celebrates Completion of Pledge

Group of Chinatown club members with Past Kiwanis International Foundation President Peter Mancuso, as the Chinatown members celebrated completing their $100,000 pledge to the Eliminate Project.

Group of Dr. Nelson Ying's 14 family members receiving Centennial Awards Of Honor from Mancuso.

(Posted October 3, 2015)

Governor's Visit to Queens West

From left, Queens West Lt. Gov. J.P. Di Troia with Lefferts-Liberty President Linda Guarneri received a Zeller award from Kiwanis Governor Eric G. Paul.

Lt. Gov. J.P. Di Troia and his wife, Tina, received Kiwanis Centennial Award for raising $3,000 for the Eliminate Project from Gov. Eric.

It was a grand slam at the Govenors Visit for Kiwanis Clubs of Queens West.

All the clubs shined as they gave their reports to the Governor at a Meeting with the Presidents and there was checks presented and awards galore. There was also a $1,100 donation presented to Gov.-Elect Forbes Irvine by the Middle Village Club for Kamp Kiwanis.

Fifteen clubs from the division were awarded a Kiwally Banner Patch along with a DVD of Kiwally's wedding for their participation at the wedding fund raiser which raised more than $5,200. A presentation of a Zeller award was made to Linda Guarneri, president of Lefferts-Liberty, and it was announced that this month the clubs of Ozone Park, Forest Hills, Middle Village, and two Zellers for Maspeth were awarded as part of the matching Mother's Day Zeller program with funds they contributed at the wedding or earned selling Kiwally pencils.

(Posted June 11, 2015)

Central Adirondacks Presents Awards

Connerty and Griffin.

From left, Walter Zeller Fellow and Past President Ray Schoeberlein, Kiwanis President Michael Griffin and Past President and Past Central Division Lt. Governor Carolyn Trimbach.

On June 7, the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks presented the Kiwanian of the Year Award 2013-14 to Past President Jim Connerty.

The Award was presented by Kiwanis President Michael Griffin.  In his presentation President Griffin commented on Jim Connerty's total commitment to Kiwanis. Jim has served multiple terms as Central Adirondack Kiwanis president. His activities included organizing Kiwanis sponsorship of the 2014 One Square Mile of Hope Kayak/Canoe raft that raised over $80,000 for Cancer Research and Kiwanis sponsorship of Inlet Kids Day commencing in October of 2012.  Jim and wife Diane, as former owners of The North Woods Inn, supported Kiwanis and its volunteers at many events.  In addition, Jim is involved in the Inlet business community and one of the organizers of The Black Fly Challenge which is a legendary Adirondack mountain bike race held annually on the second Saturday in June.

In accepting the award Jim noted his first involvement eleven years ago in Kiwanis and the special friendships he has made and the satisfaction of contributing to the Central Adirondack community. He also stated being a member of Kiwanis has been the most rewarding experience he has had since relocating to the Adirondacks 12 years ago.

Mike explained that the delay in making the award for Program Year 2013-14 resulted from changes in seasonal locations and other procedural bottlenecks.

At the same meeting, past president and long-time Central Adirondack Kiwanis member Ray Schoeberlein was presented with the Walter Zeller Fellowship Award.

The Walter Zeller award was created by Kiwanis International Foundation to recognize any individual in whose name a donation of $1,250 has been made to the Kiwanis Eliminate Project.

Kiwanis President Michael Griffin in presenting the award commented on Ray's long time commitment to Central Adirondack Kiwanis. He is a Past President and has chaired many committees including the Student of the Month/Year Committee.

In addition, Griffin recognized Past President and Past Central Region Governor Carolyn Trimbach who received a Zeller Fellowship at a recent New York District Kiwanis meeting

(Posted June 9, 2015)

Frankfort Clubs Support Eliminate Project

From left, Past President Vincent Palmieri, Key Club members Central Valley Academy, Ilion,NY, Anna Bunce, Kristina Lindberg and director Michelle DelConte, Kiwanis President Lewis Licari.

Frankfort Kiwanis and its sponsored Key Clubs, Builders Club and K-Kids are proud to contribute again to the Kiwanis International Foundation's Eliminate Project.

Over the four years of participation approximately $3,500 has been raised, enough to pay for more than 7,000 tetanus vaccinations that have a life expectancy of 10 years each. The project is truly a "kids helping kids" experience in that Frankfort Kiwanis provides financial/logistical support to its sponsored youth clubs in both the Frankfort Schuyler and Central Valley Schools with the actual fund raising done by students.

(Posted June 7, 2015)

Peninsula stages Game Night With a Difference

From left, Anton Dreher, Dominick Curra and Joe Santaniello.

On May 27th at the Sons of Italy in Inwood, Peninsula Kiwanis held a “Game Night” fundraiser for The Eliminate Project. Game food was served including: deer, wuail, pheasant and rabbit. Regular food was available for those who preferred the more traditional menu.

(Posted May 28, 2015)

Bronx K-Kids Club is Busy

Members of the K-Kids club at PS205 in the Bronx, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Fordham, received their induction certificates and collected more than $60 for the ELIMINATE Project on May 26.

They are also participating in a "Make A Difference with Loukoumi" Dance June 17 at the Lake Isle Country Club in Eastchester, where they will be competing in a Dream Day Contest sponsored by the Loukoumi Foundation.

Participants attending the event submit a 30 second video explaining their dream career. Past Dream Day winners visited NASA and played soccer with the NY Read Bulls.

All entries must be submitted by May 30. For more information, see www.LoukoumiFoundation.org

(Posted May 27, 2015)

Builders Club Awards Zeller to School Leader

From left, Ozone Park President Paul Capocasale, Di Troia, students Nicholas Biordi, AJ Rivera and Dominick Pizzonia from the Builders Club, and Dorothy Baron, the student coordinator and Zeller award recipient

On May 20, students from the Kiwanis Builders club of PS MS 207A presented a check for $676 to Lt. Gov. J.P. Di Troia for the Kiwanis International Eliminate Project which saves babies by giving potential mothers vaccines to prevent Maternal Neonatal Tetanus. Another donor will add $625 to the donation, enabling the club to present the school's coordinator, Dorothy Baran, with a Mother's Day Zeller Award.

The presentation took place at the Kiwanis Club of Ozone Park's meeting.

(Posted May 21, 2015)

K-Kids Club President Joins Kiwanis Delegation to White House

K-Kids President Sofia Passariello at the Podium in the Senate’s Kennedy Caucus Room.

Lt. Gov. Rich Santer, Bowling Green K-Kids President Sofia Passariello and Senator Gillibrand’s Foreign Policy Fellow Barbara Fleck

Bowling Green K-Kids President Sofia Passariello and Faculty Advisor Lt. Gov. Rich Santer were selected to join a Kiwanis International Delegation to the White House on April 29.

During their visit Santer and Sofia participated in the White House Community Leaders Briefing, a Kiwanis Community Impact Recognition Luncheon, lobbied for U.S. Government support of the Eliminate Project and, a Congressional Reception.

Santer noted, “Watching President Sofia, a fourth grader, and two Builders Clubbers from Ogdensburg lobby the Foreign Policy Fellow from Senator Gillibrand’s office for the Senator’s support of additional U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds for the Eliminate Project in Africa was the highlight of the trip.”

During the limited free time, Santer and Sofia visited the Capitol and observed a debate from the Senate Chamber Gallery.

(Posted May 19, 2015)

Fordham Completes Model Club Pledge

Over this past weekend, with a special gift tendered to Kiwanis International President Dr. John Button by Sister Anne Marie Kirmse and supported by club president Vinnie Lippiello and Committee Chair Mike Feierman, the Kiwanis Club of Fordham, achieved its goal of raising $100,000 and saved more than 55,000 mothers and their newborn babies among the poorest of the poor in living conditions that do not resemble the modern era.

The presentation took place during the Governor's Visit to the Bronx Westchester South Division on Sunday, April 26. Shown above is Lippiello, International President John and Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, the district's Eliminate Project chair and a member of the Fordham club herself.

(Posted May 7, 2015)

All Island Hosts Dr. Button, Becomes Platinum Club

KI President John, PS 22 K-Kids President Matthew Baretto, Kiwanis Gov Eric, K-Kids Kiwanis Advisor Kim Bonaventura.

Kiwanians at the PS 22 event- Metro LtG-des Donald Pagano, DPLG Sean O’Sullivan, Club Secretary Steve Argentine, KI First Lady Debbie Button, K-Kids Kiwanis Advisor Kim Bonaventura, KI President John Button, Kiwanis Gov Eric, Kiwanis Intl Eliminate Region Chair Linda Christiano, Past KI President Jerry Christiano

KI President John, Metro LtG-elect Lou Cazzetta, DPLG Sean O’Sullivan, Gov. Eric

The K-Kids of PS 22 with the Kiwanians.

On Thursday, April 23, the All Island Kiwanis Club hosted a celebration in honor of the 100th Anniversary of Kiwanis and the All Island Kiwanis becoming the first Platinum Club in the New York District for the Eliminate Project, which means pledging $1,500 per member.

The main speakers were Kiwanis International President Dr. John Button, who talked about the role Kiwanis has played in helping women and children in the world by eliminating Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus. Kiwanis Governor Eric G. Paul spoke about New York's role in the project and the importance of membership, and commended All Island for its work. The club also heard about a site visit where the work of Kiwanis on the Eliminate Project was being put into place by Past Kiwanis International President Jerry Christiano and his wife Linda Christiano, who serve as the Kiwanis International Region 1 Chairman for Eliminate. The club also received congratulatory remarks from Sister Anne Marie Kirmse, the New York District Eliminate Project coordinator, Gov.-Elect Forbes Irvine.

PS 22 K-kids, which is sponsored by All Island Kiwanis, was represented by President Matthew Bareto.

The club presented four honors that night. Sean O'Sullivan, club treasurer and distinguished past lieutenant governor, received the Centennial Award from the Kiwanis International Foundation. The Club also presented three Mother's Day Zeller Awards to members Christine LoPresti, Kristine Garlisi, and Kim Bonaventura.

On Friday, April 24, 2015, the PS 22 K-Kids hosted the Kiwanis International President John and his wife Debbie, Kiwanis Gov Eric, Past Kiwanis International President Jerry Christiano and Linda Christiano, Past Governor and District Secretary Justin Underwood, and Builders Club Administrator Joanne Underwood, at a club meeting. The club members talked about why they joined K-Kids and their favorite projects. President John had an opportunity to address the members. The school also hosted the visitors for a mini-concert of the famous PS 22 Chorus, which has performed at the White House. School Principal Melissa Donath presented each visitor with a DVD of the Chorus.

(Posted May 2, 2015)

Chinatown Benefit Night

In the back row are the dignitaries who attended the Chinatown Club's Benefit Night on April 24, including International President Dr. John Button and Gov. Eric G. Paul. Seated are 13 recipients of the Centennial Award, which benefits the Eliminate Project. The event was one of those that took place as part of the Kiwanis International Centennial Tour leading up to the International Convention in June.

From left, Past International Foundation President Peter Mancuso, Karen Mancuso, Linda Christiano and Past International President Jerry Christiano.

From left, Linda and Jerry Christiano and Gov. Eric G. Paul

From left, Gov.-Elect Forbes Irvine, Helene Irvine, International President Dr. John Button and his wife, Debbie Button.

From left, Nydia Corace, District Eliminate Project Coordinator Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, Builders Club Administrator Joanne Underwood and District Secretary/Treasurer Justin Underwood.

A large crowd attended the annual Kiwanis Club of Chinatown Benefit Night on April 22, including International President Dr. John Button, who was in town as part of the Centennial Tour celebrating the anniversary of Kiwanis by conducting the ground breaking for a Kiwanis Centennial Playround on Long Island.

At the event, the Chinatown club presented Centennial Awards to 13 people, and inducted nine new members into the club.

(Posted April 26, 2015)

Oceanside K-Kids Support Eliminate Project

Pictured with the K-Kids members are, the back row, LISW Lt. Gove. Bruce Brooks, Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, Oceanside Kiwanis President Thomas Cesiro, III, School Board member and Oceanside Kiwanis Club Director Sandie Schoell; in the bottom right are K-Kids Advisor Kathleen Blank, Lisa-Marie Gaito and Principal Diane Provvido.

On Tuesday March 17th, St. Patrick's Day, Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, district chair for the Eliminate Project, visited with Oceanside School 5 K-Kids Club. This club has raised in their two years of being chartered more than $4,000 towards the Eliminate Project and looking forward to doing more.

Both the Club Advisors and the K Kids were excited to meet her and hear what she had to say about the project. The School 5 K Kids club presented her with flowers, thank you cards and had several questions and great ideas on how to fundraise for the rest of this year.

(Posted April 1, 2015)

East Meadow K-Family Serves Breakfast

Bowling Green K-Kids President Sophia Passariello serves pancakes with TV’s Gotham Actress Camren Bicondova (aka Selina Kyle or Catwoman)

K-Kids Secretary Isabella, Actress Camren Bicondova, K-Kids Member Sidney, K-Kids President Sophia and K-Kids Faculty Advisor Lt. Gov. Rich Santer.

All the SLP members who assisted.

Kiwanians at the event.

On Sunday, March 8th, East Meadow Kiwanis Club Members along with K-Kids, Builders Clubbers, Key Clubbers and Aktion Clubbers, had their Annual Pancake Breakfast at East Meadow High School. Service Leadership Program members served the more than 250 people who attended.

This year a special guest, Camren Bicondova, who plays Selina Kyle (aka Kat) on TV's hit series Gotham, attended the breakfast. Camren not only came to sign autographs and take pictures, but she also helped serve pancakes. Camren and her team, which included her mom and aunt, went out of their way to be very gracious and caring to all in attendance. In addition, Camren was honored to be named an honorary member of the East Meadow High School Key Club.

Following the breakfast Camren tweeted "Pancakes with Catwoman". Seriously though, it was a pleasure to be there. Everyone was so nice. Be sure to support your local ?#?Kiwanis? club! http://kiwanis.org".

Other honored guests and Kiwanis clubs attended the annual pancake breakfast including Merrick, West Hempstead, NUMC, Levittown, Bellmore and Farmingdale.
It takes hard work and dedication from our club members to make this Annual Pancake Breakfast happen, but with the work and effort of Chairpersons Gary Fromowitz and Debbie Coates.

Profit from the event goes to the East Meadow Kiwanis Foundation which supports scholarships for graduating high school seniors, sending kids to Kamp Kiwanis, supports the Eliminate Project and the many other community and service projects the East Meadow Kiwanis Club participates in.

 

(Posted March 9, 2015)

Queens West Event to Raise Funds for Eliminate

See the attached flyer for information on an event March 21 to benefit the Eliminate Project. The event is being organized by Queens West Lt. Gov. J.P. DiTroia.

(Posted February 9, 2015)

Chinatown, Key Club Member Attend Rose Float Event

From left, Eliminate Project Chair Randy DeLay, James Tong, Kiwanis International President Dr. John Button, and Jason Lee.

President Dr. John Button presented a centennial award to James Tong.

A cake marking the 100th anniversary. Pictured are DeLay and Tong.

James Tong of the Chinatown club, and Jason Lee, past president of the Key Club of Cardozo High School in Bayside, attended the Kiwanis International President luncheon on Dec. 27 at the Pasadena University Club in Pasadena.

The event is part of the lead-up to the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day, and the annual entry of a Kiwanis float sponsored by the Rose Float of Pasadena Kiwanis club and the California-Hawaii-Nevada District.

This year's float and events are highlighting the 100th anniversary of Kiwanis International.

(Posted December 27, 2014)

K-Kids Raise $3,300 for Eliminate Project

On Dec. 19, Oceanside Kiwanis Club President Thomas Cesiro III attended at meeting of the Oceanside K Kids at which he was presented $3,300 raised by tke K Kids and other students at School 5 during the Trick or Treat for UNICEF to benefit the Kiwanis International Foundation.

Also attending the meeting were club Vice President and School Board member Seth Blau, Kiwanis Board member and School Board member Michael D’Ambrosio and Kiwanis member and Superintendent of Oceanside Schools Dr. Phyllis Harrington.

During October the K-Kids Club organized through their school a classroom challenge for the Trick or Treat for UNICEF. Each class was challenged to see which would bring in the most money. The winner won a pizza party and a new classroom Kindle.

As a result, $3,300 was raised, exceeding their record of $800 from last year.

This is the clubs's second year of existence and the second year that they lead the entire school district with the most money raised.

All of Oceanside's sponsored organizations have raised approximately $5,500 towards the Eliminate Project from the Trick or Treat Boxes.

 

(Posted December 20, 2014)

Key Club Hosts Pumpkin Palooza

On Nov. 6 the Monticello High School Key Club members put together their very own fundraiser called the Pumpkin Palooza. With the supervision of Key Club Advisors, Toni Carnesi-Montemurro and Mary Jean DeSocio, the event took place at the Monticello High School Athletic Field.

Despite the weather being cold and rainy, it did not deter the participants from coming out and joining in all the planned fun activities, such as Pumpkin Bowling, Pumpkin Hoola Relay Races, Pumpkin Discus Throwing, Pumpkin shot-put and Pumpkin Pair Relays.

Several Monticello Kiwanians as well as the RJK Middle School Builders Club members came out to support the event along with their School Advisor William Oefelein and Jane Sorensen, Kiwanis President and Club Advisor. In addition, the Club Career Readiness students with Advisor Eric Mabee and the 214 club students with their Advisor John Maranzana participated and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

The proceeds totaling $162 will go to Kiwanis International to be used toward the Eliminate Project.

(Posted December 20, 2014)

Port Chester-Rye Brook Sells Out Event

On Nov. 23, the Port Chester-Rye Brook Kiwanis Club Held its 28th annual Charity Fund Raiser.

Although it was the first year being celebrated at the Westchester Burger Co. in Rye Book, the Club has sold all of its 300 tickets every year for 28 consecutive years. The proceeds of $10,000 from the event help the club fund the nine scholarships given to Port Chester/Rye Brook/Salesian high school students to help them out with college tuition. The club also used the benefits to send nine children to Kiwanis Kamp this year alone, as well as its annual picnic where the camp members get to share their experiences.

The room was filled with laughter and conversation that was only silenced when the winners of the drawing were revealed. Seven total prizes were given out.

Kiwanis member Laura Prange gave a presentation on the Eliminate Project and was able to collect a significant amount of donations to help the cause. Port Chester/Rye Brook Kiwanis president Domenic Bencivenga addressed the attendees and after explaining what the club does and how many people it helps, he was able to attract two new members to the group!

(Posted December 1, 2014)

K-Kids Present Diamond Zeller to Joe Aiello

Bowling Green K-Kids Secretary Isabella DiCostanzo and President Sofia Passariello present a Diamond Zeller to IPG Joe Aiello.

Bowling Green K-Kids President Sofia Passariello and Secretary Isabella DiCostanzo presented a Diamond Level Walter Zeller Fellowship to Immediate Past  Gov. Joe Aiello at a Long Island Division meeting on Nov. 10.

The K-Kids recently completed their Bronze Level Model Club commitment to the Eliminate Project at the Kiwanis giving level using proceeds from their annual Talent Show.

(Posted November 22, 2014)

K-Kids Trick or Treat for Eliminate

The Bowling Green K-Kids continued their campaign to support Kiwanis International’s Eliminate Project by trick-or-treating for UNICEF this Halloween. The K-Kids raised more than $250.

(Posted November 11, 2014)

K-Kids Member Receives Zeller

Bowling Green K-Kids President Sofia Passariello receives the Presidential Water Zeller Fellowship from Kiwanis Lt. Gov. and Faculty Advisor Rich Santer

Bowling Green K-Kids President Sofia Passariello, a 4th grader, has received the Presidential Walter Zeller Fellowship in recognition of her efforts to rid the world of maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) through the vaccination of mothers and babies in developing countries.

As Club President, Sofia has led the Bowling Green K-Kids effort to support the Kiwanis International Foundation’s Eliminate Project

To date, the Bowling Green K-Kids have donated more money to the Eliminate Project than any other K-Kids in the world.  The club has made donations totaling over $12,000.

Under Sofia’s leadership, the club recently went trick-or-treating for the Eliminate Project/UNICEF and will once again dedicate the proceeds from its annual talent show in May to assist the project.

(Posted November 5, 2014)

Club Donates $12,750 to Eliminate Project

From left, Metropolitant Lt. Gov. Chris Rubano, Club Treasurer Distinguished Past Lt. Gov. Sean O'Sullivan, club Director Courtney Gallagher, club President Helen Larino, club Director Michele Tosic, and Gov. Joe Aiello.

At the District Convention, the All Island Kiwanis Club presented a $12,920 check to Gov. Joe Aiello for the Eliminate Project.

As a new club, the All Island Club pledged to be a model club for a total pledge of $12,750 over 5 years. In 9 months of existence, the club raised and submitted $12,920 with at least $1,000 more on the way.

(Posted September 4, 2014)

Kiwanians Take School Supplies to Jamaica

Rich Santer and Vycki teach a water safety lesson to Jamaican kids in camp.

Lisa Santer and KPTC Foundation President DPG Joe Corace teach a pedestrian safety workshop.

District Treasurer Justin Underwood and Lt. Gov.-Designate Veronica Witherspoon pack school supplies to be given to Jamaican children.

Justin Underwood, Veronica Witherspoon and Robert Witherspoon presented a how to call 1-1-9 workshop.

Past International President Jerry Christiano presents his presidential banner to Jamaica Lt. Gov. Nellie Seivwright

New York Kiwanians bid farewell to new friends.

Kiwanians from clubs the New York District recently visited the Island of Jamaica. Led by Long Island South Central Lt. Gov. Ann Torcivia and Nodia Chambers, the Kiwanians carried a half a dozen extra suitcases packed with school supplies which were assembled into backpacks and donated to the children of the wait, kitchen, housekeeping and bar staff of the Jewel Resort at Runaway Bay.

Upon arrival, KPTC Foundation Vice President and Service Leadership Liaison Rich Santer presented a water safety program to 30 local Jamaican children attending a camp at the resort. The program featured the KPTC Service Leadership Committee’s talking robot, Vycki, who was voiced by Linda Christiano. This highlight of the trip included lively participation by the kids who were fascinated by Vycki and absorbed the safety content.

Thursday evening, the New York Kiwanians interclubbed with the Discovery Bay and Garden Parish Kiwanis Clubs. Linda Christiano presented a program on the Eliminate Project, and KPTC Foundation President DPG Joe Corace presented a program on the Trauma Center and the KPTC Service Leadership Committee’s Safety programs.

The following morning, the New York Kiwanians assembled school supply bags and safety coloring books with crayons to present to the children who would be participating in the full-scale wellness program on Saturday.

Early Saturday, the Kiwanians, loaded school supplies and safety materials and traveled to the Moving Church of God where they were greeted by more than 70 local children, Kiwanians from Discovery Bay, Garden Parish and St. Ann’s Parish, also as far away as Montego Bay, and many others including Eastern Canada/Caribbean District Governor Hope Markes and Jamaica Lt. Gov. Nellie Seivwright. Before the wellness program, a series of presentations were made including the donation of the first pediatric trauma kit to a club outside the United States and the presentation of Past Kiwanis International President Jerry Christiano's Internatinal President banner to each club in attendance.

The wellness program included presentations on infectious disease control, pedestrian safety, water safety, dental hygiene and how to call 1-1-9 in the case of an emergency. The presenters were Infectious Disease Control, Kathy Heim and Mark Marrazzo; Pedestrian Safety, Joe Corace, Nydia Corace and Lisa Santer; Water Safety, Nodia Chambers, Linda Christiano and Rich Santer; Dental Hygiene, Andrea Watson; How to Call 1-1-9, Justin Underwood, Veronica Witherspoon and Robert Witherspoon.

Joanne Underwood also read "Loukoumi and the Schoolyard Bully" to the kids while other Kiwanians painted faces and applied temporary tattoos.

After backpacks of school supplies and a safety coloring book created by the KPTC Service Leadership Committee were distributed to the more than 70 children who attended the program, Torcivia, representing the Joey Foundation, presented the 1-1-9 telecommunicator, and a set of traffic signs to the Discovery Bay Kiwanis Club. The Kiwanians also left lesson plans for the four safety topics in hope that the Discovery Bay Kiwanis Club would replicate the safety program for other children throughout Jamaica.

(Posted September 3, 2014)

Jeopardy Game Benefits Eliminate Project

The Suffolk West Division's meeting July 17 used a version of the television show Jeopardy to raise money for the Eliminate Project.

The meeting took place the day before the request for clubs and division to host an event to coincide with the Eliminate Walk taking place the following day at the Kiwanis International Convention in Japan.

Lindenshurst President Richard J. Renna and a friend designed an event, a computer game version of Jeopardy that those attending the meeting could play as a gorup.

Tables of Kiwanians were divided into teams – each team had its own distinct colored buzzer which, when pushed, lit up a multi colored light sitting on a table for all to see. Projected on a movie screen at the front of the room was a grid originating from Renna’s laptop consisting of five categories and dollar values from $20 to $100 listed below in columns.

Renna, acting as Alec Trebek, began by selecting the first category and chose the $20 question. The first group to hit the buzzer - indicated by the colored light - got to answer the question. If the group got the answer right they received points equal to the dollar value and could choose the next category and dollar amount. The question was read aloud and, once again, the first team to hit the buzzer won the points.
The team that had the highest points at the end of the game when all the categories and questions had been chosen won a box of delicious cookies to share with their table.

It was a fun event and everyone attending could and did take part. Plus some of the newcomers learned a few facts about Kiwanis they had not known. Donations were also collected from the attendees and proceeds along with the $1 for wrong answers will be sent in to the Eliminate Project.

(Posted July 19, 2014)

Maspeth Student, Mother Honored

Vivienne Crowe and her mother, Maspeth Kiwanis Club Member Geri Crowe, received a Mothers Day Zeller. Vivienne received hers for leading her honors club members at Our Lady of Hope School in Middle Village to raise $2,000 selling the Kiwally Bear Clip on pencils to support the Eliminate Project.

She and Queens West Division Eliminate Project Coordinator J.P. DiTroia were interviewed by a local television news program. You can view the interview by clicking on the link below.

You Tube Video

(Posted July 2, 2014)

WT Clarke Builders Club Celebrates its Year of Service

Key Club Lt. Governor Zainab chats with Builders Club members.

Kiwanians with Distinguished Immediate Past President Julianne Hallett (front left) and President Devon Rafanelli (front right).

Club members.

The WT Clarke Builders Club recently celebrated another successful year of service.

Under Outgoing President Julianne Hallett with the guidance of new Builders Club Faculty Advisor Sarah Kozlowski and Kiwanis Advisor Rosa Principato, the club financially supported the Eliminate Project, the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center at Cohen Children’s Medical Center and the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation. The Clarke Builders also won the Builders Club Scrapbook Contest at the New York State Level and submitted their Annual Achievement Report with a sufficient number of points to be named a Builders Club International Distinguished Club.

Present to congratulate and honor the Builders Club Officers and members were Long Island South Central Lt. Gov. Ann Torcivia, Key Club Lt. Gov. Zainab Nathani, KPTC Vice President Rich Santer, East Meadow Kiwanis President-Elect Kevin Kamper, LISC Division Treasurer Lisa Santer and LISC Builders Club Chair Lisa Hallett.

Santer was proud to present a number of awards from the various Kiwanis Foundation Boards he serves on.

These awards included:

• An Honor Club Banner Patch from the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation to the WT Clarke Builders Club
• Naming six Clarke Officers and members KPTC Service Leadership Fellows. The recipients included Matthew Michaelis, Isabella Michaelis, Aashini Shah, Danielle Hallett, Devon Rafanelli, and Outgoing President Julianne Hallett.
• Two Awards from the Kiwanis International Foundation to Trick-or Treat for the Eliminate Project top fundraisers Kate Su and Alexia Huang.
• Four Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Awards from the White House to Matthew Michaelis, Isabella Michaelis, Danielle Hallett and Outgoing President Julianne Hallett. Each recipient submitted proof of more than 100 certified hours of community service.

 

(Posted June 10, 2014)

Fordham Sponsors K-Kids for Make A Difference Day

The K-Kids Club at PS205 sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Fordham will participate in USA Weekend's "Make a Difference Day with Loukoumi" this Fall.

Each member made a short video of their dream career and will attend a special NYC concert on June 23 which will include a performance by Gloria Gaynor. The concert will be taped for a nationwide television broadcast in October and will feature the PS205 K-Kids members and their videos, along with the premier of the first Loukoumi animated cartoon about "The Schoolyard Bully" narrated by actor Morgan Freeman.

K-Kids members received free tickets to this concert by donating Loukoumi's "Good Deeds" books to children in need under the age of 8. Proceeds from the books support St. Jude's Children's Hospital and the Kiwanis Eliminate Project. For further information about the concert and contest, see the link below.

Loukoumi Web Site

(Posted June 8, 2014)

Maspeth Teens Raise $2,000 for Eliminate Project

The New York Daily News recently ran a story on work by Maspeth teenagers to support the Eliminate Project.

Daily News Article

(Posted June 8, 2014)

Six Mother's Day Zellers Presented by Hartsdale

From left, District Eliminate Project Coordinator Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, Distinguished Past President Suzanne Willis, Distinguished Past President Linda Witzling, Distinguished Past President Lucille DeBellis, President Irene Kanowitz, Past President Sue Plath and Lois Bronz.

Hartsdale Kiwanis celebrated its 58th Charter Night May 20 by awarding six Mother's Day Zellers.

Eliminate Project District Coordinator Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse presented the Zellers to the following past presidents of the Hartsdale Club: Suzanne Willis, Lucille DeBellis, Sue Plath and Linda Witzling.

Others receiving Zellers were President Irene Kanowitz and former Westchester County Legislator Lois Bronz, a 25 year Legion of Honor Recipient and the first woman to join the Hartsdale Club.

Tom Dejulio, 2012-13 International President, and former First Lady Dr. Rosemary DeJulio; and Bronx Westchester South Lt. Gov. Frank Riti were on hand as the six Hartsdale recipients were recognized by the party of 70 guests.

Immediate Passt President Linda Witzling was also awarded a Brittany by Angela Politano, President of the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundaion.

(Posted June 7, 2014)

Service Leadership Programs Win International Awards

Bowling Green K-Kids Distinguished Immediate Past President Aline Asarian receives a medallion for her KIF Leadership Award at the NY District level from Lisa Santer.

K-Kids Immediate Past Secretary Elianna Rivera receives a medallion for her poster.

Shermeen Khan with East Meadow Kiwanis President Jim Smith and Service Leadership Chair Rich Santer.

The Bowling Green K-Kids and Woodland Middle School Builders Club, both sponsored by East Meadow Kiwanis, recently received international recognition in the K-Kids and Builders Club International contests and awards competition.

After taking first place in all eight of the 2013-14 K-Kids contests at the New York State level, the Bowling Green K-Kids and its members moved on to compete at the International level. Judged against the first place winners from the 30 other Kiwanis Districts around the World, Bowling Green or one of its members won recognition in five of the eight contests.

Immediate Past Secretary Elianna Rivera depicted what the world who look like without Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus in her third place poster in the K-Kids Eliminate Project Art Contest.

As a club, the Bowling Green K-Kids placed third in the world for their single service project supporting Kamp Kiwanis, local needy families and providing relief to tornado victims in Oklahoma. The funds were provided by a $10,000 grant the K-Kids won in the IKEA Grant program.

The Bowling Green Club scrapbook, which depicted more than 80 service projects the K-Kids were involved in during the 2013-14 service year, won first place in the K-Kids International Scrapbook Contest.

Bowling Green’s Distinguished Immediate Past President Aline Asarian won the Kiwanis International Foundation’s K-Kids Leadership Award. She also described the impact raising funds to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus from our planet in her third place essay in the K-Kids Eliminate Project Essay Contest.

In addition, Woodland Middle School Builders Club’s Distinguished Immediate Past President Shermeen Khan won the Kiwanis International Foundation’s Builders Club Leadership Award.

Kiwanis Lt. Governor-Designate Rich Santer, who serves as East Meadow Kiwanis Club’s Service Leadership chair, was proud to have recommended Aline and Shermeen.

“East Meadow Kiwanis Club supports its Service Leadership Programs completely. That support has been critical to the development of student leaders such as Aline and Shermeen. East Meadow is very proud of the many K-Family leaders that have risen from our Service Leadership programs,” explained Santer.

The two clubs were also named “Distinguished” clubs by Kiwanis International. This distinction continued Bowling Green K-Kids’ unbroken record by being named an International Distinguished Club each and every year since its chartering in 2008.

 

(Posted June 1, 2014)

Talent Show Completes K-Kids' Eliminate Project Goal

Fifth Grader Toby Sison plays "Fur Elise und Knight Rupert" on the piano

Bailey and Riley Walsh win the Best Act without a K-Kid Trophy.

K-Kids Past Director Lilli-Ann Greene wins the Best Act with a K-Kid Trophy

Third Graders Nazarena Martinez and Siumy Coreas win the Overall Best Act Trophy

Past K-Kids Director Catherine Posillico and Farrah Panzerella win the People's Choice Award

K-Family Talent Helps Bowling Green K-Kids Fulfill Their Bronze Model Club Commitment

At its 6th annual Talent Show, the Bowling Green K-Kids became the first SLP club to fulfill a Bronze Model Club commitment at the Kiwanis Club Level.

Bowling Green unanimously voted to make their commitment in February 2014 following a presentation by Eliminate Project Speakers’ Bureau Member Rickie Santer. After having achieved Gold Level status in the SLP Global Service Society twice last year, the K-Kids decided to move up and give at the Kiwanis level. Their Bronze Level commitment allowed the K-Kids until February of 2019, to raise $350 per member (a total gift to the Eliminate Project of $11,500).

The May 23rd Talent Show brought together performers from every branch of the Kiwanis Family. The show, hosted by K-Kids President Sofia Passariello and Distinguished Immediate Past President Aline Asarian, treated the audience to 20 vocal, instrumental, comedy and dance performances.

The acts were evaluated by a panel of judges including New York District Kiwanis Gov. Joe Aiello, KPTC Foundation Board President DPG Joe Corace, Kiwanis International Foundation Eliminate Speakers’ Bureau Member Rickie Santer, and Long Island South Central Lt. Gov. Ann Torcivia.

The judges selected Past K-Kids Director Lilli-Ann Greene who danced to "Invisible" as the Best Act with a K-Kid and Bailey and Riley Walsh who sang "When You're Home" from the Broadway show "In the Heights" as best act without a K-Kid. As the Overall Best Act, the judges choose third graders Nazarena Martinez and Siumy Coreas who sang the Oscar winning song "Let It Go" from Disney's Frozen.

The audience had the opportunity to select the winner of the evening's top trophy: the People’s Choice Award. Audience members voted by placing dollars into containers marked for each act. Any act receiving more than $70 in their container was named an "Outstanding Performance" and will receive a trophy at a later date. The act with the highest amount in their container received the People's Choice Award.

There were four "Outstanding Performances": East Meadow HS Key Clubber Melissa Kamper who signed "Let Her Go" by Passenger; K-Kids Director Antonio Palmeri who played Minuet in G Major on the piano; East Meadow Aktion Clubber Matt Kamper who sang "Don’t Stop Believin" and Clarke Builders Clubbers Danielle Hallett and Rebecca Nagri who danced to "Last Friday Night".

The People's Choice Award went to "Robot Girls" Farrah Panzerella and Catherine Posillico.

(Posted May 27, 2014)

Eliminate Director Visits Queens East

Lindsay Marciniak Campaign Director for The Eliminate Project with Kiwally the Kiwanian in foreground. Kiwally has raised a few thousand dollars selling his Kiwally pencils.

From left, Astoria member Jackie Negron Pappas, Woodside Pres Rebecca Ovadia, Astoria Member Anthony Pappas, Astoria President Dr. Arthur Gualtieri and his wife.

From left, Queens Ledger reporter Jess Berry, Tina Di Troia of Middle Village, Vivienne Crowe from Our Lady of Hope Elementary School and her mother, Geri.

On May 7 Lindsay Marciniak, Campaign Director for The Eliminate Project, visited Queens and gave a presentation at the historic US Columbarium Co, on the current status of the project.

On hand was Queens East Lt. Gov. Nodia Chambers, Bayside member Oraline Davis; Astoria President Dr. Arthur Gualtieri and his wife, Jackie; Negron Pappas and her husband Anthony from the Astoria Club; Queens Boulevard President Liselotte Reinprecht; Woodside President Rebecca Ovadia and her husband Herman; Maspeth member Victoria Grapone; Richmond Hill Woodhaven member Joan De Camp, Middle village member Tina Di Troia and Queens West Eliminate Coordiantor JP Di Troia.

Also present was Vivienne Crow from Our Lady of Hope Elementary School who has raised $516 selling Kiwally pencils at the school, along with her mother, Geri.

(Posted May 12, 2014)

Chinatown Halfway to $100K Eliminate Goal

From left, Peter Mancuso, Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, Club President Grace Law and Lindsay Marciniak

From left, standing: James Tong, Anne Miao, Regina Chan, club Vice President Wing F Kwong, Jimmy Yee and Fred Chan; seated are Kirmse, Mancuso, Law and Marciniak.

On May 6 the Kiwanis Club of Chinatown hosted Kiwanis International Foundation Eliminate Project Coordinator Lindsay Marciniak and New York District Coordinator Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse and Kiwanis International Foundation Past President Peter Mancuso.

During the meeting, Distinguished Past President James Tong reported that Chinatown has raised $53,500 as of April 30 toward 100K club Eliminate Project.

(Posted May 9, 2014)

Bowling Green K-Kids Celebrate a Great SLP Service Year

KPTC Foundation President DPG Joe Corace Presents KPTC SL Fellowships to K-Kids Officers. At left is Gov. Joe Aiello, and at right is Club Advisor Rich Santer.

Pediatric Lyme Disease VP/Treasurer DPG John Gridley and PLD Service Leadership Committee Chair NYCKI IPG Kelly Chan present Joseph Michael Wuest SL Fellows to 5 K-Kids Members.

K-Kids Kiwanis Advisor Norma Gonsalves and Faculty Advisor Rich Santer Present Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Awards to 8 K-Kids Members.

Long Island South Central Division Lt. Gov. Ann Torcivia names the Bowling Green K-Kids to the Kiwanis International Foundation’s Leadership Society.

The Bowling Green K-Kids celebrated the end of the 2013-14 Year of Service with a Retirement/Installation Ceremony highlighted by the presentation of numerous awards, the retirement of now Distinguished Immediate Past President Aline Asarian and the installation of President Sofia Passariello.

Guests were welcome by Bowling Green Faculty Advisor Lt Governor-Designate Rich Santer and East Meadow Kiwanis Club President James N. Smith.

District Gov. Joe Aiello also honored the club by attending the ceremony. He presented Governor’s Award to all the outgoing officers.

Long Island South Central Division Lt. Governor Ann Torcivia presented the Club with a special membership in the Kiwanis International Foundation’s Leadership Society.

A representative of District K-Kids District Administrator Mickie Leamey announced that the Bowling Green K-Kids or individual club members had swept all 8 K-Kids contests and awards at the New York District level.

Eight K-Kids members earned Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Awards from President Obama, two members received Eliminate Project Impact Donor Awards and, five received Service Leadership Fellowships from the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation. In addition, each club member received KPTC Service Leaderships in recognition of a $1,000 donation to the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center at Cohen Children’s Medical Center.

The Bowling Green K-Kids are sponsored by the East Meadow Kiwanis Club.

(Posted April 14, 2014)

Governor's Visit to Finger Lakes, Genesee Divisions

Aiello addressing the attendees.

Finger Lakes Lt. Gov. David Jacobus received a Zeller Award for this efforts to support the Eliminate Project in the division. Pinning him is the Finger Lakes Division Eliminate Project chair Philip Alamond.

Genesee Division Lt. Gov. Doris Marsh addressing the audience.

Finger Lakes Key Club Lt. Gov. Rylan Blowers

Gov. Joe presenting Governor's Awards to Finger Lakes Division club members for their efforts this year. Standing, from left, are the govenor, Diane and Dick McDermott of the Farmington-Victor club, Past Gov. Robert Calabrese, Past Gov. Doreen Pellittieri and Past Gov. Patrick Cooney. Also honored was Finger Lakes Division First Lady Bonnie Jacobus.

Gov. Joe Aiello made his official visit to the Finger Lakes and Genesee divisions on March 8 at the Burgandy Basin Inn in Pittsford.

(Posted March 9, 2014)

Kiwally Helps Raise Funds for Eliminate Project

Gregg Flanner and Janet Di Troia

JP Di Troia, Queens West division coordinator for the Eliminate Project, started a new program last year providing Kiwally the Kiwanian pencils for the Kiwanis International Eliminate project. It is a pencil with a cute Koala clip on and Eliminate is printed on the pencil. In addition the project is promoted by a cute Koala Bear Puppet named Kiwally the Kiwanian. Children as well as seniors adore him.

JP gave 12 pencils with the cute Koala Clip to his cousin Janet Di Troia to sell. Janet surprised JP with two checks for $200. She had presented the pencil to a friend, Gregg U. Flanner, as a gift. After he asked about the project, he not only responded with a check for $100 but within the following week he gave her another check for $100.

"I didn't expect such a generous response from one pencil. I have estimated that we have raised 2 to 3 thousand raised by other clubs with donations ranging from $2, $5 and now $200," JP said. "One club member even auctioned 10 pencils and got $100."

Key Club and Circle K members love them and according to Joan Sammon of the Maspeth Club even senior citizens love them.

Maspeth Club has raised $1000 with this program and just ordered another 200 pencils. JP now has added a plastic card that slips on the pencils and is imprinted with "Kiwanis International and UNICEF thank you. Every nine minutes a baby dies of tetanus in the world. Your donation helps save babies."

(Posted March 8, 2014)

Fordham Sponsors Bowling for Babies

The third Bowling for Babies Fun-raiser on March 1 warmed hearts during this bitterly cold winter season.

Kiwanians and their little fans were able to have fun bowling while saving and protecting hundreds of newborns and mothers among the poorest of the poor in the Eliminate Project event.

The clubs received sponsorships and Kiwanis bowlers from Hartsdale, JMW Morris Park, Westchester Village, East Yonkers, and host Fordham participated. Prizes were given to high scorer Kathleen Malara (new Fordham Kiwanian!) and Hartsdale Kiwanian Irene Kanowitz who returned to the scene of her past "crime" in the alley and became the most improved bowler!

Every $1.80 raised saves at least one life and helps Kiwanis achieve its goal of ending death from maternal and neo-natal tetanus on earth.

(Posted March 2, 2014)

K-Kids Add Pixie Dust to Circle K Murder Mystery Dinner

Bowling Green K-Kids at their first dance rehearsal.

King Edmundus (Gov. Joe Aiello) welcomes Prince Nyck (Rickie Santer) and Princess Audelia (Emma Reed) to the ball.

The Fairies of the Enchanted Woods dance at the ball.

K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer and the Bowling Green K-Kids at the Murder Mystery Dinner.

The full cast of the 2014 Adelphi Circle K Murder Mystery Dinner.

A little extra magic was part of this year's fairy tale-themed Adelphi University Circle K Murder Mystery Dinner for Eliminate as members from four branches of the K-family worked together for common cause. In addition to Circle Kers, cast members included Kiwanians, Builders Clubbers, and K-Kids.

Five members of the Bowling Green K-Kids played the Fairies of the Enchanted Woods. The fairies included K-Kids President Aline Asarian, Secretary Elianna Rivera, Director Catherine Posillico and members Samantha Gibson, Trinity Fan and Natacia Huang.

The K-Kids worked with Adelphi Circle Kers Julianna Classe and Gabby Smitelli who choreographed and taught the fairies the dance.

"The Adelphi Circle Kers are such positive role models for the K-Kids. I was especially impressed by Gabby who led the first rehearsal with the fairies afterschool in my classroom. She was patient, positive and skillfully encouraged the girls to dance their best," commented K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer.

The K-Kids were thrilled to be included by the "Big Kids" and were honored to perform with District Gov. Joe Aiello, who played King Edmundus.

In addition to the roles on stage, the fairies also led groups through the evidence rooms and interrogation area.

By the final reveal of the murderer and curtain close, the Murder Mystery Dinner raised more than $4,000 for the Eliminate Project.

Script author Kiwanian Rickie Santer, Adelphi Circle K President Sofia Conti and District Eliminate Project Coordinator Sister Ann-Marie Kirmse are currently investigating the possibility of taking the Murder Mystery on the road to Fordham. Once finalized, details will be posted on the NYD Kiwanis Website.

(Posted February 3, 2014)

K-Kids Club Commits to $350 per member for Eliminate Project

Bowling Green K-Kids President Aline Asarian signs the Eliminate Project Commitment Form.

At its first regular meeting of 2014, the Bowling Green K-Kids welcomed Eliminate Project Speakers Bureau Member NYCKI DPG Rickie Santer. Circle K Distinguished Past Gov. Rickie was invited to make a presentation on becoming a Model Club after the K-Kids earned Gold Club status in the Global Service Society at the SLP Level in 2013.

Following his presentation, K-Kids President Aline Asarian asked for a motion to have the club commit to achieving Bronze Level Model Club status at the Kiwanis Level. The motion was quickly made and seconded. The discussion focused on the members' desire to continuing supporting the Eliminate Project and wanting to change the world. The vote was unanimous to take the next step and commit to being a Bronze Level Model Club at the Kiwanis level.

To be a Bronze Level Model Club in the Global Service Society a Kiwanis Club must commit to donating $350 per member to the Eliminate Project over the next five years. All previous donations are counted towards the club's total. The Bowling Green K-Kids has 34 members which means they require $11,900 to meet their new goal. Bowling Green has already donated $7,000 and lead the world in donations from a K-Kids club.

With $600 in funds ready to send in to the Kiwanis International Foundation, the K-Kids need to raise $4,300 more to achieve their goal.

K-Kids Treasurer Tara Connolly hopes that by dedicating all the proceeds of the club's annual Talent Show to the Eliminate Project, the club may surpass their goal before the end of this school year.

In its report to their sponsoring Kiwanis Club, the K-Kids included a "Challenge Dollar" to East Meadow Kiwanis President Jim Smith and his club.

"If 9, 10 and 11 year olds can become a Bronze Level Model Club at the Kiwanis Level, we challenge you to do the same or even more," dared K-Kids President Aline.

Bowling Green's Faculty Advisor, Lt. Gov.-Elect Rich Santer is very proud of his club.

"My K-Kids members are passionate about helping eliminate MNT from our world. They have thought this through and have a plan. They set achievable goals, exceed them and, move on to set an even higher goal," he explained.

"I think these kids have a system that can encourage more Kiwanis Clubs to step up to be model clubs. You don't have to start by committing at the Gold Level. Start by committing at the Bronze or Silver level, achieve that level and then commit at the next level if your club can," Santer continued.

"I think we will achieve the Bronze level this year, the President after me will try for Silver," predicted President Aline.

(Posted January 21, 2014)

Raffle Raises $510 for Eliminate Project

From left, Secretary Donna Russo, Treasurer Jill Nicolois, President Al Gentile, Margaret Schmerwitz, Gov. Joe Aiello, Lt. Gov. Steve Sirgiovanni, Immediate Past President and Eliminate Club coordinator Tina Di Troia, Vice President Nat Costanza.

Kiwanis Club of Middle Village raised $510 for the Eliminate Project selling raffles for a set of Cloisonné The 12 days of Christmas Ornaments. The raffle, under the leadership of Past President and Eliminate Club Coordinator Tina Di Troia was able to accomplish its goal. The ornaments valued at $400 were donated by the Sino Source Co.

(Posted December 29, 2013)

Zeller Presented

From left, Gov. Joe Aiello, with Middle Village Kiwanis members: Immediate Distinguished Past President Tina Di Troia, Donna Russo and incoming President Al Gentle. Aiello was presenting Russo with a Zeller Award, which provides support for Kiwanis International's Eliminate Project.

(Posted December 20, 2013)

K-Kids Club Adds 25 Members

K-Kids President Briana Morales and Kiwanis President Vincenzo Lippiello.

Fordham Kiwanis held a meeting to induct the 25 new fifth grade members of its sponsored K-Kids Club at PS 205 called the Fiorello LaGuardia School.

New officers were installed and each member received a pin and a Fordham Flash Drive. Fordham Club President Vincenzo Lippiello presented a certificate of election to 10-year old club president Briana Morales who reported that they are raising funds for the Eliminate Project by knitting crafts for a fair this spring.

(Posted December 17, 2013)

Bowling Green K-Kids Host Annual "Karoling" for KPTC Event

Bowling Green K-Kids Members and Clarke Key Clubbers "karol" for KPTC.

"Karoling" for the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center at North Shore-LIJ.

Bowling Green K-Kids President Aline pins Kiwanis Governor Joe Aiello as an honorary member.

East Meadow Kiwanis President Jim Smith presents a Daily Point of Light Award Honoree lapel pin to K-Kids member Sofia.

Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse presents the Bowling Green K-Kids with candles recognizing them as Daily Points of Light.

The spirit of the season shone at Bowling Green as the K-Kids welcomed the LISC K-Family for an evening of "karoling" for the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center at North Shore-LIJ and a holiday Hot Chocolate party.

Supervised by teams of Circle Kers from Adelphi University as well as Long Island Circle K Lt. Gov. Brian Kenny, groups of K-Kids, Builders Clubbers and Key Clubbers fanned out across the neighborhood spreading holiday cheer and raising funds for KPTC.

After an hour of "karoling," the six groups collected just over $500. Kiwanis dignitaries including New York District Gov. Joe Aiello, Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, Lt. Governor Ann Torcivia, East Meadow Kiwanis President Jim Smith and KPTC Service Leadership Committee Chair Kat Graves, who stood in for KPTC President Joe Corace, attended the event to recognize the K-Kids on having been named our nation's Daily Point of Light for November 7, 2013.

The Daily Point of Light awards were first presented to individual volunteers and volunteer organizations by President George H.W. Bush during his presidency. The awards have continued under the Points of Light Foundation.

Santa arrived at Bowling Green in the form of Aiello who made the official presentation of the Daily Point of Light certificate and the letter from former President Bush. Governor Joe also presented each K-Kids member with a Governor's certificate, a K-Kids reusable lunch bag, a special Santa cupcake and generously matched the $500.79 that the K-Kids had just raised by "karoling" for KPTC.

Bowling Green K-Kids President Aline Asarian thanked Aiello for his support of her club and all Service Leadership Programs across the district by naming him an Honorary Member of the Bowling Green K-Kids.

East Meadow Kiwanis President Jim Smith presented each K-Kids member with a Daily Point of Light Award Honoree lapel pin.

New York District Eliminate Project Coordinator Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse also presented the K-Kids members with candles to remind them of the light their community service brings to the world.

K-Kids President Aline presented Sister Anne-Marie a sack full of handmade baby items made by the family and friends of the K-Kids for an upcoming auction/sale that Sister Anne-Marie will be holding for Kiwanis International's Eliminate Project against maternal and neonatal tetanus. President Aline also informed her that the Bowling Green K-Kids had voted to go beyond their Gold Level Global Service Society Status and become a full Bronze Level Eliminate Project Model Club.

Before enjoying the hot chocolate and baked goods, the K-Kids received a holiday bundle of festive pencils and a snowflake kazoo from KPTC President Joe Corace, who missed the event for the first time ever due to being home recovering from heart surgery. His gift was presented to the K-Kids by Graves.

K-Kids Secretary Elianna Rivera created an oversized "get well" card that was signed by everyone at the event for Corace.

(Posted December 15, 2013)

Valley Cottage Business Aids Eliminate Project

Helen Oh of Valley Cottage Cleaners in Valley Cottage is working with the Kiwanis Club of Middle Village to raise money for the Eliminate Project. The club provided Eliminate pencils with the Clip on Kiwally, a stuffed bear, to set up on her counter for patrons to see and make a $2 donation.

Anyone interested in Kiwally's new project and purchasing the pencils with clip on, call Queens West Division Eliminate Coordinator JP Di Troia at (718) 821-9700.

(Posted December 15, 2013)

LISC K-Family Presents The Eliminate Project Experience

Committee Co-Chairs Rickie Santer and Emma Reed introduce The Eliminate Project Experience.

Marci Brenholz explains the "Cold Chain" used by UNICEF to get vaccines to women in the developing world.

Michael Grudzinski from the US Fund for UNICEF explains the educational components of the Eliminate Project used in the field.

Immediate Past Kiwanis International President Peter Mancuso describes how Kiwanis International and UNICEF eradicated Iodine Deficiency Disorder.

After months of preparation, the LISC K-Family welcomed representatives from UNICEF, Kiwanis International Foundation Immediate Past President Peter Mancuso and Kiwanis International Immediate Past President Tom DeJulio as well as all three New York District K-Family Governors for The Eliminate Project Experience. Hosted by the Bowling Green K-Kids at their school, the event took place Dec. 6.

The Eliminate Project Experience provided a look at each country where maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) still kills a mother or newborn baby every 9 minutes. At each country's table participants were invited to taste a food or beverage, play a game, hear a story or make a craft. Foods and beverages included lemongrass iced tea, cassava, plantains, yams and polvorone. Crafts included shadow puppets, lanterns, shell bracelets and mardi gras masks, while games included Sey and Shax. Participants also had the opportunity to have their hands or wrists decorated with henna.

The event also spotlighted successful fundraisers run by local K-Family clubs for the Eliminate Project. However, the highlight of The Eliminate Experience took participants on the "Vaccination Journey" through which UNICEF representatives explained in detail how donated funds are used to eliminate MNT by vaccinating women in the hardest to reach corners of our world.

The Eliminate Project Experience was planned and produced by a committee of LISC K-Family members ranging from Kiwanians to K-Kids. The LISC K-Family Eliminate Project Experience Committee was co-chaired by new Kiwanians Rickie Santer and Emma Reed.

Committee members included: Elianna Rivera (Bowling Green K-Kids), Kristina Schilt (Bowling Green K-Kids), Tia Blumennau (WT Clarke Builders Club), Julianne Hallett (WT Clarke Builders Club), Zainab Nathani (East Meadow HS Key Club), Ansuha Syed (East Meadow HS Key Club), Sofia Conti (Adelphi University Circle K), Vicki Toal (Adelphi University Circle K).

The primarily educational event raised about $1,000 for the Eliminate Project through admission donations and a baby-themed bake sale.

"Being part of eliminating a deadly disease from our world is an amazing feeling!" commented Host Club President Aline Asarian of the Bowling Green K-Kids.

"Our club has raised over $7,000 to save mothers and babies since the Eliminate Project began. We are really proud to be helping," added K-Kids Secretary Elianna Rivera.

(Posted December 9, 2013)

Lake Delta Craft Fair Successful, Growing

Pictured, seated from left, are James Hert, Crystal Skellington, Kendra Skellington; standing is Nicole Blanchard.

The sixth annual Lake Delta Craft Fair was heldp Nov. 9-10 at Rome Free Acacdemy in Rome.

The project has been one of Lake Delta's biggest fund raisers for the pasts five years, raising money for Thanksgiving and Christmast baskets for the needed; scholarships for local kids attending Kamp Kiwanis, and the Eliminate Project.

The Kiwanis club and the Rome Free Academy Key Club were co-sponsors this year. Only able to grow to the size of the space available, the 2012 Craft Fair had only 43 crafters and could hold no more, but was still a huge success over the past three years. This year's event at the high school and was able to accommodate 83 crafters in 83 sports.

Next year's goal could realistically be 100 crafters for what would be the biggest craft fairs in the region.

The event was open to clubs at Rome Free Academy to have free fund raising tables for their club treasuries. The five clubs that got involved did well and that number may grow next year as well.

(Posted November 14, 2013)

Watertown Clubs Work Together for Eliminate Project

On Oct. 5, both Watertown Kiwanis Clubs, Jefferson Breakfast Club and Noon, joined forces with three area Key Clubs to host a Pancake Breakfast and Basket Raffle to help fundraise for the UNICEF and Kiwanis Eliminate Project.

Not only were club members pleased about the nearly $600 raised for the Eliminate Project, but also the great collaboration of many volunteers.

"The best part about a project like this is just getting together and having fun with other clubs," said Patty Jaacks, coordinator of the event.

(Posted November 11, 2013)

North Shore Key Club Collects for Eliminate Project

Key Club Lt. Gov. Michael Rovner.

Members of the the North Shore Key Club dressed up to take up collections for the Eliminate Project at Holloween.
 

(Posted November 7, 2013)

Book Sales Benefit Eliminate Project

Nick Katsoris, author of the Loukoumi children's books and PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center, is inviting Kiwanis clubs to participate in the anti-bullying effort by sponsoring anti-bullying fund raising events in their communities.
Katsoris, who was a speaker at the Kiwanis International Convention in Vancouver last June, is a new member of the Fordham Kiwanis Club. He has pledged to donate $1.80 to the Kiwanis Eliminate Project for each of his books sold through Kiwanis.
Katsoris' newest book, "Loukoumi and the Schoolyard Bully," was released Oct. 26.

(Posted November 6, 2013)

K-Kids and Builders Attend Mini-Convention

First Lady's Project Chair Lt. Gov. Ann Torcivia explains the First Lady's Project to K-Kids & Builders Clubbers

District Governor's Project Chair Kevin Kamper, Melissa Kamper and Key Club Governor Paul DeSantis explain the Governor's Project to K-Kids and Builders clubbers.

K-Kids and Builders Clubbers write thank you letters for the Treats for the Troops bags.

WT Clarke Builders Club K-Family Chair Danielle Hallett and member Victoria Lorusso carry treats for the troops bags to the thank you letter station.

Meadowbrook K-Kids accept the first place Treats for the Troops candy collection trophy from Gov Joe, Lt. Gov. Ann and WT Clarke Builders Club President Julianne Hallett

District Gov. Joe Aiello, LISC Service Leadership Chair Rich Santer, LISC Builders Club Chair Lisa Hallett, Distinguished Past Gov. Joe Corace, Distsinguished Past Gov. John Gridley and club advisors with the presidents or highest ranking officer of each K-Kids or Builders Club in attendance .

The Long Island South Central Division of Kiwanis recently held a K-Kids/Builders Club Mini-Convention at WT Clarke Middle/High School.

The day long event saw the three sitting New York District Governors joined by three Distinguished Past Governors, two District Administrators, several Lt. Governors, three Distinguished Past Lt. Governors and three District Chairs come together to motivate and inspire our youngest K-Family members.

The Mini-Convention hosted by the Bowling Green K-Kids and WT Clarke Builders Club began with Speed Learning Rounds during which attendees rotated to seven minute presentations about the four Kiwanis charities as well as the Governor's and First Lady's Projects.  During these informal presentations the K-Kids and Builders saw videos, received information and giveaways and discussed how they can support each charity or project.

The Speed Learning Rounds were followed by a special greeting by NYD Kiwanis Governor Joe Aiello.

Then sessions took place including workshops for Presidents/VPs, Treasurers, Secretaries, Directors and Chairs, members and advisors, Public Speaking, Pushing Projects to the Next Level, Goal Setting, Finding a  Community Need, K-Family and, Awards and Recognition.

The attendees then completed First Lady Carole "Cookie" Aiello's Treats for the Troops project.  The nearly 100 pounds of candy brought to the mini-convention by attendees was added to the several hundred pounds of candy collected by the Bowling Green K-Kids and WT Clarke Builders Club last weekend to yield nearly 500 treat bags for U.S. soldiers serving overseas.  Each quart-sized bag was filled with a variety of treats.

The Mini-Convention ended with a closing session at which Governor Joe Aiello issued a challenge to all the NY District's K-Kids and Builders Clubbers to create the best video highlighting the service of their clubs.

In addition, a trophy was awarded to the Meadowbrook K-Kids for bringing the most candy for the troops to the Mini-Convention.

Due to the generosity of Lt. Gov. Ann Torcivia, the LISC Division and Levittown's Bageltown, the Mini-Convention's registrations fees were not needed for the snacks and supplies.  The attendees voted to donate over $200 to Kiwanis International's Eliminate Project.

(Posted November 3, 2013)

Duck Race Raises $5,000

On Saturday, Oct. 19 at Setauket Pond Park the Kiwanis Club of Three Village held it's 16th Annual Duck Race raising more than $5,000.

The money raised will be used for: Support the Kid, Stony Brook University Pediatric Trauma Center, Ward Melville Key Club Scholarships, Electric Light Parade, ChildHelp.Org, Kiwanis Key Club - Senior Citizens Prom, Eliminate Project, Thanksgiving Day Food Baskets, Holiday Adopt-A-Family Program, East Setauket Pond Maintenance, Welcome Inn, Our Daily Bread.

(Posted October 30, 2013)

Queens Boulevard Presents Zeller

From left, Liselotte Reinprecht, Bretta Heizmann and JP Di Troia

Queens Boulevard recently presented a Zeller award to one of its members.

Bretta Heizmann received the award, which was presented by the Queens Boulevard Prsident, Liselotte Reinprecht and JP Di Troia, the Queens West Eliminate Project coordinator.

(Posted October 29, 2013)

Aktion Club Raises Money for Eliminate Project

The Aktion Club of Abbott House, which is sponsored by the White Plains Club, held its annual talent show Oct. 15. Members of the club used their talents to entertain members of the community. There was a raffle and homemade jewelry and coloring books designed by club members were sold. In total, almost $100 was raised for the Eliminate Project.

(Posted October 26, 2013)

Theme Set for Murder Mystery Event

Bowling Green K-Kids members work to discover the Murder Mystery's theme

Bowling Green K-Kids members give their theme guesses

Bowling Green K-Kids members with their invitations to the "Royal Ball"

Bowling Green K-Kids and their families packed Levittown Denny's to to support the Adelphi Circle K's annual Murder Mystery Theme Reveal Dinner. This event kicks-off Adelphi Circle K's fundraising season for the Eliminate Project by involving dinner guests in sleuthing to find the theme of their upcoming Murder Mystery.

Teams were given an Eliminate trivia quiz to find a clue which lead to other clues which eventually revealed that this year's Murder Mystery theme will be Fairy Tales.

The evening concluded with a puppet show trailer setting the scene and introducing the "Royal Ball" back-story of the Murder Mystery.

Denny's is donating 10 percent of each check to Adelphi Circle K for the Eliminate Project.

Anyone who missed the Murder Mystery Theme Reveal Dinner can view the trailer by logging on to Facebook and searching for "Adelphi Circle K Murder Mystery 2014."

The Murder Mystery will take place on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 in the Adelphi University Center Ballroom at 6 p.m. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for youth. Advance tickets can be purchased by emailing AdelphiCKI@gmail.com.

(Posted October 19, 2013)

Book Sale Benefits Eliminate Project

The Finger Lakes Division is selling books written by author Dr. William A. Guiffre, with the sales benefiting the Eliminate Project.

See the flyer at right for more. An order form also is available.

Order Form

(Posted October 14, 2013)

North Shore Key Club Supports Eliminate Project

The North Shore Key Club is making great strides for the Eliminate Project 2013-14.
At the annual Sea Cliff Mini Mart on Sunday Oct. 6, sponsored by the North Shore Kiwanis Club, we have pictured the Vice President of the club, Fallon Blacharski, working the crowd for donations, as well as educating people on neonatal tetanus. Also in the spotlight are members of the key club selling their famous cookies to bring in some revenue for the club.
With their chefs hats and spatulas in hand, the members baked 1,450 delicious cookies throughout the day.

(Posted October 8, 2013)

Satellite Club Conducting Virtual Run/Walk for Eliminate

The Long Island Young Professional Satellite Club of the Kiwanis Club of Merrick is sponsoring a virtual run/walk to support the Kiwanis International Foundation/UNICEF Eliminate Project to help eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus from the world. It costs $1.80 to provide a pregnant woman with 3 vaccines that will prevent the transmission of tetanus to her unborn child. You have between the date you register and December 31, 2013 to complete a 5K, 10K or Half Marathon. Feel free to run, walk, swim or bike your miles. Each registrant of the 5K, 10K or Half will receive a 3" custom designed medal.

All fees collected, minus expenses will be donated in the name of the Long Island Young Professional Satellite Club of the Kiwanis Club of Merrick, NY to the Kiwanis International Foundation for the Eliminate Project.

Join Us and Let’s run for the mothers and their unborn babies. Click on the link below to register.

Sign Up

(Posted September 15, 2013)

Aktion Club Celebrates 4th Anniversary

Action Club Treasurer Leah with North Shore President-Elect Jeanne Egan both with club checks for the Eliminate Project.

On Sept. 12 the Roslyn Warriors Aktion Club celebrated its fourth anniversary with a dinner at the Swan Club.

The club, sponsored by the North Shore Kiwanis club and the North Shore Key Club, was chartered in 2009.

At the dinner Distinguished Pastd Lt. Gov. Julia Salata installed two new members for the Mighty Warriors and the NS Kiwanis and NS Aktion Club both, as a joint effort, donated $300 to the Eliminate Project.

(Posted September 14, 2013)

Watertown Event to Benefit Eliminate Project

The Jefferson Breakfast Kiwanis Club will host a Pancake Breakfast and Basket Raffle on Saturday, Oct. 5.  This is a community event being sponsored with the assistance of the Watertown Noon Kiwanis Club, local area Key Clubs and Trinity Episcopal Church. The proceeds from the event will help the Eliminate Project.

The pancake breakfast will be from 8 - 11 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 227 Sherman Street in Watertown, the cost is $7 per person or $20 per family. A $4 donation is requested for children 12 and under.

This event is a community effort to raise awareness of maternal and neonatal tetanus.  The event will also feature a presentation by Dr. Dodard, a local physician, on tetanus in Haiti. This presentation will begin at 9 a.m.

Kiwanis International is raising $110 million by 2015 in an effort to protect millions of women and babies who are at risk of this deadly but highly preventable disease.

There will be a basket raffle the day of the pancake breakfast and members of Kiwanis available to answer questions as well.

(Posted September 10, 2013)

Niagara County Aktion Club Participates in Peach Festival

Debra Rothman honors Richard Hermanson, Advisor to the Niagara County Aktion  club and member of the Lewiston Kiwanis Club with a Zeller Award, for helping the Newe York Aktion Clubs raise $1938 to be donated to the Eliminate Project through the sale of pins at the last two District Conventions. Pictures are, from left, (back row): Lewiston member Randy; Incoming New York District First Lady Carole Aiello, Gov.-Elect Eric Paul, Gov.-Designate Joe Aiello, Distinguished Past Gov. David Rothman and Lewiston Kiwanis President Jeff Sanderson; (front row), Richard Hermanson and District Aktion Club Administrator Debra Rothman.

The Niagara County Aktion Club participated in the annual Niagara County Peach Festival, which is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Lewiston.

(Posted September 8, 2013)

Joey Foundation, Service Leadership Committee Join Forces

Service Leadership Committee Chair Kat Graves works at the Joey Foundation booth alongside Key Club Gov Paul DeSantis.

A young visitor donates money to the KPTC Service Leadership Committee.

Since its founding, the Joey Foundation, a foundation named in memory of Lt. Gov. Ann Torcivia's son that supports children's causes, has been a major supporter of the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center's Service Leadership Committee and its Safe Kids Program. The Joey Foundation has also donated to the Kiwanis International Foundation's Eliminate Project, New York District Kiwanis Foundation's Kamp Kiwanis and the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation.

At the KPTC Service Leadership committee's August meeting, Ann offered the committee the proceeds from Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 to cover the costs associated with the committees upcoming Hoedown for KPTC. The committee's SLP members quickly reciprocated by offering to help staff the Joey Foundation's jewelry booth at the Eisenhower Park Craft Show.

The enthusiastic sales pitch of the KPTC Service Leadership Committee members and the beautiful weather combined to yield proceeds of more than $900.

The weekend was so successful that Torcivia has offered to donate the proceeds from all of September to the KPTC Service Leadership Committee. The committee is looking to expand and improve its Safe Kids program. Hopefully, the Joey Foundation's financial support will allow the committee to purchase a "girlfriend" for their bicycle-riding robot Joey. Vyki, a fully animated robot that is not attached to a bicycle, will be more portable, more versatile and useful in teaching several safety topics.

Kiwanians and SLP members wishing to help raise the necessary funds to purchase Vyki, are invited to the Joey Foundation jewelry booth at Long Island craft and street fairs. Upcoming events in September include:

Sept. 15: 9th Annual Syosset Street Fair, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sept 21-22: Fair at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sept 28-29: Annual Merrick Fall Festival & Street Fair. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

The Hoedown for KPTC will take place on Sunday, October 6 at Levittown Hall from 5-8 p.m. The committee is selling placemat ads and tickets are available. Anyone wishing to place an ad and/or purchase a ticket should contact KPTC SL Committee Chair Kat Graves at joey.safekids@gmail.com or calling 516-690-SAFE.

Hoedown Ad Form

Hoedown Flyer

(Posted September 4, 2013)

Bowling Green K-Kids Receive International Awards

Distinguished Immediate Past President Kira Gruber recieves a 2nd Place Medallion for her Art Contest submission.

East Meadow Kiwanis President Debbie Kirsh, Kiwanis Advisor Norma Gonsalves, Faculty Advisor and Lt. Gov.-Elect Rich Santer, K-Kids Director Danielle Hallett, New York District K-Kids Administrator Mickie Leamey, K-Kids DIPP Kira Gruber, K-Kid Abishek Ravindran and Kiwanis International Foundation President Peter Mancuso.

The East Meadow Kiwanis Club celebrated another fantastic K-Kids service year at a recent club meeting dedicated to presenting seven international awards to the Bowling Green K-Kids.

For the fifth consecutive year, East Meadow's Bowling Green K-Kids swept the K-Kids Contests and Awards at the district level.

At the international level the Bowling Green K-Kids received two First Place trophies, two Second Place medallions, one Third Place medallion and had a Kiwanis International Foundation Leadership Award winner.

The recipients received their international awards from New York K-Kids Administrator SDPLG Mickie Leamey, K-Kids Kiwanis Advisor Norma Gonsalves and Faculty Advisor LtG-Elect Rich Santer.
The recipients were:

• Danielle Hallett - 3rd Place in the world Essay Contest –Eliminate Theme
• Abishek Ravindran - 2nd Place in the world Essay Contest – K-Kids Theme
• DIPP Kira Gruber - 2nd Place in the world Art Contest – K-Kids Theme
• Scrapbook - 1st Place in the world Bowling Green K-Kids
• Single Service Project -1st Place in the world Bowling Green K-Kids
• Danielle Hallett – Kiwanis International Foundation Leadership Award

The Bowling Green K-Kids was also named an Eliminate Project's Gold Level Global Service Society Club. This recognition is reserved for SLP clubs that raise more than $50 per member for the Eliminate Project in a Kiwanis year. Bowling Green not only reached this level of contribution this year but doubled it by contributing an average of more than $100 a member making a total contribution of more than $5,400.

Kiwanis International Foundation President Peter Mancuso was on hand to congratulate Danielle Hallett on and her KIF Leadership Award and the entire Club on reaching Gold Level Club status.

East Meadow Kiwanis Club President Debbie Kirsh and the club members made the evening extra special for the K-Kids by dedicating many happy dollars to the K-Kids, their advisors and Bowling Green's many accomplsihments.

(Posted August 27, 2013)

Aktion Clubs Raise $1,000 for Eliminate Project

The New York District Aktion Clubs collected $1,000 from pin sales at the District Convention which was donated to the Eliminate Project.  The check was given to International President Tom DeJulio Saturday night of the convention. Assisting at the Aktion Club table was the advisor to the Livonia AC, Jeanette Mallaber, members of the Livonia AC, advisor to the Nunda AC and a member of Nunda Kiwanis, Vicki Goll, advisor to the Niagara County AC and a member if Lewiston Kiwanis, Richard Hermanson and the District Administrator, Debra Rothman. 

(Posted August 19, 2013)

Bowling Green K-Kids Complete an Award Winning Year of Service

Bowling Green’s New York District contests and awards winners:  DIPP Kira Gruber, VP Marisa Simone, Director Danielle Hallett, incoming VP Max DeLeon, Abishek Ravindran and, Tia Blumennau

The Bowling Green K-Kids celebrated the end of the 2012-13 Year of Service with a Retirement/Installation Ceremony highlighted by the presentation of numerous awards.

Twenty-six K-Kids members earned Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Awards from President Obama and 15 members received service leadership fellowships from either the Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation or the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center. In addition, the club presented a KIF Elimidalion to Faculty Advisor Rich Santer and accepted a second Elimidalion in recognition of the entire club from Sr. Anne-Marie Kirmse, the NY District Eliminate Project Coordinator.

Special Guest Lynn Montuori, IKEA-Long Island Marketing/Public Relations Manager presented a $10,000 IKEA Life Improvement Project Grant to the club.  Bowling Green’s proposal to supply and furnish the newly constructed Arts Center and Library at Kamp Kiwanis, a Kiwanis owned and operated camp for needy children, as well as feed local needy families was selected to receive the grant through an online voting contest.

K-Kids District Administrator Mickie Leamey announced that the Bowling Green K-Kids or individual club members swept all eight K-Kids contests and awards at the New York District level. The club's and individual members' winning entries went on to compete on the international level. In late May, the international results were announced with Bowling Green being recognized in more awards and contests than any other K-Kids in the world.

Bowling Green K-Kids or one of its members received the following awards:

• Danielle Hallett - 3rd Place - K-Kids Eliminate Essay contest
• Abishek Ravindran -  2nd place - K-Kids Essay contest
• Kira Gruber – 2nd Place K-Kids Art Contest
• Danielle Hallett – Kiwanis International Foundation Leadership Award
• Bowling Green K-Kids 1st Place Single Service Award
• Bowling Green K-Kids – 1st Place Scrapbook contest

The Bowling Green K-Kids are grateful to their sponsoring Kiwanis Club:  East Meadow and is looking forward to an even more successful 2013-14 service year.

(Posted May 28, 2013)

Maspeth Presents Zeller to Member

From left, Club President Marie Breslin, Joan Sammon, and JP Di Troia, division Elminate Project coordinator.

The Maspeth club has presented a Walter Zeller Award to long time member and club Past President Joan Sammon.

The award was presented for her hard work and leadership in the club for the Eliminate Project.

(Posted May 12, 2013)

Bowling Green K-Kids Stage Talent Show

Best Act without a K-Kid winners dancers Kaycee Lauren Dominguez and Lilah DeLeon

Fabulous with Katie Heitner, Brianna Ferrara and Victoria Rivera

Violinist & K-Kids member Abishek Ravindran performs

President Aline Asarain and DIPP Kira Gruber present the People's Choice Award to Tatianna Valdes and Claudia Perez

Bowling Green K-Kids DIPP Kira Gruber, Faculty Advisor Rich Santer and Bowling Green K-Kids President Aline Asarian

The judges present the Best Act with a K-Kid trophy to Elizabeth Tercy

The Bowling Green K-Kids kicked off Mother's Day weekend by dedicating their fifth annual Talent Show to their mothers, grandmothers and to protecting the connection between mother and child.

As has been the tradition, the show was co-hosted the Bowling Green K-Kids President and Distinguished Immediate Past President. President Aline Asarian and DIPP Kira Gruber were sensational as they kept the show moving smoothly.

The 25 acts included vocals, instrumentals and dance numbers ranging from a classical violin solo to the cup song and patriotic bagpipes to cheer dancing.

A distinguished panel of K-Family leaders judged each act for its musicality, quality of performance and the response of the audience. The judges were: KI Eliminate SLP Committee Rep Newe York Circle K Distinguished Past Gov. Rickie Santer, Kiwanis Pediatric Trauam Foundation President and Distinguisehd Past Gov. Joe Corace, New York District Key Club Governor Paul DeSantis, New York Circle K Long Island Division Lt. Gov. Vicky Toal, New York District Key Club Division 6 Lt. Gov. Anusha Syed and East Meadow Kiwanis President Debra Kirsh. The judges awarded trophies for the Best Act with a K-Kid, Best Act without a K-Kid and the Judge's Choice Award.

Judges selected Bowling Green 5th Grader Elizabeth Tercy as the Best Act with a K-Kid; Hot Like WOW dancers Kaycee Lauren Dominguez and Lilah DeLeon as Best Act without a K-Kid and WT Clarke Key Club Immedaite Past President Gina Principato as their Judge's Choice Award winner.

Additional Outstanding Act trophies and the People's Choice Award were chosen by audience members voting through additional donations to the Eliminate Project.

Based on the distribution of over $1,200 in additional donations, four acts received "Outstanding Act" trophies. They were vocalist Elizabeth Tercy, Barisax player Chris Johnson and Gangnam Style dancer Justin Quintero, American Sign Language performer Melissa Kamper and "Fabulous" dancers Katie Heitner, Brianna Ferrara and Victoria Rivera.

The night's top prize went to singers Tatiana Valdes and Claudia Perez who received more than $200 in donation votes and the People's Choice Award.

The Talent Show was a huge success and earned its place as the most successful single fundraiser in the Bowling Green K-Kids's history. The show raised more than $3,200 for the Eliminate Project.

K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer praised the generosity of the K-Kids, the families and friends saying, "This was an incredible culmination of the club' participation in SLP Eliminate Week. The entire club is grateful for the support of local Kiwanis Clubs, nearby businesses and the families and friends of the Bowling Green K-Kids."

Kira was excited by the financial success of the show. "One of our club's goals was to become a Gold Level Club for the Eliminate Project this Kiwanis service year by raising an average of $50 per club member. By adding tonight's funds to our club's Eliminate donations in the Fall, we have achieved that goal," she explained.

(Posted May 12, 2013)

Patchogue to Celebrate 75th on May 11

From left, club President Dr. Robert Borowski pointing to a patch attached to a club banner designating the Kiwanis International recognition of achieving 75 years of service. Looking on are club Past Presidents Jeffrey Vollmuth and George Brush serving as journal chairmen and J. Glen Charvat, chairman of the entire event.

The Patchogue Kiwanis Club will celebrate its 75th anniversary with an event at the Bellport Country Club on May 11.

Kiwanis International President Thomas DeJulio and New York District Gov. Al Norato Jr. will be participating in the event.

The club has a long history of community service, especially to children as well as world wide health projects. Recently the club has been named as a "Model Club" for its commitment to the Eliminate Project, a Kiwanis International effort to combat Neonatal Tetanus.

It also was a major contributor to the world wide elimination of Iodine Deficiency Disorder. On a more local basis, the club built a 40-bed unit housing for campers at Kamp Kiwanis.

The club sponsored the chartering of Brookhaven Memorial Hospital in 1954. After that, it provided major support to pediatrics in the hospital as well as specialized equipment and care education for children in the emergency department. Other support of sponsored youth has been the sponsorship of Bellport High School Key Club, and Key Club and Venture Crew in the Patchogue Medford High School.

More information may be accessed on the club's web site.

Club Web Site

(Posted March 25, 2013)

Kiwanians, Builders Club Skip a Meal

Fordham Kiwanians joined their recently formed Builders Club members from Middle School 45 to participate in the Annual Skip-a-Meal Program, raising over $700 for the Eliminate Project and Hurricane Sandy Relief efforts.

(Posted March 21, 2013)

Aktion Club Celebrates Successful First Year

The FEC/HRW Aktion Club sponsored by Hudson River West Division's clubs of Chester, Middletown and Minsink Valley recently celebrated its first anniversary and its recent designation as Distinguished Club for 2011-12.

Members of the Aktion Club had an outstanding first year and completed many projects including collecting for the Eliminate Project, making cards for servicemen serving overseas, visiting seniors in local retirement homes for various holidays, collecting recyclables to raise funds for Eliminate Project as well as participating in the Hudson River West Division's Kiwanis Family Walk for Hunger to benefit the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley.

The Aktion Club also had the distinction of receiving an Honorable Mention for their Scrapbook at the New York District Kiwanis Convention held this past summer in Niagara Falls. Members are excited to be continuing their work with their sponsoring clubs as they begin their second year of service.

(Posted January 24, 2013)

Key Club, K-Kids Karol for KPTC

"K"aroling group led by Key Club LTG Paul DeSantis and his Executive Assistant Anusha Syed and supervised by K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer.

East Meadow Kiwanis President Debbie Kirsh presents the International First Place Speech Contest Medallion to Aashini Shah.

International Eliminate SLP Committee Representative Rickie Santer presents the Impact Donors 175 Lives Saved pin to K-Kids President Kira Gruber.

Bowling Green K-Kids President Kira Gruber presents the check to KPTC Foundation President Joe Corace.

KPTC Foundation President Joe Corace presents the KPTC Service Award to WT Clarke Builders Club President Queenie Ho.

The WT Clarke Builders Club and WT Clarke Key Club joined the Bowling Green K-Kids for the K-Kids'annual "K"aroling for KPTC and Hot Chocolate Party.

This year's event was the most successful yet thanks to the large turnout and a very generous special donation from the family of the newest K-Kids member, Tatiana Valdes.

The evening began with a greeting from East Meadow Kiwanis President Debbie Kirsh who told the Service Leadership Club members how proud the club is to be their sponsor. She also took a few moments to present WT Clarke Builders Clubber Aashini Shah with her medallion for winning first place in the Builders Club International Speech Contest.

After a discussion of safety while crossing streets and visiting homes in the neighborhood, three groups were formed with each being assigned an adult supervisor and a vocal leader. Special thanks to the many K-Kids parents who went out with each group and assisted the adult supervisor. The vocal leaders included Circle K DPG Rickie Santer, WT Clarke Key Club President Gina Principato and Key Club Division 6 Lt. Gov. Paul with his Executive Assistant Anusha Syed. The vocal leaders helped the groups select an appropriate song based on the decorations at each house, made sure everyone in the group sang together and insured that the work of KPTC was explained to each donor.

After about an hour and a half of caroling through the neighborhood surrounding Bowling Green School, the groups returned for hot chocolate and holiday snacks coordinated by K-Kids First Mom Donna Gruber and DPFM Lisa Hallett.

K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer then introduced several speakers and presenters. First, WT Clarke Builders Club President Queenie Ho presented a check for $300 to KPTC Foundation President Joe Corace. In recognition of its donation, DPG Joe presented the WT Clarke Builders Club with the new KPTC Service Award recently developed by the KPTC Service Leadership Committee. Bowling Green K-Kids President Kira Gruber followed with a similar donation and the Bowling Green K-Kids received the second KPTC Service Award.

Santer announced that he had received a donation of $500 from the mother of the newest K-Kids member which was presented to Distingusiehd Past Gov. Joe. Santer continued by announcing the totals raised by each caroling group. When the donations were complete, KPTC had received more than $1,300 in donations.

Then International Eliminate SLP Committee Representative and Distinguished Past Circle K Gov. Rickie Santer presented Bowling Green K-Kids President Kira Gruber with a Impact Donor's 175 lives saved pin, recognizing the K-Kids $550 donation to the Eliminate Project through their Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign.

Rickie Santer asked fellow Adelphi Circle K member Kat Graves to join him to name K-Kids member Danielle Hallett an honorary member of the Adelphi Circle K. Danielle played a role in the Adelphi Murder Mystery and was instrumental in the show's success.

The final speaker of the evening was WT Clarke President Gina Principato who read her award-winning college essay that described how "K"aroling for KPTC re-directed her to become a dedicated SLP leader and a life-long volunteer.

(Posted December 23, 2012)

Bowling Green K-Kids Raise over $400 Trick-or-Treating for Eliminate Project

Bowling Green K-kids President Kira Gruber Trick-or-treats for the Eliminate Project

Bowling K-Kids member are animals about Trick-or-treating.

K-Kids members Mackenzie, Isabella M, Treasurer Toni-Ann, Vice President Marisa and Isabella D.

K-Kids Member Justin Infante trick-or-treats with former K-Kids member and WT Clarke Key Clubber Katie Infante.

Despite the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, The Bowling Green K-Kids celebrated Halloween by participating in their 5th annual Trick-or-Treat for Charity collection drive. The K-Kids' charity of choice was Kiwanis International's Worldwide Service Project, the Elminate Project.

Rich Santer, who serves as the Faculty Advisor to the Bowling Green K-Kids, was impressed by the K-Kids passion for this cause and the generous response of the K-Kids’ family and friends and neighbors especially on the heals of our area’s own recent disaster.

More than 35 members trick-or-treated, collecting more than $400. While this amount was less than last year, the K-Kids Officers and Board of Directors were excited by the amount considering the impact of Hurricane Sandy.

With this donation, the Bowling Green K-Kids have raised more than $5,500 for the Eliminate Project since making their first $1,000 donation at the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas in June 2010.

The Bowling Green K-Kids are sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow.

(Posted November 15, 2012)

Patchogue Donates $32,500 to Eliminate Project

Shown here are new recipients of the Walter Zeller Fellowship. The fellowship was created by the Kiwanis International Foundation for Kiwanians who have made an extraordinary promotion and fund raising effort on behalf of the Elminiate Project. From the left are New York District Kiwanis Gov. Albert E Norato, Jr. who made the fellowship presentations to Past Presidents J. Glen Charvat, Jeffrey Vollmuth and Robert Walch. The fourth honoree, Nicholas Harding Jr. was unavailable for the picture. Immediate Past President Mark Charvat looks on from the right.

Shown is the symbolic presentation of $32,500 being made by the Patchogue Kiwanis Club in support of the ELIMINATE project sponsored by Kiwanis International and administered by UNICEF.
Presenting the check from the left are two most immediate Past Presidents of the club, Mark Charvat and Robert Walch. The funds were raised as a major emphasis project in their terms of office. To the right of them receiving the checks on behalf of the Kiwanis International Foundation are Lorri Schneider, Lt. Governor of the Suffolk East Division and Albert E Norato, Jr. governor of the New York State District. The Eliminate Project is a global effort to vaccinate mothers and their newly born children against Maternal Neonatal Tetanus.
The Patchogue Kiwanis Club by making this contribution has earned itself the title of a "Model ELIMINATE Project Club" The club, this year is celebrating 75 years of community service especially to children.

(Posted November 11, 2012)

Kiwanis Family Trick or Treat for Eliminate

Members of Central Adirondack Kiwanis family trick or treat for UNICEF and The Eliminate Project, from left, Key Club Member Madeline Mahoney, Kiwanis Central Division Lt. Gov. and Past President Carolyn Trimbach, Key Club Member Katy Connell, Kiwanian George Pearson and Central Adirondack Kiwanis Vice President and KYAC President Mike Griffin.

The Central Adirondacks Kiwanis family consisting of Town of Webb School Key and Builders Clubs and Kommunity Youth and Activity Center (KYAC) joined together on Halloween to collect cash contributions rather than candy.  They raised more than $225 that will be donated to UNICEF and the Kiwanis International Eliminate Project.
On Oct. 31, Halloween, they participated in an intergenerational Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF project. All proceeds raised by Kiwanis-family members from Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF will go to The Eliminate Project.
KYAC was open and pizza and soda were available for all participants in the UNICEF/Eliminate Project trick or treat as well as all trick or treaters who were welcome to visit.

(Posted November 6, 2012)

Chinatown Kiwanians Receives Zeller Fellowship

Chinatown Kiwanian and Past Distingished Lt. Gov. Kenneth Wan received a Walter Zeller Fellowship at the Chinatown clubs' Oct. 23 meeting. The Fellowship supports the Kiwanis International Eliminate Project. Pictured, from left, are Past Lt. Gov. Peter Yu, Kiwanis International Foundation President Peter Mancuso, new Zeller Award recipient Wan, Sal Anelli, president of the District Foundation, Metropolitan Division Lt. Gov. Forbes Irvine and Chinatown Past President James Tong.

(Posted October 25, 2012)

Adelphi Circle K Murder Mystery Dinner Raises $5,000 for the Eliminate Project

Flapper girls do the Charleston.

Detective Nyck (DPG Rickie Santer) and Nurse Mary (NYCKI Secretary Kat Graves) assist Evelyn (LICKI DIPLG Lauren) after the shooting

Bowling Green K-Kids Director Danielle "Big Al" Hallett poses with Murder Mystery authors DPG Rickie "Detective Nyck" Santer, IPLG Lauren "Evelyn" Sacks, AUCKI President Emma "Olive" Reed and NYCKI Sec Kat "Nurse Mary" Graves.

The cast of AUCKI's Murder Mystery for Eliminate.

Bowling Green K-Kids and Faculty Advisor Rich Santer enjoy the show

The K-Family from across Long Island and around New York State filled the Grand Ballroom at Adelphi University as Adelphi University Circle K hosted the second Circle K Murder Mystery Dinner for the Eliminate Project.

Set in a roaring '20s "Root Beer" Speakeasy called the Half Moon, guests were welcomed by flapper girl waitresses as the gangsters and other guests chatted on stage.

After watching the scene and some background video flashbacks, Detective Nyck and his Assistant Olive asked the audience to help solve the attempted murder of lounge singer Evelyn They sent the audience out to look for evidence in the Speakeasy, the outside alley, the flapper girls' dressing room, the janitor's closet and Mary and Evelyn's apartments.

The audience was also sent into interrogation rooms to question numerous persons of interest.

After discovering the numbers of several safe deposit boxes, audience teams headed to the bank for a look at their contents.

After audience teams named their murderer, identified his/her motive and the clues that led them to their accusation, Detective Nyck and Olive guided the audience through the facts and motives. As they revealed the details of the twisted tale, several crimes were solved. This prompted the arrest of Mary for theft, Walter for the death of his predecessor pianist Charles and the arrest of Police Officer Roy for the attempted murder of Evelyn.

Fortunately, there is a happily ever after for Detective Nyck who not only solves the crimes but goes off into the sunset with lounge singer Evelyn.

By the close of the curtain, the event had raised over $5,000 for the Eliminate Project.

(Posted October 22, 2012)

Club, Sponsored Youth to Trick or Treat for Eliminate Project

The Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks, Town of Webb School Key and Builders Clubs and Kommunity Youth and Activity Center (KYAC) will join together on Halloween to collect donations instead of candy.

They will take part in an intergenerational Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF. All proceeds raised by Kiwanis-family members from Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF will go to The Eliminate Project. The Trick-or-Treat will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31.

KYAC will be open until 9 p.m. All participants in the UNICEF/Eliminate Project trick or treat as well as all trick or treaters are welcome to visit and enjoy soda and treat.

If you would like to join this effort to ELIMINATE MNT, join Kiwanis at KYAC located in the North Woods Community Center on Crosby Blvd. at 5:30 p.m. on the 31st.

(Posted October 15, 2012)

Many Awards Made at Chinatown Club Dinner

Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, New York District Eliminate Project coordinator, presenting 10 Walter Zeller Fellowships to: President Grace Law, Vice President Sophia Ng, Distinguished Past President James Tong, Distinguished Past President Patrick Ng, Distinguished Past President Fred Chan, Nancy Ng, Distinguished Past President Anne Miao, Wing Kwong, Distinguished Past Lt. Gov. Kenneth Wan, Distinguished Past Lt. Gov. Peter Yu, and one Eliminate Project certificate of appreciate to Grace K. Tong.

District Gov. Albert Norato Jr. presenting two Kiwanis International Society Awards to Hannah Chen and Jian Huai YU.

New York District Foundation President Sal Anelli presented Kaiser awards to Jian Hiai Yu and Stella Chan.

Many awards were presented at the Chinatown Club's dinner dance on Oct. 5.

(Posted October 8, 2012)

Roslyn Warriors Aktion Club Celebrates

The dais for the event.

Pictured is the Aktion Club Treasurer accepting the donation from the Kiwanis Club, from left, North Shore Kiwanis Treasurer Bruce Levinson, North Shore President Meredith Brosnan and Aktion Club Treasurer Leaha.

The Mighty Roslyn Warriors Aktion Club met Sept. 13 at the Swan Club in Roslyn to celebrate its third anniversary. The club, which is jointly sponsored by the North Shore Kiwanis and North Shore Key Clubs, conducts the birthday party each year. The North Shore Kiwanis Liaisons are Julia Salat and Gary Craner.
The club will be an Honors Club for 2011-12 for its outstanding community service. To date, the club has raised $100 for the Eliminate Project. At the meeting the North Shore Kiwanis Club donated the 50/50 raffle prize money to the Aktion Club Eliminate fund raiser.

(Posted September 20, 2012)

250 Runners Support Eliminate Project

From left, Graham Brown, 3rd place winner in the Top Male Overall category; Jonathon Toro, 2nd place, and Greg Contwell who was the fastest with a 17 minute and 6 second time. Standing in the middle is Sr. Anne-Marie Kirmse who is the New York Kiwanis District Chair for the Eliminate Project. Kneeling is the Race Chairman Nicholas Harding. Continuing to the right is Leonora Petrina who was the fastest Top Overall Female with a time of 17 minutes and 48 seconds, Una Broderick who took 2nd place and Alyssa Knott who took 3rd place and Glen Charvat, project committee member.

More than 250 runners participated in a 5K Trot on Aug. 12 hosted by the Patchogue Kiwanis Club, which raised money for Kiwanis International's Eliminate Project.

The Patchogue Kiwanis Club sponsored the event to raise funds for Kiwanis International which joined forces with UNICEF who will vaccinate 61 million women of child-bearing age to prevent Maternal Neonatal Tetanus. The goal of Kiwanis International is to raise $110 million 2015 which will be the 100th Anniversary of Kiwanis International. The Patchogue Club is attempting to raise additional funds this year after presenting a $10,000 check to Kiwanis International iin 2011. More information may be accessed at Patchoguekiwanis.com

(Posted August 12, 2012)

Bowling for Babies in Bronx-Westchester South

Shown holding the winning ball, is Sue Plath, Past President of the Hartsdale Club, Joy Freeman, Past President of the Fordham club, and Sister Anne Marie Kirmse, NY District Chair for the Eliminate Project.

Getting ready to bowl for babies are Fordham Kiwanians Mike Feierman (club chairman), Sister Anne Marie Kirmse, Dr. Rosemary DeJulio, 2012-13 Kiwanis International First Lady, and Grant Grastorf, Fordham Club president.

Several Kiwanis clubs in the Bronx-Westchester South Division pitched bowling balls in an outing that raised more than $2,000 for the Eliminate Project to rid the world of maternal and neo-natal tetanus.

Tetanus kills babies and their mothers at birth in the most impoverished regions of more than 30 nations. Led by Fordham Kiwanis club president, Grant Grastorf, the club solicited sponsors for financial support and welcomed interclubbing members from Hartsdale, Westchester Village, and East Yonkers Kiwanis.

The bowling alley lanes were all taken by Kiwanians who wanted to make "strikes" against tetanus while having a family fun outing.

(Posted August 11, 2012)

Patchogue 5K to Benefit Eliminate Project

The Patchogue Kiwanis Eliminate Project 5K Run will take place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 12, starting and finishing at Briarcliffe College. The proceeds have been designated to support The Eliminate Project initiated by Kiwanis International and UNICEF. The goal of the project is to raise $110 million by 2015 to eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus, a swift and painful disease which kills one baby every nine minutes. The goal is to vaccinate 61 million women of child bearing age protecting them and their babies who are at risk of contracting the disease. The club has already donated $10,000 to the cause and now looks to expand its support.

Further information about the race is available on the attached file below or by going to www.patchoguekiwanis.com.

More Information

(Posted July 29, 2012)

Aktion Club Raises Money for Eliminate Project

On Saturday, July 21, members of the FEC/HRW Aktion club were attending a picnic for members of the Family Empowerment Council and Occupations Incorporated in Orange County. The Aktion Club members collected money for the Eliminate Project. Members of the club explained that babies die a horrific death when they are afflicted with tetanus. These babies can not stand to be cuddled, exposed to light or sound.

As a result of the donations received in a few short hours, at least 62 women in countries where tetanus is a major concern will receive the three (3) inoculation shots that will protect the women and their unborn babies for the dreaded disease of tetanus.

The FEC/HRW Aktion Club has been in Orange County for just about one year. The club is sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs of Chester, Middletown and Minisink Valley and it is for adults with disabilities.

(Posted July 24, 2012)

Key Clubbers Learn Management Skills

Old Navy Service and Training Manager Stacey Engebrethson discusses "Buying Behaviors" with Key Clubbers during Camp Old Navy.

Jasmine Blennau, Paul DeSantis, Anusha Syed and Jade Blennau compete in a "Flip-Flop Contest."

Key Clubbers showing their "Shopping Contest" outfits pose with Old Navy Staff.

Continuing Division 6's partnership with Levittown's Old Navy Store, Lt. Gov. Paul DeSantis and three Levittown and East Meadow Key Club officers recently participated in Camp Old Navy. Camp Old Navy is a half-day session of retail managerial training for high school students provided by Old Navy stores and the their parent company The GAP.
During the session, DeSantis, Division Avenue Key Club IPP Jasmine Blennau, Division Avenue Key Club VP Jade Blennau and East Meadow High School VP Anusha Syed received training on working with Old Navy staff, Old Navy's "Buying Behaviors" and leadership skills. In addition to providing insight into retail management, Camp Old Navy also taught the Key Clubbers skills that are applicable to the leadership of their club and division as well as techniques to maximize fund raising.
The session was highly interactive and included several fun contests related to retail displays and shopping. DeSantis was clearly at a disadvantage and was bested by the three girls in all three contests.
"This morning's program and curriculum were the best I have seen. Stacey Engebrethson, Levittown Old Navy's Service and Training Manager, really outdid herself in enhancing this program." commented LISC Service Leadership Chair Rich Santer who has set-up Division 6's participation in Camp Old Navy for the past three years.
In recognition of their participation, the Key Clubbers each received a "Bag of Swag." The GAP Foundation will also provide a $250 Grant to Key Club Division 6. DeSantis has earmarked the grant for Kiwanis International's Eliminate Project.

(Posted July 18, 2012)

Key Club, Circle K Assist Aktion Club

WT Clarke Key Club President Gina Principato assists Aktion Club President Travis set up a scrapbook page.

East Meadow HS Key Clubbers Leah Ramkelawan assists Aktion Club Board Member Marianne set up a scrapbook page.

Aktion Club Board Member Barbi works with Circle K DIPLG Lauren Sacks and DPG Rickie Santer.

Key Clubbers, Circle Kers and Aktion Club members display their finished scrapbook pages.

At a recent Aktion Club meeting, Key Clubbers from East Meadow and WT Clarke high schools along with Circle Kers from Adelphi University helped the West Hempstead Court Aktion Club defend its 2010-11 first place title in the Aktion Club International Scrapbook Contest.

The 2011-12 service year has been one of the most active for the West Hempstead Court Aktion Club. The club added new members from the Hawthorne ACLD residence, hosted a graffitti clean-up as part of the West Hempstead Chamber of Commerce's Beautification Project, held an art show fund raiser for Kiwanis International's Eliminate Project and various service projects for sick children, U.S. soldiers and senior citizens.

The Key Clubbers and Circle Kers regularly attend Aktion Club meetings to assist the Aktion Club members with their service projects. The West Hempstead Court Aktion Club is co-sponsored by the Key Clubs of Division 6 and Kiwanis Clubs of the Long Island South Central Division. Some of the Circle Kers who still attend the Aktion Club meetings were involved in chartering the club six years ago.

(Posted July 18, 2012)

West Hempstead Court Aktion Club Art Show for The Eliminate Project

West Hempstead Court Aktion Club Members enjoy the event.

Featured Artist Jason Greenburg gives a piece of his art to Franklin Square Kiwanian Julie Davis-Olson

IPCKIG Rickie Santer explains the Eliminate Project to the Art Show attendees.

Massapequa Kiwanis President Mark Marazzo points out artwork he wants to win to one of the K-Kids

West Hempstead Court Aktion Club Advisor Diann Forquignon, Kiwanian Kevin Kamper get some food from the k-Kids waitresses.

GC Tech Key Club Advisor Lillian Creedon, LISC Division 6 Key Club Chair Dave Cummo, and GC Tech Key Club Officers receive thank you award from West Hempstead Court Aktion Club Advisor Diann Forquignon

An effort which began with the West Hempstead Court Aktion Club ended up involving the entire Kiwanis family and raising some money for the Elimiate Project.

The Aktion club has a new member to our club that has artistic talent and we were looking for an idea to allow him to use his talent and raise some money for charity. We got together as a committee which included our Advisor Diann Forquignon, Key Club Gov. Domenick Pesce, Key Club Lt. Gov. Becky Hopkins, Circle K Lt. Gov. Lauren Sacks, Immediate Past CKI Governor Rickie Santer, LISC Sponsored Youth Chair Rich Santer and LISC Treasurer Lisa Santer and decided on an art show and auction. We were concerned doing a strict auction as we did not want to have the potential of anyone not getting bid on and we wanted to be able to allow all branches of the Kiwanis family to participate.

Our Aktion Club consists of two ACLD group homes and they are not allowed to do fund raisers where they have to ask for or handle money which created an additional challenge. How we handled this is that our advisor found some art projects that we could create with the help of our Key Club and Circle K. All the art we would be auctioning off that evening was created by the members so it was their show. We got the GC Tech Key Club to volunteer the use of their school as hosts. They agreed to handle the food that evening as well as getting it all donated (they are a tech school Key Club with culinary students). This allowed us to focus on the art and the planning of the rest of the show and gave us enough room to invite the member's families as well as all the branches of the Kiwanis family.

On the night of the show, people who paid admission also received a free raffle ticket. As the attendees view the auction items, they could put the ticket in the bag of whatever artist you wanted to win a piece from. We also had our Circle Kers selling additional chances. Our Key Clubbers collected money at the door and two of our K-Kids clubs in the division, Bowling Green K-Kids and Franklin Square K-Kids, provided waitresses. We had a Builders Clubber assisting as well.

Giving a free raffle ticket allowed our sponsored youth to participate and get a chance to win some art since they are not allowed to gamble or participate in games of chance or sell raffle tickets as per their charters. When your raffle ticket was pulled at the end of the evening you chose the piece of art you wanted to win.

We also had one of our members, Jason, be a featured artist and he created some additional pieces that we raffled off in a silent auction. Our GC Tech Key Clubbers at the host school sold some ads and we placed them in a booklet that we handed out that evening which netted us an additional $300. We were fortunate that their advisor Lillian Creedon was able to get the printing of the book completed by a printing class for free so we did not have to use any of the money we collected for that. East Meadow Kiwanis also helped fund the evening by paying for all of our additional needs like paper goods and backing for the art work. This meant that all money raised by this event was donated to the Eliminate Project.

Our club took the money we raised that evening and bought Circle K Eliminate medals to present at an Aktion club meeting to thank everyone who made the night a success. Forquignon contacted the people and invited them to the awards night and presented the awards that evening and also went to a K-Kid meeting and a GC Tech Event to make sure everyone was thanked for making the night such a huge success.

Thanks to the help of our Kiwanis Clubs, Circle K Clubs, Key Clubs, Builders Clubs, and our K-Kids Clubs the West Hempstead Court Aktion Club's first-ever fund raiser was a huge success. This truly was a K-Family event and we raised $921 for the Eliminate Project. Our success has inspired some of our clubs to talk of doing a similar event and there was even a video presentation created for the Eliminate Project website of our event that evening.

(Posted June 19, 2012)

Middle Village Raises $580 for Eliminate Project

Middle Village President Tina Di Troia, Queens West Eliminate Project Coordinator JP Di Troia, Bank Manager Victoria Grappone and Bank Vice President Dave Daraio.

Tina Di Troia selling raffle tickets.

Thanks to the Generous Donation of $500 from the Maspeth Federal Saving Bank and additional donations from patrons who purchased raffle tickets for an additional $80, the Middle Village Kiwanis Club had a great day bringing in $580 for the International Kiwanis Eliminate Project which saves thousands of babies around the world from the horrible effects of tetanus. Just a $2 shot will save a baby from tetanus. We are very proud to have saved 290 babies today said JP Di Troia the Eliminate Project Ambassador for the Queens West Division.

Present was UNICEF's Michael Grudzinski project coordinator who had on hand a film crew to record the event to be shown at the upcoming Kiwanis International Convention in New Orleans in June. The film also will be used to assist other Kiwanis Clubs to give them fund raising ideas.

When JP Di Troia asked Dave Daraio, vice president of the bank if they could help he agreed.

(Posted May 31, 2012)

K-Kids Talent Show Benefits Eliminate Project, Operation Smile

"Tremble Nakers," an all-girl a cappella group from Clarke High School sing "Call Me Maybe."

Judges Gov. Bill Risbrook, Key Club Lt. Gov. Paul DeSantis, Distinguished Past Gov. Joe Corace, K-Kids Distinuguished Immedicate Pasts President Devon Rafanelli, K-Kids President Kira Gruber, New York Circle K Gov. Corey Oses and Distinguished Past Circle K Gov. Rickie Santer Aaward Katie Raduazzo the Best Act with a K-Kid Trophy.

Dancer Kaycee Lauren Dominguez receives the People's Choice Award from Bowling Green K-Kids Treasurer Toni-Ann Servider, President Kira Gruber & DIPP Devon Rafanelli.

Performers recognized as Outstanding Performers

WT Clarke Key Club President Gina Principato sings "Never Grow Up"

K-Kids Member Katie Randuazzo sings Justin Bieber's "Need Sombody to Love"

At its 4th annual Talent Show, the Bowling Green K-Kids brought the local K-Family of Service Leadership Clubs together to raise funds for Operation Smile and the Kiwanis International Foundation Eliminate Project.

Operation Smile provide cleft palate surgeries to restore the smiles of children throughout the world. The Eliminate Project seeks to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) from the 35 developing countries around the world where this disease still kills mothers and their newborn babies at the rate of 1 every 9 minutes.

Hosted by K-Kids Distinguished Immediate Past President Devon Rafanelli and 2012-13 President Kira Gruber, the talent show treated the audience to 26 vocal, instrumental and dance performances. Performers included K-Kids and their family members, classmates from Bowling Green Elementary School, Clarke Builders Club members, GC Tech Key Club members, East Meadow High School Key Club members and Clarke High School Key Club members.

The acts were evaluated by K-Family judges including New York District Kiwanis Governor Bill Risbrook, Kiwanis Distinguished Past Governor Joe Corace, New York Circle K Governor Corey Oses, Kiwanis International Eliminate Project Service Leadership Program Committee Representative Rickie Santer and Key Club Division 6 Lt. Governor Paul DeSantis.

The judges selected Kaycee Lauren Dominquez who danced to "Flaunt it" as the Overall Best Act, K-Kids member Katie Raduazzo who sang "Need Somebody to Love" as Best Act with a K-Kid and Clarke Key Club President Gina Principato who sang "Never Grow Up" as Best Act without a K-Kid.

The audience had the opportunity to select the winner of the evening's top trophy: the People's Choice Award. Audience members voted by placing dollars into containers marked for each act. Any act receiving more than $70 in their container was named an "Outstanding Performance" and will receive a trophy at a later date. The act with the highest amount in their container received the People's Choice Award. There were three "Outstanding Performances": Dancing Chix: Mia Biscardi, Danielle Kalathakis, Gabriella Posillico and Ashley Resende; Runaway: Devon Rafanelli, Natalie Baquet, Isabella Baberio, Jamie Laub, Diya Mathur & Brianna Winter and, "Unstoppable:" Mia Biscardi, Katie Heitner & Brianna Ferrara.

The audience obviously agreed with the judges choice and awarded their People's Choice Award to Kaycee Lauren Dominguez.

During the show, DPG Rickie presented a $500 donation to Justin and Katie Infante for their aunt, Operation Smile Nurse Ellen Fernando. These funds were raised during the Walk for KPTC. The Bowling Green K-Kids are very proud to have been the club that raised the most money for the Walk.

The Talent Show was a huge success, raising nearly $2,700 to be divided between Operation Smile and the Eliminate Project.

(Posted May 28, 2012)

Long Island North Celebrates 25 Years of Women in Kiwanis

Hicksville Club member Mother Joan Grimm Fraser offering the invocation.

The Long Island North Division delebrated 25 years of women in Kiwanis on May 15 at The Swan Club in Roslyn. It was a time to celebrate the changes that the decison in 1987 made to allow women to join Kiwanis and their contributions since.

Many present recalled personal storis.

Hicksville Club member Mother Joan Grimm Fraser, who offered the invocation, shared her story of her Kiwanis history. As a young child, she expressed her desire to her dad about wanting to be a Kiwanian, as he was. She would go with him to meetings, and he would have her play the piano. She dreamed of the day when she would wear the "K" pin, and that dream finally came true.
 
Each club was asked to participate by donating gift baskets for raffle. This "Women Helping Women" project was created to assist in raising funds for The Eliminate Project. Twenty-five baskets were on display, each unique in its own way. One thousand dollars was raised through this effort.
 
The door prize, "In Case of Emergency", was a basket created with items for fire and child safety, in honor of the First Lady's Project.
 

(Posted May 22, 2012)

Bowling Green K-Kids win 7 International Awards

From left, back row: Key Club Lt. Gov. Paul DeSantis, Kiwanis Advisor Norma Gonsalves, 2011-12 Treasurer Kayla Connolly, 2011-12 Fund Raising Chair Antonia Iannucci, 2011-12 Publicist Danielle Hallett, K-Kids District Administrator Mickie Leamey, 2011-12 Vice President Joanna Peters, K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer, 2011-12 K-Family Chair Isabella Michaelis. Front Row: 2011-12 President Devon Rafanelli, 2011-12 Secretary Kira Gruber, Director Mia Biscardi, Director Farrah Panzerella

After sweeping the K-Kids awards at the New York State level, the Bowling Green K-Kids recently learned that they are once again the "winningest" K-Kids club in the World.

When K-Kids International announced the awards on May 10, Bowling Green K-Kids as a group or one of its members came in first or second in seven of the eight contests.

The Bowling Green awards were:

• Bowling Green K-Kids- 1st Place - Single Service Contest - 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and Pillow Hugs Service Project
• Distinguished Immediate Past President Devon Rafanelli - 1st Place - Essay Contest
• President Kira Gruber - 1st Place - Art Contest (Eliminate Project heme)
• Rafanelli - Winner - Kiwanis International Foundation Leadership Award
• Bowling Green K-Kids - 2nd Place - Scrapbook
• Rafanelli - 2nd Place - Speech Contest
• Rafanelli - 2nd Place - Letter (Eliminate Project Theme)

The Bowling Green K-Kids are also one of only 20 K-Kids clubs worldwide to be named a 2011-12 "Distinguished" club.

Faculty Advisor Rich Santer praised the club saying, "This has been an incredible service year. A year ago, I would never have imagined the worldwide reach and impact these elementary school kids would have. They have vaccinated over 1,000 mothers and their babies in the poorest countries on earth to save them from MNT. They have given school children in Jamaica the tools they need to learn. They have given girls in the Congo and Somalia a chance for an education and they restored the smiles of children in the Kingdom of Jordan through cleft palate reconstructive surgeries."

In addition, the Bowling Green K-Kids also completed many local service projects including several with their sponsor - the East Meadow Kiwanis Club. These included food drives, fund raisers and the annual senior citizens Thanksgiving dinner.

The Bowling Green K-Kids is a "student-led" community service club for students in grades 3-5 at Bowling Green Elementary School. K-Kids clubs are sponsored by local Kiwanis clubs throughout the United States and in more than 15 other countries around the world.

(Posted May 14, 2012)

Key Club Stages Toddler Olympics

Bayside High School Key Club and Queens College Circle K in New York raised more than $350 and awareness for the Eliminate Project by hosting the first ever Toddler Olympics on May 6th, 2012.

Children from the ages of 2 to 6 running through various obstacle courses (with the mother's help, depending on age), while others were either at the activities table getting tattoos, coloring pages for, or taking pictures with Bayside's mascot and an Eliminate logo background.

Following the obstacle courses, families went to the auditorium for an award ceremony and an Eliminate Project presentation. SLP Subcommittee Members Erika Lim, Bayside Key Club president, and Rickie Santer, Past Circle K Governor, spoke about Kiwanis' worldwide campaign to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus by 2015 and showed two clips about the project. Then, every participant was given a medal and a goodie bag, which not included treats but an Eliminate Pocket Guide.

The event wasn't just to raise money for the Eliminate Project, but to raise awareness to the community and bring mothers and children one step closer having fun at the same time.

(Posted May 13, 2012)

Bowling Green K-Kids Celebrate an Outstanding Year of Service

Bowling Green K-Kids 2011-12 officers, directors and appointees.

Outgoing President Devon receives the George F. Hixson Fellowship from ELIMINATE SLP Committee Representative DPG Rickie Santer.

NYD K-Kids Administrator SDPLG Mickie Leamey presents 1st Place Awards in all 8 K-Kids contests at the district level to the Bowling Green K-Kids.

At its fourth annual Retirement/Installation of officers and members, the Bowling Green K-Kids celebrated another outstanding year of service to their school, community, nation and world. The year was highlighted by more than 40 service projects ranging from fund raisers such as a Talent Show benefitting Kiwanis International's Worldwide Service Project to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) to food drives to feed needy families in the East Meadow and Westbury communities.

The Bowling Green K-Kids' efforts were recognized at the local, state and international levels. Earlier in the 2011-12 service year, Bowling Green K-Kids Secretary Kira Gruber won the K-Kids International Greeting Card Contest in two separate categories. The club also received a Charter Zeller Fellowship recognizing its contribution to the ELIMINATE Project. They presented the Zeller to Faculty Advisor Rich Santer. More recently, the club also completed a clean sweep of the K-Kids awards and contests, winning every contest and award at the New York District level.

At this year's Retirement/Installation Ceremony, the K-Kids as a whole received the George F. Hixson Fellowship recognizing its support of the ELIMINATE Project. The club also presented five Joseph Michael Wuest Service Leadership Fellowships from the Kiwanis Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation and 14 KPTC Service Leadership Fellowships from the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center.

The Bowling Green K-Kids also topped previous club records for most members receiving Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Awards from President Obama. Recipients of the Gold Level Presidential Volunteer Service Awards were required to complete at least 100 certified hours of community service within the 2011-12 service year. The following 15 K-Kids members earned this prestigious award and received a congratulatory letter from President Obama, a certificate and a gold lapel pin: President Devon Rafanelli, Treasurer Kayla Connolly, Secretary (and incoming president) Kira Gruber, Publicist Danielle Hallett, K-Family Chair Isabella Michaelis, Matthew Michaelis, Mackenzie Bauman, Isabella DeLeon, Max DeLeon, Aileen Farrell, Justin Infante, Elianna Rivera, Marisa Simone, Chloe Weydig, Katlyn Weydig.

(Posted April 29, 2012)

Five Towns Circle K Honored by College

From left, Circle K members Brandon Bould, President Dylan Gross and Vincent McBean with Dean Susan Barr.

From left, Vincent McBean, Director of Student Life Andrea Vittorio, Circle K President Dylan Gross, Brandon Bould, Faculty Advisor Achante Andrews.

On April 23, Five Towns College held a special program to recognize the clubs and organizations at the school. The Student Life Awards program recognized Student Life, Residence Life, Student Government, and Student Organizations for 2011-12.

The Circle K Club, just chartered September 29, 2011, won the top award, the Organization of the Year Award! This award is presented to the student organization that has demonstrated outstanding effort and collective participation in the college and the community.

The Circle K Club has done a service project at almost every meeting, did several major projects throughout the year to support the Kiwanis Eliminate Project and other causes, and did school-wide projects every day last week for Service Week. They joined the Kiwanis Club for the Field of Honor Run and the Kiwanis One Day Beach Clean-up.

The Kiwanis Club of Huntington sponsors the Circle K club.

(Posted April 26, 2012)

LISC K-Family Laser Tag Fundraiser is a BLAST

WT Clarke Builders Clubbers show Their Laser Tag score cards.

East Meadow High School and WT Clarke Key Clubbers in the Laser Tag briefing room.

K-Kids President Kira Gruber goes head-to-head with Clarke Builders Club President Queenie in Knock Hockey

K-Kids Director Danielle Hallet locks and loads.

Lt. Governor Steve Perrick celebrates his win in the Kiwanian competition.

More than 100 LISC K-Family members enjoyed a night of fun and games to benefit Kiwanis charities such as the ELIMINATE Project, Kamp Kiwanis and KPTC.

Kiwanians, Circle Kers, Key Clubbers, Builders Clubbers and K-Kids challenged each other in video games and played against their age groups in laser tag.

Event sponsors supported the party rooms, food, awards and the Green/Red laser tag bases and energizers. Special thanks to the Kiwanis Clubs of East Meadow, Farmingdale, Franklin Square and Merrick as well as PLG Mary Burns, PIN Electric and the Bowling Green K-Kids.

The K-Kid, Builders Clubber, Key Clubber, Circle Ker and Kiwanian with the highest Hit Ratio each received a medallion.

East Meadow High School Key Club walked away with the Champions' trophy based on their club's overwhelming support of the fundraiser and their expert laser blasting.

(Posted April 24, 2012)

Chinatown Conducts Eliminate Project Fund Raiser

From left, Club President-Elect Grace Law, JP Di Troia, Queens West Eliminate Project Ambassador, and Middle Village Club President Tina DiTroia.

Dr. Rosenary DeJulio presented a citation to the club, received by Club President Sandy Liew.

Dr. Rosemary DeJulio with a recipient of a Walter Zeller Fellowship Award Hanna Chen, a director of Kiwanis Club Of Chinatown, and Distinguished Past Lt. Governor Nydia Corace.

The Chinatown club held a fund-raising event for the Eliminate Project on April 20.

(Posted April 21, 2012)

Long Island North to Celebrate 25 Years of Women in Kiwanis

In 1987 - 25 years ago - Kiwanis International made an epic decision that changed the face of the organization forever!!

By a two-thirds majority, those gathered at the Kiwanis International Convention in Washington, DC voted to admit women into membership with all the rights and privileges that membership would afford.

One of the first clubs to welcome women into its ranks was the Kiwanis Club of Great Neck, NY, at the time, a long-time member club of the Long Island North Division.

The Long Island North Division is proud to announce that we will be celebrating 25 Years of Women in Kiwanis on Tuesday, May 15, 2012, from 7 to 10 p.m. at The Swan Club, 90 Glenwood Road, Roslyn, NY. And, we are inviting all of the Kiwanis Clubs in the neighboring areas to join us for the evening and participate in this glorious event by recognizing all of the women in your clubs, past and present, who were the first to join or serve since 1987.

We are also soliciting donations of gift baskets from each club which will be raffled during the evening. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Eliminate Project -- as part of our project theme for the evening:  Ladies Night - Women Helping Women. See the attached informational flyer and invitation. Please RSVP to Lt. Governor-Designate Vashmir Pascal-Turner no later than April 30, 2012.

Event Flyer

(Posted April 10, 2012)

Bowling Green K-Kids Named 2011-12 Distinguished Club

K-Kids member Gabriella Posillico prints out some labels for her scrapbook page.

Key Club Lt Governor Paul DeSantis works with K-Kid Matt Michaelis on his scrapbook page.

Clarke Key Club President Gina Principato assists K-Kids Lili, Farrah and Mackenzie work on the Bowling Green K-Kids Scrapbook.

The Bowling Green K-Kids recently received exciting news from the New York District of Kiwanis. The K-Kids have been named a distinguished club. Bowling Green was one of only five clubs in New York State to receive this distinction.

Bowling Green K-Kids depicting the club's 41 service projects and fund raisers on 109 pages was selected as the winner of the K-Kids Scrapbook contest at the state-level.

The Bowling Green K-Kids also won the Single Service award at the state-level. This award designates the best community service project done by a K-Kids Club in New York State during the 2011-2012 service year.

Despite stiff competition and the largest number of entries New York State has had to date, the good news and accolades for Bowling Green did not stop there. Bowling Green K-Kids officers and members continued to win every K-Kids individual contest for the 4th consecutive year.

The Bowling Green K-Kids' Coloring Book Page Art contest entries were drawn by K-Kids Secretary Kira Gruber (Eliminate Project theme) and member Mackenzie Bauman (K-Kids project theme) were both selected as the New York District winners. Bowling Green K-Kids President Devon Rafanelli won second place in the Eliminate Project Art contest. Kira's and Mackenzie's entries will move on to compete against the winners of other states, regions and countries at the International level.

Bowling Green K-Kids President Devon Rafanelli won the New York District speech contest, essay contest and the letter contest. Devon's entries will also be moving on to the International level competition.

President Devon was also named the New York District winner of the prestigious Kiwanis International Foundation's K-Kids Leadership Award.

K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer was thrilled as the results were announced. "This has been an amazing year for our club. I could not ask for more dedicated members. These kids have taken our club’s community service to new heights. We have completed service projects in our local community, throughout New York State, across the country and around the world including the Kingdom of Jordan and the island of Jamaica," commented Santer.

(Posted April 10, 2012)

Queens West Division Presidents Honored for Eliminate Project Work

From left, Lt. Gov. Mike Terry; Forest Hills President George Natalie; La Guardia Past President and Lt. Gov.-Elect Verdia Noel; Glendale President Ken Dunn; Astoria President Donna Furey; Howard Beach member Placido Bono; Eliminate Project Ambassador JP Di Troia; Middle Village President Tina Di Troia; Richmond Hill Woodhaven member Paul Rudolf; Maspeth President Richard Reichert, and Queens Blvd President Janice Bar.

Queens West Division Presidents Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for Eliminate Project Eliminate fund raising at their Division Meeting in March.

Since the Announcement of the Project Eliminate at the 2010 International Kiwanis Convention in Las Vegas the Queens West Division has jumped on the program to start raising money to save babies around the world . "I am extremely proud of my division and the hard work that have given to the project," said JP Di Troia, division ambassador for the project.

Each president was given a Certificate of Appreciation and a 2012 Inspire Eliminate Pin.

(Posted April 3, 2012)

Chinatown Enrolls as $100,000 Club

From left, Mancuso, Super Distinguished Immediate Past Lt. Gov. Peter Yu of the Chinatown club, Sister Ann-Marie Kirmse, Tom DeJulio and club President Sandy Liew.

Members of the Chinatown club.

A picture of the Distinguished Past Presidents in attendance, from left, front: Grave Law, Peter Yu, Tom DeJulio, Peter Mancuso and club President-Sandy Liew; back, Louis Chow, James Tong, Pearl Kong, Patrick Ng and Anne Miao.

The Chinatown club recently met with Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, the New York District's Eliminate Project coordinator; Kiwanis International President-Elect Tom DuJulio and Past Gov. Peter Mancuso, who currently is President-Elect of the Kiwanis International Foundation, to discuss the club's commitment to the Eliminate Project.
The club has set a target of $100,000 to be raised over the project's four years, the first New York club to enroll as a $100K club.

(Posted March 22, 2012)

Maspeth Honors Member for Eliminate Project Work

Club President Richard Reichert presenting the Tablet of Honor to JP Di Troia.

Tablet of Honor honoree JP Di Troia with his wife, Tina Di Troia.

Members of the Maspeth Kiwanis Club who were present for the event.

On Feb 16 the Maspeth Kiwanis Club honored JP Di Troia with a Tablet of Honor for his work with the Eliminate Project. JP said he was honored to receive the award and thanked the club for being the first in the Queens West Division to have a fund raiser, a Baroque Concert at the US Columbarium which raised more than $2,000.

(Posted February 22, 2012)

Patchogue Recognized for Eliminate Project Support

From left, Patchogue President Mark Charvat, Suffolk East Division Lt. Gov. Greg Menegio, Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse, New York District Gov.-Elect Al Norato Jr., and Patchogue Past President Rober Walch, who made the project his major emphasis for 2010-11.

The Kiwanis Club of Patchogue was recently recognized for a $10,000 contribution to Kiwanis International's $110 Million effort to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT), a painful disease that kills one baby every nine minutes.

Kiwanis is partnering with UNICEF to vaccinate women of childbearing age in 38 different countries.

Presenting a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the project is New York District Eliminate Project Coordinator Sister Anne-Marie Kirmse of the Fordham Bronx Kiwanis Club. The presentation was made at the Kiwanis Suffolk East Division meeting.

(Posted January 15, 2012)

Middle Village Raises Money for Eliminate Project

The Middle Village Kiwanis Club's raffle on Nov. 23 raised $106 for the Eliminate Project to end neo-natal tetanus. Show is club member Dorothy Lancaster presenting a check for the amount to JP De Troia, the division Eliminate Project chair, at the Queens West division meeting on Dec. 19.

(Posted January 8, 2012)

Middle Village Club Chartered

Middle Village officers and guests, from left, Annette Scalise, Board Member Mary Innamorato, Janet Falcone, Treasurer Al Gentile, President Tina Di Troia, Board Member J.P. Di Troia, Anthony Costa, Joe Aiello, Kiwanis New York Governor William F. Risbrook, Queens East Kiwanis Lt. Gov. Carson Johnson. In the back row, from left: Queens West Lt. Gov. Michael Terry, Edgar Alvarez, Board Member Paul D'Arienzo, Mike Hyatt, Andreas Balalis, Salvatore Tomaselli and Board Member Nat Costanza.

Queens West Lt. Gov. Mike Terry pinning President Tina Di Troia.

From left, club Treasurer Al Gentile, New York Kiwanis Governor Bill Risbrook,, Kiwanian Liz Crowley and Club President Tina Di Troia.

Glendale Kiwanian Molly dancing with Gov. Bill.

The Middle Village Kiwanis Club received its charter in a ceremony on Dec. 7, 2011.

Tina Di Troia was installed as president, Al Gentile as treasurer and Blanca llanos as secretary.

Joining the 30 Charter Members were members of other area Kiwanis Clubs, Queens West Lt. Gov. Mike Terry, Queens East Lt. Gov. Carson Johnson and distinguished Immediate Past Lt. Gov. Joe Aiello, who played a major role in the club's formation.

The club, which was organized Sept. 22, 2011, didn't wait for its charter to begin its work. The club gave out more than 30 turkey dinners to the needy, had a tree lighting in town with more than 100 children participating in the event, and its members were instrumental in working with the Middle Village Chamber of Commerce in getting holiday lights up on Metropolitan Avenue.

The new Kiwanians also have raised money for Kiwanis International's Eliminate Project.

The club's members are: Andreas Balalis, Joseph Aiello, Thomas J. Clarke, Edgar Alvarez, Salvatore Crifasi, Sal Joseph Crifasi, Daniel Austin, Jr., Daniel Austin, Sr., Anthony Costa, Nat Costanza, Elizabeth Crowley, Janet Falcone, Paul D’Arienzo, Al Gentile, Oralene Davis, Gerard Guaqliata, Anthony D’Angelo, Michael Hyatt, Tina Di Troia, JP Di Troia, Mary Innamorato, Theodore Kosmidis, Dorothy Lancaster, Annette Scalise, Blanca Llanos, Sal Loretta, Salvatore Tomaselli, Michael Michel, Steve Weber and Mike Miller.

(Posted January 4, 2012)

Bowling Green K-Kids Go "K"aroling for KPTC

"K"aroling Group 1 led by Adelphi Circle K President Emma Reed stop for a photo.

K-Family members "K"arol for KPTC.

Rickie Santer presents a Diamond Level NYCKI Worldwide Service Project Medallion to K-Kids Director Mia Biscardi.

Continuing an annual tradition, the Bowling Green K-Kids held their 4th Annual "K"aroling for KPTC Event and Hot Chocolate Party on Friday, Dec 9, 2011.

The K-Kids were joined by members of the W.T. Clarke Builders Club, the W.T. Clarke Key Club and Circle Kers from Adelphi University. Also, along for the fun were Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation Board President Distinguished Past Governor Joe Corace, New York District K-Kids Administrator Super Distinguished Past Lt. Gov. Mickie Leamey, Key Club Governor Domenick Pesce, New York Circle K Distinguished Immediated Past Governor Rickie Santer, Key Club Division 6 Lt. Gov. Becky Hopkins, Long Island Circle K Lt. Gov. Lauren Sacks and East Meadow Kiwanis President Mitchell Allen.

After dividing into four groups, the K-Kids and other K-Family members took to the streets around Bowling Green Elementary School for a little over an hour, raising $400 for KPTC.

K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer expressed his gratitude to the SLP leaders who led the groups of carolers and the Kiwanis leaders and other faculty advisors who supervised the groups.

Upon the groups' return to school, several members received New York Circle K Worldwide Service Project medals from Rickie Santer. These medals recognized K-Kids members who raised more than $50 trick-or-treating for Kiwanis International's ELIMINATE project. K-Kids Director Mia Biscardi received special recognition receiving a Diamond Level New York Circle K Worldwide Service Project Medallion. Faculty Advisor Rich Santer also announced that the club, as a whole, would be recognized with the Hixson Fellowship medallion thanking the club for its $1,000 contribution to the Kiwanis International Foundation.

During the Hot Chocolate Party, Levittown Kiwanis President Ann Torcivia sold holiday jewelry for the Joey Foundation. The Joey Foundation is a generous benefactor of the KPTC Service Leadership Committee's Safe Kids Program. Ann, who founded the Joey Foundation to honor her son's memory, plans to use the funds raised by the jewelry sales to purchase a new safety teaching tool for the Safe Kids program.

(Posted December 13, 2011)

Sunnyside Key Club Raises Money for Eliminate Project

From left, Queens West Kiwanis Eliminate Project Ambassador J.P.Di Troia and Key Club President Alan Huang.

The newly chartered Sunnyside  Community Key Club conducted its first fund raiser, raising $194 for the Eliminate Project by collecting money with UNICEF Halloween boxes.

(Posted November 17, 2011)

New Key Club Raises Money for Eliminate Project

The new Maspeth Key Club raised $160 at the Maspeth Club's Flea Market for the Eliminate Project.

Less than a month old, the club had fun at the flea market while raising money and awareness of the Eliminate Project.

(Posted November 15, 2011)

Circle K Murder Mystery Raises Funds for Eliminate Project

Detective Nyck examines the body as Adele Kiwanis President Principal Richards looks on.

Bowling Green K-Kids President Devon, Secretary Kira and their team investigate clues in the chemistry classroom.

Bowling Green K-Kids Samantha Somyak and Mackenzie Bauman focus their questioning on "Greaser" Cal Ricci AKA "Reech", played by CW Post Circle K President Matt Murray.

Detective Nyck, played by Distinguished Immediate Past Gov. Rickie Santer, ponders a clue.

The victim's best friend and murderer Beverly, played by Adelphi Circle K President Emma Reed, is apprehended.

The cast of Long Island Circle K's Murder Mystery.

The K-Family from across Long Island and around New York State filled the Grand Ballroom at Adelphi University as Circle Kers from Adelphi University, Stony Brook University, Long Island University – CW Post, Nassau Community College and Five Towns College took to the stage to raise money to rid the world of Maternal/Neonatal Tetanus.

Long Island Circle K Lt. Governor Lauren Sacks welcomed New York District Kiwanis ELIMINATE Chair Sister Anne Marie Kirmse and thanked the 209 K-family members for their attendance and support.

The dinner was set in 1957 at Dotty's Diner as the "Adel High School" students came in from Homecoming. Students, sitting in their respective cliques, discuss Cindy's crowning as Homecoming Queen. When Cindy suddenly drops to the floor, Detective Nyck takes control of the room and deputizes the entire audience.

The Detective sent the audience out to look for evidence in Judy's Room, the student's lockers, the AV room, the Chemistry classroom, Cindy's room, Reech's car, the principal's office and of course Dotty's Diner.

After narrowing down the persons of interest to 6 suspect, the audience conducted interviews of each suspect.

As the investigative teams named their choices for the murderer, Detective Nyck guided the groups through the facts and motives. As he revealed the details of the twisted tale, the "ah ha" moments came to many. When best friend Beverly was revealed as the murderer, those who solved the crime correctly cheered.

By the close of the curtain, the event had raised more than $3,300 for the Eliminate Project.

In partnership with UNICEF, the Eliminate Project seeks to eliminate Maternal/Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) by 2015. MNT is a completely preventable killer that claims the life of a newborn baby or new mother every nine minutes in 38 developing countries around the world.

(Posted November 15, 2011)

Bowling Green K-Kids Raise $1200 Trick-or-Treating for ELIMINATE Project

K-Kids Member Justin Infante sets a good example Trick-or-Treating for Charity with younger family members.

K-Kids Member Marissa Simone Trick-or-Treats for Kiwanis International's ELIMINATE Project

Bowling Green K-Kids President Devon Rafanelli Trick-or-Treats for UNICEF.

K-Kids Publicist Danielle Hallett shows off her first donation.

As members count their donations, Treasurer Kayla and Director Mia enter the totals into a spreadsheet.

K-Kids members Katie and Ashley count their UNICEF donations.

The Bowling Green K-Kids celebrated Halloween by participating in their 4th annual Trick-or-Treat for Charity collection drive. The K-Kids' charity of choice was Kiwanis International's Worldwide Service Project ELIMINATE.

Using orange UNICEF boxes, Bowling Green's K-Kids gave up their Halloween candy treats to help Kiwanis International raise the funds needed to eliminate MNT from the 39 countries where it remains.

More than 60 members trick-or-treated collecting more than $1,200. The K-Kids Board of Directors were excited by the amount the club collected.

"This is the most our club has ever raised by trick-or-treating!" announced K-Kids President Devon Rafanelli.

The money will be donated to UNICEF partially through the New York District Circle K's Worldwide Service Project Medal program. By donating through the Circle K Governor's Project, the K-Kids will be able to recognize some outstanding members with NY District Circle K Worldwide Service Project medals as well as Diamond level WSP medals. The Bowling Green K-Kids Board of Directors is also considering donating part of the funds to UNICEF directly through the Kiwanis International Foundation which could allow the club to be honored as a whole or provide recognition that the board could use to honor to a special individual.

With this donation, the Bowling Green K-Kids have raised more than $3,500 for the ELIMINATE Project since making its first $1,000 donation at the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas in June 2010.
 
The Bowling Green K-Kids is proudly sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow.

(Posted November 8, 2011)

Queens West Honors Past Lt. Gov.

From left, Assemblymen Mike Miller, Kiwanis International President-Elect Tom DeJulio, District Gov. Bill Risbrook, Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation President Joe Corace, Past Lt. Gov. Joe Aiello, Senator Joe Addabbo.

Queens West Elminate Project Ambassador JP Di Troia presented an award for the his work in the project by Past Lt. Gov. Joe Aiello.

Kiwanis Internional President-Elect Tom DeJulio presenting a Zeller Award to Glendale Past President Bill Maher.

On Oct. 20, Queens West Kiwanis honored its Immediate Past Lt. Gov. Aiello at Bel Mondo Restaurant with 85
in attendance.
Aiello was presented with the International Kiwanis Presidents Award by Kiwanis International President-Elect Tom De Julio.
Aiello helped start a Kiwanis club in Middle Village and set his Division as a front runner in the Project Eliminate
Campaign.
Among those present were Assemblyman Mike Miller, Senator Joe Addabbo, District Gov. Bill Risbrook, Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center President Joe Corace.
DeJulio also present Bill Maher, past president of the Glendale club, with a Zeller Award for the his work and the work of his club on behalf of the Eliminate Project.
And an engraved tablet was presented by Aiello to JP Di Troia, Ambassador of the Queens West Division Kiwanis Project
Eliminate Project, for his work in the division on the project.

(Posted October 22, 2011)

Bowling Green K-Kids Honor their President, Past President and Faculty Advisor

Bowling Green K-Kids President Devon Rafanelli and NYD Kiwanis Eliminate Project Coordinator Sister Anne Marie Kirmse present Faculty Advisor Rich Santer with the Charter Walter Zeller Fellowship Medallion.

Faculty Advisor Rich Santer and Circle K DIPG Rickie Santer present K-Kids President Devon Rafanelli with the Diamond Level NYD Circle K Worldwide Service Project Medallion.

Bowling Green K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer, NYD Circle K DIPG Rickie Santer, K-Kids President Devon Rafanelli, LISC Kiwanis Division Lt. Governor Dr. Steven Perrick and NYD Kiwanis Eliminate Project Coordinator Sister Anne Marie Kirmse.

The Bowling Green K-Kids enjoyed visits from several Kiwanis dignitaries as they honored President Devon Rafanelli, Distinguished Immediate Past President Julianne Hallett and Faculty Advisor Rich Santer through donations in their names to the Kiwanis International Worldwide Service Project Eliminate.
The funds for these donations were raised during the K-Kids third annual Talent Show that was held last Spring at WT Clarke HS. The event raised more than $2,500 which was equally divided between the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and Eliminate Project.
Recognizing the K-Kid's donation to Eliminate through the Circle K Worldwide Service Project Medal program was New York District Circle K Distinguished Immediate Past Governor Rickie Santer who presented K-Kids President Devon Rafanelli with a Diamond Level medallion. DIPG Rickie explained the symbolism of the medallion by comparing the original medal that shows the countries still affected by Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) in orange to the diamond level medallion that shows all countries in white indicating the world as it will be in 2015 when the Eliminate project Eliminates MNT from our planet.
NYD Kiwanis Eliminate Project Coordinator Sister Anne Marie Kirmse attended the 7:30 a.m. meeting to assist the K-Kids in naming their Faculty Advisor Rich Santer a Charter Walter Zeller Fellow. This newly created fellowship recognizes donations of $1,250 or more to the Eliminate Project.
"We made this donation in Mr. Santer's name to show our appreciation for his dedication to K-Kids and his community service work as a Kiwanian." explained President Devon.
Santer holds several Service Leadership positions at the state and divisional levels in Kiwanis and is a Past President of the East Meadow Kiwanis Club.
Also on hand for the meeting and awards presentation was Long Island South Central Division Lt. Governor Dr. Steven Perrick. He encouraged the K-Kids to continue their outstanding record of community service, congratulated the award recipients and pledged to support the K-Kids efforts throughout his term.
The awards were followed by a discussion of the club's future plans to support the Eliminate Project including trick-or-treating for UNICEF.
Later that afternoon, Santer visited the WT Clarke Builders Club meeting where he presented a Diamond Level Circle K Worldwide Service Project medallion to K-Kids distinguished Immediate Past President Julianne Hallett. Julianne graduated from Bowling Green in June of 2011 but continues her involvement in K-family community service as a Builders Club member.

(Posted October 17, 2011)

Bowling Green K-Kids Show Their Talent for Fund Raising

Clarke HS Key Club President Gina Principato sings "Voi Che Sapete"

The Ferarris: Allie Homer, Nicole Zappala, Erin Connolly & Sierra Nastasi dance to

Judges NY Circle K ELIMINATE Chair IPG Rickie Santer, Mary-Jo Formosso, NYDKC Gov. Domenick Pesce, KC Division 6 Becky Hopkins and DPG Joe Corace deliberate.

Outstanding Performance winners Gina Principato, Kayla Connolly, Joanna Peters, Mia Biscardi, Fallon Panzarella and Rita Posillico with President Devon Rafanelli and DIPP Julianne Hallett.

At their third annual Talent Show, the Bowling Green K-Kids brought the local K-Family of Service Leadership Clubs together to raise funds for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital and the new Kiwanis International Foundation (KIF) Worldwide Service Project ELIMINATE.

KIF's ELIMINATE project seeks to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) from the 39 developing countries around the world where this disease still kills mothers and their newborn babies at the rate of 1 every 9 minutes.

Hosted by K-Kids Distinguished Immediate Past President Julianne Hallett and 2011-12 President Devon Rafanelli, the talent show treated the audience to 21 vocal, instrumental and dance performances. Performers included K-Kids and their family members, classmates from Bowling Green Elementary School, Clarke Builders Club President Marissa Flaherty and Clarke HS Key Club President Gina Principato.

The acts were evaluated by K-Family judges including NY District Key Club Governor Domenick Pesce, KPTC Foundation Board President DPG Joe Corace, NY Circle K ELIMINATE Chair Immediate Past Governor Rickie Santer, Key Club Division 6 Lt. Governor Becky Hopkins and student teacher/volunteer ESL tutor Mary-Jo Formosso.

The judges selected past K-Kids Member Michaela Vivona who performed her original song "Everland" as the Best Act and K-Kids Publicist Danielle Hallet and Victoria Lorusso who danced to Disney's "Camp Rock" as the Best Act with a K-Kid. The results were so close that the judges awarded an additional Best Act trophy to Jennifer Cabrera and Christina Liaicono who performed "I Just Can't Get Enough" and an additional Best Act with a K-Kids trophy which went to Jillian Bayoneto who performed "A Thousand Miles" on the piano.

The audience had the opportunity to select the winner of the evening's top trophy: the People's Choice Award. Audience members voted by placing dollars into containers marked for each act. Any act receiving more than $70 in their container was named an "Outstanding Performance" and will receive a trophy at a later date. The act with the highest amount in their container received the People's Choice Award. There were three "Outstanding Performances": Gina Principato singing "Voi Che Sapete," K-Kids Director Mia Biscardi, Treasurer Kayla Connolly and Vice President Joanna Peters dancing to "Dancing Crazy" and Fallon Panzarella and Rita Posillico who danced to "Pretty Girl Rock"

The People's Choice Award went to Emily Abbatiello, Farrah Panzarella and Catherine Posillico who danced to "Replay."

The Talent Show was a huge success, raising $2,700 surpassing last year's total by nearly $600.

Slideshow from event

(Posted May 30, 2011)

Eliminate Project Presented to Students

JP Di Troia describes the Kiwanis International Eliminate Project to the students.

A film was presented during morning service at Martin Luther High School Students.

On March 16, 2011, the Martin Luther High School Students of Maspeth, Queens, along with the Key Club Members gave a presentation on neo-natal tetanus, the target of Kiwanis International's new ELIMINATE program.

Randy Gast, the School Administrator and also a newly installed Maspeth Kiwanis Club Member, felt that this program to eliminate this deadly disease was so important as to give time for the presentation of the film during their morning auditorium to the general student body.

The students took home information about this disease to share with their parents.

Randy Gast has pledged his support to do fund raising for this disease through the student body; Randy has already donated $100 collected from his staff members.

(Posted March 30, 2011)

Governor's Ball Helps Circle K Surpass its ELIMINATE Goal

Governor's Ball Guests Do the Electric Slide.

Circle Kers from Adelphi University.

Circle K Governor Rickie Presents an Everyday Hero Medal to Levittown Kiwanis President Ann Torcivia.

Circle K Governor Rickie and Governor's Project Chair Lauren Present a

A Table of Kiwanis VIPs

East Meadow and Levittown Service Leadership Chair Rich Santer with Key Clubbers from WT Clarke HS.

At the New York Speaking Conference in November, New York District Circle K Governor Rickie Santer set the goal for his Governor's Project's fund raising component at $9,000 or saving 10,000 mothers and their unborn babies through tetanus vaccinations. Recently, his Governor's Ball raised the funds needed to surpass this goal.

The Ball's proceeds added nearly $2,000 to the funds previously raised through the Governor's Project by selling New York District Circle K Worldwide Service Project Medals. To date, K-Family members and their clubs have purchased over 80 medals. In fact, medals are currently "sold out" but have been re-ordered to meet continuing demand.

At the New York District Circle K Convention, that takes place in Albany from March 18-20, 2011, the money raised will be donated to the Kiwanis International Foundation to support the new Kiwanis International Worldwide Service Project ELIMINATE. The ELIMINATE Project seeks to engage the entire K-Family of service clubs in a partnership with UNICEF to change the world by eliminating Maternal/Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) through the vaccination of 120 million women in 39 underdeveloped countries around the world.

Today, one baby or its mother dies an agonizing death due to MNT every 9 minutes. By 2015, Kiwanis and UNICEF will raise the $110 million dollars necessary to eliminate this disease from the planet.

Circle Kers from as far away as Geneseo were joined by Kiwanians and Key Clubbers at NYCKI's first Governor's Ball. Through the generosity of Petit II Florist in Levittown, the hall was decorated in the colors of the ELIMINATE logo: navy, white and light blue. Attendees danced to music generously provided by DJ Tim Aldridge and enjoyed an impressive spread of Italian cuisine donated by Levittown's Angelina's Pizza. For dessert, cake decorations of the New York District Circle K Worldwide Service Project Medal and the ELIMINATE logo were donated by Carvel of Levittown.

The fun and dancing were briefly interrupted to allow Governor Rickie and his Governor's Project Chair Lauren Sacks to present New York District Circle K Worldwide Service Project Medals to the New Platz Circle K and to Circle K Assistant Administrator Rich Hall. Governor Rickie also presented a New York District Kiwanis Everyday Hero Medal to Levittown Kiwanis President Ann Torcivia who was instrumental in securing many of the donations to ensure the Governor's Ball's success.

(Posted March 7, 2011)

Builders Clubs Mini-Convention Held in Levittown

Wisdom Lane Builders Clubbers accept their Talent Show trophy.

WT Clarke Builders Clubbers accept their Fund raising challenge trophy.

Key Clubbers teach "Dance" workshop participants the "Beaver Dance."

Woodland Builders Club Member Annette makes a ribbon rose during the Aktion Club workshop.

Host Committee Chair Marissa teaches attendees how to make Hershey Kiss Mice.

Wisdom Lane Builders Clubbers doing the Large Scale Service Project during the lunch session.

Middle Schoolers with a love of community service recently met at the Levittown Library for a day of sharing service project ideas and training. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs of East Meadow and Levittown, the Builders Club Mini-Convention was planned and run by a Host Committee made up of representatives from the WT Clarke Builders Club, the Wisdom Lane Builders Club and the Woodland Builders Club.

The Host Committee has been meeting regularly since January to organize the workshops, select a Key Note speaker, plan contests, fundraise, prepare a large scale service project and, to secure food donations for breakfast and lunch. The Host Committee was advised by Kiwanis Service Leadership Chair Rich Santer, Clarke Builders Club Kiwanis Advisor Rosa Principato, Levittown Kiwanis Immediate Past President Lisa Santer as well as several Key Club and Circle K Divisional and New York District officers.

Under the leadership of Host Committee Chair Marissa and Secretary Jessica, Host Committee members Paul, Adam, Danielle, Caitlyn, Rachel and, Meagan successfully planned a full day of meaningful workshops and activities designed to enhance the Builders Clubbers’ ability to perform community service, fundraise for charitable causes and run their clubs. Workshops included Officer Training, Kiwanis Charities, Leadership Styles, Working with Aktion Club, Moving Up to Key Club, Fund raising, Service Projects to do at Your Meetings as well as a round of less formal fun workshops including Dance, Origami, Making Hershey Kiss Mice, and Repousse. During the Large Scale Service Project, attendees created a patchwork banner for the KPTC Service Leadership Committee for use during their Safe Kids workshops.

During the Opening session, convention attendees enjoyed bagels donated by Bagelicious. Following club reports, Levittown Kiwanis Alzheimer’s Representative DPP Mauro Cassano described how the Builders Clubbers could get more involved in the Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk. New York State Circle K Governor Rickie Santer delivered the Key Note address detailing the devastating effects of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) and Kiwanis International’s second opportunity to change history by eliminating this deadly disease from our planet.

Prior to the convention, attending clubs were also challenged to fundraise for the new Kiwanis Worldwide Service Project ELIMINATE. This major initiative seeks to engage K-Family clubs in a partnership with UNICEF to eliminate MNT by vaccinating 120 million mothers in 39 underdeveloped countries around the world. Through a variety of school flower pen, candy and bake sales, the Builders Clubs raised over $600 for the ELIMINATE Project. The WT Clarke Builders Club was declared the winner of the convention’s fund raising challenge raising $300 for ELIMINATE.

Following lunch donated by Segesta Pizza, Tragar Oil and through a significant discount from Subway, a Talent Show was held with each club entering one (1) act. The winning act was from Wisdom Lane Builders Club who performed an original Builders Club song written to the tune of Greased Lightning.

Following the third and fourth rounds of workshops, Closing Session featured the presentation of trophies to the clubs that won the fund raising challenge and the talent show as well as recognition of the workshop presenters, the sponsors and Host Committee.

As Host Committee Chair, Marissa rang the gong to adjourn the convention, the middle schoolers left having made new friends and re-invigorated in their passion for community service.

(Posted March 7, 2011)

Maspeth stages Eliminate Fund Raiser

On Feb. 8, 2011, the Maspeth Kiwanis Club held a concert benefit at the US Columbarium Co. in Middle Village to raise funds for the Kiwanis International Eliminate Project.

The event was coordinated by Distinguished Past President Maspeth Club and Queens West Division Chair for the Eliminate Project JP DiTroia and Lt. Gov. Elect Michael Terry with baroque music provided and donated by Lisa Terry along with her ensemble of performers, with the assistance of Tina DiTroia, Secretary David Gigler and Columbarium Staff Member Denise Gander.

The event was a huge success on a number of levels. The donations are still coming in from the Maspeth club's generous members and others who heard about the event and so the final amount raised is not yet known. But so far the club is extremely pleased with the donations that we did receive from the nights event. Advertising in the Queens Ledger and Times Newsweekly brought light to the public of this terrible disease that causes death in infants and their mothers in 40 countries around the world.

Members of the Queens Boulevard, Woodside and Forest Hills clubs also attended.

(Posted February 21, 2011)

K-Family Leaders Focus on ELIMINATE

The Kiwanis Family's Global Campaign for Children became the full focus of more than two dozen Key Club and Circle K leaders from New York and New Jersey who convened on Saturday, Dec. 4, in Manhattan to discuss Project ELIMINATE.

Otherwise known as the MNT Project, the students strategized on how to raise funds to save newborns and their mothers from the horrific death caused by maternal and neonatal tetanus.

The meeting was hosted at Fordham University's Lincoln Center campus by Kiwanis International Vice President Tom DeJulio and featured Margaret Bolter from CCS Fundraising, a reknown consulting firm that has helped worldwide charities raise billions of dollars for their causes. Key Clubbers and Circle Kers were asked to share their views on how to make the campaign successful and were unanimous in their support of a service project to eliminate an ancient and preventable scourge, one they see as achievable within a few short years that can save each newborn baby's life for less than $2 in 40 remaining countries afflicted by MNT.

According to VP Tom DeJulio, "Having received the perceptive comments and suggestions from the young adults in our Kiwanis family, I am persuaded that the success of the ELIMINATE Project will be driven by their efforts with the full support of their Kiwanis and UNICEF partners."
 

(Posted December 4, 2010)

Bowling Green K-Kids Trick-or Treat for ELIMINATE

K-Kids President Julianne trick-or-treats for UNICEF.

K-kids member Allie.

K-Kids member Marisa.

K-Kids member Justin and his sister Builders Clubber Katie.

K-Kids Secretary Devon.

K-Kids VP Jillian.

The Bowling Green K-Kids celebrated Halloween by participating in their 3rd annual Trick-or-Treat for Charity collection drive. This year, the K-Kids chose Kiwanis International's new Worldwide Service Project, ELIMINATE as the charity they would be collecting for.

In partnership with UNICEF, The ELIMINATE project seeks to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT), one of the world's most terrible diseases, by 2015. MNT is a completely preventable killer that claims the life of a newborn baby or new mother every nine minutes.

To prevent this disease, mothers need a series of three vaccinations that cost a total of $1.80. Once vaccinated, a mother is protected throughout her childbearing years and passes her immunity to any child she gives birth to for its first two months of life.

Using orange UNICEF boxes, Bowling Green's K-Kids gave up their Halloween candy treats to help Kiwanis International raise the funds needed to eliminate MNT from the 40 countries where it remains.

Rich Santer, who serves as the Faculty Advisor to the Bowling Green K-Kids, was impressed by the K-Kids passion for this cause.

Santer explained, "I was quite surprised when other teachers were stopping me in the hall to ask me about MNT because their students were talking about the ELIMINATE project."

"Members as young as 9 years old were telling their parents and teachers about MNT and how their K-Kids club was going to eliminate the disease from the planet," added Santer.

More than 50 members trick-or-treated collecting more than $1,000. K-Kids President Julianne Hallett was shocked by the amount the K-Kids collected. "This is more than double what we raised by trick-or-treating for other causes in the past."

The money will be donated to UNICEF through the New York District of Circle K's Governor's Project. By donating through the Circle K Governor's Project, the K-Kids will receive NY District Circle K Worldwide Service Projects medals. The Bowling Green K-Kids Board of Directors will be using these medals to acknowledge the efforts of several especially active club members.
 
The Bowling Green K-Kids is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of East Meadow.

(Posted November 4, 2010)

EM Service Leadership Clubs Hold ELIMINATE Fund Raiser

Kiwanis International Foundation Treasurer Peter Mancuso, EM Kiwanis Club President Jim Mancuso, Secretary Debbie Kirsh and her son come down to support the fund raiser.

Key Club Division 6 Lt. Governor Domenick Pesce with EA Christina Principato, Divisional Historian Becky Hopkins and Gina Principato.

Bowling Green K-Kids DIPP Kasha Bhatia with K-Kids member Emily Shaiman and Emily's mom.

LISC Kiwanis Lt. Governor Tony Genova, FL Julie Olson-Davis, Franklin Square K-Kids Advisor Jina Papadoniou and Franklin Square K-Kids Charter President Liz Alexia Papadoniou and her sister.

The Service Leadership Clubs sponsored by the East Meadow Kiwanis Club recently held a K-Family Fund Raiser at the TGIF Restaurant in Levittown.
Members of the Bowling Green K-Kids, Clarke Builders Club, East Meadow High School Key Club, Clarke Key Club, Sacred Heart Academy Key Club and the Nassau Community College Circle K were joined by Kiwanians from East Meadow and members of K-Family clubs throughout the LISC Division.
During the evening, more than 33 tables with groups as large as 12 enjoyed dinner with family and friends while TGIF donated 25 percent of each bill to Kiwanis International's new Worldwide Service Project ELIMINATE.
The ELIMINATE Project, through a partnership between Kiwanis International and UNICEF, seeks to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus (MNT) from the 40 countries in which it remains by 2015. At this time, MNT kills one baby every 9 minutes. The disease is completely preventable through a series of three vaccines that cost only 60 cents each.
The proceeds from the event will be donated to the ELIMINATE project through New York District Circle K Governor Rickie Santer's Governor's Project. Through this project, Governor Rickie is encouraging K-Family clubs to thank those that support them by acknowledging individuals who go above and beyond in their service and generosity. In addition to thank you cards and certificates, Governor Rickie and NYCKI Governor's Project Chair Lauren Sack have created the NYCKI Governor's Worldwide Service Project Medal which acknowledges donations made to the ELIMINATE project and can be used to honor individuals or clubs.
The Bowling Green K-Kids, who initially planned the fund raiser, chose TGIF because their giving program is the most generous of the many local restaurant chains that run charity nights.
EM Service Leadership Chair and Bowling Green K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer applauded TGIF's generosity saying, "While most restaurants only give 10 to 15 percent of the bill, TGIF gives $5 for every $20 spent or 25 percent."
"In addition, the management and wait staff of TGIF in Levittown go out of their way to support groups planning charity nights at their restaurant," Santer added.
The Bowling Green K-Kids are grateful to TGIF and the other East Meadow Service Leadership Clubs that co-hosted the event. They also appreciate the LISC Kiwanians who came out to support their fund raiser including Kiwanis International Foundation Treasurer DPG Peter Mancuso, KIF ELIMINATE Chair DPG Dave Rothman, LISC Lt. Governor Tony Genova and EM Kiwanis President Jim Mancuso.
The final numbers calculated by TGIF equate to a donation of $450. Adding direct contributions made by attendees bring the fund raiser's total for ELIMINATE to $615.
 

(Posted August 30, 2010)

Bowling Green K-Kids Honored as First "ELIMINATORS"

Bowling Green K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer and K-Kids President Julianne wait on stage while International President Paul Announces their Club as the First Donors to the ELIMINATE Project.

Bowling Green K-Kids President Juliianne Hallett and Faculty Advisor Rich Santer with their Tablet of Honor plaques at the Worldwide Service Project luncheon in Las Vegas.

Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo, US Fund for UNICEF President Caryl Stern, Bowling Green K-Kids President Julianne Hallett and Bowling Green K-Kids Faculty Advisor Rich Santer

At the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas, the Bowling Green K-Kids and their Faculty Advisor Rich Santer received the Kiwanis International Foundation's Tablet of Honor recognizing the K-Kids as the first donors to the ELIMINATE Project. Just two days earlier at the Convention's opening session, the ELIMINATE Project was announced as Kiwanis International's new Worldwide Service Project.

Through the ELIMINATE Project, Kiwanis International will partner with UNICEF to eliminate Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus in the 40 countries where the disease continues to kill newborns and their mothers. In these countries one newborn baby dies every 9 minutes due to neonatal tetanus. This can be prevented through tetanus vaccination of women of childbearing age and improved birthing conditions. As Kiwanis International eradicated Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD), Kiwanis, through the ELIMINATE Project, will eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus.

The Bowling Green K-Kids became the first donors to the new Worldwide Service Project (WSP) by donating over $1,000 to the Kiwanis International Foundation. The K-Kids raised these funds through their second annual Talent Show. The members selected the next Worldwide Service Project as their beneficiary before even knowing that eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus would be selected.

According to Faculty Advisor Rich Santer, the K-Kids had expressed interest in repeating the success of last year's talent show.

"When the topic of choosing a beneficiary came up, then President Kasha Bhatia asked which Kiwanis charities the group had not yet raised money for. As I explained the Kiwanis International Foundation's role in eradicating Iodine Deficiency Disorder (IDD), the members became very interested in the new Worldwide Service Project (WSP) that would be announced the following month at the Kiwanis International Convention in Las Vegas. After I described the three finalists, it became apparent that the K-Kids didn't care which disease they would help eliminate. They simply wanted to be a part of making the world a better place through elimination of a terrible disease," Santer recalled.

After the club inquired how to donate to the still unannounced WSP, Matt Morris of the Kiwanis International Foundation called suggesting the donation be made through the Tablet of Honor program. Mr. Morris also asked if representatives of the K-Kids would attend the convention to accept the award from Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo.

Talent show co-hosts President Julianne and Distinguised Immediate Past President Kasha were each invited to the convention. While Kasha could not attend, President Julianne Hallett and her family were able to join Santer and his family in Las Vegas.

The Tablet of Honor was presented at the Worldwide Service Project luncheon on Saturday. Following a moving presentation on maternal and neonatal tetanus and the ELIMINATE Project by US Fund for UNICEF President Caryl Stern, International President Paul called Santer and Julianne to the stage to accept the award.

Julianne beamed as camera flashes ignited and Kiwanians from across the globe congratulated her and asked to take her photo.

President Julianne left the convention with a deeper understanding of the impact the service of K-Kids has on Kiwanis International and the world. She is making plans to do additional fundraising to support the ELIMINATE Project during the 2010-2011 school year.

(Posted June 30, 2010)

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