Minisink Valley

3rd Annual Golf Out Huge Success!!!!!! - 7/26/2010

This year’s golf outing was dedicated to “Gene Brigham” a member of the club who passed away earlier this year. Gene will greatly missed!

The outing brought out 134 golfers and profits of close to $14,000 for our community service account were raised.

Thank you to all of the people who came out in support of our efforts. A special thank you to the sponsors who have been with us through the last three years. Thank you to the new sponsors. We greatly appreciate all that our sponsors do

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G.R.O.W Project Plants Annual Tree & Dedicates Tree to Student - 6/23/2010
This is the second year this program has donated a tree to the kindergarten class. One tree is in Otisville and the other is on the Slate Hill campus. The tree in Slate Hill was dedicated in memory of Jaelynn Warner a kindergarten student who passed away earlier in the year.

Community Potato Garden Planted - 5/22/2010
Kiwanis members and Key Club members pitched in today to plant 50lbs of potatoes that will be harvested and donated to local families and food banks.

Kiwanis One Day - 4/10/2010

Kiwanians, Key clubbers, Builders club members and K-Kids all pitched in on April 10, 2010 at the Greenville Town park for "Kiwanis One Day". An exercise trail that was installed by the Kiwanis members a few years ago received lots of labor and new mulch around each exercise station. A new gravel path was install and almost completed.
A nature trail that has been under construction this past year was given special attention by the Minisink Valley K-Kids. They have put many hour of work in(more)

Rhea Singh Is New District 13 Lt. Governor - 4/1/2010
Ninth grader, Rhea Singh takes over the reins of Kiwanis Key Club Lt. Governor for District 13 from Minisink Valley junior, Rebekah Ortiz. The last three Distreict 13 Lt. Governors have come from Minisink Valley. Jessica Manning (09) preceded Rebekah. Rhea is active in FBLA, Interact and our upcoming Drama musical, "All Shook Up." Rhea we are looking forward to your year!

Builder's Club Charter Night - 3/24/2010

On March 24th, over 50 members of the Minisink community including
administrators, teachers, family members, and the local chapter of Kiwanis
came together to celebrate the presentation of the Builders Club charter
for the middle school. 18 members were inducted through a formal pinning
ceremony and pledge to uphold the responsibilities as a member of the
Builders Club, which includes service to the school and surrounding
community.

Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Kits - 3/3/2010
On March 3rd members Gary Calta, Jeff Stafford and David Morse made a visit to the Slate Hill Fire Department to present a donation of a pediatric trauma kit. The kit contains emergency equipment and materials designed for use on infants and small children. The kit was the last in a series of 5 donated to fire departments in the Minisink School District last year.

4 New Members Installed - 1/19/2010
New members Cindy Matteson, Gary Wilson, Andy DiPaul and Steve Crow were installed at our regular meeting this week. Congratulations to all and welcome to Kiwanis!

New record set on Pancake Day - 1/16/2010

Oops! One of the pancakes Peter Ewanciw flips, flops off the griddle. But not to worry, the newly elected president of the Minisink Valley Kiwanis Club and his fellow volunteers flipped thousands Saturday to feed 1300 at the annual pancake day at Minisink Valley High School. If you missed it, mark the third Saturday of January 2011 for the next one. The proceeds help students and families in need. Photo by Chris Farlekas

SOUP ON SATURDAY COLLECTION BEGINS THIS MONTH - 1/14/2010
MVCSD in conjunction with Minisink Valley Kiwanis, our students, faculty,(more)

Kiwanis lends a hand collecting and distributing Gifts on Christmas! - 12/25/2009

Minisink Kiwanis help to collect clothing and toys for Christmas Day dinner and gifts at the Grace Episcopal Church in Middletown. Six members and two members from Key Club spent the early afternoon passing out the clothing and toys to adults and children of all ages.
We collected seven large bags of coats, hats and other items. We also collected four large boxes of toys.
Thank you to all that donated!

Minisink K-Kids Make Ornaments for Veterans - 12/14/2009
On Dec. 14, 2009, the Minisink Valley Kiwanis K-Kids, Slate Hill Campus, made holiday (Christmas and Hanukkah) ornaments for the veterans at Castle Point Veterans Hospital in Beacon, NY. 18 children worked hard and finished 53 ornaments. We used recycled CD discs, holiday gift wrap scraps, and leftover ribbon to show our love for the planet, too.

Thanks Kiwanis! - 11/25/2009
All Otisville third grade students received dictionaries, courtesy of the Minisink Valley Kiwanis Club. We greatly thank this community oriented club for their generosity and thoughtfulness to our students.

Minisink K-Kids Help Out on Nature Trail - 11/22/2009

Members of the Minisink K-Kids were present on a cold November day to help locate, clean, mark and measure a new Nature Trail at the Greenville Town Park. Kiwanis advisor Mary Jo Wagner along with Greenville Park Committee member Liz Manning gave lessons in tree identification and a general outline of the new trail.

A great job was done by all and after a hard days work the members and others were treated to cookies and hot chocolate.

The project will continue in the spring.

MINISINK VALLEY KIWANIS CLUB DISTRIBUTES DICTIONARIES TO THIRD GRADERS - 11/18/2009
As part of our "Dictionary Project', Minisink Kiwanis distributed student versions of Webster's Dictionaries to each of our 200+ third graders! Pictured here Kiwanis members (l to r), Joan Decker, David Morse, Barbara Ewanciw, Art Lain, Bob Decker, Gloria Helgerman, Dan Barnes, Mary Jo Wagner. Barbara, Dan and Mary Jo are retired Minisink teachers.

Otisville Kiwanis K-Kids Provide a Necessary Service - 11/5/2009

Sponsored by Minisink Valley Kiwanis Club and advised by Mrs. LeMieux and Kiwanian Mrs. Hansen, Otisville K-Kids learn about community service. This year, they will embark on projects that include a letter writing campaign to soldiers stationed overseas and Soup on Saturdays, a food collection program. Already, this organization provides "Welcome Bags" to new students entering Otisville Elementary; offering varied school supplies and a note that extends a "helping hand and caring(more)

Organization of The Year Award - 11/4/2009
Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley received the "Organization of The Year"(more)

Kiwanians and Key Clubers walk for CROP! - 10/25/2009

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon members of Minisink Kiwanis and Key Club gathered at Middletown's Fancher Davidge Park to leg out the over 3 mile walk in support of, Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty (CROP Hunger Walk).

On October 17, 1969, a thousand people in Bismarck, ND, walked in what may have been the first-ever CROP Hunger Walk--and raised $25,000 to help stop hunger. Several other CROP Hunger Walks occurred soon thereafter, and before long there were hundreds of CROP Hunger(more)

MV Kiwanis Tours ORMC - 10/14/2009
President Peter Ewanciw stands next to the future location of the new pediatric playroom on the fourth floor at Orange Regional Medical Center. The club donated $15,000 to secure MVK's commitment of "serving the children of the world".

ORMC Pediatric Playroom Donation - 10/14/2009
MV Kiwanis members and ORMC members pose with check outside of new hospital facility.

New Officers & Directors Installed - 10/6/2009
On Tuesday October 6, 2009 The new officers and Directors were Installed.(more)

Otisville K-Kids Display Case - 9/24/2009
Faculty advisor Linda LeMuiex was able to secure a display case in the lobby of the Elementary School and has put together a wonderful presentation of our K-Kids. Stop by to take a look when you visit the school or get out to a K-Kid meeting, they are held every other week on Thursdays at 1pm in Linda's classroom. The next meeting is scheduled for 10/8/09.

Minisink Kiwanis Donates $15,000 to ORMC - 9/15/2009

Old Baptist Church Ecumenical Service 09 - 9/13/2009
On Sunday September 13, 2009 the Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley held its annual ecumenical service at the Slate Hill Old Baptist Church. There were 60 people form all faiths in attendance. President-Elect Peter Ewanciw seen here welcomes all and gives a brief history of the Church.

2009 Golf Outing Huge Success - 7/27/2009
We would like to thank all that participated in our 2nd annual golf outing this week. We had 127 golfers, 79 sponsors and hundreds of raffle ticket purchases all of which made for a wonderful and successful day.

Kiwanis "Burger Burn" - 7/10/2009
On Friday July 10, Minisink Valley Kiwanis member and Sam's Club Manager, Ray Varner organized a "Burger Burn" at Sam's Club in Middletown. Ray and his associates cooked burgers & hotdogs with the proceeds going directly to the Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley. On Friday July 17, Ray and his associates will be at it again. Serving time starts at 11:00am and runs all day.

Minisink G.R.O.W. Project Complete - 6/24/2009
Generations Remembering(more)

Otisville G.R.O.W. Project Complete - 6/22/2009

Generations Remembering Our Ways

The Minisink Valley Kiwanis donated a tree to the Otisville Elementary Kindergarden class. Kindergarten students learned about trees from arborist, Mark Beamish and selected the Blue Spruce, from among 3 tree choices, to be planted at the school. John Groenestyn coordinated this project for the Minisink Valley Kiwanis. This will be an annual tradition. The kindergarten students will be able to measure their own growth with that of their tree during their years as

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Minisink Valley Hosts Governor's Visit - 6/20/2009

Distirct Governor Doreen Pellittieri and first gentleman Peter made thier official visit to the Hudson River West Division on 6/20/09. Minisink Valley hosted the event at Shannen Park in Slate Hill. Lt. Gov. Jim Lawler aranged for a world famous chicken BBQ prepaired by members of the MV club. Eight out of the nine clubs in the District were represented among the 79 Kiwanians and guests attending.

Seven new members were installed by Gov. Doreen into the Minisink club. The new members are Joan(more)

KIWANIS HOSTS MV INTERMEDIATE K-KIDS CHARTER NIGHT - 6/1/2009

The Minisink Valley Kiwanis, in partnership with the intermediate school hosted the K-Kids Charter Night, last night, June 1, 2009. The charter night serves to formally induct the club into the greater organization and establish the list of members as the first ever class of membership in the M.V.I.S. K-Kids club. After formal proceedings, swearing in of club officers, and speeches by Kiwanis representatives and building representatives, all participants enjoyed a reception.

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G.R.O.W project is off and running! - 5/21/2009

The Minisink Valley Kiwanis is going to dedicate a tree to this year's kindergarten class. In an assembly this morning, Mr. Beamish, a local arborist, gave a presentation on trees to our students. The children learned all about the different types and characteristics of trees, and in the end, our students had the opportunity to vote for the type of tree that they want planted on our campus. There were three different choices for the students to choose from - a Sugar(more)

Governor's Project - 5/21/2009

On May 21, 2009 Kiwanis Club gave a pizza party for 65 students. Kiwanis’ goal was to recognize and honor MVMS students for their accomplishments and service, thus promoting the student’s self-esteem. Each team nominated six to eight students to receive a certificate of recognition. Students were recognized for academics, service and citizenship. Kiwanis Club members gave out certificates and pizza to the students. Congratulations!!

Kiwanis and other K-Family Clubs may wish to complete the

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MV Kindergarden receives math "Big Books" - 5/20/2009

The Minisink Valley Kiwanis donated math "big books" to our kindergarten teachers. Our teachers love using these books to teach and to demonstrate math problems to their students. Pictured above are several members of the Minisink Kiwanis who came in to watch Mrs. Hagerty deliver a math lesson to her students. We enjoyed thier visit and we greatly appreciate all of the wonderful things that our local Kiwanis members do for our community, our school, and our children.

Minisink Kiwanis Charters Otisville K-Kids - 5/11/2009

On May 11^th, 2009, Minisink Valley Kiwanis held a charter night for a Kiwanis K-Kids club at the Otisville Elementary School.

K-Kids is the newest and fastest growing service organization for elementary students worldwide. This “student-led” community-service organization operates under school regulations and draws its members from the student body ranging in age from 6 to 12 years.

During the ceremony 32 members and officers were sworn in by Linda LeMieux, K-Kids

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Kiwanis K-Kids Successful "Reuse A Shoe" Campaign - 5/8/2009
Thanks to the efforts spearheaded by our "K-Kids" and their advisors, the(more)

Minisink Valley Inducts Three into the Kiwanis International Leadership Society - 5/5/2009

Kiwanis International Leadership Society is a way of recognizing individual Kiwanians for exceptional outstanding service. Gary Calta (2nd from left), Jack Eagan (2nd from right) and Steve Brigham (left) are such members. This past Tuesday they each received a plaque from Leadership Society Chairman Hank Potter, in recognition of the work, time and continued leadership that they are known for. A donation was made by the club to the Kiwanis International Foundation in each of their(more)

Minisink Intermediate K-Kids Complete First Project - 5/4/2009
K-Kids Partner With Nike To Recycle Shoes & Sneakers Recently,(more)

2009 Key Club Installation of Officers - 4/21/2009

The newly elected officers of the Minisink Valley Key Club were officially installed at the April 21, 2009 meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley. The officers for 2009-2010 were installed by Key Club Lt. Governor Rebekah Ortiz. They are President Nick Smith, Vice President Courtney Brigham, Treasurer Samantha Andermanis and Secretary Veronica Reimer. Currently, The Minisink Valley Key Club has over 120 members and meets every Thursday.

Braeside Camp gets clean up on Kiwanis One Day! - 4/7/2009
Kiwanis One Day, a day of global community service. Once a year, Kiwanians(more)

Minisink Intermediate K-Kids First Meeting - 4/2/2009

Minisink Valley Intermediate School has partnered with the local Kiwanis organization to create a K-Kids program, committed to making the school and community a better place! We are excited to be offering this community service organization for our young students. Pictured here are students, one from every homeroom in the intermediate school. The students will discuss opportunities for community service at their next meeting. Students selected for the organization are

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Over 425 attend 3rd annual "Not One More" program! - 4/1/2009

The Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley held it's third annual "Not One More" teen drivers safety program on April 1, 2009 at the MV Middle School. Over 425 students, parents, teachers and administration listened to guest speakers and watched real life videos about what can happen when we make bad decisions when driving.
LT. Governor Jim Lawler opened the program with some encouraging news. It seems that since the "Not One More" program was started, the average yearly teen driving deaths in our(more)

Track & Wrestling Stars Honored - 3/24/2009
Members of the Minisink Valley Track team, Alyssa Densico, Ashley Graham, Clarinda Lain & Jack Albino along with members of the Minsink Valley Wrestling Team, Richard Dennison, Brendan Byrne, James Brain & Kyle Deisel were presented with Certificates of Recognition at our March 24, 2009 meeting.

Sam's Club makes generous donation. - 3/24/2009
Prospective member Ray Varner presented the Club with a $1000 grant from Sam’s Club! Thank you Ray, we will put it to good use.

Community willing to give blood to help others! - 3/21/2009
Our 2nd annual blood drive was well attended! Past President Jeff Stafford is seen here with a few happy donors. Please see the photo's page for more pictures.

Kiwanis information booth at Project Graduation fundraiser! - 3/21/2009
Allen Bobb and Dan Barnes man the information table at the MV Project Graduation Tricky Tray event. A special thank you to the organizers of the event for inviting us to participate.

K-Kids send "Get Well" wishes and smiles to Cecelia Bell and Al Hansen - 2/27/2009

A smile costs nothing but gives much

It enriches them who receive without making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment,

yet the memory of it may last forever

A smile creates happiness in the home,

fosters goodwill in business, and is a sign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged,

sunshine to the sad, and is natures best antidote to trouble

Yet a smile cannot be bought, begged or

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Otisville K-Kids make SOS tally chart - 2/24/2009
1056 cans and counting! Awesome! The chart will help the students keep track of the can count and also improves their math skills

Minisink Elementary SOS Update - 2/22/2009
As a result of your efforts, the elementary school has collected over 300 cans of soup within the past few weeks! Starting in February, soup will be distributed to needy families in our district. If you would still like to donate, please send in a can of soup with your child to school. We will be collecting soup for the next few weeks. Thank you again for your support and generosity.

Otisville K-Kids SOS Update - 2/20/2009
Here is a photo of the more than 800 cans of soup our K-Kids have collected to date. GREAT JOB KIDS!

Soup On Saturdays Update - 2/12/2009

Kiwanis "Otisville K-Kids" display collected soup.
Students and staff collected 853 cans of soup for the Kiwanis sponsored SOS (Soup on Saturday) program. The soup will be distributed to area families in need. By participating in this project, students learn that they can create a positive change for their community.
"Kindness is the golden chain by which society is bound together." -Goethe
Great job, keep up the good work!

Three New Members Installed - 2/2/2009

At the February 2, 2009 meeting, The Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley installed three new members. Club Secretary, Roland Schofield administered the oath. From left to right: Becky Wilhide, Corinne Bocsusis, Annie Hansen and Club President David Morse. All three new members are already very active in the club and working on various projects. This brings the total membership to 52. In addition, the club has received applications from three other prospective members. Welcome(more)

51st Annual Pancake Day a Success - 1/17/2009
On January 17, 2009, The Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley hosted their 51st annual Pancake Day. Over 1,200 members of the community braved the frigid weather to support the clubs fund raiser. The proceeds from this event support the $7,000 in scholarships that the club awards to graduating seniors at Minisink.

Holiday Food Baskets - 12/16/2008

On December 16, five members of the Kiwanis Club of Minisink Valley assembled at Shop-Rite and shopped for six holiday food baskets. They shopped until the carts were full with all the items needed to prepare a delicious holiday meal as well as other everyday essentials. The baskets were then delivered to six deserving families in the Minisink Valley area.
Pictured from left to right is Steve Brigham, Joann Marino, Jack Eagan, Ray Jarosz & Barbara Ewanciw.

Henry Potter Receives Everyday Hero Award - 12/9/2008

Earlier this year, member Henry Potter traveled to the Dominican Republic on a missionary trip. Hank and other members of his church went to the Dominican Republic to provide medical care, construction and building maintenance where needed.

Henry was with the group assigned to “redo” three rooms at the local hospital. The rooms had to be scrubbed, sterilized, spackled and painted. It was a monumental chore.

In addition to the work time the Missionaries were able to

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Thanksgiving Food Baskets - 11/18/2008
Several members of our club gathered at Shop-Rite on Dolson Ave. to shop for 5 food baskets. The food baskets were then delivered to 5 local families in need. Minisink Valley Kiwanis has been providing this service for over 40 years. The shoppers were Les Lain, Barbara Ewanciw, Cecelia Bell, Ray Jarosz, Joanne Marino, Jack Eagan and Rich Malarski(not pictured).

Dictionary Project Otisville Campus - 10/23/2008

On October 23, 2008 members distributed dictionaries to all 3rd grade students at the Otisville Campus. This is the second year for the Dictionary Project. Students were given the challenge of utilizing the dictionaries throughout the rest of their academic years.

The Dictionary Project is just one of the community projects that we have organized.

Pictured are: Jim Lawler, Rich Mararski , Peter Ewanciw, Cecelia Bell, David Morse, Steve Brigham, Barbara Ewanciw,(more)

Dictionary Project - 10/16/2008
On October 16, 2008 members distributed dictionaries to all 3rd grade(more)