It is a rite of passage for Wilton’s venerable Kiwanis Club to install new leadership in mid-October of each year. Now, entering its 64th year of service, altruism and camaraderie to the community, the Club celebrates its new governance team. Taking the helm as president this year is the town’s former first selectman Paul Hannah, to be assisted by president elect John Savarese and vice president Rudy Hoefling.
Elections this year included Ken Post as secretary, Bill Brautigam as treasurer and Michael Peterson as Kiwanis Club Foundation treasurer. Dan Mahony, Fred Wernig and Ray Moskow were returned as directors, as were Bob Tortorella as assistant treasurer and Judith Zucker as assistant secretary. The Kiwanis Board is rounded out with members Frank Oliveri, John Kalamarides, Melissa Mednick, Don Drummond, Jerry Holdridge and Jeff Turner.
Retiring president Nancy Pantoliano addressed the luncheon meeting, thanking all the members for their support and reviewing the year’s highlights. She was presented with flowers and a plaque commemorating her successful year as leader.
Hannah spoke eloquently of his hopes and plans to lead the Club into a year of growth, energy and accomplishment. He cited the hard work of many Kiwanians and hoped that many more Wilton people would hear the call and join Kiwanis to serve the town.
“We have the commission and the capability to serve,” he said, “and we will pursue our mission with renewed spirit and dedication.”
Kiwanis is the senior volunteer charitable organization in Wilton. Formed in 1951 by a group of forward thinking residents, the Club has grown and excelled in community service. The initial major charitable acts included the purchase and donation of the land now housing the Wilton Family Y and the facility now known as Merwin Meadows. Over the years, the Club has raised and donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to nearly one hundred causes of groups of individuals and organizations.
Kiwanis depends on “people power.” The Club continually needs an infusion of new Members and added energy to sustain its service efforts. Some years ago, under the leadership of then-president Fred Sindel the Club initiated a broadening and diversification of membership campaign. “We need more young people, we need more women members and we need more people to pick up the baton of community service,” he said at the time. That effort continues today.
“The Club needs new people to step up, to volunteer and to give a little time to those in need,” echoed new leader Hannah. “One of our major thrusts this year will be to find Wiltonians who have a heart and mind for charitable giving, camaraderie and service to those less fortunate,” he said. “The Club has a strong membership Committee for 2014-2015. It will be looking at many ideas for expanding our footprint in the Wilton Community. It will be looking at innovative new member recruiting programs,” he continued.
Kiwanis meets each Wednesday for a catered luncheon at the WEPCO complex. It is a weekly opportunity to meet with existing and new friends and acquaintances and to keep current with Wilton news, activities and happenings. The meal is followed by a speaker of popular interest from a wide variety of disciplines. Interested individuals are encouraged to call 203.762.9951 or view the Club’s website, www.wiltonkiwanis.org.
Pictured in the main image, above (L-R): Front–Bill Brautigam, Jeff Turner, John Savarese, Paul Hannah, Rudy Hoefling, Judy Zucker, Dan Mahony; rear–John Kalamarides, Bob Tortorella, Nancy Pantoliano, Don Drummond, Jerry Holdridge, Fred Wernig; missing from the picture are–directors Melissa Mednick, Ray Moskow, Ken Post and Michael Petersen.