Secretary's Reports

Aug 21st, 2025

Submitted by:

Minutes of August 2025 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

August 21 2025 Meeting Minutes

    1. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, Kiwanis of Rockaways’ monthly meeting was held at Roger’s Pub.  We had chicken Francese supplied by Flip Flop Catering; it was very good! 

    2. The following people were present Scott Valentine, Jeanette Garramone, Stacey Savitsky, MaryAnn Nellen, Grace Arnemann, Jason Hernandez, Helen Montero-Hernandez, Michelle Hettich, Brian Hettich, Jose Morales, Conner and Shiela from Cross County Bank, and Lídice, a potential new member.

    3. At 7:30PM, Scott called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

    4. Convention news:  Scott has official NY Yankee baseball hats with Kiwanis Logo for $25. He sold 3 at the meeting.  Scott had a good time at the convention; it was informative and many people took him under their wings. He thinks everyone should go to the convention at least once.

    5. Baseball update: Last game is on 8/23. Walter & Ozone Park will be bringing breakfast, Helen is getting beverages. Jeanette will take photos for the sponsor thank you plaques.  There will be a date in the future for trophies.  Starting September 13th, Jason is going to organize “Fall Ball” on Saturdays to keep the kids playing longer.  After that Jason is looking for a location where he can offer year-round baseball clinic.  They are always looking for volunteers to help with coaching and managing teams.

    6. ICARE foundation backpack event was on Friday, August 15th.  We attended and helped them hand out school supplies to the community. The families had to stop at 4/5 health care stations and then they were able to get backpacks, supplies and refreshments.

    7. Mt Carmel back to school event was on Saturday, August 16th. We were unable to attend the event but we donated school supplies. Helen said the group was very appreciative.

    8. National Night Out recap: We provided balloon animals for the event and handed out a list of some of the activities and events we have participated in over the past 3 years.  One of the people we met that night came to this meeting.

    9. Carnival is the weekend of 8/23.  We have a busy weekend and we don’t have enough people to table or attend the event.

    10. 100th Precinct back-to-school backpack event is on August 28th, at the 100th Precinct, from 12:00 through 3:00 pm. Scott, Jose, Teri, Grace and Kathy will be tabling the event. We are donating school supplies and Jeanette is tipping the DJ.

    11. We were invited to table the Children’s Harvest Festival, on October 11, 2025 at the Far Rock Farm.  This is an event sponsored by the Campaign Against Hunger.  We have done past events with them and would like to participate. We will need volunteers.

    12. Radio Bingo: We will be at the Knights of Columbus on October 24th. Can we count on everyone in our club to make a basket? Let Jeanette know what basket you’ll be making.  Rockaway Kiwanis Little League will be purchasing a table to thank this year’s volunteers. 

    13. This week members only can purchase/reserve your Radio Bingo Tickets.  On August 29th the tickets will be offered to Kiwanis/Queens West.  On September 2nd the tickets will be offered to past loyal attendees and they will go on sale to the public on September 5th.  Buy them while the tickets are still available.  We sold out in 24 hours last year.  We already have 91 of the 180 tickets spoken for.

    14. There will be a Halloween theme this year – Costumes are optional – We will offer sponsorships to cover the cost of the prizes, most creative, best couple, and most unique. We are offering sponsorships to cover coffee and deserts.

    15. We have 50/50 raffle tickets available to buy and sell for the Radio Bingo event, contact MaryAnn.

    16. Chilli and Mac & Cheese!  The 100th Precinct Community Council has invited us to partner with them for a Chilli and Mac & Cheese tasting contest, on November 21st at the Knights of Columbus 7:00 PM.  Partnering will involve sharing the work, supplying baskets for raffles, selling 50/50s and sharing in the profits.  Committee - Jeanette, MaryAnn, Grace, Brian, Jose and Lídice.  Anyone else?

    17. Other Committee Updates:
a.  501 c3 - Michelle said we are going to start on that soon. 
b.   Key Club – No updates
c.   Sip and Paint Event @ Raymor & Flanagan – January Event, the fall is getting busy.  Painting on one side where the service account gets the proceeds/ Poker on the other side where the admin account gets the proceeds. (1/23 or 24 or 2/7 or 2/8)
d.  Kiwanis Signs -no updates

    18. Jeanette and MaryAnn will be designing Rockaway Kiwanis business cards so we can have something to hand out to the public when we want to give out our information

    19. Whoever is available to attend the 9-11 Memorial at Tribute Park, please be at the park at 8:30 in your blue Kiwanis shirt.

    20. Next meeting is Thursday, September 18th,

Jul 17th, 2025

Submitted by:
MaryAnn N.

Minutes of July 17, 2025 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

Meeting of Rockaway Kiwanis Club
Held on Thursday –July 17, 2025@Rogers 205 Beach 116 Street

Members in Attendance:
Scott Valentine		Stacey Savitsky	Jeanette Garramone 	MaryAnn Nellen
Frank Amato			Ozzie Edwards		Rose Guerrier 		Jason Hernandez
Helen Montero-Hernandez	Brian Hettich		Michelle Hettich	Felicia Johnson
Kyle Meyer			Jose Morales		Teresa Morales		
GUEST: Sheldon Soloway from Peninsula Kiwanis SheldonSoloway@yahoo.com
					
President Scott Valentine led group in Pledge of Allegiance.

Treasurer’s Report $2,184.26 in Administrative Account, $2,164.58 in Sports Service Account and $7,183.42 in other Service Account.  Voted on and accepted

Our Walk-a-Thon raised $1,587.00 for our Sports Account, there is some outstanding money.

Scott congratulated our club on a successful Opening Day for the Kiwanis Rockaway Little League and recognized the hard work of the members involved. This League is a tremendous accomplishment! 

(We need to make a budget for snacks and beverages necessary for games and practices as members have been paying for these items. Keep Receipts.)

Baseball games are Saturdays at 10:00 AM at the Redfern ballfields.  There will be no game on Saturday, July 26th, instead there will be A DAY OF FUN for the players at Redfern Park.  It starts at noon.  All are welcome.  Last game will be played on August 23rd. (possible event at B.44th St Community Center) 

Trophies, team photos and sponsor gifts will be looked into by Rose, Jason, and Brian.

Rockaway Day with the Cyclones was a success. One of our players threw the first pitch, the kids got to go on the field and interact with Cyclones players. Our members operated the Cyclones’ prize wheel.

We are hosting the July Queens West Division Meeting at Lenny’s next Monday, July 21st.  It is usually $35 for the meal.  It is not necessary to attend but if someone wants to go, let MaryAnn know right away. Scott is arranging a speaker for the meeting. Scott, Jeanette, Stacey, MaryAnn, Jose & Teresa will attend.

Night Out Against Crime will be on Tuesday, August 5th.  Volunteers for the 101st Precinct are Rose, Felicia and Helen and the 100th Precinct volunteers are Scott, Stacey, and MaryAnn.  Brian designed and ordered 300 Kiwanis slap bracelets to give out at the event, and Ozzie is taking care of the next batch for the next event.  Who else wants to join us?  Also, is there a possibility of getting some of the Little League kids to join us in uniform?  If they do, we will ask if the Cyclone’ mascot can join the event.  Jeanette spoke with Liz Geraghty, President of the 100th Precinct Community Council,  We can donate the balloon person for $400.00, and they will be placed near us.  Is there something similar we can donate to the 101st Precinct? Ozzie will be manning the grill for the 100th Precinct.

Carnival is on Saturday, August 23rd.  There is an early set up with a breakfast that starts at 8:30. It is undecided what, if any, our role will be in the event. 

On August 27, 2025, we will join the the 100th Precinct in a back-to-school backpack event.  In the past, we have paid for the DJ but this year we want to get more involved.  Our guest Sheldon will get us a list of places where we can order school supplies at good prices, and we will put our stickers on them and give them out at the event.   Backpack Committee is Rose, MaryAnn, Scott, Stacey, Helen, Jeanette, and Ozzie.  

St. John’s ICARE foundation has invited us to participate in their back-to-school backpack event on Friday August 15th, 3:00 to 6:00 PM. Felicia suggested that instead of donating we should volunteer to help them like we did at Christmas.  We will need a list of volunteers.  Please volunteer on the group chat ASAP so we can coordinate with ICARE. So far, Felicia, Rose and MaryAnn have volunteered.

We are invited to join Rockaway Beach Autism Families for Queens Culture Clash again on September 28th.  Jason went to the last event.  He said a good event but it was very crowded, and he struggled to find a place to put the box for equipment donations.  He said that if you’re a sports fan, you will find a lot of good sports memorabilia.  We will evaluate at our next meeting if we should join them again.

Radio Bingo: We will be at the Knights of Columbus on October 24th. The Committee is Jeanette, Stacey, MaryAnn, Jose, and Michelle.  Can we count on everyone in our club to make a $50-$75 basket?  Sheldon said his club has lists of what to buy for each basket.  He is willing to share it with us. To avoid repetition, Jeanette is keeping track of the baskets and what is in the baskets. Please let Jeanette know what you have decided to make.  We have raffle tickets available to sell. $5 each 3 for $10. If you want to sell raffle tickets contact MaryAnn.

Other Committee Updates:
a.  501 c3 – we can get started
b   Key Club - no news
d   Sip and Paint Event @ Raymor & Flanagan - Fall event - no news
e.  Kiwanis Signs – we have the vinyl sign. Grace is going mount it.  We need to get vinyl stickers made with a URL or our website and Jason is going to hang it…. somewhere….
f.   Roger’s Plaque – is ready, Jeanette is going to ask Renee and Mike to our next meeting so we can present them with the plaque.

New Business:
Felicia is asking all of us to follow Queens Community Board 14 on Facebook.  It will keep you updated on community events and projects

Ozzie asked us to join him on Sunday, July 27th, 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Pilot House to meet with the Community Board 14. 

Rose has invited us on a private tour of the new Labor and Delivery Suite at St John’s Episcopal Hospital, 327 Beach 19th Street.  The tour will be on Wednesday, July 23, at 7:00 PM.  Please come and wear your Kiwanis shirts.  We are also invited to the ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 31st at 11:00 AM.  Please come, enjoy the food and company, and wear your Kiwanis shirts.  There is a proposal for our club to donate an item to the bag the parents take when they go home.  Something that says Kiwanis of the Rockaways and will be visible in photographs.

In September the Walsh Pavillion, a new, top of the line oncology facility, will be similarly celebrated. We will be invited to that event also.

Scott and Kyle have been collaborating to have the club appear in the Belle Harbor & Neponsit Living Magazine.  Kyle’s photographer will give us a date and time and Scott would like as many of us to show up for the photograph as possible.  It can be on a Monday – Friday, during the daytime, at the beach.

Brian is arranging for the NY Post to do an article about our Little League Teams.

Stacey will be updating the hand-out sheet listing our accomplishments and out Radio Bingo flyer.

Trunk or Treat with the 100th Precinct will be on Saturday, October 25th.

Jun 11th, 2025

Submitted by:
MaryAnn N.

Cyclones Rockaway Night Meeting Minutes.pdf

Google Meeting of the Kiwanis Little League Committee 	June 11, 2025, 6:00 PM

Present: Scott Valentine, Jeanette Garramone MaryAnn Nellen, Jason Hernandez, Helen Montero-Hernandez, Grace Arnemann, Brian Hettich, Michelle Hettich, Jose Morales. 
Nine out of twelve members were present we reached a quorum.

Subject:	The following important events occurred this week:
Chris Moriarty from the Wave let us know that Rockaway Kiwanis was chosen, to represent Rockaway on Rockaway Night at the Cyclones Game on June 24th. We will benefit from a prize wheel, that the Cyclones will provide the prizes for, and we will also benefit and a round up at the concessions.  Members of our club will operate the prize wheel:  The following members volunteered, Scott Valentine, Stacey Savitsky, MaryAnn Nellen, Grace Arnemann, Brian Hettich, and Michelle Hettich.

Tuesday, Chris informed us that the Vice President of the Cyclones requested that one of our team members throw the first pitch!

The Cyclones also offered us tickets to the game at a discounted price, $18 dollar admission with a Cyclone/Rockaway hat included.  $13 dollar admission without the hat. 

The purpose of this meeting was to inform all the committee members of this opportunity and to vote on sending the whole league to the game.  MaryAnn made a motion to send all 21 members and one guardian for each, to the game with $18 tickets.   Helen second the motion and it was decided unanimously.  There are 21 members, 42 tickets will cost $756.00. We also decided to offer the parents extra tickets at $18 each, if they needed them.   

Helen will notify all the parents of this opportunity on the WhatsApp Little League Parent Chat that she is maintaining.  We will get a headcount this week. Helen is going to provide Jose and Jeanette contact information for each of their team members, so they can get a team chat going.  MaryAnn is going to find out if the volunteers will need to purchase tickets.

We also want to offer every member of our club and their families $18- or $13-dollar tickets. Please let MaryAnn know, as soon as possible, if you can join us!

MaryAnn Nellen

Apr 17th, 2025

Submitted by:
Dolores O.

Minutes of April 2025 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

Meeting of Rockaway Kiwanis Club
Held on Thursday – April 17, 2025@Rogers 205 Beach 116 Street

Members in Attendance:
Scott Valentine		Stacey Savitsky	Dolores Orr		MaryAnn Nellen
Jeanette Garramone	             Grace Amemann	 Kyle Meyer                  Helen Montero-Hernandez       
Kathy Giuseppone 		Felicia Johnson	Brian Hettich	            
Jason Hernandez		Erica Lawless	             Michelle Hettich
GUEST: Kiwanis Past Lieutenant Governor Janice Barr
					
President Scott Valentine lead group in Pledge of Allegiance.

Motion by MaryAnn Nellen to approve minutes of February 20, 2025 with correction to add Radio Bingo date of October 24, 2025. Seconded by Jeanette Garramone. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Treasurer’s Report – MaryAnn Nellen - Balance in accounts
Administrative Account: Balance as of 4/17/2025 $2,277.41  (Expense $100 – Deposits $196)
Service Account: Balance as of 4/17/2025 $9,654.29 (note: $960 reserved for Swim Strong Grant; $1,005 for Little League)													 Collected $700.00 ($200 – baseball pool + $500 Little League Sponsor)
Expenses: $495 NYC Parks Baseball Field Permits. $221.56 Easter Egg Hunt ($50 cash Golden Egg, $116.00 Golden Egg Prizes, purchase Easter Bunny Costume.
. Motion by Helen Montero-Hernandez and seconded by Jeanette Garramone to accept April 2025 Treasurer’s Report. Motion passed by unanimous vote.

Key Club Update: We are sponsoring the Key Club at BCHS campus – Teacher Coordinator is Sean O’Connell. Charter cost is $400. Motion by Dolores Orr and seconded by MaryAnn Nellen to approve payment of the $400 Key Club charter fee if the school is not able to cover the cost.

Special Olympics Polar Plunge – We will participate in 2026 event and partner with 100th Precinct 

Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday – April 12th -Our participate this year was different but was a great success. We provide prizes for Golden Eggs, our member Helen made a fabulous Easter Bunny, took pictures of children with Easter Bunny. For 2026 we will do the same and purchase a new backdrop for pictures.

Swim Strong – Celebration of swimmers sponsored by Kiwanis’ grant - to be held last day of Saturday swim session. Event took place on April 19th  at Far Rockaway High School. Members should arrive at 11:30am.
We will provide pizza & beverages. We will present each swimmer with a swimming medal. Need to confirm date – either 4/19 or 4/26. 

Walk-a-thon – June 14th @ 7pm - Participants asked to strive to get 20 sponsors and ask for $20 commitment which will provide $400 per participant. We will be walking from B 96 St. to B. 76 St and back to B, 96 St. Unrelated to our event there will be Fireworks at B. 92 Street for Flag Day.  A sponsor sheet will be sent to all members.  


Kiwanis Rockaway Little League – Jason Hernandez 
Flyers circulated and will continue to advise – NO registration fee – will continue to advertise and post our flyers. This is a summer league so we will continue to register children - girls & boys ages 9-12 years old.
Still striving for 5 Teams. We have been awarded a $3,000 Grant from FRANC.  Registration and player assessment will take place on April 26th 9:00am at Redfern playground Beach 12th Street and Redfern Ave.
Still looking for Coaches.  Equipment we anticipate needing: Buckets of baseball, bases (est cost $105), at least 4 helmets (est cost $35 ea). Paul King from BHPOA donated practice balls and Rule books.  Brian will take care of sign boards.

Radio Bingo  - October 24th DJ secured.  Springman Hall not available (was a much larger venue) so have confirmed booking at Knights of Columbus. Formation of committee: to date – Jeanette, Grace A., Rikki, 
MaryAnn. 

DISTINGUISHED KIWANIAN AWARDS – Janice Barr - Past Lt Governor attended our meeting to present the club and several individual members DISTINGUISHED KIWANIAN AWARDS which was awarded at the NYS Kiwanis convention.

Helen Montero-Hernandez shared with the membership that there the Prince of Peace Pentecostal Church at 18-35 Mott Avenue provides hot meal and access to a food pantry on Wednesdays. They welcome volunteers to help with prep, serving and cleanup in addition to need of food both for Wednesday meal but also to stock the pantry.  

Other business:
-Still working on 501c3
-Corn Hold/Bean Bage Toss event/committee still in the planning
-We currently have 25 Paid Members 
-Sip and Paint will be held in the Fall (NOVEMBER) @ Raymor & Flanagan – more to follow.
-Kiwanis outdoor signs –to advertise our presence in the community, we will purchase one plastic sign and post in one of 3 possible locations. 



Submitted by: Dolores Orr

Feb 20th, 2025

Submitted by:
Dolores O.

Minutes of February 20, 2025 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

Meeting of Rockaway Kiwanis Club
Held on Thursday – February 20, 2025@Rogers 205 Beach 116 Street

Members in Attendance:
Scott Valentine		Stacey Savitsky	Dolores Orr		MaryAnn Nellen
Jeanette Garramone	             Grace Amemann	 Rose Guerrier              Kyle Meyer                         
Kathy Giuseppone 		Felicia Johnson	Brian Hettich	            Michelle Hettich
Jason Hernandez		Erica Lawless	             Helen Montero-Hernandez
					
President Scott Valentine lead group in Pledge of Allegiance.

Treasurer’s Report- MaryAnn Nellen.  Balances in accounts:
Administrative Account: Balance ending in January was $1,811.15. Collected $716. Expenses $599.32. Balance as of 2/20/2025 $1,927.83.
Service Account: Balance ending in January $10,957.31. Collected $1,325. Expenses: Sponsorship Rockaway Little League Team $450; Swin Strong – Payment #2 Grant $1,800
Balance as of 2/20/2025 $10,032.31 (note: $900 reserved for Swim Strong Grant)
 Motion by Felicia Johnson, seconded by Jeanette Garramone to accept Treasurer’s Report. Motion carried.

Report of By-Laws Committee – Scott Valentine - By-Laws will be voted on at the March 20, 2025 meeting and requires an affirmative vote of 2/3 of membership. Copy of By-laws will be sent to all members Feb, 20, 2025.

Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day Parade – March 1, 2025. Dolores Orr advised location of line-up will be posted on Parade’s website – Dolores will advise all members of location as soon as it is posted.  100th Pct looking for donations for breakfast they host for Auxiliary and Volunteers on parade day. We have supported last 4 years. Consensus of members was, with all our other commitments not to donate this year.

Submission of application for a Micro-grant (Franc). Helen Montero advised of the opportunity for a micro-grant but due date is 3/3/2025 but we would need to have our books audited.  Jeanette Garramone advised she can arrange to have books audited.

Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics of NY – April 5th .  100th Precinct Team has invited us to join their team. Consensus was that we would participate. At lease 4 members have already committed to participate.

Easter Egg Hunt – Saturday – April 12th  After discussion and review of prior years participation a motion was made by Jeanette Garramone and seconded by Dolores Orr that for 2025 we will support by providing the following: Golden Eggs and associated prizes; popcorn and Helen Montero will be the Easter Bunny.

Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation 25th Anniversary Jubilee Gala – April 27th   - Motion by Dolores Orr seconded by MaryAnn Nellen to donate $200. Motion carried.

Swim Strong – Celebration of swimmers sponsored by Kiwanis’ grant - to be held last day of Saturday swim session. Need to confirm date – either 4/19 or 4/26. Will be held at Far Rockaway High School where lessons are.  Rose Guerrier will make contact with Shawn at Swim Strong.

Walk-a-thon – June 14th  other details to be discussed at future meeting

Corn Hole – Bean Bag Toss Competition – Erica Lawless working on and further information and discussion to follow.

Kiwanis Rockaway Little League – Jason Hernandez 
Flyers circulated and will continue to advise – NO registration fee – Co-Ed – ages 9-12 years old – 5 teams – 50 kids.
Need Park Permits – 10 weeks - $250. Location of field Beach 12 Street – Redfern field (TUESDAY & SATURDAYS) Shirt/hat for each player $28. Umpires $650. Insurance. CPR training. Background checks  Estimated total cost $4450.
Motion by Jason Hernandez and seconded by MaryAnn Nellen to fund Kiwanis Rockaway Summer Little League and submit Franc Grant application.  Motion carried by unanimous vote.

Radio Bingo  - October 24th DJ secured.  Springman Hall not available (was a much larger venue) so will book Knights of Columbus. Formation of committee: to date – Jeanette, Grace A., Rikki, MaryAnn. 


Submitted by: Dolores Orr

Jan 16th, 2025

Submitted by:
MaryAnn N.

Minutes of January 16, 2025 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

Our January 16, 2025, a meeting was held at Roger’s Pub. It was catered by Flip-Flop Catering.  Eddie made chicken falafel, rice and salad.  It was delicious, as always. 

At 7:30 PM, Scott called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. The following were in attendance: Scott Valentine, Jeanette Garramone, Stacey Savitsky, MaryAnn Nellen, Kathy Guiseppone, Sam Gonzalez, Antonio Handy, Jason Hernandez, Helen Montero-Hernandez, Brian Hettich, Michelle Hettich, a special appearance by Giuliana Hettich, Felicia Johnson, Jose Morales, Teri Morales. Electra Holmes came by to see if this this club was a fit for her. 

The Treasurer’s Report was read. The November Meeting Closed with $3,312.15 in the Administrative Account and we now have 1811.15 in that account.  The November Meeting Closed with 13,738.61 in the Service Account.  $4,500.00 is for the Swim Strong Grant. We now have $10,957.31 in Service Account; $2,700 is Swim Strong Grant Money. 

We are currently doing two football pools, the $20 will net $325, the $50 will net $1000

We will sponsor a Rockaway Little League Team. The sponsorship fee is $450.  After a long debate the name of the team will be ‘Kiwanis the Rockaways”.  Everyone present agreed that we should find out the schedule and support the team.  Also, MaryAnn is going to find out about getting adult sized Little League shirts, or if we can have them made ourselves.  If you’re interested in a shirt text her your size 917-515-0024, the sooner the better.

Review of November and December events:

A – Turkey and food give away, Kathy and MaryAnn met up with Michelli who worked at Cross County Savings Bank and collected food and turkeys for Thanksgiving. They bought the food and Turkeys to Helen and Antonio at St John’s Episcopal Hospital and joined them distributing food for the neighborhood. Food distribution happens almost every week and they can always use volunteers, see attached flyers.  Next year Brian and Michelle said they can get turkeys!  

B- Thanksgiving – Every year some of us cook, donate food, money, and time distributing meals on Thanksgiving morning. This year Stacey and Ed, Brian, Jeanette, Felicia, Ozzie all did an awesome job!

C- We sponsored a table at the New York Families for Autistic Children’s Annual Toy Run. It was a nice fundraiser that a bunch of us go to every year.

D- Adopt a Family.  We did a Thanksgiving football pool, and raised money to adopt a family of 6 for the holidays.  The gifts we were able to get them are listed on a flyer attached.  

E- While the Installation dinner was fun, we all agreed that we don’t want to go back to Rocco’s of Rock Beach for another party

F- St. John’s Episcopal Hospital ICare Holiday Winter Wonderland was a great event.  We made a cash donation and gave away popcorn and distributed candy donated by Madelaine’s Chocolate.  Everyone who attended would like to do it again. We can also help them give out gifts next year, like Rikki did this year.  We will also try to coordinate and communicate with the Icare Team a little bit better moving forward.

G- Movies with Santa was in St Camillus gym this year, the movie was That Christmas, the kids had popcorn, candy, pictures with Santa and each kid got a gift donated by our generous Kiwanis members or the 100th Precinct Community Council who got donations from toys for tots.  A good time was had by all!

It was suggested that St Camillus may be a good location for our next Radio Bingo…..

Also attached is a list of events we have done in the previous years.  The next one that needs our attention is the St Patrick’s Day Parade.  I am submitting the application.  Jeanette is making a list of marchers. So far, Jeanette, Scott, MaryAnn, Kathy, Teri, Michelle, Helen, Jason Felicia, and Electra are willing to march, who else?  Jeanette ordered sweatshirts last year, I guess we could still get some more.  If you need one, say something! We are getting slap bracelets, necklaces and lollipops to hand out along the parade route.

Antonio wanted to let us know that The St. John’s Episcopal Hospital is holding a health screening event in Broad Channel on Wednesday, January 29th between 2:00 and 4:00 PM at the Broad Channel Public Library located at 16-26 Cross Bay Boulevard.  They are offering A1C Screenings, Blood Pressure Screenings and Vaccinations

Jason is interested in sponsoring a 10 -12-year-old All Star Little League Baseball Team.  He would locate the best players from Queens South and form a District Team.  He thinks it would take about $1,000 for uniforms and equipment. The parents would have to pay for the travelling expenses.  He is going to put together a proposal for a future meeting.

Rikki was not at the meeting but everyone is getting interested in the possibility of a corn hole/bean bag toss tournament, maybe with a country western theme.  Get those ideas cooking.  Rikki creates beautiful, custom-made boards. No pressure…

Next meeting is Thursday, February 20th.  I hope to see you all there.

MaryAnn

Oct 17th, 2024

Submitted by:
MaryAnn N.

Minutes of October 2024 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

Our October 17, 2024, a meeting was held at Roger’s Pub. It was catered by Flip-Flop Catering. Yum!

At 7:30 PM, Scott called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance. The following were in attendance: Scott Valentine, Jeanette Garramone, Stacey Savitsky, MaryAnn Nellen, Grace Arnemann, Thomas Beard, Ozzie Edwards, Helen Montero-Hernandez, Brian Hettich, Michelle Hettich, Kyle Meyer, 

The minutes from the last meeting were accepted. 

Treasurer’s report: There is $2,934.79 in Administrative Account. Last month we added $970.00 in collected dues, $21 happy dollars, $70 for catering, $2 from Melissa at Radio Bingo. We paid $100 for catering. The Service Account has $14,322.84, $4,500 of which is for the Swim Strong Grant. From the service account, we purchased a gift card for 10/29 Trunk or Treat $106.95 and we paid DJs@Work $1,800.00. We added $915.00 in Radio Bingo ticket sales, $2,530.00 in Radio Bingo proceeds, and $200 from a donation from Robin Gonzalez for Christmas gifts. Treasury report was accepted.

Steve has generously agreed to match our fundraiser up to $500 (we will only asked him to match $300). If possible, we are going to have Steve play Santa Claus on 12/20/24 at the St John’s Episcopal/ ICare holiday gift giveaway event at the Bayswater Jewish Center, 2355 Healy Avenue, Far Rockaway. The theme will be Winter Wonderland. We will make a cash donation along with setting up a table and handing out popcorn and candy that will be there for us to distribute. We would donate up to $300 from Radio Bingo proceeds, $200 from Robin Gonzalez’s donation, and Steve will put in $300. 

The annual dues for October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, are currently being collected. Payment can be made by Zelle to RockawayKiwanis@aol.com, or paid by cash, check, or Venmo to MaryAnn. 

We have signed up to adopt a family for Christmas with the St. John’s Episcopal ICare project. Our shoppers are Jeanette, Michelle, and Grace A. To pay for this project, we are going to run a $20 football pool for the Thanksgiving Day Cowboys game. If we use the same guidelines for our $20 Superbowl pool, we should raise $250. If it sells out quickly, we can run a second pool.

Radio Bingo was a success! Everyone who attended had a good time. We raised $6,000. We took in $6,065 in ticket sales, $1,680 in 50/50 proceeds, $2,650 from the raffle baskets. We spent $2,200 on DJ@at Work, $1,100 on the hall, $700 in tips, $270 in miscellaneous expenses, and we’re still waiting on small final expenses. 
Critique: There is a discussion about raising ticket prices, eliminating table discounts, adding corporate table sponsors, and doubling the 50/50 sales. There was some blowback for not introducing political leaders which led us to develop new wording for the person speaking for us at parties: “While we are a non-political, non-religious organization, we appreciate the support of our local political, religious and community leaders.”We can acknowledge their presence, they don’t get the microphone.  

The leftover gift cards from Radio Bingo will be used for 100th Precinct Halloween costume prizes, and Installation Dinner 50/50 secondary prizes. 

Helen “left the room” and was then volunteered to chair the Membership Committee. She is also is chairing the new Holiday Committee. The members of the new committee are Helen, Jeannette, Grace A, and Ozzie. If anyone else wants to join, just say so.

We have decided not to participate in the October 26th Broad Channel Volunteer Ambulance Corp Annual Fall Festival as we are spread too thin next week. 

On Sunday, October 27th, between 12:00 and 3:00 PM, we are participating, with the 100th Precinct and other community partners, in the Halloween Costume Parade and Trunk or Treat. The Parade begins on Beach 102nd Street on the Boardwalk at 12:00 PM. We are judging the contest and suppling 3 prizes for the best costumes. We are also setting up Trunk or Treat with candy for the kids. Dolores has slap bracelets to give out, too. Scott, Helen, Jason, MaryAnn, and Grace will be attending.

We are also joining a Trunk or Treat event on October 29th with St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and the mother of Khaleel Anderson from Assembly District 31. This event will be held outside of Papa Johns at 49-01 Beach Channel Drive from 2:00 – 5:00 PM.  We made a $100 donation. Helen will be wearing her St John’s hat and Kyle and Jeannette will represent Kiwanis at the event. Ozzie will be the MC.

The Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department’s Annual Haunted House needs volunteers to assist them in running the event. Helen, Jason, Gabriel, Michelle, Brian, and Jeanette have volunteered for Friday, November 1,2024. See attached flyer.

The Installation Dinner will not be held on November 21, 2024. We are still looking for locations, Jameson’s had a pretty well-priced menu. We are checking into Rocco’s of Roc Beach and a few other places. It will probably be held on December 19th as a combination Installation Dinner/Holiday Party. Our next meeting will be held at Rogers on 11/21/24 at 7:00 PM.

Thanksgiving! Michelli has gotten Cross County to donate turkeys (she will let us know how many) for local families. If the timing is right, we can combine the turkey giveaway with the St. John’s Episcopal Hospital Thanksgiving Event on November 26th.

NYFAC Foundation Toy Run Sponsorship. Last year we donated $200 to the NYFAC Foundation Toy Run. They never cashed the check. We are adding $300 to last year’s donation and becoming a Run Sponsor. The event will be held on December 1st. Riders leave Forest Park at 1:00 PM and ride to the American Legion in Broad Channel for a fun event.

Sep 19th, 2024

Submitted by:
MaryAnn N.

Minutes of September 2024 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

Our September 19, 2024, a meeting was held at Roger's Pub.  It was catered by Flip-Flop Catering and the theme was Octoberfest. The food was wunderbar!  The catering for next meeting on October 17th will be Italian!! Molto bene!

The following were in attendance: Scott V., Stacey S., MaryAnn N., Frank A., Jason H., Helen H., Michelle H., Felecia J., Kyle M., Dolores O., our Lieutenant Governor, Janice B., and Thomas Beand, a potential new member.

At 7:30pm, Scott called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The minutes from the last meeting were accepted.

Treasurer's report: There is $1,559 in administrative account. From the Service account we donated $200 each to Governors Fund and KPTC, paid $100 for the DJ at the 100th Precinct backpack event, collected $200 from baseball Pool #3, $100 donation from the winner, and $100 donation from Senator Addabbo from a past event.  We are currently holding $4500 for the Swim Strong Grant and $5150 for our Radio Bingo event.  $2934 is available for projects.

A discussion took place based on the previous week's training event. We want to make everyone feel included and heard. If anyone is feeling left out, please let us know how we can be a better, more inclusive club.  Along those lines, we are going to keep the happy dollar collection, but we are no longer going to say how many happy dollars.  It will be a chance for everyone to say what is on their mind at the meeting.  Also, as always, we are looking to grow our club. Please invite friends to our meetings. They may be a fit.  

In October, we will begin collecting the dues for the year from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Kiwanis International is raising the dues by $25 dollars, so our dues this year will have to be raised to $150.  Please let MaryAnn know if you do not plan on renewing. This is very important.  No questions asked.  You can either Zelle the dues to RockawayKiwanis@aol.com, or pay by cash, check or Venmo to MaryAnn.  If you need a little time to gather the funds, please let MaryAnn know. It will be kept confidential.

The Swim Strong Grant needs a committee. So far, we have Helen, MaryAnn, Jason, Brian, Felicia, and Jeanette.  We will need publicity.  Kyle can help us with "Belle Harbor & Neponsit Living". The people with contacts at the Rockaway Times and the Wave can ask them for some publicity and Janice suggested we contact Walter from Forest Hills Kiwanis he has contacts with the "Queens Chronicle"

Everyone keep an eye out for sport team sponsorship opportunities If you hear of something between meetings, let us know on the group WhatsApp chat, and we will get the process moving.

We have come up with a new Christmas Fundraiser!  Steve has generously agreed to match our fundraiser up to $500.  We are going to run a $20 football pool for the Thanksgiving Day Cowboys game. If we use the same guidelines for our $20 Superbowl Pool, we should make $250 for the new Christmas Project.  If it sells out quickly, we can run a second pool.  This was also voted on and unanimously approved. 

New Christmas Project; See attached flyer from St Johns "I Care Foundation". We are going to adopt a family this Christmas!  This was also voted on and unanimously approved.

We are all looking forward to Radio Bingo on October 4, 2024, at 7:00PM at the Knights of Columbus, 3-33 Beach 90th Street.  What an impressive amount of teamwork went into this SOLD-OUT event!  We have an embarrassment of riches for our raffle baskets. At the meeting, it was unanimously decided to share the wealth and have only one tier of raffles.  Thank you to Grace A., Michelle, Stacey, Dolores, and Jeanette for the tremendous amount of work that is going into this event!   (REMINDER: Save receipts and submit ALL expenses.)

The Installation Dinner will be held on November 21, 2024.  We need a location.  MaryAnn is checking with Jameson's Pub, Jason & Helen are checking with The Rocks Billiards, Dolores is checking with her building's community space, and Felecia will be checking for the availability of the common space in the Tides building. Grace A. is checking with the VFW in Broad Channel.  TICK TOCK...

We unanimously voted to do Trunk or Treat with the 100th Precinct, again.  We will be giving out of the trunk of someone's decorated car. We will be deciding on 3 of the best costumes in different categories and rewarding the winners with pizza and ice cream gift cards.  Dolores has slap bracelets to add to the Trunk or Treat goodies.  (We are waiting on the date for this event)

We are also joining a Trunk or Treat event on October 26th with St. John's and the mother of Khaleel Anderson from Assembly District 31.  We will be making a $100 donation, and Helen will be wearing her St John's hat and her Kiwanis hat at the event.  Let her know if you can join her. This was also voted on and unanimously approved.

Also, on October 26th, 2:00 to 6:00 pm in Broad Channel, the Broad Channel Volunteer Ambulance Corp are hosting their annual Fall Festival.  We are going to table the event, donate $100, and give out candy. This was also voted on and unanimously approved. 

 


Notes:

Our George Washington, Steve, is being installed as Howard Beach's President on October 10, 2024, at 7:00 pm. The installment will be at Lenny's Clam Bar, and the charge is $35 for the meal.   Please let MaryAnn know if you're going, and she will let Steve know how many of us to expect.

On Sunday, October 13, 2024, Kiwanis of Sunnyside and Queens of Angels RC Church are having a blood drive from 9:00 AM - 3:00PM at 43-18 Skillman Ave.

The next Divisional Meeting is Melissa Verdi Montes' first as Lt. Governor. It will take place on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM at Villa Russo, 101-12 Lefferts Blvd, South Richmond Hill. The charge is $45.  Melissa will be installing officers at this meeting.  Please let MaryAnn know if you're going, and she will let Melissa know how many of us to expect.

Howard Beach is hosting their Halloween Parade on October 25, 2024. The parade starts at 11:00 am and it is always an amazing time, though it seems like one of those days that everyone has something to do.

Aug 15th, 2024

Submitted by:
Steve S.

Minutes of August 2024 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

Attendees: Scott V, Brian H, Michele H, Grace A, Dolores O, Jeanette G, Felicia Johnson and Frank Amato 

7:35: Pledge of allegiance led by Scott Valentine
Acceptance of last meeting minutes 
Treasurer Report $1584 in admin and $5359 in service  
	
Discussed committee for Swim strong Scholarship and grant: Helen, Brian & MaryAnn volunteered to be on the committee.   

In October we will be collecting the dues for the October 1, 2024 through the September 30, 2025 year. Kiwanis International is raising the dues $25 dollars, our dues this year will have to be raised to $155. The district is also raising their dues but we don’t know how much yet

We voted on giving a $200 donation to the Governor’s project (Kamp Kiwanis) and $200 Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation.  

Club Officer’s Election- Dolores Orr has volunteered to be recording secretary once elections are over.

The Bylaw committee is 8/29 @ 7pm at Pilot House to finish up

National Night Out: Felicia was at 101 PCT and said it was well attended despite the bad weather. We donated $300 to NNO for 100 PCT.

Carnival – Beach 17th Street 8/24/24. We were also invited to the breakfast at Dred Surfer. It was decided our participation this year would be the breakfast only. Felicia, Ozzie & Jeanette will be there. Scott would try  

Steve has pledged to match, up to $500, for Christmas gifts for local kids if we come up with a new fundraiser.  Any ideas?  Sip and Paint, Golf, Cornhole tournament  

Radio Bingo 10/4/2024, 7:00PM, Knights of Columbus, 3-33 Beach 90th Street. Pricing $35 to attend, discounted tables for $300/10 seats. 
Sold out within 24 hours
RSVP through text messages to MaryAnn. We need to sell 50/50 tickets $5 each & 3 for $10, let MaryAnn know how many you want to sell and buy.  Grace, Stacey and Michelle are doing a great job with door and raffle prizes. The raffle tickets for the baskets will be sold at the event by the sheet 25 for $20, which will include a door prize chance. Donations of gift baskets for the raffle are welcome.  
Do we want to get corporate sponsors for tables, if so, Howard Beach Kiwanis will sponsor a table for $100?  (REMINDER: Save receipts and submit all expenses.)

Jul 18th, 2024

Submitted by:
MaryAnn N.

Minutes of July 2024 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

July 18,2024: Submitted by MaryAnn Nellen

Meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Rockaways; July 18, 2024 @ Rogers Pub, 205 Beach 116th St.

Members in Attendance: President Scott Valentine; Vice President, Jeanette Garramone; Treasurer, MaryAnn Nellen; Grace Arnemann, Ahmad Ozzie Edwards, Michelle Hettich, Brian Hettich, Helen Montero-Hernandez, Jason Hernandez, Rikki Lawless, Kyle Meyer.  Guests in attendance, Abe Garcia, from Howard Beach Club, Yvette Renda and Joanne Briody, all three potential new members

The President, Scott Valentine started the meeting at 7:30 with the Pledge of Allegiance

The 2 newest guests introduced themselves.  Yvette Renda, a resident of the Rockaways, found out about the Rockaway Kiwanis Club on Facebook. She is very interested in helping children, so she came to the meeting to see what we are all about, and invited her friend, Joanne Briody, along.

Agenda:

Scott made a motion to accept the minutes from last meeting, Jeanett seconded the motion and it was agreed by those present. Meeting minutes are posted on the WhatsApp chat and delivered by email each month. Please review the minutes prior to following meeting.

Treasurer's Report: We started with $1560.65 in our Administrative Account. 
We collected $100 for catering and $50 for Kyle's dues. After paying Kyle's dues and $100 for catering, we are left with $1584.15 in our Administrative Account.  We started with $2909.79 in our Service Account. We added $2080.00 from our walk-a-thon. We accepted $250.00 from Glendale Kiwanis for Swim Strong and passed that $250 on to Swim Strong. We had a winner for the 2nd baseball pool that added $200 to the account. Congratulations, Ozzie!  Also, Ozzie, against objections, donated half the winnings back.  Thank you, Ozzie! That brought our Service account to $5389.79.  $2100.00 will be set aside for the Kiwanis/Punishers Grant.  Scott made a motion to accept the report and Grace seconded the motion, and all present agreed to accept the report.

Club Officer's Election:...someone ??? ...anyone? The next time someone leaves to go to the bathroom, they will be nominated for a position.

Sports Sponsorship Updates: We are looking for opportunities to sponsor sports teams.  Jason and Helen are looking into the possibility of sponsorship for the Ravens, a football team that is part of a league that plays on the field at 32nd Street and the Boardwalk.

Grant Update: The grant has been accepted and approved!  Next steps are complete the necessary paperwork, meet with Swim Strong as they need to agree to certain terms, and find out what the swimmers will need so we can create swag bags for each scholarship recipient.  The sources of the money we will be working with are: $2100 of the walk-a-thon service money, - $1500 from our partner, the *Punishers*, and $2400 from Kiwanis Kids. The total is $6000.

F.Y.I., *The Punishers* are a group of motorcycle enthusiasts many are Law Enforcement Professionals.  The group was formed to honor Richard Pearlman, the youngest EMT to die on 9-11.  They have an annual bike run in September that leaves from Flushing Meadow Park, travels over the 59th Street Bridge (Ed Koch), through 42nd Street, down to the World Trade Center, and back.  The ride ends at "Larry's Block Party."  This year, it will take place on September 14th.  I'm not sure whether they were serious or not, but we may be able to follow in a van with a Kiwanis banner.

July 13, 2024  Swim Strong Event: Jeanette, Stacey, Helen, and MaryAnn attended the event to represent Rockaway Kiwanis. This event was a part of #CityofWater Day. This is a water awareness program designed to educate the public on the dangers of water, not only from oceans, bays, rivers, and lakes but also storms, pools, bathrooms, and buckets.  It included climate change information and discussions on water safety, how to read Rockaway waters, and surfer's water safety.  Jeanette and Shevonne, with SIGMA GAMMA RHO, discussed working together on a future event.

501C3: Still waiting for IRS.

Queens West Cruise: 7/20/2024 (Government ID is required to board the ship)

From the Governor's Visit: Not mentioned at the meeting, we should have had a donation for the Governor's project, Kamp Kiwanis and I think we should also make a donation to the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation.  I think we should use the baseball pool money, $300 to each.

Bylaws: The meeting date has not yet been set.

National Night Out: Tuesday, August 6, 2024 - Set up begins at 3:00 PM and the event ends at 8:00 PM: Volunteers for 100th Precinct (Grace & Rikki - we need more) and Volunteers for the 101st Precinct (Felecia, Dolores, and Scott) Many of this group's members are working this event in different capacities. Rockaway Kiwanis donated $300 for balloon animals at the 100th Precinct event. 

Next meeting location: Several of our members are checking to find a space to hold meetings Not enough members were interested in going to the concessions at Riis Park.  Our next meeting on August 15th, 2024, will be held at Roger's Pub with Flip_Flop catering Greek Style mini chicken meatballs and lemon potatoes, $10 per person.

Carnival:  Queens Carnival is Saturday August 24, 2024, 16-27 Seagirt Boulevard, 8:00 AM through 8:00 PM.  Jason has volunteered to represent Rockaway Kiwanis by tabling the event.  I'm sure he'd like some company, but many of our members have prior commitments on  August 24th  There is interest in getting a float next year. Start working on ideas.

Radio Bingo:  Our 2nd Annual Radio Bingo fundraiser will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 7:00 PM, at the Knights of Columbus, located on 3-33 Beach 90th Street. Pricing is $35 to attend and $40 at the door if there are any tickets left. Table discount will be $300 for 10 seats.  We have 1000 50/50 tickets to sell for $5 each/3 for $10.  These prices were voted on and approved. We also need to gather DJ, door, and raffle basket prizes. The raffle tickets for the baskets will be sold at the event by the sheets of 25 for $20, which will include a door prize chance. Kyle is going to advertise event in his magazine, "Belle Harbor & Neponsit Living".  

New business: Since we are doing the grant with Kiwanis and The Punishers, we must get new ideas to help kids out in the neighborhood.  Everyone loves Jason's sports ideas, and we came up with a weekend sports event.  We'd need a lot of time to prepare, so the Spring is when we'd like to have the event.  I think Jeanette came up with the idea of naming it "Spring into Action."  We are thinking about sporting events, vendors, food trucks, etc...

Jun 20th, 2024

Submitted by:
MaryAnn N.

Minutes of June 2024 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

June 20, 2024: Submitted by MaryAnn Nellen

Meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Rockaways; June 20, 2024 @ Rogers Pub, 205 Beach 116th St.

Members in Attendance: President Scott Valentine; Vice President, Jeanette Garramone; Secretary Stacey Savitsky; Treasurer, MaryAnn Nellen; Frank Amato, Grace Arnemann, Kathy Guiseppone, Michelle Hettich, Helen Montero-Hernandez, Felicia Johnson, Dolores Orr.  Guests in attendance - From the Swim Strong Foundation, Shawn Selvin, from Howard Beach Kiwanis, Abe Garcia, and our newest member from the Rockaway Business Community, Kyle Meyer. 

We enjoyed a Hawaiian themed meal of chicken, coleslaw, and macaroni salad from Flipflops_Rockaway Catering, it was $10 per person. We will continue to cater our meetings at $10 per person, except our July 18th  Meeting will be held at the concessions in Riis Park. 

 At 7:30 President Scott Valentine led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance

Our guests introduced themselves, Abe Garcia from the Howard Beach Kiwanis Club, is possibly going to join our club as he is a Rockaway Resident.  He just completed a book "Money, Insurance & Financial Literacy For Everyone". Abe is happy to Zelle anyone $11 to buy the book on Amazon, if you leave a review for him.  Kyle Meyer, a local businessman and publisher of an informational magazine titled "Belle Harbor & Neponsit Living."

Shawn Slevin gave a presentation on the Swim Strong Foundation.  They have been doing their thing for 17 years and have changed 46,800 lives with their various programs for children, adults, seniors, multi-family, military families, etc. Shawn has interacted with 10,900 swimmers and 4,000 people from Rockaway have been trained by Swim Strong.  They have given 1.7 million free swim lessons.  With the backing of Stacey Amato, they developed an instructional film for new parents to make them aware of the everyday water dangers in and around their homes. Their training stays current and evolves with the new challenges.  You can read more at "SwimStrongFoundation.org." Shawn invited us to table an educational event with Swim Strong on 7/13/2024 12:00 through 4:00 pm, set up is at 9:30 am, at the Community Center on Beach 44th Street. 

A motion was made, seconded and the minutes report from May's meeting was accepted.

The Treasury Report was read and we spent $40.00 from the Administrative Account on catering for the May meeting, leaving $1560.65.  From the Service Account we spent $41.01 on a mini basketball net for the St Camillus, Special Olympics and we deposited $200 from the 13-run baseball pool, leaving $2909.79.   A motion was made, and seconded and the Treasury Report was accepted.

We discussed sponsoring a sports team and getting our logo on their shirts.  Everyone was asked to try to come up with some ideas.

We are postponing Sip and Paint until the fall because of parking limitations in Rockaway.  We have an artist; we need a venue. Riis Park and the Wharf were discussed as possibilities. 

Until we hear from Kakia Kia Echols we are removing the BCHS Food Pantry from the agenda.

On June 8th we partnered with the New York Public Library on Beach 92nd Street for food distribution.  Our members took up all the volunteer positions and we served many local families. 

Helen reported that St. John's Episcopal Hospital, in partnership with the Campaign Against Hunger distribute groceries to the community on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month.  Volunteers are always welcome. 

The Kiwanis Grant Program application has been submitted and accepted, we are waiting for approval.  

Our Walk-a-Thon, was a great success.  So far, we collected $2065 of our $2100 goal.  The proceeds are going to be part of the above-mentioned Kiwanis Grant.

Monday, June 17th, Kiwanis Rockaways hosted the Queens West Division Meeting at the Wharf. Thanks to our club's attendance, the meeting was a success.  Thank you all for supporting our Lt. Governor, Janice Barr.

Club officers' elections are yearly, please let us know if anyone else is interested in becoming an officer. The year runs from October 1, 2024 through September 29, 2025.  We are also looking for a recording secretary, Kathy Guiseppone is currently considering the position.  Current officers are more than willing to help new officers.

Our Division Governor, Lucien Giancursio, is visiting on Saturday, July, 20th.  Lt Governor, Janice Barr has arranged a Cruise around Manhattan Island.  It leaves from the World's Fair Marina in Flushing at 12:00 PM, and returns at 4:00 PM.  Boarding begins at 11;30.  There is plenty of parking. It is $60 per person which includes hot lunch buffet, beverages, desert, DJ, Dancing.  There will be a 50/50 and Raffles.  RSVP BEFORE 7/8 to MaryAnn Nellen.  After July 8 the ticket price rises to $150.

Rock, Stock and Barrel is Saturday, June 22, 8:00AM - 6:00PM.  We decided to skip this event because of a little Kiwanis fatigue.

Radio Bingo is scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2024, at the Knights of Columbus; 333 Beach 90th Street.  Jeanette, Dolores and Grace A. are on the Radio Bingo Committee.  They will have a presentation at the next meeting regarding pricing, 50/50 tickets and Penny Social raffle tickets and prizes and baskets.   

** Correction** National Night Out Against Crime is Tuesday, August 6, 2024.  Our volunteers for the 100th Precinct are Jeanette and Grace A.  Volunteers for the 101st Precinct are Scott, Dolores and Felicia.  We could use more volunteers.  Helen announced that she will be able to get "Population Health" to donate water bottles for both of our locations.

Carnival will be on Saturday, August 24th.  Details will follow at our next meeting.  FYI, I don't think we can count on any West 12th Road members to attend as it is their annual block party.

Helen let us know that St. John's Episcopal in partnership with the Boy Scouts of America are doing a back to school back pack event in August.  We can help by collecting school supplies or through financial donation.

Kiwanis of the Rockaways is lucky enough to have strong leaders, who along with other elected officials, are fighting to fund and establish a much-needed Trauma Center in the Rockaways.  Thank you, Felicia and Jeanette!

May 16th, 2024

Submitted by:
MaryAnn N.

Minutes of May 2024 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

May 16, 2024: Submitted by MaryAnn Nellen

Meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Rockaways; May 16, 2024 @ Rogers Pub, 205 Beach 116th St.

Members in Attendance: President Scott Valentine; Vice President, Jeanette Garramone; Secretary
Stacey Savitsky; Treasurer, MaryAnn Nellen; Dolores Orr, Kathy Guiseppone, Michelle Hettich, Rikki
Lawless. Guests in attendance - From Rockaway Beach Autistic Families (RBAF), and another
Queens West Kiwanis Club, Jeremy Bularia joined us accompanied by Joe Featherston, the organizer
of our local Special Olympics, Matthew and Michael Wolf from RBAF and Tnyetta Spencer from the
Bay 84th Street Community Garden.

We enjoyed focaccia sandwiches and Caesar salad from Flipflops Rockaway Catering, it was $10
per person. We will continue to cater our meetings at $10 per person. You can follow them on
Instagram!

At 7:30 President Scott Valentine led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance

Tnetta Spencer gave us a rundown of the projects she is involved with at the Bay 84th Street
Community Garden. They are currently collecting pill bottles and lids from bottles and jars for an arts
project they are conducting in October. They collect books and clothing for a Free Items Page on
Facebook called "Free Items Only-Rockaway Peninsula/Howard Beach". The garden grows vegetables
in member boxes, there's a box for children to plant and a box that is free to anyone to plant or collect
vegetables. Perhaps we can do a project together.

Joe Featherstone introduced himself, along with Matthew Wolf and his son Michael who are members
of RBAF. Mr. Featherstone organizes the Special Olympic individuals that meet every Monday at St.
Camillus between 6:30 and 8:00 PM, volunteers are welcome. President Scott Valentine presented Mr.
Featherstone with a new mini basketball net that Rockaway Kiwanis purchased for the Special
Olympics at the request of Jeremy.

A motion was made, seconded and the minutes report from April's meeting was accepted

The Treasury Report was read and we spent $132.20 on outstanding dues from the Administrative
Account and $150 on a journal ad for the Howard Beach Gala out of the Service account. Leaving
$1600.65 in the Administrative Account and $2751.80 in the Service Account. A motion was made, and
seconded and the Treasury Report was accepted.

Scott Valentine gave a report from the 5/4 Earth Day event with RISE. We set up a table at the event,
RISE supplied us with soil, planters and seeds. We helped the community plant the seeds, told them a
little bit about what we do and we put Kiwanis stickers on the planters.
Club officers' elections are yearly, please let us know if anyone else is interested in becoming an officer.
The year runs from October 1, 2024 through September 29, 2025. We are looking for a recording
secretary, Kathy Guiseppone, is currently considering the position.

Next Month we are hosting the Queens West Division Meeting at 7:00 PM on Monday, June 17 th
at the Wharf. The cost of dinner will be $50 per person and unlimited drinks are available for an
additional $20. We would like to support our Lieutenant Governor, Janice Bar, if you can, please
join us. Dolores Orr is going to ask Shawn Slevin from Swim Strong to be our guest speaker.

Our Division Governor, Lucien Giancursio, is visiting on Saturday, July, 20th. Janice has arranged a
Cruise around Manhattan Island. It leaves from the World's Fair Marina in Flushing at 12:00 PM, and
returns at 4:00 PM. Boarding begins at 11:30. There is plenty of parking. It is $60 per person which
includes hot lunch buffet, beverages, desert, DJ, Dancing. There will be a 50/50 and Raffles. RSVP
BEFORE 7/8 to MaryAnn Nellen. After July 8 the ticket price rises to $150.

We are awarding 4 Explorers with a Certificate of Appreciation for their hard work at the Easter Egg
Hunt. The awards will be presented at the 5/29/2024 Community Council Meeting at the Knights of
Columbus. The Explorers are Matthew Geraghty, Serenity Screen, Jayden Rosario and Ryan Meyers.

Reminder: June 8th is the Library Food Distribution event

Reminder: June 14th is the Walk-a-thon. We would like as many members as possible to
participate. We would like 15 members, to get 15 sponsors, for $15 each. If we achieve our goal,
we will be well on our way to get our goal of 24 Swimming Scholarships this summer. Our
Summer shirts are $20, let me know who needs one! I have extras.

Rock, Stock and Barrell is Saturday, June 22, 8:00AM - 6:00PM. We are putting up a table with
information and raffles. Volunteers - Scott, Jeanette, Brian, Michelle, and MaryAnn

Radio Bingo is scheduled for Friday, October 4, 2024. Jeanette, Dolores and Grace A. are met on
Monday 5/20/24 with the Knights of Columbus for a walk through.

National Night out is Wednesday, August 7,2024. We need enough volunteers to set up in both the
100th and the 101st Precincts.

Swim Strong is starting a new series of classes, The Classes are on Saturdays. We can plan to visit the
class/facility on one of the Saturdays that they are instructing.


Apr 18th, 2024

Submitted by:
MaryAnn N.

Minutes of April 2024 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

April 18,2024: Submitted by MaryAnn Nellen

Meeting of the Kiwanis Club of Rockaways; April 18, 2024 @ Rogers Pub, 205 Beach 116th St.

Members in Attendance: Janice Bar; Queens West Lt. Governor, Scott Valentine; President, Jeanette Garramone; Vice President, Stacey Savitsky; Secretary, MaryAnn Nellen; Treasurer
Kathy Giuseppone, Helen Montero-Hernandez, Michelle Hettich, Felicia Johnson, Grace Miller

Meeting was at 7:30 President Scott Valentine led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance

MaryAnn Nellen read the Treasury Report, balance in Service account is $2901.80 up $67 and $1733.13 in Administrative down $59.00

The Kiwanis Clubs elect new officers during the meetings in May.  Please consider if you would like to run for President, Secretary or Treasurer for the next year (October 2024 through September 2025) The current office holders will be happy to help and pass on whatever they have learned during their time as Club Officers

On Sunday, April 21, 2024, 2:00PM, at the Rooftop Bar in the Rockaway Hotel, a screening of "Swim Strong" is shown. You can meet the filmmaker and have some light snacks.  The link to get tickets is in the WhatsApp chat.  $25.

The website is up and operating! Scott did a great job.The link is KiwanisOfTheRockaway.org, Upcoming events, newspaper articles, committees, reports, and photos. It is full of information look.  Please send photos and other information that you would like posted to Scott on WhatsApp or email to Scott@KiwanisOfTheRockaways.org 

Sports Sponsorship Update - Helen announced that the Kiwanis Members Grant/ Scholarship application was sent in last Friday.  Brian and Michele's Club, Punishers LEMC NYC, is sponsoring us and helping us raise money for more swim lessons. Kiwanis has acknowledged the application and has requested a meeting.

By Laws Update:  Members of this committee and the officers have read the template and meet to write a draft.  Kathy has joined the committee and Scott requested that we have the bylaws in place by June.

501C3 is on hold until IRS EIN number is cleared up

Rise - May 4, 2024, Earth Day Event, 12:00 - 4:00PM - 58-03 Rockaway Beach Blvd
Volunteers, Scott, Stacey, and MaryAnn, need table, chairs, banner

BCHS Food Pantry Update, we are still trying to get in touch with Lakia Kia Echols who requested help setting up a food pantry for BCHS students on Facebook on February 28, 2024.  We would like for her to speak with us and tell us how we can help her.

Veteran in Command Food Pantry - Scott went on Tuesday to see if there was something we can do to help.  Obviously individually we can help if we want but we should not attach the Kiwanis name until we find out the nature of the complaints against Salvatore and the food Pantry

Messages from Steve Sirgiovanni, past president who was unable to attend.
1-Steve has generously offered to donate $500 for Children's Christmas gifts and play Santa Clause if we have a fundraiser for Children's Christmas gifts and raise $500.
2-Steve also suggested we approach the pastor for the House on the Rock Church. He would be a good organization to partner with and would go with someone for an introduction.

Howard Beach 62nd Annual Dinner Dance; An agreement was made to sponsor a half page of their journal, acknowledging the awards and using a photo to invite new memberships.

Sip and Paint Fundraiser: Steve we are taking you up on your offer! We are in the process of planning a sip and paint party.  Helen has approached a new business; The Rocks Billiards, 348 Beach 72nd Street.  We would like to have the event on a Saturday and we would like them to open early for us.  Helen is going to find out if that is possible.  Possible dates mentioned are 6/1,15, 29 or waiting until after the summer is over.  We will see if they will open early for us.

Queens Public Library Food Distribution is Scheduled for June 8th; We have 12 spots, last time we had to be there at 10:00 AM

Rock Stock and Barrell is on June 22, 2024.  Set up is on Beach 90th Street, at 8:00 AM, we will need a table, a tent, chairs, and volunteers

Kiwanis Street Sign - we are shelfing the idea

Walk-a-thon - we are holding the event on June 14th, 2024, at 7:00PM.  We are starting at Rippers on Beach 86th Street and walking to Beach 56th Street and back.  We are asking each member to join up, get 15 sponsors to contribute $15 dollar.  It was a small event last year but we raised enough to send 7 children for swimming lessons.  This year we are ordering Tie Dyed Kiwanis Tee shits what we are going to use for our summer events this year.  Everyone text your size to MaryAnn 917-515-0024.  We expect the tee shirts to cost less than $20. 

We would like to give a Certificate of Appreciation to the three Explorers who were very helpful during the Easter Egg Hunt.  As soon as we have their names were will present them with certificates at the following Community Council meeting.

Feb 15th, 2024

Submitted by:
Dolores O.

Minutes of February 2024 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

Meeting of Rockaway Kiwanis Club
Held on Thursday - February - Feb 15, 2024 @Rogers 205 Beach 116 Street

Members in Attendance:
Scott Valentine, President					Brian Hettich
Jeanette Garramone, Vice President                                      Michelle Hettich
Frank Amato							Felicia Johnson
Grace Arnemann                                                                        Dolores Orr
Jason Hernandez							Grace Miller
Helen Montero-Hernandez					Keisha Cunningham

Meeting called to order at7:18 pm. 
President Scott Valentine lead group in Pledge of Allegiance.

In absence of Treasurer MaryAnn Nellen, President Scott Valentine read the Treasurer's Report.  Balance in accounts are $2,205 = $1955 + $250 AND
 $ 4,518 = $4018 + 500.

Discussion followed regarding sponsoring swim financial scholarships with the Swim Strong Organization as we did last year.  The Get Ready to Swim class is $135 per student and the Learn to Swim class is $270 per student.  It was agreed that we will allocate no more than $2,000 for swim lessons.   Dolores Orr will reach out to Swim Strong to confirm when the next scheduled classes and number of students waiting for financial scholarships.

By-Laws - Jeanette Garramone and Dolores Orr will work on creating our By-Laws. 

Website Creation - Scott Valentine has the experience and will work on this, he will research the cost and domain name and will report back at the next meeting.

501c3 filing - Brian & Michelle Hettich will work on the paperwork and  reach out to Sam Esposito.

Queens West Fundraiser for Aiello Family (March 16th) -  Members need to confirm who will be attending so that it can be determined if we will get a full table.   Kathy is working on a basket to donate for the raffle.  Dolores advised she would be away but will make a donation for the raffle.

Sip & Paint - No date set as of yet but Helen working on a location.(Dread Surfer - B 17 St & Boardwalk.)

Walk-a-thon - Tentatively looking for a date in June - Event will be on the boardwalk and will start at Beach 86 Street going east to Beach 44 Street and return to Beach 86 Street for finish.

 Rockaway's St. Patrick's Day Parade (March 2nd)  
Kiwanis Banner - Helen working with vendor - will be 6 ft long and 3 ft high with a pole. It was suggested that we include Established Date of our club.  Scott stated he had the logos.
Giveaways along the parade route - lollipops and green beads.  Will there be a breakfast at 100th Precinct before the parade for PD/Auxiliary Officers working the Parade?  We will have to check because we did volunteer last year.
Discussion about carrying signs stating What Kiwanis does and flyer to hand out with our accomplishments.  Keisha will talk to 100th Precinct about providing van to transport us to parade lineup.

Rockaway Carnival (August 24th) 
On Hold - We will discuss  at future meeting - our availability to volunteer along the parade route [ Mott Ave/B 20 St to Boardwalk] &/or Table at event @ b 17 St & boardwalk

Easter Egg Hunt (March 23rd)
100th Precinct has purchased their own cotton candy and popcorn machines.
There was discussion regarding providing to each child a small beach pail or colored gift bag to children to collect Easter eggs to manage the  number of eggs each child will collect.   Dolores will check pricing for pails & bags.  And last year we ran out of paper cones for cotton candy so Dolores to purchase extra just in case.

National Night Out Against Crime - On hold to discuss at future meeting - Presence at both 100th and 101st Precincts??

Replace Bay Towers Holiday December Event with 100th Precinct Community Council Movie with Santa.  All those present agreed that we will partner with the 100th Precinct Community Council Movie with Santa this December.  Future discussion regarding toys, snacks, donation.

New Year Holiday Food giveaway -  On Hold for discussion at a future meeting

Open Items:
    - FRANC Event in June -will we table = will have to provide a give away or host an activity..
    - Sponsor a children's sports team or sports tournament 
    - Key Club

Jan 18th, 2024

Submitted by:
Stacey S.

Minutes of January 2024 Monthly Meeting of Kiwanis of The Rockaways

    - Attendance
        - 10 members
    - Treasurers Report 
        - $1954.66 Admin account
        - $4018 Service account 
    - Committees formed
        - Radio Bingo 10/4 @ Knights of Columbus
            - Felicia 
            - Helen
            - Grace Ann( Co chair)
            - Jeanette (Co -chair)
            - Dolores
            - Mare 
            - Stacey
        - Division Dinner we are hosting
            - Monday June 16 @ 7pm
                - Stacey
                - Scott
            - $50 a person
            - Wharf (parking, Buffet, cash bar, private space)  
        - Installation Dinner
            - Helen
            - Stacey
            - Mare
        - Membership Committee
            - Felicia (co-chair) 
            - Helen (Co chair) 
            - Kathy
            - Mare 
            - Grace 
        - Future committees TBD
            - National Night Out
            - Far Rock Carnival
            - Food Giveaway
            - New Year Holiday Food Giveaway
            - Walk -a thon 
                - Permits
                - Flyer 
                - Fundraising goal
    - Aiello Fund Raiser
        - Saturday March16 @ 7pm 
        - Queens West Kiwanis is holding a fundraiser to benefit the family of a longtime friend and very active member of the Kiwanis Club. 
        - We are selling 50/50 raffles for $20 each.
        - We need volunteers to put table cloths, Decorations, set up baskets, etc. NO heavy lifting at all/
    - March 24 Easter Egg Hunt 
        - Ages
        - Logistics to ensure that there is enough for everyone 
        - Bags/or buckets. Bags are much more economical since we expect a few hundred kids
        - Volunteers to help with the event.
        - Please try and volunteer for at least one committee. We need all the help we can get! 
    - Potential July meeting @ Riis Park. $15 a person for food and cash bar! July 18 @ 7pm. 
    - Next meeting is March 21@ Rogers.  
    - Next district meeting is March 18@ American legion forest hills. Cost is $ TBD