Kiwanis of Meriden held its Past Presidents, Legion of Honor, and Legion of Merit Awards dinner at the Il Monticello Restaurant on Fri. Jan. 27, 2012. Organized by Kiwanian Ed Murphy, a delightful dinner accompanied numerous recognitions and awards. A somber ringing of the bell for each deceased past president was followed by a prayer. Then each attending past president was asked to stand to be recognized.

Bob MacDuff was presented the Legion of Honor, followed by the recognition of Legion of Merit members. Kiwanian and Meriden Mayor Mike Rohde made a special presentation to the B.A.B.E.S., a group organized by MAWSAC (Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council) which performs weekly in area elementary schools to provide education about substance abuse. And Ray Parmentier was presented with a red jacket.

Steve Hinson from Kiwanis International and President Bob Gollnick presented the Zellar Award to Past President Carol Reiss for her efforts in getting the Foundation to donate $2,000 to The Eliminate Project last year, and delivering the check to the International Convention. This well-attended event was a treat for all who attended.

Meriden Mayor Mike Rohde - Presentation of official city pin to the B.A.B.E.S.

Walter Deptula Public Speaking and Essay Contest

MERIDEN — The Walter Deptula Public Speaking and Essay Contest, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club, was held Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at Washington Middle School. Here are the winners for each school, by category:

Edison Middle School Speaking: First, Jadan Washington; second, Sarah Elanaya; third, John Khillah.
Essay : First, Sarah Elanaya; second (tie), Joy Kwentoh and Jadan Washington; third, Jennifer De Jesus.
Lincoln Middle School Speaking: First, Alexia McClammy; second, Sabrina Forbes; third Place, Olivia Carbone.
Essay : First Place, Alexia McClammy; Second Place, Emily Lowit; Third (tie), Sabrina Forbes, Luke DeMay, Christine Pandiani.
Parochial schools Speaking: First, Carolyn Petrowski; second, Lily Pagan; third, Julian Cardona.
Essay : First, Lily Pagan; second, Carolyn Petrowski; third, Tyina Melendez.
Washington Middle School Speaking: First, Ryan Hartenstein; second, Justin Legere; third, Troix Alexzandra Jackson.
Essay : First, Justin Legere; Second, Troix Alexzandra Jackson; Third (tie), Daniel Chesmar, Ryan Hartenstein.

FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES
Kiwanis Kapers - a two night variety show held in early November
Meriden Daffodil Festival - we sell fried dough at the food tent during April
Kiwanis Peanut Day - scheduled in early June, we sell peanuts by the bag and by the case
Kiwanis Giant Tag Sale - held in June
Bicycle Rodeo & Safety Day - held in July
Bell ringing for the Salvation Army - held in December
Other fund raisers in the past have included Kiwanis Kwiz Bars, Cow Plop Lotto (Splotto) and a bus trip to Mohegan Sun

OTHER ACTIVITIES
New England District of Circle K
Kiwanis Computer Center at the Meriden Public Library
Kiwanis Teddy Bear Project
Kiwanis Deptula Speaking Contest
Kiwanis Hi-Liters
Kiwanis Family Safety Day & Bike Rodeo
Kiwanis International
Kiwanis Educational Awards

American Cancer Society's Relay for Life
B.A.B.E.S. - a drug awareness program for elementary children
Beat the Street
Child Safety Seat Stickers
Ed Walsh Little League
Girls Inc. of Meriden
John Barry Little League
John Nerden RTC Camp
Kiwanis Reads to Kids
Maloney High School Allegrettos/Platt Pentangles
March of Dimes
Meriden Girls Softball League
Meriden Senior Citizens Center
Martin Luther King/Albert Owens Scholarship
Meriden Emergency Services - Spirit of Giving
Project Graduation
South Meriden Youth League
South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department - Brian David Ash Fund
Triad of Meriden