volume 50 issue 2
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Cirkling “ I PLEDGE TO UPHOLD THE OBJECTS OF CIRCLE K INTERNATIONAL,TO
FOSTER COMPASSION AND GOODWILL TOWARD OTHERS THROUGH
SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP, TO DEVELOP MY ABILITIES AND THE ABILI-
TIES OF ALL PEOPLE,AND TO DEDICATE MYSELF TO THE REALIZATION OF
MANKIND’S POTENTIAL! “
Volume 50 Issue 2 July 2014
ICON Recap 1-2
Welcome Victoria Dayton 3
Football to Eliminate 3
Governor’s Page 4
K-Family Picnic 5
From the Editor’s Desk 6
Back In The Day 7
Mark Your Calendars 8
The Ronald McDonald House 9
Club Officer Spotlight 10-11
Kiwanis Spotlight 12
Fun Facts 13
Contacts 14
The Official Publication of the New Jersey District
A Recap from Subregion E Trustee Shivam Patel
On the week of June 17th, 2014, members of the New Jersey Dis-
trict had the opportunity to travel to Nashville, TN, where we celebrated
this year’s 50th annual Circle K International convention and large scale ser-
vice project!
Rebranded under the name “CKIx,” this year’s convention truly took
our expectations for the organization to the next level- providing informative
workshops, spirited sessions, and amazing service projects for our members
to enjoy. The first two days of CKIx kicked off with our organization’s annual
Large Scale Service Project, where members of our district split up in to
teams comprised of different students across the globe. From there, teams
had the opportunity to tackle unique service projects with an assigned team
leader- one of whom happened to be our district’s very own governor, Dawn
Kreder! (Cont. on page 2)
Icon Recap Cont.
NJCKI Awards included: Distinguished District, Distinguished Governor
Shivam K. Patel, Distinguished Secretary Dawn Kreder, Distinguished LTGs
Victoria Dayton, Brooke Lichter, and Annabelle Fallarme, and Distinguished
District Committee Chair Stephanie Morales.
After two fun-filled days of fellowship and service, the event quickly jumped into the business items of the con-
vention- in which former Subregion-A trustee Kathy Le had been elected our International President for the 2014-2015
service year! In addition, former New York Circle K Governor and friend to the New Jersey District Kelly Chan had also
been elected in to the office of our Subregion-F trustee, and will be serving with us this year along with the districts of
New York, Capital, New England & Bermuda, and Eastern Canada! Last but not least, your’s truly was elected to serve in
the office of Subregion-E trustee for the upcoming year as well, providing council to our neighboring districts of Pennsyl-
vania, Kentucky-Tennessee, Ohio, and West Virginia!
Toward the latter days of convention, members were treated with very special presentations on empowerment
from Phired Up, as well as food etiquette with Momma Nonnie. In addition, the organization also held a nighttime awards
ceremony, in which the New Jersey District did fantastic work in sweeping up the convention! The Circle K club of Rutgers
University won first place for both Single Service and the Eliminate Project. The New Jersey District as a whole won two
honors for having fundraised the second highest district total, and the highest per member total for the Eliminate Pro-
ject respectively. In addition, our 2013-2014 district board went home with a record breaking total of 7 trophies, with
Eliminate Chair Stephanie winning Distinguished District Chair, Lieutenant Governors Brooke, Annabelle, and Victoria all
winning Distinguished LTG, Secretary Dawn in winning Distinguished Secretary, and myself in winning both Distinguished
Governor, and District for the state of New Jersey as a whole.
As the convention concluded on Saturday night, we had the opportunity to reflect on our fantastic 6 day experience in
Nashville by dancing the night away with members from across the nation. CKIx this past week was truly a celebration to
remember, and we hope you’ll join us next year for our organizations 60th anniversary, in Indianapolis, Indiana!
Our New District Board Member/ Football to Eliminate Recap
First of all I would like to thank every-
one who was able to make it to FTE; it
was an awesome event and one that we
will now be making a tradition at
Brookdale. Also I would like to take
this opportunity to thank Christian
Blanco and Christopher Heil, who did all
the work in setting everything up and
organizing the event. We were able to
raise 245 dollars for the Eliminate Pro-
ject and it also gave Brookdale an awe-
some start to the new service year.
By: Kyler Hourahan
Brookdale President
Metro LTG Year: Post-Graduate
Major: Biology & Classical Studies
Fun Fact: I’ve been a member of the
Kiwanis family for 9+ years!
The Governor’s Page!
Greetings, y’all! Okay, you may be wondering why my introductory message contains some “southern lingo.” Well, the answer to
that question is because I just spent a week down in Nashville, Tennessee for CKIx! I had a great time meet-
ing CKI members from all over the world, serving at the Nashville YMCA and Nashville Zoo during LSSP, and
reminding myself about why I joined and proceeded to stay in our mighty organization. Having members from
every district (and even clubs around the world who have yet to be included in the districts) surround you at
every session and workshop allows you to hear about the individual CKI experiences that people have. Of
course, there are those who were in Key Club and wanted to continue their K-Family journey. But then, there
are others who just saw the opportunity that they had to evoke positive change on their homes, campuses, and
communities that stumbled across Circle K by chance. No matter how these members got involved with Circle
K, I have to say that every one of these 13,000+ members that I have had the honor of meeting has a heart of
gold that has inspired me to do more as I returned home back to New Jersey.
So, NJCKI, what does this mean for you? It means that you should make the most out of each day you
have to perform even a small act of kindness for the world around you. Volunteer at one of the three Ronald
McDonald Houses, help fundraise for the Eliminate Project, tutor some of the schoolchildren in your communi-
ty, or just smile and say hello to a stranger you pass on the street. The size of the service is not the most im-
portant thing, but the fact that you are actively trying to help is what is. We are all members of Circle K In-
ternational, and together, we really do make a difference!
K-Family Picnic!
Join the NJ Kiwanis Family at the K-Family Picnic on July 20th, hosted by The
Richard Stockton College of NJ! The cost is $10, which includes a delicious barbeque
as well as meat-free options for our vegetarian friends! Make sure to bring some extra
cash and participate in our pie a board member fundraiser. All members of the Kiwanis
Family are welcome, so spread the word! If you have any questions about K-Family Pic-
nic, please contact Kiwanis Family Chair, Rocky Trifari at [email protected] and
make sure to RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/304891493020898/ .
From the Editor’s Desk
Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying your summer breaks thus far. We have LOTS of exciting things coming our way, and I en-courage you all to join the New Jersey District at the K-Family Pic-nic this month. I know I’m getting a little ahead of myself, but who else is SUPER PUMPED for Insight? Start stocking the piggy banks now, because you definitely don’t want to miss this weekend. Don’t forget to continue sending your hours to your club secretaries, and take this time off of school to make a difference in the lives of oth-ers. Find a local soup kitchen or do some yard work for an elderly neighbor. Visit a local animal shelter and give some much needed love and affection to cuties like this guy in the corner. Even better, find your local Ronald McDonald House and reach out! Enjoy the rest of your summer and stay cool!
Rachael & Cain the Pitbull
POP QUIZ Be the first to email me at
[email protected] with the correct answer
to this question, and you will receive a prize!
Anyone is welcome to play, but you must be
present at K-Family picnic to claim your prize!
What was the first district of CKI and
when was it established?
Circle K International Convention: My
Snapshot This past weekend, students from around the world were
afforded the opportunity to come together with the similar
purpose that unites them at the club and district level, our
three pillars: service, leadership, and fellowship. While at
ICON, it is easy to point out similarities and differences to
years past, but one of the most engaging aspects of ICON
has been, and will always be, the bonding that occurs
between members. But, what is ICON really as it stands, a
larger DCON, or something more? The two are similar in
the presentation of candidates, the aim of offering
workshops, service opportunities, and cohabitated living. It
is, however, the grandeur scale of which the events
surrounding the international one that makes the difference.
Nearly four thousand hours of service got accomplished at
the host city, Nashville this year . Candidates from around
the world offered learning experiences for both the voting
members and the candidates themselves. And the
workshops were offered by individuals with varying real
life experiences and fundamentally sound influences. So,
the international flavor of it all has perhaps intrigued you,
but what does that really mean? I had the opportunity to
present to more than 60 students (more on that in a moment)
from across not just this country, nor continent, but the
world. Students from Canada to the Philippines, from North
to South were present to expand their palettes when it
comes to education of topics. As far as workshops, students
were given nearly a full day's worth of offerings to choose
from, covering things from dining etiquette to personal
finances. NJ District was represented by three workshops
offered, one from your District Administrator, Mickey
Cohen, and two from myself. These opportunities to pass on
our experiences and expertise broadens the scope of what
the students have to offer, while allowing Mickey and
myself to hone our skills. Mickey and Rutgers chapter
faculty advisor Michael Murray also assisted in judging of
awards, and everyone's favorite Zone Advisor, Joey G, was
once again a familiar face when certain individuals were
looking for some clarity on bylaws and the history of our
organization, from the longest House of Delegates (13
hours!) to the explanation of the combination of bylaws and
constitution, to the progressed adaptations of past
conventions to now. Your immediate past governor, Shivam
Patel, offered a glimpse of what one of my presented topics,
moving forward when you've been knocked down, means
by parlaying his defeat as international president into a Sub
Region E representative position at the behest and vote
of the individuals he will diligently represent. Another unique
opportunity I spent time absorbing was the service fair, an
offering that gave clubs the opportunity to showcase some
projects that are near and dear to them. Surprisingly, many of
these programs were pretty large in nature and size, but all of
them had impacts felt in and across their home communities. I
took this opportunity to discuss the focus, intent, and overall
impact from my point of view with several of the students, and
made some contacts for future collaboration or discussion.
All in all, International Convention doesn't shake out to be
better or worse than our very own District Convention, but
rather a furthering of the good you all accomplish. A
lasting impression, you should all be extremely satisfied
with your work this year, as you will once again have a
home grown member sitting on the International Board,
won distinguished awards for service projects, district, a
multitude of positional awards, and even a talent show! I
say satisfied, that while NJ experienced great recognition,
there is still plenty of room to grow. And under the
leadership of your current board, spearheaded by Governor
Dawn, you have all the tools in place for another ever
expanding successful year. Don't forget; service,
leadership, and fellowship don't disappear during the
summer, so get moving! See you all at the K Family
Picnic, and remember to Live to Live, Love to Serve
By: Brian Pluchino
Mark Your Calendars!
July 2014 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 Randolph
Freedom Fes-
tival
4 Randolph
Freedom Fes-
tival
5 Randolph
Freedom Fes-
tival
6 7 8 9 10 11 12
13 14 15 16 17 18 19
20 K-
Family Pic-nic!
21 22 23 24 25 26
27 28 29 30 31
Contact District Secretary Rena Patel at [email protected] if you are
interested in helping out at the Randolph Freedom Festival with all branches
of the Kiwanis Family!
District Service Project: The Ronald McDonald House
Our district has decided that the Ronald McDonald
House will be our District Service Project for the 2014-2015
service year. Our district will approach this service project in
three ways: collection, creation, and serving on site. Collec-
tion will include collecting pop tabs and possibly collecting
food and toys for the various sites in New Jersey. Creation
will include making something for the children staying at the
Ronald McDonald House such as hats, bears, or blankets.
This will allow for each of the clubs to contribute to our ser-
vice project from their home clubs! For serving on site the
goal is for our district to volunteer at the Ronald McDonald
House three times this summer and two to three times each
semester. We will visit different sites in New Jersey, making
it easier for all of the NJ Circle K members to attend at least
one visit. Not only we will be providing much needed ser-
vices for an amazing organization, these visits are a great op-
portunity for inter-clubbing with Circle K, Kiwanis, and Key
Club!
Our district has an extraordinary goal for this service
year: to complete 20,000 service hours! I have full faith that
our phenomenal district will achieve this goal, making the
world a better place in the process. Our district may be small,
but we are mighty. In the words of Margaret Mead, “Never
doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens
can change the world; indeed it’s the only thing that ever
has.” New Jersey District, will you rise to the challenge?
Let’s change the world, one service project at a time.
Have any questions, concerns, or suggestions? Feel
free to contact me at [email protected]
By: McKenzie Lillia, District Service Chair
The story begins in 1974, with the first Ronald
McDonald House being established in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania. Kim Hill, the daughter of Fred Hill of
the Eagles, was diagnosed with leukemia. Thus, Hill
experienced firsthand the need for a place for the par-
ents and families of hospitalized children. Together
with the rest of the team, their general manager, and
Dr. Audrey Evans, Hill was able to make this dream
become a reality in Philadelphia. The organization has
grown to include almost 300 Ronald McDonald Hous-
es in 30 countries! In New Jersey, Houses are located
in Camden, New Brunswick, and Long Branch. The
Ronald McDonald Houses of New Jersey alone have
served over 21,000 families!
There are various ways to help this incredible
organization. While volunteering individually at the
New Brunswick or Long Branch sites, one can be-
come a house parent, an office volunteer, a fundraising
volunteer, a volunteer ambassador, a daytime volun-
teer, or a special project volunteer. When volunteering
as a group, there is the option to cook meals or bake,
volunteer as planters, gardeners, and clean up crews,
assist with holidays and celebrations ,or collect pop
tabs. While volunteering individually at the Camden
site, one can become a house volunteer in the morn-
ing/afternoon or evening. If you are volunteering as a
group, you can host Family Fun Nights or Dinner
Groups.
Club Officer Spotlight: Our Treasurers!
Alyssa Mol
Caldwell College
Olivia Rutler
Drew University Jess Veneziano Rider University
Laurel Bloch Farleigh Dickinson University
Alexandra Rivera St. Peter’s University
Elizabeth Bullock
The Richard Stockton Col-
lege of NJ
San Smallwood
Monmouth University Patrick Shulack Brookdale Community
College
Club Officer Spotlight: Treasurers!
Lidish Pandya Rutgers University
Jennifer Hickok
ACCC
Diana Tenebaum TCNJ
Christopher Waldron
Rowan University
Kiwanis Spotlight: College & University Relations
Bruce Marich has worked in the community college sector for over 37 years, beginning at Mid-
dlesex County College in 1976 and for the last 28 years at Brookdale Community College. He
has been Brookdale’s Director of Recruitment Services since 1988. In 2011, the Brookdale
Alumni Association presented him the Robert Barringer Award, the highest award an employee
can receive, in recognition of his work with students and his ties to the community.
Bruce has been advisor for the past 25 years to the Brookdale Circle K Club. Prior to
Brookdale, he was advisor to the Middlesex County College Circle K Club. During his tenure as
an advisor, his clubs provided the New Jersey District of Circle K five governors, the Pennsyl-
vania District one governor, five secretaries, one treasurer, and thirteen lt. governors. The
Brookdale club has also been recognized at the district and international levels for their ser-
vice activities. Bruce has been recognized for his involvement at the national and state levels.
He is the recipient of the Circle of Service Award, the highest recognition given to a non-
Circle K member, by Circle K International. He is the recipient of the NJ Circle of Service
award. Also, the New Jersey District-Circle K Outstanding Faculty Award bears his name.
Bruce has been active in the parent organization for Circle K and Key Club, Kiwanis Interna-
tional. In 2005-2006, he served as Governor of the New Jersey District. He is a past presi-
dent of the Kiwanis Club of North Brunswick and the Kiwanis Club of East Brunswick. He was a
charter member of the Kiwanis Club of NJ Young Professionals. He is now a member of the Ki-
wanis Club of New Brunswick where he serves as Kiwanis advisor to the Rutgers University Cir-
cle K Club.
Bruce and his wife Jackie (DC’66) have been married for 46 years and currently reside in
North Brunswick. They have four children and eight grandchildren.
In his spare time, Bruce enjoys the three “S’s” on the Jersey shore, doing section hikes on the
Appalachian Trail, tailgating at Rutgers and Giants games, attending Jimmy Buffet concerts,
and traveling.
Fun Facts about CKI
Our Vision Partners
Our Preferred Charities
Our Service Partners: Better World Books and STUFH (Students Team Up To Fight Hunger)
VISION To be the leading global community-service organization on college and uni-
versity campuses that enriches the world one member, one child and one community at
a time.
732-597-1570
Dawn Kreder
District Governor
609-781-2657
Max Hirsch
District Treasurer
732-439-0832
Rena Patel
District Secretary
609-634-4609
Rachael Stieg
District Editor
Contact the District Board!