We’ve had two special editions, in July and during the fall, alerting our audience to special events not-to-be missed. They covered the annual Kiwanis Car Show (July), the annual Kiwanis Pumpkin Patch (Sep/Oct), the Wi-Act Rise Against Hunger event (10/18), the Doug Jones celebration of life and Kiwanis/Wilton Go Green Shred Day (10/25), the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints open house (11/7-9), and Tom Harrington celebration of life (11/15).

GOOD Morning Wilton

Heather Borden Herve, GMW Editor/Publisher

Now we are ready to share a “full” newsletter, so buckle up! This one will

report about recent events as well as upcoming activities.

First, let’s review results from the largest single-day volunteer activity in

New England: the Wi-Act Rise Against Hunger meals-packaging event and also the upcoming quarterly Kiwanis Food Drive.

People Are Hungry!

What Are YOU Going to Do About it?

Two events reflect the generous spirit of our Wilton Community whose

impact is felt far away and right next door.

On October 18th 700 shift workers packaged 150,300 meals participating once again in the largest single-day volunteer event in New England for Rise Against Hunger. The glorious details were outlined in articles in Good Morning Wilton and the Bulletin on the same day, timed to be released prior to Thanksgiving to remind us of our abundance in Wilton and the needs of others. And also the joy of service. This year’s meals went to Africa and Asia.

Check out two articles on this amazing events

in The Wilton Bulletin and Good Morning Wilton.

GOOD Morning Wilton

Heather Borden Herve, GMW Editor/Publisher

The Wilton Bulletin

Opinion by Steve Hudspeth

Last year generous Wilton citizens contributed more than $50,000 in cash

and gift cards from Kiwanis greeters in front of the local Village Market and Stop & Shop –the largest amount in more than a decade. And the December drive was the largest quarter ever. Given the more desperate need, we hope to do better this year.

Wilton Go Green and the Kiwanis Club of Wilton invited the community to take part in Fall Community Shred Day. It was a chance to shred documents securely while supporting local programs.

Remembering

Tom Harrington

1931 - 2025

Remembering

Eugene D. Jones

1925 - 2025

Remembering

Judith B. Zucker

1929 - 2025

The Judith B. Zucker Community Engagement Fund recognizes individuals engaged in community service benefiting Wilton residents. Through annual $5,000 awards, the Fund seeks to honor individuals working in areas Judy cared deeply about, including senior services, food insecurity, affordable housing, and education. In selecting honorees, the Fund committee considers a broad set of factors, including, but not limited to, voluntary service on town commissions and boards or leadership roles in Wilton-based or neighboring community nonprofit organizations, as well as a track record of selfless dedication to the public good, innovative problem solving, and thoughtful bipartisan participation in complex civic issues, all with humility, kindness, and a commitment to excellence.

If you would like to nominate yourself or another individual, Click Here

to access the Application and Guidelines. Applications must be received by March 1.

The fund is managed by the Wilton Kiwanis Foundation (a 501(c)(3) organization), and all donations to the Fund are tax-deductible. To give, send checks payable to Wilton Kiwanis Foundation, to P.O. Box 204, Wilton, CT 06897 (with Judy Zucker Fund in the memo line). Your support helps continue Judy’s legacy of service and strengthens the Wilton community.

Breakfast with Santa and Buddy the Elf

at the Y for the Melissa McFadden Scholarship

Steve Hudspeth - Wi-Act

We enjoyed an inspiring event featuring Steve Hudspeth from Wi-Act.

For years, Wilton Kiwanis had generously supported Wi-Act’s vital meal-packaging efforts, and we were excited to share more about the incredible work they did. Wi-Act is a vibrant consortium of 12 local faith communities - Christian, Hindu, Jewish, and Muslim united by the motto, “We Act Together For Good!”

We also proudly presented a $2,000 check to support their continued mission of serving others. It was a wonderful opportunity to learn how we could come together to make a meaningful difference in our community.

Matt Raimondi

Matt presented the Wilton Town Budget Report, offering a detailed overview of the key updates, trends, and financial insights shaping what was happening in our town. He provided valuable context on Wilton’s current fiscal landscape and highlighted the factors that were influencing decisions and priorities across the community.

Bishop Brad Gibson

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The Kiwanis Club of Wilton was honored to welcome Bishop Brad Gibson as our guest speaker on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at WEPCO Parish Hall. Bishop Gibson shared updates on the newly completed Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse in Wilton from its design and vision to how it was expected to serve both its congregation and the wider community.

Nick Foster

Director, Wilton Historical Society



We welcomed back Nick Foster, a familiar face and good friend of the club, who shared insights on the Indigenous people of Connecticut and Wilton’s early history. Nick also updated us on what was new at the Wilton Historical Society and how our ongoing partnership helped connect Wilton’s past with its present and future.

James Bias, CAWA

Executive Director, Connecticut Humane Society

The Club welcomed James Bias, Executive Director of the Connecticut Humane Society, for a presentation on the new Pet Resource Center in Wilton.

With more than four decades of experience in animal welfare, James led organizations across the country, including the SPCA of Texas and the Humane Society of North Texas, overseeing shelters, clinics, and community outreach programs. His leadership helped expand lifesaving initiatives in sheltering, veterinary medicine, and pet retention services.

James shared how CHS’s Pet Resource Center supported pets and families in our local community and advanced the mission of keeping animals healthy, safe, and loved.

Happenings, the Newsletter of the Kiwanis Club of Wilton CT, Inc.,

Editor-in-Chief: Jack McFadden

Managing Editor: Saul W. Goldberg

Please send your news and announcements to: 

concom@optonline.net