October 2024 | Vol. #4 No. 5
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Three Things You Must Do this Fall
1. Visit The Pumpkin Patch
For the first time ever, ALL net proceeds go for
Wilton Family YMCA Flood Relief.
We have record sales and the best pumpkins we have ever seen.
We replenished our stock on October 8th.
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Among those who worked hard to make sure our pumpkins were properly displayed and flowers healthy were Alex Lee (“Mr. Forklift”), Colin Christ and wife, and at the bottom Paul Hannah watered the Mums and Carol Boehly watered Otto. | | |
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Kenny Kiwanis in his usual position in front of the Village Market,
thanks to Kiwanian Carol Boehly.
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2. Volunteer to Rise Against Hunger October 19th | |
The three minute video by Wilton’s Ella Breitenbach
(currently first-year at Cornell) says it all. We need more volunteers.
Only a few days left! Sign up below.
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Now more than ever…!!!
Early voting starts October 21. General Election is November 5.
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September/October Activities | | |
The Wilton Kiwanis Club supports all worthy community organizations to achieve our Vision. We recognize that “when possible, collaboration with other like-minded individuals and organizations will build a relationship and magnify impact.” | | |
Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas and First Selectperson Toni Boucher attended. Kiwanian Jack McFadden behind them. | | |
September 18 Meeting/Lunch | | |
Village Market Co-Owner Tim Dolnier provided a fascinating history of this beloved market. Kiwanis members greet customers there on quarterly food drives. Editor-in-Chief: I like the hot dogs during Memorial Day weekend. | | |
What an amazing event! In many ways volunteers are the backbone of our community. | | |
Kiwanian Jack McFadden with Amal Latouf who heads up the revitalized Newcomers Club and will be speaking at the Kiwanis meeting/lunch October 23. | | |
Trackside 20th Anniversary | | |
John Priest, Lori Fields, and Kiwanian Jack McFadden | | |
September 25 Meeting/Lunch | | |
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This was the first Induction in memory that wasn’t run by Ray Moskow.
But he sent instructions from his hospital bed!
A Message from Past President Mike Whitted
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Today, as my year as your President ends, I am filled with a mix of gratitude and pride as I reflect on the past year we’ve shared. It has truly been an honor to lead such a dedicated and enthusiastic group of individuals, and I thank each of you for the confidence you placed in me. I had good mentors to follow, in Mary Anne, Greg, Den, and Carol. But I want to give the credit for another successful year to every member of this club. We, collectively, made the club work and successful.
I believe the role of the President to be the leader of the club and the Board, a supporter of all members and ideas, not approving or disapproving of any one initiative, but being the facilitator and the messenger, seeking collaboration and direction. I appreciate how the club has supported my efforts and methods.
Due to those efforts, and in keeping with our club's tradition and vision, we came together to - “enhance and strengthen a vibrant and desirable Wilton through volunteer service, contributions, and fellowship.” We tackled challenges and celebrated successes that exemplify the heart of this Kiwanis club.
My year as President started with our efforts at the Pumpkin Patch, which brought smiles to countless kids and families and successfully raised vital funds that allow us to continue our mission. The Holiday Citrus sales and Valentine’s candy sales were further triumphs—thanks to your hard work, we spread cheer while supporting local initiatives.
Let’s not forget the highlight of our spring: the Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast. It was heartwarming to see so many familiar faces come together to celebrate our community. From brewing the coffee and flipping pancakes in the rain, to sneaking Greg’s sausages and sipping Mike’s mimosas, we served and shared a meal with hundreds. While we did raise funds for those in need and brought patriotism to town with the American flags, we more importantly continued a 50-year tradition that defines our community spirit. Our quarterly gift card drives for the Wilton Food Pantry showcased our commitment to fighting hunger right here at home. And at the annual Car Show, we found another reason to fellowship while serving hamburgers and hotdogs. Each of these events is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together. And our efforts are just funneling the generosity of others to worthy organizations like the library, the Key Club, the little league, Trackside, historical society, Rise, and more.
Most recently, in the face of catastrophic challenges, our club has stepped up to aid the Y in its flood recovery fundraising. This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting our community in times of need. I am proud of how quickly we mobilized and how generous our members have been, reinforcing the notion that we are stronger together.
Beyond our accomplishments, it’s the camaraderie and care we share that has truly made this year special. The lunches, laughter, planning sessions, early breakfasts at Orem’s, late-night Zoom meetings, and our last-Friday thirsty gatherings at Nod Hill have strengthened bonds that go beyond service work. I came to Wilton in 2017, beginning a new chapter and knowing just four people—Anita and her three kids. Since then, I’ve built a life in this community, with this Kiwanis club as an integral part of that journey. I am grateful for the friendships forged along the way.
As I pass the ceremonial “throne” and gavel to Jerry, I do so with the utmost confidence in the future of this club. Together, supporting him as our next President, we will continue to make a significant impact on our community. Thank you all for your unwavering support, your friendship, and your dedication to the Kiwanis mission. Thank you to our community for their generosity that fuels our efforts! Thank you for allowing me to be your President this past year.
Now, let’s carry this momentum forward as we continue to serve Wilton
and uplift one another.
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R to L: Jeff Turner, Mike Whitted, Jerry Sprole, and Greg Chann | | |
R to L: Greg Chann, Frank Mabley, David Sklar, Ross Tartell, and Jeff Turner
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The Wilton Kiwanis Club was proud to partner with Rotary for the cocktail/dinner event. Among the Kiwanians were Whitney Janeway, Rudi Hoefling and wife, Mike Whitted and wife, Dagny Eason, Carol Boehly, Mike Safko, Mary Anne Franco and husband, Jack McFadden and Mike Boscaino. As well as leaders from the Wilton Family YMCA and the Wilton Library sponsors. Even former YMCA CEO Bob McDowell came back (shown here being told by current CEO Christene Friedman that the Mets beat the Phillies)! | |
Chair of Wi-Act (Wilton Interfaith Action Committee) spoke passionately about the focus areas of Wi-Act: Rise Against Hunger meals-packaging (October 19th), refugee resettlement, and Cystic Fibrosis “Bridge of Hope.” | |
R to L: Dave Gortz, Marilyn Van Raalte, Keith Deangelis, Steve Hudspeth, Mike Whitted,
Jack McFadden, and Jerry Sprole
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Just a week after Ray’s passing, we were honored to have Gail Moskow visit us along with her daughters. She received a thunderous standing ovation. | | |
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Obituary: Raymond Moskow, 92, Longtime Wilton Resident, Community Leader and Tireless Volunteer
Raymond Moskow, a 55-year resident of Wilton, passed away at Norwalk Hospital on Oct. 2, 2024, after complications stemming from a fall during his beloved annual Maine vacation in July. Born in Cambridge, MA on Oct. 24, 1931, to Jay and Esther Moskow, Ray was raised in Newton, MA. He graduated from Browne & Nichols School in 1949, from Trinity College in Hartford as a DKE brother in 1953, and from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1955. He was inducted into the Grand Lodge of Masons in Boston in 1954.
Ray joined IBM in Springfield, MA in 1955. He left briefly to serve in the U.S. Army in Washington, DC and was honorably discharged in 1962 to continue his IBM career. The next year he married Gail (Eileen) Totman of Conway, MA, and in the following years, their two daughters were born.
During his 34-year career with IBM Ray assumed increasing responsibilities in 28 positions across a wide span of disciplines including sales, marketing, finance, human resources, technical service, data center and education. He was engaged in the early development and production of the IBM PC. Following his retirement from IBM in 1989, Ray spent three years directing Eastern US Administration for Comdisco, Inc.
In the decades after his career, Ray enthusiastically devoted his time and talents to community service in many leadership and advisory roles: Wilton Family Y Board President, Wilton Youth Action President, Kiwanis Club of Wilton President, Family and Children’s Agency Board Chair, and advisor to Trackside Teen Center, the Archdiocese of Bridgeport, and numerous other non-profit organizations.
When he wasn’t leading, he was a tireless joiner and volunteer.
Ray oversaw the design and construction of his family’s Wilton home in 1969 and took great pride in its expansion and upkeep. He nurtured a further diverse range of hobbies: computer technology, finance, cacti, woodchopping and lawn care, and maintained extensive collections of tools and gadgets related to these pursuits, always looking to offer a plant, loan a tool, collaborate on a project, or solve a mechanical problem. A lifelong athlete and competitor, he played college football and baseball, and was later an avid tennis player, softball third baseman, single shell sculler, cyclist, and paddle tennis player and instructor. He took up golf in his retirement and enjoyed years as a member of Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield. As an enthusiastic lifelong learner, his interests were wide and far-reaching. He was, always, a creative storyteller, joker, philosopher and poet, equally adept at playful sarcasm, youthful irreverence and deep sincerity. He loved to think, write and speak, and sent thousands of notes, newsletters, poems, lists, plans, proclamations and musings, on paper and later in email, widely to his family, friends and organizations. There were few things he loved more than finding and sharing the perfect quote, image, song or anecdote: “…couldn’t wait for my ship to come in, so I swam out to meet it!”
A dedicated family man, Ray supported the similarly passionate community involvement of his wife Gail. He loved the close company of his daughters, their husbands and six grandchildren, devoting himself to learning about and supporting their interests and pursuits, even when they diverged from his own. Holidays in Wilton and long vacations in Florida and Maine were action-packed fun and memories to be treasured. He extended his familial love to his Carriage Rd. neighbors and beyond. Above all, he was endlessly curious, energetic and positive, and proclaimed himself lucky more times than can be counted.
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Credit: contributed / Moskow Family
He is survived by Gail, his loving wife of 62 years; their daughters and spouses: Meredith/Merrie (Todd Bolon) and Lisa Moskow (Dan Wilga) and six grandchildren: Henry/Hank Moskow Bolon (Kaitlyn), Nathaniel/Nate Howard Bolon, Calvin Jeremy Bolon, Roxane Lisa Bolon, Alexander/Alex Aramis Wilga and Scarlet Meredith Moskow; and his many Moskow and Totman family nieces and nephews.
Ray’s ashes will be interred in Gail’s family plot in the Pine Grove Cemetery in Conway MA on what would have been his 93rd birthday on Oct. 24. The family welcomes all to celebrate his life on Dec. 20 4 p.m. at Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kiwanis Club of Wilton or the Wilton Family Y.
GMW Editor’s note: I was privileged to have known Ray Moskow, and consider Ray and Gail as friends. They both wowed me with their dynamic personalities and endless devotion to the organizations they supported and the causes in which they believed. Whether it was speaking at Town Meetings as seniors in favor of budget increases for Wilton’s schools long after their children had graduated or standing for hours at the Kiwanis pumpkin patch, they taught me by example what it means to be of service to the community and to do so selflessly.
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photo: GMW Credit: GOOD Morning Wilton
I was the recipient of many of Ray’s emailed notes and musings, and was fortunate that he was a fan of GOOD Morning Wilton. I was thrilled to get one such email thanking me after Ray and Gail were able to watch our live coverage of some Wilton event from their vacation home in Maine. But one of my fondest memories was of the tour Ray gave me for our story on his cactus collection, the joy he shared as he told me about his prized 300-plus cacti — where he got them, what varieties they were and more. When I helped him ‘rehome’ those beloved cacti before his recent move by spreading the news that he was looking for people to adopt them, I loved hearing from all the people that responded and met Ray at his home, relating how they were captivated by his indomitable spirit and joy after just one interaction with him. Along with Gail, Ray set the bar high for demonstrating what it means to be a member of a community through long-term involvement and positive contributions. I will certainly miss him.
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1. What is the rank of the United States out of 172 countries worldwide in voter participation?
a. 19
b. 109
c. 139
2.Who has not been a member of the Electoral College from Wilton?
a. Kiwanian John Kalamarides
b. Deb McFadden, wife of Kiwanian Jack
c. Ace Frehley
3.Which cartoonist came up with the Donkey and Elephant symbols for the Democratic and Republican parties?
a. Walt Disney
b. Thomas Nast
c. Robert Crumb
4.What is not true about George Washington?
a. He was the only President not affiliated with any Party
b. He had wooden teeth
c. He spent his entire campaign budget on liquor for potential voters.
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Six Years Ago in Our History | | |
Pictured above: Chris Titus of the Wilton Playshop accepts a check from Kiwanis members Carol Boehly, President Jack McFadden, and Vice President Gregg Chann. | | |
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"Did You Know?"
Answers: 1. C, 2. C, 3. B, 4. B
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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
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