THIS SATURDAY

This Saturday, January 3, 2026

8:30 a.m. Breakfast. Let's all reconnect at our first meeting since our holiday party and share our holiday season blessings.

Norfield Congregational Church parish hall

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Dear Friends / Kiwanians:

Reflecting on 2025, I want to thank you for being an important part of my life. When I had a mini-stroke 🧠 last August, it was a surprise and jolting reminder that time and people are precious.

First, I must say that like you, I love my family. I also enjoy having fun while doing good stuff in our community and helping others. I’m grateful for Weston Kiwanis and what we have accomplished together. Some examples that make me smile 😊: our all-time record Reservoir Run results, donating new warm coats to kids (and getting a hug), contributions to Weston Human Services, our food drives for the Weston Food Pantry,…and so much more. 

I’m thrilled we have 11 new (or rejoining) members so that we can accomplish even more together. Tip: Feel free to ask your friends and neighbors to join Weston Kiwanis. Pick carefully. 😉 

As I look forward to 2026, I’m excited that we are starting off strong and busy. With terrific activities to give back - like our food and kids’ book drive on Saturday, January 17, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service with our friends at Lachat Town Farm on Monday, January 19, as we grow our partnership, and our first-ever day of service with Weston Intermediate School (WIS) PTO on Sunday, February 1. 

Wishing you good health (without that, nothing else is possible), and let’s have an amazing 2026 doing good stuff, having fun, making memories, leaving an impact that makes you smile 😊, and feel good. 

Warmly, Harry

WELCOME RETURNING MEMBERS

Barbara Gross has a passion for the Super Bowl Feast Weston Kiwanis produces for veterans and others experiencing homelessness in Bridgeport.

Diana (Didi) Heisinger's experience in past Dog Jamborees will be invaluable as we explore producing this fun community event later this year.

HOLIDAY BREAKFAST

Thanks to Harvey Luft and his holiday breakfast team for assembling our festive holiday breakfast and Herb Cotter for opening his home to view hos model train layout afterwards.

Kiwanis videos by Jim McMorris

The Proper Palate provided a luxurious spread for our holiday breakfast. It was more special with Chef Bill's son, Michael, helping Bill out in the kitchen.

There's nothing more special than the joy of a child. William McMorris daughter Belle Grace a clearly enjoying the holiday breakfast.

Click the above button to view more than 100 pictures and videos from the holiday breakfast contributed by Harry Spencer and Jim McMorris.

NEWS

AWARDS COMMITTEE GEARS UP

New member Christina Mattinson is joining Dawn Egan as co-chair of the Awards Committee. Christina and Dawn, supported by Weston High School Key Club faculty advisor Gina Arena, will soon be soliciting nominations for our club's youth awards for presentation in May and June.

SOCIAL EVENTS COMMITTEE TO BECOME ACTIVE

After a great job helping with our holiday breakfast, new member Leila Brier has stepped up to lead our reactivated Social Events Committee. Barbara Gross and Christina Mattinson are members of this "FUN" committee. Feel free to provide suggestions at the club meeting next Saturday.

CHILDREN'S BOOKS ADDED TO JANUARY FOOD DRIVE

Watch for communications from Goeff Hollander; he will be promoting the addition of gently used children's books to our food and personal products drive on Saturday, January 17 at Weston Shopping Center.

2026 DOG JAMBOREE EXPLORATION

The board has chartered an ad hoc committee to explore producing a dog jamboree this spring. Chaired by President Harry Spencer, members David Weber, Dave Burns, Geoff Hollander, Harry Falber, Sam Nestor, and Didi Heisinger will be meeting to execute on the charter:

Why: The purpose of this possible endeavor is to provide an event that the Weston community views favorably, raising the visibility and appreciation for Weston Kiwanis and helping grow our club membership.

Scope:

• Conduct a strategic high-level review of the viability and likely receptivity of Weston Kiwanis having a dog jamboree in 2026.
• Evaluate prior jamborees by Weston Kiwanis, including lessons learned.
• Obtain understanding of prior similar jamborees held in neighboring town(s).
• Develop 2-3 scenarios/options for consideration. For example, a small-scale event suitable for Weston’s new dog park, or a medium-sized event at WMS (similar to prior events); or other.

Deliverable: Recommendation to Club Board & Membership for consideration.

Timing: Preliminary recommendations should ideally be presented for discussion at a club board meeting.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY

Saturday, January 3, 2026 8:30 Breakfast. Happy New Year!

Saturday, January 10, 2026 8:30 Breakfast, Program: Steve Thomas GTKYFK; 10:00 board meetings with committee chairs

Saturday, January 17, 2026 8:30 Breakfast, food, and book drive following

Monday, January 19, 2026 Kiwanis joins Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service at Lachat Town Farm as we bolster our partnership. Weston Kiwanis sponsored a $1,000 contribution for this event and welcomes volunteers.

Saturday, January 24, 2026 8:30 Breakfast, program: True Ghost Stories of Connecticut

Saturday, January 31, 2026 8:30 Breakfast

Sunday, February 1, 2026 Weston Intermediate School Community Service Day WIS Wolf Pack Gives Back Sunday, February 1, 2026.  Weston Kiwanis sponsored a $1,000 contribution for this first ever event and welcomes volunteers.  

Saturday, February 7, 2026 8:30 Breakfast

Saturday, February 14, 2026 8:30 Breakfast, 8:30 Breakfast, 10:00 board meetings with committee chairs

Saturday, February 21, 2026 8:30 Breakfast

Saturday, February 28, 2026 8:30 Breakfast

YOUTH PROTECTION HELPLINE 866-607-SAFE (7233)

Kiwaniscope is the award-winning newsletter published weekly for the members and friends of the Kiwanis Club of Weston on Thursday mornings, September through June. Kiwaniscope is edited and published by Bob Uzenoff, who is responsible for its content.

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