Thursday, October 30, 2025

Good morning, !


In this issue, read about our speaker this Saturday, The Croc King, view a video thank you message from President Harry for the most successful Reservoir Run ever, ICYMI, hear Lisa Wexler's interview with President Harry promoting the Reservoir Run, News 12 Connecticut's Frank Recchia's interview, and find a link to Ted Craft's coverage in Weston Today.You'll find the first set of many Reservoir Run pictures to come, and news about a new adornment to the happy bucks can.


This edition includes a link to the Lisa Wexler Show interview missing in the original. - Editor

This Saturday, November 1, 2025


8:30 a.m. Breakfast meeting with speaker.


Doogie Sandtiger, known as the "Croc King," has set the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of Crocs shoes, amassing over 3,800 pairs as of late 2025. A native of Connecticut, Sandtiger started collecting the footwear as a child because he didn't know how to tie his shoes, a skill missed during his time in foster care. 

Norfield Congregational Church parish hall

UPCOMING BIRTHDAYS

November 5, Jess DiPasquale

November 20, Harvey Luft

November 20, Jim Magid

November 21, Tom Failla

November 27, Dave Burns


UPCOMING WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

November 15, Bernard Wilson (Nereida)

November 16, John Moran (Susan)

November 24, Ed Hutchins (Barbara)

LAST WEEK

MOST SUCCESSFUL RESERVOIR RUN EVER!

By Harry Spencer

Thank you to everyone who volunteered and helped us achieve our most successful Reservoir Run EVER!

Kiwanis Club of Weston President Harry Spencer congratulating members on a successful Reservoir Run.

The 14th annual Reservoir Run recorded the highest-ever total registration with 579 registrants for the half-marathon, 5K, kids fun run, and, new this year, family stroll.

Event

Total Registration

Half Marathon

258

5K

275

Kids Fun Run and Family Stroll

46

Total

579

Harry Spencer is the president of the Kiwanis Club of Weston.

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. Weston Women's League's Trunk or Treat

RESERVOIR RUN IN THE MEDIA

Kudos to Communications Committee Co-chairs Harry Falber and Steve Haas for achieving unprecedented social media exposure of the Reservoir Run, notably Facebook, Lisa Wexler for interviewing President Harry on her radio show, News 12 Connecticut lead reporter Frank Recchia for television coverage, and Weston Today's Ted Craft for coverage in our local, independent Weston Today.

Click here or on the image above the listen to Lisa's interview with President Harry.

Kiwanis Club of Weston President Harry Spencer speaking to News 12 Connecticut.

NEWS 12 CONNECTICUT

Follow the this link or click on the image above to view Weston Today's coverage of the Reservoir Run.

RESERVOIR RUN PICTURES

These are the first of many members' pictures to be posted in the next days and weeks. You can view all event pictures at the link on the member website after they are posted.

Emma McMorris with member Jim McMorris were official photographers for the Reservoir Run. They were supported by Jim's grandaughter Belle, and her parents, member William and his wife Becca. Emma and Jim are sorting through 1,100 images for the club and Reservoir Run website.

Photographs by Emma McMorris, Jim McMorrris, and Bob Uzenoff.

5K Celebrity Runner, Superintendent Erica Forti.

Reservoir Run Half-marathon male top finisher MJ DeMaertin of Fairfield 1:16:50.4.

YHalf-marathon female top finisher Sophia Markham of New York 1:37:13.34.

President-elect Harvey medaled race participants ot the finish line.


Photographs by Lisa Luft.

Kiwanians Support Friends of Lachat Town Farm

Karen Chrisley reports that Kiwanians are providing important support for the town farm's supporting organization, Friends of Lachat, Inc., for its 5th annual immersive Halloween experience, Frankenstein, the Modern Prometheus, which continues (sold out) this weekend, October 24-26, 2025. Steve Thomas constructed sets, Harry Falber is producing audio and video, and Karen is a supporting actor.

Kiwanian Supports Weston Women's League Trunk or Treat


Bob Uzenoff received this thank you from Weston Women's League. Bob crewed on the setup of WWL's Trunk or Treat at Weston Intermediate School on Saturday afternoon.

HAPPY BUCKS GETS A QR CODE

Members at the breakfast meeting this Saturday may notice something added to the happy bucks can. A QR code is on the back.


No one knows the exact age of our happy bucks can, but it may date back as far as 51 years ago to the founding of our club.


As a convenience to contributors wanting to contribute but not having the cash on hand, happy bucks donations can now be made by Venmo. (A dollar shrinks to $0.89 after a transaction fee of 1.9% plus $0.10.)


HAPPY BUCKS 101


Kiwanis "Happy Bucks" is a Kiwanis club meeting tradition where members donate a small amount of money and share a personal celebration or piece of good news. It serves as both a fun, fellowship-building activity and a simple fundraising method. 


How it works:

Usually, after breakfast, during a Kiwanis club meeting, members can participate by following these steps: 


Donate: A member donates a small amount, typically $1 or more, to the "Happy Bucks" or "Happy Dollars" can.


Share good news: They then share something positive happening in their life, such as:

  • Announcing a new grandchild.
  • Celebrating a wedding or graduation.
  • Recounting a recent trip.
  • Sharing a personal or professional success.


Positive and inclusive: The goal is to foster positivity and inclusivity. Sometimes members even donate an amount equivalent to a milestone, such as their age on a birthday. 


The purpose of Happy Bucks:


This tradition serves multiple purposes for the club and its members:


Encourages fellowship: It helps members get to know one another on a more personal level by sharing details about their lives, strengthening the bonds within the club.


Provides a quick fundraiser: The collected money is a creative and easy way for the club to raise funds for its administrative needs or various community service projects.


Fosters positivity: The focus on sharing good news during the meeting brightens the mood and reinforces a positive, celebratory atmosphere.



Promotes inclusion: For new members, participating in "Happy Bucks" is an easy way to become more comfortable and integrated into the club. 

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER

Next Saturday, November 8, 2025 8:30 Breakfast 10:00 Board meetings with committee chairs

Saturday, November 15, 2025 8:30 Breakfast

Saturday, November 22, 2025 8:30 Breakfast 9:30 Food drive begins

Saturday, November 29, 2025 8:30 Breakfast

Saturday, December 6, 2025 8:30 Breakfast

Saturday, December 13, 2025 Breakfast. 10:00 Board meetings with committee chairs

Saturday, December 20, 2025 Holiday breakfast.

Saturday, December 27, 2025 NO MEETING

KIWANIS CLUB OF WESTON, CONNECTICUT, INC.
PO BOX 1033
WESTON, CT 06883-0033

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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.


Miss an issue? Follow this link to view previous issues of Kiwaniscope.