Montville Kiwanis Celebrates 46th Annual Installation Dinner

Montville, NJ – On March 20th, the Montville Kiwanis Club held its 46th Annual Installation Dinner at The Columbia Inn, celebrating impactful community service, honoring dedicated members, and installing new officers and directors. The event highlighted the Kiwanis International mission to improve the world, one child and one community at a time, and its vision to be a positive influence worldwide.

Club President Larry Hines presided over the evening, reflecting on the club's wide array of accomplishments, from scholarship fundraising and food pantry initiatives to community events like the Food Basket distributions, Fishing Derby, Christmas Caroling, Road Cleanups, Pasta Dinner, Pancake Breakfast, Fourth of July festivities, and Montville Day. He emphasized the dedication of its members. "It takes many dedicated individuals to achieve these goals and make them successful. It truly takes a village,” said Hines, echoing the sentiment that community impact is a collective effort.

The club welcomed newly installed Assistant Secretary Caitlin Halpin and Board Members Steve Brown, Bob Gannon, and Ron Rauschart, sworn in by charter member Tom Mazzaccaro. President Hines expressed confidence that these new leaders will further strengthen the club’s contributions to the Montville Township community.

The evening was marked by recognition of outstanding members whose dedication consistently elevates the club’s impact:

• Founding member Charles Grau received the prestigious Charter Member Award, celebrating his enduring service and embodying the true spirit of Kiwanis with his longstanding motto, “It’s for the children.”
• Deane Driscoll was presented, in absentia, the Special Recognition Award for over 24 years of unwavering commitment and service, notably for his leadership as the director and “keeper” of the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry over the last 10 years.
• Joe O’Dowd and Jim Sandham were jointly honored with the Outstanding Service Award for their tireless dedication and significant contributions to the Food Pantry and the club's overall activities. “These two gentlemen have been such a huge help to me and the club in so many ways over the last 3 years,” expressed Hines. O'Dowd serves as a director of the pantry, and Sandham manages its finances.
• Danielle Mangione-Vasser was honored with the President’s Award for her outstanding devotion to the Kiwanis Club and all that she does for it. Her commitment spans multiple club activities, including communications, social media, and participation in projects and events. Notably, she is responsible for the Adopt-a-Shelf Program and serves as a tri-director of the Food Pantry.
• Ron Rauschart was celebrated as Kiwanian of the Year, recognized for his steadfast volunteerism and willingness to support every aspect of the club. Hines praised Rauschart as a "gentleman's gentleman" for his quiet dedication and willingness to assist with any task, particularly his work with the Food Pantry and various club events.

Special thanks were extended to other dedicated Kiwanians, including Rob Ciottariello, Rachel Ciottariello, Craig Vasser, John Colaiacovo, Estrella Rosenberg, The Kings, The Karkowskys, and the MTHS Key Club for their significant contributions to the club’s numerous successful events and initiatives.

President Hines concluded the ceremony with optimism for the future: “Tonight we celebrate not just our past accomplishments but the ongoing dedication of our members who ensure our continued success. Together, we truly make Montville a better place, one child at a time.”

About Montville Kiwanis

Established in 1978, the Montville Kiwanis Club has dedicated itself to improving the lives of children and families within Montville Township through volunteerism, fundraising, and community service. Montville Kiwanis Club's key initiatives include:

• Fundraising for scholarships
• Operating the Montville Kiwanis Food Pantry
• Sponsorship of the MTHS Key Club and Lazar Middle School Builders Club
• “Set for Success” Back to School Backpacks and Supply Drive and Giveaway
• Past projects, including building children's playgrounds, sponsoring the Archway Program, the Little League baseball field lighting project, and donations of bulletproof vests and defibrillators to the police and first aid squad.

Montville Kiwanis club meets on the first and third Thursdays of each month at The Columbia Inn in Montville, beginning at 6:30 p.m. New members are always welcome.

To learn more or to inquire about membership, please visit www.MontvilleKiwanis.org or email: kiwanisofmontville@gmail.com