On Friday May 18th, we will be holding a Voorhees Pediatric Facility visit to play with the disabled children across the street. The volunteer opportunity lasts about an hour directly after school. Meet in Mr. Trinkner’s room (Rm 94) directly after school on the 18th to walk down to the facility. Only about 10 members can attend each visit, so please use the online sign-up form accessed by clicking the post title, the comments link above, or “Read More” below. Remember this is a new service year and this is a good way to gain hours.

Congratulations to the new officer-elects for the 2012-13 service year, commencing after DCON 2012! Thank you to those who attended elections and participated in the democratic process, as well as the brave candidates who ran. Based on a combination of votes and applications, the new officers for the next service year are:

• President:  Ravi Chauhan
• Vice Presidents:  Sarah DeVries & Shivani Talwar
• Secretary:  Rachel Leise
• Treasurer:  Kinari Patel
• Editors:  Allie Neeson & Olivia Homer
• Webmaster:  Sumukh Shetty

On behalf of the current officers, we extend a warm welcome to the future leaders of Eastern Key Club. It has been a joy to serve Key Club in the 2011-12 service year, and we are glad to be able to pass this legacy on. From the fundraising projects like Holiday Hoops to the bi-monthly Voorhees Pediatric Facility visits, it has been an amazing and enriching experience serving as officers for the 2011-12 service year. For me particularly, this website project was the first of its kind in my experiences, and one that will stay with me for years to come. Congratulations, officer-elects, and welcome to the world of service!

As the service year winds down, DCON time approaches! For those of you registered to attend NJ Distict Convention 2012 at the Ocean Place Resort & Spa, Long Branch, NJ, remember to pack your luggage and bring it to school on Friday, March 30. Bring it to Mr. Trinkner’s room (Rm94) in the morning and meet there directly afterschool to leave for the shore! Remember to pack appropriately. This means proper business attire (suits / dresses – at least 2 sets) for the formal caucus sessions and formal dance. For the casual dance this year, pack bright, neon clothes (themed dance!). Pack some regular, comfortable clothes, to0 (weather seems about 60 degrees). Make sure you have everything you need for the weekend. Thanks everyone, and see you there!

As DCON approaches and the service year winds down, the next batch of officers will soon be voted in. Anyone wishing to run for an officer position must have the following: 12 hours, fill out the elections packet, attend the candidates meeting, and give a speech the day of elections. You can run for President, Vice President (2), Secretary, Treasurer, Editor or Webmaster. Please make sure you fill out the attached form and make a speech for you position on March 22nd. There will be a mandatory Candidates Meeting for anyone interested in running for a position on March 13th to learn more about each of the positions and the responsibilities. If you have questions about your hours, please see Madison or Mr. Trinkner.

District Convention is fast approaching for the weekend of March 30th to April 1st, and we need to get a head start of contests if we are to bring back some awards. Committee Members who are interested in helping out Tuesday after school in Trinkner’s room (Rm 94) may come to the work meeting which you can receive hours for, to make the scrapbook filled with pictures from our 2011-12 service year for DCON. Email Lauren Wachspress or Madison McNulty if you can attend and if you would like to bring in items such as paper, markers, stickers, etc for additional credit. Thanks!

On Friday March 15th, we will be holding a Voorhees Pediatric Facility visit to play with the disabled children across the street. The volunteer opportunity lasts under an hour directly after school. Meet in Mr. Trinkner’s room (Rm 94) directly after school on the 20th to walk down to the facility. Again, only about 10 members can attend each visit, so please use the online sign-up form accessed by clicking the post title, the comments link above, or “Read More” below. Remember the service year is dwindling to a close so use these opportunities to gain hours before the officer elections!

On Sunday, February 26th, Eastern Key Club will be meeting with local Kiwanis members in our annual appreciation lunch. This year, we will be meeting on the 26th at the Spot Teen Center on the 2nd floor of the Voorhees Town Center just outside Boscov’s. Join us in celebrating and having brunch with those who make Key Club possible and support our activities. The Bruncheon will be held from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Feel free to bring food items, drinks, platters, etc. but leave a comment first to let us know what you plan to bring. Thanks and see you there!

District Convention time is here! And this year it’s going to be better than ever at the new beach-side venue, Ocean Place Resort & Spa, located here in Long Branch, New Jersey. Come enjoy the sun and all that Key Club has to offer at this annual gathering of thousands of New Jersey District Key Clubbers. The DCON contents includes two scrap-booking contests, the website contest (and the winner is…), essays, posters, videos, the talent show, and more! Experience the thrill of campaigning as the new 2012-2013 District Board is voted in. More info at the official site. But hurry up, forms – signed, notarized (raised seal), with a payment – are due Tuesday, February 21st to Mr. Trinkner (Rm 94). Forms are available here or in “Downloads.”

On Presidents’ Day, Monday February 20, there is an independent service event with the local Kiwanis group at the Collingswood Manor senior home located here. The event starts at 1:30 PM and it’s great way to earn community service while keeping in touch with the senior community. You never know what amazing things the seniors can teach you! Because it is a distant event, please make sure to have your own transportation or arrange a ride with friends. Sign-ups are available by clicking on the title above or “Read More” below. Have a wonderful weekend and hope to see some of you there!

This year we are going to sell chocolate roses for $3 a rose to the students of Eastern High School to benefit the Eliminate Project and help eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. To pull this all off and generate enough sales before Valentines Day on the 14th, the club needs your help! Students can purchase and send a rose to their sweetheart of choice. Pick up an envelope and slips from Mr. Trinkner in Rm 94 to begin selling chocolate roses. Lunch mods are optimum times to easily ask many people at once, but it’s always nice to have some slips handy. Return them to Mr. Trinkner or an officer before the 14th. Take advantage of this quick way to make some hours, and some very happy people or funny moments while your at it!