By Harry L. Spencer

Organized and led by Frank Ferrara, Weston Kiwanis donated and delivered 145 new winter coats to needy elementary school students at Head Start in Norwalk today. In addition to Frank, volunteers included Lauren Traum, Geoff Hollander, Bill Brady, Tom Failla, Juan Negroni, and President Harry Spencer.

The adorable children and teachers were very appreciative. This is the seventh year that Weston Kiwanis has donated coats. It’s noteworthy that prior recipients often pass their coats down to family members after they have outgrown them.

As Frank says, “We don’t want kids going cold in this winter. We want them to have nice warm coats”.

Kiwanis photographs by Harry Spencer.

Doogie Sandtiger (yes, that’s his real name) wowed the audience at his talk after breakfast at the club meeting last Saturday, November 1, 2025. Sandtiger, self-billed as the Croc King, is so named for his Guinness World Records title as the holder of the largest collection of Crocs™.

But that is only a small part of the story. Sandtiger grew up in foster care. He tells of missing so much growing up. He emancipated himself as soon as he was legally able. He now shapes his life to make up for what he missed as a child through setting goals and having experiences.

Here it is story in his own words:

I’ve lived in Connecticut my entire life, and I spent my entire childhood bouncing around foster homes, orphanages and group homes, up until I was 16 years old.

When I turned 16, I went to court and emancipated myself from state custody, because I wanted to experience life as a real human being. Being thrown around the system for nearly 15 years- it stunts growth and development, hides you away from society, and you don’t get to experience regular child things like birthday parties, holidays, dressing up on Halloween, going to the park after school to pay with your friends. I missed everything, and I wanted to experience life, on my own terms, despite having nowhere to live after emancipating myself.

While growing up in the foster care system, I was a very shy kid, struggled to make connections with others, so I resorted to reading and writing as my escape from the horrors of the system.

As an avid writer, I explored all genres, including poetry. I also enjoyed journaling and documenting my daily life as a kid in the system. It was all very healing to me.

From there, I realized that I loved writing down goals, no matter how small or big, and I started a goals list. It helped keep me focused and motivated, and gave me a sense of purpose and identity to my life. My goals list eventually evolved into a Bucket List, where I just wanted to rewrite my childhood, rewrite my entire life, and experience everything the world has to offer.

I still add things and cross things off my Bucket List all the time: from setting a Guinness World Record, to traveling the world, to hiking some of the most dangerous mountains, to publishing a book, adopting a dog, to meeting childhood idols, running in marathon, the list goes on and on and on.

I want to experience the entire world.

Kiwanis photograph by Jim McMorris

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 footwear as a child because he didn’t know how to tie his shoes —a skill he had missed during his time in foster care.

Sandtiger is the speaker at the club breakfast meeting Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. at Norfield Congregational Church’s Norfield Room, 64 Norfield Road, Weston.

Weston Kiwanis meets most Saturdays from September through June at Norfield Congregational Church’s parish hall. Doors open at 8 a.m. for coffee and conversation, with the breakfast meeting beginning at 8:30 a.m. and ending no later than 10 a.m. After breakfast, we have a speaker or a community service activity.

Meetings are open to all, drop-ins are welcome, and your first breakfast, normally $10 for a full breakfast or $5 for a continental, is on us.

Weston Kiwanis supported the 2025 Trident Swimmer Scholar Program with a $500 donation, President Harry Spencer announced, noting the great success of the Trident Swim Foundation in helping youth and recognizing the AMAZING contributions of Weston Kiwanian Phyllis Gary to the club’s success.

Trident Swim Foundation founder Kristin Gary, in acknowledging our donation, wrote:

Dear Harry and Team Kiwanis,

Thank you so very much for your generosity and support of Trident. And even more so—thank you for recognizing my mother’s lifelong contributions to making the town of Weston a better place—from her work at Weston EMS, to Norfield Church, and now Kiwanis. She is indefatigable!

Best of luck in your Reservoir Run—it looks like you will have perfect conditions for a GREAT race!

Again, many thanks and sending our best wishes from Team Trident,
Kristin

Kristin Gary

The Great Relay is the biggest, longest pool-based relay competition in the United States. Teams of eight or more swimmers see how fast they can finish 5000 yards or meters. There are many different types of teams that can compete to be ranked and receive national recognition: different ages, types of swim teams (summer league, high school, club, etc.), pool lengths, and more.

The Great Relay is critical to helping the Trident Swim Foundation fund and support its inner-city Swimmer Scholar program. The Great Relay encourages fun competition in swimming and raises awareness of the need for better access to swim lessons, competitive swim teams, and academic support in inner cities.

The 2025 Great Relay New York was held the day before our Reservoir Run, on Saturday, October 25th, at the Columbia University Dodge Fitness Center Uris Pool.

Kristin Gary is a founder of Trident Swim Foundation and the daughter of Weston Kiwanian Phyllis Gary. Weston Kiwanian Rev. Dr. Bernard R. Wilson is a member of the TSF board.

Photographs contributed by Kristin Gary.

2025 Youth Awards

by Awards Committee Chair Dawn B. Egan

The Kiwanis Club of Weston conferred its annual youth awards to six distinguished high school students at the club breakfast meeting on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

Community Service Award

The Kiwanis Community Service Award has been awarded to two amazing young people: Katherine Day, also known as Kat, and Devin Banks. Established in 1976, this award recognizes students for their outstanding service and leadership in our community. If I entered the award description into ChatGPT, it would not produce two more ideal candidates. 

Kat Day

Kat Day is an exceptional student and leader whose character and passion have shaped her four years at WHS. Her journey reflects consistent growth, creativity, and a sincere dedication to both academic and personal goals. Kat is not only academically gifted and hardworking but also a standout leader in our school community. Through student government and Link Crew, Kat has held various leadership roles, including Senior Class President and President of Link Crew.

 She brings energy, initiative, and a collaborative spirit to every task. As a junior class officer, Kat led a successful merchandise fundraiser, planning, designing, and executing the project despite multiple challenges. Her perseverance and problem-solving skills were key to her success. Kat’s leadership style is proactive and inclusive. She restructured student government meetings to foster broader student participation and continues to mentor peers through Link Crew, helping to create a welcoming environment for all students.  Her ability to inspire others, identify opportunities for improvement, and lead with empathy makes her an invaluable member of our community. Kat is a natural leader with the drive to make a meaningful impact, and she will continue her journey at the University of Connecticut.

Devin Banks.

Devin is a distinguished Principal’s Honor Roll student and member of the National Honor Society, who has consistently excelled in mathematics and science. 

Devin’s journey has been shaped by his resilience and determination in overcoming the challenges of living with severe Hemophilia, a rare, chronic bleeding disorder he has managed since birth. This experience has instilled in him a profound sense of self-advocacy and a passion for helping others. From the age of seven, Devin has been a youth ambassador, working to educate legislators and advocate for funding and healthcare legislation at both the state and federal levels to support individuals with bleeding disorders and rare diseases. 

 In addition to his advocacy work, Devin is the co-leader of the Cousins for a Cure walk team, which has raised $150,000 over the past 12 years to support critical causes. His commitment to helping children with medical challenges began when he was invited to speak at fundraising events for Make-A-Wish Connecticut and The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. These experiences inspired him to take on a larger role as a Youth Ambassador for Make-A-Wish, where he is currently completing a summer internship. Devin also volunteers as a summer counselor at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp in Ashford, CT, and regularly contributes his time to community events, including the annual Push for Cancer event in Westport, CT.

Last year, Devin expanded his philanthropic efforts by founding the Hope and Healing Club at his high school, furthering his mission to give back to the community and support various charitable organizations. Devin’s unwavering dedication to advocacy, service, and leadership inspires all, and we are proud to celebrate his remarkable achievements and contributions.

This fall, he will begin his studies in biology at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a pre-med track with aspirations of making a meaningful impact in healthcare.

Diane Mary Huston Schultz Memorial Award

The Diane Mary Huston Schultz Memorial Award was presented to Max Dolce.

Max is a graduating Senior who has grown into the solid young man he was born to be. Never one to toot his own horn, Max’s quiet determination and inner strength earned him a spot on the Principal’s Honor Roll. He loved playing baseball, and he finished his high school career with his varsity team at the state championships. 

One of his passions is photography, which he has been able to pursue at Weston vigorously. As someone who feels more comfortable behind the scenes instead of being the center of attention, he focuses on the world through the lens, allowing Max to hone and share his talent. He was honored to receive an induction to the National Art Honor Society in his Junior year.

Outside of school, Max is a dedicated parishioner at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Weston, where he often pitches in with the weekly collections. He has worked as a cashier at Lily’s Weston Market for the last two years when baseball is not in season, and he is a camp counselor at Aspetuck Country Club in the summers.

Max can’t wait to start his next chapter at UConn Storrs in August. There, he plans to pursue a career in photography and marketing. 

Superintendent’s Scholarship Award

The Kiwanis Superintendent’s Scholarship Award was created in 2001 in memory of Dr. Janet Shaner and her commitment to education. The award recognizes a student who intends to major in a field of education and/or enjoys working with children.

This year, the award goes to John Shaffer.

 John Shaffer is a dedicated student-athlete, musician, and community leader. As captain of the JBWA Ice Hockey Team, he has not only led by example on the ice but also taken initiative off the rink—organizing team fundraisers, running captain’s practices, and fostering open communication between players and staff. John emphasizes respect, accountability, and academic excellence within his team.

A passionate bass player, John was the first-seat player for the Weston High School Jazz Ensemble and an active contributor to the Jazz Combo program. He also leads his own band, Birdsong, where he manages weekly rehearsals.

Outside of school, John is working on “The Shaffer Family: Volume 2,” a personal writing project that documents his family’s history through carefully collected stories and research. He also enjoys photography and ping pong in his free time.

John’s extracurricular involvement includes the Pep Band, Link Crew (freshman orientation leader), and Uplifting Fairfield (charity club). His leadership and creativity shine in athletics, music, and service, demonstrating a strong commitment to both team and personal growth.

John will attend Texas Christian University in the fall and plans to study education, psychology, and history. His ultimate goal is to serve children in high-risk areas.

Dave Brown Memorial Award

The recipient of the David Brown Memorial Award is Tabatha Cappella.

This award is given to a student who has demonstrated the qualities best representative of Mr. Brown’s commitment to the Weston athletic program and spirit of sportsmanship.

Tabitha Cappella is a high-achieving, well-rounded student whose academic excellence is matched by her integrity, empathy, and quiet leadership. She has earned top grades throughout high school, including multiple scores of 5 on AP exams during her junior year. Teachers and administrators at Weston schools highly respect her thoughtful contributions in and out of the classroom.

A dedicated student-athlete, Tabitha played four years of volleyball and four years on the girls’ golf team, while also committing to three years of club volleyball. Her leadership extended beyond athletics through four years of service with the Key Club, where she served as president her senior year and led with calm confidence and a collaborative spirit. Tabitha also works weekends at Isabelle & Vincent French bakery, balancing school, work, and extracurriculars with maturity and grace.

Her personal qualities are as impressive as her accomplishments. Tabitha is calm under pressure, empathetic toward others, and approaches challenges with a reasoned, measured mindset. She is known for her generosity, humility, and quick, genuine sense of humor that brings people together. A school trip to Europe in her sophomore year sparked her passion for exploring the world, igniting a love of travel and curiosity about other cultures.

This fall, Tabitha will begin her studies in biology at Boston College, where she plans to continue growing academically, personally, and as a contributor to her community.

Service and Leadership Award

Lastly, I wanted to make sure you all had an opportunity to meet Sarra Grissa, our second recipient of the Kiwanis Youth Service award. She could not attend the meeting with Jared because she was at mock trials, but I wanted to make sure I introduced her to you all today.

Qualifications for the award include:

• A youth who has significantly contributed to our community or its sense of civility.
• Someone who has demonstrated exemplary behavior, attitude, and values consistent with those espoused by Kiwanis International.
• A young person whose overall character and involvement suggest leadership potential.

Sarra is an honor student and multi-sport athlete who consistently looks to give back to others. She is a member of the National Honor Society and was one of five young women representing Weston High School at the National Mock Trial competition in Phoenix, Arizona, this year. 

As an influential member of the WHS Clubs, Sarra has an active role in Pink Aid, Weston Against Cancer, Saferides, TEAMS, Mock Trial, Link Crew, and Key Club. She has made herself present on most of their boards, where she tries to make a difference in the community. Within the community, Sarra volunteers at Lachat with the Wilderness Children After-School Program and at the Maritime Aquarium, where she is part of the ECHO volunteer program.

This past summer, Sarra volunteered with AISEC for an online two-project with other countries to discuss the world’s environmental situation. She represented the USA in talks about the world’s climate and how to improve our situation and provide more sustainable options, helping her pursue her passions in environmental health.

In addition to her environmental and global outreach efforts, Sarra has also spent part of her summer helping clean beaches in the USA and Tunisia, North Africa. There, she continues to inspire others to help clean our beaches and furthers her passion.

As treasurer of the Pink Aid club at WHS, she has raised over $1,000 for women with breast cancer. As part of the National French Honor Society, she has raised money and support to provide scholarships to Haitian students and kids in francophone countries. Sarra has shown what it means to be a person who serves others. As she approaches college, she is excited to progress in her academic, athletic, and charitable activities. I am so very proud to call her my partner and my friend, as she is certainly my go-to student.

The Kiwanis Club of Weston presented Sarah Hutchison with its Millie Best Environmental Award at this morning’s weekly breakfast meeting at Norfield Congregational Church’s parish hall.

From the time she set foot in Weston, Sarah has contributed to The Sustainable Weston Committee, established the Pollinator Pathway, participated in the University of Connecticut (Uconn) Extension Master Gardener Program, worked cooperatively with the high school students on recycling, and is a co-creator of Pulling Together. This Weston-based group teaches adults and students how to identify and deal with invasive plants. A recent Pulling Together posting explains how to identify a plant we should pull, Rosa multiflora, and one not to pull, Viburnum acerifolium:

Kiwanian Bill McKinney (left in the accompanying picture) and Lisa Brodlie (right) volunteer alongside Sarah (center) through Pulling Together, teaching all aspects connected to invasive plants at Lachat Town Farm at the Juliana Lachat Preserve. All three also work with the high school students on invasive removal projects on School Road. Bill and Lisa actively participate in the Connecticut Invasive Plant Working Group (CIPWG) of the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) College of Agriculture.

Sarah and Lisa presented in Leveraging Community Engagement, a breakout session in the fall at the biennial CIPWG Symposium at UConn, detailing the work done through Pulling Together in Weston with the students, not only at Weston High School, but also at the Lachat Town Farm.

Anyone interested in learning more about invasive plants can attend scheduled workshops at the Lachat Farm. All program dates and times are listed on the Lachat Town Farm website.

Kiwanis annually recognizes individuals or groups that have made significant contributions to preserving and enhancing open space and the environment in the town. The award was established in 2005 in honor of Millie Best, a Weston resident who initiated Green Up Day in Weston in the early 1970s. Sponsored by Westron’s State Senator Judi Freedman and Representative John Stripp, Governor John Rowland signed a law proclaiming the last Saturday of April as Green Up Day in 1995.

Kiwanis photograph by Jim McMorris. Pulling Together post contributed by Lisa Brodlie

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The Kiwanis Club of Weston is organizing a potentially life-saving event later this year to benefit Weston. A certified trainer, in conjunction with our Weston Volunteer EMS will offer the Kiwanis Community Service Committee-organized event, Stop the Bleed® training.

STOP THE BLEED® is a national campaign that empowers bystanders to learn how to control life-threatening bleeding in emergencies before professional medical help arrives. It’s essentially a “CPR for bleeding,” teaching simple, yet effective, techniques to stop blood flow.

Michael J. Vincelli, CHS IV, FABCHS, DABCHS, CNTA, CHPP, on the right in the nearby picture, is Director of Emergency Preparedness/Response at Aspetuck Health District, Deputy Emergency Management Director for the Town of Weston, and is a Certified Stop the Bleed® instructor.

Tom Janson, JD, EMT-P, EMS-I, (left) is Captain and Training Officer with Weston Volunteer EMS, a beneficiary of our 2025 Reservoir Run Half Marathon. Weston Volunteer EMS will provide support for the hands-on training. Tom is an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, the highest pre-hospital emergency care provider level, and an Emergency Medical Services Instructor. He trains and educates other EMS personnel.

Kiwanis Club of Weston members are passionate about making Weston and the world a better place for children so they can thrive. Since 1974, they have been serving the children of Weston, Fairfield County, across Connecticut, the country, and worldwide through unique and innovative service projects and fundraising initiatives.

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) spearheaded the development of the Stop the Bleed program, while the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) launched it and owns the STOP THE BLEED® logo and phrase. The DoD licenses the ACS to administer the program and create the training courses.