The Windsor Jaycees received their present charter granting
them membership in the United States Jaycees in January 1967.
The Windsor chapter, like all other Jaycee chapters, is the
result of the concern of young people for their community.
Under the title of the Junior Chamber Of Commerce and, since
1965, the United States Jaycees, young people have been able
to fulfill their desires to be active members of their community
and to develop, more fully, their leadership potential.The
Windsor Locks Jaycees afforded considerable assistance in
obtaining our charter. They came to Windsor, contacted some
of our young people, and initiated the idea of a Jaycee chapter
in Windsor. One young person contacted was our first President,
Larry Griswold.A job transfer ended the 1967-1968 President
Len Dorien's term after only two months, but Larry Griswold
filled out the term and sustained the momentum of the initial
year.
Leon Reed was at the organization's helm in 1968-1969.
During this year the town of Windsor adopted a new housing
code which was passed, thanks to the Windsor Jaycees who
surveyed the townspeople and reported to the town council
that such a code was advisable.
Bob Douglas was our forth President in 1969-1970. That year
the chapter reached fourteenth among all Jaycee chapters
in the state. Our biggest contribution was the lighting
of the Dunham field ice skating rink.
Bill Bean assumed the presidency for 1970-1971 and led the
chapter to a 12th place finish in the state. The term saw
increased involvement with the recreation department, the
start of a speak-up program, and much more youth involvement
our membership hit a high of 53.
In 1971-1972 Don Lavoie led the chapter into two major new
undertakings, the festival of life and co-sponsorship of
the Windsor Shad Derby Festival. The Shad Derby involvement
which consisted of management of the parade and green activities
brought the chapter new recognition in the Windsor community.
Under the guidance of Bang Williams in the 1972-1973 year,
further strengthening of the Jaycee impact on Windsor occurred.
Highlighted by Windsor's first July 4th fireworks and the
chapter’s first public stand on a controversial issue,
the Jaycee name gained growing respect. Regular meeting
with town officials and an expanded effort on the Festival
of Life and Shad Derby manifested a commitment by the chapter
to concentrate on major projects and issues and to de-emphasize
smaller endeavors.
Bob Morse was our eighth President in 1973-1974. His term
saw the acceptance of a bond for the new town library,
the formation of the Shad Fest Bureau along with a fine
Shad Derby, and a successful second July 4th fireworks
display. Once again the chapter had succeeded in distinguishing
itself as a prominent service organization assisting the
town of Windsor.
Through the enthusiastic leadership of Ed Rudolph, President
for the 1974-1975 term, the organization's ranks swelled.
Members played a more active role enabling the chapter
to expand its activities beyond a third July 4th fireworks
display and participation in the Shad Derby. Several first-time
events were conducted, such as a Career Night; a clinic
concert with Woody Herman and his Orchestra; a Walk-A-Thon
which resulted in the collection of several thousand dollars
for the March of Dimes; and a week-long carnival, which
was, by far the largest single project undertaken to date
in terms of cash flow and manpower requirements. During
this year the Jaycees along with the Rod and Gun Club,
the Chamber of Commerce and the Juniors Women’s Club
formed the ShadFest Bureau Inc. This also marked the first
year a Jaycee served as general chairman of the Shad Derby.
Jim McManus succeeded as President in June 1975. During the
following twelve months the chapter continued to expand
its membership and the variety of its projects. The second
Annual Jazz Clinic was held with Stan Kenton and his Orchestra.
We sponsored a Special Ed basketball team for the Windsor
school system, a project that was a tremendous success.
In other areas, we began a park improvement project on
the Farmington River, cut our own Christmas trees for the
first time, and continued the very successful Shad Derby
projects along with the carnival. In response to member
interest, a Personal Dynamics course was held twice and
a new Chairman's Training course was developed. Windsor
became more active in the state Jaycee organization and
received several state awards during the year. In the final
Parade of Chapters, Windsor finished 23rd out of 105 local
organizations. Membership grew from 52 to 68 during the
year.
In the bicentennial year of 1976-1977, Bill Chiodo became
the chapter's eleventh President. The year was marked with
a July 4th fireworks display, the dedication of a Jaycee
Memorial to the Windsor Shad Derby near the Farmington
River, participation in the town's homecoming and time
capsule activities, and a major part in the Swine Flu Inoculation
program. Recurring projects such as Career Night, the second
Distinguished Citizen Award, the Shad Derby and carnival
events, and a leadership role in modification of the Shad
Fest Bureau by-laws to admit additional members to the
group were all activities in which the chapter took part.
The chapter also broke new ground by participating in the
Windsor nature trail project. Although membership size
remained flat, the members took part in Speak-Up, Personal
Dynamics, and Leadership Dynamics. To celebrate its tenth
anniversary, the chapter finished 3rd out of 21 north region
chapters, 21st out of 105 in the state Parade of Chapters
and was awarded a Blue Chip for its excellence throughout
the year.
Bob Gange was the chapter's twelfth President in 1977-78.
The theme for the year was improving Jaycee spirit and
community image. The Fellowship Program was initiated early
in the year and included a softball team, improved social
functions, and a series of quarterly dinner meetings in
addition to regular business meetings. A new booth for
both food and Xmas tree sales was purchased. Several new
projects were initiated, one of which was Picture with
Santa in return for a food bank donation. A cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation course was run for both Jaycees and their
wives. The highlight of the year was the first annual Alumni
Dinner held in January. Over 80 current and former Jaycees
attended, including Larry Griswold, the chapter's first
President. Recurring projects such as the Golf Tourney,
Career Night, Punt, Pass and Kick, Shad Derby, Special
Ed Athletics, Special Olympics, Coin and Stamp Show, and
the Xmas Tree Sales were also run. The chapter continued
its prominence on the state level by winning project and
chapter of the month awards for 6 out of the 12 months
in the north region.
"Make it happen" was the 1978-1979 theme employed by thirteenth President
Mike Zawrotny, and the chapter's members did just that. With member enrollment
dropping to 44 due to age and relocation attrition, the 16 new members touted
by Vice President Mike Rabbett were put to the immediate task in assisting in
the successful completion of 25 community service projects, five fund raisers,
and two individual development projects, the most projects ever run by Windsor
and unheard of at state level for size of membership. The existing portfolio
of projects was augmented by Voter Education, Trip to See the Lights, Halloween
Disco, and the Ellsworth Homestead Sidewalk Renovation program. The chapter's
Distinguished Citizen Award winner, Doug Savelli, was further honored by being
chosen one of the Conn Jaycees' five Outstanding Young Men for the year. In this
member-transitional year, Windsor captured two statewide Project of the month
awards and several district trophies. Special efforts resulted in the chapter's
highest awards being presented to Al Sidney, Jim Bridgeman, and Bill Blake, and
accomplishments great rewards were earned by each member who contributed to the
year's great success.
Mike Rabbett was the chapter's President in 1979-80. The
year was highlighted by 6 new projects. Run, Pass and Score,
a soccer derivative of Punt, Pass and Kick, saw 100 kids
register in its first year. Over 20 children participated
in our Special Ed swimming program, with the final event
of the year being a swim meet with 7 other Special Ed schools
held at Wethersfield High. The highlight of the year was
our Town Council Dinner held during Jaycee week. Over 40
town employees attended the dinner to see john Bernardini,
Youth Service Director, receive the Distinguished Citizen
Award. Our recipient went on to be selected one of the
five outstanding young men in Connecticut. The devastating
tornado that struck Windsor Oct 3, 1979, will not be forgotten
for a long time. The town, as they have in the past, called
on the Jaycees for help and we responded. The Jaycees continued
to chair the green and parade activities on Shad Derby
Day along with our usual children's rides and our beer
booth. The Parade of Chapters found Windsor again in the
top 25 percent.
Bill Blake was the 1980-81 President. The year was highlighted
by some new and exciting firsts. With the growth of the
membership as the main priority, the first "Meet the
public on the street" recruitment approach was attempted
using a free raffle idea. This, along with a follow-up
smoker was very successful in bringing in 12-24 new members.
The first "Past Presidents’ Dinner" was
held with a presentation of a plaque that now hangs in
the Windsor house. Some other firsts were the "Halloween
Funfest" for children as an alternative to the dangers
of trick or treating and a new event was added to the Shad
Derby calendar, our first Special Ed fishing Derby. A proud
and challenging project came to us when the Windsor fire
companies asked us to run a carnival for the annual "State
Firemen's Convention. This was a large scale three day
event and we won the state Jaycee Project of the Month
Award. The annual "Town Council Distinguished Citizen
Dinner" was again successful with 86 people honoring
Rev. E Hollman / Grace Episcopal Church. The Windsor Jaycee's
were the dominant force in providing another excellent
Shad Derby enjoyed by 15-20,000 each year.
In 1981-82 Chuck Greenawalt was President. During the year
one project was added to an already active year and that
was the Spoke Benders Basketball Game. The wheelchair team
from Conn played an exhibition game with the New Jersey
Blue Devils. The game was attended by 200 spectators, one
of the largest crowds ever. John Delnegro and Nils Richardson
did a great job. During the year many new programs were
run by I.D. V.P. Warren Cardone. Speak Up was offered again
with many interesting new speeches. Other programs offered
were Financial Planning, Personal Dynamics, Chairman Training,
and Wives Appreciation night. Many new members participated
in these programs. Community action projects filled the
calendar and kept many Jaycees busy during the year. These
included Special Ed Swimming, Special Olympics, Run, Pass
and Score, Xmas Tree Sales, Picture with Santa, a carnival,
Voter Info Fact Sheet, Candidate’s Night and the
Shad Derby activities.
John Del Negro was the President in 1982-83. The chapter
initiated some administrative changes including a shift
to monthly meetings, an increased emphasis on dinner meetings,
and a change in the meeting place to the Riversedge Restaurant.
The planned year contained a full schedule of CD projects
including two new projects: Summer Fest '82 for the benefit
of the HTFD Easter Seals, and the Oldies Dance for the
benefit of the Scholarship Fund. One of the highlights
of the year was our Distinguished Service Award / Town
Council Dinner ran by Key man Warren Cardone, more than
80 people packed the Riversedge restaurant to pay tribute
to our guest of honor Dorothy Barrett. The roosters were
eyeball to eyeball when Mike Zawrotny staged a roast for
Kaz Skoczylas. Chaired by the Jaycee of the Year, Dave
Gardner, we ran Special Ed Swimming, Special Ed Fishing,
helped on Special Olympics and Bill Moriarty Special Olympics.
This marked the first year Special Olympics were hosted
by Windsor. The Shad Derby green activities chaired by
Paul Jary ran as smooth as ever while Ted Anderson ran
one of the best parades ever. We were able to close the
year with the presentation of an Ambassadorship Award to
Michael Rabbett in recognition of his dedicated efforts
on behalf of the Windsor Jaycees.
The 1983-84 year was one of the most successful to date.
While Howard McCormick was President the membership began
to grow. Public exposure was enhanced by 2 projects. The
DCA dinner was chaired by Ian Rickard and was the most
successful to date. The selection of Paula Finstad, as
our recipient produced great amounts of publicity and resulted
in the largest turnout ever. The second project, a new
one, was the Senior Citizen Brunch that all enjoyed. The
chapter's involvement with the state Jaycees increased
thru efforts of John Kozak. The project of the year was
the Tree Sales which was also the state Project of the
Month. This project was chaired by one of our new members,
Darrell Michalek. Windsor celebrated its 350th anniversary
during this year. The Jaycees were advisors for the parade
and green activities. The chapter's finances swelled due
to the 350th and Tree Sales. The Jaycees purchased a trailer
to use at the tree sales and Shad Derby. Through the outstanding
projects mentioned above and also Special Ed Swimming,
Candidates’ Night, Shad Derby and various socials,
the year was truly outstanding.
Growth in membership was the theme of the 1984-85 year. Under
the leadership of President Paul Jary, twenty new members
joined. A group of young enthusiastic people were prepared
to guide the chapter in the coming years. With the influx
of new members came an increase in attendance. In December
we had a very successful joint meeting with the Lions Club.
The Tree Sales hit another record high. Under the guidance
of Darrell Michalek and John Waters, over $2300 w as made
from the sale. Fred Weisher, long active in the little
league, was honored as the chapters' Distinguished Citizen.
The chapter continued to run its CD projects such as Special
Ed Swimming, Picture with Santa and others. Brownfield
Award winner, Ken Kohnle, ran a very successful Senior
Citizens Brunch. In May came the annual Shad Derby Day.
Some rain in the morning impacted the level of activity
on the green but the skies cleared in the afternoon in
time for the parade and another successful Shad Derby Day.
Warren Cardone served as President in 1985-86. The year will
be remembered as a year of transition. Many new members
came forward to serve in leadership positions. The year
started with a new fund raiser, a Flea Market/Tag sale
held at Mountain View Nursing Home. Under the leadership
of Ken Kohnle this project got off to a great start. In
August, our bowling team, anchored by Paul Jary, captured
all the trophies at the MDA Bowl-Athon and contributed
$250 to Muscular Dystrophy. In Sept. the chapter entered
in the annual Town Raft Race. Although unable to finish
the race, the crew was able to win the "Most Traditional
Award". Under the leadership of the Jaycee of the
Year, Patrick Smith, the Tree Sale was a tremendous success
with record setting income. Mike Rabbett was the chairman
of a well run DCA / Town Council Dinner. The recipient
of the award was Dr. Gordon Taylor, a person long associated
with the environment and quality of life issues in the
town. The year ended with another busy May which included
Special Ed Fishing, Special Olympics and of course Shad
Derby. Finally the chapter was honored to present the Ambassador
Award to long time member and past President John Del Negro.
For the record- the chapter finished 20th in the Parade
of Chapters.
The 1986-87 year saw Ken Kohnle take the reins as President.
As the youngest President, Ken's plan was to have fun while
still serving the community. The year turned into high
gear as we hit the midway point with successful projects
like Warren Cardone's Candidate’s Night and Marty
McMahon’s Senior Brunch. Under the leadership of
Patrick Smith, Jaycee of the Year for the second consecutive
year and Kevin Deneen the Tree Sales was the most successful
ever. How can we forget the Xmas party at John Kozak’s;
what a party. Mark Ferriana chaired the DCA / Town Council
Dinner, Barry Loucks recipient. Don Trinks ran the Scholarship
Dance and with dedication and enthusiasm was the Key Man
of the Year. This year the fee structure was changed to
eliminate the 15% and raise the basic rate to help recoup
the loss of booth space due to the changing of routes 159,
305 & 75. We had no outstanding receivables and gross
was a new record for the green. The board established a
new program called the Student Council Health Awareness
Program.
Ken Jameson became our 21st President in 1987/88. When the
Riversedge restaurant changed owners we were without a
meeting place. Meetings held before April were held at
the Knights of Columbus hall. After April we were able
to have meetings at the Windsor House. Windsor was put
on the national map by an excellent article in the national
Jaycee Magazine about our Shad Derby. We became more active
in the state Jaycees, hosting both a regional board meeting
and a regional training program. A national ruling changed
the ages of Jaycees from 18-35 regular member and 35-40
associate to 21-40 regular members. Our motto for this
year was to be “Under budget and on time”.
This was accomplished and shown directly by our overflowing
bank accounts which rose to an all time high. At the same
time we ran three new projects for community development;
Fred Weisher Clean-up, WILA Driveways and spear headed
(along with the town) the House Numbering project. The
Distinguished Citizen Award recipients were Hub and Jean
Kastner. The Chamber of Commerce put an additional band
into our parade at no cost to us. Project of the year was
the Shad Derby Green. The size being cut by construction,
people being moved and the change in the fee structure
were overcome by co-chairman Tim Connelly and Mike Deneen.
Key Men of the Year were Patrick Smith and Tim Connelly.
Jaycee of the Year and our next President is Kevin Deneen.
1988/89 Jaycee year brought the presidency of Kevin Deneen.
The year was marked by many accomplishments, including
record setting revenues from the Christmas Tree Sales.
The Senior Citizen Brunch and the Special Olympic food
booth blossomed this year with the unveiling of the culinary
talents of big Andy Zlotnick who presided over the grill
at both events. The increased involvement of many members,
including Bill "open what pocket?" King foreshadowed
the more visible role of the Jaycee’s in years to
follow. Beer Sales on the green at Shad Derby became an
issue, once again. We successfully fought off an attempt
to make Shad Derby Day dry, and became more involved with
the administration of the day in order to maintain control
of the event.
Don Trinks led the 1989/90 Jaycee year. Membership was solid,
finances were in order and new projects were being established.
The tradition of co-chairman continued with Bill King and
Dave Walsh running a successful Xmas Tree Sale to the ultimate
project of the Jaycees Shad Derby Green, whose responsibilities
were shared by Patrick Smith and Craig Mann. Thanks to
the work of Chris Martin, the Jaycee trailer was moved
to its final resting place. No longer will the tree sale
chairmen fear what to do with it on December 26th. John
Waters once again ran a successful Special Ed Fishing tournament
despite construction and heavy rains the night before.
Newcomer to the group, Bob Isner took on the Special Olympics
food booth as his first project and enjoyed much success
with it. President, Don Trinks was fortunate to have a
lot of Jaycee input in running the Shad Derby this year
also. Derby co-chairman, Kevin Deneen and Steve Erickson
saw to it that there were no problems for any of the service
groups who participated. Kevin will long be remembered
for his quick response during the Kick Off brunch of the
Shad Derby Committee. While on the aforementioned Shad
Derby, the Jaycees were fortunate enough to sponsor a queen
this year. Our candidate, Amita Bhatt, went on to be crowned
Shad Derby Queen for 1990/91. This point was certainly
the culmination of the Jaycee year.
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