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 January 27, 2001 |
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Kaffee-Klatch Series – Informal, Informative Weekly Get-Togethers by Francine Lange When Jim Tendean-Luce and his family moved to the Island in March 1998, his work hours didn't allow for much community involvement. But a job change freed up some time and he began checking into the Island's offerings. He then joined the Parent Teacher's Association, as a grant writer; Public School 217, as an executive leadership committee member; the Cub Scouts, as a scout parent; the Toastmasters public speaking club, as Secretary; the Historical Society, as a member; and the Roosevelt Island Residents Association, as an alternate delegate to the Common Council. As he came into contact with each group, he searched for a place where he could meet other leaders on the Island, all at once. He was not successful, so he took action. "I decided to host one myself," he says. He planned a series of small, informal gatherings where organization leaders and residents could meet, share coffee and other refreshments as well as opportunities and ideas to improve the community. Called the Kaffee Klatch Series, the Saturday afternoon meetings, which are held in the Tendean-Luce living room, run from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Last Saturday's meeting featured Erin Feely-Nahem, President of the PTA, and Luca Gatto, President of the Roosevelt Island Toastmasters Group. Sister Regina Palamera will speak today (Saturday, January 27). Tendean-Luce welcomes speaker suggestions for future programs in the series. Meetings are open to all interested individuals on the Island, but because of space limitations, he can host no more than 12 visitors per session. Residents wishing to join in the sessions are asked to call Jim Tendean-Luce at (212) 755-7285 or contact him by e-mail at JimLuce24@aol.com. Future sessions include:
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