Oceanside Kiwanis Club honors community members at annual installation dinner

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The Oceanside Kiwanis Club gathered in celebration on Oct. 17, hosting its highly anticipated installation of officers and awards dinner at Temple Avodah.

The event, filled with camaraderie and community spirit, marked the installation of the club’s officers and board of directors for 2024-25, and three dedicated community members were honored for their exceptional service.

Kiwanis Club Lt. Gov. Michaelene Abbott-Cooper officially discharged the club’s outgoing officers, including President Michael D’Ambrosio, ushering in a new era for the club with the installation of incoming President Eric Abbey and the 2024-25 board members.

Joining Abbey in leadership are First Vice President Jeanine Badalamenti; Second Vice President Keith Pearsall; Secretary Seth Blau; and Treasurer Biagio Rosano. The newly installed officers and board of directors vowed to continue the club’s rich tradition of service in Oceanside, dedicated to fostering projects that support the welfare of children and families.

One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the Special Service Award to Todd Nussen, a longtime member of the community who’s known for his tireless dedication as a Social Studies teacher. Oceanside School board trustee Sandie Schoell and Thomas Cesiro IV, a former student of Nussen, presented him with the award, honoring Nussen’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of Oceanside’s youth through his involvement in various programs, most notably at Oceanside High School.

Schoell praised Nussen’s 19 years of teaching, emphasizing his impact on students and dedication to interdisciplinary learning, while fostering critical thinking about history and civic responsibility. Nussen has received numerous accolades, including recognition from the National World War II Museum and the National Education Council.

Nussen’s work has made a significant impact on the children and families of Oceanside, and the award served as a reminder of the power of one individual’s efforts in shaping a stronger, more compassionate community.

“When I created the Patriot Club 10 years ago, I wasn’t alone, and I haven’t been since,” Nussen said. “I’m lucky enough to have colleagues and good friends by my start, by my side. I wouldn’t be the teacher I am today without their encouragement, collaboration and friendship.”

The club honors veterans from World War II through the Global War on Terror and organizes the annual Field of Honor for Memorial Day, placing flags in honor of veterans.

The evening’s Heart of Gold Award, was bestowed upon Frank and Beth Wassenbergh, stalwarts of the Oceanside community, particularly in their leadership of the St. Anthony’s CYO basketball program. Badalamenti, who introduced the couple, spoke movingly about their years of service and dedication to not only teaching basketball skills to the community’s youth, but also imparting them with life lessons, such as sportsmanship, fair play and determination.

“For Frank and Beth, it’s never been just about basketball,” Badalamenti said. “They’ve taught our kids lessons that go far beyond the game, lessons that will shape the character of every young person who comes through their program.”

In his acceptance speech, Frank Wassenbergh humorously acknowledged his wife Beth’s behind-the-scenes efforts, which often go unrecognized.

“I tend to be the guy everyone sees, but it’s my wife who is the real force behind everything we do,” he said.

He expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reflected on the journey they have shared in working with the youth of Oceanside, saying, “We never really expect awards like this, but it feels like an affirmation that we’re doing something right.”

The Wassenberghs have devoted countless hours to mentoring children, teaching them valuable life lessons through sports. Their work has strengthened the bonds within the community, and the Heart of Gold Award was a fitting tribute to their unwavering commitment.

Throughout the evening, attendees celebrated the values that have long defined Oceanside Kiwanis: service, dedication and community. As the new leadership team took the oath, a sense of excitement for the future filled the air.

After being installed as the new club president, Abbey expressed his enthusiasm for continuing the organization’s legacy of service.

“The Kiwanis club is for the kids and it’s for the community, and that’s what we all donate our time and effort and work for,” he said. “I am very confident that our board and the rest of the Kiwanis club will do a magnificent job this year.”