Sparta Kiwanis receive gift

SPARTA — Sparta Kiwanis, an all-volunteer community based organization that serves the needy and children in the Sparta Community, was the recipient of a donation from the estate of James E. Abel in the amount of $50,000. Abel passed March 7, 2009 at the age of 93 years. Jimmy, as he was known to his friends, was a firm believer in community service and after his retirement from Picatinny Arsenal as a research chemist, he devoted much of his time to serving his Sparta community; a community he loved and lived in for 50 years. He was deeply interested in education and served on both the Sparta Board of Education and the Sussex County Board Association, and was also on the Advisory Committee to Sussex County Technical School. In addition Jimmy served as president of Kiwanis and Rotary clubs, a member of Elks, the Sparta Industrial Development Committee, and served as a trustee of the Lake Mohawk Country Club. He is listed in “who’s Who in the East” and in “American Men and Women of Science. Since 1982 Sparta Kiwanis has awarded over $325,000.00 in local scholarships, conducted food drives for the local Food Pantry, and supported youth sport, Key clubs, and community programs. The Sparta Kiwanis meet every Thursday at 7 p.m. at Homer’s They welcome new members. To join or for more info, call Phil at 973-729-1123.