Annual Open House
The Club’s Open House will take place on Thursday, September 6, 2018. Plenty of time to recruit your friends, neighbors and co-workers to join this wonderful community. There will be food, drink and live music, and it’s all free, so put this date firmly on your calendar.
New Members
As a result of another successful Open House in September 2017, we have signed a total of 34 new members. Among those are a number of 21-25 year-olds, who are taking advantage of our new, discounted junior membership. Welcome, one and all-and by all means, use your club to it’s fullest; get involved in our events and tell your friends!
COMMONWEALTH CLUB: CULINARY DESTINATION!
Thanks to a growing number of talented kitchen jockeys, the Commonwealth Club is fast becoming known for our mouthwatering culinary-based events. In October, we held our 2nd annual BBQ Fest, which, again, was a tremendous success. A whole roasted pig, brisket, steaks, ribs, chicken dishes and a myriad of chilis highlighted the menu. (insert photo) January brought our annual pasta dinner, a family favorite that was once again a huge success. (insert photo) The Super Bowl Party featured an extensive artesian taco bar with all of the fixin’s as well as Vinnie Tarney’s incredible ribs and the best queso I’ve had in a long, long while, courtesy of Doug Apicella. (insert photo). Cajun Night, was, as always, a feast for the senses, featuring jambalaya, and a mouthwatering myriad of Big Easy favorites. (insert photo). We capped off the year with our self-catered grilled steak extravaganza for the Annual Club Dinner. Sty tuned for what’s on the menu for the Fall!
Bowling!
Over the last year, we’ve had the second season of Summer Bowling, which continued to be a huge hit and it is going great guns again, as this summer’s season is already underway. You need not be a member to participate and guests are always welcome! Tournament results went thusly: The Turkey Shoot was won by John Wisniewski; the Jess Dodd Endurance was claimed by the duo of Scott Habjan and Cameron Barrett, with the Conover Trophy going to Scott; the recently concluded Melville was reeled in by the incomparable Jorge Uquijo. The Club Championship went to the Yardbirds, who won for the first time this century by defeating the Owls, who had previously knocked out the prohibitive favorites, our beloved Gamecocks. Alex Comini won the individual club championship with an astounding 192 average, which included games of 289 and 288, as well as a 735 series!
2018 Karl Gabriel Scholarships
JUNE 6, 2018 – The Karl Gabriel Scholarship, named for our beloved “Treasurer for Life,” bestowed annually through the Community Chest of the Commonwealth Club, was awarded to David Veldran and Che-Young Lee, seniors at Montclair High. David is going to attend Princeton University, while Che-Young is going to continue her educational journey at Haverford College.
Community Outreach News
Club Supports Human Needs Food Pantry
Since 1982, the Human Needs Food Pantry has provided food, clothing and other services to people in Montclair and neighboring communities. Its clients include families and singles who are elderly, disabled, home-bound, unemployed or underemployed — the working poor. Federal guidelines based on income determine eligibility.
In June, when word went out the Food Pantry’s shelves were empty, as often is the case when vacation time rolls around, representatives of the Commonwealth Club’s Community Chest acted quickly, contributing $500 to the organization. Club members also shopped, collected and delivered much-needed staples to the nonprofit’s 9 Label St. location in Montclair. More…
Rent the Club
Located in the heart of Upper Montclair, the club is a great place for parties and events. Whether your invitations are going out to 25 — or 250 — consider the Commonwealth Club and its turn-of-the-century charm. After the most extensive renovations in its 111-year history, the club remains one of the coolest gathering spots around. Come see for yourself.