Lionism Inspires Commitment

LIONS TALE LIONISM INSPIRES COMMITMENT JANUARY 2014 LIONS TALE LIONISM INSPIRES COMMITMENT JANUARY 2014

NOTES FROM OUR DISTRICT GOVERNOR STEVE NOVIC

Happy New Year to everyone. Terry and I hope you all had a Happy Holiday Season . It is hard to believe that six months have already past. It is true “that time flies when you are having fun”, visiting the clubs is the best part. It is so rewarding to hear what each of you are planning when I visit and I am so inspired to learn of the plans for new ventures. Things I would never have dreamed up. Keep up the great brainstorming of new ideas.

I am sad to report that the Westbrook Lions Club has disbanded. The members transferred to other clubs. I wish them the best.

PDG Jan Miller and I took 11,700 pair of glasses to the New Jersey Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center December 30, 2013. These were the glasses we collected in May and I was not able to deliver before then. Yep, I’m bad. Can you believe Jan and I made it to the New Jersey State line in two hours and fifteen minutes. We left Wal-Mart in Groton and there was no traffic, of course we ran into all the traffic when returning home that afternoon.

We are looking forward to the Mid Winter Conference and the visit of International First Vice President Joe Preston. This is a great event for all Lions, please come and experience Mid Winter Conference.

Cabinet Secretary: Frank Rowe Cabinet Treasurer: Diana Grise

The week, Jan 11-18, Terry and I are in Vermont at our Trapp Family timeshare. It is my one week a year to down hill ski. Terry gets to relax and take a week off from work. Terry doesn’t care to ski, but we do Snow Shoeing. One problem this year, there is no snow to “Shoe” in at the present. Oh well next year. I was amazed how great the skiing was on Mount Mansfield. They have more snowmaking on new trails every year.

My Visitations started up last week, I look forward to meeting with those clubs I am scheduled to visit.

See you at the Mid-Winter Conference, Feb79th. Checkout http:www.lionsdistrict23c.org/ Pages/StateConv. Hurry, it’s almost too late!

Take care and be safe this winter. DG Steve

DISTRICT 23C CELEBRATES MELVIN JONES’ BIRTHDAY THE LIONS TALE District 23C - Connecticut JANUARY 2014 p. 2

DISTRICT 23C SALUTES HUMANITARIANS IN EASTERN CT

And the winner is ......

Actually, there were eleven winners at the 5th annual Humanitarian Dinner on Saturday, January 18th at the Groton Inn and Suites. Each had been nominated by the Lions Club in their community and was celebrated for their accomplishments by more than 175 Lions and guests in attendance. One of the provisions of the award is that those selected are not Lions, but are known for their community service and creative projects.

As always, Chairman PDG Mary Krogh and the committee planned a very entertaining and memorable event. The evening started off by VDG Nanette Burdick leading the flag ceremony, with the colors brought in by the Honor Guard from the Coast Guard Academy. Following the traditional four point opening, Joan Miller, a vocalist from the Thames Valley Music School, asked all veterans to stand and proceeded around the room and shook each veteran’s hand as she sang God Bless the USA. Following a delicious dinner, during which a high school girl’s chorus provided music, Senator Richard Blumenthal brought greetings to the group and expressed his appreciation for being a part of many Lions functions. Special guest “Melvin Jones” shared the history of Lionism and his birthday was celebrated with both the traditional song and cake.

The Humanitarian Awards from the eleven Lions Clubs were presented by PID Scott Storms, who read the nomination biography of each honoree and presented them with a plaque and “goodie bag” of gifts. At the end of the dinner, each person in attendance was given a book, with the biography of each Humanitarian recognized over the past five years.

The Humanitarian of the Year from District 23C was then announced, with Vin Colonna of Hebron receiving that special recognition. He was presented with a Melvin Jones Fellowship in appreciation of his many humanitarian accomplishments.

Humanitarians recognized at the dinner and the Lions Club nominating them were: HAROLD ARKAVA - New London

WILLIAM CARON - AAA Lions

VIN COLONNA - Hebron

LINDA COLANGELO - Putnam

LEELAND J. COLE-CHU - Salem

JILLIAN CORBIN - Norwich

WILLIAM “BILL” CURRLIN - Middlefield

ANN McLAUGHLIN - East Hampton Village

dual nomination by East Hampton

KATHY PEKAROVIC - Willimantic

TIFFANY QUINN - East Haddam Community

TOM SULLIVAN - Ledyard

District 23C Humanitarians with DG Steve Novic, PID Scott Storms and Sen. Blumnthal

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To place an ad, contact Lion Shirley Annunziata at: [email protected] or (860) 434-2871. 3

New Vehicles for Guide Dogs

Lions Members Announce Two-for-One Challenge Grant

Spearheaded by the Van Tassel Society and in cooperation with Guiding Eyes, Lions throughout the tri-state area have launched a Lions/Guiding Eyes Vehicle Project Two-for-One Challenge. The challenge will match the Lions members’ $75,000 pledge in order to raise an additional $150,000. All monies raised will support the school’s vehicle needs and accelerate the replacement of an aging fleet.

In addition to the money raised by Lions through public appeals, Guiding Eyes has an opportunity to receive a $75,000 Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) match. In total, the goal is to raise $300,000 comprised of the $75,000 Lions pledge, $150,000 in two-for-one matching gifts, and $75,000 from the LCIF.

Reliable transportation is essential to fulfilling Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s mission and the purchase of new vehicles has been postponed for over three years due to other funding priorities. Staff must be able to travel to a variety of locations so they can train future guide dogs and blind students in diverse environments.

You can help us reach our goal. Checks can be made payable to Guiding Eyes for the Blind and send to the attention of Lions Challenge at 611 Granite Springs Road . Yorktown Heights , NY 10598. For additional information, call 914.243.4348 or email [email protected].

About Guiding Eyes for the Blind

Guiding Eyes for the Blind is an internationally accredited 501(c)(3) nonprofit guide dog school founded in 1954. Since its inception, Guiding Eyes has grown to be one of the foremost guide dog schools in the world, known for its cutting- edge training programs, commitment to

(continued next column) excellence, and dedication to its elite and superbly trained guide dogs. In 2008, the school launched Heeling Autism, a service dog program designed to provide safety and companionship for children on the autism spectrum. Guiding Eyes provides all of its services at no cost, and is dependent upon contributions to fulfill its mission. The organization’s Headquarters and Training Center is located in Yorktown Heights , N.Y. Its Canine Development Center is in Patterson, N.Y. For more info, visit www.guidingeyes.org

Vans purchased through the Lions Challenge will carry the Lions Club International logo.

Please contact Millie Burke District 23C LCIF Coordinator at [email protected] or 860-326-0676 for further information.

DollarsForScholarsBusCard (2).jpg

Happy NewYear from the Old Saybrook Lions Club!

We have Lighthouse Pins for Sale (Outer Light at Old Saybrook) $5.00/each (plus shipping/handling)

Perfect Size for your hat or vest! Great Gifts, too! To order, call (860) 924-5459 or Email: [email protected] THE LIONS TALE DISTRICT 23-C

THE LIONS TALE DISTRICT 23-C T US POSTAGE PAID Willimantic, CT 06226 PERMIT NO. 454

SAVE THE DATE! -APRIL 5th, 2014 LIONS LOW VISION CENTER “SHARPENING THEIR FOCUS” Good & Services Auction

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Trees Cut Power Lines Cleared Site Restoration Firewood Cut and Delivered Emergency Generator Installation

Owners: Lions Denise Dudek & Tom Langlois

860.526.6873 [email protected]

Local woman owned business Licensed and Insured