LORAIN LIONS HONOR MONARCH MEMBERS

Past Council Chair/Past District Governor and current 1st Vice District Governor Jeff Hillis spoke at our Monarch dinner on Thursday, February 6.  He lauded the Lorain Lions Club as a model of Lionism, remembering our project to build a Habitat For Humanity home for a blind person and her family in 2001-2002.  He noted how Lorain Lions have been a leader getting LCIF grant funds, but also ready and willing at anytime to roll up their sleeves and do whatever is needed to respond to community needs.  He encouraged us to build on that past history and look to build our club for the future.

Lions and guests listen attentively to PCC/PDG and 1st VDG Jeff Hillis who ended his presentation with the presentation of Monarch awards.

 

ABOVE:  It was wonderful to have Lion Ralph Krupp at the dinner to receive his 55 year chevron with Lion Bob Kayle, who also received the 55 year award.  Lion Bob and Lion Ralph were inducted into the club at the same meeting in October, 1958.

Lion Joe Ksenich (left) received his 20 year chevron and Lion Doug Krucinski (right) received his 30 year chevron at the dinner.  We applaud and honor our Lion members who were recognized last night for their dedication to the community through Lions.  Lion Monarchs recognized last night also included:  Rich Marcucci (35 years); John Mazze, Tom Martin and Bob Pastor (25 years); Velda Reynolds (10 years).

ABOVE:  Lion Dan Smith (left) and Lion Ed Chavez (center) visiting after the meeting with PCC/PDG Jeff Hillis.  Lion Ed gave a moving report on the help that the Lorain Lions "Pancake Grillers" team gave to the Clearview Schools pancake breakfast fundraiser for the young student who died unexpectedly a couple of weeks ago.  Lion Ed conveyed the deep appreciation of the schools and parents for the support freely offered.

Lion Doug Kayle congratulates his dad, 55 year Lion Bob Kayle.

DOWNTOWN GROWTH CORPORATION AND LORAIN PORT AUTHORITY COLLABORATE ON DOWNTOWN'S FUTURE

ABOVE:  Jim Long (left), President of the Downtown Growth Corporation, and Rick Novak (right), Executive Director of the Lorain Port Authority presented an overview of downtown Lorain's recent improvements and its potential for future development at the January 30 luncheon meeting.

MARINE BIOLOGIST UPDATES LIONS ON LAKE ERIE STATUS

ABOVE:  Sarah Orlando of the Ohio Sea Grant Program spoke at our January 23 meeting and gave Lions the latest news on Asian carp and algal blooms that are threatening Lake Erie and the Great Lakes.  Options to protect the lakes from the Asian carp were presented recently and could cost up to $18 billion!  Very informative and important presentation about this irreplaceable resource.

GUIDE DOG PROGRAM EXPLAINED TO LIONS

ABOVE:  Leslie Stephens, Regional Manager of the Puppy Program for Guiding Eyes for the Blind, with one of her guiding companions, spoke at our January 16 lunch meeting about the program and how dogs are bred, prepared, and trained to serve the blind and persons with special needs. Another great program!!

JUDGE GARY BENNETT SPEAKS TO LIONS

ABOVE: Elyria Municipal Court Judge Gary Bennett, left, with Bailiff Larry Reardon, right.  At our January 9 evening meeting, Judge Bennett gave a very informative explanation of the court and a personal insight into the work of a municipal judge, and explained briefly how municipal courts fit into to the overall Ohio judicial system.  This was a great program--thanks to Lion Barry Buck for setting this one up!

LIONS MAN THE SALVATION ARMY KETTLES

ABOVE (left to right):  Lions Barry Buck, Rich Marcucci, Dave Burns and Pete Castillo began the early shifts at K Mart's south door on Saturday, December 14.  Thank goodness there wasn't much wind with the snow! It was plenty cold without it.  Lion Dave Burns did another awesome job coordinating this long term club service project.  Thanks Lion Dave!

ABOVE:  Lion Dan Smith and Lion Doug Kayle.

ABOVE:  Kettle Chair Dave Burns with Lion Bruce McCartney (center) and Lion Ken Krol.  Thanks to all you Lions who helped on this very cold, snowy day!  It's a wonderful experience and great way to serve our community.

RECENT SPEAKERS INFORM LIONS

Victor Leandry, Director of El Centro in Lorain, spoke Lions at our December 19 luncheon meeting.  He provided some interesting information about the Spanish speaking population in the U.S., Ohio, Lorain County and Lorain City and explained the many services of El Centro.  Victor is recognized as a leader not only in Lorain County but also in Ohio and the nation.  He has served on the board of directors of the National Council of La Raza for more than 8 years.

Danielle Zechman, Advancement Officer at the Community Foundation of Lorain County, gave a very informative presentation about the work of the Community Foundation and updated us about the Lorain Lions Fund at the Foundation.