Waterfront Winterfest Events Explained to Lions

ABOVE:  Steve Bansek (right) and Lolly Bansek are heading up the Lorain Waterfront Winterfest ("Light Up Lorain")  on  November 28 and 29 this year.  They talked about the many events planned for the weekend, including ice sculptures, fireworks and holiday decorations in downtown Lorain.  Watch for more details in the next couple of weeks.

Lions vs. Rotary Kettle Rivalry Revived

ABOVE:  Salvation Army Commander Jimmy Susa (center) attended both the Lorain Rotary Club meeting and the Lorain Lions Club meeting on November 5 to challenge the two clubs to renew their competition to raise the most money when they man the Salvation Army Kettles in December on separate Saturdays.  This has been a holiday tradition between the two clubs for many years. Also pictured above are Lion Tim Lombardi (left) and Rotarian Rev. Jim Smucker, who "threw down the gauntlet" at the Lions Club dinner meeting November 5.  The winning club takes possession of the trophy until next year's competition.

News coverage of guide dog at Lions Breakfast

The Morning Journal article (Nov. 3, 2015) of guide dog and handler from Pilot Dogs, Inc. Donations made at Lorain Lions' Nov. 1 breakfast toward the $8 million project to build new kennel and training center in Columbus to supply more guide dogs to the bland and visually impaired.

Article (Nov. 2, 2015) in the Chronicle-Telegram, Elyria, on the Lorain Lions breakfast and guide dog greeting people walking into the breakfast at the Italian-American Veterans Post 1.

Record Breaking Crowd for Lions Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, November 1 was a busy day at the Lorain Lions Pancake Breakfast with about 1200 community supporters stopping in for the delicious pancakes and sausage.

Pilot Dogs of Ohio trainer Mike Tessmer and Shiloh were on hand at the Lorain Lions Pancake breakfast to meet and greet visitors.   Pilot Dogs, Inc. has been serving the blind and visually impaired community since 1950. They provide a unique form of independence and mobility through the use of dog guides. Over the years Pilot Dogs has trained over 7,500 individuals in the use of their Pilot Dogs.

ABOVE:  Elyria Catholic High School student Christopher Morgan (right) and his dad, Brian Morgan (left) provided 5 hours of invaluable volunteer service taking care of customers at the breakfast.  Thanks for your help!

ABOVE:  Lion President Dan Smith (left) and Pancake Breakfast Chair Lion Rich Foil (right) present 50/50 raffle winner Nathaniel Reynolds (center) with over $300 in winnings!

ABOVE:  Lion Gary Koepp (left) was the winner of the Money Tree raffle, attended by Lion Jean Lee (center) and Lion Dorothy McGuire (right).

Lions Tour Second Harvest Food Bank

The Lorain Lions had their noon luncheon meeting onsite at Second Harvest Food Bank on October 29 and heard a presentation from staff member Susan Bartosch about the Back Packs for Children program that provides food for young students for the long weekend.  The Lions also had a behind the scenes tour of the new and expanded state-of-the-art facility.

Many thanks to Susan Bartosch for the informative presentation and tour of the impressive new facility.

American Legion Honor Guard Thanks Lorain Lions For Donation

ABOVE:  Clark Bruner (left) and Dick Bogardi (right) of the American Legion Honor Guard spoke to the Lorain Lions at the Thursday, October 8 lunch meeting about the work performed by the 26 members of the Honor Guard group who offer their services at no charge for the funerals of deceased veterans.  The group is working to raise $39,000 to purchase a new 13 passenger van to replace the year 2000 van that no longer can serve their needs.  The Lorain Lions contributed $1,000 toward their fundraising effort, which is only $10,000 short of the goal.  Thanks to these great veterans for their ongoing service to our veterans!

Lions District Governor Recognizes Lorain Lions With Years of Service Awards

District Governor Carolyn Brook presents Lion Ben Norton with a 45 year membership pin and certificate at the October 1, 2015 dinner meeting of the Lorain Lions

Lion Dan Smith receives a 35 year pin.

Lion Bill Evenchik receives a 30 year pin.

Lion Dan Asensio received a 25 year membership pin and certificate.

Lion Bruce Diso received a 25 year pin.

Lion Mitch Fallis receives a 10 year pin.