Lions Bring Students to Lenscrafters Hometown Days

Santa Claus visited while Lions driver volunteers waited for Lorain City Schools students to get exams and be fitted with glasses and frames at the LensCrafters store at Midway Mall in Elyria Tuesday, Dec. 13.. The club has participated in LensCrafters' annual Hometown Days event for more than 20 years. Pictured (left to right):  Lion Dan Smith, Lion John Volak, Lion Ken Cromer, Santa, and Lion Marshall Dimacchia.

LensCrafters manager Michelle Perner fits frames for an appreciative student from Lorain's Longfellow Middle School.

Morning Journal reporter Kelly Petryszyn talks with a student about her experience getting new glasses.

Morning Journal photographer Anna Norris gets a picture for a story in the paper about the Lions and LensCrafters project to provide eye exams and glasses.

The Morning Journal reporter interviews Lorain Lion member Dr. John Smith, the optometrist at the LensCrafters store, who examined the eyes of the students.

Meredith Mattey (right), sign language teacher at Lorain High School, interprets for LensCrafters staffer Ronda Mitchell to get the correct frame fit for a student.

Volunteer Driver, Lion John Volak, (left), with Longfellow Middle School teacher's aide who assisted in transporting the kids to LensCrafters enjoy snacks.  The Lorain Lions provided sandwiches, chips, fruit and cookies for the students, Lenscrafters staff and Lions volunteers.

Dr. John Smith and Lorain Lions Hometown Day Chairman Bruce Diso discuss how things are going.  It's always a busy morning taking care of the Lorain City School students.  Both Lion John and Lion Bruce have been doing this project for many years.

Dr. John Smith with optometry office staff and LensCrafters staff at the end of a busy, but enjoyable morning.  Pictured (left to right):  Jen Penny, Ronda Mitchell , Krissy Hering, Jennifer Hall, Dr. Smith, and LensCrafters Store Manager Michelle Perna.  Thanks for a great job!

 

VIDEO; Lion Bruce Diso, Sight Committee chairman, talks about Lorain Lions role in Hometown Days.

  

VIDEO; Dr. John Smith, an optometrist and Lorain Lion, talks about the annual project that assists local students in need of eye exams and eyeglasses to achieve success in school by being able to see better.

  

VIDEO: Beginning with first-year member John Volak, Lorain Lions share their thoughts on driving students to LensCrafters Hometown Days event,

  

VIDEO: Lion Marshall Dimacchia and been transporting Lorain students for years to the Elyria mall for Hometown Days as have several members for the club.

 

VIDEO: Listen to what Lion Ken Cromer has to say.

  

VIDEO; Lion Dan Smith tells why important projects such as Hometown Days makes it great to be a Lion whose motto is, "We Serve!"

Lorain Lions Ring the Salvation Army Bells

Lion Bruce Meadows covered the first shift at the south door of K-Mart with Lion Bob Kayle (not pictured).

 Lions Tim Lombardi and Bruce Bevan (above) covered the first shift at the north door

Lion Ken Cromer (left) demonstrating proper bellringing technique

 Lions Ed Baker, Pete Castillo, Tammy Tansey with Bellringing Chairman, Lion Dave Burns.  This is Lion Dave's 21st year coordinating this project.  Another great job, Dave!  Thanks!

Lions Joe Ksenich and Ken Kayle (above). In case you didn't notice--it was cold!!

Lion Glenn Owen (left) finishes up his shift in the dark.

Lion Bob Kerecz and grandson Bobby Kerecz made a great pair of bellringers!

Even Santa Claus joined Lion Frank Csubak (right) and wife Bonnie on their shift! Kettle chairman Lion Dave checks to see if everything is going okay.  Lion Dave wants to thank the 28 Lions and family members, plus two Leo Club members at LHS, who helped cover the day's schedule. Well done, Lions and Leos!

Lions Christmas Party a Success

Lion Marshall Dimacchia, Lion President Dave Burgess, and Lion Tom Bruno with wife Annette enjoy conversation before dinner.

 Lion Rick Freda and Lion Tammy Tansey

Lion Ken Kayle's friend Debbie checking in Lion Doug Krucinski and his wife Lynn.  Ken Kayle chaired the Christmas Dinner committee with help from Lion Tammy Tansey.  What a fun and enjoyable evening!  Thanks Ken and Tammy for a great job!

 Lions Dorothy McGuire and Jean Lee

Lion Walt Frey (left) with daughter Hollie and her friend Brittany.

 Lion Bill Neely visits with Lion Bob Kayle and wife Sue, and Lion Doug Kayle with friend Paula.

Lion Tony Freda with wife Linda

 Lions Jack Clark and Marshall Dimacchia

Lion Tammy visits with Lion Ed Baker and Celeste. 

Santa's grand entrance to the singing of "Jingle Bells"

Lion Dave Macgregor and wife Kathi give Santa their wish list.

Some kids never grow up!  Tammy (above) was so excited to meet Santa, as was Alex Bevan (below).