Catholic Charities director speaks about homeless

Melissa Sirak, emergency services  director of Cleveland Catholic Charities, speaks at the Feb. 27 Lorain Lions meeting on how Catholic Charities serves the poor, needy and homeless in Lorain.

CORDELL BROWN, CAMP ECHOING HILLS FOUNDER, VISITS LORAIN

ABOVE:  Long-time Lion Cordell Brown (left), Amherst native and founder of Camp Echoing Hills, gave an informative, humorous and inspirational account of his life in Lorain County, and his efforts to establish the first real camp for persons with disabilities.  Camp Director Loren Unger (right) presented a brief documentary video about Camp Echoing Hills that demonstrated the deep appreciation campers and camp counselors have for this invaluable organization and its service.

ZONE 4 CHAIR BRENT PARKER UPDATES LIONS

ABOVE:  Zone 4 Chair Brent Parker (center) gave Lions an update on Zone, District and Lions International events and activities at our February 20 luncheon meeting.  He was welcomed by Lorain Lions President Bruce Diso (right) and 1st Vice President Kim Worden (left).

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.