June 2019

June 2019


In this issue:

• DG Harry Schuh Where Is This Box?


• VIP Fishing

• Lion Around
Connecticut TV


• Pediatric Cancer

• Diabetes Update

• Pediatric Cancer


• GMT report

• In Memory of
Lion Blanche

Sewell

CLUBS

Bloomfield LEOs
Bristol

East Windsor

Hartland
New Milford

Terryville

Torrington
Windsor Locks

Woodbury



We don’t know!

We’ve gone through our entire library of collection boxes—we only received 15
pictures from the 54 clubs in the district. Why hasn’t your club shared theirs yet?


Is it because it looks like all the others? Not a problem—it adds a challenge! Is it
because you don’t have one? Why don’t you make one? It doesn’t have to be fancy
or elaborate. Contact us for ideas! When your box is in place, take a picture and sent
it to us at [email protected]. We’ll use it in a future issue of The Spirit!

Congratulations to Lion Sue Boilard, who correctly identified the collection box from
the last issue of the Spirit: The Bristol Senior Center.

Page 2 District 23B Spirit — June 2019
DG Harry S chuh


Thank you so much for the support Another DG goal is to actively to help prevent and to address
you have given me this year! I am promote and support LCIF’s opioid misuse and addiction at
having a great time serving as your Campaign 100. Lion Carol and I home, in the workplace and in the
District Governor. It’s hard to believe have been supporting LCIF with community. For example, we are
that it has been over a year since I personal donations for many years. I encouraging clubs to provide local
stood before our Lions at the 2018 encourage all Lions to make a pharmacies with Deterra drug
State Convention with my Universal personal donation to our own deactivation pouches for distribution
Studios clapper and talked about foundation which has distributed with an opioid prescription. Districts
the theme for my upcoming DG over $1 billion dollars since its 23A and 23C are joining us also.
year: “LIGHTS, CAMERA, founding in 1968. District LCIF
ACTION!” What an exciting, Coordinator PCC Dan DiVirgilio held Lions Quest Cabinet Chair Nancy
memorable year this has been for training for club LCIF coordinators Schnyer is actively promoting Lions’
me and for Lion Carol. on February 2nd and March 14th in Quest in the district and the multiple
East Hartford. A second New district. She brought in a Quest
Lion Carol and I really appreciate Member Orientation seminar was trainer to present a workshop to
the warmth, generosity, and also held by Orientation Chair PCC Canton and Region 6 schools.
hospitality shown to us during our Alan Daninhirsch on Thursday, There will be a Quest presentation
club visits these past 3 years. I March 14th to complement the first to the CT Association of Schools on
enjoy listening to the many and one held on October 18th. October 3rd. They have pledged
varied activities that you Lions are their involvement and support of
engaged in, and also enjoy sharing An additional DG goal is to explore Quest pending a positive outcome
information with you regarding the use of new technology to from the October 3rd presentation.
District, Multiple District, and enhance our leadership International President Gudrun
International initiatives. development and communication Yngvadottir and I have stressed
options. To that end, we are Lions Service throughout this Lions
As we are now into the next century finalizing the acquisition of year. Thanks to the clubs in our
of Lionism, LCl is uniting our Global GoToWebinar software to be shared District who are actively engaged in
Service around five areas of need: by the Multiple District. This projects that not only support our
Diabetes, Vision, Hunger, software will enable us to be much five global causes but that support
Environment, and Childhood Cancer more flexible in offering training our communities. Continue to focus
with Diabetes as a major focus. One seminars, holding meetings, etc. on activities that improve your
of my District Governor (DG) service throughout our Multiple District. community, act on those initiatives,
goals is to establish a district-wide shine a light on what you do! And,
Diabetes service project. I am Lions Day with the UN was held on celebrate your successes!
delighted to report that we are Saturday, March 9th. District 23B On a personal note, on March 4th
actively involved in Diabetes sent more than 75 Lions and Leos Lion Carol and I celebrated 6 years
projects in two areas: 1) to establish to attend this international event at of videorecording and producing our
a multiple district one-week day the United Nations Headquarters in weekly half-hour TV show “Lion
camp in the summer of 2019 for New York City. LDUN Cabinet Chair Around CT with Carol and Harry.”
children with Type 1 diabetes and 2) PDG Dave Roberts did an
to bring diabetes testing to Hartford outstanding job chairing this project! Thanks to my District 23B Cabinet,
Middle School students. We are District 23B chartered two buses to the Lions of District 23B, and my
partnering with the CT Children’s transport Lions and Leos to the UN. wife Lion Carol for supporting me
Medical Center on both of these A bus seat scholarship program was and making this year so special for
projects. Dr. Cem Demirci, Director also established to provide free me!
of Pediatric Endocrinology & transportation for 37 Leos to attend
Diabetes, has offered his and his this great annual event. Stay tuned for the rest of this Lions
staff’s services and equipment to Year!
volunteer at a Health Fair/Diabetes Another initiative is the partnering of
and Vision Screening for Hartford District 23B Lions Clubs with the LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!
Middle School students that Cabinet Rotary Clubs in Northern CT and
Diabetes Chair Wendella Benjamin- western MA to join forces to combat Yours in Lionism,
Battey is organizing for June 1st, the opioid crisis. Lion Bob Bessel DG Harry Schuh
and to volunteer during the 1-week and 2nd VDG Heidi Zacchera have
day camp during the first week of been instrumental in organizing and
August. Multiple District 23 Diabetes leading the formation of this Rotary-
Camp Chair PCC Alan Daninhirsch Lions Addiction Task Force. The
is going a great job leading this task force will connect citizens with
project. multiple resources that are designed

District 23B Spirit — June 2019 Page 3

New Milford Lions Club

The New Milford Lions held their Member Award and other gifts. She happy people in our community on
90th Gala on March 16th at the Fox then asked Lion Charlie to join her Friday, April 26th, which was also
Hill Inn in Brookfield, which was in the first dance to kick off the Arbor Day.
attended by one hundred and six Gala.
guests, mostly dressed up in 1920’s The magnificent trees were donated
fashion. The evening flew with a delicious to us by Bartlett Tree Experts in
meal provided by the venue, the New Milford. President Tammy
We were entertained during the D.J. was entertaining, and his song Deak asked the Manager if they
cocktail hour by the High School selections kept us all on the dance would be willing to donate the trees
Jazz quartet. We then meandered floor! The raffles were a huge to help celebrate our 90th
to the Ballroom, where music was success, thanks to Lion Katie and Anniversary. She picked them up
playing to tunes of the roaring 20s! Lion Marie. Lion Dottie—thank you from Bartlett Tree and gave them
President Tammy introduced the for making these gorgeous baskets! out with help from Lions Frank
Distinguished Guests of Honor, President Tammy called up all of Cavielro and Lion Jason O’Connor.
State Representative, Bill Buckbee, the Past Presidents for a ceremonial
District Governor 23B, Harry Schuh, cake cutting in honor of our 90th It was pouring rain but fifteen
Mayor of New Milford, Pete Bass. Anniversary. Each President had a minutes prior to the event; ten to
Each of the guests briefly spoke. knife and cut through the cake. twelve people arrived anxiously
Then, President Tammy gave her More dancing and the night was waiting to pick out their free tree!
President’s Address. over…all a fabulous memory…until
our 100th… Ninety years is long time! The club’s
Perhaps, the highlight of the goal is to celebrate this Anniversary
evening was when President The New Milford Lion’s distributed all year! Watch for more 90th
Tammy honored long time member ninety beautiful Sugar Maple, White Projects from the New Milford Lions!
Lion Charlie Chapin with a Life Oak and Spruce Trees to very




























Top left: At their 90th Gala, Lion Charlie Chapin (left) was
awarded a life-time membership by the New Milford Lions
Club. Lion Charile is pictured here with club president Lion
Tammy Deaks.

Above: The New Milford Lions cutting their anniversary cake,
celebrating their 90th year of service.

Bottom left: As part of their anniversary activities, the New
Milford Lions honored Arbor Day by giving away ninety free
trees, donated by the Bartlett Tree Company.

Page 4 District 23B Spirit — June 2019

Fund Raising for Childhood Cancer Hartland Lions

Research is a Service Club
Maredith Spector, Childhood Cancer Co-Chair Trees once again donated to the 4th

With childhood cancer research chemotherapy and treatment graders with the attached note.
receiving only 4% of federal funding, protocols.
raising money for new research, Hartland Lions
emerging scientists, funding gaps, Survivorship may also be a double- are pleased to once again provide
and late-effects are important Lion edged sword since chemo, this tree for
actions because there is a need. radiation, and treatment can Arbor Day
produce late effects to developing We hope you will plant it in a
Let’s face it, the greatest amount of brains, growing bones, reproductive, prominent location.
money goes where the greatest and cardiovascular systems, as well Who knows maybe one of your
population of cancers and as behavior and learning difficulties. grandchildren will climb it someday.
profitability are, typically breast and These areas are emerging as solid Trees
prostate cancers and their areas to research for quality of life, The quiet best friend of man.
treatments. Children of different as is the field of human genomics, without protest yielding year after
ages have relatively rare incidences which is looking for causes and year
of different cancers, usually genetics for targeted treatment Flowers signaling a spring day and
leukemia, lymphoma, or solid protocols. the blooming of new life,
tumors such as osteosarcoma Shade on a summer day to cool and
(bone), hepatoblastoma (liver), or In the month of June, you can serve purify the air we breathe,
neuroblastoma (nervous system), childhood cancer research with Fruit on an autumn day to nourish,
and because of this rarity the grant great action. Wood to burn on a bitter winter day
funding initiatives are not seen as to warm,
impacting as many victims or BE THE FIRST LIONS CLUB TO Boards to build houses and fancy
producing as much pharmaceutical ACT—AND ACT QUICKLY woods for boats and furniture,
profit as highly visible cancers in Homes for birds, squirrels, insects
adults. https://greatcyclechallenge.com/ and crawly things.

But, the horizon is changing in many (TEAM OSTEO is the team to Plant a tree
respects. For one, the incidence of sponsor!) Care for it
childhood cancers has slowly risen Watch it grow
over the past few decades. This is, https://www.alexslemonade.org/
in part, due to the fact that 80% of Tell your grandchildren
children now survive the five-year "I planted that tree for YOU when I
window, when the survival rate was was your age!"
only 58% in the past. Most of this
increase has been among the RP Mocarsky with inspiration from
survivors of leukemia with its Lillian Jackson Braun
marked improvement of Arbor Day 2019



Clubs Helping Clubs







Bristol and Terryville
Lions delivered
meals to local shut-
ins from the Zion
Lutheran church
soup kitchen in
Bristol.

District 23B Spirit — June 2019 Page 5
Wish You Were There

Connecticut's Great Lions

Convention of 2019


By Lion Bob Bessel
Connecticut Lions' 98th Annual Convention was great
fun, informative, and largely ignored by most Lions in
the state. Approximately 300 Lions out of nearly 5000
showed up— that's 6% of the total. What does that
say about the convention? What does it say about
Lions in Connecticut?

I honestly don't know. But, I'd like to find out by
asking three questions of the 94% of Lions who didn't
attend:
What convinced you not to attend this year's
convention?
What would persuade you to attend our 2020 event?
Could you suggest a few ideas to improve next year's
convention?

The point of a Lions Convention is to strengthen our
cause. Sure, we have fun— togas and a live band
Friday night were terrific. Sure, we heard from great
speakers—from Lions Second Vice President Haynes
Townsend to Roland Dunham and Melissa Smith.
Sure, we learned about Tail-twisting and the MyLion
app. We even met next year's Lion leaders.

But, if you didn't attend, what's the point?

It's time to have a serious conversation about Lions
Conventions and other District activities. The people
who do these jobs are unpaid, the same as you. They
believe this work has value for every Lion in District
23B, the same as you in your club. If we're missing
the mark, tell us. We're Lions. We can take it. If you
think you can do it better, you're welcome to make a
difference.

The worst thing is silence. The second worst thing is
non-attendance. Let's put our heads together and try
to make next year's convention an event you want to
attend. We are all in this together.



Our International
guest at the State
Convention was
International 2nd VP
Judge Haynes
Townsend (left),
shown here with
CRIS Radio’s “Dancing in the Dark” fundraiser was Harwinton Lion and
held at the Bond Ballroom in Hartford on April 27. host of Lion Around
Picture here are DG Harry Schuh, and Lion Carol Connecticut Carol
Kearns, with DITD Judge Joe Furey. Kearns

Page 6 District 23B Spirit — June 2019
VIP Fishing

The Berlin Lions hosted the 11th
annual Connecticut Visually
Impaired Person's (VIP) Junior
Fishing Tournament on Sunday,
April 28th at Sage Park in Berlin.
Twelve children braved the rain, the
cold, the puddles and lots of mud to
fish in the tournament. No one
seemed to care! I think some
actually enjoyed it!

Brody in first place caught a total of
94" of trout, Kaden came in second

place with a total of 59.5" and Riot
was close behind in third place with
a total of 57" caught! Everyone in
the tournament caught some fish. It
was a great day of shared
friendships, networking and fishing!

We had a total of 12 VIP Children, 3
siblings, 21 Adults (Moms, Dads,
Grandfathers, Grandmothers, Aunts
and Friends), 15 Berlin Lions, 3
Terryville Lions, 1 Hebron Lion and
7 volunteers...a total of 62 people in
attendance!

All of our kids received a VIP
Hoodie, and we enjoyed breakfast,
fishing, a pizza lunch and awards.

Just one message from one of our
moms:

"I just wanted to reach out and say
thank you. Today was one of those
experiences all 4 of my kids will
never forget. Thank you for being so
kind to Juliana, even though she is
my only child that doesn’t have a
visual impairment. Your kindness
and generosity didn’t go unnoticed.
We will for sure be back next year."

District 23B Spirit — June 2019 Page 7
Zone 2

On March 4th, Lion Around CT with Zone 2 Chair Frank Longo

Carol and Harry celebrated its 6th

Anniversary of producing a weekly After scrambling around to secure Published four times a year
half-hour show celebrating Lions an alternate location after The “All the news that fits, we print!”
events and activities throughout our Curtis House Inn unexpectedly

district! Our show is aired in 58 closed, the Lions of Zone 2 met at Editor

communities on six cable access TV J&J’s Country Tavern in Southbury Frank Longo

stations: Charter Communications on April 10 for the final zone
(Winsted), Cablevision (Litchfield), meeting of the 2018-19 Lions year. Advertising Editor

Charter Communications Six of the seven clubs in the zone Robert Bessel

(Newtown), Charter attended.

Communications (Willimantic), District IT Chair
Nutmeg (Farmington), and Skye XIII We finished our discussion on

(Waterbury). service by finding ways that clubs Sonny Olomi

could partner with other clubs or Website Guy
Listed below are our last eleven groups in their community towards a
shows. We begin with Harwinton common goal. Several good Dan Uitti

Consolidated School’s Read Aloud examples and thoughts sprang forth

Day, where Harry reads to 3rd from this roundtable, and clubs are Layout

graders and Carol videorecords. anxious to put these ideas to use. Lauren Ipsum
This supports the Reading Action

Program (RAP) initiative begun We also briefly talked about the Printed By

under LCI Past President Wayne MyLion app, which is where service Southbury Printing Center

Madden in 2012-2013. We then reporting will take place starting on Southbury, CT
celebrate our Lions with a number July 1. Some Lions had already

of shows! Past International downloaded the app, and, in spite of Copyright © 2019

President Jimmy Ross from Texas some initial problems, are waiting to by Lions International District 23B

helped present Melvin Jones and see how it works once the cutover
Progressive Melvin Jones Awards to takes place. [email protected]

deserving Lions at St. Clement’s

Castle in Portland, CT. We thank Sadly, this was my last meeting as

Harwinton Lion Gary Cicognani for Zone 2 chair. The past three years The District 23B
filling as Co-Host with Lion Carol at have been a learning experience for

the District Governor Awards me, both as a Lion and as a leader, Spirit


Banquets at Chatterley’s in and I want to thank the clubs in
Torrington, and Maneeley’s in South Zone 2 for their efforts in helping to Our next issue of the District 23B
Windsor. Show #307 is Part 1 of the build a better Lion program. My last Spirit is September 1, 2019. The
th
9 annual CRIS Radio fundraiser official act as Zone chair will be New deadline for all ads and articles is
“Dining and Dancing in the Dark” Officer Induction on June 27 for the August 10, 2019.
featuring Scot Haney as emcee and Bethlehem Lions.
Joe Furey as celebrity judge. Ad prices are $30/quarter page (3.5”
wide, 5” long), $50 for a half-page
Below are the titles for our latest 305 DG Breakfast at Maneeley's Zones 5 (7” wide, 5” long), and $100 for a
- 7 Part 1
shows 284 - 296: 306 DG Breakfast at Maneeley's Zones 5 full-page (7” wide, 10” long). Please
297 Harwinton Consolidated School - 7 Part 2 (with Dr. Jerry Hardison) provide ads in .BMP, .JPG or .GIF
Read Aloud Day 307 CRIS Radio 9 Annual Dining and formats only—no .PDF or .PUB
th
298 Melvin Jones Banquet at St. Dancing in the Dark Part 1 files, please. If you don’t know how
Clement's Castle Part 1 to create an ad, send us your
299 Melvin Jones Banquet at St. To view our last 10 shows on the information and we’ll create one for
Clement's Castle Part 2 Internet: you.
300 Melvin Jones Banquet at St.  Go to www.ctv191.com
Clement's Castle Part 3
301 Melvin Jones Banquet at St.  Mouse over “What’s On” Any submitted pictures should be in
Clement's Castle Part 4  Click on “Watch Programs” .JPG or .GIF format, and should be
302 DG Breakfast at Chatterley's Zones  Type the word Lion in the clear (blurry pictures do not
1 - 4 Part 1 Search box and Click on Search reproduce well). We need pictures
303 DG Breakfast at Chatterley's Zones of collection boxes! PLEASE!
1 - 4 Part 2 We invite you to appear as studio
304 DG Breakfast at Chatterley's Zones guests on our show, or invite us to Submit materials for publication to
1 - 4 Part 3 (with Dr. Matt and Atty. document and publicize your Lions [email protected] only.
Audrey Blondin)
events on-site!

Page 8 District 23B Spirit — June 2019

Torrington Lions Club

At the Torrington Lions Club recent
regular meeting, which was held on
March 7th, the club presented the
International Lions highest award, a (At left) Club President Donna Robideau
Melvin Jones Fellow award, to three (left), Lion Margaret "Kiki" Tucker (center)
and Lion Phil Dzurnak (right).
individuals.
The first one was presented to Lion
Margaret "Kiki" Tucker, the second
to Lion Kathy Oligny, and the third
one was presented to a member of
the Torrington community,
Torrington High School teacher (At right) Club President Donna Robideau
Michael Schieb. (left), Lion Kathy Oligny (center) and Lion
Phil Dzurnak (right).
Both Margaret and Kathy have been
valuable members of our club for
many years. Michael Schieb is the
THS Leo Club advisor, who has
served in his position for several
years. Michael is the first non-Lion (At left) Lion Elaine Dzurnak, Torrington
in the history of the Torrington Lions Club Leo Advisor (left), Michael Schieb, THS
club to ever be awarded a Melvin Leo Club Advisor (center), and Lion Phil
Jones Fellow award, and although Dzurnak,Torrington club Leo Advisor (right).
he is not a Lion, he truly exemplifies
our motto, "We Serve".



Left: The Windsor Locks Lions
Club held their 24th Annual 5 and
10K Bradley Road Race on
March 30th, with a record 838
participants. Jon Kittridge, a
Windsor Locks High School
Senior finishes 1st in the 5K race.
It was the second consecutive
year, that Jon has won the race.



Right:
Pediatric
Cancer
Awareness
display at the Above: Bloomfield CAS Director of
MD23 State Student Activities, Charese Miller (left)
Convention. presents the "Heart of the Arts Award"
to the 2019 state recipient, Bloomfield
LEO Caroline Gwara (right)





Right: The East
Windsor Lions club at
their annual Farmer’s
Breakfast.
Above: Lions Clubs are known for two things:
Service and Pancake Breakfasts. The Bristol
Lions held their 2019 Pancake Breakfast on
Palm Sunday .

District 23B Spirit — June 2019 Page 9

DIABETES: CT Lions take on a global epidemic in their community


By Wendella Ault Battey, Cabinet Diabetes Chair
The number of people living with and amputations of feet and legs. snacks, face painting and a DJ. Test
diabetes has risen from 108 million Diabetes costs $174 billion results will be given to parents and
in 1980 to 422 million in 2014 and annually, including $116 billion in the Hartford Public Schools only if
continues to rise, according to the direct medical expenses. the test is positive. THIS WILL BE A
World Health Organization (WHO). HEALTHY, FUN, AND
While the number of people with INFORMATIVE EVENT, which we
The good news is that, with diabetes in the United States hope to continue in Hartford and
changes to diet and lifestyle, Type-2 continues to grow, today, more than other towns in Connecticut.
diabetes can be prevented. And that 30 million people have diabetes in
is where Lions get involved. the United States, and 1 in 4 of Interested sponsors are encouraged
them don’t know they have it. to contact their local Lions clubs, or
Globally, an estimated 422 million
adults are living with diabetes,  More than 84 million US Wendella Ault Battey, District 23B
according to the latest 2016 data adults—over a third—have Diabetes Chairperson @ (860) 883-
from the World Health prediabetes and 90% of 8604, or by email:
Organization (WHO). Diabetes them don’t know they have [email protected],
prevalence is increasing rapidly; it. or,
previous 2013 estimates from the Hartford Multinational Lions Club,
International Diabetes Federation  Diabetes is the 7th leading Lillian Ruiz, President @ (860) 614-
put the number at 381 million cause of death in the United 5499 or by email:
people having diabetes. The States (and may be [email protected].
number is projected to almost underreported).
double by 2030. Type-2  In the last 20 years, the
diabetes makes up about 90-95% of number of adults diagnosed MyLion App
all cases. Type-1 diabetes account with diabetes has more than
for about 5%. Increases in the tripled as the American As most of us already know, service
overall diabetes prevalence rates population has aged and reporting will no longer be done
largely reflect an increase in risk become more overweight or through the MyLCI program, but
factors for type 2, notably greater obese. through a new mobile application:
longevity and being overweight or MyLion. This app, for both Apple
obese. As simple blood test will let you and Android devices, is a social
know if you have diabetes. media portal, service reporting
Type-1 diabetes is caused by an interface, and collaboration tool for
autoimmune reaction (the body That is why on June 1, 2019, from Lions around the world.
attacks itself by mistake) that 9:00 am-3:00 pm, CT Lions, in
destroys the cells in the pancreas participation from volunteering You can download the free app from
that make insulin, called beta cells. physicians from Connecticut the app store for your device.
Some people have certain genes Children’s Medical Center, will Create your user id (you need your
(traits passed on from parent to conduct diabetes screenings for the member number, which is on your
child) that make them more likely to first 200 children who attend Lion magazine label), and you’re
develop Type-1 diabetes. Diet and Hartford Public Schools and are in good to go.
lifestyle habits don’t cause Type-1 grades 5,6 &7. Permission forms
diabetes. will be sent home to parents Through MyLion, Lions are able to
throughout Hartford, which must be connect with other Lions to chat or
Type-2 diabetes is a disease in signed and returned to the schools work together on projects, report
which the body does not properly for your children to be tested. their individual service hours, make
use insulin. Diabetes can lead to donations to LCIF, or look to see
serious health complications, The Lions will also conduct eye what Lions around the world are
including skin conditions, eye screenings for all who attend the doing. More features will be added
problems, and nerve damage. Left “Healthy Kids Day” Initiative in the in the future, and the aim is to give
unchecked, it can lead to premature City of Hartford. The event will be Lions a consolidated platform to
death. held at The Koeppel Community share ideas and accomplishments.
Center, 175 New Britain Avenue,
Diabetes is now the seventh leading Hartford, and its FREE. There will Information on bringing MyLion to
cause of death in the United States. be Diabetes Educators and your club can be found at
People with diabetes are more likely Nutritionists available to speak to http://www.mylion.org/tools/
to suffer from complications such as kids and parents, along with a host
heart attacks, strokes, high blood of other fun activities, including
pressure, kidney failure, blindness

Page 10 District 23B Spirit — June 2019

In Memory of Lion Blanche Sewell

On the evening of May 4, Lion faces of the people we meet and in I met Lion Blanche at the first
Blanche Sewell, a past-president of the service we provide. Governor’s Breakfast I attended in
the Winsted Lions Club, passed 2011. I was a new Lion, and walked
away, surrounded by family, after a RIP, Blanche. We will carry on! into the venue, not knowing what to
long illness. Lion Blanche is best expect. I guess Blanche sensed my
known to many as the organizer of — Lion Bob Bessel, Canton Lions awkwardness, took the time to show
the Governor’s Breakfasts for Zones me to my table, and checked up on
1-4, but she was much more than Blanche started the LEO program how I was doing during the event.
that, being influential in the from scratch. She visited clubs,
establishment of the LEO program schools, met with school After that, at my first Mid-Winter
in District 23B and beyond. administrators, and all of the Lions Conference, I found her sitting at
Clubs Liaisons. Once a club was the LEOs table. She remembered
Anyone who met Lion Blanche started, Blanche would follow-up me, welcomed me to the
Sewell knew her instantly — a with an annual visit to each club. conference, and sold me a LEO pin.
warm, attentive, and ultimately From there on, no Mid-Winter
unstoppable presence among The success Blanche had in getting conference was complete for me
Connecticut Lions. From the get-go. the Leo program off the ground did without tracking Lion Blanche down
From the moment we met her. not go unnoticed by the other and buying a pin, even the year
Districts. Blanche was frequently when they were all gone and she
Blanche was the first Zone Chair I asked to help the other two Districts. sold me the one she was wearing.
ever met. She wanted to visit the in the forming of their own LEO Club
Canton Lions Club, and somehow, I programs. It was always a pleasure to see her
had to tell her that our next meeting at cabinet meetings, and she made
was a potluck. "I'll bring lasagna," Blanche kicked off the involvement it a point to attend my zone meeting
she volunteered. And, that was it. of the Leo's in the Midwinter when she could. Her first words to
The date of our meeting arrived, program. She helped set up the me were always, “Is there anything I
and so did Blanche, with one of the events for the day, and coordinated can help with?”
best lasagnas I've ever tasted. with each club in getting to the mid-
winter Conference. Every Blanche was a Lion’s Lion, and her
Since that evening, Blanche and I International Guest was impressed influence on the future of Lionism
shared a lot of lasagna and good with how well the program ran, and and our youth programs will live on.
Lions times. She started the Canton with the quality of the clubs and its
LEOs club—something that seemed members. —Zone 2 Chair Frank Longo
impossible since she was hardly the
age of the teenagers she recruited. The continuing MD23 LEO program We, at the Spirit, join the rest of the
But, something about Blanche drew is a living testament to the efforts of Lions in Connecticut in offering our
Canton teens to her. It was the Lion Blanche. condolences to Lion Blanche’s
same something that brought us all family. Blanche was the Lion we all
to Blanche—her genuine interest in — GMT Lion Jim Trompetor should strive to become, and she
us. will be dearly missed.

I'm sure Blanche had a vision, but
she never stood in front of a
PowerPoint and laid it out, point-by-
point. Instead, she lived her vision
of people trusting each other to do
good things together. And, by living
her vision, she brought it to life. She
shared it with everyone she met.
She infected them with it, long
before visions went 'viral' on social
media.

Blanche brought out the best in us,
and most of all, she taught us to do
the same. Every Lion knows
Blanche Sewell, whether they met
her or not. And, if we forget
Blanche, as we all do from time to
time, she'll remind us. She is on the

District 23B Spirit — June 2019 Page 11

Woodbury Membership
Lions Club District
GLT JimTrompetor
Congratulations, we broke a 4-
The Woodbury Lions have been month streak! For the month of
busy preparing for their 41st Annual Officers April, we increased Membership in

Car Show, being held on June 1 at the District by 19. We ended March
Hollow Park in Woodbury. This with 1,788 members, and ended
year’s show will include a “Salute to April with 1,807. We are also up for
Our Veterans”, as well as the Harry Schuh the Month of May. We need to keep
standard features, such as the District Governor the momentum going. The months
“Touch-a-Truck”, the vendor area, of May and June are usually the
and an expanded food tent, which V. Everett Lyons time when are Clubs have their
will now be serving breakfast. greatest exposure.
First Vice District
However, getting ready for this Governor I have seen a change in
major event has not stopped us momentum; there are more people
from our other annual activities. We Heidi Zacchera in our communities interested in
awarded twelve scholarships to what the Lions are doing, especially
graduating Nonnewaug High School Second Vice District our involvement in Eye Screening,
seniors this year, totaling $20,000. Governor Diabetes, Prescription Drug Control,
They will be recognized by the club and the Environment. These are the
at a dinner on August 6. areas where our potential future
Pat Daigle members have interest in addition to
The club’s 25th Annual “Shoot-out Secretary programs that serve our
for Diabetes” took place on May 11 communities directly.
at the Heritage Village Golf Club,
with $315 being raised for the Steven Daigle On June 1st, I will be conducting a
district’s fight against Juvenile Treasurer discussion about Membership in our
Diabetes. This is a ‘closest to the District: Where We Are and Where
pin’ contest at the fifth hole, and all David Boilard are We Going. This will be session
the prizes were donated by local focused on discussion and an
businesses. Zone 1 Chair exchange of ideas.

Not only the Woodbury Lions busy, Frank Longo This is part of the Officers Training
but the Nonnewaug High School Zone 2 Chair Program. If you are going to be your
Leos were active, as well, with a clubs Membership Chairperson, or
visit by Fidelco guide dog Ocean, you are someone who just want to
with Fidelco’s Corrianne Gagliardi. Phyllis Perry learn more about our Membership
The NWS Leos presented a check Zone 3 Chair Program, please come your input
for $500, raised from sales of NHS will be appreciated.
water bottles, to Fidelco.
Maureen Lafland To be held:
And, on the evening of May 21, the Zone 4 Chair June 1st, 8:00 am – 11:30 am
club presented its 25th Melvin CT Assoc. of Schools
Jones Fellowship to Lion George James Daniels 30 Realty Drive Cheshire CT
Assenza. Lion George has served
the club since 2012, holding the Zone 5 Chair Please Attend! I promise it will be
office of Secretary for a couple of worthwhile.
those years, but always working Edward Fenton
behind the scenes to make every
club event successful. Zone 6 Chair

While the club slows down after the Jamie LaForge
car show, we still have the
Volunteer Appreciation Picnic in Zone 7 Chair
July, and the Tri-Town picnic, with
the Watertown and Bethlehem clubs
in August to look forward to.

We anticipate a busy 2019-2020
Lions year! Thanks for all you do!