Meetings
Grant sponsored by Kenmore Lion D. Lawrence Ginnane

Kenmore Lion D. Lawrence Ginnane of the Funeral Home of Kenmore is proud to announce its sponsorship of the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns for a grant through the Matthews Children’s Foundation. This partnership aims to empower young people in the Kenmore and Town of Tonawanda areas to reach their full potential as responsible, caring individuals. 

The Matthews Children’s Foundation (the charitable organization of Matthews International, a casket supplier to funeral homes) is known for its commitment to youth development. Along with the Ginnane Funeral Home, the Foundation generously award this grant to the Boys & Girls Club of the Northtowns. The $1,000.00 grant will enhance after-school programs, mentorship initiative, and educational opportunities for children in the northtown area. “We believe in investing in our community’s future,” said D. Lawrence Ginnane, President of Ginnane Funeral Home. “ We are honored to nominate the Boys and Girls Club, for this grant and support the young people of the community.”

Lions Support Women Veterans

On February 14, 2024, Kenmore Lions Club “Vets Project Chairman” Lion Deb Chambers, Club President Lion Beverly Grimes, and MD20-N “Lions for Veterans” District Chair Lion Mike Hoplight delivered over 4,300 personal care items to the Helen G. Jacob Women’s Wellness Clinic at the Veterans Hospital in Buffalo, NY for future distribution where needed.

The project was a success due to the donation and collection of items from Kenmore Lions, our families, and friends. A very special THANKS to our local businesses for featuring our red collection bags in their businesses, and for their personal donations. 

Four women pose at the VA hospital 

VA volunteer Tammy, VA Women's Project Chair Stephanie Davis, MSN,RN, Kenmore Lion Deb Chambers (Club Project Chair), and Kenmore Lions' Club President Lion Beverly Grimes.

 

Kenmore Leos Help Needy Students

Kenmore Lions John Brenchley and Eileen Kirchgraber, and Kenmore East advisor Janine Galante worked with Kenmore East Leos shopping for gifts for 16 needy students. This is an annual event with Kenmore Lions providing the funds and the Leos helping with the shopping.

Member Receives Service ChevronLion Maureen Wiederman with Lion Beverly Grimes

Lion Maureen Wiederman was presented with her 20-year Service Chevron on 12/5/23 by Club President Lion Beverly Grimes. 

2023 Holiday Party for Sight Impaired

On Tuesday December 5, 2023 the Kenmore Lions Club hosted their annual Holiday Luncheon for their Sight-impaired friends.  Holiday gift cards were distributed as well as boxes of cookie treats. A good time was had by all.  

Several large tables in a restaurant are full of people enjoying lunch. Three people chat over coffee A woman in a Lions Club polo assists people seated at a table

 

Family Promise of WNY Presentation

A man in a Lions Club blazer poses with a woman in a purple Lions club poloDG Lion Barry Scott was the guest speaker at the Tuesday 11/21/23 meeting of the Kenmore Lions Club. DG Lion Barry gave a very interesting overview of the charity  Family Promise of WNY. He also gave an excellent presentation covering the structure of Lions and our MD20-N District. The duties of the Officers, Chairman, and Zone Chairs were outlined. Thanks to 1st. VDG Lion Bette Stonebrake for accompanying DG Lion Barry. Lion Bette will be our incoming District Governor in July 2024.   

Alzheimer's Presentation

Two women pose together. One is holding a certificate of appreciation, and the other is wearing a purple jacket and Lions Club pin

Chelsea Torgalski, MSW, Educational Program Manager of the Alzheimer’s Association of WNY, was the guest speaker at the November 7, 2023 meeting of the Kenmore Lions Club. She gave and excellent presentation featuring the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s – stressing that early detection matters. Steps to take for a person living with dementia were also discussed. Ms. Torgalski also distributed literature covering the community programs and services available in our area.

 

New Member Installation Lion Joe pins a medal on new Lion Braeden Rottner

Prior to the opening of the Fourth Free Eyeglass Clinic on October 21, 2023, Kenmore Lion PDG Ken Butkowski presided over the installation of Lion Braeden Rottner with Lion Joe Shiah, Better Vision Branch Club President, serving as his sponsor. Upon his completing his education, Lion Braeden will be following to a career as an eye-care professional.  

Free Eyeglass Clinic

The Kenmore Lions Club was proud to sponsor the fourth Free Eyeglass Clinic on Saturday October 21, 2023 under the direction of their Better Vision Branch Club President Lion Joe Shiah. Pre-screening was done by optical specialists, NYS licensed doctors of ophthalmology and optometry, and a prescription for glasses was provided where needed.  An assortment of frames were available for personal selecting at no cost, and the eyeglasses and fitting will be made to order at no cost. The Kenmore Lions Club thanks their Better Vision Branch Club Lions and the many other fellow Club Lions for their outstanding help. Over 100 people were served at this years’ clinic. 

A man in a Lions Club shirt shows off tables full of hundreds of eyeglass frames A woman performs an eye exam on a man in a Lions Club shirt Wide shot of a gymnasium with dozens of people gathered at the event

Annual Chicken BBQ 

The Kenmore Lions Club held their annual Chicken BBQ on Tuesday Sept. 26, 2023. Many thanks to the Chairs Lion John Brenchley and Jim Grimes for their outstanding leadership and our Lions for their many dedicated hours. Thanks also to Colvin Cleaners, volunteers, and our friends, families, and residents for their help in making this event such a success.  

two women, smiling, wearing gloves, working with an assembly line of meal containers a group of men and women pose in purple Lions shirts, some with food service smocks Lion Larry, smiling, hands a meal to a woman in her car

 

Kenmore Lions celebrate the retirement of Lion Rev. Ben Eder

At the August 15, 2023 meeting of the Kenmore Lions Club, the members joined in celebrating the retirement of Kenmore Lion Pastor Rev. Ben Eder. Lion Rev. Ben attended Concordia Theological Seminary and graduated with a Master of Divinity Degree in 1985. From 1985 thru 1993 he served as Pastor in Florence, NC, and was assigned as Pastor of Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Kenmore, NY from 1995 thru his retirement on 9/1/2023. He served on numerous Boards and Committees of the Missouri Synod thru the years. He has been an active member of the Kenmore Lions Club since April 2001 and has been awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award and the Robert J. Uplinger Award, both for his dedicated service to the Lions Organization. Club President Lion Bev Grimes and the Club members wish Rev. Lion Ben all the best on his retirement.

 

Summer Picnic

On Tuesday, August 1, 2023 the Kenmore Lions hosted their annual summer picnic for our sight impaired friends. Great food, fun and games were enjoyed by all. 

Three people with cups smile and pose. Two are wearing Lions Club polo shirts. Three women at a table pose for the camera Three men at a table smile for the camera. Two are wearing Lions Club polo shirts.
Five volunteers pose behind a large crock pot in an industrial kitchen Three people seated at a table Three women smile and pose in front of a Lions Club banner

Lions Awarded for Service to Leos Three people pose with a certificate and pins

At the July 20, 2023 luncheon of the Kenmore Lions Club, President Beverly Grimes presented Lions Eileen Kirchgraber and John Brenchley with Certificates of Recognition and commemorative pins in recognition of their 5 years as our Kenmore East Leo’s Club Advisors. The certificate, signed by the LCI President, stated that they “Fulfilled the roles of Educator, Motivator, Counselor, Liaison, and Humanitarian”. The Kenmore Lions Club is very proud of Lions Eileen and John for their continuing leadership and dedication to our Leos.

Kenmore Lions Club 2023 Scholarship LuncheonTwo Lion women stand with four students in front of a Lions banner

On July 18, 2023, The Kenmore Lions Club hosted the 2023 winner, and the past 3 winners, of the Lion Donald A. Kossuth, P.E. Scholarship. The scholarship is open to high school seniors residing in Kenmore and the Town of Tonawanda. The student may attend any high school.

The scholarship, in the amount of $1,000.00, is paid at the beginning of each school year as long as the recipient is enrolled in a two-year or four-year accredited college program. The 2023 winner is Elizabeth Santos who will be attending Erie Community College.  Past winners are: 2022 Andrew Roland, 2021 Summer Derwald, and 2020 Claire Bressette. Kenmore Lions are very proud to award these very deserving students.

Lion women pose with a student holding a certificate Lion women pose with a student holding a certificate Lion women pose with a student holding a certificate

 

District Picnic for the Blind

On Sunday July 16, 2023 our MD20-N District held their annual Picnic for the Blind at 5 Senses Park. Several Kenmore Lions had a very nice afternoon enjoying the food and activities.

A group of people sitting at a table Several people enjoying corn on the cob
Three women sitting at a table in a pavilion Several tables of people enjoying food

 

 

June Luncheon Awards and Installations A woman hands a man a certificateTwo women smiling

At the 6-20-2023 Luncheon of the Kenmore Lions Club, President Beverly Grimes congratulated and presented service chevrons to the following Lions:

  • Lion Noel Bartlo - 46 yrs. service
  • Lion Ann Marie Ford – 20 yrs. service

Lion PDG Tom Reinagel also presented the following awards:A man and woman pose with a plaqueTwo men pose with a plaque

  • Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Service:
    Lion Club President Beverly Grimes
  • Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award for Dedication, Commitment, and Service:
    Lion Rev. Ben Eder
The Kenmore Lions congratulates these Lions with their well deserved awards!
 
Also at the luncheon, Lion PDG Ken Butkowski installed the Kenmore Lions officers, directors and staff for the 2023-2024 year
 
 

Memorial Day Parade

Three woman pose in front of a parade float adorned with a Lions Club banner and several large lion statues

The Kenmore Lions Club was proud to take part in the 2023 Ken-Ton Memorial Day Parade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kenmore Lion Awarded for ServiceTwo men wearing suits, one is holding a glass award

Congratulations fellow Kenmore Lion! John Brenchley was awarded the “Robert Swift Volunteer Service to Youth Award” from the Town of Tonawanda Youth Board for his work as an advisor for the Kenmore East Leo Club and Boy Scout Troop 539. The Robert Swift Award is given for impact on the lives of youth in our community.

 

Diabetes Presentation

The Kenmore Lions Club hosted guest speakers Amy Buchaman and Kaylee Crone from Buffalo State University. They gave an excellent “Diabetes Education” PowerPoint presentation with many examples of the “good vs bad” choices across the most common food groups. A healthy food guide was discussed, including recognizing sugar and fat content, and portion control. The Club thanks the group for their very worthwhile presentation.

A woman in a Lions Club shirt stands with three other women, each holding a certificateTitle slide of a presentation called

 

Easter Basket DeliveriesSeveral easter baskets wrapped in plastic with bows

The Kenmore Lions Easter Bunnies were busy! Ninety-six Easter baskets were delivered to Elderwood Assisted Living for their Easter morning. They always appreciate whatever treats and messages we provide for them.105 bunny cards and Easter messages with treats were also delivered to Brookdale Assisted Living for their Easter morning.

 

Kenmore Lions 2023 Pancake Breakfast

On Sunday Feb. 26, 2023, the Kenmore Lions head their annual Pancake Breakfast. Thanks to our fellow Lions Clubs' members, Our Leos, Tonawanda Yes workers and our Lions family members for all their hard work helping us to make this year such a success.

two men smiling, sitting at a registration table A large hall with several tables and dozens of people eating A large hall with dozens of tables full of people
A man makes pancakes at a large griddle Two men seated at a table, one with a microphone, operate a raffle Four women in purple shirts sell tickets

 

At the Kenmore Luncheon meeting on Feb. 7, 2023, Lion President Beverly Grimes presented the Club with a photo board celebrating the successful pancake breakfast.

A woman in purple stands next to a collage on a poster board

 

 

Honoring Kenmore Lions Who Have Passed 
Club Chaplin Lion Sheila Jones, with the assistance of Lion President Elect Beverly Grimes, conducted a Necrology Service honoring the Kenmore Lions who have passed away. Several of these Lions left us during the Covid-19 crisis period and the Club was not able to adequately acknowledge their service.  
 
NECROLOGY       6 – 7 – 22
PDG Alfred Anderson
Jean Hornlein
Evelyn McDonald
Gilbert Baumgardner
Virginia Pingrey
Marietta Lafornara
Anthony Lafornara
Jo Ann Frens
James Cornwell
Donald Kossuth
James Brodie
 
Kenmore Lions Celebrate Memorial Day
We marched, we rode, and we “floated!” The Kenmore Lions Club marched in the annual Kenmore-Tonawanda Memorial Day parade. Thanks to Lion Larry Ginnane and all the Kenmore Lions for their efforts in making our participation a success.
 
people marching in a parade with a Lions Club banner
 
VIA Visits KLC
The Kenmore Lions Club hosted a visit by representatives of the VIA (Visually Impaired Advancement) at their May 17, 2022 luncheon meeting. Senior Vice-President Renee DiFavio and Vision Education Specialist Ray Zylinski gave excellent presentations in the way that our visually impaired community, thru training, have the opportunity to live safely and comfortably on their own. Several of the programs available outlined were self-defense, swimming, and phone apps with voice replies. A specific “One Sunday per Month” program run from September thru June involves the entire family unit spending quality time together. Mrs. DiFavio and Mr. Zyllinski conducted separate group sessions with our members that including hands-on training methods used in the VIA classes.
 
A man presents awards to another man and a woman A woman guides a blindfolded man through an exercise A man seated at table shows a cellphone to two women

 

The Kenmore East Leos Club

Two women and three young women in front of a Lions Club bannerThe Kenmore Lions Club were honored to host the advisors and officers of the Kenmore East High School Leos Club at their May 3, 2022 luncheon meeting. (Pictured left to right: Kelley Holtz, special ed teacher and teacher of social studies and English at Kenmore East High School; LEO Secretary Jaelin Ramcharan; LEO Treasurer Abby Wojnowski; LEO President, Alondra Pacheco; Janine Galante, Department Chair of Guidance Counselors for 8th and 9th grade students at Kenmore East H.S.)

A bulletin board with the words Random Acts of KindnessThe Leos explained their Bulletin Board project, Random Acts of Kindness. Each tag has a suggested act of kindness such as “Call your grandmother tonight!” or “Hold the door for someone!” New tags are added often.

The Leos also spoke about their latest project, providing a furnished apartment for a refugee family through Journey’s End. This will be the second apartment the club has provided. Donations of new or gently used items are being accepted.

Two women are presented with certificates Kenmore Lions Club 1st Vice-President Lion Beverly Grimes presented Certificates of Appreciation to Kenmore East Leos Club Advisors Kelley Holtz and Janine Galante. Kenmore Lions sincerely appreciate the time and support these two educators have devoted to the Leos Club.

 

 

District 20-N Lions Hold Joint Meeting Group of people meeting and receiving award

On April 18, 2022 a joint meeting of Lions Clubs from District 20-N was held at the Classics V Banquet Center. The special guest speaker was PDG Anathony Paradiso, who is the Candidate for International Director. The meeting attendees enjoyed fellowship and an opportunity to meet other Lions from District 20-N. Our newest Kenmore Lion, Sarah Geraci, was formally inducted by PDG Paradiso at the event. Thanks to PCC Lion Sharon Battaglia and the Sheridan Drive Lions Club for making all the arrangements for this event. 

 

Kenmore Lions Support Ukrainian-American Club A man hands a woman an award and check

The Ukrainian-American Civic Center is the oldest Ukrainian ethnic cultural social club in Buffalo, serving both members and guests in our community. The Civic Center provides an opportunity for newcomers to America to practice their culture, meet potential friends and mates, and it provides a venue for Ukrainian cultural events. In addition, the club provided a way for these new Ukrainian-Americans to learn about job opportunities from other Ukrainians. Fundraisers buy supplies such as medical equipment, hygiene products, food, household supplies, clothing, etc. Our club was very proud to provide a donation to supplement their fundraising efforts.

 

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