PUTNAM LIONS HOLD ANNUAL NIGHT OF GIVING
-- On Friday, April 15th, the Putnam Lions and Putnam Leos, local organizations, charities and Lion's charities gathered at the Connecticut Audubon Society at Pomfret to celebrate the Putnam Lion's Annual Night of Giving. The Night of Giving is the culmination of a year of hard work and fund-raising events. It is at this special event that the Putnam Lions and Leos give back to the community all the funds they have raised throughout the course of the year. Over $19,000 were given out at the event this year. This brings the Putnam Lion's year long donations to $21,890.
The organizations and charities have the chance to share what the donations go towards and how they have affected others lives. For example, Kathi Peterson of Interfaith Services highlighted the Diaper Bank, explaining that they were now the only Diaper Bank for the entire Windham County. In addition, the food bank has served 225 families and donations for the homeless were recently used to help improve lives.
Sarah Mortensen of NOW explained how NOW was providing healthy alternatives to playing video games all day. The programs in nutrition, the introduction to various sports and the scholarships for youth to participate in sports all help to combat childhood obesity and to provide lifelong skills contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
Some of the stories were as uplifting as Judith Gehrig of Community Cafe explaining how they've served over 11,000 meals and provided as many connections. Some of the stories didn't leave a dry eye, such as Annette Martel who spoke of her son as she accepted a donation from the Leos towards the Sunshine Kids. Other people spoke of the triumph of the spirit and the help from their service dogs. Kent Phyfe of Vet Dogs, Wendy Debaros of Fidelco and Ailene Akers of CRIS radio were all in attendance with their service dogs who are critical to helping their owners regain independence and confidence.
In all, 47 organizations attended the event. They ranged from the ARC, to the local schools' groups, to Day Kimball Hospital organizations, to Lions' charities. The funds will cover everything from sporting endeavors to service dogs to help with health and eyesight to arts and entertainment.
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
President Romeo Blackmar dropped in on the ISHP Diaper Bank's Celebrity Bartender Night to present a check for $450.00 to the Toy Story team of Gary and Karen Osbrey, Jeff Rawson and Earl Rosebrooks. Our gift helped push the team over $1,500 so they could gain a $1,000 donation for a total of $2,712.00 raised. Total for the night was $8,663. That's a lot of diapers!
PUTNAM LIONS VOLLEYBALL CHALLENGE IS UPON US!
-- The Putnam Lions Club sponsors a Volleyball tournament each year which represents the club's largest fund raising event of the year. This tournament is known as the Putnam Lions Volleyball Challenge (PLVC). This event is a fun challenge for all participating Volleyball players.
This year's tournament is being held in the Pomfret School Strong Field House located in Pomfret, CT on March 19th & 20th, 2016. Registration begins at 8 AM – Tournament Play begins at 9 AM. This facility is the best Indoor Volleyball facility in Northeast New England. The facility contains 4 courts guaranteeing that all the teams’ remain active and in continual competition for the coveted traveling PLVC trophy. Referees will be supplied.
All Players and Teams receive free T-shirts, complementary food, beverages and snacks. In addition cash prizes will be awarded to the winners of Divisions A & B. Anyone bringing in pledges of $75 or more will be entered in prize drawings.
Anyone interested in joining the PLVC or in becoming a sponsor, should contact Lion Steve Faucher at fauchers2@yahoo.com or 860-617-412 or Lion Michael Hanrahan at fishcrzy@hotmail.com or 860-933-5793.
PUTNAM LIONS INDUCT 4 NEW MEMBERS
-- The Putnam Lions met Thursday, January 21st at the Putnam Knights of Columbus Hall for a dinner meeting and visit from the Lion's District 23 Governor Nancy Tucker. Also in attendance was Regional Chairman Larry Updyke.
District Governor Nancy Tucker conducted the membership ceremony to welcome new members, Harrison Gardiner, Ross Ward, Kathy Chase and George Magnan. The new members were presented for membership by their sponsor, Lion Al Cormier. During the ceremony they were given a history of the club and they were welcomed into the world’s largest and most active service club organization.
Anniversary Awards were given to Lion Ann Russo for 10 years of service and to Stuart Neal and Bernard Gilbert for 20 years of service. In addition, District Governor Tucker gave friendship banners to Al Cormier, for his efforts with the Leos, Greg King, for his work as Zone Chairman and his friendship, Romeo Blackmar for his role as President and Fran Gregoire for his support, mentoring, advice and friendship. The banner message was that You Are Never Too Small to Do Great Things.
LIONS PARTICIPATE IN QUILTS OF VALOR PRESENTATION
The Lions Business Meeting for January 7th included a very special event. Our guest speaker for the evening was Jan Roberta, a Group Coordinator with Quilts of Valor. Quilts of Valor is a non profit organization dedicated to providing veterans with quilts to "cover them with warmth, our love and gratitude for their service, sacrifice and valor." The group operates in all 50 states and is staffed entirely by volunteers. In addition, Canada, the UK and Australia have become coalition members to honor their veterans as well.
At this meeting, we were honored to witness the presentation of a Quilt of Valor to Adam Zito who served in Afghanistan in a B1 Bomber Squad. Mr. Zito was accompanied by his girlfriend, Kim Penney, their children Michael and Mia Penney and Kim's parents, Jean and Al Dubrowski.
Thank you for your service and allowing us to share in this moment Adam.
LIONS WORKING TOGETHER TO HELP THE HOMELESS
The Lions Clubs in North East Connecticut have gotten together to collect items for people in the area that are homeless . The thought that there are people In every town that don’t have a place to live this winter is mind blowing.
The Lions clubs in Putnam, Thompson, Pomfret, Woodstock, Danielson, Killingly and Plainfield met to discuss this very important need in our area. Representatives from TEEG and IHSP made suggestions as to what was needed for people that live outdoors during the winter.
Items donated to date are 25 sleeping bags, 8 tents, 10 backpacks, 10 tarps and sleeping pads, over 100 toothbrushes, and tubes of toothpaste, socks, gloves, soap deodorant, toilet paper and blankets.
Anyone wishing to donate items to this cause can contact any Lions member in any of these towns or call 860-234-0526.
Committee members from all clubs are in the photo.
Front row: L-R Deborah Crawford, Alice Puliafico-Groccia, Dianne Trembly, Gail Beausoleil, Karen Costa
2nd row: Zone Chairman Greg King, Susan Fontaine, PDG Robert Erickson, Floyd Costa, Carol Ekholm, Denise Lafleur, Tom Kohl, Erick Pohlman some people on the committee were not in the photo.
What is a Lion?
Lions meet the needs of local communities and the world every day because they share a core belief - to serve their community.
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization. We have 1.35 million members in more than 45,000 clubs in more than 206 countries and geographic areas.
Lions have a dynamic history. Founded in 1917, we are best known for fighting blindness, but we also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects - including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.
Lions give sight. By conducting vision screenings, equipping hospitals and clinics, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye disease, Lions work toward their mission of providing vision for all. We have extended our commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts and through our international SightFirst Program, which works to eradicate blindness.
Lions serve youth. Our community projects often support local children and schools through scholarships, recreation and mentoring. Internationally, we offer many programs, including the Peace Poster Contest, Youth Camps and Exchange and Lions Quest.
Our Leo Program provides the youth of the world with an opportunity for personal development through volunteering. There are approximately 144,000 Leos and 5,700 Leo clubs in more than 140 countries worldwide.
Lions award grants. Since 1968, the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) has awarded more than US$700 million in grants to support Lions humanitarian projects around the world. LCIF was also ranked the number one nongovernmental organization in a 2007 study by The Financial Times.
Lions help during disasters. Together, our Foundation and Lions are helping communities following natural disasters by providing for immediate needs such as food, water, clothing and medical supplies – and aiding in long-term reconstruction.
Lions are active. Our motto is "We Serve." Lions are part of a global service network, doing whatever is necessary to help our local communities.
For more about Lions Clubs, go to www.lionsclubs.org
PUTNAM LIONS & LEOS PACKAGE OVER 2000 GLASSES
-- Nearly 20 members of the Putnam Lions Club and Putnam Leos met in the evening on Wednesday, November 25th, to sort and package over 2,000 eyeglasses to be recycled and reused in third world countries. Most of the used eyeglasses have been collected throughout the year primarily through the use of the Lion's Sight Mobile where the public can drop off the glasses through a specially marked window. This year's collection also included glasses collected by the Danielson Lions.
The total collected and packaged were 2,061 glasses. After packaging the glasses are sent to New Jersey where an International Lion's center will clean and grade them before they are sent to developing and third world countries to help millions of individuals who lack access to basic eye care.
The Putnam Lions Club meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:00PM at J.D. Cooper's Restaurant in Putnam.
LIONS SCREEN CHILDREN FOR VISION PROBLEMS
In 1925 Helen Keller challenged the Lions to be knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness. Since then Lions worldwide have risen to this challenge and worked on programs related to vision.
On Saturday, October 3rd, Lions from Putnam and Killingly joined together at the Help Me Grow Fall Festival and Resource Fair at Putnam Elementary School to screen 41 children for vision problems. Of these screenings, 5 were referred to pediatricians or optometrists for further testing.
Between September 15th to October 7th 40 volunteers screened 1700 Killingly students in a little over 136 hours. 186 referrals were made. Volunteers from Lions clubs in Putnam, Pomfret, Woodstock, Danielson, and Killingly Quiet Corner Regional Lions, as well as, Montville Mohegan-Pequot, Killingworth, East Haddam Community, AAA and a few friends of the Lions made this effort possible.
The screenings were conducted using a Welch-Allyn Spot Vision Camera, owned by the Lions' District 23C which represents Windham, Tolland, New London and Middlesex Counties. The device takes a picture of the eyes and measures for 7 different issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatisms, eye misalignment and two types of unequal refractive powers. Screenings can be conducted on children as young as 6 months. Results are available within seconds. A trained team of two can screen 210 students in 5 ½ hours.
Each Vision Camera costs approximately $8900.00 and requires a Bluetooth enabled printer. The district owns 2 machines and is trying to raise $100,000.00 to get a matching grant from Lions Club International to buy an additional 10 complete units to be able to expand their efforts in vision screening
For additional information on the screenings, Lion Tom Kohl can be contacted at tomekohl@gmail.com or at 860-774-5185.
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PUTNAM LIONS HOST FALL CLASSIC BICYCLE RIDE
-- Members of the Putnam Lions Club hosted the club's second Fall Classic Bicycle Ride on Sunday, October 4th. Riders were given a choice of a 30 mile or a 15 mile route. Both rides set out from the Putnam Riverview Marketplace Pavilion on Kennedy Drive between 9 and 9:15 AM. Riders enjoyed the scenery through Putnam, Pomfret and Woodstock & Killingly. In addition, refreshments and snacks were provided for the riders both before and after the ride.
Over $2000 was raised during the event. The Fall Classic was truly a community event and the funds raised will go back to benefit the community and Lion's charities. Many Putnam Lions, Putnam II Leos and additional volunteers worked at various stations along the routes and at the Marketplace Pavilion. The Putnam, Pomfret, Dayville and Woodstock Volunteer Fire Departments provided coverage at critical intersections to ensure riders' safety. The Pomfret Rod & Gun Club opened their facilities for use as a rest stop.
The support of local businesses including Charter Oak Credit Union, Gates Auto Group, & King Cadillac GMC, as well as all the participants, made this bike ride a successful fund-raising event.
Lions members thank everyone who contributed to this important work. “You are truly helping Lions make a difference in our community.”
PUTNAM LIONS INSTALL NEW OFFICERS
The Putnam Lions met at JD Cooper’s on June 11th for their annual Officer’s Installation Dinner. The slate of officers for this year consists of the following: President Romeo Blackmar, 1st Vice President Lea Therrien, 2nd Vice President Jim St. Jean, 3rd Vice President Paulette Blagburn, Secretary Rick Bennett, Treasurer Melody Cassio, Lion Tamer Shiela Coderre, Tail Twister Mike Hanrahan, and Membership Chairmen Fran Gregoire and Armand LaFleur. In addition, The Board of Directors were also installed. The board members are Steve Faucher, Leia Faucher, Leo Therrien and the Leo Board Member Al Cormier.
In addition to the Installation of Officers, the club honored several members with awards. The Knight of the Blind award honors those who perform exemplary service to a club, district or community and was received by Debra Barbour. The Jerry Richard Award - Lion of the Year was received by Michael Hanrahan. The Ambassador of Sight honoring outstanding service to the organization and those we serve was received by Paulette Blagburn. The Melvin Jones Award is given to one who embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. This award was received by Dianne Tremblay.
At an earlier date, The Putnam II Leo Club installed their new officers on May 26th at their annual Induction & Installation Ceremony at Putnam High School. The new officers were Jozzlynn Lewis as President, Alysha Minaya-Torres as Vice President, Lindsay Roberts as Secretary and Daniel Majercik as Treasurer. The Directors were Harrison Gardiner, Alexander Iamartino,Chelsea Minaya-Torres, Lindsay Roberts and Ashley Roy.
PUTNAM LIONS VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
This year's Volleyball Challenge is a wrap. This was a fun filled weekend for all! Thank you to all our sponsors, players and members who helped to make this another successful fundraiser.
Congratulations to our winners.
The winning team of Saturday's A division was Team G-Forum, the B division winning team was Byrnes Agency Team.
Today's winning team for the traveling trophy was Team Pratt of Putnam High School. Made up of Putnam High School staff members, the team was named in memory of Deb Pratt, also a former Lion, who provided constant inspiration.
The following competitive teams played Saturday: Byrnes Agency, SPIROL Spikers, Down & Dirty, G-Forum, Serves Up, Irish Curse, Random Joes, Team York, CNB Eagles, Team Flash, and the Pain Train.
Sunday's Corporate sponsor team day was comprised of teams from Archambault Insurance, Gerardi Insurance, Day Kimball Hospital, Kenyon Industries, Frito-Lay, Putnam High School, Putnam Bank and Riverbend Campgrounds.
Diamond Level Sponsors were Kars of Putnam, LLC, Wheelabrator Putnam Landfill and Day Kimball Hospital.
Gold corporate sponsors were Gerardi Insurance, Advantage Home Medical, Nextgen Security and Hallisey & D'Agostino LLP.
Silver corporate sponsors included Archambault Insurance Associates, SAS Construction, Brown Jacobson PC, Byrnes Insurance Agency, Core Plus Federal Credit Union, King Cadillac & GMC, National Chromium, Putnam Bank, Putnam Ford & Mercury, Rawson Manufacturing, Smith & Walker Funeral Home, SPIROL International Corp, Riverbend Campground, Citizens National Bank, Brookward Company, Thompson Speedway Motor Sports, Riverview Medical, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union, and Woodstock Building Associates.
Bronze Corporate sponsors were Gilman & Valade Funeral & Cremation Services, Hometown T& S Energy, Sunnyside Farms, Copeland Builders, Woodstock Line, Lighthouse Print Works, Linemaster Switch, Pomfret Lions, Friendly Spirits, Racine & Sons Excavating, Rawson Materials, Westmark Corp, The Inn at Woodstock Hill, Ivanhoe Tool & Die, Kingsbury Septic, The Shop Hair Saloon, Premier Chevrolet, REMAX Bell Park Realty, Brookward Laminating, and Stephen Solomon DMD.
PUTNAM AND DANIELSON LIONS HOST LION'S DISTRICT GOVERNOR
-- The Putnam Lions held a dinner meeting and hosted members of the Danielson Lions, the Lions' District Governor Nanette Burdick and Regional Chair Laura Rowe. The meeting was held Thursday, March 5th at JD Cooper's Restaurant in Putnam.
Lion Greg King, Zone Chair introduced the Regional Chair Laura Rowe of the Ledyard Lions who in turn introduced District Governor, Lion Nanette Burdick of Mystic, CT. Lion Burdick expressed her motto as one of passionate service, stating that Lions serve with all their heart. She spoke to the group about building stronger and more effective communication, strengthening the pride by bringing in new members, Lion International's goal of serving 100 million people by the end of the year and about preparing Lions for leadership roles. In addition she stressed the importance of attitude and keeping an attitude of one who serves.
Lion Burdick also gave awards for years of service to the following: Putnam Lion Doug King for 15 years, whose award was accepted by Lion Greg King. Putnam Lion Fran Gregoire for 35 years and Putnam Lion Steve Faucher for 10 years. Also mentioned for years of service but not in attendance were Danielson Lion Ron Hemingway and Putnam Lions Ann Scott, Barbara Chubbuck and Linda Garcia.
Lion Burdick's Friendship Banners for Passionate Service were given to Danielson Lions President Nate Kight and Lion David Burgess and Putnam Lions Fran Gregoire, Armand LaFleur, Al Cormier and Greg King.
Putnam Lion's Vice President Romeo Blackmar present a Friendship Banner to District Governor Nanette Burdick on behalf of Putnam Lion President Lea Therrien who was unable to attend the meeting.
The Danielson Lions
From left to right: Tail Twister Frank Whiteley, Treasurer Betsy Burgess, Leo Asa Kight, Lion Tamer Tom Soderberg, Past Council Chair and Past District Governor David Burgess, 2nd Vice President Linda Edwards, District Governor Lion Nanette Burdick and President Nate Kight.
PUTNAM LIONS SUPPORT DIAPER BANK OF NE CT
- At the IHSP Diaper Bank of NECT's guest bartender fundraising night, Lion Barbara Chubbuck presented the "Toy Story" Bartending Team of Jeff Bousquet, Gary Osbrey, Gary Rawson and Earl Rosebrooks with a check for $350.00. This pushed the team over $1000 for their shift. The total funds raised for the evening was $5100.00 in much needed funds for needy families in Northeast Connecticut.
PUTNAM LIONS JANUARY DINNER MEETING
-- The Putnam Lions met for their monthly dinner meeting on January 8th at JD Coopers Restaurant. Several committees met before the club meeting.
The Volleyball committee is well on course for our biggest fundraiser. Letters have been printed and are almost ready to be mailed, the location is set up and we are ready to start finding teams.
The Scholarship Committe also met and they have their revised forms ready, deadlines have been adjusted and Lion Al Cormier will meet with local schools the next day. Scholarships will be awarded an evening in early June.
Our guest speaker was Sarah Hemminway Director of Programs for the CT Audubon Society, Northeast Corner. Ms. Hemminway shared the mission of the society, the history of how the sanctuaries were acquired, a discussion of the programs that are offered and an explanation of how they accomplish their goals. Brochures and trail maps were available to take home.
The Tail Twister collected fines from 100% of the attending members again! Good thing we love him.
PUTNAM LIONS GROW THE PRIDE
-- The Putnam Lions met Thursday, December 4th at JD Coopers for their monthly dinner meeting. In addition to regular business, they presented awards, inducted four new members and collected toys for distribution to Family Resource Center for the Christmas holiday.
John and Carole Peters and Jim and Lisa Gardner were welcomed into the Putnam Lions club in a dignified and meaningful ceremony led by Lion Armand LaFleur. The new members were presented for membership by their sponsors, Lion President Lea Therrien and Lion Dianne Tremblay.
The following members received Attendance Awards for attending all meetings throughout the year: Deb Barbour, Carole Benoit, Mel Cassio, Joyce Fall, Steve Faucher, Linda Garcia, Fran Gregoire, Greg King, Armand LaFleur, Connielynn Olsen, Lea Therrien, Joe Vaccierello, Rick Bennett, Ed Briere, Al Cormier, Lea Faucher, Amy Franklin, Bernie Gilbert, Doug King, Denise LaFleur, Ann Russo and Dianne Tremblay.
Mel Cassio also received an award for bringing in three new members in the previous year.
PUTNAM LIONS & LEOS PARTICIPATE IN THE LOCAL HOLIDAY DAZZLE PARADE
The Putnam Lions & Leos joined the 13th Holiday Dazzle Light Parade in downtown Putnam, CT on November 13, 2014. The Lions created a float with the theme of the movie A Christmas Story. It was a wonderful night with great weather, record breaking crowds and fantastic community spirit!
PUTNAM LIONS IN A HALLOWEEN MOOD
Putnam Lion members participated in the local Main St. Trick or Treat to hand out candy to trick or treaters on Friday, October 31st. A fun time was had by all. The bubble wrap was especially popular!
PUTNAM LIONS HOST FALL CLASSIC BICYCLE RIDE
-- Members of the Putnam Lions Club hosted the club's first Fall Classic Bicycle Ride on Sunday, October 5. Riders were given a choice of a 30 mile or a 15 mile route. Both rides set out from the Putnam Riverview Marketplace Pavilion on Kennedy Drive between 9 and 9:15 AM. Riders enjoyed the scenery through Putnam, Pomfret, Killingly and Woodstock.
The Fall Classic was truly a community event and the funds raised will go back to benefit the community and Lion's charities. Many Putnam Lions, Putnam II Leos and additional volunteers worked at various stations along the routes and at the Marketplace Pavilion. The Putnam, Pomfret and Woodstock Volunteer Fire Departments and the Putnam Police Department provided coverage at critical intersections to insure riders' safety. In addition, the Pomfret Audubon Society and the Pomfret Rod & Gun Club opened their facilities for use as rest stops.
The support of local businesses including Citizen's National Bank, King Cadillac GMC, Charter Oak Federal Credit Union and all the participants made this first bike ride a successful fund-raising event. A special thank you goes to our Gold Sponsor, the Citizen's National Bank.
Lions members thank everyone who contributes to this important work. “You are truly helping Lions make a difference in our community.”
The Putnam Lions Club meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at 7:00PM at J.D. Cooper's Restaurant in Putnam.
The Putnam Lions are once again in full swing! 
At our September 18th meeting we conducted a Lions and Leo Reception at J.D. Cooper's Restaurant to recognize our very own Leo Mikayla Van Dam on receiving the Lions Clubs International Leo of the Year Award. Leo Mikayla was one of only 30 individuals world-wide to recieve this accolade.
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In addition, the Putnam II Leos Club received LCIF's Leo Club Excellence Award.
Lions District 23C Governor Nanette Burdick presented these awards along with awards to several Lions for Passionate Service. District 23C Leo Liaison Diana Grise was present as well to offer her support and congratulations.
Lion Barbara Chubbick receives a Govenor's Passionate Service Award
Our incoming and outgoing Leo Presidents, Chelsea Minaya and Mikayla Van Dam, presented Governor Burdick and Leo Liaison Grise with Leading for Life appreciation awards. It was a great night of solidarity and celebration.
Another successful Loafer's Challenge/Good Friday Food Drive took place on Friday, April 18. $6,941.50 in cash and non-perishable food donations!
March 29 at the 2014 Governor's Awards - Leo Club Advisor Al Cormier, Secretary Garrett Roberts and President Mikayla Van Dam with District Governor Steve Novic.(Courtesy photo.)
Special guests at the April 3 dinner meeting: Christine Bachman, counselor/supervisor for York Correctional Institute, and Lorin Liesenfelt, CEO & Founder at Dog Days Adoption Events, Inc., with Past President Steve Faucher. Our guests discussed the Red Dog Project. Click to learn more!
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