LINKS TO BROOKFIELD LIONS COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Brookfield Lions Club Annual Charity Golf Tournament
The Brookfield Lions Club Annual Charity Golf Tournament is our biggest fundraiser of the year. Recently, we have had two of our best years thanks to the leadership of Lions Dom Lombardo, Alan Peck, and Jeff Tanz.
Brookfield Lions Club 42nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament - Monday, August 25, 2025
- The Brookfield Lions Club held their 42nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Golf Club at Oxford Greens, 99 Country Club Drive, Oxford, CT.
- This is our club's major fundraiser of the year. Donations support initiatives for the visually impaired and many other Brookfield Lions community projects as can be seen on our Club Projects page.
- Many thanks to all of the Lions who donated to the event and volunteered to help make the event very successful again this year.
- Congratulations to the Golf committee for a great job! Early results showed that there were over 100 golfers participating in this year's event.
- We'll report back once we have the final accounting but it looks like another very successful fundraiser for our club.
2024 Brookfield Lions Club - 41st Annual Charity Golf Tournament - Monday, August 26, 2024
- The Brookfield Lions Club will be holding their 41st Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Monday, August 26, 2024 at the The Golf Club at Oxford Greens in Oxford, CT.
- The beneficiaries of this event are the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation (supporting eye research projects at Yale-New Haven Hospital and the University of Connecticut Medical Center), Lions Low Vision Centers, diabetes awareness, and eye care, vision and health associations throughout the state our children's vision screening program which is conducted at area schools.
- Our club also supports many organizations and groups in our local community, namely Regional Hospice, Ability Beyond, Senior Center, Youth Outreach, Drug Awareness, Community Garden and many others.
Brookfield Lions Club 40th Annual Charity Golf Tournament - Friday, September 22, 2023
- The Brookfield Lions Club held our 40th Annual Charity Tournament on Friday, September 22nd at the beautiful Fairview Farm Golf Course 300 Hill Road in Harwinton, CT.
- The tournament which is our largest fundraiser has supported initiatives for the visually impaired and many other Brookfield Community organizations since 1966.
- Many thanks to all the sponsors and all the golfers who helped make this year's torunament another success!
- Also, congratulations to Dom Lombardo and the Golf Committee for all their hard work!
2022 Brookfield Lions Club Annual Charity Golf Tournament
- The Brookfield Lions Club held its 39th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on Friday, August 26 at Fairview Farms Golf Course in Harwinton, CT.
- At our September 8th dinner meeting, Mark Lyon reported the golf tournament was a great success with 96 golfers participating at Fairview Farms Golf Course in Harwinton, CT.
- Inclement weather did limit the event to nine holes, however, the Fairview Farms management gave all of the golfers a free voucher for a golf cart and nine holes of golf. Mark said the golfers were quite happy with that offer.
- The event raised a significant amount of money for the club's charities; Mark Lyon mentioned that the preliminary estimate of funds raised by the event was $17,000.
- Congratulations and many thanks to the 2022 Golf Committee members; Tom Sullivan, Dom Lombardo, Lisa Reiss, Jeff Tanz, Anthony Gracia, Mark Lyon, and Alan Peck.
New Year's Day - Run for Sight Road Races
39th Annual New Year's Day Brookfield Lions Run for sight - January 1, 2026
The Brookfield Lions Club Annual New Year's Day Run for Sight 4-Miler is a classic event. In 2026, the Brookfield Lions will mark the event's 39th anniversary.
Together with Brookfield Parks and Recreation and the Brookfield High School National Honor Society, the Lions are offering a brand new Four Season Challenge Series bundle of four races including the New Year's Day Run for Sight, the WeCare Mother's Day 5K on May 10th, the Strides 5-Miler to Cure Diabetes on June 7th, and the Annual Halloween 5K and Kids Fun Run on October 18th.
CLICK HERE to get more information and register for the Run for Sight and the Bundle
Brookfield Lions Club 38th Annual New Year's Day Run for Sight
- The Brookfield Lions Club held their 38th Annual New Year's Day Run for Sight event on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
- A group of 137 runners spanning multiple age groups took on the challenging 4 mile course which began and ended at Brookfield High School.
37th Annual Brookfield Lions Club Run for Sight 4-Miler
- The Brookfield Lions Club held its 37th Annual New Year's Day Run for Sight 4-Miler on New Year's Day 2024.
- All monies raised go to supporting the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation and other local charities.
- OFFICIAL COURSE: The course started in front of Brookfield High School, proceeded north on Long Meadow Hill Road, turned left on Hillandale Road, turned right on Farview Road, turned right on Ironworks Hill Road, and turned right on Long Meadow Hill Road for a flat and fast finish back at Brookfield High School.
- AWARDS: $100.00 cash awards for 1st Place Overall (M/F); $50.00 cash awards for 1st Place Masters (40+) (M/F); Age bracket awards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place (M/F); Break the course record and win an additional cash prize of $100.00!
- OFFICIAL COURSE RECORDS:
- Female Sue Faber, 1989, 22:17
- Male John Raneri, 2020, 18:57
New Year's Day 2023 - Annual Run for Sight
- WOW! What a way to start the New Year!
- Sunday, January 1, 2023 rang in a New Year, and for the 36th consecutive year, Brookfield Lions served.
- The Brookfield Lions Club Annual Run for Sight event hosted over 150 runners this year.
- We had a beautiful sunny day with temperatures nearing 50 degrees to greet our runners and volunteers.
- Prizes were awarded in many categories and they included gift certificates, sweatshirts, and, of course, those famous New Year's Day pies!
- Many thanks to Amy Diezemann, Alan Peck, Mark Lyon, Jim Diezemann, and all our Lions volunteers who worked to make this a tremendous event for the runners and for our club.
- Great coordination and support from our sponsors was definitely appreciated by the runners who came from CT, NY, and NJ.
STRIDES Road Races to Cure Diabetes
Brookfield Lions Club STRIDES TO CURE DIABETES 5 Miler - Sunday, June 1, 2025
- The Brookfield Lions Club held their 18th annual STRIDES 5 mile road race to promote diabetes awareness and research on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
- Runners and Lions Club volunteers met at Cadigan Park starting at 8:00 am with the race starting at 9:00 am.
- Another very successful event!
Brookfield Lions STRIDES Road Race - Sunday, June 2, 2024
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The 17th Annual Brookfield Lions Club STRIDES race was held on Sunday morning, June 2nd at Cadigan Park.
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The Brookfield Lions Club was proud to once again sponsor this event to promote diabetes awareness and research. The course starts from Cadigan Park and winds through the Candlewood Shores area before returning to Cadigan Park for the finish line.
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We had a very nice group of runners and a beautiful day weatherwise.
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Congratulations to all of our participants.
STRIDES 2024 RACE PARTICPANTS - THANK YOU!
Our 2024 STRIDES TEAM :-)
Lions Marty and Jim O. directing runners. By some miracle, no one got lost! :-)
2023 STRIDES Road Race
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The Brookfield Lions Club held its 16th Annual JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) STRIDES to Cure Diabetes 5 Miler Road Race on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at Cadigan Park on Candlewood Lake Rd, Brookfield, CT.
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It was a brisk, sunny day for all the participants and volunteers. We had 72 registered runners for the event.
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Many thanks to all the participants and to the Lions volunteers. Another great job by Amy Diezemann, Alan Peck and others to make sure we had another successful STRIDES event!
The Brookfield Lions at the 2023 STRIDES event to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
- The Brookfield Lions Club once again sponsored this event Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Cadigan Park, Candlewood Lake Road Brookfield, CT to promote diabetes awareness and research.
- We had a beautiful day and a great group of enthusiastic runners who participated in this flat, fast and scenic 5‐mile run, generously supporting this charitable fundraising event.
- A new women's record set for the event!
- As always, a BIG THANK YOU to all our volunteers.
The Brookfield Lions have been organizing and marching in the Brookfield Memorial Day parade for years. It's always a wonderful event with many local organizations participating.
Brookfield Lions Club organize the Brookfield Memorial Day Parade - Sunday, May 25, 2025
- The Brookfield Lions Club once again organized the Brookfield town Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
- The parade had 26 different organizations marching in the parade.
- The Lions marched and also rode their float at the head of the parade.
- Many thanks to Lions Lori Peck, Sue Slater, Robin Montgomery and all of the Lions volunteers.
Memorial Day Parade - Sunday, May 26, 2024
- The Brookfield Lions once again organized and hosted Brookfield's Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 26th.
- Lions Lori Peck, Robin Montgomery, and Sue Slater thank everyone that came out to march, donate candy, decorate or dance a good weather dance for yesterday's parade.
- Mother Nature cooperated and the weather shined on the parade and everyone had a great day!
Brookfield Lions - Memorial Day 2024
Memorial Day 2023
- Once again the Brookfield Lions Club organized and hosted the Brookfield Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 28, 2023.
- Many thanks once again to Lions Lori Peck, Sue Slater, and Robin Montgomery for organizing the Brookfield Memorial Day Parade.
- We had fabulous weather and over thirty marching groups.
- Our club was well represented with our float crew! Our float looked very patriotic.
- Once again, our club did itself proud; the parade would not have been as successful without all of you.
- The candy was a huge hit with both children and adults, so thank you for all of those that contributed!
The Brookfield Lions - Memorial Day 2023!
The Brookfield Lions Memorial Day Parade float
Memorial Day Parade marchers
More Brookfield Lions!
Memorial Day 2022
- The Brookfield Lions Club organized the annual Memorial Day Parade in May 2022.
- Many thanks to Lions Lori Peck, Sue Slater, and Robin Montgomery for organizing the Brookfield Memorial Day Parade.
2025 Annual Charity Breakfast - Friday, November 21, 2025
- The Charity Breakfast is a major fundraiser for the Brookfield Lions Club.
- Our next Annual Breakfast will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Michael's Tap Room, 37 Stony Hill Rd., Bethel, CT from 7:30 am - 9:30 am. The keynote speaker will be Dominic Mantuano, Executive Director of the CT Burns Care Foundation.
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The Breakfast proceeds will support Lions Charities, which include Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Connecticut Lions Eye Research, Brookfield Social Services, Food Pantry, Emergency Utility Fund, Brookfield Youth Groups, Diabetes Research Foundation, Pediatric Cancer and many more.
- Once again this year, Lion Candy Smith is organizing another wonderful event with a great crowd expected.
- The Brookfield Lions Club thanks all of the sponsors who supported us through their ads in our breakfast brochure. Please support them for supporting us!
| Aldine Metal Products | Angie's Deli | Bridgewater Village Store & Bistro |
| Brookfield Animal Center | Brookfield Bicycle Center | Brookfield KidSight Program |
| Brookfield Speech & Language LLC | Dean Pushlar Landscape Architect | GreyScent Boutique and Candle Bar |
| Hidden Treasures Collectibles & Gifts | IVES Bank | Linda McCaffrey, Realtor |
| Michael's Tap Room |
Mother Earth Gallery |
New York Bagels |
| Pizzeria Bello | PrintWorks | Superior Service Inc |
| Sweet Swoops Ice Cream | #The Cafe | Wild Birds Unlimited Brookfield |
| Tabouli | Pet Care | Alexis O'Rourke Designs LLC |
| Evolve Strength & Conditioning | SAOL Hair Esthetics & Wellness | Bethel Tax Services |
| Black Bull Steak House | AO Designs |
Annual Fall Charity Breakfast - Friday, November 22, 2024
- The Brookfield Lions Club held its annual Charity Fall Breakfast at Michael’s Tap Room, located at 37 Stony Hill Road in Bethel, CT, on Friday, November 22nd at 7:30 AM.
- Our speaker was Shaun Hefferman, Director of Camp Rising Sun. Camp Rising Sun in Colebrook, CT welcomes children, who have a diagnosis of cancer, to a nurturing and safe, fun environment.
- Congratulations to Lion Candy Smith and her team for organizing another wonderful event and fundraiser for the Brookfield Lions!
Brookfield Lions Club 19th Annual Charity Breakfast - Friday, November 17, 2023
- The Brookfield Lions Club hosted their 19th Annual Charity Breakfast on Friday, November 17, 2023 at Michael's Tap Room, 37 Stony Hill Rd, Bethel CT.
- Our Annual Breakfast event leader, Lion Candy Smith, and our Club President, Sue Slater welcomed a great crowd of about 140 people who attended this year's breakfast.
- Our speaker this year was Michelle Brier from Blue Path Service Dogs for Autism.
- Congratulations and many, many THANKS once again to Lion Candy and her team!
NEXT BLOOD DRIVE:
- When: Wednesday, December 31, 2025, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
- Where: Congregational Church of Brookfield, 160 Whisconier Road, Brookfield, CT.
- To volunteer, donate, or learn more: Please contact Jackie at
Brookfield Lions Club - Blood Drive Report - December 31, 2024
- Brookfield Lions Blood Drive leader, Jackie Kettunen, has reported on another very successful blood drive that was held on December 31, 2024.
- This was the second consecutive December drive which was dedicated in honor of longtime Brookfield resident and blood donor, Joe Grimes.
- Lion Jackie reported that the December drive had 75 donors donating a total of 70 pints of blood.
- Thirteen Lions volunteered to help out at the event.
- During Jackie's 10+ years of leading the Brookfield Lions Blood Drive events, the club has achieved these milestones:
- 68 blood drives in total
- 3,608 donors
- 3,280 pints collected; an average of 48 pints collected per blood drive
- The Brookfield Lions continue to be a Premier Blood Partner for its work with the American Red Cross through the years.
- Many, many thanks to Lion Jackie and her amazing team of Lions and LEO volunteers.
Brookfield Lions Club - Blood Drive Report - November 2023
- In November 2023, Blood Drive team leader, Jackie Kettunen, proudly announced that Brookfield Lions Blood Drive team has achieved Premier Blood Partner for its work with the Red Cross through the years.
- This is a wonderful honor for the club and for Jackie's team of volunteers including the Brookfield High School LEOs!
- Jackie mentioned that the Brookfield Lions Blood Drives collected 251 pints of blood during the last year.
HIGHLIGHTS from 2023 & 2022:
- Lion Jackie Kettunen, our Blood Drive leader, reports that our June 14, 2023 Blood Drive collected 53 pints of blood.
- Jackie shared the following information about the past ten years of the Brookfield Lions' Blood Drives:
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The Brookfield Lions have held 58 Blood Drives.
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We have collected an average of 47 pints per drive.
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In total, we have collected 2714 total pints.
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2,992 donors have attended our Blood Drives.
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- Amazing service by our members!
- Many, many thanks to Lion Jackie and her team.
- Our Blood Drive leader, Jackie Kettunen, reported the April 2023 Blood Drive had 52 donors resulting in 41 pints collected which can potentially help 123 people. Jackie thanks all the Lion volunteers and one of the Broofield LEOs who made cookies for our wonderful donors! Tremendous!
- Lion Jackie Kettunen thanks everyone for helping make our February 2023 Blood Drive another success! The February drive made our goal resulting in 48 useable pints which can potentially save 144 lives. As usual, Jackie and team had a great staff and everything ran smoothly. A good number of donors have already signed up for the April 19, 2023 blood drive. Jackie thanks everyone for their help whether it was helping at the drive, donating blood, or making food for the drive. It was greatly appreciated by the donors and Red Cross!
- The December 2022 drive exceeded our goal by 10 pints resulting in 53 useable pints which can, essentially, help 159 people. We also had one donor with a rare blood whose donation can help 20 babies! The team was also able to sign up 50 people for our upcoming drive February 22, 2023! Lion Jackie Kettunen thanks everyone for their help whether it was physically helping, donating or making food for the drive. It was greatly appreciated by the donors and Red Cross! Lion Jackie also mentioned that the Lions were given a large container of snacks by the Red Cross that will be delivered to the Brookfield Food Pantry.
- The October 2022 Blood Drive exceeded our goal by six pints of blood. Jackie Kettunen has already filled 38 of 63 donor slots for the December 28th blood drive. Anyone donating at our December drive will receive a long sleeved tee shirt as a thank you.
- The August 2022 Blood Drive collected an amazing 47 units matching the year's highest total from February 2022 blood drive. Well done to Jackie and her team. Thanks to Cathy Nielsen who headed up the August event for Jackie.
- The June 2022 Blood Drive was originally extended to include a second blood drive from 10 am - 1:30 pm in addition to the normal 1:30-6:30 pm drive. Jackie Kettunen and her team originally had 69 donors signed up for the day but the goal was lowered to 20 and that goal was surpassed with 23 donors. There were two first time donors and, despite the unforeseen changes, the Red Cross called it a “tremendous effort,” with the ability to help 60 people. Well done, Jackie & Team!
- The April 2022 blood drive collected 35 pints of blood which has the potential to help 105 people.
- Jackie Kettunen reported that the blood drive we sponsored on February 23 collected 47 units of blood surpassing the goal of 39 units. The blood collected at that drive alone will help 141 people in need.
- Congratulations and thanks to Jackie and her team for a job well done!
- Congratulations also to Brookfield Lions Lori Peck and Marty Carlin who were presented pins in 2022 recognizing they have donated two gallons of blood. Well done Lori and Marty!
Our April 2023 Blood Drive - Lion Volunteers
Some of our wonderul donors!
The Brookfield Lions Club Community Garden project offers 106 garden plots to Brookfield residents year after year.
- Lions Kathi Hlavac, Karen Brown, and Dori Cundari do a tremendous job organizing and watching over the Community Garden.
- The Brookfield Lions have several plots in the garden that contribute a significant amount of food to the Brookfield Food Pantry every year.
- All 106 plots were reserved and used during the 2025 and 2024 garden years.
Community Garden is completely full for the 2024 season
- Lion Kathi Hlavac has announced that all 106 plot have been reserved for the 2024 growing season!
- The Community Garden is supported and managed by volunteer members of the Brookfield Lions Club in conjunction with the Town of Brookfield. It is located on the Gurski property along Route 133 in Brookfield, approximately one-quarter mile south of Route 25 (Whisconier Road).
- There are currently 106 plots of varying sizes and participation is limited to Brookfield residents age 16 or older. The non-refundable registration fee (either $25 or $35 based on plot size) covers costs for the maintenance and upkeep of the property, shed, pathways, and fencing as well as basic gardening supplies. Plots are assigned based on availability.
Please send an email to BrkfldLionsGarden@gmail.com if you need more information.
Community Garden 2023 - all garden plots reserved!
- Lion Kathi Hlavac has reported that the Community Garden has all 106 plots reserved for 2023.
- This year's annual garden clean-up was cancelled due to inclement weather, however, Lions Kathi Hlavac and Dori Cundari are working with the LEOs to have a scaled backed clean-up to make sure everything is ready for our community gardeners.
Garden Clean-up Day 2022
- Lions Kathi Hlavac and Dori Cundari led a tremendous Community Garden Clean-up event on Saturday, April 30, 2022.
- The event was led off by a presentation by two Master Gardeners discussing best strategies and do and don'ts for the community gardeners.
- Lions Kathi, Dori, Robin Montgomery, Louise Johnson, Dan Melillo, Sue Slater, Jim Diezemann, Jeff Tanz, and Jim Ondak joined together with a good number of Community Gardeners to do a great job getting the garden ready for the upcoming growing season.
- We did an incredible amount of weed paper placing, garden path mulching, tree trimming, bush pruning, raking, weed pulling, and brush hauling to get the garden's 106 plots in great shape.
- View the PHOTO GALLERY page for more Community Garden 2022 photos
The Community Garden is supported and managed by volunteer members of the Brookfield Lions Club in conjunction with the Town of Brookfield. It is located on the Gurski property along Route 133 in Brookfield, approximately one-quarter mile south of Route 25 (Whisconier Road).
There are currently 106 plots of varying sizes and participation is limited to Brookfield residents age 16 or older. The non-refundable registration fee (either $25 or $35 based on plot size) covers costs for the maintenance and upkeep of the property, shed, pathways, and fencing as well as basic gardening supplies. Plots are assigned based on availability.
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A wonderful aerial view of the Community Garden (Thank you, Lion Kathi Hlavac!)
Candy and Alan Smith from the Brookfield Lions are leading and coordinating Diabetes Awareness programs for our club and also for Connecticut Lions District 23a.
- Here are several of the Diabetes awareness activities the Lions are involved with:
Connecticut Lions Day at Mountain Mist YMCA Pathfinder Diabetes Camp - Thursday, July 31, 2025
- On Thursday, July 31, 2025, the Connecticut Lions are all invited to tour the Mountain Mist YMCA Pathfinder Diabetes Camp in Meriden, CT to see how what our service work is accomplishing.
- Lions Candy and Alan Smith reported that the event was very successful and extremely well received by those who attended.
Click here to see the Connecticut Lions Day flyer
Sunday October 15, 2023 - Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk event in Norwalk, CT
- Lions Alan and Candy Smith lead and coordinate our diabetes service projects for the Brookfield Lions and also CT Lions District 23-A.
- They created a team which participated in the JDRF One Walk on Sunday, October 15, 2023 in Norwalk.
- When you have T1D, your pancreas stops producing insulin—a hormone the body needs to get energy from food. This means a process your body does naturally and automatically becomes something that now requires daily attention and manual intervention. There is nothing you can do to prevent it. And, currently, there is no cure. But JDRF is funding the most promising, cutting-edge science to end T1D and that’s why Candy and Alan are passionate about supporting the JDRF One Walk with the biggest and best team we can have.
- Register. Fundraise. Walk. Celebrate. It’s that easy (and that fun!) to sign up for our team.
Connecticut Lions Pathfinder Camp - July 31- August 4, 2023 and August 7-11, 2023
- Connecticut Lions partner with the Meriden, CT YMCA to sponsor this special summer camp gives children with Type 1 diabetes the opportunity to have a fun outdoor experience while under the care of registered nurses who specialize in the care of pediatric diabetes.
- Click here for more information: https://www.meridenymca.org/programs/Summer-Camp/connecticut-lions-camp-at-mountain-mist-/
Lion Alan Smith at the 2023 Pathfinder Camp
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Wish Ball at Mohegan Sun - Saturday, May 6, 2023
- Candy and Alan Smith, Lions state representative for Diabetes and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) attended the JDRF Wish Ball on Saturday, May 6th.
- Candy and Alan reported that there were 500 attendees to this major fundraiser event and 15 Lion volunteers from across the 3 Lion Districts of CT.
Lions Candy and Alan Smith at the May 6th JDRF Wish Ball
JDRF SUMMIT - Friday, April 28, 2023
- Candy and Alan Smith reported that the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Summit was held on Friday, April 28th at the Norwalk Inn.
- Candy told us that 140 registered for the event and that some great speakers higlighted new monitoring techniques and families had a wonderful opportunity to network with one another.
- Brookfield Lion Alan Smith presenting an appreciation award to keynote speaker Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, Clinical Advisor & Director of Diabetes Education at the University of Florida Pediatrics.
- Anastasia spoke about the importance of diabetes testing and clinical trials.
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk Event - Saturday, October 22, 2022
- The JDRF ONE WALK event hosted a 5K walk to raise money for Juvenile Diabetes research at Manhattanville College on October 22.
- Lion Candy Smith said that over 500 people walked in the event which raised over $250,000.
- Here's a picture of Lions Candy and Alan Smith at the JDRF One Walk Event:
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Fundraiser - Saturday, May 21, 2022
- JDRF held their ONE NIGHT IN CASABLANCA fundraiser to benefit TYPE 1 DIABETES.
- The annual Promise Ball to raise funds for JDRF OF CT & Western MA was held on May 21 at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks.
- The theme was AN EVENING IN CASABLANCA and over 425 guests attended. There were 18 Lions from all over CT who volunteered at the Gala to work as Ballroom Ushers.
- The guests dined at food stations arranged under the wings of vintage aircraft.
- The silent and live auctions raised over $1 Million for Type 1 Diabetes Research.
- Candy, Alan Smith and Louise Johnson supported this event from our club.
Every April on Earth Day, Brookfield Lions volunteers clean up various locations throughout Brookfield, CT. Many thanks to Lion Karl Noivadhana for his leadership of this event.
Brookfield Lions Earth Day Clean-up - Saturday, April 26, 2025
- The Brookfield Lions Club Earth Day Clean-up was held on Saturday, April 26th.
- Many thanks to Earth Day chairperson, Karl Noivadhana, and the Lions who participated in the event.
- The Lions once again cleaned various sites throughout Brookfield including Brookfield High School, the Greenway, and Cadigan Park.
Brookfield Lions Club - Annual Earth Day Project - Saturday, April 27, 2024
- The Brookfield Lions Club Annual Earth Day project was held on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9 am until 12 noon.
- The Lions met at 9 am at Cadigan Park and the LEOs met at Brookfield High School.
- The Lions and LEOs cleaned various sites throughout Brookfield including Brookfield High School, the Greenway, and Cadigan Park.
CLICK HERE to see the Brookfield Lions Earth Day flyer
The Brookfield Lions Club Earth Day Team - 2024
Earth Day 2023
- Lion Karl Noivadhana organized another successful Earth Day event on Saturday, April 22, 2023.
- Many thanks to all the Lions and LEOs who volunteered!
- The LEOs did a great job at Brookfield High School while the Lions cleaned several areas around Brookfield including Cadigan Park and the Greenway.
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CLICK HERE to see the Earth Day Flyer
Earth Day 2022
- In 2022, we cleaned at Cadigan Park, Brookfield High School and the Still River Greenway area.
- Many thanks to our Earth Day leader, Karl Noivadhana, and all of the volunteers who made this a successful event!
- Low Vision, as defined by The Vision Council, is a term used to refer to a visual impairment that is not correctable through surgery, pharmaceuticals, glasses or contact lenses. It is often characterized by partial sight, such as blurred vision, blind spots, or tunnel vision. Low vision can impact people of all ages, but is primarily associated with older adults.
- There are thirteen Lions Low Vision Centers Fairfield, New Haven, Litchfield, and Hartford counties of Connecticut where persons with low vision can receive help.
- Information on these centers can be found the following website: https://www.lionslowvisioncenters.org/
- The Brookfield Lions Club is very proud to have two of our club members who are serving or recently served on the Low Vision Board of Directors for Lions District 23A:
- Rich Groski - Treasurer, Fairfield & New Haven County Officer
- Klaus Nielsen - Fairfield County Trustee (recently retired)
Brookfield Lions Club Food Drive - Saturday, November 8, 2025
- The Brookfield Lions Club and the Brookfield High Schools LEOs collaborated on a very succesful Food Drive on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at the Brookfield Market and Deli.
- Much needed donations of non-perishable food were evenly split between Brookfield’s Food Pantry and Hillside Food Outreach in Danbury.
- Many thanks to Lions Alan & Candy Smith, Dori Cundari, Louise Pasquine, Todd Corsa and six of the Brookfield High School LEOs for their hard work and service.
Community Shred Day & Food Drive - Saturday, May 3, 2025 at Brookfield Town Hall
- Our annual Shred Day & Food Drive event was held on Saturday, May 3rd at Brookfield Town Hall from 9 am through 12 noon..
- This is another excellent example of how the Brookfield Lions Club serves the Brookfield Community.
- In addition to the funds raised by the Shred Day event, Shred Day chairperson Lion Christine Corsa reported a wonderful amount of donations for the Brookfield food pantry.
- Thanks to the great job by one of our Brookfield LEO club members, the Lions' Cuddles project received over $300 in donations.
- All in all, an amazing day!
Brookfield Lions Club Community Shred Day & Non-perishable Food Drive - Saturday, April 20, 2024
- The Brookfield Lions and Brookfield High LEOs are holding a Community Shred Day and a non-perishable Food Drive from 9 am until 12 noon on Saturday, April 20th at the Brookfield Town Hall, 100 Pocono Road, Brookfield, CT.
- Shred Day is $10 per standard box and the Lions and LEOs will unload your car for you. A separate area will be set up for the Food Drive; any non-perishable food items will be greatly appreciated by the Brookfield Food Pantry.
- The event was very successful! We had a steady flow of traffic for Shred Day and Lion Candy Smith did an excellent job collecting $501 in donations for the Cuddle Bear project.
- Lion Amy Diezemann commented that the Food Drive was very probably the best one we have yet held!
- It's a great opportunity to do some spring cleaning and to help out the Food Pantry. Thank you!
Lion Glenn directing traffic, Lion Joan bringing them in, Lion Candy raising money for the Cuddles project and our Brookfield LEO doing a great job with the Food Drive!.jpg)
CLICK HERE to see the April 20th Shred Day/Food Drive flyer
Brookfield Lions Club Food Drive - Saturday, October 14, 2023
- The Brookfield Lions held a Food Drive from 10 am until 2 pm on Saturday, October 14th at the New Brookfield Market and Deli at 277 Whisconier Rd Brookfield, CT.
- Both Lions and LEOs worked together to make the event a big success!
CLICK HERE to see our Food Drive flyer!
The AMAZING Brookfield High School LEOs!!!
Annual Community Shred Day - Saturday, May 20, 2023
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The Brookfield Lions held another very successful Shred Day and Food Drive on Saturday, May 20, 2023.
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The Brookfield LEOs did a tremendous job with their volunteering on a day when the Lions were stretched thin by multiple events.
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Lions and LEOs collaborating is a wonderful thing!
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The rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits of our Lion and LEO volunteers at our Community Shred Day and Food Drive event on Saturday, May 20th at Brookfield Town Hall.
- This event benefited the Brookfield Lions Club and the Brookfield Food Pantry.
- Great job of coordinating the event by Amy Diezemann!
- Thank you Brookfield LEOs and Lions!
- Several times a year, the Brookfield Lions hold events which feature a Shred Day where the community can bring in materials to be shreded for $10 per banker's box and also drop off nonperishable food items and household supplies to help stock the Brookfield Pantry.
CLICK HERE for link to the Brookfield Pantry web page
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2025-2026 School Year
- On August 13, 2025, Christine Corsa and Jim Ondak screened 8 children at the Brookfield Library; 1 student was referred for a full eye care examination.
- On October 8-9, 2025, Robin Montgomery, JoEllen Reynolds, and Christine Corsa screened 514 students at Blackham School, Bridgeport, CT; 136 students were referred for full eye care examinations.
- On October 23, 2025, Marty O'Shea and Jim Ondak screened 222 students at Beardsley School, Bridgeport, CT; 77 students were referred for full eye care examinations.
- On October 27, 2025, Marty O'Shea and JoEllen Reynolds screened 92 students at St. Augustine Academy School, Bridgeport, CT; 35 students were referred for full eye care examinations.
- On October 28-99, 2025, Robin Montgomery, JoEllen Reynolds, and Marty O'Shea screened 344 students at Luis Munoz Marin School, Bridgeport, CT; 107 students were referred for full eye care examinations.
- On November 5-6, 2025, Christine Corsa, Robin Montgomery, and Jim Ondak screened 348 students at Columbus School, Bridgeport, CT; 109 students were referred for full eye care examinations.
- On November 13-14, 2025, JoEllen Reynold, Pati Richards, Susan Dodd, and Jim Ondak screened 264 students at Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School, Bridgeport, CT; 60 students were referred for full eye care examinations.
2024-2025 School Year
- During the 2024-2025 school year, the Brookfield Lions Club KidSight team screened 10,440 students and referred 2,902 students for full eye care examinations.
Our new KidSight Vision Screener camera getting a workout
Klaus Nielsen with our new KidSight Camera along with Lee Helmerich, School Readiness Cooridnator for Bridgeport and Monique Helms, Director Precious Memories #3 Early Learning Center
2023-2024 School Year
- During the 2024-2025 school year, the Brookfield Lions Club KidSight team screened 9,967 students and referred 2,560 students for complete eye examinations.
- Many thanks to our amazing KidSight screeners and to all our members for their encouragement and support throughout the year!
2022-2023 School Year
- As a result of all the hard work by the Connecticut Lions Multi-District, consisting of Districts 23-A, 23-B, and 23-C in CT, the state of CT ranked within the top ten states in the country despite our relatively small population.
- Our district, District 23-A, was named a Top 10 District for KidSight in the United States.
- Based on reports from the KidSight USA database, Brookfield Lions Club was the leading KidSight club in District 23-A and in the entire state of CT.
- As of Friday, June 16, 2023, the Brookfield Lions KidSight team has screened 7,864 children with 1,846 students being referred for a full eye exam with an eye care professional. We have screened in multiple schools districts in Connecticut including schools in Bethel, Bridgeport, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Easton, Redding, Roxbury, and Washington.
- Many thanks to Lion Robin Montgomery who is working with school nurses to schedule all the schools and Lion JoEllen Reynolds who has the monumental task of preparing our screening equipment including our SPOT screening devices, printers, forms, and is also reporting our results to KidSight. THANK YOU!
- If you would like to learn more about the program and look into training and joining the Brookfield KidSight team, please contact one of the following Lions:
- Robin Montgomery: robinmontgomeryl24@gmail.com
- JoEllen Reynolds: j4reynolds@gmail.com
- Jim Ondak: james.ondak@gmail.com
KidSight at New Beginnings Family Academy -
Nurse Kenesha Willis with Lion JoEllen Reynolds
CUDDLE BEARS!
- Looking for a fun project?
- Please contact Lion Candy Smith or Lion Christine Corsa to help with the CUDDLES project in support of an LCI initiative: Pediatric Cancer.
- Christine Corsa reported that a new batch Cuddles teddy bears are being purchased and will be assembled and packaged for delivery to the Pediatric Cancer Unit at Children's Hospital in Hartford.
- We need your HELP assembling and packaging the teddy bears!
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Next Meeting: (Future dates being determined)
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Where: We'll let everyone know!
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- Please contact:
- Candy Smith - Anniekatesmom@gmail.com
- Christine Corsa - mageesit@aol.com
- Many thanks to Cathy Nielsen and Amy Diezemann for all their contributions and their past leadership of this wonderful program.
- November 2023 news! The Cuddle Bear project leaders, Lions Candy Smith and Christine Corsa, have told us the team has expanded their Cuddle Bear distribution to Danbury Pediatrics at Danbury Hospital and also to Ronald McDonald House in New Haven! Bringing smiles to many children!
- Cuddle Bear project leaders Lion Christine Corsa and Lion Candy Smith announced that 100 new Cuddle Bears were just delivered to Yale New Haven Hospital.
- Cuddles teddy bears are purchased and assembled and packaged for delivery to the Pediatric Cancer Unit at Children's Hospital in Hartford.
- Many thanks to Cathy Nielsen and Amy Diezemann for all their contributions and their past leadership of this wonderful program.
- Candy Smith and Christine Corsa just assumed leadership of the program in late April 2023 and plans are underway to continue delivering the cuddle bears to Children's Hospital and where they are most needed.
- Christine has reported that she has ordered a new batch of 100 Cuddle Bears! Stay tuned for the next get together to prepare the bears!
- If you're interested in helping out, please contact:
- Candy Smith - Anniekatesmom@gmail.com
- Christine Corsa - mageesit@aol.com
Cuddle Bears at Danbury Pediatrics and at Ronald McDonald House in New Haven with Lion Christine
Lions Christine Corsa and Candy Smith delivering 100 brand new Cuddle Bears!.jpg)
Lions Karin & Bob Symington, Cathy Nielsen, Amy Diezemann, and Anne McVey with the Cuddle Bears!
Lion Christine Corsa holds YOGA FUNDRAISERS for the Cuddle Bear Project
- Lion Candy Smith let us know that her Cuddle Bear Project Co-Leader, Christine Corsa, teaches yoga online and has a devoted group of students.
- For several years now, Christine sent all of her students a lovely note explaining her involvement with the Lions Club and the CUDDLES PROGRAM.
- Christine requested that instead of her usual fee for a 90 minute yoga session, students make a donation to CUDDLES.
- The result? Over the last several years, Christine's yoga fundraisers have raised around $1,000 for the Cuddle Bears!!!
- Congratulations Christine and Thank You! You are the epitome of WE SERVE!
- Lion Mark Lyon told us that the Brookfield Library is buying 17 books and will be awaiting a check from the Lions Club.
- The Library is planning a display of the books noting they have been contributed by the Brookfield Lions Club.
- The Abbott Tech LEOs are making book plates to insert into the books. The WMS library has requested 3 books.
- Thanks to Lion Lyn Lyon for all of her efforts.
- JoEllen Reynolds will provide some brochures to Debbie Brooks to include in the book display.
Lyn Lyon presenting the MLK Book Drive check:
Brookfield Lions 6th Annual Pancake Breakfast - Sunday, April 6, 2025 - Most successful ever!
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Pancake Breakfast chairperson, Karl Noivadhana, thanked all of our Lion and LEO volunteers.
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Karl told us that 'It was a great day! We made the most money we have ever made.' Karl and Jeff Tanz are currently tallying the finances and will let us know the final numbers soon.
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Karl said that members supporting the breakfast by buying and selling tickets and getting sponsors for the placemat were the reasons for the great success this year.
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Lion Sue Slater did an amazing job by finding nine sponsors for the placemat.
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Many, many thanks to the Brookfield High School LEOs who did an incredible job at the breakfast clearing tables, reading to the children, and helping anyone who needed it.
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The Easter Bunny (thank you LEOs!) was a HUGE HIT and was seen playing a lively game of Duck Duck Go with the kids as the breakfast was coming to a close. :-)
Click here to see the 2025 Pancake Breakfast Placemat
Brookfield Lions Club - 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast - Sunday, April 7, 2024
- The Brookfield Lions held their 5th Annual Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, April 7th at the Brookfield High School cafeteria.
- Lion Karl Noivadhana once again led a wonderful team of Lions and LEOs to produce another very successful turnout for the breakfast.
- At one point, all twelve tables at the breakfast were full!
- The LEOs did a tremendous job helping out with clearing tables, serving juice and coffee, and setting a reading area for the young children.
- The Brookfield KidSight team led by Klaus Nielsen and Christine Corsa offered free vision screenings and screened children and students at the event.
CLICK HERE to view the 2024 Pancake Breakfast flyer
The Brookfield Lions and LEOs
Our 2023 Pancake Breakfast was a ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS!
- Our 4th Annual Pancake Breakfast took place on Sunday, April 2, 2023 in the Brookfield High School cafeteria from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm.
- Many thanks to Lion Karl Noivadhana and his tremendous team for another wonderful event.
- The breakfast had a very good turnout and once again Karl and Jeff Tanz led the way to securing enough sponsor ads to fill the placemat used on the tables.
- Many thanks also to the LEOs from Brookfield High School who did a wonderful job clearing tables and may have had something to do with the appearance of the Easter Bunny!
- Klaus Nielsen and Anne McVey did a great job performing eye screenings on 6 children to the delight of the children and parents.
- Thanks to all of the volunteers whose efforts brought smiles to the faces of the attendees.
- Check out our PHOTO GALLERY page for photos from the Pancake Breakfast.
Here are some more photos of all our wonderful Lion and LEO volunteers!
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Brookfield High School Grad Party
- Each year, our club supports the efforts of the Brookfield High School Grad Party, which provides the graduates one last safe night together having fun.
- The Grad Party throws the graduates an all night party at the high school, which is transformed and decorated to portray the theme for that party.
- At the party, the seniors get to be together having fun in a safe environment. They get to play a variety of games, dance, eat and win prizes.
- The Brookfield Lions Club donates both money and prizes for the seniors. Our prizes are usually things like dorm size refrigerators, microwaves, fans, printers and other small appliances. Then, at the early hour of 5 am, members go to the high school to assist in the cleanup.
Gifts for Brookfield High School Graduates - Thank you Lion Lori!
(Note: The Dog was not included; it was hired as security to guard the gifts) :-)
Brookfield High School Grad Party Cleanup - Saturday, June 15, 2024
- The Brookfield Lions once again helped to clean up after the Brookfield High School Graduation Party.
- Volunteers met at the High School at 5 am on Saturday, June 15th.
Lions Sue, Sally, Louise, and Christine reached new heights at this year's Brookfield High School Grad Party Cleanup
MARTY CARLIN'S MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
- For a number of years now, Lion Marty Carlin has been accepting donations of all kinds of medical equipment and aids including items such as invalid beds, transport chairs, wheel chairs, walkers, crutches, canes, rollators, porto-pottys and more.
- Marty stores these items and then gives them to people in need.
- We're working with Marty to get more information about this amazing and wonderful work he has been doing for many years.
- CLICK HERE to see the January 24, 2024 Danbury Newstime article about Marty and his work.
Some of the medical equipment that Marty Carlin stores and gives away
- Lions everywhere are changing the lives of children who have little or no access to schools, libraries, educational materials and the Internet.
- Through the Lions Reading Action Program Campaign, our club is focused on bringing literacy and hope for a brighter, more fulfilling future to millions of children.
- The Brookfield Lions team has developed a strategy for distributing books to new parents locally. In addition, we are working closely with the Brookfield Library to continue children's exposure to books and reading. Helping parents and grandparents to identify and utlize resources that are available is an important step in preparing their children and grandchildren for school and learning.
- Reading readiness is an expectation in our educational environment. Books will be available, free for the taking, at Brookfield's local food pantry. All gently used children's books can be donated and are greatly appreciated.
Please contact Lions Dorian Cundari or JoEllen Reynolds for more information on how you can help with this worthwhile program.
For information on the early learning resources available at the Brookfield Library and to learn about a gift to new Brookfield parents from the Brookfield Lions Club, click here.
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Trunk or Treat 2023
- Lions Lisa Reiss, Louise Johnson, and Linda McCaffrey had another successful event at the 2023 Trunk or Treat which was held on Saturday, October 28th at the Brookfield Fire House.
- Many thanks to Lions Lisa, Louise, Linda, and Linda's husband Kevin for bringing a lot of smiles to the children who attended.
TRUNK OR TREAT 2023!
Trunk or Treat 2022
- This is one of our newer events and the 2022 event was a big success! Many Thanks to Lion Lisa Reiss for coordinating this wonderful event for our club.
- Lions Lisa, Linda McCaffrey, Karen Brown, and Greg Tarone had a perfect day on Saturday, October 22 including some absolutely beautiful fall weather.
- Lisa hopes this will be become one the annual community events the Brookfield Lions will be part of in future years.
- Quoting Lion Lisa, "Serving - and having fun while you do - can’t think of anything that beats that!"
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- Lion Robin Montgomery continues to lead this effort for the Brookfield Lions Club and for Connecticut District 23A Lions Clubs.
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Robin Montgomery has led the Brookfield Lions participation in past Veterans Stand Down events, which support local Veterans who are most in need of medical screening, essential hygiene products and clothing, and more. Items requested which are most in need are travel sized personal items (toothbrush, toothpaste, nail clippers, deodorant, etc). Gift cards to local supermarkets are also very helpful.
Veterans Stand Down - Friday, September 20, 2024
- Lion Robin Montgomery once again led our participation in the Veterans Stand Down event which was being held on Friday, September 20th at the Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive, Danbury.
- Robin collected hats, gloves, pens, toiletries, and donations for ShopRite gift cards which the veterans really appreciated.
- We were able to use items from the Amazon pickups to help provide supplies for the veterans.
- Many thanks to Cathy Nielsen for knitting 35 ski hats for the veterans! Lion Robin mentioned that the hats were a huge hit with the vets!
- If you have any questions about donations or the event, please email Robin: robinmontgomeryl24@gmail.com
- Thank you for helping our veterans!
- Veterans Stand Down is a one-day event that offers Veterans assistance in applying for benefits and entitlements.
Veterans Stand Down - Friday, September 22, 2023
- This year's Stand Down was held on September 22, 2023, at five regional sites:
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Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport Wheeler Recreation Center, 400 University Ave.
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Bristol: St. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Ave.
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Danbury: Danbury War Memorial, 1 Memorial Drive
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Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Ave
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Rocky Hill: CTDVA Campus, 287 West Street
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- If you are interested in participating in this important service to our veterans, please contact Lion Robin at robinmontgomeryl24@gmail.com.
- This event supports local Veterans who are most in need with medical screening, essential hygiene products and clothing, and more.
- Thanks to Lion Robin and everyone who donated to this wonderful cause.
2022 Veterans Stand Down at Danbury's War Memorial
Amazon Donation Pick-Up
The Amazon Pickup project is one that many Lions Clubs across Connecticut participate in.
- In mid-February 2024, Lions Candy and Alan Smith and Todd Corsa picked up 18 boxes of food, personal hygiene, cleaning products, stationary, and toys donated to the Lions by Amazon.
- All 18 boxes were then donated and delivered to Hillside Foods Outreach.
- A number of Lions clubs here in Connecticut have been participating in the Amazon program on a rotating basis.
Brookfield Lions Todd Corsa and Alan Smith with the Amazon delivery
- Through the years, the Brookfield Lions sponsored the Senior Picnic.
- Below are some pictures from the picnic the club hosted in 2023
The Senior Picnic hosted by the Brookfield Lions Club is BACK! Thursday, October 26, 2023
- The Senior Picnic is back! The Brookfield Lions hosted this year's Halloween-themed event.
- Senior Picnic chairperson, Lion Amy Diezemann, and her team did an amazing job bringing the Picnic back after timeout for the Covid pandemic.
- The photo collages tell the story!
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The Senior Picnic is BACK! Thank you Brookfield Lions. :-)
- During the last several years, Brookfield Lions members have been creating a series or Christmas trees that are donated to charities like Trees of Hope for Ronald McDonald House and the Festival of Trees for Ann's Place.
- Here's a collage of this year's Irish-themed Christmas tree.
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- Below are some pictures from past years.
Trees of Hope benefiting Ronald McDonald House
- In 2023, Lions Candy Smith, Pati Richards, and Christine Corsa did a beautiful job with their Christmas Tree to benefit the Ronald McDonald House.
- The tree was safely delivered to the Maritime Center in New Haven for the Ronald McDonald fundraise held from December 2-10.
- Well done, Candy, Pati, and Christine!
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Lions Pati Richards and Christine Corsa with the Brookfield Lions Tree of Hope
In 2023, the LEOs donated a tree to the Festival of Trees
Mark and Lyn Lyon did it!
- Congratulations to Mark and Lyn Lyon for their successful campaign to have Mark become the newly elected 3rd International Vice President of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
- In 2026, Mark will become the President of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
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Click on the link immediately below to see all the great pictures taken by PCC Frank Rowe and Lion Don Grise. Enjoy!
- See more great photos and videos on our Brookfield Lions Club Facebook page:
