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.
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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 Chevron
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.
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Family Promise of WNY Presentation
DG 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
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 
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.
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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.
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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.
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Lions Awarded for Service to Leos 
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 Luncheon
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.
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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.
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June Luncheon Awards and Installations 
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:
- 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
Memorial Day Parade
The Kenmore Lions Club was proud to take part in the 2023 Ken-Ton Memorial Day Parade.
Kenmore Lion Awarded for Service
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.
Easter Basket Deliveries
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.
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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.
PDG Alfred Anderson
Jean Hornlein
Evelyn McDonald
Gilbert Baumgardner
Virginia Pingrey
Marietta Lafornara
Anthony Lafornara
Jo Ann Frens
James Cornwell
Donald Kossuth
James Brodie
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The Kenmore East Leos Club
The 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.)
The 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.
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 
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 
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.
