Meetings

HAVE SOME FUN  ----  JOIN OUR MONROE CLUB

  BECOME A MONROE LION

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All photos Courtesy of Lion Len Berger

MONROE LIONS CLUB INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS

 NOVEMBER 2017

The Monroe Lions Club recently welcomed two new members, husband and wife Tim and Katie Ramsey. They were inducted by Lion Ted Bresky, a Past President of the Bridgeport "Host" Lions Club that organized and sponsored the Monroe Club in 1952.

Tim Ramsey is an attorney at Tremont Sheldon Robinson Mahoney in Bridgeport. He was recently appointed as an alternative on Monroe's Zoning Board of Appeals.

Katie Ramsey is a teacher for Special Needs Children at Stepping Stones Preschool at Coleytown Elementary School in Westport.

Photo 1:          Tim and Katie Ramsey
Photo 2  (l - r) Ted Bresky, Tim & Katie Ramsey, Monroe Lions Officers Frank Bent & Jessica Pfalzgraf
 
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MONROE LIONS CLUB CONDUCTS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP COLLECTION  --  OCTOBER 2017

Under the leadership of Lion Sam Pontillo, the members of the Monroe lions Club, a 65 year-old civic organization, collected funds to support the Monroe Scholarship Fund. The fund provides scholarships to college-bound seniors at Masuk High School.

The Lions Club has supported this scholarship program since 1968, the year that the fund was founded. Last year more than $225,000 in scholarships were awarded.

Those wishing to learn about the Monroe Lions Club's many programs or attend one of its monthly meetings may call Lion President Frank Bent at 203-650-5632.

Photo  =  Sam Pontillo, Jessica Pfalzgraph, Rick Kellogg and Ray McPadden

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Installation Dinner -- Annual Awards Presentation

 June 28, 2017

During its annual Installation Dinner, two Monroe Lions Club members were recognized for their extraordinary service.

Adria Pearlmen was awarded the Ambassador of Sight (AOS) award by Len Berger, a Trustee of the Lions Low Vision Committee of Fairfield & New Haven Counties. During the past year, Pearlman was instrumental in participating in a Lions Low Vision presentation as well as a Lions Pediatric Screening in an elementary school. Berger noted that only three AOS awards have been presented to Monroe Lions since the founding of the Lion Low Vision Program in Connecticut in 1990.

Special recognition was also given to Lion Sal Savastano, Recording Secretary of the Monroe Lions Club. While presenting the Lion of the Year Award, Lion President Frank Bent noted that Savastano has been a member of the Club for 32 years and Recording Secretary for 5 years. With the responsibilities of recording all minutes, handling all administration with Lions International, and maintaining the Club's Web Site at monroelionsclub.com.   Sal has also participated in many fund raising projects throughout the years.

Hats-off to these outstanding Lions!

Photos (1):  = Len Berger and Adria Pearlman
            ( 2)  = Frank Bent and Sal Savastano
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JOCKEY HOLLOW STUDENTS COMPETE IN LIONS INTERNATIONAL PEACE POSTER CONTEST

NOVEMBER 2017

Two 7th grade students were recognized by the Monroe Lions Club for their artistic talents. Competing in this year's Lions International Peace Poster Contest were local winner Lana Drew and runner-up Jamie Grosso. They are both students at Jockey Hollow Middle School. These two students received gift certificates from the Monroe Lions Club. As the first place winner, Lana's poster will now go into competition within the local Lions District (Fairfield & New Haven Counties).
 
This is the 30th year for the international competition which challenges students from ages 11 thru 13 years of age from throughout more than 200 countries. This year's contest theme is "The Future of Peace". Posters are judged on originality, artistic merit, and expression of the theme. One international prize winner receives $5,000 and a trip to a special ceremony held in the United Nations Headquarters in NYC.
 
 
 photos (1)    Jamie Grosso and Lana Drew
             (2)    Jamie Grosso, Monroe Lions Contest Chairman Adria Pearlman, and Lana Drew
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Monroe Lions donate more than $10K to local groups

June 28, 2017

The Monroe Lions Charities in association with the Monroe Lions Club donated $10,600 to local organizations.

The donations were distributed between Boy Scout Troop 63, Save Our Stepney, Children in Placement, the Center for Family Justice and the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library.

The funds granted to the Boy Scouts will be used to sponsor seven Eagle Scout projects.

Save Our Stepney will be purchasing 21-foot flagpoles for the Stepney Green with their funds.

The donation given to Children in Placement will be used to ensure each child is placed in a safe home.

The Center for Family Justice funds will be used to support a program at Masuk High School to educate students about teen dating violence and how it can be prevented.

The donation to the library will be used toward the One Book, One Town program.

Any organization that would like to complete an application for donation in 2018 should send a brief letter to the Monroe Lions Club at P.O. Box 10, Monroe, CT 06468.

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All photos Courtesy of Lion Len Berger

Monroe Lions Have Eyes on this Prize

Lions Club members Sam Pontillo, Vic Casaretti, Norm Anderson, and Ray McPadden collected donations for Sight Savers Day --  May 2017. 

The Lions Club raised $900 for the Yale School of Ophthalmology and UCONN’s Medical Center. A portion of the funds collected will also support the Lions Low Vision Program which provides free devices to improve the vision of people suffering from macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

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PANCAKE BREAKFAST  -- APRIL 23, 2017

We worked so hard, had some laughs, and even made some money to support the community

THANKS to all that helped !

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MONROE FIRE MARSHAL SPEAKS TO THE MONROE LIONS CLUB  -  FEBRUARY 2017

During its monthly meeting, the members of the Monroe Lions Club received safety advice from Monroe Fire Marshal William Davin.

Starting as a Junior Cadet in 1973, Bill has served the residents of Monroe. In 1992, he was made the Town's Deputy Fire Marshal and in 2004 the Fire Marshal.

During his very informative presentation, Bill focused on three extremely important safety devices which should be in every home and business. First, smoke detectors which should have their batteries replaced at least annually. Marshal Davin noted that the new detectors have batteries that last up to 10 years. All detectors whether battery or hard wired should be replaced every 7 - 10 years.

Next discussed were carbon monoxide detectors which should be placed on every level of the structure. Unlike smoke and fire issues, carbon monoxide cannot be seen nor smelled; therefore, it's know as the "silent killer." All furnaces, including "ventless" ones, emit some degree of carbon monoxide!

Finally fire extinguishers were discussed. A 2 1/2 pound dry chemical model should be located on every floor, especially near the kitchen and laundry areas. These extinguishers should be turned upside-down every 6 months to make sure that the contents remain mixed and active. Extinguishers should be recharged every 7 years and replaced every 14 years.

For more information regarding home safety, Fire Marshal Davin can be reached at 203-452-2807. For more information regarding the many programs of the Monroe Lions Club, call Lion President Frank Bent at 203-650-5632.

(l - r): Fire Marshal Bill Davin with Monroe Lions Richard Orr, Frank Bent & Dave Porado

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MONROE LIONS CLUB AGAIN RAISES FUNDS FOR SCHOLARSHIP FUND  -- 2016

All photos Courtesy of Lion Len Berger
 
Under the leadership of Lion Sam Pontillo, club members again this year collected funds to benefit the Monroe Scholarship Fund. Organized in 1968, the Fund provides scholarships to college-bound students of Masuk High School. More than $200k in scholarships are distributed annually.
 
The Monroe Lions Club has supported this scholarship program for more than three decades. This year, two students will benefit from the Lions Club scholarships.
 
If you would like to learn more about the Monroe Lions Club or attend one of their monthly meetings, please call Lion Pres. Frank Bent at 203-261-0565.
 
(l-r)   Rick Kellogg, Sam Pontillo, Sal Savastano, Frank Bent & Don Whiteley
and Al Stoccatore

(l-r)   Rick Kellogg, Sam Pontillo, Sal Savastano, Frank Bent and Don Whiteley

Al Stoccatore

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ONE OF OUR LIONS SPONSORS THE U.S.MARINES AT MR. MAC'S CANTEEN

 With the coordination of Bridgeport's community leader, Christopher Caruso, and the continued generosity of the McPadden Family, the Quantico Marine Corps Band arrived recently at Mr. Mac's Canteen on Main St, Monroe. The fifty Marines were treated to a full breakfast by hosts Jeff and Jim McPadden.
 
During the previous evening,the concert band performed in Bridgeport's Klein Memorial Auditorium under the leadership of Master Sargent & Bandmaster David Wilson. Wilson noted that in addition to being very talented musicians (some even hold Master Degrees), each band member has completed Marine Basic Training, sharp shooter qualification, and several advanced training programs. These same Marines may be deployed at any time to areas around the world.
 
Family patriarch and Past President of the Monroe Lions Club Ray McPadden noted that his family has hosted the Marine Corps Band several times. The McPaddens are pleased to have again had this opportunity to honor these dedicated soldiers and musicians.

 

 

 

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MONROE LIONS GOLF TOURNAMENT --- 2016

The Monroe Chamber of Commerce and the Monroe Lions Club combined their efforts to benefit the Monroe Scholarship Fund. According to Chamber President Tom Covillo and Lions President Frank Bent, these key community organizations held a golf tournament on September 29th at the Whitney Farms Golf Course, 175 Shelton Rd, Monroe. Registration began at 10:00 with a Shot Gun Start at 11:30. A donation of $150 per person provided 18 holes of golf, refreshments, dinner, prizes and raffles.
 
Photo (l-r) :  Ray Giovanni, Bill Street (Golf Professional), and Frank Bent
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MONROE LIONS PICNIC  ---- 2016

Thanks to the graciousness of Jessica and Mike, the annual picnic of the Monroe Lions, friends and significant others was enjoyed by many. Many long-time (not old) friends gathered to catch-up on their personal lives, many memories, and much humor.
Courtesy of Lion Len Berger
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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MONROE LIONS CLUB RECENT DONATIONS

The Monroe Lions Club and its affiliate the Monroe Lions Charities recently
announced the distribution of more than $20,000 to benefit the community. A few of the organizations benefiting from this year's Lion support include the Monroe Parks & Recreation Department, the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Operation Warmth, Monroe Scholarship Fund, Monroe EMS, Lakewood YMCA and the Lions Low Vision Centers.
 
Lion President Frank Bent noted that this 64 year-old civic organization raises funds through events and donation collections outside of several local stores. The Monroe Lions Charities distributed annually funds from its investment portfolio. Any organization, agency or group that wishes to apply for a donation should mail a brief note to the Monroe Lions Club, P O Box 10, Monroe asking for a Donation Application.
 
Photo (l-r): Lions Ray McPadden, Richard Kraus, Sal Savastano, and Frank Bent
 
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MONROE LIONS CLUB COLLECTS EYEGLASSES

Throughout the year, Lions Clubs throughout the world collect used eyeglasses to improve the sight of people in low income families. After collection, the eyeglasses are then shipped to regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Centers (LERCs).   LERC volunteers clean, sort by prescription strengths and package the glasses. Eye professionals then examine the sight-challenged people and issue the appropriate eyeglasses.
 
Recently members of the Monroe Lions Club wrapped and shipped more than 2,100 pairs of eyeglasses to a LERC. Lion President Frank Bent mentioned that you can drop-off usable eyeglasses in Lion-sponsored collection boxes located in the Monroe Town Hall, Senior Center, Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, Mr. Mac's, ,and the Spadaccino and Leo Gallagher & Son Community Funeral Home.
 
For more information regarding the many community services of the 64 year-old organization, visit its website at    monroelionsclub.com
 
                                                                                                                                      Courtesy of Lion Len Berger

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MONROE LIONS CELEBRATING THEIR 2015 CHRISTMAS PARTY

Approximately 30 Monroe Lions, families and friends enjoyed a Holiday Party together in Vanzanno's Four Seasons. There was a fantastic buffet Dinner highlighted with carving stations, salads, desserts & hot beverages. A great celebration party  -  enjoyed by all.

Hats-off to Lion Anette Savastano for organizing this event !
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MONROE LIONS CLUB CONTINUES HOLIDAY TRADITION

In 2015

Members of the Monroe Lions Club, a secular, non-political service organization with 1.4 million members located in over 200 countries with a motto of "WE SERVE", recently hung 8 giant wreaths and 6 smaller wreaths on the Monroe Town Hall and Edith Wheeler Memorial Library. This more than 30 year-old tradition was led by Lion President Frank Bent and Project Chairman Al Stoccatore.
Last Saturday a group of Monroe Lions including Len Berger, Dave Porado, Don Whiteley, MaryLou Grillo and Rick Kellogg used wire, ladders, and a lot of enthusiasm to bring the Holiday Spirit to the town's facilities. Assisting them were volunteers Jackie Bleakney, Bryan Grillo and Allen Crosnier.
The Monroe Lions Club has supported such local projects as the Monroe Scholarship Fund, Holiday Food Baskets, Project Warmth, the Arts in the Park Series, Monroe Food Bank, and numerous other state and international programs. To learn more about the Monroe Lions Club, please contact its President, Frank Bent, at 203-261-0565.
 
Photos attached:        1.  Project Chairman Al Stoccatore
                                  2.  Lions MaryLou Grillo & her son, Bryan Grillo
                                  3.  Lion Pres. Frank Bent, his best friend Jasper, & Rick
                                       Kellogg
                                  4.  Len Berger, MaryLou Grillo, Don Whiteley, Dave Porado, Rick Kellogg, Al Stoccatore, Jackie Bleakney, Allen Crosnier, and Frank Bent.

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MONROE LIONS CLUB RECOGNIZE LONG-TERM MEMBERS

The Monroe Lions Club presented chevrons to three members who have collectively been serving the club and the community for more than 70 years. Lions Salvatore Savastano, Ray McPadden, and Richard Kraus have been very active members of the Monroe Lions Club for 30, 25, and 15 years respectively.
 
Lions President Frank Bent noted that these members have held various leadership positions in the club. They have also exemplified the Lions International motto: WE SERVE by frequently participating in such activities that resulted in on-going donations to such benefactors as the Monroe Scholarship Fund, the Lions Low Vision Centers, and the Monroe Food Bank. 
 
Photo: (l-r): Ray McPadden, Richard Kraus, Sal Savastano, & Frank Bent

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MONROE LIONS CLUB SUPPORTS LOCAL PROGRAMS 

The Monroe Lions Club and its affiliate the Monroe Lions Charities distributed more than $22,000 to charities and organizations during its last fiscal year. This, the oldest civic organization in Monroe, provided significant support to such local programs as the Monroe Parks & Recreation Department, the Center for Family Justice, Monroe Food Pantry, Monroe Scholarship Fund, Project Warmth, the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library, and the Lakewood YMCA.

Lion President Frank Bent noted that several other State and International needs also received support from the Monroe Lions Club. Those not-for-profit organizations, agencies or clubs that would like to receive Donation Applications from the Monroe Lions Charities, Inc. should contact Frank Bent at 203-261-0565 or go on-line at monroelionsclub.com. Applications must be completed and submitted by 4/1/2016. Approved requests will receive funds by 6/30/2016.

Photo (l-r): Sal Savastano, Secretary; Frank Bent, President; Don Whiteley, Treasurer

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Monroe Lions Sight Saver Day - 2015

Led by Lions Ray McPadden and Sam Pontillo, several members of the Monroe Lions Club spent many hours at various locations soliciting funds to support research for vision improvements. Pictured here are the volunteers who made it happen. One person missing from the camera's lens is Lion Adria Pearlman who was there when the photographer wasn't.

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Helen Keller and Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin and Helen Keller meet on the set of Sunnyside, 1919. Credit: Roy Export Company / Cineteca di Bologna

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 Monroe Lions Celebrating their 2014 Christmas Party

                                                                                                                                                                                                    Photo's courtesy of Lion Ron Plude

In the first Photo - Lion President Frank Bent reminds the Monroe Lions of the many projects that they have excelled in completing and accomplished beyond his expectations in the first half of the Lion year.  He then asked that we not forget that there are many more projects on our agenda for the second half of the Lion year and was confident that we as Monroe Lions will step up to the challenge and let the Town of Monroe know that there is a Lions Club in town that they can be proud of.     Some of the projects are The Monroe Sight Saver Day collection, The Monroe Lions Golf Tournament, Membership committee and The Charities Endowment Committee.

Thank You Lions Jessica Pfalzgraf and Adria Pearlman for a super job on party arrangements.

The photos below are some Monroe Lions and their guests enjoying the festivities of the evening.

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Monroe Lions Club Celebrates Halloween with a Party for the Local Children and their Parents.

Haunted houses, Goblins, Witches, Pizza and Games - they were all there. Lions managing the affair were (L to R):  Omer Cyr, Sal Pontillo, Project Manager Ray McPadden, MaryLou Grillo, Ron Plude, Ray's wife Norma and Jessica Pfalzgraf.

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Monroe Lions Support Monroe Food Pantry

Lions Marie McCarthy and Al Stoccatore delivering food to the Monroe Food Bank Staff this past summer.  The food was purchased with money donated by the Monroe Lions Club. They did all the shopping, prioritizing on getting snacks, fruit drinks, and lots of fresh fruits that could benefit the kids during the summer days while the kids are out of school.

Lion President Frank Bent said that this is one of many programs that the club conducts to help the Monroe community

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Monroe Lions Collect For Sight Saver Day - 2014

Photo's courtesy of Lion Rene Garza

Many Lions took two shifts to obtain our goal for this year’s collection. Taking part in the collections are Lions Sal Savastano, Jessica Pfalzgraf ......  Donna Wong, Peter DiCarlo, Adria Pearlman, Len Berger ...... Al Stoccatore, Diane Novick ...... Rick Kellogg, Ronald Plude, Hank Mileski ...... Frank Bent, Melvin Novick, Upton, Diane Novick ...... Len Berger, Peter DiCarlo.

Thanks to the efforts of Lion Rene Garza, chairperson for this project, as all of Lion Rene’s projects in the past, this was no exception.   His hard work and his follow-through made for a successful conclusion.

 

 

 

And Suddenly - It's Winter !

 

Anyone who is interested in visiting the Monroe Lions Club during one of its semi-monthly meetings should call our President - Lion Frank Bent at 203-261-0565

  

 

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.
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