jungle jottings - Lions Club of Danbury

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Lions Club of Danbury
O c t o bJottings
er 2 012
Jungle
V olume 8 5, Iss ue 04
J UNGLE J OTTINGS
Not above you, not beneath you, but with you.
ALBERT AFRAID OF HAWK RESTS IN PEACE
Perseverance and detective work has
paid off for Lion Robert Young. A
chance discovery that proved a rumor
true, Bob became deeply involved in the
return of a Native American to his
homelands.
It wasn’t until 2008, when Bob, who
was working at the Wooster Cemetery,
came upon a burial card with the name
Afraid of Hawk. “I had heard rumors of
an Indian being buried here. I also knew
that Buffalo Bill had come through
Danbury several times around the turn
of the century. When I came across
Afraid of Hawk’s card, and saw that the
Buffalo Bill Show had purchased the
grave, I just knew that I had to dig
Descendants of Albert Afraid of Hawk with
Lion Bob Young
deeper into it,” said Bob.
Bob’s love for history led him on a convoluted trail in 2008. Once he had identified the location of
the unmarked grave that probably contained Albert Afraid of Hawk, he sat down with Brigid
Guertin and Diane Hassan at the Danbury Museum and Historical Society and began planning
strategies and research into the demise of this Native American almost 110 years earlier.
Bob surmised that Afraid of Hawk’s family probably did not know what had happened to him. “The
poor guy died of food poisoning. They were on the road and couldn’t do what we do now; have the
body embalmed and pay to return him by plane. They did the best they could, which was to buy a
burial spot here in Danbury, where he died,” Bob suggested.
In the spring of 2009, Bob finally made contact with someone in Albert’s family in South Dakota. In
October 2009, Bob flew to South Dakota to meet with Daniel Afraid of Hawk, Albert’s last living
nephew.
Continued on next page…
Official newsletter of the Lions Club of Danbury, Inc. and Lions Charities, Inc. Serving the Danbury community since 1927.
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Jungle Jottings
By late 2011, most all research had been completed and the family asked that Albert’s remains be
repatriated to the Pine Ridge Reservation. With the help of Tania (Bourdeau) Porta from Cornell
Funeral Home and Nick Bellantoni from the State Archaeologist Office, a plan evolved to
accomplish this project.
During the third week of August 2012, Afraid of Hawk family members travelled over 1,800 miles
to Danbury to attend the exhumation of Albert’s remains. After traditional Lakota ceremonies the
actual digging began on August 14 and Albert’s remains were discovered the next day. It took an
additional 5 days to fully exhume the remains, which were then sent to South Dakota.
On September 9, Albert was reburied on the open prairie of South Dakota with his parents and his
brothers. Bob and his wife were honored to be in attendance.
Nick Bellantoni, who was so instrumental in this project, will be the guest speaker at our luncheon
on November 15, 2012. Bob will be providing a program on this project as well in the future.

Past President Mike Kallas is still looking for volunteers to update the call list for the 2013
Mayors Cup. Beyond that task, there’s a lot of work to be done to make next year’s Mayor’s
Cup the extraordinary financial success that this year’s Cup was for our Club. Give him a call!
Busy guy that he is, IPP Mike also put out a Call for volunteers to help out at DHS football
games. Whether or not Lion Mike is all set for Friday October 12th, make sure he’s got the
help he needs. Games are, of course, at the Danbury High School football field. Mike says,
“rain or shine, cold or warm, the game must go on (except for lightning). So far I have: Fr
Luke, Berni and me. Hugh will be there to make sure that I'm doing it right, but we let him sit
in his car because he is old and cranky. We need 6 more for a full coverage and a few spares.
Sometimes it is even fun! Sissies need not apply! Either write back to me or sign up on
Thursday. We thank you for your support. Here is a preview of coming opportunities: Oct 20,
26 and Nov 21. Oct 20 is a day game. So, HURRY AND SIGN UP NOW... IT'S ONLY
GOING TO GET COLDER FROM HERE!!”
QUESTIONS FROM THE TAIL TWISTER
1.
2.
3.
4.
When did Helen Keller die?
What are the names of Helen Keller’s two autobiographies?
When was Helen Keller’s foundation, Helen Keller International established?
Which nation was the first to grant women the right to vote?
Jungle Jottings
I attended the opening ceremony at Veterans Park
Friday, September 21, 2012, and noticed
approximately 100 folks in attendance. The opening
remarks were pretty standard comments until Mayor
Mark Boughton spoke and I must say NO ONE fell
asleep as he presented his thoughts on the Vietnam
Veteran. I did notice Lion Lisa (who sang
beautifully) and Lion Warren in attendance. Father
Luke provided the invocation and it was very
appropriate. Lion Regina was among the name
"reader's." Flags were presented and a 21-gun salute
followed and wreaths were placed in front of the
memorial.
On Saturday, Lion Lisa sang, Lion Boyd, Lion
Hugh, Father Luke and myself were in attendance.
Senator Mike McLachlan gave a great speech. My
second cousin was killed in Vietnam and I was able
to trace his name from the wall. I should mention
that Lion Bob Young was providing service both
days I was there. It was with a grateful heart that
this event made its way to Danbury and those
responsible did a great job.
- - - Story by Lion Bill Lopez
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OUR 85TH ANNIVERSARY APPROACHES
Lions Club of Danbury is celebrating its 85th Anniversary on October 19, 2012, at 6:30 PM at the Amber
Room Colonnade, Danbury, Connecticut with the Lion Honorable M Jodi Rell.
The Lions Club of Danbury was founded in 1927 to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet
humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding.
In 1917, Melvin Jones asked a simple and world changing question – what if people put their talents to work
improving their communities? In 1925 Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become ‘knights of the blind’ in
the crusade against darkness.
Through SightFirst, a Lions international foundation program, the major causes of blindness (cataract,
trachoma, river blindness, childhood blindness, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and also measles) have been
targeted.
Some of the programs and projects initiated in our community are Danbury Lions Low Vision Center,
Danbury Studio of Connecticut Radio Information Services (CRIS) for the Blind and Print Handicapped, eye
exams and glasses for needy school children, free public eye screenings, neighborhood playgrounds,
playground with equipment for sight impaired children, college scholarships, support for Ability Beyond
Disability Group home, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Infrared Vision cameras for the Danbury Fire
Department, Peace Poster and Fire Safety Poster Contest, as well as support for DHS and HATS Athletic
programs.
Almost 100 years later, Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with 1.35
million members in more than 46,000 clubs in 207 countries and geographic areas. The Leo Program
providing youth the opportunity for volunteering was established in 1957. There are approximately 144,000
Leos with 5,700 Leo clubs worldwide.
- - - Story by Lion President Helga Ruopp
Ed Note: Don’t miss The Complete and Unabridged History of The Danbury Lions Club appearing in next
month’s issue of the Jungle Jottings!

In the October Lions Club International newsletter, the Newswire, you can find out more about
the Peace Poster Contest, our diabetes awareness program, the Leo to Lion Program, the Lions Quarterly
Video Magazine and the Sight for Kids vision screening program. All that and more is available to you
online. Here’s the link: http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/news-and-events/e-newsletter/newswire.php
A new and improved digital LION Magazine with videos and
bonus stories is now online. Here’s a link: www.lionmagazine.org
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Lion Ingrid Alvarez-DiMarzo who now spearheads the drive to bring in new members, “Bring
Two,“ carried on so ably by Lion Tom Nolan last year, continues this critical effort. Meet our
newest member, Stephanie Montalto, who promises to be extraordinarily engaged; perhaps we’re
looking at a future Club President or, say, Jottings Editor…
New member Stephanie Montalto with her
sponsor Lisa Cerbone-Montalto
Ten Reasons to Join Lions.
1. To help others less fortunate.
2. Improve your community
3. Learn new skills
4. Make new friends in your town, state and world.
5. Eat good food
6. Visit new places
7. Develop good organization habits.
8. Be a community activist.
9. Build positive relationships.
10. Have FUN.
Take a moment and check out another fascinating video of lions in the wild. This one
doesn’t feature lions as heroes, but heroes there are, with a supporting case of thousands.
Just cut and paste: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LU8DDYz68kM
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And now it’s time for
the Guest Speakers and
weekly meeting notes…
With introductions by 3rd Vice
President Bob Yamin
Our guest speaker on September 6th was Art
Cummings, the NewsTimes Editor Emeritus. Art
is an engaging and passionate speaker who has
been a journalist since 1972. He started as a
sports editor for the NewsTimes under then editor
Wayne Sheppard, a fellow lion, and eventually
became the paper’s editor.
During his 40 years at the newspaper he has seen
many changes. Most notably the move to media
journalism, which includes Twitter, Face Book
and Blogging. The paper is now owned by Hearst
NewsTimes Editor Emeritus Art Cummings
CT Media Group. While the changes were at
times challenging, Art feels that today is an
exciting time for journalists. The move to media news has brought forth a new position referred to
as EMOTE – Early Morning Online Team Editor. This program is enabling more folks to get timely
information on their home computers.
Art is now semi-retired and working fewer hours. He is focusing his efforts on speaking to civic
groups and opinion writing, a position created by David McComber, Editorial Director. Art is now
enjoying a less stressful time in his life and hopes his efforts will make a difference in the
community. With his enthusiasm, we know he will succeed.
- - - Story by Lion Bernie Kallas

Peter J. Enright spoke to the Danbury Lion's Club on September 13, 2012. Peter Enright is the
President and CEO of Schaeffler Aerospace, Worldwide, a worldwide business with $400M in sales,
2,000 employees and 5 manufacturing sites in 4 countries.
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Mr. Enright started with the company in
1998 when he worked at FAG Bearings
Corporation in Danbury. As the Director of
Special Projects he conducted market studies
for large bore bearing repair business
acquisitions and visited all major facilities in
the US. From 2007 to 2008, he held the role
of Vice President of North American
Aerospace Operations at Schaeffler Aerospace,
USA & Canada and in that capacity he was
responsible for all business aspects of two
separate stand alone legal entities that produce
super precision ball and roller bearings for the
aerospace and industrial markets.
Mr. Enright spoke of his year in Germany in 2009, at FAG Aerospace GmbH, Schweinfurt,
Germany where his role was Production Leader and Managing Director. During this foreign work
assignment he all learned aspects of the operation, as well as German culture in general. In 2010,
Mr. Enright served as the Vice President of North American Aerospace Operations at Schaeffler
Aerospace, USA & Canada. Since January of 2011, he has served at the President and CEO of
Schaeffler Aerospace, Worldwide, known locally as Barden Corporation.
Mr. Enright noted that several of the Goetzs worked at Barden over the years, with my father,
Raymond Goetz, working there almost 40 years. I worked there summers during college and law
school and now my brother serves as Director of Chain Supply/Purchasing for Schaffler Aerospace.
Tom Nolan and Jack Murphy of the Danbury Lion's Club also worked at Barden for many years.
- - - Story by Dianne Yamin

Our guest speaker on September 20, 2012, was Cathy Lent, Community Outreach Coordinator for
the Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS). Cathy’s position at DAWS is to create awareness in
the community of the mission of the organization, and to hopefully have individuals in the area
adopt one of their animals.
DAWS only accept animals when their organization has sufficient room. When an animal arrives at
DAWS, it lives there until it finds its forever home. DAWS does not euthanize any animals.
Cathy explained that the purpose of DAWS is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome companion
animals. In 2011, they helped approximately 1,000 homeless animals through adoption and low cost
spay/neuter. DAWS Trap-Neuter-Return program captures local feral cats, sterilized them, and after
they recover, returns them to their colonies. Year to Date 2012, they have successfully placed 434
animals for adoption.
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Cathy joined DAWS over four years ago as a dog handler. Handlers not only walk the dogs, they
assess each dogs’ training needs and work on improving the animals trust in humans, obedience and
manners; all of which improves the animals chance of being adopted and living a happier, healthier
life.
DAWS feline guests enjoy the company of volunteer “cat socializers” who spend quality time with
the cats, helping the animals develop trust and allowing them to be more comfortable with human
touch and movement.
The dogs come from local surrenders, in-state shelters and rescues, but most are transported from
high kill shelters in the South. The cats in the DAWS shelter are from local surrenders only. The
organization is in constant need of additional kitten foster homes.
DAWS charges an adoption fee, but this fee barely covers the cost to house and provide vet care for
each animal. The shelter is a 5013c and is funded through donations, grants and fundraising events.
To summarize, DAWS does amazing work for animals in need, as well as for the community. If you
are interested in touring the shelter, adopting, fostering, sponsoring, donating or volunteering, please
contact Cathy directly. You can contact the Danbury Animal Welfare society at 203 744 3297 or
visit http://www.daws.org/.
- - - Story by Jerry Hofmann

On September 27, Natalie Weiss spoke
to the Club about her passion, the
Daughters of the American Revolution.
The DAR is a volunteer organization
that supports historic preservation and
promotes educational and patriotic
endeavors.
The local Chapter of the DAR, the
Mary Wooster Chapter, named after the
wife of Major General David Wooster,
was instrumental in working with the
Danbury Museum and Historical
Society to help preserve the Rider
House on Main Street.
There are 170,000 members of the DAR and anyone can join. All you need to prove is that you are
a direct lineal descendent of a patriot of the American Revolution. That lets me out. And you have
to be a woman. Missed again.
Jungle Jottings
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This month in the Lions Clubs International Foundation newsletter you’ll read a message from the
CLIF Chairperson and much more about World Sight Day, SightFirst, Lions Quest and Fundraising
for Measles. Here’s the link: http://www.lcif.org/EN/index.php
Danbury Head Start asked our Club to assist with volunteers at their Pediatric Eye Screenings on
September 18th through the 21st.
We will help their pediatric nurse practitioner with screening approximately 350 children over the
course of 4 days (wow!). This was a huge opportunity to help our community spearheaded by Lions
Stephanie Montalto and Lisa Cerbone-Montalto.
We anticipate providing more Pediatric screenings across the City in the month of November. This
Head Start program will be a great experience for anyone interested in volunteering in the City-wide
effort.
The city of Hamburg, Germany will be the site of the 96th International Convention, July 5-9, 2013.
It has been more than 10 years since the International Convention was held in Europe and the city of
Hamburg is a first time convention site for Lions Clubs. Make your plans now to join the Lions in
Hamburg for a week of fellowship, learning and fun.
On Wednesday, September 5th Lions celebrated Frank Pepe Pizzaria Day with, what else? Pizza
pies! At lunch and at dinner on Frank’s special day Danbury Lions got 15% off their bill. Without
doing anything other than show up at the pizzeria with a voucher and an appetite Lions netted the
club $42.14. Not bad at all. Thanks Frank! And a special thanks to Lion Debbie Benedict who
seems to rake in extra cash for the club every month.
pies at
Did you know that the Lions Clubs International operates The Lions Store? For those of you that
just can’t get enough Lions stuff, here’s a place you can get shirts, hats, pins, banners, holiday
ornaments and loads of other things. And as a special inducement, during the month of October get
shipping for 31 cents on all orders over $75.
Here’s the web address:
https://www2.lionsclubs.org/default.aspx
Our Club is looking for an Assistant Treasurer – anyone out there with an accounting background?
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Low Vision Support Group News
“Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem Dry Bones”
This was, in part, the focus of a presentation made to
our Lions Low Vision Support Group Meeting, offered
by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, on September 24, held at the
Danbury Senior Center. Dr. Gupta, whose medical
schooling background includes tours in India, the
United Kingdom, Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and
currently at the Danbury Hospital, specializing in hip
and knee surgery, had several bit of advice to a very
attentive group of about forty regular member of the
LV Support Group.
Osteoarthritis is a common physical condition
experienced by many older adults although it can occur
at virtually any age and is most often caused by loss of
lubrication between bone joints. As an orthopedic
surgeon, Dr. Gupta offered a series of visual aids
showing degenerated hip and knee bones and the
subsequent types of procedures to correct such
conditions. He stressed, however, that surgery might be
Lion Roger Schmiedel with Dr.
Sanjay Gupta
considered a last resort: since the movement of bone joins offers a natural lubricating process he
stressed two treatments to minimize or at least help minimize the discomforts of osteoarthritis: lose
weight and exercise. Some over-the-counter medicines may also help, as are cortisone shots, but
always under the advice and care of your physician. Many questions followed Dr. Gupta’s
presentation and a few members, having experienced knee or hip replacements offer their own
insight to their experiences.

Lions Working Together: During a recent Low Vision
presentation to the Trumbull Lions Club, long-time member
of the Trumbull Club, Mark Smith, became aware of our
Low Vision Support Group and offered a floor stand large
magnifier to be used by one of our members. A free lottery
was offered to members at our September 24 meeting and
Support Group member Joan Stietzel (at right) went home
with this generous gift from a fellow Lion.

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RAIN-SHORTENED TASTE OF DANBURY FEATURED WARM LIONS
Once again Lions Club
volunteers manned a table
at the annual Taste of
Danbury, on September 9th
on the Danbury Green.
Lion Stephanie worked
energetically to get out the
troops and together they
talked
to
residents,
answered questions and
gave people the chance to
get to know what we Lions
are all about. The food was
delightful and put everyone
in a great mood.
If you planted a tree in your yard this year, tell Lion Frank Molinaro – we are participating in
LCI’s goal of planting a million trees. Ed Note: We passed that goal long ago, but keep ‘em
coming.
UPCOMING GUEST SPEAKERS AND EVENTS
October 18
No Meeting
October 19
Danbury Lions Club 85th Anniversary – Amber Room
October 25
Steve Bull and Glenn Renzulli – Chamber of Commerce
November 1
Herm Sorcher – Danbury Whalers CEO
November 8
Catherine Ann-Manzella - Greenwood Physical Therapy
November 15 Nick Bellantoni - State Archaeologist Office – Alfred Afraid of Hawk
November 22 Thanksgiving
November 29 Maura Ruby – Danbury Fair Mall
December 6
Tom Carruthers – Connecticut Film Festival
December 13
Luncheon next door at the Vespucci Lodge
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THE ROUPP REPORT…
Talk to me, sing to me, read to me, let me try……
In the United States the statistics show that
14% of US adults have difficulty with reading and
comprehension according to the National
Association of Adult Literacy.
US literacy
percentages are: High level of literacy 19%, low
level literacy 49.6%, moderate level of literacy
31.4%. The US falls to 27 when compared with
205 countries in literacy.
According to UNESCO, in the world today
there are about 1 billion non-literate adults.
 This 1 billion is approximately 26% of
the world’s population
 Women make up two-thirds of all non-literates
 98% of all non-literates live in developing countries
 In the least developed countries, the overall illiteracy rate is 49%
 52% of all non-literates live in India and China
 Africa as a continent has a literacy rate of less than 60%
 In Sub-Saharan Africa since 1980, primary school enrollment has declined, going from
58% to 50%
 In all developing countries, the % of children aged 6-11 not attending school is 15%
 In the least developed countries it is 45%
 There are 8,000 languages in the world
 26 countries have more than 90% of the total national population speaking lesser-known
languages. The average literacy rate in these countries is 63%
 21 countries have less than 1% of the total national population speaking lesser-known
languages . The average literacy rate in these countries is 93%
 Of the world’s non-literate population, an estimated 476 million are speakers of lesserknown languages. In other words, approximately 50 % of all non-literates are minority
language speakers.
Rather shocking statistics…….
With globalization at the door we cannot ignore this issue. Adult illiteracy carries an estimated
price tag of more than $17 billion per year as a result of lost income and tax revenue, welfare,
unemployment, crime and incarceration, and training cost for business and industry.
What literacy can mean for both the individual and society at large is betterment of people’s
lives – enhanced self-esteem, ability to read instructions on medications and civic documents, ability
to lean new things which will help them to expand their knowledge and the ability to cope with the
social stresses. Literacy provides people with the option of becoming members of a self-confident and
informed population that can understand environmental, religious and political issues, represent
themselves, take responsibility for self-improvement and family health, and better participate in civic
affairs.
Fellow Lions of Danbury President Madden and DG Linda Maggs has challenged us to bring
the joy of reading to children and adults, it’s up to each one of us to accept this challenge.
How will you help? I’d love to hear from you….
Until we meet again yours in Lionism…We Serve…We Teach….Helga
Jungle Jottings
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In September
Lions donated $16.39
to the Penny Pot
MANY OF YOU agreed to write
regularly for us in the Jottings and more
are joining all the time. When you see
their work, appreciate it and remember
to thank them for helping to bring the
Club members closer together.
For those of you who choose to pass up
this extraordinary opportunity to be a
regular contributor, you can always be
an irregular one. Drop me a few words
or your best photograph and I’ll put
your name in lights and darks. Come
on, it’ll be fun. This is your forum.
Express yourself.
One more thing. I hear regularly from
former Lions whose thoughts and hearts
are still with us. We write for them,
too.
Answers from the Tail Twister:
1. June 1, 1968; 2. Midstream and
the Story of My Life; 3. 1915; 4. New
Zealand in 1893
Officers 2012-2013
Helga Ruopp .......................................... President
Stephanie Jacobson ...................1st Vice President
Bill Lopez ................................ 2nd Vice President
Robert Yamin ...........................3rd Vice President
Frank Molinaro ...................................... Secretary
Natu Patel ............................................. Treasurer
Jorge Leon .......................................... Lion Tamer
Renata Amaral ................................... Tail Twister
Michael Kallas .................................................IPP
Directors
Regina Ebling Ofiero.. ...... 1-Year Board Member
Debbie Benedict ........... … 1-Year Board Member
Joan Bielizna ..................... 2-Year Board Member
Mark Stirling .................... 2-Year Board Member
Robert Lovell ..................... 3-Year Board Member
Bernadete Kallas.... ............ 3-Year Board Member
Ingrid Alvarez-DiMarzo..Membership Chrmn
~~~~~~~~
Eric Gottschalk ..................... Editor, Photo-Stalker
Ernest Harrington .............................. Webmaster
www.danburylions.org ............................ Website
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LIONS CANDID CAMERA
At every meeting we come to reconnect with
our friends, people with whom we share a
special bond, Lions. This is where the power of
our Club comes from.
Here we are, encouraging, enrolling, educating
and enjoying each other…
Let’s see, Lion Ingrid Alvarez
DiMarzo is above, Lion Bob
Young is below. On the Top left
is Lisa Cerbone-Montalto,
middle left is Lion Mark
Sterling (gotcha) and bottom
left is Lion Frank Molinaro.
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Hard working First Vice President
Stephanie Jacobson on left
Lion Warren Levy awarding Lion
Carlos Valenzuela and the
Hispanic Center a plaque.
What’s it mean? I don’t know,
but if someone would tell me we’d
both know.
The dynamic and always active
Bob and Dianne Yamin
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“It’s Falling” by Rick Gottschalk
Lions Club of Danbury, Inc.
Post Office Box 461
Danbury, CT 06813-0461