NJ Lions Summer 2012 for the web - New Jersey Lions MD-16

the
New Jersey
Volume XVIII, No. 2
Lion
Published by and for the Lions of New Jersey Multiple District 16
Summer 2012
World Immunization Week,
LCIF Share Life-Saving
Value of Vaccines
Lions Clubs International
Foundation continues to help
those in need by taking part in
World Immunization Week.
Through this event, Lions and
their partners are encouraging
families to vaccinate their children, raising awareness of the
life-saving value of vaccines.
Lions around the world advocate for routine immunization in
their communities while assisting
the Measles Initiative, a group of
organizations dedicated to the
elimination of measles. World
Immunization Week, which began on April 21, is an opportunity
for Lions to continue advocating for routine immunizations
alongside the World Health Organization (WHO), the United
Nations Foundation, and other
Lions partners.
In Haiti, Lions are conducting
a nationwide measles vaccination campaign to launch World
Immunization Week activities in
their country. LCIF is supporting this effort with $166,000 for
measles vaccines.
“Haiti remains at risk for cases
imported from other parts of
the world because of low vaccine coverage rates here for both
polio and measles/rubella among
infants,” said Kathleen Sebelius,
U.S. Health and Human Services
secretary.
World Immunization Week
and Lions will help Haiti’s government reach a goal of vaccinating 90 percent of the youth
population. Haiti is just one of
the countries that Lions is supporting by advocating for routine
immunization. Lions and LCIF
are committed to raising $10
million for measles vaccinations
worldwide.
Lions are also campaigning
for measles vaccinations in over
20 countries where measles is
a priority, as well as fund raising and providing education in
over 200 countries. In countries
like Nigeria, for instance, Lions
are sharing information about
measles through public outreach,
education, and government advocacy.
Measles is the leading cause
of death among young children
even though there is a safe and
cost-effective vaccine available.
Nearly 450 children still die every
day from measles. Even if a child
does not die from contracting
(Continued on page 10)
Paula Tarantino with LEBNJ Board Chair Elspeth Moore and Executive Director Margaret Chaplin.
PDG Paula Tarantino Named
Eye Bank Visionary of the Year
The Lions Eye Bank of New
Jersey recognized Paula Tarantino, PDG, as the 2012 Visionary
of the Year during its annual Visionary of the Year Award Dinner
on April 25. The celebration also
honored the special relationship
between the eye bank and New
Jersey Lions clubs. Districts, clubs
and individual Lions were recognized for their dedication and
commitment to the eye bank’s
mission: the preservation and
restoration of sight.
Twelve clubs received the Ken
Mattfield award for their contribution of $1,000 or more during
the fiscal year: Bergenfield, Chester, Franklin Lakes, Hopewell
Valley, Kearny, Maplewood, Red
(Continued on page 3)
Just a few of the Lions work crew who come every year to prepare Camp Marcella for the blind campers. For
additional coverage, see page 11.
Inside
NJ Lion
At the 16E Testimonial for DG Diego Santiago, Jr., a cake was presented
to PID Stan and Lion Ruth Grossman in honor of their celebrating 55
years of marriage. Governor Santiago also led a champagne toast to
the couple.
Children Receive Seedlings
at Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt.......2
Paula Tarantino Named Eye Bank
Visionary of the Year...........................3
Lioness Club Earns Spirit Award... 4
Chester Members Attend Chester
Fire Company Banquet.................... 4
16C Lions Make a Difference ..... 5
MD 16 Convention........................5-8
Eye Bank Honors Marco Zarbin.. 9
Rockaway Leos Do It Again..........10
Camp Marcella Clean Up............11
Briefs ................................................... 12
Stafford Sponsors Leo Club...........12
NJ Redistricting Passed
By LCI Board of Directors
The New Jersey Lions plan for
redistricting was adopted by the
International Board of Directors
at their Spring meeting held in
San Francisco in April. The plan,
which will reconfigure New Jersey
Lions’ five districts into three districts (N, J, and L), was introduced
in the District and Club Service
Committee and passed by the
full board. The redistricting will
take effect at the start of the 2014
Lionistic year.
The concept of transitional years
for redistricting prior to the actual
implementation of the plan, which
was introduced by New Jersey, is an
idea that Lions Clubs International
is considering implementing as a
part of other redistricting plans.
The 2012/2013 MD 16 Council of
Governors will appoint members to
the transition committees in each
new district so that each district will
be fully functional by 2014.
The newly-elected 2nd Vice
Governors will serve as the 1st District Governor for each of the new
districts in 2014. Working together
will make the transition an easy one.
•2•
new jersey lion
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Summer 2012 Bedminster/Far Hills Lions Clubs welcome the Easter Bunny to their annual Easter egg hunt.
Kids Receive Seedlings at Easter Egg Hunt
Members of the Medford Lakes Lions Club helped with the Murphy’s
Market Family Food Festival events.
The Medford Lakes Lions Club participated in the 22nd Murphy’s
Market Annual Family Food Festival. The food festival proceeds go
to the Medford Lakes Lions Club. The proceeds from the Murphy’s
event are used to benefit the needy in and around Medford Lakes.
Lion John Bersch, age 85, and Lion Life Member Elmer Heimach, age
92–Elmer has been selling tickets at the Murphy day event for the past
22 years and has been in the Lions for 53 years.
the
new jersey
Lion
The New Jersey Lion
Published by and for the Lions of New Jersey
News Editor
Richard W. Zimmermann, PDG
127 Broadway, Laurel Summers, N.J. 08021
Phone: 856-783-8040
E-mail: [email protected]
District Reporters
District 16 A
Victor Graziano, PDG
266 DeSoto Place,
Fairview, N.J. 07022
Phone: 201-945-2681
[email protected]
District 16 D
Bob Virgadamo,PDG
One Holmes Rd.
Cranbury, N.J. 08512
609-395-7050
[email protected]
District 16B
James Hynes
West Windsor Lions Club
9 Berkshire Drive
Princeton Jct., N.J. 08550
H: 609 275-0363
Fax: 609-275-5816
E: [email protected]
District 16 E
Douglas Schembs
321 Lamberts Mill Rd.,
Westfield, N.J. 07090-4738
[email protected]
Finance And Operations
John Allen, PDG
11 Moss Lane, Jackson, NJ 008527
Phone: 732-928-5863
Lawrence Massaro, PDG
806 Kenneth Ave, S. Plainfield, N.J. 08742
Phone: (B) 908-753-3850 (H) 753-1052
The NJ Lion is published 4 times a year under the
auspices of New Jersey Lions Multiple District 16
Postmaster: Send address changes to: NJ Lions MD 16
54 Broad St., Suite 316, Red Bank, N.J. 07701
1-800-554-6675
This is the public toll free number for the NJ Lions. You may use it in your publicity.
Note: This number is not for business calls from the Lions to the State Office.
The Bedminster/Far Hills Lions
Club held their 65th annual Easter
egg hunt, working with the local
fire departments. The Lions hosted
at least 200-300 children and their
parents at this wonderful event
(real dyed eggs, not plastic!). Lion
Christine Chen, our 16 D District
appointee to the Environment State
Committee, arranged to have 200
white pine seedlings available to
give out to people who attended and
these seedlings were very popular
with the parents. Lion Christine has
found a program with the NJ Forest
Service to deliver seedlings of species indigenous to our state at substantially less than $1 per seedling.
Bedminster/Far Hills Lions hand out seedlings to the children who attended
their annual Easter egg hunt.
How Does Income Tax Deduction
For a Charitable Donation Work?
If you itemize deductions on your
tax return, you may be able to take an
income tax deduction for a gift to a
qualified charitable organization. That
is a big “if ” however. All taxpayers
receive an automatic deduction from
Uncle Sam, and it is only when you
exceed that deduction that itemizing
pays off. The standard deduction is
currently $5,800 for individuals and
$11,600 for married couples filing
jointly.
To deduct a charitable contribution, you must file Form 1040 and
itemize deductions on Schedule A.
• When Can a Charitable Contribution Deduction be Taken?
Your donation to a qualified charity
is deductible the same year in which it
is made. The contribution is considered paid when you put the check in
the mail, or when it is charged to your
credit card (not when you pay the
credit card company). Make sure that
your donation is made by December
31 the year in which you plan to claim
a deduction.
• What Charitable Organizations
Are Considered Qualified?
Most charitable organizations qualify for tax-deductible donations, but
not all. Look for the 501(c)(3) designation to be absolutely sure. Some organizations, such as churches or other
religious groups are not required to
register as IRS tax-exempt charities
in order to receive tax-deductible
donations. The charity will tell you if
your donation is tax deductible, plus
you can search for the charity at the
IRS website.Tax deductions are not allowed for donations to an individual, a
foreign government, foreign charities,
political parties, political campaigns,
or political action committees.
• Is There a Limit on How Much
I Can Donate and Still Get A Tax
Deduction?
There are no limits on charitable
contributions for most taxpayers.
Most of us will be able to deduct
cash contributions in full up to 50%
of our adjusted gross income. There
are other limitations that come into
play should you make significant
contributions of property or appreciated capital gains. If you fall into
these categories, be sure to consult
with your tax adviser to see if your
deductions will be limited.
• How Do I Handle Deductions for
Non-Cash Donations to a Charity?
There are rules for non-cash donations such as property or outdated
clothing, household furnishings,
or office equipment. For property
owned for more than a year, the
deduction is usually equal to the
property’s fair market value.
• Can I Take a Deduction for My
Volunteer Work?
No, you can’t deduct the value of
your time spent on charitable work as
a charitable donation, but you can deduct your out-of-pocket costs such as
mileage, currently set at 14 cents per
mile. Other possible deductions for
expenses include your travel to volunteer abroad or even in another state.
• What Documentation is Required
for Deductions for Charitable Contributions?
To claim a deduction for cash,
check, or other monetary gift, you
must have a written confirmation
from the charity that contains the
name of the organization, the date
of the contribution and amount of
the contribution. Charities are only
required to provide written acknowledgement for donations over $250,
but most do provide some sort of
receipt no matter what size of donation you provide.
For contributions less than $250,
if a receipt has not been provided, a
cancelled check or a bank record will
suffice. You cannot deduct casual
donations that you drop into a charity’s collection box or bucket without
a receipt.
If you receive some goods or services in exchange for your donation,
the charity must specify the value of
those goods or services. You can only
deduct the amount of your donation
that is above that value. The paperwork from the charitable organization
should spell out what is deductible.
Fair Lawn Inducts New Member–IPDG Dan Stenchever presents an
Induction certificate to Lyle Shaw in the presence of his sponsor, Club
President Ed Gruber. The Fair Lawn Lions Club recently inducted its
newest member, Lyle Shaw, in a ceremony performed by the Immediate
Past District Governor, Dan Stenchever. The Fair Lawn Lions Club is
currently celebrating its 61st anniversary.
new jersey lion
Summer 2012
• 3 • PDG Paula Tarantino Named Eye Bank Visionary of the Year
Visionary Lion of the Year Paula Tarantino (right) with family and friends.
Visionary of the Year Planning Committee chair PDG Rick Chittum and
Executive Director Margaret Chaplin.
Stan and Ruth Grossman, past Visionary of the Year recipients.
Paula making remarks following
her acceptance of the Visionary of
the Year award.
(Continued from page 1)
Bank, Saddle River Valley, Springfield, West Milford, Wood-Ridge,
and Wyckoff.
Twelve clubs received the FourStar Patch for assigning an ambassador to the eye bank, participating
in a community event, with or on
behalf of the eye bank, making a
financial contribution, and attending the Visionary of the Year Dinner: Bergenfield, Carlstadt-East
Rutherford, Chester, Cranbury,
Hillside, Ridgefield Park, Springfield, Stafford Township, Summit,
West Milford, and Westfield.
Other recognitions during the
evening:
• District 16A, for the most
clubs in attendance at the dinner
• District 16E, for the most Lions at the dinner.
• Springfield Lions Club, for
the most members attending the
dinner.
• District 16D, for the most
volunteer hours.
• Belvidere Lions Club, for the
most volunteer hours
• Toms River Lions Club, for the
most volunteers.
Planning is underway for Visionary 2013 on Wednesday, April 24,
2013. We hope to see you there!
Gene Polgar PID and PDG Dan Stenchever
Susan Mueller (left) is a four-time cornea transplant recipient. She is a
Stafford Township Lion, and during the evening she shared her perspective
on the restoration of sight with the audience.
Charitable Donations:
What You Should Know
Lindenwold Lions and School
Children Plant Trees
The Lindenwold Lions Club
has taken to heart International
President Tam’s goal of having every Lions club worldwide “Plant a
Tree.” Towards that goal they will
be planting more that 150 trees by
“proxy”. The Lions are sponsoring a special program for fourth
or fifth grade students by which
the students will hear a presentation by Roni Olizi, chairperson
of the New Jersey Shade Tree
Commission, about the importance of trees in our lives. Each
student will receive a seedling to
take home and plant along with
directions for its care. To date,
the fifth grade students at Oaklyn
School, fourth grade students at
Lindenwold #5 School, and the
Leo club at Yellen School are
partnering with the Lindenwold
Lions to plant the seedlings.
Did you know that you can
deduct your donations to Lions
Projects and LCIF. Yes, you
can deduct your donations to
non-profit groups, lower your
income tax, and maybe move
into a lower bracket. NOTE:
Most local Lions clubs are not
non-profit and cannot receive
deductible donations. All Lions
Projects which have non-profit
status can receive your deductible donations. Before you
make your donation, be sure
the group is a non profit and
review your status with your
tax accountant or someone who
knows your income status and
the related laws.
Who benefits? Our projects,
including LCIF which is rated
by the federal government as the
best non profit in the country;
you do, by lowering your tax
bracket and not giving your
money to the politicians. Be
sure you get a letter from the
non-profit spelling out the
amount of the deduction. This
will prove your deduction to
the feds.
Annual Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Wenonah Lions Club.
PDG John Allen presents a $1,200 check from Freehold Township Lions
Club to DG Mike Pacala, president, and PID Bob Moore, chairman of
the New Jersey Camp for Blind Children, Inc. “Camp Marcella” at a
camp board meeting on April 22.
•4•
new jersey lion
Attending the Volunteer Fire Company Banquet are Lions Jim and Marie Messina and Betty and Bernie Anger.
Chester Club Members Attend Chester
Volunteer Fire Company Banquet
Since its inception 40 years
ago, the Lions have supported
the Chester Fire Company with
monetary and equipment donations. The fire company and the
Chester Lions Club have formed
an unbreakable bond through
mutual respect for each organization’s achievements. The Lions
especially respect the hard work
Summer 2012 The recipient of the Linden Lions Club scholarship is Maltine Pierre, a
resident of Rahway. Pierre, a hearing impaired student at Union County
College, is pursuing a career in psychology. She is pictured with Lion
Nancy Gersick (left) and Lion Lorraine Kelly (right).
and accomplishments that the
Chester Volunteer Fire Company
has performed for the community over the years.
Anne MacMillan, Lioness vice president; Dr. Elizabeth Hall, HSI president;
and Virginia Savell, Lioness Club president
Lioness Club Earns Spirit Award
Lions Day at the UN–The Executive Board: Narayan Srinivas, Mahesh Chitnis, Ojas Chitnis, 2nd IVP Barry
Palmer, Shivani Aneja, 1st IVP Wayne Madden, Mansi Sharma, IP Wingkun Tam, Sabita Tania Shah, IPIP Sid
L. Scruggs III, Rina Bajpai, Poonam Dutta, Ashok Agarwal and Kartika Sachdeva.
On March 23 the Chester Lioness Club was presented with
the Mary E. Van Kirk Volunteer
Spirit Award by Homeless Solutions Inc. of Morristown. The
Lioness club was honored for
promoting volunteerism and civic
responsibility among its members
for the benefit of non-profit organizations.
The Lioness club has provided
donations of household supplies,
paper goods, bedding, etc. for the
basic shelter needs. They organized the shelter’s filing system,
helped with large mailings, and
volunteered at the Gran Fondo’s
rest stop in Chester on behalf
of HSI.
The Chester Lioness Club has
been serving Chester and the
surrounding communities since
1985. In addition to Homeless
Solutions, Inc., it has been involved with Community Hope,
Creative Heartwork, Jersey Battered Womens Service, and the
Community Food Pantry to name
a few of its ongoing projects.
Knowlton Lions Club Recording Secretary Tom James built this building which the Knowlton Boy Scouts will
utilize to collect recyclable cans.
Knowlton Truck Raffle, Festivity Day Set for July 14
The Knowlton Lions Club annual truck raffle will be held on
Saturday, July 14,. Each $120 tickets admits two adults and entitles
the wristband wearer to enjoy all
the food, beverages, prize drawing, and fireworks. Food includes
a roast beef dinner, pulled pork,
sausages, hot dogs, ice cream, and
watermelon, to name the basics.
There are also other 50/50 drawings
not included in the ticket price.
Harley motorcycle raffle tickets will
be available. As stated in the above
photo, every fifteenth ticket drawn
wins a prize with a value of at least
$100. The grand prize is a 2012
Ford truck. Send a check for $120
for each ticket (which admits two
adults) made payable to the Knowlton Lions Club to Diane Jablon,
105 Hope Road, Blairstown, N.J.
07825. Please call (908) 798-7386
with any questions.
The Easter Bunny, aka Westfield Lions Club member Scott Zellner,
welcomes a youngster to the 77th annual Easter egg hunt for Westfield
children up to age seven. Club members hide more than 1,200 plastic
eggs around Mindowaskin Park for the children to find. Many of the eggs
have coupons inside to be redeemed for special prizes on site or at local
businesses. Every child received a bag of jelly beans following the hunt.
new jersey lion
Summer 2012
• 5 • Scenes from the 2012
MD 16 Convention
The Future Sites Committee announced that the
2013 NJ Lions Convention will take place at Bally’s in
Atlantic City.
The State Convention Ddlegates reinstated the
­Challenged Children’s Charities (formerly known as
the Helen Diller Home) to the status of a State Project).
The project is sponsored by the Avalon Lions Club.
The Clubs and Lions of New Jersey were asked to
make donations to the 2012 Measles Initiative. This is
part of a matching grant from the Gates Foundation to
help stamp out measles and measles deaths world wide.
The Lions in attendance were given seedlings to be
planted in their community. To date, Lions world wide
have planted over 10 million trees as part of their International Project. The clubs were asked to plant trees in
their communities.
The Reorganization of MD 16 from 5 to 3 districts
is underway. The 2012-13 Council will be appointing
several working committees to help bring about the
reorganization.
What does this group have in common? As part of the International Presidents Tree Planting Program, CC Jeff arranged for a tree to be planted in Israel
for each person in this picture.
Lois Kelly receives the Leadership Award.
Anthony Franchini receives the Leadership Award.
Mahesh Chitnis is presented with an International President’s Certificate of
Appreciation for his work Internationally.
Jim Fox is presented with his Presidential Medal.
Mahesh Chitnis receives a Presidential Medal.
Al Olizi receives a Presidential Medal.
Dan Frisch receives a Presidential Medal.
Paula Tarantino receives a Presidential Medal.
Phil Stern receives a Presidential Medal.
Don Bray receives a Leadership Award.
Brad Day receives a Leadership Award.
Al Brewer receives an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation for
his outstanding work with the NJ Lions Eye Glasses Recycle Center.
•6•
Summer 2012 Scenes from the 2012 MD 16 Convention
Al Olizi opens the MD 16 Convention.
CC Jeff is congratulated by ID Carolyn, Governor Dayl and LCIF Chairman Mel Bray.
Gift Presentation–(from the left) ID Carolyn A Messier, Leo President Dennise Zhang, (past peace poster club winner), Convention Chair PDG Albert Olizi and CC Jeff Gan
Mel Bray reports to the convention on both
the GMT Committee and the status of Lions
Club International Foundation in New Jersey
and the world.
Guest dance group presents an Asian Dance
Healing the Children
2012-2013 Council Of Governors: Council Chairman-Bob Virgadamo, Cranbury Lions Club;
District A-George Lesnik, Saddle River Valley Lions Club; District B-T. Craig Finnegan,
Middletown Lions Club; District C-Nancy C. Nelson, Vineland Lions Club; District D-John D.
Kobland, Cranbury Lions Club; and District E-Joseph J.Kika, South Orange Lions Club.
PID Robert Moore introduces International
Guest Carolyn Messier, International Director,
to the convention.
Council Chairman Jeff Gans receives his 98th Progressive award from ID Carolyn Messier.
International Guest, Carolyn A.Messier, ID,
addresses the convention.
ID Carolyn Messier was the major speaker at the Annual MD 16 Melvin Jones LCIF Dinner
conducted by Mel Bray.
Dr. Rolando Diaz receives an International President’s Certificate from Governor Michael
Pacala.
Dinner Chairman Mel Bray receives his 10th
Melvin Jones Progressive award.
Governor Michael Marrazzo honors Kathy Davies with a Melvin Jones Fellowship. Governor
Michael is assisted by ID Carolyn and Chair Mel Bray.
Robert Burlew is presented with an International President’s Certificate by Governor Michael
Marrazzo.
Summer 2012
• 7 • Scenes from the 2012 MD 16 Convention
The Lions and Lion Delegates in NJ are reinducted.
The Council of Governors is reinducted.
Lions Eye Bank of Delaware Valley Jim Minnich Trustee and Max Rice,
Community Relations Coordinator.
Concordia Learning Center with Dave Skrivanek and Ed Lucas.
Al Brewer and Bob Losco represent the NJ Lions Eye Glasses Recycle Center.
Each year the Elizabeth Cubanos (Leones Cubanos) club honors Past International
President Ramiro Collazo from Cuba with an award in his name. It goes to the Lion
in NJ who sponsored the most new members. This year the award was presented
to Dr. Rolando Diaz, who sponsored 20 new Lions into his club.
Members of the Leones Cubanos congratulate Lion Doctor Diaz.
Community Coordinator Cathy Wasner, Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey.
CC Jeff pins incoming Council Chairman Bob Virgadamo.
Rose Pawlik receiver an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation from Governor
Doug. (Linnie Hui was not in attendance; her award will be presented at a club meeting.
Governor Dayl Baile honors Cabinet Secretary Theodore Howarth, Zone Chairman Henry
Harrison, Incoming Governor Nancy Nelson, Cabinet Treasurer Matthew Wojtkowiak, and
Jim Heisler with Melvin Jones and Progressive Melvin Jones Awards at the LCIF Dinner.
ID Carolyn assisted in the presentations.
State Senator Joseph Kyrillos, a Middletown Lion of over 25
years, helped the NJ Lions Eye Glass Recycle Center to publicize
the recycling of used eye glasses. The Governor’s Office has
approved recycle pick up boxes in many of the state offices.
Retiring Council of Governors: CC-Jeff Gans, Michael Pacala, Michael Marrazzo, Dayl Baile, Doug Reeder, and Diego Santiago.
•8•
Summer 2012 Scenes from the 2012 MD 16 Convention
The Harold Nutter Membership welcomes Lion Rick to the group.
PID Chuck Wiemer presents Richard Chittum with the 2012 Harold Nutter
Award on the behalf of the Harold Nutter Committee.
Ted Howarth receives an International President’s Certificate from
Governor Dayl.
Rhoda Yucht, NJ Blind Citizens Association-Camp Happiness.
Bill Hansen of the Haddonfield Lions Club received his International President’s
Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Dayl Baile.
Al Tedesco receives his International President’s Certificate of Appreciation from
Governor Doug Reeder.
Senator Kyrillos presents a letter from Governor Christie supporting the Mary Devon O’Brien reports to
work of the NJ Lions and the Eye Glasses Recycle Program.
the Convention on Finance and
Operations and the GLT Committee.
Lisa Garland received an International President’s Certificate from Governor
Michael Pacala.
State Senator Tom Kean, Jr. presents a proclamation honoring the work of
the NJ Lions to Council Chairman Jeff Gans and the delegates to the MD 16
Convention.
Paula Tarantino and Lisa Garland cover the Camp Marcella display.
Lion and Senator Joe visits with Governor Michael Marrazzo Governor
for District B.
Vision Walk-Mark and Susan Delbe of Philadelphia
Chapter Foundation Fighting Blindness.
Chuck Covington, Mike Matt, and Mickey Coskey present the
Challenged Children’s Story to the convention delegates. In the general
session, the project was approved to be the newest state project.
Winster Ceballos receives a Leadership Award.
Summer 2012
• 9 • West Milford Continues “Miracle For
Matthew” to Find a Cure for Juvenile Diabetes
Dr. Zarbin with Lion Walter Pardo, Summit Lions Club, chair of the Night
for Sight Planning committee.
Eye Bank of New Jersey
Honors Dr. Marco Zarbin
The Lions Eye Bank of New
Jersey recognized Dr. Marco
Zarbin as a Man of Vision at its
premier “Night for Sight” fundraising gala on March 29. This
celebration concluded a series
of events hosted by the eye bank
throughout the month in recognition of March as National Eye
Donor Month. Night for Sight
brought together the business and
medical communities, ophthalmologists, and friends for the eye
bank to celebrate and honor those
who help make the gift of sight
possible. The event also raised
awareness about the importance
of eye, organ, and tissue donation
and joining the Donate Life New
Jersey Donor Registry.
Dr. Marco Zarbin speaks at Night
of Sight fundraising gala.
Chester Lion President Bernie Anger presents a check to the officers
of the Charitable Foundation.
David Corsaro and son Matthew at the Broadway in the Highlands VIII in March of this year.
The success of Broadway in the
Highlands VIII, a yearly variety
show, allowed the West Milford
Lions to contribute some of its
proceeds to the Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation. This cause
has become one of the newest
charities adopted by the club due
to Matthew Corsaro’s diagnosis.
Mathew is family to the West
Milford Lions: son of the magician and master of ceremonies of
the show and grandson of Lou
and Barbara Corsaro, president
and Amblyopia chair, respectively.
Matthew, now two, was diagnosed
with the illness at 16 months and
has become the poster child for
the club and District 16A in its
part to raise awareness and find a
cure for juvenile diabetes.
The Miracle for Mathew team
was created to participate in the
Walkathon at Liberty State Park
and has become an important
vehicle to raise funds and awareness for the cure of juvenile
diabetes. The total amount raised
was about $14,000 for “Miracle
for Matthew” Team. The total
amount raised from the Walkaton
at Liberty State Park on October
22, 2011 was over $76,000–$5,000
came from District 16 A and the
West Milford Lions Club.
The West Milford Club can
now add at least another $1,000 to
that total from the proceeds of the
Broadway in the Highlands VIII.
At the show, David introduced
Matthew to the audience, thus
putting a face to the donations,
and commented about all the
great work the West Milford Lions Club and District 16A (under
the support of District Governor
Mike Pacala) has had on supporting and educating people about
Juvenile Diabetes.
Thanks to all who participated
on and contributed to this quest.
Midland Park Lions Guide Dog 2 Project
The Midland Park Lions Club,
in conjunction with “The Seeing
Eye” of Morristown is sponsoring
the second “Name the Seeing
Eye Dog Puppy” contest. For a
one dollar donation, anyone can
submit the name of a Seeing Eye
dog puppy that the Midland Park
Lions will sponsor. Sponsorship
costs $5,000. The club hopes to
raise these funds throughout the
next year with events to be held
within Midland Park at various
locations and times.
Our first sponsored Seeing Eye
dog Jeter spent 16 months with
his puppy raising family, receiving
love, guidance, and socialization–
all important for him to achieve
this goal. According to James A.
Kutch Jr., president and CEO of
The Seeing Eye, “After completing medical exams and evaluations, Jeter will be assigned to
an instructor to begin the fourmonth rigorous training program
where he will learn to become
the “eyes” for someone who is
blind or visually impaired. If Jeter
successfully completes training,
he will then be matched with a
person who is blind. They will
learn to work together, care for
each other, and begin life anew as
partners in independence.”
For further information about
this project–Jeter, our first sponsored guide dog in training, “The
Seeing Eye,’ or to obtain a ticket
to name the dog, please contact
Lion Jack at (201) 444-8601.
Tickets are also available at Le
Chien, 26 Central Avenue, Family Hair Care, 222 Godwin Ave.,
and Camp Bow Wow, 95 Greenwood Ave., and Care Chiropractic
Center, 644 Godwin Ave.
The Midland Park Lions Club
wants to thank you in advance
for your participation is this most
worthy sponsorship event.
District 16E 56th Annual Charity Ball
Chester Lion President Ber­n ie
Anger receives the Charity Ball
Participation Award from Lion
Mary Devon O’Brien, past district
governor.
Members of the Chester
Lions Club attended the 56th
annual charity ball on April 21.
The ball is sponsored by Lions
District 16E Charitable Foun-
dation. During the evening
the club was presented with
the Charity Ball Participation
Award given to those clubs that
have shown outstanding support of the charitable foundation. In addition, the Chester
Lions Club presented a check
to foundation officers to be
distributed to Lions Authorized
Charities, including: Diamond
Spring Lodge, NJ Lions Eye
Research Foundation, Lions
Eye Bank of Delaware Valley,
Camp Marcella, Camp Happiness, Concordia Learning
Center, John D. Young Memorial Blind Center, Recording
for the Blind, NJ Blind Athletes
Association, Jamesburg Rehabilitation Center, NJ Lions Eye
Bank, and NJ Lions Eyeglass
Recycling Program.
Middletown Lions Raise Funds for Hearing–Run To Hear, Lions John Giordano, race director; Beverly Bova Scarano,
hearing aid program chair; Middletown Lions Club President Lori Anne Oliwa; President-Elect Larry Caminiti;
and hearing aid recipient Joan Moran.
• 10 • new jersey lion
Summer 2012 Westfield Lion Kirsten Zellner takes a whack at the Mercedes SUV at the Westfield Lions Clubs
Westfield Lions pose with a
Mercedes SUV that was used
in the Smash a Car Club Fund
Raiser at the Westfield Spring
Fling Festival in the downtown
area. Young and old alike lined
up to take a whack at the car with
sledge hammers.
This is a tough gang; even the
women carry sledge hammers.
They are Douglas Schembs, Jr.,
Kirsten Zellner, Scott Zellner, Jeff
Broadwell, Bob Gittleman, Ilene
Gittleman, and Lois Schembs.
Rumor has it they are the local
parking authority.
RockawayLeosDoItAgain
On April 29 the Leos clubs at
Morris Hills High School, Morris
Knolls High School, and Copeland
Middle School sponsored a fantastic Special Olympics for elementary
school residents of Rockaway Borough, Rockaway Township, Wharton, and Denville at Morris Knolls
HS in Denville. Besides the Leos,
members of the basketball, track,
and baseball teams, cheerleaders,
parents, friends and neighbors, and
other school clubs were on hand to
help the students participate in the
many sports organized. In total,
there were close to 150 volunteers
to help the 75 athletes participate.
Each participant had one volunteer
to help with the events. The student
volunteers exhibited understanding
and guidance for their charges, so
that the participates were at easy
during their events.
The board of directors from each
Leo branch did a great job in planning, organizing, and running the
program. In the afternoon, horses
arrived to also help. Special thanks
to the Morris Hills Regional Board
which helped sponsor the program
and permitted the use of the facility. Special thanks to Lions Barbara Guerra and Bruce Levy, who
helped the Leos plan and organize
the event. Three school advisors
of the three branches worked with
their Leos during the planning and
were also present during the event.
Each advisor received flowers from
the club to show appreciation for
their hard work. Members of the
Rockaway Lions helped with some
of the expenses and acted as backups when needed during the day.
The Lions and Leos are now
planning to host a summer holiday party for the campers at Camp
Marcella on August 1. Plans are
underway to hold a picnic and
provide gifts and other surprises
for the campers.
Members of the Barney Apgar American Legion Post and the Chester Lions Club gather at Lyons Hospital to
support our veterans. (L to R) Phil Savell (CLC), Jim Smith (AL), Hal Saks (AL), Eileen Griffith (AL), Jim
Conroy (AL), Tom Alcock (AL) Bob Buchanan (AL), Bernd Anger (CLC), and Joe Youngman (CLC).
Lions Join American Legion to Help Vets
Members of the Chester Lions
Club joined the Barney Apgar
American Legion Post in their
effort to create a diversion from
monotony for injured and disabled veterans at Lyons Hospital,
in Basking Ridge.
The federal government furnishes medical and psychological
care for our heroes. The American Legion and the Chester Lions
Club offered a little something
extra. Discount coupons and
various gifts were distributed to
those in attendance and everyone enjoyed a rip roaring game
of bingo. The American Legion
provides this service on a con-
tinuing basis.
The American Legion and the
Chester Lions Club are dedicated
to their individual missions. The
Legion advocates for military
personnel and veterans while the
Lions club supports any organization or individual in need.
LCIF Share Life-Saving Value of Vaccines
(Continued from page 1)
measles, they could suffer from
serious complications including blindness, pneumonia, or
encephalitis.
Routine immunization is one
of the most successful and cost
effective public health initiatives today. Vaccinations prevent
between two and three million
deaths every year from many
diseases, including measles,
mumps, polio, tetanus, and yellow fever.
An estimated 1.7 million children died from vaccine-preventable disease in 2008 before
reaching their fifth birthday, according to WHO. Lions around
the world have dedicated their
time and funds to helping the
UN Foundation, WHO, and
partners at the Measles Initiative
to vaccinate children, work with
governments, and educate the
public about the deadly measles
disease.
Find out how to celebrate the
World Immunization Week with
your local Lions by contacting
the Lions Clubs International
Foundation at: [email protected].
Mahesh Chitnis and Cabinet Secretary Anu Chitnis had a meeting with
H.E. Faqir Syed Asif Hussain, Consul General of Pakistan to discuss the
participation of Pakistani expats in Lionism and Lions from Pakistan.
He was very appreciative of the service of Lions around the world and
promised to encourage Pakistani expats to join clubs in New Jersey. It
seems we have large Pakistani population in 16-A and 16-D. I’ll keep
forwarding the contacts of potential Lions as and when I get them. Asif
also promised full support of his consulate in any and all international
activities with Lions from Pakistan.
While others
ponder...
Lions act.
Summer 2012
new jersey lion
Lions and students hard at work. Lion Carl Spellman from Mt. Olive Lions Club and three
students from Mt. Olive H.S.
Each Spring Lions from all over New Jersey
converge on Camp Marcella to clean up the camp
before the campers arrive. We thank the Lions and
the students from Mt. Olive High School for volunteering to support Camp Marcella work days. The
high school students gain credits for their work in
community service. The NJLion thanks John Allen
and Douglas Schembs for their photographs.
Every job has a boss.
Even the windows are made to sparkle by John Esposito of
the Cedar Grove Lions Club.
• 11 • The students at Mt. Olive High School pitch in to make Camp Marcella spick and span for
the summer campers.
Cleaning up the decks.
It is a lot of work, but the Lions do
it happily and well.
Victor Graziano lends a hand with the camp clean up.
Putting up the screens before the bugs arrive
ahead of the campers.
Art Ballinger of Cedar Grove Even the grass gets a feeding.
Lions Club is good with a broom.
The camp seems to have acres of flower beds that need
tending.
•12 • new jersey lion
Summer 2012 Stafford Lions Club Sponsors Leo Club
Leo club members examine the new charter.
New Jersey Lions EyeGlass Recycling Center Inc.
320 Sullivan Way
West Trenton, New Jersey 08628-3405
Non-Profit Organization
US POSTAGE
PAID
Red Bank, N.J.
Permit No. 753
At a recent Springfield Lions Club meeting, P.J. Martin of Local Varietal
Honey Hive Products spoke to the members about the importance of
bees and the need for bee pollination to produce the necessary foods
that we consume on a daily basis. He also discussed the maintenance
of bee colonies and hives and how local produced honey may help
alleviate some of the seasonal allergies symptons. He also brought part
of a decayed tree containing a former bee hive for the members to see
and examine. Photographed are P.J. Martin, Lion John Schaedel, Lion
Dan O’Neill, and Lion Andy Ray.
Southern Regional Middle
School became the newest Leo
Club in MD 16 on April 20.
The students were inducted into
the Stafford Middle School Leo
Club by Don Bray, District 16B
Leo club advisor. Officers and
members include Chase Bendik,
president; Paige Mosher, secretary; Kelly Fontana and Annie
Larkin, co-vice presidents; and
Stephanie Traut, treasurer.
Members include Madeline
Hubert, Olivia Lattanzi, Laura
Patterson, and Emily Wilber.
Attending dignitaries included
Craig Henry, superintendent,
Southern Regional Schools;
Lorraine Airey, principal, Southern Regional Middle School;
and Susan Stinson, teacher and
middle school advisor. Don Bray
is the District 16B Leo club advisor. Susan Mueller and Ed Jones,
Stafford Lions, are the Leo club
advisors.
During the last two months
of the school year, the club has
planned the following activities:
collecting used eyeglasses, collecting stamps for the wounded,
a cupcake fund raiser and environmental activities.
Chase Bendik, president of Staford
Southern Regional Middle School
Leo Lions, with the new Leo Club
charter.
BRIEFS
• Help Support the Century of Service Commemorative Coin–Lions Clubs International
is leading efforts to mint 400,000 U.S. silver
dollars in recognition of Lions Clubs International’s 100th Anniversary in 2017. This coin
is the first step to commemorate our association’s centennial while raising millions to
support ur projects for the visually impaired,
youth, and those affected by disaster. Find out
how to get involved in this campaign at www.
lionsclubs.org/coin or call your congressman.
• Pride Day for Lions–Camp Nejeda Foundation has scheduled a Pride Day to thank the
many Lions clubs that support the camp for
children with diabetes. Each year Lions clubs
donate $50,000 to the camp that was founded
in 1958. The July 28 Pride Day runs from 11
a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Included is lunch, entertainment, and a camp tour. For information, call
(973) 383-2611, ext. 28, or email [email protected] or visit www.campnejeda.org.
• Leo News–District 16D’s 10 Leo clubs
continue to be one of the brightest stars in
state Lionism! ZC Fay Kobland recently sent
out instructions and forms to our graduating
Leos on transferring to Lions clubs. There is
a great incentive for a transfer–no initiation
fees and LCI/State dues at half price until age
30! For Leos attending Rutgers, a transfer to
the Rutgers Campus club is a great way to get
introduced to your new environment, and as
Lions presence on other campuses increases,
I think we will see more and more of these
transfers.
• New Jersey Lions Eyeglass Recycling
Month Participant List (2012)
Office of the Governor & Statehouse Complex
Pat McElven (609) 292-1338
State Board of Public Utilities Yetta Somers
(609) 292-1694
Department of Agriculture Olympia Cook
(609) 292-5515
Department of Corrections Dana Hunter (609)
292-4036
Department of Health & Senior Services Lauren Costantini (609) 633-0022
Department of Homeland Security Main
Lobby (Hamilton)
Department of Human Services Riva Thomas
(609) 984-2164
Department of Labor & Workforce Development Michael Berwick (609) 777-3200
Department of Transportation Main Lobby
(Trenton)
• The Cherokee High School Leo Club, sponsored by the Marlton Lions Club, raised $505
for this project in a unique “fashion”. With
the approval of the administration, the Leos
set up a “Jeans Day” whereby members of the
faculty could wear jeans to school for one day
for a donation of five dollars each. The $505
collected was sent to LCIF to be applied to the
Measles Initiative.
• The Lions of New Providence recently held
their annual “Peace Poster” contest at New
Providence Middle School. The participants
were allowed a selected size poster, and the rest
is creativity. The purpose of the Lion’s global
program is to allow children over the world
to join together in expressing their feelings on
peace in an artistic manner. This year the three
winners were for the following prizes: $100
Savings Bond, $75 Savings Bond, and a $50
Savings Bond. The Lions congratulate all the
participants for their thoughtful and artistic
work which made our initial judging always a
pleasurable experience.
• Historic Record Set by the Lions Eye
Bank of Delaware Valley–January 2012 set
a record number of 105 locally procured tissue transplants. Kudos to our great recovery
team for their diligence and commitment to
serve individuals and families throughout the
Delaware Valley and beyond. The story would
be incomplete without also recognizing highly
skilled ophthalmologists and their respective
clinical and office personnel who are compassionate and care deeply for their patients. And,
of course, this all begins with the benevolence
of donors and their families without whom
these 105 miracles of sight would not be possible; they are truly heroes. About the Measles
Initiative launched in 2001, the Measles
Initiative–led by the American Red Cross, the
United Nations Foundation, the U.S. Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF,
and the World Health Organization–provides
technical and financial support to governments and communities for mass vaccination
campaigns and disease surveillance around the
world. The initiative has supported the vaccination of more than 700 million children helping
to reduce measles deaths by 78 percent globally
(compared to 2000). To learn more, visit www.
measlesinitiative.org.
• A Night out with The Trenton Thunder, the
NY Yankees, Double “A” Affiliate Team,
will be held on Thursday, July 26 at Waterfront
Park, 1 Thunder Road, Trenton. This annual
event is presented by NJCBVI in partnership
with the NJ State Library Talking Book and
Braille Center. Each year the program includes
a pre-game ceremony on the ball field during
which outstanding individuals who are blind
or visually impaired are recognized for their
achievements in academics and/or community service. This year’s program will include
the presentation of The Sally and Nat Rogoff
Scholarship for Academic Excellence and The
Trenton Thunder Scholarship for Leadership and Community Service. Along with the
two scholarship winners, three semi-finalist
applicants will be recognized. The scholarship
application deadline has passed; however, if
you are interested in purchasing tickets or for
further information about this event, e-mail
[email protected].