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On January 18th D.G. Michael Marrazzo inducted
New Lions Jane Sandler and Nick Williams to theNeptune Lions Club

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LEEDS presented a check to
CentraState Healthcare Foundation

 Lion George Feldman presented a check in the amount of $6338.50 to Mr. Darrin Garrison of the CentraState Healthcare Foundation for the Health Awareness Mobile Van renovation and the purchase of a Cholesterol Screening Kit.  Our donation included a grant of $2000.00 from the 16B Charitable Foundation.  Also, it was pointed out that the CentraState Healthcare Foundation contributed $3200.00 for the Mobile Van and Cholesterol Screening projects.
Darrin Garrison thanked the LEEDS trustees for their support on behalf of theCentraState Medical Center and the CentraState Healthcare Foundation.

Elaine Dymyd and Mary Ann Roper also thanked the LEEDS trustees for their generous donation.

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Lions Help Combat Hunger

( Middletown NJ, 11/19/2011)--In an event sponsored by the Middletown Reformed Church members from the Jackson, Middletown, Neptune and Toms River Lions Clubs joined other volunteers working with STOP HUNGER NOW packed over 11,000 meals that will be used to combat hunger in the world.

For More Photos of the Food Packing CLICK HERE

 

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LIONS CLUB MEMBERS PROVIDE SERVICE TO THE
JACKSON FORESTRY CENTER

Pictured in no order are
Bob Burlew -Jackson, Clarence Brown-Neptune, Beverly Bova Scarano-Middletown
Laura Stone-Jackson, Joyce Palmer-Oceanport, Norm Palmer Oceanpoart
Bill Young-Jackson, Rachel Burlew-Jackson Amber Railey-Neptune, Carlos Yepez-West Windsor
Michelle Tibbetts-Oceanport, Mary Weaver-West Windsor, Zac Weaver-West Windsor
Paul Eland-West Windsor, Harry Korn-West Windsor, Bob DeSanctis-Neptune, Donna DeSanctis-Neptune

(Jackson NJ, 11/12/2011) -- In a project sponsored by The Jackson Lions Club and with help from members of The Middletown Lions Club, The Neptune Lions Club, The Oceanport Lions Club and The West Windsor Lions Club.
Over 800 seedling trees were potted for the NJ State Forest Nursery.
 
According to nursery superintendent Joseph Battersby “The seedlings will be used to plant a tree farm on a recently acquired property across from the Forestry Center. The trees will be used to harvest seeds for future trees.”
It was noted that this project was put on an indefinite hold due to budget cuts.  The manpower was not available to pot the necessary amount of seedlings.  “Without the help of The Lions Club this project may have never gotten off the ground” said Mr. Battersby

Robert Burlew president of The Jackson Lions Club said  “We as Lions were more than happy to help supply the manpower to get this project off the ground. As the new tree farm will make for an easier and more cost effective way for the Division of Parks & Forestry to harvest seeds for the much needed new trees of the future.”

Mr Battersby was amazed at the number of seedling trees that were potted in three hours by seventeen Lions and was informed that is what happens when you ask the Lions for help. WE GET THINGS DONE!!

Jackson Lions President Bob Burlew wants to thank the members of the Jackson club and the four clubs from Lions District 16-B for their help.
And a special Thanks to Jackson Lion Laura Stone for being the chairperson on this project.         

For More Photos of the Tree Planting CLICK HERE

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LIONS OF STAFFORD

As the year of 2011 comes to the end we have many projects as all our members are involved with a project.
The club sponsored three scholarship awards to students of Southern Regional High School.  In June there were nine members that did A Walk for Life sponsored by Southern Ocean Medical Center for cancer.  Founders Day in Manahawkin, chaired by Lion Bob Skrable, was held in June at the Doc Cramer Field Complex.  With the Lions were the Guide Dogs of Morristown and a representative from Lions Eye Bank of NJ.
There were three restaurants which we received a percentage of public participating, Restaurants participating were Antoinette’s, Applebee’s, and Callaway’s.
Lion Bob Skrable cuts out wooden objects for some members to take to Emeritus Assisted Living home.  Residents at the home painted bird houses to hang out in their garden and other objects painted become table decorations.  The residents really look forward to the return of the Lions.  Lion Ken Welsh is chairperson.
Lion Susan Mueller takes a group of Lion ladies to Sea Crest Nursing Home where they socialize with the residents.
In August Lion Susan Mueller ran an outing on the River Lady paddle boat in Toms River a good time was had by ten members, this will probably be a yearly event.
Ten members went to the Seeing Eye Dog Facility in Morristown, NJ we received information on the training and how a person obtains a dog.
Sea Pirate Day in Barnegat, chaired by Lion Susan Mueller, handed out brochures and stickers to people to make them aware of Lions and what they do.
September our annual fall picnic was held at Lions Bob & Ruth Skrable home.
Spring & Fall Eye Screening chaired by Lions Tom Struble and Lou Schovanec.  Screening covered Waretown to Little Egg Harbor in South Jersey; approximate 350 children were screened at 22 locations.  Eye Glasses for recycling, Lions Ed & Isabelle Sapanara, collected for recycling 2977 glasses in 2011. Since they started this as their project in 2006, they have collected 17,289 glasses.
Our White Cane, chaired by Lion Peter Casamento, started in May and ended in October at Wal-Mart in Manahawkin and Bageleddies on Long Beach Island.  This is one or our main source of fundraising. Also in October at the Chowder Fest on Long Beach Island, members spent the day trying to get new members and handing out brochures.  Lion Gladys Cassamento was chairperson.
The Club is still collecting Stamps for the Wounded.  Lion Ruth Skrable chairperson.
At our October meeting we were honored to have our District Governor, Michael Marrazzo and Vice District Governor Craig Finnegan.  The District Governor presented King Lion Lou Schovanec and Sec Lion Ed Jones with a district pin.
Thanksgiving and Christmas certificates are given to the Churches for food for the needy.
Chairpersons Lions Gladys and Peter Casamento are chairpersons for this project.
At the end of the year our Christmas party will be December 7th at Villaggio’s Restaurant for all our members and the work they have done over the year.

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Toby Stark, a member of the Eatontown Lions Club, received the Melvin Jones Foundation Award

On Friday, October 28, 2011, Toby Stark, a member of the Eatontown Lions Club, received the Melvin Jones Foundation Award, the most prestigious award given by Lions Club International, at the 2011 District 16B Charitable Foundation, Inc. Harvest Charity Ball held in Lakehurst, New Jersey.  The award represents recognition of a member’s drive, initiative, talents and accomplishments in working and improving their community through their local club. This is Stark’s second award in as many weeks.
Toby Stark is a young man who is the epitome of the individual that Lion Club International seeks to instill the organization’s virtues to current members and espouse same to the community.  He served as Secretary, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, 3rd Vice President and President in the Eatontown Lions Club since joining in 2003.   He is a local business leader as the owner of Starks Associates Insurance Agency which serves Eatontown and the surrounding municipalities.  He also devotes his time as a contributing member of the Eatontown Economic Development Committee. 
In 2011, while serving as Chairman of the Publicity Committee, he maintains and updates the Eatontown Lions Club website, a website he created in 2005, with information relating to the club’s current projects.   He has taken the initiative to use “social media”, such as Facebook, to showcase the Club in order to attract new members and keep current members advised of activities.  He utilizes local and “online” newspapers by publishing articles to make the community aware of the current happenings with the Eatontown Lions Club and marketing the club for membership.  What makes Toby’s accomplishments so inspiring is that this has all been done at the age of 30.   
In 2007, LION Toby became Chairman for the Eatontown Lions Club’s annual charitable golf outing, which benefits The Fisher House and the James M. Gurbisz Foundation that saw annual returns averaging $8,000.  In 2010 and 2011, his committee raised approximately $12,500 and $14,000 respectively.
Toby Stark received the award at the gala in the presence of his mother Barbara, father Joel (and Lion member), fiancé Jen and fellow Eatontown Lions Club members and spouses.   This is an accomplishment that Mr. Stark will remember for the rest of his life.

-Written By Edwin Palenzuela

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Oceanport Lions Dinner -Auction a Great Success! 85 People in attendance at
Palumbo's Restaurant,in Tinton Falls,N.J.

Pictured are Lions:
Michelle Swobodzien Chairperson of the event,John Bonforte,Louis Rivera,
Michelle S.Tibbetts,Karl Perry,Peter A. Dellera Jr.,Matthew Schneider,
Jeremy Martin,Felix Spano,Kevin Lennon,John DeRespiris,Joyce Palmer,Norm Palmer

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The Lady Lions, sponsored by the Oceanport Lions Club, won the Jersey Shore Fall Softball League Championship by beating the Manalapan Belles 8-7 in extra innings. 

Front Row kneeling (left to right)
Alex Ledone, Abbey Wortman, Meri Rossi, Emily Harvan, Emily Sgro
Back Row (left to right)
Coach Dave Roberts, Bailey Bestle, Alexis Travers, Megan Wellinghorst, Emily Roberts, Coach Pete Dellera Jr., Olivia Cleaves, Coach Pete Wortman
Not present: Joscelyn Poll

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EATONTOWN LIONS MEET WITH DISTRICT GOVERNOR

 The recent meeting of the Eatontown Lions Club was a very busy.  The club was honored with a visit from the Lions District Governor, Michael Marrazzo, who addressed the club and brought us up-to-date on how the District was progressing.  He stressed how the clubs in the district could best serve their communities by networking and sharing their ideas and resources. After his address Governor Marrazzo conducted the induction ceremony of Lewis Sasaki as the newest member of the Eatontown Lions Club.

L to R:  Toby Stark, Sponsor, Lewis Sasaki, Michael Mazzarro, District Governor, Carl Lillvik, Membership Chairman.

District Governor Marrazzo then joined Club President Joe Aretino as President Aretino awarded the Lions Clubs International Melvin Jones Fellowship to members Toby Stark and Richard Fowler who  have distinguished themselves through exemplary service to the Lions and the community.  The Melvin Jones Fellowship is named for the founder of Lions Clubs International.  The fellowship is recognition of a commitment to humanitarian work.  It is the foundation’s highest honor.

 
  L to R:  Richard Fowler, Toby Stark, Joe Aretino, President, Michael Marrazzo, District Governor.

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Hopewell Valley – October 17, 2011

Giving hands-on Science Education to blind and sight impaired children is the mission of Hopewell Valley Lion and retired Hopewell Valley Regional Schools teacher, Dr. Lillian Rankel. Teaming with Marilyn Winograd, teacher of blind and visually impaired, they have developed materials and lesson plans to bring the excitement of laboratory science education to boys and girls often deprived of this hands-on learning experience. Usually such youngsters are denied the challenge of handling materials traditionally thought of as potentially beyond their capability.
Speaking before the membership of her Lions Club at the Runway Restaurant, in Ewing, on September 15, Dr. Rankel presented the program they have been introducing to educators and parents throughout the nation, “Out-Of-Sight Science Experiments”, now sold by National Braille Press.
Dr Rankel says, “Children need to have the opportunity to experience hands-on science and realize how much fun science can be. It is never too early to begin experiencing science. Many of the fields included in the general heading “Science” are excellent career choices for young adults who are blind or visually impaired.  In order to encourage interest in the science fields, we must expose our students at an early age.   Children without vision can use many other senses for observing, learning, and doing hands-on science, and open up interests and skills leading to many career choices later on.”
The book was passed around, then Lillian showed the Lions tactile lab equipment that could be used without sight to measure liquids, measure mass and forces and make up solutions. This equipment came from the Multi-sensory Lab Gear Kit that Lillian and Marilyn have developed so that children without sight can take part in hands-on lab activities (). Science can be fun and accessible for all when low tech and no tech tactile strategies are used for learning and hands-on lab experiments.

Lillian Rankel demonstrates an item to Lions Club President Paul Morin at their Runway Restaurant dinner meeting.

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Lions Club in Whiting Article by Fran Reeve I had the pleasure of attending my first Lions Club meeting recently at the Community room in WhitingTown Center. This is a club I knew nothing about. I have seen the Lions Club distinctive signs in my travels, but never really gave it a thought. Well, now I know what a terrific organization they are. There are volunteer groups around the globe, dedicated to helping their own community and worldwide organizations. The Whiting group has been helping our community as well as others. You may have seen the large yellow box asking you to donate your old hearing aids and glasses in Whiting Town Center. These glasses and hearing aids are donated to people who cannot afford them. In May, 19 Members worked 94 hours to process 1,273 eyeglasses. Our own Whiting chapter was recently told by a former New Jersey Governor that it is one of the best in the state. We are trying to make number one in the state. Their many good deeds such as participating in Lions Hearing Aid Project, donating  phonic ear systems to local schools for the hearing impaired, arranging for local students to get eye exams and eyeglasses. (I was told by Edith Klucewicz, the president of the club, to be sure to let you know this is open to our residents as well.) They collect food for Whiting Food Pantry, hold vision fairs, participate in the juvenile diabetes walkathon. They just gave a scholarship to the Katzenbach School for a deaf student. They recently gave a bulletproof vest to a Manchester police officer. Their list of good deeds goes on. Hearing the president’s report, I wanted to know where the funds come from and was told each month they have what they call a white cane collection outside our local stores. They are out there in the heat, the cold, etc. (I will never pass them up again.) They run bus trips to Atlantic City. They hold fundraisers such as dinners, pancake breakfasts. They distribute coin canisters to local businesses with the proceeds going to various charities. Donations are given to Deborah, Eye Bank of the Delaware Valley, Scholarships to Manchester Education Foundation, donations to the Whiting First Aid Squad, and more.  I am guilty of leaving old prescription eyeglasses in the drawer, but not anymore. I will be looking for the yellow donation box, knowing they will be put to good use for someone in need. I left the meeting with the thought that here is a group of retired people spending their time making a difference. President Edith said new members are always welcome.

 

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District 16-B lions working the Lions info booth at the Lakewood lions Renaissance Fair pictured
standing are Jim Fox Toms River Club, Rebeca Brown ,Bob Burlew,and Rachel Burlew Jackson Club
seated Don Bray Toms River Club photo taken by Vincent Kuchta Jackson Club

To see more photos click here

 

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'Dialog in the Dark': Visually impaired guides lead sighted guests through makeshift Manhattan

Published: Thursday, August 18, 2011, 7:40 AM
By Peter Genovese/The Star-Ledger The Star-Ledger

 

William Perlman/The Star-LedgerThe museum goers before the lights go out at the "Dialog in the Dark'' exhibit at South Street Seaport, a sensory tour of New York City where visitors are led by visually impaired guides through a specially built and totally darkened space.‘Hello everyone,” says a disembodied voice somewhere in front — or maybe slightly to the side — of you.
“My name is Keith. Welcome to the dark.’’
It is more than just “dark” inside the exhibit space at South Street Seaport; it is utter, complete, scary-movie pitch-black.
There is nothing to light your way, to warn you of something like a wall, a flight of steps, or the feet of those around you. Don’t even think about using your cell phone for illumination; it had to be turned off beforehand.
Unless you’re blind, you really can’t “see” here.
“Don’t worry,’’ Keith La Pan says soothingly. “There are no tricks, no cliffs. If you feel uncomfortable or nervous, let me know.”
La Pan is one of 40 blind or visually impaired guides who will lead tours of what is probably the eeriest, most disorienting experience in New York City — “Dialog in the Dark,” a specially built and totally dark exhibition where visitors, poking their way through the blackness with canes, will experience the city as the blind do, using all their senses except sight.
“One more thing,’’ La Pan added. “If you find a door, don’t open it.”
The exhibition, which opens Saturday, replicates familiar Manhattan environments — a park, supermarket, subway station, Times Square, cafe — taking visitors out of their fully-sighted comfort zones, challenging them to perform everyday tasks they take for granted. Tasks like sitting. Listening. Walking.
The twist is that the blind and visually impaired lead the sighted through the exhibit, guiding them by voice, making sure they don’t walk into walls or miss the three very real steps leading to the subway “platform.”
“Where do you think we are?” La Pan asks in the first darkened room, alive with the twittering of birds and fragrant with the smell of grass.
“A park,” someone replies.
“Yes,” La Pan says. “We’ve got a big duck in the fountain.”
Not really, but his visitors — as sensory deprived as they’ve ever been in their lives — might just believe anything at this point.
“Dialog in the Dark” is the creation of Andreas Heinecke, who was working as a journalist in 1986 when he was asked to develop a rehabilitation program for a colleague who had lost his eyesight in an automobile accident. Heinecke saw firsthand society’s ignorance about blind people, and decided that encounters between sighted and blind people — in the dark — would go a long way to eliminating the stereotypes.
“Dialog in the Dark” has been presented in 30 countries and visited by 6 million people — and has provided jobs to 6,000 blind or visually impaired employees, like Damon Fuller, a Newark native who will be one of the 40 guides working the New York City exhibit.
About 245 million people worldwide have low vision; 39 million are blind, according to the exhibit. The overwhelming majority of Americans fear loss of sight more than any of the other senses, and “Dialog in the Dark” may be initially nerve-wracking and pulse-quickening.
Visitors, in fact, must sign release forms stating that while the exhibit “is designed to be a safe experience, being in total darkness could result in a number of situations including but not limited to anxiety, falling and other injuries.” The exhibit is not recommended for very young children.
Visitors are taught how to use a cane — move it gently back and forth, from the 11 o’clock to 1 o’clock position, and don’t lift it more than a few inches off the ground.
They move from the “park” into the “supermarket,” where they are asked to identify products on the shelf.
“The thing I find most challenging in a store is the paying process,” La Pan said. Blind people often fold their bills in different ways in their wallet so they know the difference between a dollar bill and, say, a twenty.
The “Times Square” room is alive with the blare of horns and the whoosh of buses, and there’s the unmistakable whiff of hot dogs from a cart.
“High-tech scent technology,” explains a smiling John Zaller, vice president of creative and exhibition design at Premier Exhibitions, the show’s producer.
La Pan, who has retinitis pigmentosa, said the toughest part about losing his sight was not so much having to deal with seemingly impossible everyday tasks but the emotional part. For example, accepting the fact that he needed help with everyday tasks, reminding himself: “Keith, you need to use this cane.”
Zaller sees “Dialog in the Dark’’ as part exhibition, part theater, an experience designed to show sighted Americans the obstacles and prejudices faced by the blind and visually impaired
In a series of panels at the exhibit’s end, several guides, including La Pan and Fuller, are profiled. What, they are asked, should the general public know about the blind and visually impaired?
“We are diverse,’’ Fuller says, “and courageous.”

Dialog in the Dark
Where: 11 Fulton St., at South Street Seaport, New York
When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are timed and visitors are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes prior to their scheduled admittance.
How much: $22.50; $19.50 for children ages 4 to 12, $20.50 for seniors. Call (888) 926-3437 or visit ticketmaster.com. For more information, visit dialognyc.com.