Lion of the Year - Gus Arns
Our club works because we have a mix of old-timers with know-how, members who make our events fun, and younger members with lots of energy. There is one member that I feel fills all these attributes. This Lion has been with us for more than 15 years. Is multi-talented, has a love for animals, be it dogs, cats, or turkeys, has the strength of an ox, plays a mean trombone, has organized and co-chaired our annual Rein-Dog Parade for, I think, at least 14 years and has been a fixture at the Thrift Store since I can remember. No matter what comes his way, Gus Arns always has a “we can get this done” attitude. At the Thrift, he always shows up from set-up to take-down and makes sure things get to where they need to be. He’s also great chatting with customers, as he always has a story to tell. I’d also like to Thank Nancy for letting us have Gus along for the ride. Thank you, Gus, for your service to our Club and the community. As an added token of my appreciation, I’d also like to honor Gus with a Lions Clubs Centennial Commemorative silver dollar proof coin. This coin has a picture of Melvin Jones and the Lions Clubs logo on the front and a family of lions with a globe behind them on the back-side.
Rookie of the Year - Andrew Parker
So many of our new members have been active this year it was a challenge to just pick 1 rookie. But there is one Lion that I felt went above and beyond this year. Even before becoming a Lion, you’d see him with Kevin McIntyre helping-out at the Thrift Store. In October, he became a regular fixture at set-up and take-down, lugging the heavy stuff always with a smile on his face. He was also a huge help Auction weekend and especially efficient at getting the thank you letters out in short order. Most of all, he’s become our voice on Twitter, sharing our six-word stories and promoting our events as they happen. Since taking over in December we’ve averaged from 3 to 7,000 impressions per month and have over 550 followers. With all that, I’d like to thank Andrew Parker for his work both as a Lion and a fellow alternative track Librarian. To help keep the twitter feed fed, I also found a thrift store treasure for Andrew. The book titled “The Tao of Pooh” which explores the principles of philosophical Taoism.
Lions Family of the Year: John, Tammy, Julie, J.C., and Jared
Almost weekly, you can find John Mallers driving down Main Street with his truck loaded to the brim going to the Thrift Store. Along with him you’ll almost always find 1 or 2 other Mallers along for the ride, most likely Jared or J.C. ready to move the heavy stuff in. On the weekdays, and some Saturdays, you’ll find his daughter Julie helping Ruthy to get the 2nd-floor ready for customers. You’ll also find them at our many events helping move tables and set-up equipment for the day. His wife Tammy is always on call, especially for those big house clean-outs and most importantly, Tammy supplies us with the delicious coffee cake at our auction each year. For these reasons, I want to thank John and his family for being a part of our Lions family.
Lions of the Month
August 2016 – Cathy Ferrone and Greg Murphy
Cathy and Greg joined the Lions in 2015. They were recognized for their dedicated work at the Easton Lions Thrift Store, and the creation of new signage to let folks know we are open and have 3 floors open to the public.
September 2016 – Michael Pietrowski
Mike joined the lions in 2011. He was recognized for his work with Stonehill College and the Auction Committee to find a new home for our Club’s 31st Annual Charity Auction to be held March 5, 2017. Mike has been key to laying the groundwork for our new location.
October 2016 – George Mussari
George has been a longtime member since 1999. He was awarded and recognized for his 12+ years of service with the Lions District 33S Eyemobile at all of our events.
November 2016 – Catherine Sutton
Catherine joined the Lions in 2016. Catherine has jumped in giving her endless efforts and participation in all our Lions events this fall, and for donating funds for the Thrift Store tent. She took on each task with exuberance and a smile and showed the true heart of a Lion!
December 2016 – Jim Abate
Jim joined the Lions in 2016. He jumped in to lead the subcommittee for the Holiday Festival program book and ad sponsorships on very short notice and for providing his expertise to make it better.
December 2016 – Lynn Kingsbury
Lynn joined the Lions in 2014. She took our raffle baskets to the next level at the Holiday Festival and for her drive to get sponsors and raffles at all our events. Thank you for being an outstanding Lion.
January 2017 – Andrew Parker
Andrew joined the Lions in 2016. As our new Chief Lion Tweeter Andrew increased our monthly impressions by 20 fold, garnering over 4,000 in two short months. He also has been a welcoming new lugger and tugger at the Thrift Store!!
February 2017 – Marilyn Henderson
Marilyn joined the Lions in 2007 and has always been an outstanding solicitor in getting great items for our annual Charity Auction. This year she is our Auction Solicitor Extraordinaire, reaching a personal best in total donations, over $8,000, and for her service as a Lion at all our events and in our community.
March 2017 – Dale Kerester
Dale joined the Lions in 2005 and has been a member of the Auction team for many years. This year Dale took the reins of our Auction Team! He lead us by example, listened to our ideas, and was not afraid to embrace change and inspire us to do more!
April 2017 – Ed Hands
Ed joined the Lions in 2013 and was honored for being instrumental in bringing new ideas to our Club like our new Fishing Derby, being our Club historian and for making the Thrift and Grange a safe & welcoming place to work. Thank you, Ed, for making our 85th year a memorable one!!
May 2017 – Ruth Calvagne
Ruth joined the Lions in 2009 and received the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2015. Ruthie was honored for her endless days she spends, week-in and week-out at the thrift store, rolling with the changes, organizing and moving stuff again & again. She also our prolific Can Lady and honorary Tail Twister when ever we need her and for being generous to others in need in our community throughout the year!
Special Award - Easton Lions Chief Recruiter Extraordinaire
May 2017 – Avery Lee Williams
Lee joined the Easton Lions in 1979, when Joe Carvalho first recruited him. Since then, Lee has invited over 275 new members into the Easton Lions, with 227 members serving more than a year. In the last two years, Lee sponsored over 40 new members and is well on his way to getting the Lions International Global Key. Thank you Lee for your perseverance!!
Other Awards
- Best Extra Large Club in District 33S
- President Award to Matthew Cioffi
- Secretary Award to Matthew Soeldner
- Highest Donation to MLERF for year: $41,782
- Total all-time donations crossed a half-million dollar: $501,060
