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residentNavy USS Toledo Returns From Deployment


February 2 ~ 15, 2011 the Resident 860.599.1221 www.theresident.com


residentHumanitarians Lions’ Humanitarians of the Year


Chief Yeoman Mark Pitts of USS Toledo (SSN 769) hugs his kids after returning from a regularly scheduled deployment. The Los Angeles-class submarine conducted operations in the African Command (AFRICOM) and Central Command (CENTCOM) areas of responsibility, supporting missions vital to national security interests.


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Groton Lions Club Nominates Alexis Ann


(l-r) KB Bryant, First Vice President, Dave Fausset, Second Vice President, Bill Foreman, Alexis Ann, editor & publisher, the Resident, Kevin Morin, President, Maria Doren, Secretary, Jan Miller, Vice District Governor, Lana and Dr. Nick Utz, Board of Directors


by Claudia Gauches O


n the evening of January 8, Lions Clubs International, District 23C gathered at the


Groton Inn & Suites to honor 20 non-Lion humanitarians nominated for “Humanitarian of the Year” by 21 Lions Clubs in Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham Counties. Four finalists were announced and each received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award named after the founder of Lions Clubs. Alexis Ann, owner & publisher, the Resident, nominated by the Groton Lions Club, was one of the four final- ists. The “Humanitarian of the Year Award” for Lions District 23C went to Bruce John of Mansfield.


Lions Clubs International


Foundation (LCIF) is the official charitable arm of the Lions Clubs, an organization with 1.35 million members in 206 countries. LCIF brings help, hope, and healing to the world and is the number one Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) in the world. The Foundation’s mission is to support the efforts of Lions Clubs worldwide


resident On the Street


Joey


“I would like my family to be rich so I can have new clothes.”


Maren Schober asks


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kindergartners: “What is something you would like changed in your family or school?”


Adriana


“I would like clean water to drink.”


Jacob


“I would like more books in class.”


Sanai “I would like to play with my Uncle Troy, Auntie Brandy and


Grandma. We could take pictures.”


Praiyze “I’d like to take a nap.”


Aliana


“God could pick up the trash that people throw on the ground.”


Valerie


“I would like this snow to melt.”


Justin


“I would like my father to have a new car.”


in serving their local communities and the world community as they carry out essential humanitarian service projects. LCIF’s work was visibly reinforced throughout the evening by several Lion women, costumed as fairy godmothers, disseminating LCIF information and sprinkling fairy dust among those gathered.


Jimmy Ross, Past President, Lions International, from Quitaque, TX, was the honored guest of the evening along with his wife, Velda. When the flag of Texas was brought into the room, Jimmy held his 10-gallon cowboy hat over his heart. It was followed by the flag of Connecticut carried by Jayson Gribko, a scout from Middlefield. The U.S. Coast Guard escorted the flag of the United States as all rose to sing the “Star Spangled Banner.” Dr. Keith Lemire, Past District Governor and Master of Ceremony, introduced the head table reiterating the Lion’s motto, “We Serve” and stating “This evening’s event is designed to honor non-Lions who serve their communities and others in need.” One Lion at the head table impersonated Melvin Jones who founded the Lions Clubs 94 years ago and who, if alive


today, would be 135 years old. All veterans in the room were then asked to stand. As the singer sang “Proud To Be An American,” she shook hands with veterans standing close to the band at the front of the room. Dinner followed topped off by a special dessert, a birthday cake for Melvin Jones that was wheeled into the room, candles blazing. Birthday gifts in the form of checks totaling more than $23,000 were then presented to LCIF by representatives of the various Lions Clubs in attendance.


Current District Governor, Denise


Dudek, Essex, introduced the Keynote Speaker, Jimmy Ross. First joining the Lions organization in 1969, Jimmy’s focus is on membership, extension, and the strengthening of Clubs. During his tenure in the Lions, Jimmy received many awards, including the Progressive Melvin Jones Award. Most at home wearing his cowboy hat, Jimmy began his remarks by saying that his mother gave him permission to wear his hat in the house only on three occasions: while dancing; while posing for a photograph; and, while making a speech. Because of the latter, he placed his hat on his head and


photos by Jessica Warzeniak


photo by MC1 Virginia K. Schaefer


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