February 2 ~ 15, 2011 the Resident 860.599.1221 www.theresident.com residentHumanitarians Named by District 23C Lions Clubs began his remarks. He expressed pride in the United


States and the emotion he feels whenever the U.S. flag is presented in any country to which he travels. Describing the Lions Clubs, he said, “It’s all about giving back, doing things for others.” He continued, “Tonight is an opportunity to listen to the accomplishments of outstanding people - people who have changed the world.”


Expressing pride in all the nominees, he said he understands the power of giving. “It’s one of the most powerful things in the world. When you give unconditionally, it will come back to you ten-fold. It will make you a better person.”


Then, 20 nominees for the Humanitarian of the Year Award were individually introduced to the audience as a synopsis of their impressive accomplishments was read. Each was escorted to the front of the room to greet Jimmy and Denise.


After all 20 were introduced, four


finalists were revealed: Alexis Ann, Groton Lions nominee; Bruce John, Mansfield Lions nominee; Don Lucas, Old Saybrook Lions nominee; and Jean DeSmet, Willimantic Lions nominee. Each received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, LCIF’s highest form of recognition acknowledging an individual’s dedication to humanitarian service. The honor bestowed an inscribed plaque and lapel pin to each recipient. As described by the Lions, “When you meet Melvin Jones Fellows, you will notice that they are greatly concerned about the needs of humanity. They are firmly committed to finding ways of improving the quality of life in their local communities and in the world community.” Alexis Ann of the Resident was indeed overwhelmed saying, “This is a remarkable honor. I’m appreciative of the recognition and deeply humbled by it.”


Of the four finalists, Bruce John was named “Humanitarian of the Year.” Selected by Ron Johnson, Sebago, ME, Director, International


resident in biz


Local busi ness es find “Res i dent In Busi ness” an ef fec tive way to ad ver tise. By tell ing the com mu ni ty about yourself, you will at tract loy al cus tom ers. Res i dents prefer to shop and ob tain ser vic es in a friend ly en vi ron ment. Add your smile to the Resident in Business. 860.599.1221.


Cardinal Honda Welcomes It’s Newest Employee Don Lam


(l-r) Denise Dudek, District 23C Governor, Lions Club, presents Humanitarian of the Year, Bruce John, with a letter of commendation written by former President Bill Clinton.


Lions Club Mansfield Groton


Old Saybrook Willimantic Colchester Danielson


East Haddam East Hampton


Humanitarian of the Year Nominee


Bruce John ** Alexis Ann * Don Lucas * Jean DeSmet * Fred Brown


Tammy Harris Sophie Soja


Nelson Gustine


E. Hampton Village Robert “Red” McKinney Haddam Hebron


Candace Casale Richard White


Ledyard & Niantic Jack Fitzpatrick Middlefield Middletown Mystic


New London Norwich


North Stonington Salem Vernon


Mr. Robin Heath Bob Whitney Bonnie Mileski


Rev. Mr. Michel Belt


Jeremiah J. Lowney, Jr. DDS, MS, MPH Charlie “Sonny” Gavitt David B. Bingham, MD William J. McGurk


*Semi **Finalist


Association of Lions Clubs, Bruce was visibly moved by the recognition. Despite the cold snow falling outside on January 8, the scene inside the Groton Inn & Suites was filled with many warm-hearted spirits gathered to


honor the “best of the best.” Kudos to all the nominees and thank you for your service. To post your comments, visit:


www.theresident.com www.theresident.com


residentFolklore What Will the Groundhog Predict?


Don Lam, sales associate, is a terrific addition to the Cardinal Honda team and the focal point for better serving our Asian customers. Multilingual, Don speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese in addition to English, a skill that improves communication throughout the automobile sales and service processes for customers from the Asian community. Don immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in 1980. Prior to joining Cardinal Honda two months ago, he lived and worked in San Jose, California. Now, he lives in Montville with his wife and two children, one in high school and one in middle school. A bit surprised by the amount of snow falling around the region (and on the cars on the lot), he’s very happy with his new sales associate job. Don believes in Cardinal Honda’s “Clear and Simple” philosophy saying, “Once it’s explained to the customer, it’s very easy for them to do business with us.” Don welcomes all customers, especially people who speak an Asian


language. When he says, “I speak the language of my customer,” he truly means it. Cardinal Honda is happy to have him on board.


531 Route 12, Groton, CT 06340 ARDINAL HONDA (860) 449-0411 www.cardinalhonda.com


5


The Fairy Godmothers


(l-r) Lori Dickinson, Disability, Nancy Tucker, Health, Julie Schiloski, Sight, Diane Bielski, Disaster Relief, and Nanette Burdick, Youth, disseminating LCIF information and sprinkling fairy dust among those gathered.


At Gobbler’s Knob, home of Punxsutawney Phil, on Groundhog Day, February 2nd, 1996, the great prognosticator predicted an early Spring. After all this snow, let’s hope my friend, Punxutawney Phil, predicts an early Spring 2011.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20