Brookfield Lions Club - Brookfield, CT  

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STRIDES Road Race - Sunday, June 4, 2023

• The Brookfield Lions Club is holding its 16th Annual JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) STRIDES to Cure Diabetes 5 Miler Road Race on Sunday, June 4, 2023 at 9am at Cadigan Park on Candlewood Lake Rd, Brookfield, CT.

• The registration fee before May 13th is $25.00 and then after May 13th the fee will be $30.00.

• The popular event features:

  • ​​​T-Shirts for the first 100 runners​
  • Age bracket medals
  • Cash awards for breaking the course record
  • This is a certified USA Track and Field event: USATF CT09003JHP

• ​Plan to come out and help the Brookfield Lions Club support the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (JDRF).
• Hope to see you there!

CLICK HERE to REGISTER for the STRIDES Race 

CLICK HERE to volunteer for the STRIDES race on Sunday, June 4

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Two Fundraiser events for Lyon Pride - Saturday June 10, 2023

• The Brookfield Lions Club are sponsoring two fundraiser events at Newtown's Edmund Town Hall on Saturday, June 10th, to support the historic candidacy of Mark and Lyn Lyon to become the 3rd International Vice President of the Lion Club International Foundation (LCIF).
• Please come join us to support Mark and Lyn!
• The events are both being held on Saturday June 10th at Newtown's Edmund Town at 1-3 pm and at 8 PM:
  • 1-3 pm - Whispers from Heaven - Patricia Griffin is a an evidential medium who believes that love does not die when we leave our physical bodies. Believing that death does not separate love, she provides audience members with comfort, closure, and peace.  She does so with integrity and humor.  Join us for a healing afternoon with validating messages from spirit!
  • 8 pm - Misgivings - Join Father Patrick Aloysius Misgivings for this divine, hilarious presentation of stories and one liners about growing up Catholic. Don't miss this delightfully entertaining and uplifting one man show! The Good Father delivers hilarious fodder - from miracles to marriage counseling to bazaars and birth control. Nothing escapes the good father's razor sharp Irish wit. 

​CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets from Eventbrite
 

CLICK HERE to purchase your tickets from Eventbrite

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Brookfield High School Grad Party - Sunday, June 18, 2023

• Lion Lori Peck has announced thath the Brookfield High School Grad Party clean-up event is back after the event was scaled down the last several years due to the pandemic.
• We'll need some early risers to assist with the clean-up at 5 AM on Sunday, June 18th.

CLICK HERE to volunteer for the Grad Party Clean-Up

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Brookfield Lions Club Annual Meeting - Officer Installation and Award - Thursday, June 22, 2023

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KidSight Eye Screening - 2022-2023 School Year

• The KidSight eye screening program is underway. See our results to date below in the KIDSIGHT SCREENINGS section.
• We have done a lot of screening during the first three months of 2023 and our schedule of screening is continuing through April and into the month of May.
• See our BROOKFIELD LIONS EVENTS CALENDAR page for more information about when and where we are screening.
• If you would like to learn more about the program and look into training and joining the Brookfield KidSight team, please contact one of the following:

• Robin Montgomery:  robinmontgomeryl24@gmail.com
• JoEllen Reynolds:  j4reynolds@gmail.com
• Jim Ondak:  james.ondak@gmail.com

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 Read below to see what we've been doing! 

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Memorial Day Parade - Sunday, May 28, 2023

• Once again this year, the Brookfield Lions Club organized and hosted the annual Memorial Day Parade.
• Many thanks to the parade committee headed by Robin Montgomery, Lori Peck, and Sue Slater and all the Lions Club volunteers who helped make this year's parade a success.
• There were over 30 groups represented in this year's parade which also included.

The Brookfield Lions - Memorial Day 2023!

The Brookfield Lions Memorial Day Parade float

Memorial Day Parade marchers

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Annual Community Shred Day - Saturday, May 20, 2023

• The rainy weather didn't dampen the spirits of our Lion and LEO volunteers at our Community Shred Day and Food Drive event on Saturday, May 20th at Brookfield Town Hall.
• This event benefited the Brookfield Lions Club and the Brookfield Food Pantry.
• Great job of coordinating the event by Amy Diezemann!​

Many THANKS to all our wonderful Lions and LEOs who volunteered!

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Brookfield Lions Club Melvin Jones Award Winners Honored

• Lions Bob Pitcher and Karl Noivadhana were presented with their Melvin Jones Awards at our May 11th Dinner Meeting.
• Lions Clubs International recognizes outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones. This Fellowship Award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism.

Congratulations to Bob and Karl!​

Bob Pitcher and Karl Noivadhana receiving their Melvin Jones awards

from Club President Alan Peck and Club 1st Vice-President Sue Slater

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JDRF Wish Ball - May 6th, 2023

• Candy and Alan Smith, our Lions state representatives for Diabetes and JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), attended the JDRF Wish Ball on Saturday, May 6th.
• Candy and Alan reported that there were 500 attendees to this major fundraiser event and there were 15 Lion volunteers from across the 3 Lion Districts of CT who helped to make this another wonderful JDRF event.

​​​Lions Candy and Alan Smith at the May 6th JDRF Wish Ball

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Community Garden Clean-Up - Saturday, April 29, 2023

• Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather the weekend of April 29-30, the Community Garden Cleanup was cancelled.
• Lions Kathi Hlavac and Dori Cundari thank all the Lions and LEOs who volunteered.
• Kathi and Dori are looking into working with the LEOs on some alternative dates for a scaled down cleanup of the garden.
• There is good news! Lion Kathi reported at our April Club meeting that all 106 plots of the Community Garden are spoken for!
• We'll try to make sure we have some pictures of the gardens later this summer so that everyone can see what an excellent community service this is.

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JDRF SUMMIT - Friday, April 28, 2023

• Candy and Alan Smith reported that the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) Summit was held on Friday, April 28th at the Norwalk Inn.
• Candy told us that 140 registered for the event and that some great speakers higlighted new monitoring techniques and families had a wonderful opportunity to network with one another.

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• Brookfield Lion Alan Smith presenting an appreciation award to keynote speaker Anastasia Albanese-O’Neill, Clinical  Advisor & Director of Diabetes Education at the University of Florida Pediatrics.
• Anastasia spoke about the importance of diabetes testing and clinical trials. ​

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Brookfield Lions Club Meeting - Thursday, April 27, 2023

• We had an excellent club meeting on Thursday, April 27th with some wonderful guests including Mark McGrath from FIDELCO dogs, FIDELCO trainer Hailey Darr, and Saber, a FIDELCO dog in training.
• It all led to very informative and enjoyable presentation and evening for our members!

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Brookfield Lions Earth Day - Saturday April 22, 2023

• The cold, misty start to Earth Day did not dampen the spirits of the Brookfield Lions and LEOs!
• Our Earth Day organizer, Karl Noivadhana, reported that 18 Lions, 2 guest volunteers, and 6 LEOs helped us clean up several places around the Brookfield community.
• The LEOs handled the grounds at Brookfield High School and found some interesting items during the clean-up including an exhaust pipe, bicycle, sonotube, many sporting goods, and more.​

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Brookfield Lions Blood Drive - Wednesday April 19, 2023

• Once again Lion Jackie Kettunen and team held yet another very successful Blood Drive on Wednesday April 19th.
• Jackie thanks all the Lion volunteers and a LEO volunteer who made cookies for our blood donors!
• Jackie reports the April Blood Drive had 52 donors resulting in 41 pints collected which can potentially help 123 people.
• The next drive will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at the Congregational Church of Brookfield, 160 Whisconier Rd, Brookfield, CT.
• This will be an extended hours Blood Drive from 10:00 am - 6:30 pm. We will be creating a volunteer sign-up for this drive as Jackie will need extra volunteers.
• If you'd like to volunteer and learn more, please contact Jackie Kettunen at jkettunen604@gmail.com 
• See the results of all of our recent Blood Drive events on our Club Projects page!

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Our Lions Volunteers

Our wonderul donors!

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Brookfield Lions Club 4th Annual Pancake Breakfast - Sunday April 2, 2023

• Our 4th Annual Pancake Breakfast was held at the Brookfield High School cafeteria on Sunday April 2, 2023 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm.
• Lion Karl Noivadhana organized another excellent event. Early reports looked good as there was a good-sized crowd early Sunday morning. 
• Many thanks to all the Lions and LEOs who volunteered and helped to make this event a success.
• Lion John Mackiewicz dazzled the crowd with his magic and the Easter Bunny made an early appearance the week before Easter.

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Regional Hospice Breakfast - Thursday, March 16, 2023

• Club President Alan Peck reported that 20 of our members attended the 36th Annual Shamrock Breakfast at the Candlewood Lake Inn in support of Regional Hospice.
• Regional Hospice is an amazing organization which serves our community in an incredibly meaningful, respectful and personal way.   
• Regional Hospice represents our club's largest singular charitable donation.
• Thanks to everyone for the great work you all do to raise money for amazing charities like Regional Hospice.  It truly makes a difference in our local community and beyond. ​

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February 22, 2023 Blood Drive

• Lion Jackie Kettunen thanks everyone for helping make our February Blood Drive another success!
• Jackie reports the February drive made our goal resulting in 48 useable pints which can potentially save 144 lives.
• As usual, Jackie and team had a great staff and everything ran smoothly. A good number of donors have already signed up for the April 19, 2023 blood drive.
• Jackie thanks everyone for their help whether it was helping at the drive, donating blood, or making food for the drive. It was greatly appreciated by the donors and Red Cross!
• The next drive will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at the Congregational Church of Brookfield, 160 Whisconier Rd, Brookfield, CT.
• If you'd like to volunteer and learn more, please contact Jackie Kettunen at jkettunen604@gmail.com
• See the results of all of our recent Blood Drive events on our Club Projects page!

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CUDDLE BEARS!!!!

• Looking for a fun project?????
• Please contact Lion Candy Smith or Lion Christine Corsa to help with the CUDDLES project in support of an LCI initiative: Pediatric Cancer.
• Christine Corsa reported that a new batch Cuddles teddy bears are being purchased and will be assembled and packaged for delivery to the Pediatric Cancer Unit at Children's Hospital in Hartford.
• We need your HELP assembling and packaging the teddy bears!
  • Next Meeting:  (Future dates being determined)
  • Where: We'll let everyone know!
• Please contact:
  • ​Candy Smith - Anniekatesmom@gmail.com
  • Christine Corsa - mageesit@aol.com
• ​Many thanks to Cathy Nielsen and Amy Diezemann for all their contributions and their past leadership of this wonderful program.

Lions Karin & Bob Symington, Cathy Nielsen, Amy Diezemann, and Anne McVey with the Cuddle Bears!

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Annual Run for Sight - New Years Day 2023

Sunday, January 1, 2023

• WOW! What a way to start the New Year!
• The Brookfield Lions Club Annual Run for Sight event hosted over 150 runners this year.
• We had a beautiful sunny day with temperatures nearing 50 degrees to greet our runners and volunteers.
• Prizes were awarded in many categories and they included gift certificates, sweatshirts, and, of course, those famous New Year's Day pies!
• Many thanks to Amy Diezemann, Alan Peck, Mark Lyon, Jim Diezemann, and all our Lions volunteers who worked to make this a tremendous event for the runners and for our club.

CLICK HERE to see the 2023 Annual Run for Sight Race Flyer 

 

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JDRF One Walk Event - Saturday, October 22, 2022​

• Candy and Alan Smith from the Brookfield Lions lead and coordinate Diabetes Awareness programs for our club and also for all Lions in Connecticut Lions District 23a.
• Many Lions volunteered and particpated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk event that was held on Saturday, October 22 at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY.
• Lion Candy reported that over 500 people walked in the JDRF One Walk event which raised over $250,000.
• Here's a picture of Candy and Alan Smith at the JDRF One Walk Event:

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• Well done Lions Candy and Alan! Thank you!

Click Here to see more of our Diabetes Awareness program on our Club Projects page:

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Trunk or Treat - Saturday, October 22, 2022

• Lion Lisa Reiss organized our club's participation in this year's Trunk or Treat event held on Saturday, October 22.
• Lisa was joined at the event by Lions Linda McCaffrey, Karen Brown, and Greg Tarone. Thank you Linda, Karen, and Greg!
• Thank you Lion Lisa!
• Here are a couple of great photos from the event.

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• See more photos on our Club Projects page

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Best of Brookfield Event - Wednesday, October 12, 2022

• The Best of Brookfield was held on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 from 4:30-7:30 pm at the Candlewood Inn.
• The Brookfield Lions volunteer by directing traffic and parking for the event. In return for our service, the Brookfield Chamber of Commerce gives us a prime vendor table location. It's an excellent opportunity to recruit new members and let the community know what we do.
• Many thanks to Amy Diezemann and all the Lion volunteers for their good work and service to the community! 

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Veterans Stand Down - Friday September 23, 2022

• Lion Robin Montgomery led our Brookfield Lion Club effort to support the Veterans Stand Down which was held on Friday, September 23. 
• Robin thanks everyone who contributed to this year's event.
• Robin mentioned the event continues to improve each year. This event supports local Veterans who are most in need with medical screening, essential hygiene products and clothing, and more.
• Thank you Robin and a well done to the Brookfield Lions!

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ANNUAL BROOKFIELD LIONS GOLF TOURNAMENT

• At our September 8th dinner meeting, Mark Lyon reported the golf tournament was a great success with 96 golfers participating at Fairview Farms Golf Course in Harwinton, CT.
• Inclement weather did limit the event to nine holes, however, the Fairview Farms management gave all the golfers a free voucher for a cart and nine holes of golf. Mark said the golfers were quite happy with that offer.
• The event raised a significant amount of money for the club's charities; final numbers are currently being determined.
• Congratulations and many thanks to the Golf Committee members; Tom Sullivan, Dom Lombardo, Lisa Reiss, Jeff Tanz, Anthony Gracia, Mark Lyon, and Alan Peck.​

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2022 Brookfield High School Grad Party

• Each year, our club supports the efforts of the Brookfield High School Grad Party, which provides the graduates one last safe night together having fun.
• The Grad Party throws the graduates an all night party at the high school, which is transformed and decorated to portray the theme for that party.
• At the party, the seniors get to be together having fun in a safe environment. They get to play a variety of games, dance, eat and win prizes. 
• The Brookfield Lions Club donates both money and prizes for the seniors. Our prizes are usually things like dorm size refrigerators, microwaves, fans, printers and other small appliances. Then, at the early hour of 5 am, members go to the high school to assist in the cleanup.
• Many thanks to Lion Lori who did a great job with the prize budget and bought some great gifts. 
• Thanks are also due to the New Milford Home Depot for their support.

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Gifts for Brookfield High School Graduates - Thank you Lion Lori!

(Note: The Dog was not included; it was hired as security to guard the gifts) :-)

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15th Annual Brookfield Lions Strides to Cure Diabetes 5‐Miler 

► Sunday, June 5, 2022 at Cadigan Park, Candlewood Lake Road Brookfield, CT 06804

• The Brookfield Lions Club once again sponsored this event to promote diabetes awareness and research.
• We had a beautiful day and a great group of enthusiastic runners who participated in this flat, fast and scenic 5‐mile run, generously supporting this charitable fundraising event.
• Alan Peck reported there was a new women's record set for the event!
• As always, a BIG THANK YOU to all our volunteers.

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Memorial Day Parade

• Many thanks to Lions Lori Peck, Sue Slater, and Robin Montgomery for organizing the Brookfield Memorial Day Parade. And many thanks to all the Lions volunteers who contributed to make the event a big success!
• Lion Lori reports that we had a large turnout of marchers and viewers.
• Our club was well represented with our crew! Our float looked very patriotic.
• The parade would not have been as successful without all of you.
• The candy was a huge hit with both children and adults, so thank you for all of those that contributed!
• If anyone has any feedback on what we could do differently next year, please let Lions Sue, Robin and Lori know, so we are ready for next year's parade!

 

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Brookfield Lions hold their 1st LIONS DAY event!

• On Saturday, May 21, our club partnered with Brookfield Parks and Recreation to combine:
  • Our Shred Day/Non-perishable Food Drive event from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Food Truck Rally from 12:00 - 4:00 pm.
  • Live Music on the Bandstand in the afternoon from 12:00 - 4:00 pm.
• There was a steady flow of traffic during the day. This is an event we plan to hold in upcoming years and we hope it becomes a special day and event for the Brookfield and surrounding communities.​
• A BIG THANK YOU to all the Brookfield Lions!

• CLICK HERE to see more photos of LIONS DAY on our Club Projects page!

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Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) Fundraiser Saturday, May 21, 2022

• JDRF held their ONE NIGHT IN CASABLANCA fundraiser to benefit TYPE 1 DIABETES.
• The annual Promise Ball to raise funds for JDRF OF CT & Western MA was held on May 21 at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks.
• The theme was AN EVENING IN CASABLANCA and over 425 guests attended. There were 18 Lions from all over CT who volunteered at the Gala to work as Ballroom Ushers.
• The guests dined at food stations arranged under the wings of vintage aircraft.
• The silent and live auctions raised over $1 Million for Type 1 Diabetes Research.
• Candy, Alan Smith and Louise Johnson supported this event from our club.

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2022 Brookfield Lions Club Community Garden Clean-up!

• Lions Kathi Hlavac and Dori Cundari led a tremendous Community Garden Clean-up event on Saturday, April 30.
• The event was led off by a presentation by two Master Gardeners discussing best strategies and do and don'ts for the community gardeners.
• Lions Kathi, Dori, Robin Montgomery, Louise Johnson, Dan Melillo, Sue Slater, Jim Diezemann, Jeff Tanz, John Mackiewicz, and Jim Ondak joined together with a good number of Community Gardeners to do a great job getting the garden ready for the upcoming growing season.
• We did an incredible amount of weed paper placing, garden path mulching, tree trimming, bush pruning, raking, weed pulling, and brush hauling to get the garden's 106 plots in great shape.
• We were nourished with donuts, cookies, and an ample supply of water. The only thing missing was ibruprofen!  

​Please go to our Club Projects page and our Photo Gallery page to follow everything the Community Garden committee is doing and also see the 2022 Community Garden application, rules and regulations.