The Greater Herkimer Lions Club, whose members come from several valley towns and cities (the Woolners), met last Thursday at the Waterfront Grille in Herkimer. President Rudy Scialdo II welcomed District Governor Ricky Laurin and his wife and presided over a meeting that resulted in donations being made to: Doctors Without Borders (New Hartford teen Andrew Snyder’s project in response to the earthquakes in Turkey and Syria); Little Falls Brownie Troop (Girl Scout cookies purchased will be donated to the local pantry); Memorial Day Flag Project (Vietnam veteran Ron Schoonmaker’s annual project); NYState Lions Conversation Society; Lions Just Aren’t Kings of the Jungle Coloring Book (District Project); Herkimer Pop Warner. Scialdo also reminded members of two upcoming events-AMBA-Wellness on June 10th and our 37th Annual Golf Tournament at Pine Hills on 9/15/23.
Lion RJ Lenarcic, Herkimer County Hunger Coalition founder, reported on the following Coalition activities: Along with the Lions Club, once again, in recognition of Black History Month, donated the following books to area elementary and high schools-What Is Given from the Heart by Pat McKissack and I Am Alfonso by Tony Medina. 2) Reminded members that a veteran’s name can still be etched on a memorial wall at Veterans Memorial Park (HCCC campus) by contacting Rich Louis at 315-867-1127. 3)Lenny the Leprechaun’s annual food drive will be held March 13-17 at Benton Hall Academy in Little Falls (grades 2-5-each grade assigned a specific food (e.g., pork and beans) to bring in). 4) Coalition St. Patrick’s Day stories for 3rd and 4th graders at Benton Hall, along with the Raymee the Leprechaun coloring contest for both grades.
The District Governor was reminded of the Coalition’s Falling Stars Memorial (Lions were a sponsor), remembering the men and women from this state who died in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was asked to spread the word about the display throughout his district.
Finally, the club and Coalition discussed possibly hosting a Gold Star Families Recognition concert/picnic on Memorial Day.
Anyone interested in becoming a Greater Herkimer Lions Club member can contact President ScialdoII at 315-866-2011.