Scholarship recipients came to a Lions Club meeting

The Millerton Lions Club members gathered on Wednesday, July 27, at Post 178 in Millerton — our meeting spot. We had a good turnout and enjoyed good food and good times with both old friends and new.

Joining us for the evening were Justin Katan and his mother, Cheryl, as well as Jeremy Herz and his father, Matthew. These young men are two of our three scholarship recipients from the 2011 graduating class of Webutuck High School.

Jessica McGarry, recipient of the Leon Silvernale grant for academic performance,  was not able to attend, but sent a letter stating her gratitude for our part in making her educational future that much more positive. She will be studying in the field of nursing. You are welcome, Jessica, and good luck to you.

Before hearing from Justin and Jeremy, our scholarship chairman, Ed Downey, explained what is involved in the entire scholarship process; and it is impressive.

Not only are letters sent to all graduating students of our district, whether they attend our local schools or elsewhere, but there is a waiting period to see how many of the potential applicants will accept our invitation. The committee then reviews the information that has  been gathered by our chairman and eventually meets with all applicants in a face-to-face interview.

This part, Ed explained, is his favorite, with the most difficult being that of selecting only three winners. Thank goodness for committee members and teamwork. Go team!

Justin took the floor first (holding himself on crutches) and explained his plans to pursue an education in history. He is the recipient of the Eugene Brooks Scholarship grant, given to a student with a particular interest in service to the school and the community. He has been actively involved in the Boy Scouts and is currently working toward the rank of Eagle Scout. Stop by and see his project — the message board at the Eddie Collins Field on Route 22.

Good luck with that, Justin, and may you enjoy college as much  as you enjoyed your years at Webutuck — maybe even more.

Jeremy spoke next, stating he still didn’t feel he deserved our gift. He spoke of his love of paleontology — especially as an artist.Having made wonderful progress at Webutuck, he is the recipient of the Lions Club scholarship grant for the most consistent improvement from the ninth grade right through to his senior year.

He hopes to one day be a paleontologist and will be continuing his studies with that  goal in mind. In the meantime, Jeremy made the very generous offer of a piece  of personal artwork from his collection to be auctioned  off at our silent auction on Saturday, Sept. 24,  at the American Legion Post 178 on Route 44 in Millerton.

Thank you for the fine gift; you are welcome for ours, and remember — you are worthy.

Also joining us for the evening were past district governor and friend of many, Melanie Wargo, and current District Governor Peter Lyons.

Peter gave us a brief history of his life as a Lion and ended by telling of his goals to work closely with membership teams to guard against declining membership numbers. He also spoke about how he plans to do his part to help the international president with his environmental dream of planting 1 million trees by asking 30 clubs to plant one tree each to help with the effort.

Well, we have done our part already, with the beautiful tree we have planted at Eddie Collins Field to honor past member William Shaughnasey. Only 29 more to go.

Both Peter and I told short stories of “Lionism” and how one person can make a difference; yet no single person is responsible for our success as a club — we all are. It’s great to lend a helping hand to a club member, even if it’s not in our title description, or if our only title is that of “member.” I personally try to do that whenever I can. It’s not about the recognition, it’s about recognizing that it needs to be done.

My favorite story of the evening was relayed by past District Governor Melanie Wargo. She told us of the 20 member Japanese-American Club in New York City, which raised more than $270,000 in three month’s time to help with the relief efforts of the 400-plus miles of coastline devastated in Japan.

Within 24 hours of hearing the news, these members had managed to acquire all necessary permits to establish donation collection sites around the city. By then, a plan was born. Now, talk about determination. Where’s the rubber tree plant? It shows what we can do when we put or minds to it, now doesn’t it? What a great example to us all.

The evening ended with past and current district governors together inducting our officers and our newest members; the latter group being all ladies, incidentally. Come on gentlemen, what are you waiting for? We might “ roar,” but we don’t bite.

 Till next time.

Melanee Mayville lives, works and writes in Millerton. She has been a member of the Lions Club since 2008.

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