Sault Ste Marie Lions Club Celebrates Past District Governor for 70 Years of Service
The Lions Club of Sault Ste. Marie had some special guests at its Dinner Meeting on April 12th. International Director Allen Snider travelled from Niagara-on-the-Lake to present a special award from Brian E. Sheehan, Lions Club International President, and a chevron recognizing 70 years of long-term service to Past District Governor Lion Peter Bissonnette. Peter’s sons, Bill and Donald also Past District Governors, and his daughter-in-law Dianne also attended the surprise celebration.
The Chevron Program recognizes Lions for their long-term service beginning at 10 years and continuing in five year increments until 75 years of service. Other Lions that received their chevrons that evening included: Cheryl Pavoni and Zak Good – 10 years, Rick Boucher -15 years and Ron Anderson – 50 years!
Peter became a Lion in Arthur, Ontario in 1953 following in his father’s footsteps. Over the years he was in the Lucknow, Teeswater, Ripley, Fort Erie and then St. Davids and District Lions Club where his wife Grace joined the Lioness Club. Lion Peter moved to the Sault and transferred to the Lions Club of Sault Ste. Marie in 2021.
He has been the recipient of many awards over the years including the Melvin Jones Fellowship, Brian Stevenson Fellowship, Helen Keller Award, Quest Fellowship and an International President’s Medal. He received the title of International Councillor as 100% District Governor in 1964-65, the last year this title was awarded.
Lion Peter was very proud of his awards but his greatest pride was to see his two sons become District Governors and they attended several international conventions together. Counting all the years the three generations have had in Lionism, Peter’s father Neill, Peter, his two sons, and Peter’s wife, it adds up to over 240 years!
“Thank you again to Past District Governor Lion Peter for dedicating 70 years to Lionism, for helping those less fortunate and for making a difference in the lives of all the communities he has served. “
New Liskeard Lions Club Present 2023 LCI Centennial Membership Award
Sir Eric Campsall was awarded the 2023 LCI Centennial Membership recognition award. Lion Eric is the longest standing member in the New Liskeard Lions Club to receive the Centennial award. This is to recognize his service rendered to the club for the last 75 years. Lion Eric joined the New Liskeard Lions Club in 1947.
New Liskeard Lions Donation to Temiskaming Hospital Foundation
Schumacher Lions Rally in support of Seizure and Brain Injury Centre
The Schumacher Lions Club hosted the Lions Zone Rally on Saturday, March 11, where the Club donated $1,000 to the Seizure and Brain Injury Centre, the charity chosen by Lions District Governor Bob Beaven. Members of Lions Clubs from around Northeastern Ontario came to the Schumacher Lions’ Den for the rally, including Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Valley East, Kirkland Lake, Minnow Lake and Charlton-Englehart. Presenting the cheque are, from left, Schumacher Lions Zone Chair Pete Martel, Beaven and Schumacher Lions President Dan Ansara.
Sault Ste Marie Lions Help Sault Area Hospital Foundation Purchase a Slit Lamp
Kirkland Lake Lions Branch Club Accept Positive Community Impact Award
Kirkland Lake Lions Branch
Minnow Lake Lions – Harvest Time
Kirkland Lake Lions Club Arts & Cultural Fair Event
Kirkland Lake Lions joined forces with the KL Community Arts Committee, KL Museum of Northern History and KL Multicultural Group, to host our first year Arts & Cultural Fair, which was a huge success.
Thankful to local sponsors for their support which allowed free gate entry for the community to enjoy the main show, The Resilience Tour. Featuring local and international musicians, dancers and artists.
We were joined by our local classic car club, Road Legend Cruisers, as well as many local musicians that blessed us by performing half hour shows for the afternoon. Free inflatables were available, after the main show, for the families to enjoy while listening to the stage shows. Amazing day.
One special attraction was the Dunk Tank, our Lion Jim Malherbe was eager to sit on the hot seat and was a great sport for volunteering to be dunked.
In the group pic, from left to right Lions: Jeanette Foy, Jeanne Cloutier, Jen DeLenardo, Stella Malherbe, Jim Malherbe, Shanea Smith and Julia Spadetto-Forward. Manning our Sweet Treats tent where we featured Lions Tails (our version of a beaver tail but WAY BETTER, lol), cotton candy and homemade butter tarts! Of course, the sweets are always a huge hit! Also the perfect opportunity to market our Cotton Candy cart that we have available to rent in our community.