Darien Lions Club
Lion of the Year
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Congratulations to Lion John Galan, our 2008-09 Lion of the Year, pictured here with his better half Helen.

"I joined the Darien Lions in 1995 after my son Robert and my daughter Toni had left home for the Marines and college, respectively. I had the pleasure of being friends with many Lions before joining so I was familiar with the requirements and the mission of the Club. I am proud to have served both on the Board as a member and as President. I was very fortunate to be able to conceive the idea of the Brick Patio and see it to completion in the Darien Community Park.  I have chaired several committees and am extremely proud of the results achieved.  Being able to retire at age 55 allowed me the freedom to participate in our Club's activities at a high level."

 "I’m extremely fortunate to have married a woman that allowed me to reach the level of success I have achieved in my life.  My wife Helen gave me two great children. I am proud of son Robert, a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marines, and my daughter Toni who gave me two beautiful grandchildren, little Robert and Jack."

"I am humbled to have been selected as Lion of the Year. However, none of my successes could have been achieved without my wife Helen. I owe every thing I am to her."

 The Darien Lions Club is proud to announce the 2007-08 Lion of the Year Ron Chmiel.

The Darien Lions Club's Lion of the Year for 2006-07 is Lion Jim Goetzinger,
shown here with his wife Mary.

Our 2005-06 Lion of the Year is Lion Dennis Kuczynski, pictured here with his wife Marilyn.  

A long-time resident of Darien , Lion Kooch and his wife Marilyn moved to Plainfield 4 years ago.  Lion Kooch was a member of our Board of Directors for five years and served as Club President in 2001-2002.  

He has worked on and has been chairman of numerous Lions Club activities.  He is one of the founders and active developers of our Club’s website,  and is looking forward to being chairman of this year’s Candy Day.   

Lion Kooch is an avid outdoorsman, and enjoys golf, fishing, deer hunting as well as bowling.  His favorite pastime however, is spending time with and enjoying his 4 grandchildren.  

This year's Lion of the Year (2004-2005) is Lion Jim Kiser. 

Our 2003-04 Lion of the Year is Lion Ray Krusinski, who joined our Club in 1988.  He has served as chairman and member of numerous committees, was on our Board of Directors for five years, including President (2002-03).  Lion Ray was instrumental in the development of the Darien Lions Club Foundation.  He also recently developed a new program, the Night Walk, which will be rolled out next fall by the District 1-J Board.

Ray and his wife Jeanne are long-time Darien residents.  They are the proud grandparents of a baby girl.

Last year's (2002-03) Lion of the Year goes to Lion Gary Lussenhop.  This award speaks for itself.  It is granted to a Lion who has served with service, distinction, and dedication for more than five years.  Gary truly deserves this honor for the 2002-2003 program year and we all congratulate him for this most prestigious award. Gary has been a member of our Club since 1985.  He is an avid fisherman and a wannabee golfer.  He and his lovely wife Pauline are long-time residents of Darien.

Our 2001-02 Lion of the Year was Lion Don Cozzolino.  Don joined our Club in 1987 and has served on our Board of Directors and numerous committees.  He will be our President for the 2003-04 Club Year.  Don and his wife Peggy and their family live in Darien.

Past Lions of the Year who are still active members of our Club include Tom Pankow, Ira Bresof, Kris Sant, Bill Cernugel, Gene Kolling, Harold Oban, Rick Biehl, Joe Carr, Bill Bucholz, Erv Sirovy, Phil Schuessler, Dan Kaminski, Bill Stumpe, Jim Sims, Al Borowiak, Joe Marchese, Art Donner, Gerry Kucera, Tony Zeman, and Greg Ruffolo.

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