1702 Plainfield Road • Darien, Illinois 60561
www.darienlions.org

December 2010
Christmas Food Basket Delivery
Large scale humanitarian efforts are not possible without the time, effort, and funding of many, many caring people.  From those who gave donations of food and funding, to those who collected, packaged and distributed the generosity of a community.  The efforts to reach out to families who were less fortunate this year and help brighten their holiday season.. it is the human spirit hard at work.  215 families of Darien, Downers Grove, Westmont, Willowbrook and Woodridge received an outpouring of love in the form of foods and produce, while many more received the gift of joy in giving. 

Special Thanks To The Following:

• This event is carried out in cooperation with the Darien Park District who, in addition to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, donated many of the toys.  Chris Katsougris of the community center on Fairview, and her dedicated staff obtain names of families from school social workers, verify acceptance and wrapping of toys, help set up, take down and maintain the gym as a staging area.

• Henry and Lion Dan Kaminski for their donation of 200 hams and turkeys as well as giving of many hours of time, truck and van use and the loading and unloading of purchased foods.

• Home Depot Manager – Brian DePoister for the loan of 20 shopping carts and free use of the load-n-go truck.

• Lions Kardatzke, R. Kiefer, McDonnell, Andreas and Rainaldi for pickups of donated foods from schools and drop off points.

• Westmont Lions Club and our own Darien Lions for use of their personal vehicles and in helping to make the deliveries.

The Darien Lions Club wish you all a very merry Christmas!

October 2010
Halloween Party
This year's annual Halloween Party was visited by an estimated +1100 local residents in a city wide effort to provide a safe and enjoyable place for local youth to spend Halloween evening off the dimly lit streets.  Games, fun times, and free ice skating was provided in cooperation from the Darien Park District and Sports Plex.  So many interesting, scary, and cute costumes were found to be roaming all over the facility too.  Boo!

Candy Day
On Friday Oct. 8th, we hit the streets of Darien to kick off the start another successful Candy Day fund raiser.  Contributions will continue to be accepted until Dec. 1st, but early figures show that the community and local businesses put their hearts into this years donations.  Due to the combined efforts of so many, we will be able to send a large number of children for Low Vision screenings and to Camp Lions.

September 2010
Lion Gene Kolling & Honor Flight Chicago
On Tuesday September 14th, Lion Gene Kolling, a U.S. Marine Veteran, toured the memorials of Washington D.C. with Honor Flight Chicago.  Upon arrival at the D.C. airport, the Honor Flight Veterans are greeted by a welcoming crowd and are provided with a water cannon salute.  They visited the WWII Memorial, and the other Memorials.  It's a time of remembrance and reflection.

Unknown to Lion Gene and the other Honor Flight Veterans, awaiting their arrival back home was a welcoming crowd fit for the best of the best.  At the gate they are met by the Color Guards from all branches of the Military, Patriot Riders and bagpipers.  The journey was completed as they were greeted by thousands of friends and family.  Needless to say, Lion Gene was overwhelmed by the outpouring of gratitude and love.

Darien Fest
The Darien Chamber of Commerce hosted 'Darien Fest' a wonderful event filled with fun, festivity, good food, carnival atmosphere, and live music throughout the weekend.  The 'Fest' opened on Friday the 10th as the Eisenhower School Band led the way with their rhythmic beat and parade style showmanship.  A welcoming address from Mayor Kathleen Weaver, members of the Chamber of Commerce, and our United States Veterans opened the way for a brilliant time of gathering, fun, and relaxation.

Steak Fry Dinner Marks Back To Work
On Thursday the 9th, members of the Darien Lions Club met for their first business meeting of the fiscal year.  The night is one of relaxation and a time to catch up with one another as we enjoy our annual steak dinner.  This night marks the start of the planning for some serious business ahead as there is much to do as we endeavor to aid those with hearing and sight impairments.  It's also a time to welcome new prospective members to the club in which we welcomed seven new members this year.  Many heartfelt thanks to those Lions who gave of their time, made donations of food, and put forth the efforts to purchase food, setup, and cook a delicious meal for the entire club.

July 2010
Independence Day Parade
Nice weather, large attendance, and a variety of many floats and participants were contributing factors for yet another successful Independence Day Parade.  The parade was dedicated to the men and women of our Police and Fire departments here and throughout the land.  These dedicated servants are continually serving the residents of our neighborhoods during the day time, and throughout the night while we sleep.  This years Parade chairman - Lion Kooch - worked his magic to create one of Darien's largest parades ever.

March 2010
George Lazansky Recipient - Lion Ray Krusinski
Congratulations of the highest order go to Lion Ray Krusinski, recipient of the 2010 George Lazansky Distinguished Award in District 1-J. This award is given to Lions who have not only excelled in their contribution to their Club and community, but have served and demonstrated Lionism at the District and State levels.  

Lion Ray's achievements are quite numerous, and he has been an inspiration to the members of the club.  He sent this quote from Helen Keller just a few days before being notified of the award: “Many people have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” We congratulate Lion Ray and thank him for his contributions to the Darien Lions Club, District 1-J, and the Lions of Illinois.