The Maspeth Lions Club have started their new year in Lionism this July and have gotten off to a quick start.  On July 28^th, 2011, the Lions welcomed 9/11 Candlelight Vigil Committee of Queens’ member Evelyn Maniscalco.  Evelyn visited the Lions at a previous meeting, with 9/11 Vigil President Linda Metzger, to request a donation toward their Memorial Garden at Juniper Park.  In response, the Maspeth Lions designated a portion of their proceeds generated by their Sausage & Peppers stand at the June Maspeth Street Festival to be donated to the Memorial Garden.  At their July meeting, the Lions made a $200 donation toward the cause.  The Memorial Garden will be built at the foot of the flagpole in Juniper Park, where the 9/11 Candlelight Vigil will be held this year for the 10^th anniversary.

Photo (from l. to r.): Peter Wolyniec, Ed Bivona, Joe Licari, Marilyn McAndrews, Joseph B. Papavero, Evelyn Maniscalco, Joe Grippo, Joe Abramaitis, Robert Marchese, Rev. Vytas Volertas & Rich Kichinski

            The Maspeth Lions Club, along with their new year in Lionism, have also welcomed new officers to the club’s positions.  The club welcomes Joseph B. Papavero, of the Papavero Funeral Home, as their new club president.  Joe is looking forward to the next couple of years to be filled with successful fundraisers to give the club more opportunities to make significant donations to local causes and charities.  The club also welcomes Michael Aylward as treasurer, Eddie Kruck as Lion Tamer, Nicholas Bamonte as Tail-Twister, Rich Kichinski as First Vice President, Joseph A. Papavero as 2^nd Vice President, Khaled Musa as 3^rd Vice President and Ed Bivona as Club Secretary.  The Lions also acknowledges the effort and accomplishments of their Immediate Past President Michael Locascio.

            The Lions are looking forward to the next couple of months’ events, which include the Maspeth Street Fair, the Halloween Ragamuffin Parade and their Fall Bus Trip.  The Maspeth Street Fair will be held on Sunday, September 25^th on Grand Avenue and the Halloween Ragamuffin Parade on Monday, October 31^st. 

On November 13, 2011 the Maspeth Lions Club will be holding their Fall Bus Trip to Renault Vineyard and the Trump Taj Mahal Casino in Atlantic City.  Those interested in attending should contact Lion Joseph Papavero at (718)651-3535 or Lion Robert Marchese at (718)899-5433.  Trip tickets are $75 a person, which includes Roundtrip Transportation, Unlimited Wine Tasting, Lunch at the Winery, Casino and Vouchers and much more.  The proceeds of the trip are donated to the Guide Dog Foundation and the Lions’ Eye Bank of NY.  This trip will sell out fast, so those interested are advised to purchase their tickets as soon as possible.

            Those interested in helping in these events and projects may stop into one of the groups’ meetings throughout the year for more information about membership.  The Maspeth Lions meet at Connolly’s Corner on the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM.  However, for the month of August the club will have one meeting on August 11^th at the same place and time.

            For more information, please call Lions Public Relations Joseph A. Papavero at (917)559-0707.