The “Opening Eyes” Program - page 3

Since 2001, during the first weekend of June, the “Opening Eyes Program” has been held at Southern Connecticut University at the Connecticut State Games of the Special Olympics. Each year approximately 231 athletes have their vision tested. Most athletes walked away with a new set of glasses, which are made at the location. The Lions who attend the event consider involvement in this project as one of their most rewarding experiences as a Lion.

The Ophthalmology Mission to El Seybo - page 6

John Gagain Sr. and his wife decide to visit the Bella Vista Lions Club in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in 2003. The Lions thanked him and his wife for thinking of their small club during their visit to the island. His son, John Gagain Jr. began coordinating the efforts of District 23-A with the clubs of the Dominican Republic. This resulted in the development of the first Joint Eye Screening and Ophthalmology Mission co-organized by the Lions of both countries in conjunction with the President's and First Lady's Offices, Duke University, Lumenis Laser, American Airlines, Allergan, the Ministries of Tourism and Public Health, and Elias Santana Hospital.

Connecticut Lions Offer Assistance to Katrina Victims - page 9

It was perhaps one of the most devastating hurricanes to hit Louisiana and surrounding states. Both rich and poor were impacted by nature's fury, but those without resources, the poorest of the poor, were most severely affected. District Governor David Burgess led District 23-C in their efforts to bring relief to the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. He personally delivered cash and materials collected by the Lions of the District to the Lake Charles Louisiana Lions Club, and they in turn distributed in excess of 20,000 pounds of needed supplies and $10,000 in cash to the victims. District 23-A responded as well. The Yalesville/Wallingford Lions Club collected goods for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The communities of Yalesville and Wallingford donated food, blankets, water, baby toiletries and clothing valued at over $25,000. An area trucking company donated its services delivering the collected goods to the Hartford Armory, and from this central point members of the Army Reserve delivered the goods to New Orleans. Karen Boutin of the East Windsor Lions Club was able to unite the clubs of District 23-B to collect tons of supplies, and these in turn were loaded on to four 53-foot trailers and delivered to the affected areas. The Lions of Connecticut have collectively combined their efforts to serve those in need. The Lions of MD-23 can proudly say that “We serve best when we serve together.”