Yorktown Lions Hold Installation Dinner

Yorktown Lions Hold Installation Dinner

The Yorktown Lions held their annual “Installation Dinner” on June 18, 2021. William Gregory, master of ceremonies and former Lion president and Melvin Jones recipient, presided over the presentation of community awards, the recognition of outstanding Lions, and the installation of new members, officers and the Board of Directors.

President Poulin presented The Presidential Community Spirit Award to Yorktown’s Town Supervisor Matt Slater. Slater was recognized for his tremendous communication skills during the height of the pandemic. His daily updates, and concern for Yorktown residents were very evident during the height of the pandemic. As Lion President James Poulin noted, “The way he (Matthew Slater) lead us through the pandemic should be used as a model for town supervisors everywhere.”

Next, the “2021 Robert L. Cecere Award” was presented to James and Patricia Rathschmidt for their work with “United for the Troops.” President Poulin then presented them with a Lions’ check for $1,000 to help them continue their support of American soldiers overseas. James and Patricia Rathschmidt have mailed 25,000 packages to our soldiers.

Kelly Slater and Tricy Cushner, the membership chairs, swore in new Lion members Jenna Belcastro and Stacy Warren. Tom McLoughin, Maria Marks, and Kristina Iennaco received certificates of appreciation for their work. Plus, the 2020 Melvin Jones Fellow was presented to Phyllis Bradbury while James Poulin received the 2021 Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. President Poulin then announced that Jeanmarie Klaus and Tricy Cushner were the recipients of the “Lion of the Year Award,” for 2020 and 2021, respectively.

The installation of the 2020-2021 Yorktown Lions’ officers and board of directors culminated the evening: James Poulin, president; Ed Lachterman, past president; Tricy Cushner, first vice president; Denise Poulin, second vice president; Maria Marks and Jeanmarie Klaus, co-treasurers; Denise Gabriele-Poulin, secretary; Carol Lachterman, tail twister; William Marks, lion tamer; and Stacy Warren and Maria Marks, membership chairs. Also, announced were the directors: Carol Roberts, Rose McTygue, Tom McLoughlin, Phyllis Bradbury, and Bob Garofalo.

The Yorktown Lions is a partner of Lions International, the largest service organization in the world. There are 1.35 million members represented in 207 countries with over 46,000 clubs. The Yorktown Lions’ chapter follow its “We Serve” motto by donating 100% of what it raises back to the community and to charities.

An example of the Lions serving others is the summer concert series, which raises funds for an array of local charities and organizations. The concert series, held at the Jack DeVito Veterans Memorial Park on Veterans’ Rd in Yorktown, kicks off with “Simply Diamond”: A Neil Diamond Tribute on Sunday, June 27. The five remaining concerts are as follows: 7/11, Group du Jour, 7/18, Frontiers (A Journey Tribute Band), 8/8, The Elton John Experience; 8/15, 45 RPM; and on 8/29, Class Action (Yorktown’s own rock tribute band).

All concerts begin at 6:00 PM. Bring your own chairs, food, and some lights refreshments. Food will be sold, and raffle tickets will be available for purchase.