by Bea Peterson
At the Lions Club meeting on Thursday, June 4, 13 members received recognition for their years of service. Lions are awarded pins and/or chevrons beginning at 10 years of service, and thereafter every five years. Many of these Lions had not received recognition for their service until this event. Some actually have more years of service than their awards reflect.
[private] Don Bogardus, a charter member, for instance, currently has more than 54 years of service. In total the named Lions have donated more than 370 years of service to the community.
They are: Lion Bill Gaillard-45 years of service, Lion Bill Tudor-40 years, King Lion (President) Don Pierce, Lions Dave Harrison and Doug Harrison-30 years, Lions Bill Hazen and Rich Allen-25 years, Lions Roger White, Chris Rayner and Rick Ferrannini-20 years, Lion and Club Secretary Peter Church-15 years, Lion Russ Gaillard and Incoming King Lion (President) Everett Quackenbush-10 years.
Lion 20Y2 District Governor Marianne Lynch presented the awards. Bill Gaillard was called away from the meeting before receiving his recognition and Rick Ferrannini received his earlier in the year.
The Eyes Have It
President Don Pierce was very pleased to welcome his eye doctor, Dr. Amjad Hammad (Dr. Jay), founding member and Medical Director of Saratoga Ophthalmology as the speaker for the evening. Pierce credits Dr. Jay with saving his eyesight five years ago. The Lions Club is well known for its services to eye care. Dr. Jay gave a presentation on Macular Degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 50. To date 15 million people are affected by dry and wet Macular Degeneration. About 150,000 people in New York State have the disease and Dr. Jay expects that to increase to 310,000 by 2030. Early detection can make a big difference in the results of the disease, he said. He advised that people over 50 have their eyes examined once a year. Diet and overall good health care are important factors in maintaining good eye sight. His presentation was detailed and informative and of benefit to everyone in attendance.
[/private]