The Lions Roar...serious and fun information form the Westerly Lions Club

Almost 50 Lions and their guests attended the meeting last night at the Winnapaug Country Club on Shore Raod in Westerly.

Gary Delisio let the members know about the upcoming Westerly Band Breakfast on Novemebr 2, Jeff Soresen spoke about the special program with Dr. Tim Warren on the 7 steps to climb Mt Everest on October 22 at the Westerly Yacht Club, Dick Whitman and Joe Iacoi asked for additioanal help for the Westerly Cloumbus Day Parade and also praised Gil Scott for completely repainting the Lions float. Ken Sorensen is ready for teh Lions to construct the greenhouse at the Olean Center today, and planning has begun for our 2nd biggest fundraiser each year, White Cane Day. Ken Perrone and Jennifer Campo are charing this year.

Ken Perrone inducted new member Norman Jacques, who was sponsored by Carl Blume. Welcome Norman.

Govenor Domingo Branco updated the members on what is happening worldwide with the Lions, including our International Theme for the year, "Miracles through Service".

Geroge Averson spoke to us about the efforts to build Lionism here in Rhode Island.

Photos from the May 14, 2008 Golf Tournamnet are now available at www.westerlylions.org/golf2008

A great time, with unbeatable weather, good food and lots of laugh helped the Golf Committee produce once again a successful tournament.

Charles Kinney, President/CEO of Westerly Hospital spoke to the Westerly Lions Club on April 23, 2008. As the largest employer in Westerly, the hospital is critical to the well being of the residents and visitors of our wonderful community.

Westerly Hospital ranks in the top 5% of hospitals for overall patient satisfaction and top 2% for their emergency room, is fully accredited by the American College of Radiology, has the latest in computer assisted MRI and is the 1st hospital in the state of Rhode Island to sign onto the new Ventilator Protocols for patient safety.

The hospital has recently hired a Hospitalist Group, and feels there is a need to add 25 physicans to service the community.

Mr Kinney also spoke about the vast differences between what the highest and lowest paid hospitals in Rhode Island recieve in state reimbursement. Westerly Hospital is the 2nd lowest cost hospital in  the state, yet is penalized because reimbursements rates are tied to expenses.

Over the last 4 years, state aid to community hospitals has been cut $10.3 million dollars in 2005, $19.1 million in 2006 and $36 million in  2007. He urged everyone to call their state representatives to stop the insane issue of taxing hospitals more and to help the hospitals with co-pay and deductible legislation.

For more information, contact Nick Stahl at 401-596-6000

A note from President Sean Donohue:

I just wanted to send out a thank you to all the lions who participated. It was truly a great event for a great cause. Having spoke with both Sylvia and Grace, I know that they were truly touched by the outpouring of support and love. The lions came up big! I would love to name off all the names but there would be too many. I can honestly say that, since I have been a member, I have never seen more involvement by so many members. Old and young, new members and long standing lions, men and women. What a great day. I am proud to be a Lion! Many thanks to everyone. I just want to personal thank Ed Nardone and Frankie Algiere for making the event happen. The kitchen staff was great-the clean up committee was great-the servers were great-the front door was organized and efficient, especially Jeniffer Campo assigning seats and taking the waiting list-

Here is the preliminary number-

Total $10 855.00

Here is the link to the article from the Providence Journal on MArch 21, 2008

http://www.projo.com/news/content/BOGUSZ_FOLO_03-21-08_QG9E6VQ_v12.372fed5.html

There is information at the end of the article on where to buy tickets for the Spaghetti Supper or how to just send a donation.

I have created a link button to a version of God Bless America, performed by Wintley Phipps at Buffini & Company's Mastermind event in San DZiego last year. I was there, and it was amazing to see 5000+ professional with tears of joy and pride. He also sang Amazing Grace. His version is on you tube many times.

The button is in the side bar column of www.westerlylions.org or can be reached by this link www.westerlylions.org/godblessamerica

Enjoy, and GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Dan Marantz

There is an article in todays Providence Journal about the drunk driver who hit Sylvia Bogusz. The Westerly Lions and NewportFed have teamed uo together to host a Spagetti Supper on April 10th at the Calabrese Club to help defray Sylvia and her families medical expenses. Each member of the Lions Club has 10 tickets to sell, so if you are interested in attending, please contact one of them.

Sean Donohue, President of the Lions has also psted his March message to the Lions club website, so check that out too.

Hope to see all of you at the next Lions Club meeting on March 26th at the Winnapaug Country Club, home of the Lions Club Golf Outing. (more on that in the future, so check back soon)