Smilestones
John Molnar, Chuck McDonnell, Robin Mackintosh, Marianne Snyder and Dr. Loretta Finnegan with the newly dedicated bench at Surfside Park.
LIONS DEDICATE BENCHES AT SURFSIDE PARK
The Avalon Lions Club honored the 100th anniversary of Lions International by dedicating a set of benches at the newly opened Surfside Park in Avalon. Said Lions Club President Sue White: “Our members are thrilled to be a part of the new Surfside Park and are proud the Borough is recognizing our charitable work at the [Helen L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children] and throughout Cape May County in such a high-profile and family-friendly way.” Lions members John Molnar, Robin Mackintosh, Marianne Snyder and Dr. Loretta Finnegan were joined by Avalon Recreation Director Chuck McDonnell to dedicate the benches at the park. Each bench includes a plaque honoring the centennial of the worldwide charity that was established in 1917 and the mission shared by the Avalon chapter: “We Serve.”
REEDS & SEEDS CROWNS NEW KING & QUEEN
The Reeds at Shelter Haven hosted its eighth annual Reeds & Seeds Watermelon Festival on Tuesday, Aug. 13. The festival included family-friendly events such as games, prize giveaways, watermelon-inspired crafts, and cupcake decorating from 10am to 1pm, all while the Water Star Grille served up watermelon treats and juices. Highlights from the day included the Watermelon Eating Contest in which guests of all ages were invited to join in on a series of heats, with prizes awarded to the winner of each heat, and the Reeds & Seeds King and Queen Contest. Children 12 and under were invited to enter their most creative response to the question, “Why would I like to be The Reeds King or Queen?” Maxson Kouvarous was crowned this year’s King, and Payton New was chosen as the Queen.
YCSH volunteers at blood drive (standing from left): Dr. Timothy Clay, Michelle Altenpohl, Cathy Snyder and General Manager Peter Miner with Red Cross’ Patrick Dougherty.
BUSY TIME FOR YCSH OUTREACH
The Yacht Club of Stone Harbor’s Community Outreach partnered with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Aug. 1 that resulted in 36 pints of blood being donated. Chaired by YCSH member Cathy Snyder, the club provided the facility, member volunteers and snacks to all who gave blood and gave of their time. Currently, the Red Cross is in critical need of blood, its supply reportedly at an all-time low. The YCSH Community Outreach will continue its initiatives this fall with two more events: Empty the Pantry and the annual Thanksgiving Drive. When residents and visitors are emptying their pantries at the end of the season, they are encouraged to donate nonexpired, nonperishable food items as well as pet supplies to assist the YCSH in donating to local organizations. Items can be dropped off at the club for donating. Also, in the days leading up to Thanksgiving, YCSH hosts its annual Thanksgiving Drive to help feed families in need within Cape May County. Through monetary, gift card and food donations, the YCSH was able to feed more than 75 families in need last year, and hopes to surpass that number this year with your help.
Lisa Booth, Mike Sowers and Joe Ostrowski of Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children accept donation from Lions members. Group from left, Bryan White, Booth, Fred Fynan, Sowers, Sue White, John Devlin, Ostrowski, Eileen Donovan, Linda Brennan and Nina Ansel.
LIONS DONATE $30,000 TO DILLER VACATION HOME FOR BLIND CHILDREN
The Avalon Lions Club presented a check for $30,000 to the Helen. L. Diller Vacation Home for Blind Children during the club’s end-of-summer barbecue on Aug. 15. The donation represented the proceeds raised by the Lions Club’s annual Charity Golf Classic at the Avalon Golf Club in June, which attracted more than 120 participants. Club President Sue White presented the check to Diller board members Joe Ostrowski, Mike Sowers and Lisa Booth. The Avalon Lions Club provides financial and volunteer support to various charities in Cape May County.
