Aurora Lions Club has a new president when members promoted a leader from within the club, Jay Short, June 17. Short formerly served as first vice president, service co-chair and newsletter editor. Donna Kearney, Lions District 1-J Zone chair, administered the oath of office during a gathering at Aurora Athletic Club in north Aurora.
Short will succeed Randy Brown as president office July 1. Members elected a slate of board members April 16. In addition to Short, officers are Steve Lord, first vice president; Bobby Menendez, secretary; Paul Buddy, treasurer; and Randy Brown, membership chair. Directors are Tom Voigt, Tom Muth, Michele Needham, Dick Schindel, and Archie Vargas.
Short said, “Thank you for allowing me to be your president of this wonderful club. During my term, new membership recruitment and retention will be priorities. Additionally, I want to continue the children’s vision program and enhance or streamline our recycling program.”
Kearney opened a program with a surprise presentation to Lion Al Benson. Benson, The Voice photojournalist, who serves as club publicist. Kearney presented Benson with a letter from A.P. Singh, Lions International president.
He wrote in part, “Congratulations on completing 20 years as a Lion! To commemorate and recognize your years of service, I am presenting you with the enclosed Milestone Chevron Award. You have taken the lead on service and are guiding the way toward a brighter future. From the smallest project to the largest undertaking, your many years of service have made an incredible difference in your community.
“Lions International recognizes the anniversaries of members like you because they are a reminder of the important milestones in our lives.”
Guest speakers on the Lions-supported Leader Dog for the Blind program were Aurorans John and Vicky Rosas with son and daughter Gabriel and Annika and former Lions District 1-J Governor Jeff Cholewa, all Leader Dog puppy raisers. Leader Dog, based in Rochester Hills, Mich., program provides services to people who are blind or visually impaired that increase their travel independence and empower them to lead a more productive and fulfilling life.
Rosas said future Leader Dogs spend the first year of their lives with volunteer puppy raisers who teach basic obedience, social and house manners, and introduce pups to new experiences.
Dogs return to Rochester Hills between 12-15 months of age for at least four months of formal training with qualified guide dog mobility instructors before being matched with a client.
Leader Dogs provides services to people who are blind or visually impaired that increase their travel independence and empower them to lead a more productive and fulfilling life.
—Al Benson