Nanuet Lions Appoints New Members, Awards Student Scholarship

The Nanuet Lions are turning over a new leaf.

On Tuesday, June 28, the Lions Club of Nanuet met at Clarkstown Town Hall to appoint their new board members into office. They also honored some of their outstanding members for their contributions to the community.  One special Nanuet high school student received a $500 scholarship from the Lions Club because of his great essay on pollution and his community service. 

The Past President Barbara Chuck will be moving on to take on the Second Vice District Governor position of District 20R-1 which covers Rockland, Northern Westchester and Putnam. Barbara is very excited to move on to a higher position in the Lions Club of New York, but she is very happy to have served with the Nanuet group.  

“Barbara has a dynamic personality and gets things accomplished that have an impact,” stated Yvonne Georgopolus.

Incoming President Patricia Rosa loves the work the Lions Club does including disaster relief and scholarships. 

"They (the Lions) have and continue to support and aid communities," said Duane Penister, incoming recording secretary. "This is the reason why I joined and fully support the Lions Club.”

The well deserving recipient of the Lions Club Scholarship was Matthew Smith a graduating senior from the Nanuet High School.  He was unaware he was receiving the scholarship until he arrived at the meeting.  Smith wrote an essay on pollution and participated in community service. He found out about writing the essay for the scholarship from his high school guidance counselor. Matthew will be attending SUNY Buffalo in the fall.              

The Cornerstone Award (for youth services in New York only) was given to Barbara Chuck and to the Lions Club.  The award given to the Lions Club was given to Alex Gromack, Jr.  in honor of his father Alex Gromack, Sr., an active member of the Lions Club for many years holding every board position within the club.   

“The Lions Club would not exist without Alex Gromack, Sr. contributions,” said Barbara Chuck. Alex Gromack, Jr. thanked the Lions Club and stated the award will be displayed in Town Hall.   

Vedeta Hamley received the Certificate of Achievement for her contribution to the community.  She is the Executive Director of Community Action Program. She thanked the Lions Club for their ongoing food donations. One food pantry is located at 176 N. Main Street, Spring Valley and the second location is at 37 Clove Avenue in Haverstraw.  Both sites are open Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.  They are here to help people that need food in the community.   

“Everyone is welcomed to the food," said Hamley. "In this economy everyone needs help."

Past Board Members

• Past President Barbara Chuck 
• 1st Vice President Louis Ramos
• 2nd Vice President Joanne O'Dell
• 3rd Vice President Christine Delillo
• Club Secretary Heather Stein
• Treasurer Gerard Jameson
• Tail Twister Bradford O'Dell
• Lion Tamer Barbara Greenberg

Incoming Board Members

• President Patricia Rosa
• 1st Vice President Gerard Jameson
• 2nd Vice President Marion Dolan
• 3rd Vice President – Vacant
• Club Secretary Joanne Oldham
• Treasurer Randy Ostman
• Tail Twister Barbara Greenberg
• Lion Tamers Cindy Singer & Craig Celander

Past Board of Directors

• Pat Hart
• Barbara Chuck       

Incoming Board of Directors

• Louis Ramos
• Vedetta Hanley               
• Grant Valentine
• Aney Paul
• Grant Valentine
• Aney Paul

Past Recording Secretary

• Joanne O'Dell

Incoming Recording Secretary

• Duane Penister

The Lions Club is a volunteer organization that gives back to the community through service activities. This year they collected 6071 pairs of glasses from Clarkstown residents. They will be recycled and given free as a humanitarian aid in the United States and in Haiti.