News from the Seekonk Lions

Hello readers of this fine publication. This is Paul Buckley, the current president of the Seekonk Lions Club. I would like to take some of this precious space given to the club to keep you informed of the happenings and history of the Seekonk Lions.

First, I would like to thank all that came to the annual Sam Adam’s Octoberfest celebration at Chris Gasbarro’s Fine Wine and Liquor in Seekonk. I have to say, out of the last four tastings that I have been a part of at the annual event, these “happy” people stayed right to the end. Ich lade euch ein Chris shouted to the crowd. In unison, the crowd with the help of Joe Zito (famed TV Maître D’) roared back Prost!

As we look forward to the coming months ahead, I wish to continue speaking to you as much as I can about the work of the Lions. We can see here in the Reporter club news, the Attleboro, Rehoboth, and East Providence clubs are making great things happen in our community. And to make those contributions happen it takes people. From those people that built these clubs, incorporating and getting successful clubs off the ground. To those today who are working as hard as they can to keep the good workings of these clubs moving along.

A few years back, there was one man who introduced me to the Lions Club. His name is Robert Caroulo. Bob was a member with me on the Seekonk Board of Assessors. Bob said to me one time, “Hey Paul, I am going to a Lion’s club meeting after our assessor meeting. “How would you like to come with me and see what the club is all about?” Well, it was a quick assessor meeting that night and I had time to venture out, so I took Bob’s invite and went along.

I will not drag this story out too long, but I went to a few more Lion meetings…volunteered at the world-famous Seekonk Lions Club clam boils. And then I finally got hooked. Great bunch of folks having a good time while making a difference in the community. Bob steered the course for me in those beginning years.

Bob Caroulo recently celebrated his 90th birthday. The former teacher does not get around like he used to. He is now living in a nursing home, keeping in shape doing laps around the corridors keeping the young nurses at bay. But it is people like Bob (a Melvin Jones recipient), who stood up and put in the effort for over 20 years making sure respectable effects are fruitful and supportive to the community. I would like to end this column with an excerpt from a letter Bob wrote to the club in 2013. It is a letter that had pull back then and speaks volumes now. Until next time.

From Bob Caroulo…
"I suppose you have heard of the legend that represents opportunity as a capricious lady, who knocks at every door but once, and if the door isn't opened quickly, she passes on, never to return. And that is as it should be. Lovely desirable ladies won't wait. You have to go out and grab 'em. I am your opportunity. I am knocking at your door. I want to be adopted."

These words may sound familiar to many of you and some of you may even remember where you saw them. They comprise the opening paragraph of Helen Keller's speech to the Lions Club at their first International Convention in 1925.

Helen Keller didn't go to that convention with her hand out looking for a donation; she went offering opportunities for service, service for the blind that can only be provided by the sighted. Apparently, she captured their hearts, and they became her "Knights of the Blind". And so, I guess that makes all of us "Knights of the Blind".

Well, I know that all sounds very romantic but as modern-day Lions, we do much more than that. While it's true that we donate the "lion's share" (just a little play on words) of our funds to Mass. Lions Eye Research Fund, we also lend support to Diabetes foundations, food banks, local youth organizations, scholarships, etc., etc. I guess you might say we have a heart for those who are less fortunate than ourselves. We also do some things that are just for fun, like a "Chicken Barbeque" and an "Annual Fishing Tournament for Kids".

Where does the money come from to do all these things? Well, certainly not from me. While I wish I had enough money to support such noble causes, I don't. That's a major reason that I'm a Lion. I try to work at as many of the fundraisers that we have every year as I can. You know our motto, WE SERVE. We volunteer our time and efforts, we work together, enjoy the friendship and the camaraderie of our fellow workers and we raise funds to assist others who need help.

If you haven't been taking part in all this and if we haven't seen you for a while, what's keeping you? Come on back, WE NEED YOUR HELP!