SPECIAL DELIVERY: JOY WRITES HOME
TO: JOY, Wherever You May Roam
FROM: Your Very JOYful District Governor
SUBJECT: A Special Note from District Governor Joanne to JOY
Dear JOY,
What a delightful surprise to receive your postcard! I'm thrilled that you are safe, laughing, making friends, and spreading a little Lions mischief wherever you go!
I’ve been wondering where our 4-foot JOY sign could be. And now I understand. You’ve been discovering! Discovering new friends, new communities, new adventures, and new opportunities to share the JOY of Lionism.
And while you've been traveling, something rather extraordinary has happened back home.
I've discovered that JOY was never alone. JOY has been showing up everywhere! JOY lives in the hearts and hands of Lions who serve. I've found JOY in Invocations, in fellowship, in conversations, and in the wonderful service projects our Lions perform every day. One Club created beautiful table-top JOY messages to welcome me! Our District’s creative master woodworker carved 3 mini JOY signs that I display at District Governor Visits. So you are always with me.
And, dear JOY, don't worry about rushing home. Keep making friends. Keep sharing smiles. Keep inspiring service.
And please, remind your traveling companions to take pictures, count those JOY Miles, and visit every Club before our State Convention in May!
So, to our mysterious traveling guardians, thank you for the postcard, the laughter, and the adventure! Until we meet again . . . KEEP JOY MOVING!
With gratitude, laughter, and a whole District full of JOY,
Lion Joanne S. Davis
Member, Waterford Regional Lions Club
District Governor / Servant Leader, District 23C
Serving Our Lions and Leos in Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham Counties
P.S. I hear autumn is a beautiful time to travel. I wonder what your “O” will be wearing this season?
P.P.S. Please give my best regards to Cabinet Secretary Chenin Joyce, our Director of JOYful Operations. I understand she runs a very discreet travel agency!
*** PLEASE ADD THIS CONTACT INFO TO YOUR DIRECTORY LISTING ***
23C Cabinet/Committee Member
LION MEMBER: Janine Katomski
LION CLUB: Norwich
Phone Number: 347 804 9160
Email Address: JCamm1@aol.com
Committee: Hearing Preservation
It is very important that all Lions and their affiliates have my email address, should they wish to contact me with any hearing preservation related issues.
SIGN UP TODAY!
Lions Clubs International Foundation
Retreat Breakfast
This special LCIF event is open to ALL LIONS! Come learn about LCIF and what YOUR FOUNDATION does locally and around the world!
If you have never heard ID Daniel Elkins speak, you are in for a treat! He is a fantastic presenter and motivator!
Date: Sunday, October 18th
Time: Registration begins at 8:30, Breakfast begins at 9:00
Location: Casa Mia at the Hawthorne - 2421 Berlin Tpke, Berlin, CT 06037
Registration begins at 8:30, Breakfast begins at 9:00
$35 per person
Please CLICK HERE to register for the LCIF Retreat!
Make check payable to: Lions Clubs Int'l - MD23
Mail payment to:
Ed Fenton
76 Crestwood Trail
East Hartford, CT 06118
Questions - LCIF@ectlions.org | Download Flyer
If anyone is interested, this is a one day program with the Red Cross on disaster training on November 7th in Uncasville, CT. Please use the QR code to sign up, you will receive an email in a few days to fill
out info.
If you have questions please let me know @seeglass61@gmail.com.
Thank you
Maria Gladue, Alert Chairman 23C | 860-885-4090
The 2026-2027 Council of Governors invites you to attend the second regular meeting of the Council in the current Lions year. Council Chairperson Heidi Zacchera and District Governors Marianne Russo-Arrigone (23A), Patti Daigle (23B), and Joanne Daice (23C) welcome your participation and look forward to seeing you at this meeting.
DATE: Monday, October 12, 2026
TIME: 6:00pm Gather; 6:30 Meeting Starts
LOCATION: Manor Inn 1636 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Plantsville, CT 06467
Click Here to Register.
This meeting is open to ALL Lions of the Multiple District.
A Leader Rooted in Service Inspiring a Brighter Tomorrow
Hosted by Brookfield Lions and Brookfield Global- Cyber Service Lions Clubs.
Join us as we celebrate IP Mark's homecoming and support Regional Hospice and its Center for Comfort Care & Healing in Danbury, CT
Benefit Performance by Owls Nest Band
Newsylum Brewing, 38 Keating Farms Rd, Newtown, CT 06470
A Leader Rooted in Service Inspiring a Brighter Tomorrow
Suggested donation $10.
Luncheon Buffet, Silent Auction, Basket Raffle
Date: Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Port N'Starboard
Ocean Beach
New London, CT
TICKETS $40 Per Person
All Proceeds Benefit Camp Rising Sub
For More Information contact Lion Keith Lemire at lionkeith23C@yahoo.com
Date: November 1
Time: 8am-12pm
Location: American Leagion Post 66 - 82 West Main Street Clinton, CT
Cost: $5 per person
Good Food! Great CAUSE!
Proceeds collected will go directly to "Families Helping Families"!
!!! Attention Parents !!!!
Have you kids wear thier Halloween costumes and get a treat!
Click image to download flyer.
Please support the Old Saybrook Lions Club Fundraising
for District 23 C 2nd VDG Sharon Tiezzi
Date: Saturday, November 14 2026
Time: 5:00pm - 7:30pm
Location: Old Saybrook Firehouse, 310 Main Street Old, Saybrook
Pasta, Meatballs, Salad, Bread, Desert, beverage
Cost: ADULTS: $15 | CHILDREN UNDER 6 FREE
DINE IN OR TAKE OUT
Purchase tickets in advance $15 a meal.
Mail and Make checks payable to the:
OLD SAYBROOK LIONS CLUB LEADERSHIP FUND
P.O. BOX 21, OLD SAYBROOK, CT 06475
INFO: DEB WILKIE 860-222-5942 | WILKIEDEBRA2@GMAIL.COM
SHARON TIEZZI 860-395-8876
Hosted by the Montville Mohegan-Pequot Lions
❄ SHOP LOCAL • SUPPORT LOCAL • GIVE LOCAL ❄
Date: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: MOHEGAN SCHOOL 49 Golden Rd • Uncasville, CT
COME KICK OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH US!
Lots of different crafters • Vendors • Raffles • Food Trucks
Find unique gifts, handmade treasures and holiday goodies while supporting your local community!
100% OF ALL MONEY RAISED GOES TO LOCAL AND LIONS' CHARITIES!
Bring your friends • Bring your family • Bring your holiday spirit!
🎅 ☃ 🎄 See you there! 🎄 ☃ 🎅
Montville Mohegan-Pequot Lions Club
Any questions call or text Susan: 860-885-8828
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM | Show Starts 8:00 PM
Location: The French Club 79 Wilson St, Jewett City CT
CASH Bar / Raffle/ Bring Snacks
For Tickets and more information Contact:
Karol: 860-908-2502 or
Maria Gladue: seeglass61@gmail.com and/or 860-885-4090
Receive a 5% discount if we receive your
AD request and payment by Oct 31st.
FULL PAGE AD $100 $95.00
HALF PAGE AD $60 $57.00
QUARTER PAGE AD $30 $28.50
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCPq6qfT95C18G2HtgovsC1GvqSAbacjTLh-9YUCFRRox4qw/viewform
Do you know someone who goes out of their way to help
people and make life better in your community?
Nominate them for Humanitarian of the Year!
Date: Sunday, January 17, 2027
Time: 1:00 PM Registration and Cocktails
Location: Port 'N Starboard - 1225 Ocean Ave, New London, CT 06320
Cost: $55.00 PER PERSON
Nominee Eligibility Requirements:
Must live or perform the service in the town of the representing Lions club.
Cannot have been a Lion for the past 5 years.
Must be available for the banquet.\
Nomination letters are limited to 1 page.
Submissions must reach PDG Mary Krogh no later than December 19th.
Email to: govmary23c@aol.com (preferred)
or mailed to: PDG Mary Krogh - 92 Young Street East Hampton, CT 06424
BINGO! 19 games, 2 winner-take all, 2 progressives, $8 minimum package, 1 card for every game $14.00, Prizes $1,200 to $4,000.
Date: Every Wednesday
Times:
4:00PM Doors Open
5:30 Papers Sold
6:30 1st Numbers Called, Kitchen Closes
Location: Gales Ferry Fire House, Rte. 12, Gales Ferry, CT
ALL PROCEEDS USED FOR COMMUNITY CHARITIES.
Date: First Thursday of Every Month
Time: 4:30-6:30 pm
Location: Taftville Knights of Columbus Hall, 47 S. 2nd Ave Taftville, CT.
Ticket Price is $10.00 per meal
Dinner includes Pasta, Salad, Bread, Desserts and drinks.
We have Gluten Free pasta upon request.
Take outs available.
Join the The Putnam Lions Trivia Challenge for some fun and test your knowledge!
Date: Last Wednesday of Every Month
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Black Dog Bar and Grill / Marly’s Pub, 146 Park Rd, Putnam, CT
There is a different designated charity each month.
Do you have a car, motorcycle, truck, van, camper, or boat that you want to get rid of? What about donating it to the Hebron Lions /Hebron Lions Charities Clunkers for Charities program? This is a way to allow the profits from the vehicle to stay with charities in Eastern CT. Based on the IRS laws this donation maybe tax deductible. Click to download flyer.
Call: 888-652-7199 for more details. Thanks in advance for your support.
Order by December 15, 2026
Show your Connecticut Lyon Pride in Washington, DC!
Preorder your IP Mark Lyon shirt now and get it in time for the MD23 Midwinter Conference, February 5–6, 2027. Then wear it to the 2027 Lions International Convention as we celebrate IP Mark and Lion Lyn’s great year!
These USA unisex shirts come in XS–4X. The lightweight, 100% polyester fabric wicks moisture, fights odor and resists stains. Each shirt has a camp collar, matching buttons, a left chest pocket and side vents.
Order by December 15, 2026. After you submit your order, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a payment link.
Prefer to pay by check? Make it payable to MD23, write “IP Mark Shirt” in the memo, and mail it to CST Ed Fenton, 76 Crestwood Trail, East Hartford, CT 06118.
Order here: https://forms.gle/UGvcY24XjnRkbbAW7
Let’s fill DC with Connecticut Lyon Pride!
The MD23 Connecticut Lions History Book, 2026 Edition, is now for sale! Celebrate the Lions, Leos, clubs, and service that have shaped our Connecticut story—and continue to make a difference today.
Each hardcover book is $40—a wonderful keepsake for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a fellow Lion!
Pick up at an MD23 or District event (See below)
Or choose delivery by USPS modest pricing at $6/book
Proceeds benefit Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF)
Order yours today: https://forms.gle/vyziUdLbkoMbgbzT9 or scan the QR code on the flyer
Pick up available at:
Midwinter 2027 - February 5-6
Cabinet Meeting - January 4, 2027 (all districts)
Council Meeting - January 11, 2027
Cabinet Meeting - March 1, 2027 (all district)
Council Meeting - March 8, 2027
Cabinet Meeting - June 7, 2027 (all districts)
Council Meeting - June 14, 2027
Get Your Swag!!!! SHOP TODAY! 20% of all proceeds will support LCIF!
Click to visit Merch Store to order your items today.
Leo-Lion Ruth and Lion Laura have been involved with fostering and training Service Dogs, from birth to placement with their forever homes.
Want to be part of this amazing project ?
Checkout the QR code on the flyer.
Still have questions?
Contact:
Leo-Lion Ruth or Lion Laura at (860) 993-5017
To hear more about her family’s adventures with these pups.
Everyone is welcome to come and hang out with us. The Center is looking for volunteers for the holidays.
Date: THIRD FRIDAY OF EVERY Month
Time: 3:45 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: New London Community Meal Center, 12 Montauk Ave, New London, CT 06320
Visit the website to learn more: https://www.newlondoncommunitymealcenter.org/
Bags of Hope provides monogrammed duffle bags filled with comfort items to children in local foster care.
Many children in foster care carry their belongings in a trash bag.
Each $25 donation will replace a trash bag with a personalized duffle bag.
Eastern CT Virtual Lions
Contact: Steve Perry 860-617-7724 or Kathie Perry 860-207-1202
We learned that St. Vincent de Paul in Middletown and possibly other soup kitchens need our old silverware.
Please give them to someone that is attending our cabinet meeting or Amazon pick up.
Contact: PDG Mary Krogh Govmary23c@aol.com
Thank you.
NEXTREX RECYCLING CHALLENGE PROGRAM
Trex® is refreshed the Recycling Challenge and is excited to announce that instead of one opportunity to earn a reward, Trex® will now offer quarterly drawings. This provides groups the opportunity to earn the chance to win rewards up to four times per year.
This fun, inclusive format allows every participant a chance to be recognized, while reducing pressure to meet specific collection goals. The updated program launched in January 2026!
Trex® is dedicated to educating proper recycling practices for plastic bags and other soft plastic films through its Recycling Challenge.
Email: Seeglass61@gmail.com
Call: 860-885-4090
Many Lions Clubs support this important organization. Executive Director Renée LaBonté has provided a "wish list" (linked below) of items they need on a regular basis. If you, or your club, would like to help with any of the items, please contact Board Member, PCC Nanette Burdick, lionnanette@yahoo.com.
Party Tents ranging in size from 20’ x 20’ and up available. Tables and chairs rented as well. Lions deliver, set up and take down rentals. Rental fees based on size of tent and are all-inclusive for a one-day or weekend rental period.
To reserve for your party needs – weddings, graduations, picnics, birthdays and anniversaries.
Contact: Brett Jones at 860-930-4919
Old Saybrook Lions Club is selling their popcorn machine. Its a Gold Medal Model 2552 Pop Maxx 12/14 oz. It has only been used maybe four times. It is thoroughly cleaned after each use. In excellent condition. $1,000.00.
Contact:
Phone: 860-662-0407
Email: oldsaybrooklionsclub@yahoo.com
Thank you.