News from the Governor’s Corner
News, inspiration and a little JOY from around our district.
Embedded Files
Taking a Leap of Faith — For Our Lions and Leos!
Dear Fellow Lions and Leos,
It's official! I'm going skydiving!
On Saturday, October 24, at Ellington Airport, I'll make my very first tandem parachute jump with Connecticut Parachutists! (https://skydivect.com/).
Am I nervous? Absolutely! Am I excited? You bet! Am I stepping WAAAAY outside my comfort zone? Without a doubt! And that's EXACTLY why I'm doing it.
Growth begins beyond our Comfort Zone
I'm encouraging our Lions and Leos to try something new, participate in learning opportunities, accept leadership responsibilities, and discover new ways to serve. I’ll take the first Leap!
I won’t do it alone ~ It's a tandem jump
We have many dedicated Lions whose encouragement, knowledge, and willingness to mentor make all the difference to someone considering a new responsibility.
Every Lion/Leo deserves someone who helps them fly
Every Lion/Leo who finds the courage to step forward deserves another Lion/Leo who is willing to stand with, and beside, them.
What does your “Comfort Zone Challenge” look like?
Whatever it is, take one step.
Another adventure beyond my Comfort Zone in Guatemala
From February 21–28, 2027, I am joining Partners in Development on a Guatemala Service Mission focused on primary health care and home construction (https://www.pidonline.org/our-work/guatemala).
What Leap of Faith will you take as a Lion/Leo?
Sometimes, a little faith and encouragement lead us to possibilities we never imagined. Sometimes, the hardest part is simply believing that we can do it.
Club Excellence Challenge Leadership is a journey of continuous learning!
Club Excellence Challenge Leadership is a journey of continuous learning!
Leadership is a journey of continuous learning! Officer Training helps us lead with confidence, support our fellow Lions, and strengthen our Clubs. It's also one of the criteria for earning the Club Excellence Award.
Our deadline is October 31 and online training makes it possible to complete this important step. (See below for accessing your Pathway for Learning.)
Experience is invaluable. Continuing to learn is a hallmark of great leadership.
Every new insight, fresh perspective, and shared experience strengthens our ability to serve. Whether we're new to Lionism or have served for decades, there's always something more to discover—and someone who will benefit from what we learn.
To every Club Officer: I'm taking my leap on October 24. Will you accept the “We Serve Together” Challenge and complete your training by October 31?
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Lion Portal
Top Menu: Select “Learn”
Pull-Down Menu: Select “LLC: Online Learning” (3rd on the list)
Click “Continue to my dashboard” (RED box)
Top Menu: Click on “Learning Library”
Click on the course you want to take
Club President
Club Secretary
Club Treasurer
Club Membership Chair
New Member Orientation
Club Rebuilding
Leo Club Program
Many more
District Community Impact Grants - Requests Due Friday, December 11
District Community Impact Grants - Requests Due Friday, December 11
District Governor Joanne Davis is pleased to inform the Clubs in District 23C of funds available through the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) for District Community Impact Grants.
Many thanks to all the Clubs that donated to LCIF this past Lions year
as these are the funds that help make this year’s grants possible!
Please submit your grant request to PDG Mary Krogh by E-Mail at govmary23c@aol.com. Requests are due by Friday, December 11, 2026.
You may submit your request in an E-Mail to PDG Mary (Approximately 1 page in length).
Identify a project that addresses an unmet humanitarian need for an underserved population
· Offer your proposed solution (What you want the grant to fund)
· Provide an estimated project cost (Not to exceed $4,000)
· Specify the Club contact (Name, phone, and E-Mail address)
Please copy your Zone Chair so that s/he is aware of your request and can offer assistance as needed.
All grant requests will receive an acknowledgement. If you do not receive an acknowledgement from PDG Mary, please call her at (860) 977-5760.
Grant requests must be approved by the District Cabinet so the Meeting Minutes can be submitted to LCIF with the application.
At the January Cabinet meeting, we will review and vote on the requests to be sent to LCIF for approval. There is a limited amount of funding available. It is possible that we may not be able to approve all grant requests that are submitted.
Please note: Clubs that have Club Community Impact Funds available must use those first before requesting District funds.
Contact PDG Mary Krogh for the status of your Club’s Community Impact Funds.
Voting Members of the Cabinet are:
District Governor Joanne Davis
Immediate Past District Governor Jim Tripp
1st Vice District Governor Darla Pigeon
2nd Vice District Governor Sharon Tiezzi
Cabinet Secretary (CS) Chenin Joyce
Cabinet Treasurer (CT) Maryjane Malavasi
Zone Chairs
1. George Blain
2. Sheri Ann Colquhoun
3. Doria Daviau
4. Chris Grant
5. Lisa Klein
6. Peter Lord
7. Pam Zimmerman
Read more about District and Club Community Impact Grants (DCG)
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!
WELCOME TO DISTRICT DOINGS
WELCOME TO DISTRICT DOINGS
SIGN UP TODAY!
Your support MAKES a HUGE impact!
SIGN UP TODAY!
Your support MAKES a HUGE impact!
CAMP RISING SUN GALA
Presented by: District 23 C
CAMP RISING SUN GALA
Presented by: District 23 C
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
FILL A TABLE (8)
TICKETS $40 Per Person
All Proceeds Benefit Camp Rising Sun
For More Information contact Lion:
Keith Lemire at lionkeith23C@yahoo.com
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Clinton Lions Club
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Clinton Lions Club
Date: November 1st
Time: 8am-12pm
Location: American Legion 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!
RED CROSS DISASTER ACTION TRAINING
RED CROSS DISASTER ACTION TRAINING
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.
Covering: New London County, including communities such as Lyme, Old Lyme, East Lyme, Salem, Montville, Waterford, and New London.
Join Us!
Date: November 7th
Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Uncasville/Montville location will be announced post registration.
If you have questions please let me know Maria Gladue, Alert Chairman, District 23C
Email: Seeglass61@gmail.com
Call: 860-885-4090
Thank you,
Maria Gladue
PASTA DINNER
OLD SAYBROOK LIONS CLUB FUNDRAISING
PASTA DINNER
OLD SAYBROOK LIONS CLUB FUNDRAISING
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
*New Location: St. John Church, 161 Main St, Old Saybrook, CT
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
Waterford Regional Lions Club
Waterford Regional Lions Club
CRAFT SHOW
CRAFT SHOW
Date: Saturday, November 14th
Time: 10:00am - 3:00 pm
Location: Waterford Community Center
Free Admission!
Support Local Crafters and Artisans
Handmade items, Gifts for Everyone
Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Annual Holiday Craft Fair
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
COMEDY FOR A CAUSE
Hosted by: Lisbon Griswold Centennial Lions
COMEDY FOR A CAUSE
Hosted by: Lisbon Griswold Centennial Lions
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
MID-WINTER CONFERENCE - PROGRAM AD SALES
October 31st Deadline for Early Placement Discounts
MID-WINTER CONFERENCE - PROGRAM AD SALES
October 31st Deadline for Early Placement Discounts
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
Discount AD DEADLINE OCT 31st
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
Discount AD DEADLINE OCT 31st
Receive a 5% discount if we receive your
Ad Placement and Payment by Oct 31st.
FULL PAGE AD $100 w/discount $95.00
HALF PAGE AD $60 w/discount $57.00
QUARTER PAGE AD $30 w/discount $28.50
Stop by or Send a copy of the AD to local business around your communities!
EARLY BIRD ORDERS/PAYMENT DUE BY OCT 31st - to receive 5% discount. Send in your AD COPY BY JANUARY 1st!
FINAL DEADLINE for ad copy is January 10th!
Help us reach our GOAL.
We would like to have each club in District 23C
represented in the Midwinter Program.
ORDER FORM LINK: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfCPq6qfT95C18G2HtgovsC1GvqSAbacjTLh-9YUCFRRox4qw/viewform
For design help contact:
Pam: persis.zimmerman@gmail.com
Katie: lovemysailor02@yahoo.com
HUMANITARIAN NOMINATION & BANQUET
HUMANITARIAN NOMINATION & BANQUET
Humanitarians
make a world of difference
Humanitarians
make a world of difference
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
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
JOIN THE LEDYARD LIONS CLUB
WEEKLY BINGO! New Time!
JOIN THE LEDYARD LIONS CLUB
WEEKLY BINGO! New Time!
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.
Join The Taftville Lions for a Pasta Supper
Join The Taftville Lions for a Pasta Supper
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.
The Putnam Lions Trivia Challenge
The Putnam Lions Trivia Challenge
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.
HEBRON LIONS DONATE YOUR CLUNKER
HEBRON LIONS DONATE YOUR CLUNKER
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.
MERCHANDISE
MERCHANDISE
Lyon Pride Shirt Order
Lyon Pride Shirt Order
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!
LIONS HISTORY BOOK - 2026 Edition
LIONS HISTORY BOOK - 2026 Edition
Our Service. Our Stories. Our Connecticut Lions legacy.
Our Service. Our Stories. Our Connecticut Lions legacy.
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
Support Humanitarian Services
Support Humanitarian Services
SHOP District 23C Merchandise Store
SHOP District 23C Merchandise Store
Get Your Swag!!!! SHOP TODAY! 20% of all proceeds will support LCIF!
Click to visit Merch Store to order your items today.
SERVICE PROJECTS
SERVICE PROJECTS
Vision and Mobility Service Project
Vision and Mobility Service Project
Cromwell Lions Supports
Forever In Your Heart Foundation
Cromwell Lions Supports
Forever In Your Heart Foundation
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.
Hunger and Humanitarian Service Project
Hunger and Humanitarian Service Project
New London Lions Club
serve the people in the community.
New London Lions Club
serve the people in the community.
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/
Humanitarian Service Project
Humanitarian Service Project
JOIN THE RED CROSS &
SPONSOR A BLOOD DRIVE
JOIN THE RED CROSS &
SPONSOR A BLOOD DRIVE
The Red Cross needs more blood drive sponsors, locations and help signing up donors. It’s that simple.
The Red Cross needs more blood drive sponsors, locations and help signing up donors. It’s that simple.
To set up a blood drive.
Contact: Maria Gladue, Alert Chairman
To set up a blood drive.
Contact: Maria Gladue, Alert Chairman
Email: Seeglass61@gmail.com
Call: 860-885-4090
SUPPORT THROUGH DONATIONS
SUPPORT THROUGH DONATIONS
Youth and Family Service Project
Youth and Family Service Project
BAGS OF HOPE
BAGS OF HOPE
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
Vision Service Project
Vision Service Project
SOUTHEAST CONNECTICUT
COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE BLIND
SOUTHEAST CONNECTICUT
COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE BLIND
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.
silverware collection.docxHunger and Homeless Service Project
Hunger and Homeless Service Project
Hunger & Homeless Committee
Wanted your old silverware!!!
Hunger & Homeless Committee
Wanted your old silverware!!!
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.
Environmental Service Project
Environmental Service Project
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.
MISCELLANEOUS / SALES AND RENTALS
MISCELLANEOUS / SALES AND RENTALS
TOLLAND LIONS CLUB PARTY TENT RENTALS
TOLLAND LIONS CLUB PARTY TENT RENTALS
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
POPCORN MACHINE FOR SALE
POPCORN MACHINE FOR SALE
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.
Directories have been distributed - check with your Zone Chairperson if you have not recieved them.
*** 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.
Please submit items to DistrictDoings@ectlions.org by noon each Thursday.
Please submit items to DistrictDoings@ectlions.org by noon each Thursday.
Help us make your flyers accessible to all.
Include a brief description that states the name of the event, date, time, cost, contact information. Please avoid scanned/snapshots of flyers. Use of Lion Logos must be in accordance with LCI Brand Guidelines.
Help us make your flyers accessible to all.
Include a brief description that states the name of the event, date, time, cost, contact information. Please avoid scanned/snapshots of flyers. Use of Lion Logos must be in accordance with LCI Brand Guidelines.
Pam Zimmerman, 2026-2027 District Doings Editor Call: 860-918-6712
Pam Zimmerman, 2026-2027 District Doings Editor Call: 860-918-6712
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