News

[A Quick 2022 Yarmouth Lions Club UpdateJanuary 31, 2022]

Total of donated Eyeglass collected by the Yarmouth Lions in 2021 was 1,483 (The 3rd highest total in the last 6 years!)

Our successful Wreaths for Fuel program resulted in a $2,000 contribution to the YCAN Fuel fund.

We are able to fund 4 additional $1,500 scholarships from a very successful 2021 Christmas Trees for Tuition program. The Yarmouth Lions sold 360 trees in 3 days!

We plan to be a sponsor for the YCS Summer Concert series.

The Capital Campaign Committee will begin meeting to discuss options for our next community project.


Yarmouth Lions 2020 Trees for Tuition Program Breaks Record

[Yarmouth, Maine – December 31, 2020] The Yarmouth Lions Club had broken a new record in 2020 for their Trees for Tuition holiday program, selling out over 360 Maine-grown Christmas trees in less than 18 hours.

As trees were being unloaded from the truck on Friday, November 27th, Yarmouth residents were arriving to pick out their tree, and by the end of the first weekend, almost all trees were sold. The remaining Lions trees sold over the next few days.

Woody Brown, Kerry Tull, and Sandy Bowieat Yarmouth Lions Club Trees for Tuition

Each year, the Yarmouth Lions Club sells Christmas trees to raise money for scholarships awarded to deserving Yarmouth High School graduating seniors. By selling out of trees, the Lions will be providing thousands of dollars in scholarship awards to students selected by YHS advisors in 2021.

Learn more about the Trees for Tuition program at www.yarmouthlionsclub.org/trees


Yarmouth Lions Collected 815 Donated Eyeglasses in 2020

[Yarmouth, Maine – December 31, 2020] The Yarmouth Lions Club wishes to thank the many people in and around Yarmouth who have donated their used eyeglasses, lenses, and eyeglass cases to the National Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Project. Doug Carney, a Lion since 2013, shepherds our Yarmouth project. Doug reports that we collected 815 eyeglasses in 2020, somewhat less than 2019’s record-setting quantity due to the pandemic. The eyeglasses are processed by the regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center and distributed to needy people in developing countries where they have had the greatest impact.

A special thank you also goes out to the 5 Yarmouth and Freeport businesses below that currently host the eyeglass collection boxes:

Bayview Dental Associates, 247 Portland Street, Yarmouth – front entrance
Maine Optometry, 407 US Route 1, Freeport – front entrance
Town of Yarmouth Recycling Center & Transfer Station, 659 E. Main Street, Yarmouth – book shed
Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main Street, Yarmouth – main entryway
Insight Eyecare, 26 School Street, Yarmouth – front entrance

The Lions would greatly appreciate your continued participation and support in this very worthy cause. For more information, please feel free to contact Doug Carney at 846-0863 and leave a message.

Learn more about the Yarmouth Lions Vision Program at www.yarmouthlionsclub.org/vision


Yarmouth Lions Kick off 2020 Holiday Programs

[Yarmouth, Maine – November 28, 2020] With the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a tough year for all. But for some in Yarmouth, Maine, the holidays can be even tougher as they are unable to afford heating oil or gas, food for a holiday meal, or gifts for loved ones. The Yarmouth Lions Club is here to help through four holiday programs:

Lions  Club 2020 Holiday Programs

Adopt-A-Family helps low-income families and the elderly in town bring some holiday cheer through providing food and needed items.

Trees for Tuition funds scholarships for deserving Yarmouth High School graduating Seniors through the sale of Christmas trees.

Wreaths for Fuel helps fund the Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors (YCAN) heating assistance fund to help those who can’t afford heat this winter.

Santa’s Chalet is a family tradition where children meet with Santa, and give him their Christmas wishes.


Yarmouth Lions New Lemon Lucy Slush Drink Refreshes Clam Fest

[Yarmouth, Maine – July 20, 2019] With soaring humidity and temperatures hitting the mid and upper-90’s, attendees of the 2019 Yarmouth Clam Festival are dealing with one of the hottest weekends on record. This 3-day event typically draws over 120,000 visitors to the town of Yarmouth, Maine, making it one of the most popular Summer-time events in Southern Maine.

Despite the heat, thousands of people are enjoying all that the Clam Fest has to offer, relying on two of the festival’s staple beverages to keep the fun going: The Lime Rickey, sold by the Downeasters Barbershop Chorus, and the new Lemon Lucy slush offered by the Yarmouth Lions Club.

So Happy Together: Lemon Lucy and Lime Ricky
Yarmouth Lions Club members Larry Forcier and Aaron Wilson invent the Lemon Lucy slush drink

In 2018, two members of the Yarmouth Lions Club, Larry Forcier and Aaron Wilson, had developed a recipe for a lemon slush drink using 100% all-natural ingredients. They worked out a way to mass-produce it for Clam Fest, but were not sure what to call it. Knowing that the Lime Rickey had became the “must have” item at the Clam Fest food court for decades, the Lions decided on the name Lemon Lucy, as a nod to the Ricky and Lucy characters from classic TV series “I Love Lucy” starring Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball (who were real-life husband and wife). “We know that the Lime Rickey is beloved at Clam Fest,” said Larry Forcier, “so introducing the Lemon Lucy as a companion, but completely unique beverage in that it is the only lemon slush drink at Clam Fest, made the name a perfect choice.”

The 2018 Lemon Lucy pilot was a success, so Larry and Aaron figured out a way to ramp up Lemon Lucy production for the 2019 Clam Fest, without compromising freshness or quality. The only thing that was left to do was to get the word out.

Lions Club member Jim Albright, took to the streets (literally and digitally) with a multi-channel marketing campaign designed to not only inform would-be Lemon Lucy fans about the new slush drink, but also build awareness that 100% of all proceeds from Lemon Lucy sales go directly back into the community. The Lions Club is the only food vendor at Clam festival who donates all of their Clam Fest profits to supporting local nonprofits and service organizations.

Jim Albright creates marketing buzz for the new Lemon Lucy slush at the Yarmouth, Maine Clam Festival
Jim Albright creates marketing buzz for the new Lemon Lucy slush drink at Yarmouth Clam Festival. 100% of proceeds from Lemon Lucy sales will fund local service organizations and projects.
Clam Fest Reactions to Lemon Lucy Slush

The Lemon Lucy promotion videos that Jim had produced have stacked over 1 million views on social media, and given the hot weather, local media outlets are reporting that Clam Festival visitors can cool off with both Lime Rickey AND Lemon Lucy. As of this writing, thousands of Lemon Lucy slush drinks have been purchased, already beating 2018 sales. This means that thousands of dollars will be donated to local service groups to help those in need.

Learn more about the Yarmouth Lions Club Lemon Lucy slush drink at www.yarmouthlionsclub.org/lemonlucy.


Yarmouth Lions Thank Town for Record Number of Eyeglasses Donations
The Notes – January 28, 2019

The Yarmouth Lions Club wishes to thank the many people in and around Yarmouth, Maine who have donated their used eyeglasses, lenses, and eyeglass cases to the Lions Clubs International Recycle for Sight program in 2018.  Lions Club member, Doug Carney, has been faithfully shepherding this the Club’s eyeglasses recycling program in Yarmouth, and reports that the Club had collected 1,512 eyeglasses over the last year – an amazing 77% increase over 2017!

Lions Club eyeglasses donation box located at the Hannaford Pharmacy  counter in Yarmouth, Maine
Lions Club eyeglasses donation box located at the Hannaford Pharmacy
counter in Yarmouth, Maine

All donated eyeglasses are collected, then processed by the regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center to then be distributed to people in developing countries where they have the greatest need.

A special thank you also to the five Yarmouth businesses below that currently host the eyeglass collection boxes:
• Hannaford Supermarket (Pharmacy Counter): 756 US Rt. 1
• Maine Optometry PA (Front Entrance): 407 US Rt 1, Freeport
• Merrill Memorial Library (Front Entrance): 215 Main Street
• Yarmouth Recycling & Transfer Station (Book Shed): 659 East Main Street
• Bayview Dental Associates (Front Entrance): 247 Portland Street

The Lions would greatly appreciate the continued participation and support from the community for this very worthy cause.  To learn more, visit the Lions Vision program page, or contact Doug Carney at 846-0863 for more information.


Lions Club invites community to learn about our history of service to Yarmouth
October 28, 2018 Update by Doug Carney

A special “open house” meeting was held on October 1st at the Muddy Rudder restaurant. Guests learned about the history, current programs and contributions the Yarmouth Lions have made to the town, and how they can volunteer or become a member. Speakers, all of whom are club members, addressed the following topics.
Yarmouth Maine Lions Club Open House
Bob Swan presented the history of the Lions Club International, as well as the Yarmouth Lions, from its charter in 1949, to the present.

Larry Forcier spoke of our involvement in the annual Yarmouth Clam Festival, with a history of what we sell and the charities that are supported by the profits that are generated from our food booth.

Kerry Tull covered the acquisition, preparation, and sale of Christmas trees for our Trees for Tuition program, noting that 100% of the profits go to fund college scholarships for local high school graduates.

Alan Lambert addressed our Wreaths for Fuel program, noting that 100% of the profits from the sale of 120-135 wreaths each year (about $2,000) go to the Yarmouth Heating Assistance Fund for those residents in need.

Brian Bicknell gave a history of Santa’s Chalet, from its start in the 70’s to the present day. Thousands of children and families have enjoyed visiting Santa over the years on the three Saturdays before Christmas.

Larry Forcier spoke about “Adopt A Family,” a seasonal program in which contributions from Lions and local businesses are used to purchase, wrap, and deliver gifts to families and nursing home residents in need at Christmas time.

Phoebe Chandler covered the way the club has provided vision services to new Mainers through eye exams, glasses and transportation to receive these vision services.

Doug Carney reported that we have recycled over 14,000 eyeglasses over the past 15 years, and that we are 85% ahead of last year at this time.

Joan Russell briefed the attendees on where our dues money goes, as well as the process by which charities are selected to receive contributions from the Yarmouth Lions Club.

President Sandy Bowie closed the meeting with a well-deserved thank you to each of the presenters, a look to the future, and an invitation to prospective members to join our Lions Club and support our motto, “We Serve.”


The Yarmouth Lions Club won 1st place in the annual Clam Festival Parade float contest for non-profit organizations
The Notes – August 6, 2018

The float was the brain-child of Jim Albright, a Lion since 2017, and a marketing wizard and creative performer.

The float was a white stretch limousine, lent to the club by Lindquist Funeral Home, decorated with Lions Club decals, and driven by Lion Dave Floryan. The limo was outfitted with powerful loud speakers, obtained by Lion Greg Hughes and donated by Headlight Audio Visual of Portland, playing Michael Jackson hit tunes from the 80’s in keeping with the theme of the parade, “Totally 80’s.”

Jim Albright, dressed as Michael Jackson – the hat, gloves, jacket, pants, socks and shoes – danced, spun around, jerked, and moonwalked his way to the music throughout the parade. If you saw Jim, you didn’t forget him!

Yarmouth Clam Festival Parade Winner - Yarmouth Lions Club(from left) Jim Albright, Bob Swan, Dave Floryan, Jean Swan, Greg Hughes, and Sandy Bowie

Jim was accompanied by Bob and Jean Swan, Greg Hughes, and Sandy Bowie “working the crowd” and occasionally performing their own dance moves choreographed by Jim.

The book on Jim Albright’s performance?

“He WAS Michael Jackson!”


Yarmouth Lions Bring Cool to Clam Fest
A staple of the Yarmouth Clam Festival, the Yarmouth Lions Club are ramping up community service awareness, food and fun
– July 16, 2018

The Yarmouth Lions Club has been participating at the Yarmouth Clam Festival for over 50 years, but this year, they are ramping up fundraising efforts to do more good in our town, and within Maine.

This year’s Clam Festival parade theme is “Totally 80’s”, so the Yarmouth Lions thought it would be fun if the King of the Jungle became the King of Pop. During the parade, club members will be dancing behind a Michael Jackson “Thriller” themed limousine to re-recorded Michael Jackson favorites about what it means to be a Lion. A preview video was released earlier this week on Facebook, and already has over 8,000 views. You can view the video here:

In addition, the Lions Club will be bringing a new drink to Clam Fest called the Lemon Lucy. It is the only all natural hand-made lemon slush drink at the festival. The drink and the name was chosen as a nod to the classic TV series, I Love Lucy, as companion to the popular Lime Rickey, sold by the Downeasters choral group. When trialed during last year’s Clam Festival, the Lemon Lucy got rave reviews. See reviews and more at yarmouthlionsclub.org/lemonlucy

What make the Lions Club different from all the other food vendors at Clam Fest is that they give 100% of all proceeds from food purchases to local community service organizations. Some of these groups include the food pantry, Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors (YCAN), and the Iris Network. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated over the years, and just recently, the Yarmouth Lions were able to use funds from last year’s Clam Fest to help the Yarmouth Fire and Rescue department purchase an emergency UTV, which will make its service debut at the Yarmouth Clam Festival.

Utility1 - Yarmouth Fire and RescueYarmouth Lions contributed to Utility 1, Yarmouth Fire & Rescue’s new UTV, which begins service at the 2018 Clam Festival

The Lions have extended their booth space this year to ensure they can meet food demand, and are looking forward to not only continuing their service to Yarmouth and surrounding communities, but having lots of fun.

Learn to learn more about the Yarmouth Lions Club at the Yarmouth Clam Festival, visit yarmouthlions.org/clamfest.


Lemon Lucy Slush Drink: Get Refreshed While Giving Back at Clam Fest
During the hot days of the Yarmouth Clam Festival, head to the Lions Club booth for a refreshing Lemon Lucy slush. 100% of all proceed will go to local service organizations to help those in our community who need assistance.

Fresh Lemons. Pure Sugar. Ice. Simple Slushy Goodness
We’ve been busy testing variations of our ingredients to come up with the perfect slush / taste consistency, which is sure to keep you completely refreshed. The Lemon Lucy is the only slush drink available at the Clam Festival event, and is made with only 100% natural ingredients.

Yarmouth Lions Club Lemon Lucy Contest
Starting this year, the Yarmouth Lions Club will crown one lucky winner as our official Lemon Lucy 2018. This person should demonstrate the Lions core value of serving our great community, and be willing to take part in our Clam Festival activities as the face of our giving back programs. More details to come!
Yarmouth Lions Club Lemon Lucy Slush Drink


Yarmouth Lions welcome their partner, the Casco Bay YMCA, and a new Club member
The Notes – May 8, 2018

At the April 16th meeting of the Yarmouth Lions Club held at the Muddy Rudder Restaurant, our guest speaker was Scott Krause, Branch Director of Casco Bay YMCA. The Yarmouth Lions have been a partner of the YMCA for many years, and Scott wanted to update the club on what our local YMCA is doing for its 20th anniversary.

Scott Krause is Branch Director of Yarmouth Lions partner, the Casco Bay YMCAScott Krause, Branch Director of Casco Bay YMCA

Membership in this branch is vibrant and growing as the Y focuses on Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. Within these areas, current initiatives include creating more space for childcare, water safety, a youth-in-motion program designed to combat obesity in young people, and an emphasis on providing tailored support for people needing extra assistance. Scott emphasized that no one is ever turned away from the Y due to his or her inability to pay for membership, and it is there for everyone. The Y is first, and foremost, a service organization.

Welcome Adrienne Nardi!
Lion Bob Swan, with his customary mix of humor and history, inducted our newest member, Adrienne Nardi, Executive Director of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, into the Lions Club.

Adrienne Nardi, Executive Director of the Yarmouth Chamber of Commerce, joins the Yarmouth Lions ClubDr. Bob Swan inducts Adrienne Nardi into Yarmouth Lions Club

Adrienne was sponsored by Lion President, Sandy Bowie. Per usual, Adrienne was welcomed into the club with the traditional “LIONS ROAR.” Welcome aboard, Adrienne!


Update on Building a New Yarmouth Community Center
The Notes – April 3, 2018

At the March 19th meeting of the Yarmouth Lions Club held at the Muddy Rudder Restaurant, Horace and Barbara Horton, longtime Yarmouth residents, and co-chairs of the Steering Committee for the Yarmouth Community Center, gave an excellent presentation on the efforts of the steering committee, to locate a suitable piece of land on which to build a much needed Yarmouth Community Center.

Horace and Barbara Horton present to Yarmouth Lions possible locations for a new Yarmouth Community Center
Horace and Barbara Horton present possible locations for a new Yarmouth Community Center

As Yarmouth has grown in population, the needs of the community have outstripped the facilities to provide these necessary services. For example, 91 families, numbering nearly 300 people, currently use the Yarmouth Food Pantry, which was not originally designed to support such great demand. Other services, such as medical equipment assistance, a meeting center, and youth support, are all located at disparate, and often inadequate sites. Numerous properties have been surveyed and several options close to the center of town are deemed feasible sites.

The goal of the steering committee is to identify a location for the community center, then raise the funds necessary for this undertaking through private donations. Various parties, including prospective donors, sellers, the Town Council, and the school department, are involved in the tedious acquisition process.

After the Lions met with the Hortons, we learned that the School Board voted to retain all of the property around the Rowe School for future expansion and parking needs. Therefore, the Yarmouth Community Center Steering Committee is researching other potential locations near the center of Town.

The Lions Club is very thankful and appreciative of the efforts of the Hortons and the steering committee to fulfill the needs of the Town of Yarmouth, and we look forward to supporting them in the future.

Yarmouth Lions 1st VP, Alan Lambert (center) with Barbara (left) and Horace (right) Horton
Yarmouth Lions 1st VP, Alan Lambert (center) with Barbara (left) and Horace (right) Horton of the Yarmouth Community Center Steering Committee


Four Lions awarded for their combined 100 years of service to Yarmouth
The Notes – March 26, 2018

At the March 5th meeting of the Lions Club held at the Muddy Rudder, Lions Club 1st Vice District Governor, Neil Iverson, presented length of service awards (Milestone Chevron Award) to four Yarmouth Lions.

Bill Goddard receives the 50 years of service award from 1st Vice District Governor, Neil Iverson
Bill Goddard receives the 50 years of service award from 1st Vice District Governor, Neil Iverson

The first award went to Bill Goddard for his 50, I repeat, 50 years of service to the Lions Club – a fantastic accomplishment! Neil also presented a length of service award to Larry Forcier (15 years), and two awards in absentia: Scott Dugas (20 years of service), and Joe Ingalls (15 years of service). Thank you gentlemen for your many years of service to the Lions, and the town of Yarmouth, Maine.

Neil also spoke briefly about the Lions District Convention being held April 27th-29th at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, the extensive service of Yarmouth Lions, and the two new challenges for Lions Clubs around the world, diabetes and pediatric cancer. He also reiterated the role of the district to serve and assist each club within its district.


Lions Hear from The Center for Grieving Children
The Notes – March 19, 2018

Anne Heros, Executive Director of the Center For Grieving Children
Anne Heros leads the Center For Grieving Children, a Portland-based nonprofit which has been delivering hope to more than 66,000 children, and their families since 1987

At the March 5th meeting of the Yarmouth Lions Club held at the Muddy Rudder Restaurant, our guest speaker was Anne Heros, Executive Director of the Center For Grieving Children based in Portland. She gave a superb presentation on the center and its history, both past and present. Starting with 4 families and 12 volunteers 30 years ago, last year the center amassed a record 26,000 hours of volunteer service providing grief support for children, teens, their parents and caregivers, young adults, bereaved parents and widows, and widowers/partners. Thousands have been and are now receiving professionally-trained support following the illness or death of a loved one from cancer, accidents, overdose, suicide and other causes, and no individual or family is ever charged for these support services.

The center is self-sustaining thanks to fundraisers, grants, and the generosity of individuals and organizations, such as the Yarmouth Lions Club, who has been partnering with the Center since 1996. To learn more about the Center For Grieving Children, go to www.cgcmaine.org.


Lions Learn about New Programs for Yarmouth Seniors, and Welcome Two New Members
The Notes – March 12, 2018

Maureen Brosnan
Maureen Brosnan provides local support for Yarmouth seniors

At our February 19th meeting, the Yarmouth Lions Club welcomed guest speaker Maureen Brosnan, a Community Resource Specialist from Southern Maine Agency on Aging. Maureen is filling a new position that the town has created to help our older adults and their families sort through the many programs and services available to help seniors live independently well into their elder years. Maureen is available to assist by phone (835­-9866), walk-in, or by appointment at the Merrill Memorial Library’s Tutoring Room on Tuesdays and Fridays from 11am-3pm. Do not hesitate to contact her with any questions you might have regarding any program or service offered to our senior citizens. Read more about Moureen’s new position with the town here.

Lion Bob Swan inducted two new members into the Lions Club – Johnathan and Linda Shute. They were sponsored by Lion Larry Forcier. In his amiable and knowledgeable way, Bob spoke of the history, commitment and loyalty of the Lions Clubs all over the world.

Johnathan and Linda Shute are the first new Yarmouth Lions of 2018
Club President, Sandy Bowie (left), and Lions Bob Swan (right of Sandy) and Larry Forcier (right) welcome Linda and Johnathan Shute (center) as the first new Yarmouth Lions of 2018.

The new members were then taught the “LIONS ROAR” and welcomed into the club.


Yarmouth Lions Finish 2017 with a FLOURISH of Service
– February 17, 2018

Yarmouth HS Guidance Counselor and program coordinator, Brenda Michaelsen with Yarmouth Lions ClubStarting Thanksgiving weekend with the arrival of 350 Maine-grown balsam fir trees, club members unload and sort trees according to size for sale with all proceeds going to scholarship for area students. In the 20-plus years of selling trees for scholarships, over $80,000 has been awarded. Students are selected based on school recommendations which are, in turn, based on need, academics and extra-curricular activities. The program is well advertised and this year, as in most years, every tree sold out in the first three weekends of December raising over $6,700 in scholarship funds. Lions, as well as some family members, set up and took down tree stands, sold and as necessary, delivered trees. Click to learn more about the Trees for Tuition program.

More recently the club began to sell wreaths alongside the trees with the distinction that wreath sales are used exclusively to benefit the town’s fuel fund for those needing assistance. The Wreaths for Fuel program, under the sponsorship of Yarmouth Community Services, has become increasingly necessary as Maine has recently seen harsher winters, higher fuel prices and more people needing fuel. In December 2017, club members sold 115 wreaths netting over $2,000 to support Yarmouth’s fuel assistance fund bringing total club donations over a 10-year period to about $20,000.

Yarmouth Lions Sell Christmas wreaths to fund the heating assistance programWhile wreaths and trees are being sold at the village green, another tradition almost as old as the club itself, takes place each December in the same area. For two hours on Saturday afternoons, Santa Claus ably assisted by an elf or Mrs. Claus sits in Santa’s Chalet greeting an endless line of families who pose with their children for photos. Before the children leave Santa, cookies and goodwill go with them. In the 30-plus years of this activity, veteran club members estimate that over 6,000 children have chatted with Santa in his chalet which magically appears on the village green the first weekend in December. The structure currently serving as Santa’s greeting house was built and maintained by club members while cookies are provided at cost by a local bakery.

Yarmouth Lions Adopt a Family ProgramProbably, the centerpiece of Yarmouth Lion’s December activities, is the club’s Adopt-a-Family program which began 16 years ago and gains momentum with each passing year. In the Lion’s tradition of service, a few members of the club initially received names from Yarmouth Community Services of a small number of families who were experiencing financial difficulties. The club budgeted a modest amount of monies and members donated out-of-pocket to meet the program’s needs. As the need for assistance increased, so did the club’s support and involvement. In 2017, 14 local businesses donated over $2,000 in gift certificates. The club also budgeted $1,000 to the program. This year, several enthusiastic and generous members shopped, wrapped and delivered gifts to the families and nursing homes. In total, a record number of families (12) with a record of children (26), as well as 22 indigent residents of local nursing homes, received over $7,500, in gifts and gift cards. Cumulatively, thanks to Lions and friends, over $75,000 in merchandise and gift certificates have been donated in just the past 10 years.

Although it would be difficult to single out the reason(s) for the success of Yarmouth Lions December efforts, strong publicity through the local paper, signs and word of mouth indicating where the proceeds from these activities were going, have led to continued success and steady membership in the club.

“Seeing people and merchants open their hearts and wallets to help those less fortunate, the willingness of volunteers to do what they do, and seeing the benefits of their efforts, make me proud to be a Lion.” – Sandy Bowie, President, Yarmouth Lions Club


Lions Club Celebrates Member’s 102nd Birthday
The Notes – January 23, 2018

On January 19th, our oldest Yarmouth Lion officially turned 102 years old. Espen Christensen, who has been in the Lions Club for 49 years and is, no doubt, one of the oldest Lions Club members in the world, was honored with a celebration at our January meeting at the Muddy Rudder Restaurant. We did want to light 102 candles, but we couldn’t get an OK from the fire department. Bill Goddard, Lions Club member and Fire Rescue Deputy Chief, said he was not concerned about Espen being able to blow out 102 candles, but rather, he was concerned for the safety and well-being of the person trying to light 102 candles. Ha!

Lion Espen Christensen turns 102
Happy 102nd birthday to Yarmouth Lion Espen Christensen!


YARMOUTH LIONS CLUB SAYS “THANK YOU!”
The Notes – January 16, 2018

The Yarmouth Lions Club wishes to thank the many people in and around Yarmouth who had donated their used eyeglasses, lenses, and eyeglasses cases to the National Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Project. Doug Carney, a Lion since 2013, has been faithfully shepherding the project, and reports that the Yarmouth Lions had collected 852 eyeglasses in 2017.. These eyeglasses get processed by the regional Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Center and distributed to needy people in developing countries where they have the greatest impact.

The Yarmouth Lions Club would like to send a special thank you to five local businesses that currently host our eyeglasses collection boxes:

Yarmouth Lions Eyeglasses Drop-off Site - Bayview Dental Associates
Bayview Dental Associates: 247 Portland Street

Hannaford Supermarket: 756 US Rt. 1

Maine Optometry PA: 781 US Rt. 1
Merrill Library - Yarmouth Lions Club Vision Program
Merrill Memorial Library: 215 Main Street

Transfer Station: 659 East Main Street

Click HERE to learn more about the Yarmouth Lions Club Vision Program.


2017 News:

BRIAN BICKNELL BECOMES A MELVIN JONES FELLOW
The Notes – December 18, 2017

At the Lions Club’s December 4th meeting, Brian Bicknell, a 40+ years member of the Yarmouth Lions Club, was honored on behalf of the Lions Club International Foundation by becoming a Melvin Jones Fellow. Melvin Jones founded the Lions Club 100 years ago. This award is the club’s highest form of recognition, and it embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of the Lions Club International.

Dr. Bob Swan, a fellow Lion, gave a moving tribute to Brian before presenting him with the Melvin Jones Fellow award. This prestigious award represents Brian’s dedication to humanitarian service of the highest degree to the Yarmouth community. Among Brian’s many accomplishments are two different terms as club president, years as a director, decades as a shift leader during the Clam Festival, chaperone for youth parties before most members were even in Lions, tree sales, Santa Claus duties, and much, much more.

Lion Brian Bicknell Becomes Melvin Jones Fellow
Brian’s Lions golfing buddies:
Mike Murray (another Melvin Jones award recipient), Larry Forcier, and George Delorme

Congratulations to Brian Bicknell for recognition richly deserved and long overdue!


YARMOUTH LIONS CLUB SUPPORTS EAGLE SCOUT PROJECT
The Notes – November 28, 2017

The Yarmouth Lions Club presented Kyle Bennett with a generous contribution in support of his Eagle Scout project, a memorial honoring past and present volunteer firefighters and emergency medical service providers of the Yarmouth Fire Rescue. The 15’ x 20’ brick memorial is located in front of the Fire and Rescue Station on North Road. It consists of a cement podium with a plaque affixed to it, a cement crest, a bench, and two flag poles – one flag with the Fire and Rescue crest and the other with the EMS crest.

Kyle, a Yarmouth Eagle Scout in Troop 648, gave a well-received presentation of his project to the Lions Club at their October 16th meeting. He described the material and labor costs of the project and provided the club with a photo depicting the podium and its inscription.

Yarmouth Lions Support Eagle Scout Project
Sandy Bowie, Lions Club president, Kyle Bennett, and
Bill Goddard, Lions Club member and Fire Rescue Deputy Chief

The inscription reads in part, “This memorial is dedicated to the memory of all the past firefighters and emergency medical services providers of Yarmouth Fire Rescue that served with dedication and have responded to their last alarm. It stands as a tribute to the noble tradition of unselfish service to the citizens of the Town of Yarmouth and surrounding mutual aid areas.”

Congratulations to Kyle Bennett on a thoughtful and well-designed memorial. The Lions Club is very proud to support his Eagle Scout project.


YARMOUTH LIONS CLUB SAYS “THANK YOU!”
The Notes – August 15, 2017

The Yarmouth Lions Club wishes to thank the many people in and around Yarmouth who have donated their used eyeglasses, lenses, and eyeglass cases to the National Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Project.  Doug Carney, who has been shepherding our Yarmouth project, reports that, so far this year, we have collected 473 eyeglasses, which are then processed by the regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center and distributed to needy people in developing countries where they have had the greatest impact.

A special thank you also to the five Yarmouth businesses below that currently host the eyeglass collection boxes:

  • Hannaford Supermarket, 756 US Route 1, Yarmouth – pharmacy waiting area
  • Bayview Dental Associates, 247 Portland Street, Yarmouth – front entrance
  • Maine Optometry PA, 781 US Route 1, Yarmouth – reception area
  • Town of Yarmouth Recycling Center & Transfer Station, 659 E. Main Street, Yarmouth – book shed
  • Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main Street, Yarmouth – main entryway

The Lions would greatly appreciate your continued participation and support in this very worthy cause.  For more information, please feel free to contact Doug Carney at 846-0863.


The Lions Club honors 2 YHS Community Service winners
The Notes – June 20, 2017

At the May 15th meeting of the Yarmouth Lions Club, the club honored two Yarmouth HS seniors, Tucker Whitney and Johanna Hattan, for their outstanding contributions to community service during their four years at Yarmouth HS.

Colin O’Neill, a Lions Club member, gave the club some background on our tradition of providing high school seniors with community service awards.  The high school chooses two students each year who have gone above and beyond their requirements.  Each student needs 60 hours of community service to graduate, and most have more.  It’s an introduction to a life-long commitment to service, and it reinforces our club’s motto, “We Serve.”  Colin then introduced this year’s YHS Community Service winners.

Tucker Whitney spoke about when he was young, he attended many summer camps and always looked up to the leaders in training.  This inspired him to start volunteering in many of the different camps.  He wanted to give back to the camps, which made him feel good. He has always enjoyed working with kids and has volunteered in many school events, as well as scouting.  He is going to UM Farmington to study education and coaching.

Johanna Hattan spoke about  going on a church mission trip to Guatemala where she was first exposed to poverty.  She has volunteered at Preble Street soup kitchen through her church, she coordinated Tree Street Youth, a non-profit group in Lewiston that supports immigrant children, and she is in the Sewing Club at YHS.  Johanna is also involved with Partners For World Health by sewing pillow cases and quilts for hospitals around the world.  She will be taking a “gap year” next year.

Colin gave each a token of appreciation and told them that community service is just a beginning, and not an end.  Congratulations to Tucker Whitney and Johanna Hattan on their accomplishments and best wishes in their future endeavors.

Johanna Hattan, Colin O’Neill, and Tucker Whitney


New Members Added To The Lions Club
The Notes – May 9, 2017

The Yarmouth Lions Club inducted 3 new members into the club at their April 27th meeting at the Muddy Rudder.  The new members are Greg Hughes, Jim Albright, and Alan Lambert.  Bob Swan performed his usual flawless induction ceremony, inspiring them with the history of the organization, its purpose to serve the community, and administering the oath.  The new Lions “cubs” were then welcomed into club with the traditional Lions “ROAR” from the rest of the members.

Lions Members Greg Hughes, Jim Albright, Alan Lambert, and Mike Murray
Greg Hughes, Jim Albright, Alan Lambert, Jane Cleaves, Bob Swan and Mike Murray

Mike Murray introduced the speakers for the evening, Regal Naseef, Director of Development and Communications for the IRIS Network, and Bob Wakefield, a member of the IRIS Network Board of Directors.

The Iris Network is Maine’s leading independent resource for visually impaired and blind individuals.  With 9 outreach offices across Maine, they help people overcome the challenge of blindness and equip them to pursue success.  Through University trained and certified professionals, they offer diverse rehabilitation services, a low vision clinic, and an audio news program.

Regal provided us with information on their facilities and activities in support of the blind.  She also offered the club an opportunity to raise funds by parking cars in IRIS Network’s parking lot for events held at the Portland Exposition Building and Hadlock Field on Park Avenue.

Bob, as a volunteer, takes visually impaired and blind individuals on outings and activities all over the Portland area.  It was especially inspiring to hear how much they can do with a little help.  One such outing that got the club’s attention was taking the individuals bowling.  Amazing!  He then gave us a short, interactive demonstration with one of our members of obstacles the blind have to deal with on a daily basis.  The club understood.

Jane Cleaves, Lions president, presented Regal with a donation from the club in support of IRIS Network’s activities.

Jane then provided an update on the “New Mainers” eyeglass assistance project initiated last fall through Portland Adult Education.  She is working with the Maine District Sight and Hearing Foundation, who will provide a testing machine, and has lined up a retired ophthalmologist to perform needed exams.


Yarmouth Lions Club Recycles Hearing Aids
The Notes – March 28, 2017

Did you know the Yarmouth Lions Club recycles hearing aids?  We collect used hearing aids and ship them to our regional Lions Hearing Aid Recycling Center where many are refurbished for recipients in need.  Other hearing aids are distributed to teams of hearing care professionals and other volunteers for use during health care missions in developing nations.

Hearing impairment and deafness are serious disabilities that can result in learning difficulties for children and decreased employment opportunities for adults.  The poor are especially affected.  They are unable to afford the care necessary to prevent hearing loss and cannot afford to purchase hearing aids.

If you have used hearing aids you’d like to donate, carefully wrap them and place them in a Lions Eyeglass Collection box located at any one of the following five Yarmouth businesses below that host the Eyeglass Collection boxes:

  • Hannaford Supermarket, 756 US Route 1, Yarmouth – pharmacy waiting area
  • Bayview Dental Associates, 247 Portland Street, Yarmouth – front entrance
  • Maine Optometry PA, 781 US Route 1, Yarmouth – reception area
  • Town of Yarmouth Recycling Center & Transfer Station, 659 E. Main Street, Yarmouth – book shed
  • Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main Street, Yarmouth – main entryway

The Lions would greatly appreciate your participation and support in this very worthy cause.  For more information, please feel free to contact Doug Carney at 846-0863.


Lions Club Celebrates Member’s 101st Birthday – The Notes – February 28, 2017

On January 19th, our oldest Yarmouth Lion officially turned 101 years old.  Espen Christensen, who has been in the Lions Club for 48 years, was honored with a rousing celebration at our February meeting at the Muddy Rudder.  We did want to light 101 candles, but we couldn’t get an OK from the fire department.

Espen was a member of the 82nd Airborne during World War II and was awarded the French Legion Of Honor Medal for his role in the liberation of France on D-Day.  He was a crew member in a glider unit that landed behind enemy lines in Normandy before the D-Day assault took place.  He also served in the Battle of the Bulge.

After Espen blew out his birthday candles, selections of the film, "Silent Wings – The American Glider Pilots of WWII," narrated by Hal Holbrook, were shown which documented the dramatic and heroic exploits of the glider pilots and their crew during WWII.  Through rare archival footage and photographs, the film placed the audience right at the center of the action in the dangerous world of the American glider pilot.  6,000 young Americans volunteered to fly large unarmed cargo gliders into battle.  For these glider pilots and crew, every mission was do-or-die.  It was their task to repeatedly risk their lives landing the men and tools of war deep within enemy-held territory, often in complete darkness.  Once the glider was released from the cargo plane in the air, there was no going back.  Landing safely was their only option, and many landings were not successful.  They didn’t land on paved runways.  They landed many times in heavily treed fields and pastures too small and the terrain too uneven for a glider to land smoothly.  When successful, the crew members then became infantrymen and joined in the battle.

At the conclusion of the film, there was a palpable silence in the room as many of the Lions Club members realized the enormity of Espen’s sacrifices and contributions to the war effort.  Espen then answered a number of questions from the members.  His answers were succinct and very moving, remarkable for a man who is 101 years old.

When we say, “Thank you for your service,” it is truly more meaningful when you understand what Espen went through during WWII.  To Espen Christensen, we say with greater understanding, “Thank you for your service, and we look forward to celebrating your 102nd birthday next year!”

Espen Christensen


Yarmouth Lions Club Says “Thank You!” – The Notes – February 7, 2017

The Yarmouth Lions Club wishes to thank the many people in and around Yarmouth who have donated their used eyeglasses, lenses, and eyeglass cases to the National Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Project.  Doug Carney, a Lion since 2013, has been faithfully shepherding our Yarmouth project.  Doug reports that we collected 1019 eyeglasses in 2016, which are then processed by the regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center and distributed to needy people in developing countries where they have had the greatest impact.

A special thank you also to the five Yarmouth businesses below that currently host the eyeglass collection boxes:

  • Hannaford Supermarket, 756 US Route 1, Yarmouth – pharmacy waiting area
  • Bayview Dental Associates, 247 Portland Street, Yarmouth – front entrance
  • Maine Optometry PA, 781 US Route 1, Yarmouth – reception area
  • Town of Yarmouth Recycling Center & Transfer Station, 659 E. Main Street, Yarmouth – book shed
  • Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main Street, Yarmouth – main entryway

The Lions would greatly appreciate your continued participation and support in this very worthy cause.  For more information, please feel free to contact Doug Carney at 846-0863.


Thank you, Santa, for visiting Yarmouth! – The Notes – January 6, 2017

The Yarmouth Lions Club would like to thank Santa Claus for visiting Yarmouth the past three Saturdays and spreading his good cheer, Christmas wishes, and delicious Christmas cookies to many of our local children…and adults, too.  Sebastian Silver and his mother, Alina, are shown posing for a photo with Santa Claus taken in Santa’s shed in front of Yarmouth’s Town Hall.

Santa has been visiting Yarmouth for many, many years courtesy of the Yarmouth Lions Club.  The Lions Club would also like to extend our sincere thanks and Christmas wishes to the following local businesses that assisted in preparing Santa’s shed for his annual visit – Hewitt’s Auto Body, Jeff’s Electric, Yarmouth Sunoco, and the European Bakery.

To all of you out there, have a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Alina and Sebastian Silver with Santa Claus


2016 News:

Lions Club Donates To The Bartlett Circle Project – The Notes – December 13, 2016

Jane Cleaves, President of the Yarmouth Lions Club, presents a generous donation from the Yarmouth Lions Club to Margaret Downing, President of Yarmouth Senior Housing, Inc., in support of the exterior deck privacy fencing project at Bartlett Circle Senior Housing.  Also at the presentation are Jay Soule (L), Yarmouth Senior Housing board member, and Roger Snow (R), Lions Club board member.

Additional funding to complete the project was provided by the John T. Gorman Foundation in recognition of Tom Gorman’s longtime membership in the Yarmouth Lions Club

Jay Soule, Margaret Downing, Jane Cleaves, and Roger Snow


Lions Club Gets Updated On Bartlett Circle Renovations – The Notes – October 18, 2016

The October 3rd meeting of the Yarmouth Lions Club was held at the Muddy Rudder.  Our guest speakers for the evening were Jay Soule, a member of the Board of Directors for Yarmouth Senior Housing and an insurance agent for The Yarmouth Insurance Agency, and Frank Oliva, an architect for the Bartlett Circle renovations and principle of Frank Oliva Architect here in Yarmouth.

Jay gave us an update on the renovations, expansion, and privacy fences projects at Bartlett Circle.  Bartlett Circle is doubling the number of the units by building a new 3-story apartment building with 28 units on the property.  The name of the building will be Bartlett Woods.  The land has been cleared and the foundations are being poured as we speak.

Frank reported on the renovations to the interior of the 28 existing apartments.  The renovations that are taking place will make the apartments more energy efficient.  They are updating kitchens and bathrooms with new fixtures and installing new insulation in all the apartments.  They are also sprucing up the decks on the exterior and adding privacy fences between the decks.  We are proud to say the Lions Club was instrumental in installing the original decking in the rear of all the apartments a number of years ago.

An interesting and thoughtful discussion followed their presentations.

Frank Olivia, Jane Cleaves, and Jay Soule


Yarmouth Lions Say Thank You! – The Notes – September 6, 2016

The Yarmouth Lions Club wishes to thank the many people in and around Yarmouth who have donated their used eyeglasses, lenses, and eyeglass cases to the National Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Project.  Doug Carney, a Lion since 2013, has been faithfully shepherding our Yarmouth project.  Doug reports that we have collected 787 eyeglasses so far this year, which are then processed by the regional Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center and distributed to needy people in developing countries where they have had the greatest impact.

A special thank you also to the five Yarmouth businesses below that currently host the eyeglass collection boxes:

Hannaford Supermarket, 756 US Route 1, Yarmouth – pharmacy waiting area

Bayview Dental Associates, 247 Portland Street, Yarmouth – front entrance

Maine Optometry PA, 781 US Route 1, Yarmouth – reception area

Yarmouth Transfer & Recycling Center, 659 E. Main Street, Yarmouth – book shed

Merrill Memorial Library, 215 Main Street, Yarmouth – main entryway

The Lions would greatly appreciate your continued participation and support in this very worthy cause.  For more information, please feel free to contact Doug Carney at 846-0863


Lions Club Awards Five Scholarships – The Notes – June 21, 2016

The Yarmouth Lions Club announced the recipients of college scholarship money to five Yarmouth High School graduates.  The funds for the scholarships are raised by the Lions Club selling Christmas trees each year, and the proceeds are then awarded to deserving high school graduates.  The scholarship money is paid out at the completion of the student’s 1st college semester and when the student returns for their 2nd semester.  This year’s five Lions Club scholarship recipients are:

Veronica Handywill attend Lesley College;

Andrea Hinckswill attend Endicott College;

Noah Pellerinwill attend Assumption College;

Jonathan “Jack” Snyderwill attend Roger Williams University;

Eavan O’Neillwill attend St. Lawrence University.

The Lions Club is very happy to assist these students in furthering their education, which is so important and necessary in today’s world.  Congratulations to these graduates for a job well done!  Their “blood, sweat and tears” did not go for naught.


May 24, 2016
Lions Club Honors YHS Seniors
High School seniors, Katie Glenn and Ethan Peters, were honored for their outstanding contributions to community service.

May 10, 2016
Yarmouth Community Center Initiative
A proposal to establish a community center was approved by the Yarmouth Cares About Neighbors board of directors.

April 19, 2016
Vision Services for New Mainers
Lions Clubs are leading an effort to provide vision services to Portland’s new Mainer population.

February 23, 2016
Chamber News and a 100 Year Old Lion
The new Chamber of Commerce Executive Director discusses non-profit groups within the Chamber and how the Chamber and the Yarmouth Lions can support and nurture them.

February 2, 2016
2016 Yarmouth Lions Vision Program is a Success
The Yarmouth Lions Club wishes to thank the many people who have donated their used eyeglasses, lenses, and eyeglass cases to the National Lions Eyeglasses Recycling Project.