Page 32 - Enews April 2020 Edition

Kings & Queens

LIONS DAY AT THE UNITED NATIONS

“Peace and equality, gaps in education for CELEBRATING expressions of joy and approval.
All agreed that he IS the Lion
girls, access to healthcare for
nd
International women and families, violence 42 ANNUAL Leader to be elected to serve as
our next International President.
against women and access to
economic and political re- LIONS DAY International Peace Poster and
Understanding.” sources. As a tribute to the 25th. Essay Contest-
Charter Anniversary of UN- WITH THE Theme: “Journey of Peace”
WOMEN, PDG Jackie’s goal is
The Grand Prize Winner of the
to raise the awareness of our UNITED
Lions Day at the UN, the annual Lions about the work of UN- Peace Poster Contest is Zhan
celebration of the relationship be- WOMEN. NATIONS Zhang, 12 years old, sponsored
tween Lions Clubs International and by Shaanxi Datang Lions Club in
China. The award is $5,000 US
the United Nations was once again The highlight of this year’s pro- Story and Photos by
a great experience for the close to gram was a very inspiring story Dollars.
The Grand Prize Winner of the
400 Lions and guests. The theme from our IFVP Douglas X. Alex- Lion Shirley Maddox,
for the 42 Anniversary was “Peace ander about the impact of Sep- Bedford Stuyvesant Essay Contest (for the Visually
nd
and International Understand- tember 11. He chronicled the Lions Club Impaired) is Joseph Critchlow,
ing.” diligence of Lions’ service to 13 years old, from Liverpool,
UK, sponsored by the City of
help our city during that very International President, Dr. Jung Liverpool Lions Club. His prize
ST
This year, as a result of the ongoing traumatizing experience. The -Yul Choi, International 1 VP is $5,000 US Dollars. He was a
renovations to the UN auditorium final speaker was a Lion from President, Douglas X. Alexan- speaker at the event.
nd
der, International 2 VP Brian
building and with the impact of the Long Island who recounted her E. Sheehan, PDG Jacqueline
Coronavirus on New York, the en- life experiences as a widow. She Williams, Esq., Lions Repre-
tire weekend was conducted at The lost her husband, a First Re- sentative for UN Women, sever- Lion Shirley Maddox
Westin Hotel across from the UN. sponder during this tragic attack al UN diplomats, world leaders,
The Lions Team led by PIP Al on our country. There were no other special invited guests,
Brandel began the weekend with a Lions and Leos from across the
delightful evening of fellowship dry eyes in the house, following world gathered at The Westin
among visiting Lions, UN guests these two presentations. Most Hotel to celebrate the occasion.
and some of our local Lions. On importantly, these personal ac-
Saturday, March 7, the program, counts emphasized the im-
directed by PIP Al Brandel provided portance of world partnerships This year’s theme was “Peace
information about the successful UN and volunteer service organiza- and International Understand-
partnerships around the world. He tions. These can be the mecha- ing.” The day consisted of an
addressed the issue of peace and nisms that contribute to world impressive program, delicious
international understanding. He peace and international under- food, a beautiful musical perfor-
emphasized how peace efforts, such mance by Belinda Williams and
as the support for refugee bases and standing. networking with Lions from all
the pursuit of Sustainable Goals, around the world. IP Dr. Jung-
enable us to build healthier and more Special congratulations to Lion Yul Choi invited us to “reach
stable societies Lenworth James, (Laurelton out and meet someone new!”
Lions Club). International Presi- “Let’s give a R O A R……. for
As the program continued, present- dent Jung-Yul Choi presented our International First Vice
ers with specific UN assignments him with an International Presi- President Douglas X. Alexan-
described their ongoing efforts in the dent’s Medal, in recognition of der!”
areas of UNICEF, UNODC and his annual contribution to the
UNWOMEN. Speakers included efficiency of this two- day pro-
PID Steve Tremaroli who an- gram. Lion Lenworth is a mem- His address was one of the high-
lights of the program.
nounced new proposals related to ber of the UN Family and the
UNICEF and targeted Lions Clubs. Lions of the world salute him. His approach to the podium was
PDG Anthony Paradiso, director of greeted with a standing ovation.
At the close of his riveting
the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Reported by speech, FVP Alexander was
provided a substantial update on the PDG Jacqueline Williams, Esq. saluted with another rousing
impact of Lions Quest on education standing ovation. A range of
in 90 countries worldwide. visible emotions swept through
PDG Jacqueline Williams, Esq. the audience: some participants
were crying, others were cheer-
focused on the efforts of UNWOM- ing and some were shouting with
EN to address issues of gender