New members pose with their certificates after being inducted into the Acushnet Lions Club on 5/23/23, L-R: Sponsor Andrew Cioper, new member Chris DaCosta, sponsor Ray St. Pierre, new member Doug Thomas, Massachusetts Lions Council Chairperson Deb Grassi who inducted the new members. Photo by Margie Green Joseph.
By Beth David, Editor
The Acushnet Lions Club presented two Helen Keller Awards and inducted two new members into the club at their meeting on Tuesday, 5/23/23. Club president Bob Perry said Joe Franco and Al Lagasse have “accomplished outstanding humanitarian service to the community,” to receive the awards.
Mr. Franco owns Gary’s Best Hot Dogs, and has donated hot dogs and buns to the club for a variety of events and fund-raisers, including the Apple-Peach Festival.
Mr. Lagasse works at Quality Beverage, and has donated beverages and prizes for the annual golf tournament and other events. He also provides the beer for the club’s booth at the Apple-Peach Festival at a good discount, allowing the club to sell for less and make more.
Mr. Perry said the donations allow the club to give back more to the community. The money they raise goes to the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund and to the community. The club gives out scholarships and helps with a variety of community events throughout the year.
L-R: Acushnet Lions Club President Bob Perry presents the Helen Keller Service Award to Joe Franco on 5/23/23. Photo by Margie Green Joseph.
The club is involved in veterans events in Acushnet, including the bricks at the Veterans Memorial; they sponsor a little league team; hold an annucal food and toy drive; comedy night; golf tournament; and fish derby for kids.
“We do a lot of things,” said Mr Perry. “We’re very active.”
He said the 50+ member club is often in the top ten in fund-raising per capita in the state.
The club will also provide a wheelchair ramp to anyone in the community who needs one free of charge. At the present time, they have two available.
At Tuesday’s meeting, Massachusetts Lions Council Chairperson Deb Grassi inducted new members Chris DaCosta, who was sponsored by Andrew Cioper; and Doug Thomas, who was sponsored by Ray St. Pierre. Ms. Grassi was joined by Region One Chairperson Dan Thompson.
L-R: Acushnet Lions Club President Bob Perry presents the Helen Keller Service Award to Al Lagasse on 5/23/23. Photo by Margie Green Joseph.
New members need to be sponsored by a current member. To learn more about the Acushnet Lions Club, find them on Facebook, or see a member at one of the many events they will be participating in this summer.
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