Lions Install Paul Arneth As New Club President

The Newtown Lions Club recently celebrated the annual Pass the Gavel banquet at the Rock Ridge Country Club. Paul Arneth was installed as club president, accepting the gavel from outgoing president Bill Denlinger.

The club honored Jim Larin, presenting him with the Lion of the Year award, and Tom Evegash, who received the Knight of the Blind award.

Lions Region Chairman Tom Babcock, former president of the Bethel Lions Club, installed the new officers who also include Mr Larin, administrative vice president; Frank DeLucia, vice president in charge of programs; Jon Christensen, vice president in charge of membership; Jim Manville, vice president in charge of finances; Charles Godfrey, project treasurer; Tom Evagash, secretary.

Also installed were Paul Krueger, toastmaster; George Arfaras, tail twister; Dave Brown, cub Lion tamer; Doug Russell, cub tail twister; Stan Wyslick, Lion tamer, and directors Jerry Cole, Tony Ratzing, and Skip Sims. Director Jerome Mayer was absent.

More than 84 members, wives, and guests attended the banquet, dining on prime rib, salmon, and chicken. The attendance was the most in the last 15 years, reflecting the continued growth of the Lions Club.

A major project of the club this summer will be selling tickets for the Classic 1964½ Mustang convertible that will be raffled off in the annual fundraiser. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased at Amaral Motors, the C.H. Booth Library, the Newtown Health & Fitness Club, and other locations around town as well as from any Lions member.

Money raised through the raffle is spent on such local Lions projects as building the playgrounds at Treadwell Park and creating a nature center at Orchard Hill Park. The club also supports Meals on Wheels, the Labor Day parade, FISH, and many other local nonprofit groups. The Lions also give to state, local, and international charities, especially those that involve the blind.