Broadview Kala Sampath Lions Club and The Forest Lions Clubs jointly celebrated Governor’s Visit and Community Awards on January 8, 2005 at the Mohr Community Center, Forest Park. In the absence of Kala Sampath president Stany D’Souza who is in India, Queenie Mendonca, First Vice President presided over the program along with The Forest Lions president Anita D’Souza.

The program commenced with a pledge of allegiance, God Bless America song and an invocation by Ligoury Martis. In his prayer, Martis remembered the victims of Tsunami disaster in South Asia and an honorary member of Kala Sampath Lions Club, G. L. D’Lima who passed away on December 26 in Kundapur. Queenie Mendonca welcomed the gathering.

Stupendous Indian dinner was arranged my Terry D’Souza from Chicago’s famous restaurant – Sher-A-Punjab. After the dinner, “Cousins” performed an Indian movie dance and Santa came with joyful gifts to all children who attended this event.

Secretaries Dorothy Rego and Gwayne Rego presented club achievements to the governor.

District 1-A Governor, Dr. Austin Prabhu was introduced by Vice District Governor Dennis McMillan. Dr. Austin inducted five new members, Margie Bell, Anita D’Souza, Gwayne Rego, Gail Rego and Anil D’Souza to Kala Sampath and The Forest Lions Clubs. In his speech, Dr. Austin Prabhu expressed his desire to make District 1-A #1 district in the state of Illinois by increasing more new members and clubs. He said that there are so many needy people in our communities who cannot afford to have their own eyeglasses. As the Knights of the Blinds, he said that it is lions’ responsibility to see that these needy and less fortunate people able to see this world just like us. He also told the gathering that Lions of Illinois Eye Research Institute is conducting space age technology in preventing visual impairedness. He said that they have succeeded in planting a molecule of a size of one billionth of a micron in a visually impaired person’s eye and bring his vision back. He requested all the lions present to support this miraculous research so that in the near future we do not have to wear any eyeglasses. Dr. Austin Prabhu asked all the lions in his district to collect as much money as they can to Tsunami Victims. Kala Sampath and FIL-USA Lions Clubs presented with checks of $500 each in the name of Lions Clubs International Foundation. Rogers Park Lions Club donated a check for $525 during this program. Kala Sampath Lions also made a donation of $1,000 to District 1-A’s VisionFirst program to supply eyeglasses to Chicago Public School System’s elementary school students.

Highlight of this event was the Community Service Awards. Police Chief of Broadview, Lawrence Scott introduced his department’s candidate for the “Best Police Officer Award 2005” – Officer Kevin Eugling. He said that his department had a hard time to select this individual as all of his officers are working hard in Broadview community to make its citizens lives safe to live. He said Officer Kevin is a hero in Broadview who is conducting a youth program and showing his excellent leadership. Broadview Deputy Fire Chief, John Kowalski introduced his department’s candidate for the “Best Fire Fighter Award 2005” – John DeLong. A 20 years veteran John DeLong is a fire fighter whom he can depend on for twenty four hours a day. He said that DeLong is also expert in maintaining computers and is a guru of computer technology. Both awardees were presented with a plaque by District Governor Dr. Austin Prabhu and were given a gift appreciation by District First Lady Terry D’Souza. Police and Fire chiefs were presented with department plaques and gifts for their hard work and making communities safe place to live without fear.

In his remark, Past International Director Dr. Norm R. Dahl commended Dr. Austin Prabhu’s leadership in Mother District of Lionism and appreciated the services of Police and Fire departments as public servants. Immediate Past District Governor, Georg Toft also spoke during this event and asked lions to help human needs not only in local communities, also internationally. In her vote of thanks, Anita D’Souza and thanked all the dignitaries and guests for their presence and for making this program a grand success.

Governor Dr. Austin Prabhu presented appreciation gifts to District Region Chairs, Zone Chairs, Leadership Committee Members and Past District Governors present. Queenie Mendonca and Atina D’Souza conducted raffle prizes. Anil D’Souza was the DJ who made all attendees to dance to his variety of music. Allen Martis compered the program. For photo album of the event, visit: www.kalasampath.com.