Meet Bob Berenson, President of the Manchester Lions Club

In the interest of full disclosure, I have been a member of the Manchester Lions Club since 1978. Over the years, Manchester Lions have sold Cracker Jacks, wrapping paper, raffle tickets, hot dogs, pancakes, barbequed chicken, hamburgers, and lemonade. We also used to stand outside of supermarkets collecting donations for eye research. As the saying goes, we have done anything we can make a buck on, for a good cause. We are fortunate to have the leadership of Bob Berenson for our organization. He graciously agreed to talk about his role with the Manchester Lions Club.

Timothy Becker: Bob, What is Lions International?

Bob Berenson: Lions International is the world's largest service club organization with 44,500 individual clubs in 191 countries around the world and has 1.4 million members. Our motto is: “We Serve.” Local Lions Club programs include sight and hearing conservation, diabetes awareness, and community service.

Timothy Becker: What is the purpose of a Lions Club?

Bob Berenson: A lot of the focus is to raise funds for worthy causes and to make an impact on people's lives locally and internationally. There is a sense of belonging to a group of people who share the same feelings and common goals.

Timothy Becker: How many members does the Manchester Lions Club have, and what type of activities does the club get involved in?

Bob Berenson: We were founded in 1949 and currently have about 20 members. We are having our annual bowling tournament on March 3 with the Vernon Lions at Spare Time Lanes in Vernon. We are co-sponsoring our 35th annual Childrens' Fishing Derby in May along with the Town of Manchester Recreation Department. We serve hamburgers at the Dutch Fogarty Independence Day Celebration, and we serve lemonade at the “Crusin' on Main” event in August.

Timothy Becker: What happens to the funds that are raised by the Manchester Lions Club?

Bob Berenson: All funds raised by Lions Clubs are used for charitable purposes and are kept in a separate account. The administrative costs of running the club are paid from members dues. All the proceeds from our bowling tournament go directly to Fidelco in Bloomfield. Fidelco raises and trains seeing eye dogs. Other funds that we raise go towards many additional charitable purposes including: eye exams and glasses for needy Manchester residents, a scholarship for a Manchester High School student that is going on to college, and we sponsor a Little League Baseball team.

Timothy Becker: Is the Manchester Lions Club working on any news projects, now or in the future?

Bob Berenson: We are collecting funds to help 7-year old Natalie Cosman who is battling ovarian cancer. Donations can be sent directly to Webster Bank at 1041 Main St. in Manchester. We are also going to work with the Vernon Lions Club on their carnival and duck race this coming spring.

Timothy Becker: How did you become involved with the Manchester Lions Club?

Bob Berenson: I was introduced to Lions by my brother-in-law Mark who lives in Harvard, Massachusetts. My neighbor here in Manchester who lives across the street, Ed Gorman, offered to sponsor me as a member of the Manchester Lions Club in 2008. After my first year as a member, I was asked to serve as President and I am still serving. It is very rewarding and a lot of fun. It's not just work.

Timothy Becker: I understand that you are being honored this month as Manchester's outstanding Lion of the year. How did you get nominated for that award?

Bob Berenson: This year two members are receiving that award. Jolene Nimith is also being honored. I sponsored her as a new member last year. In her first year as a member, Jolene initiated a new project last December to help owners of seeing eye dogs, by collecting supplies and treats for the dogs.

Timothy Becker: Bob, what motives you to spend your free time as a Lion?

Bob Berenson: My motivation is the satisfaction of doing good for the community, and helping people who need our services. That's the reward.