Present Coughlin Community Service Awards
The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions continued their Holiday tradition of bell ringing for the Salvation Army. On Saturday, December 19, eight Lions rang bells on Mamaroneck Avenue in Mamaroneck and on Palmer Avenue in Larchmont. The latter location was adjacent to the Lions Holiday Christmas Tree, which was part of the Village & Chamber of Commerce tree decorating competition (won rightfully won by the Girl Scouts). In a year of hardship and our communities coming together in response, the number of donors and the amount increased significantly. Thank you Larchmont & Mamaroneck.
On Sunday, December 6, the Larchmont Mamaroneck (LM) Lions Club held their annual ”Points of Light” celebration of community service, recognizing 22 area non-profit organizations and announcing the recipients of the Lions Jack Coughlin Community Service Awards. The Larchmont Mamaroneck Lions, whose motto is “we serve”, focus on serving thru supporting our existing community civic & service groups, and bringing them together to maximize on combined resources and focus on issues.
The normally live event went virtual this year, hosted by Sandbox Theater leader and Lion, Jason Summers. Our Lions District Governor and many community, county and state leaders were among the virtual audience. The Lions Jack Coughlin Community Service awards were awarded to an individual – Sally Cantwell, and an organization – CURE (Coalition for Understanding Racism through Education), for their outstanding service to the needs of the people in the Larchmont Mamaroneck community, specifically during the current Pandemic. Michael Coughlin, Jack’s son, introduced the award.
A video presentation honored Jack’s 73 years as a Lion. Recognition was also provided from proclamations from State Senator Shelly Mayer. The event recognized 21 other community service non-profits. Video presentations were given by many of these service organizations – At Home on the Sound, Boy Scouts, Cancer Support Team, Community Resource Center, Friends of Karen, Friends of the Family, Fuller Center, Furniture Share House, Girl Scouts, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Hunger Task Force, Larchmont Environmental Committee/Town of Mamaroneck, LMC Media, Neighbors for Refugees, PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization), SOS (Seniors Out Speaking), STEM Alliance, St. Rita’s Free medical Clinic, VHP (Volunteer Health Program), Visions/VCB Camp and the Larchmont Mamaroneck Local Summit.
Jan Fisher, executive Director of Non-profit Westchester was the keynote speaker. She talked about the importance of private non-profit groups working together to address the pressing needs of many residents in our county. The event also recognized the 3 winners of the Lions Peace Poster Contest, two of which placed 2nd & 3rd in the 45 club district competition.
At the end of the evening, Lion and community service activist, Meg Kaufer was honored with the Lions Uplinger Award, for outstanding & dedicated service. She was also recognized with a special proclamation presented by Westchester Counter Legislator, Catherine Parker, who dedicated Monday, December 7th as Meg Kaufer Day in the County.
Visit larchmontmamaronecklionsclub.org for more information.