65 Years of Legacy, Leadership, and Longevity for Middletown Lions Club

The long-lasting effects of volunteerism was celebrated in gala fashion on November 15, 2011 at Jacques Reception Center in Middletown, NJ, where members of the Middletown Lions Club – joined by family, friends, elected officials, and community representatives – gathered for the organization’s 65th anniversary “Charter Night” dinner. It was an evening filled not only with fine food and fellowship, but also the induction of new members, reflections on the Lions’ proud history, and honorary proclamations, plus testimonials and donations to area charities that the Lions selflessly assist throughout the year.

Middletown Lions President Lori Anne Oliwa welcomed the crowd and introduced each of the many special guests who were there to share the festivities. They included Middletown Township Committeeman Gerard Scharfenberger, who presented a resolution on behalf of the township, and Monmouth County Freeholder John Curley, who presented a proclamation declaring the date to forever be known as Middletown Lions Day in Monmouth County. He was followed at the dais by Beverly Bova Scarano, a fourth-generation Lion, who gave the invocation. Then everyone raised their water glasses in a traditional Lions toast to salute one another, stating, “Not above you, not beneath you, but with you.”

The agenda continued with the formal approval and induction of eight new Lions Club members, five of whom were present. The induction ceremony, presided over by Lions Club District Governor Michael Marrazzo, was at once both lighthearted and moving, as each new inductee was blindfolded and escorted by his or her sponsor to the front of the room to take the Lions’ oath. The blindfolds are meant to underscore one of the primary missions of the organization, to assist the blind, and to help members empathize with what it is like for those who must deal with vision loss. The district governor went on to speak about the past, present, and future of the organization.

Mr. Marrazzo, together with Lions Bill Bechtoldt and Ray Veth, also gave a special tribute to longtime Lion “Rosebud” Ezra “Osie” Thorne to honor his impressive 50 years of active service as a club member and the tremendous work he has done, boasting a long history of accomplishments and many Lions Club “firsts.” At 88 years old, the beloved Mr. Thorne – who has won 38 regional awards, was twice named Lion of the Year, and became the first lifetime member – merrily regaled the audience with numerous stories of projects and parties past. Humbly, he credited his fellow Lions for the organization’s success and community service, as well as the countless hours that their families so generously allowed them to spend on Lions activities.

“I have lots of good memories,” he commented. “I brushed shoulders with the nicest people going. To all of you here in this room – you have just walked among the finest people I’ve ever known. In all these years, I have never come home from a Lions Club meeting when I was mad at any Lions.” Appropriately, a backdrop of Lions memorabilia and photos on display around the room provided perfect illustration to the history of which he spoke. 

New Jersey State Senator Joseph Kyrillos sent his regrets for having to miss the dinner, but nonetheless sent a Senate resolution honoring the 65th anniversary of the Middletown Lions Club. Michael Schultz, Special Assistant to the New Jersey Attorney General, was there to represent Governor Chris Christie and Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno and read a letter on their behalf, offering their congratulations to the club.

Also present that evening were Doreen Minutella, director of St. Mark’s Food Pantry; Don Skrivanek, founder of Middletown Helps Its Own; and Middletown School District Interim Superintendent Ernest Donnelly and nurse Eileen Gavin, each of whom gave testimonials about the services provided to each cause by the Middletown Lions. After they spoke, Lions President Lori Anne Oliwa presented checks and special Lions “paw print” awards to the Kitchen at St. Mark’s Food Pantry and Middletown Helps Its Own.

Finally, recognition was given to several members, known as Legacy Lions, whose fathers, grandfathers, and even great-grandfathers set a strong example of good citizenship through their membership, participation, and leadership in the organization. Representing four generations of Lions were George Miller, Paul Bova, Beverly Bova Scarano, and Christine Scarano. Three generations of Lions included J. Crawford Compton, J. Crawford Compton, Jr., Brian Compton, J. Craig Finnegan, Thomas Finnegan, and T. Craig Finnegan.

From its charter night banquet on November 18, 1946 to its 65th anniversary dinner on November 15, 2011, the Middletown Lions Club continues to roar.