Middletown Township NJ Lions Club

Here at the Middletown Township Lions Club our members work at creating good news. Here is a sampling of some success stories we are actively involved in.

A CHANGE OF FOCUS

Fourth generation Lion thrives after corneal transplant

By Lori Anne Oliwa

     For Lion “Bones” Christine M. Scarano, the late nineties were cutting-edge - a time of sights and sounds, sun and surf, snowboarders and storytellers. A contributing photographer for magazines like the Aquarian, Juice, East Coast Rocker, and Rare Breed, Scarano was a fixture on the alternative music, snowboarding, and surfing scenes. Attending 4-5 concerts weekly, she recorded – with her pen and through her lens - the memorable moments of punk bands like Bad Religion and Pennywise and rockers like The Beastie Boys and Incubus. She chronicled the slides and rides of amateur snowboarders and surfers, and by her own admission, loved what she was doing. “I didn’t even care about getting paid,” Scarano noted.

     Sometime in 1997, however, the ‘view’ started to change. The sights and sounds Scarano had developed such a talent for capturing had become a blur. “After shooting a roll of film, I noticed that some of the photos were blurry and unfocused. I just wasn’t able to get the shots I wanted to anymore,” she recalled. Scarano noted sadly, “I was starting to think that I just stunk as a photographer.” A diagnosis of keratoconus – a deterioration of the structure of the cornea which results in decreased visual acuity – was the culprit. The cause is unknown, according to information on the website www.nkcf.org, official website of the National Keratoconus Foundation. Realizing in a flash that she would never be able to make a living as a photographer, the exercise science and sports studies major decided to attend graduate school. In 2002, Scarano earned an M.S. in physical therapy. “I accepted the fact that photography would only be a hobby, and I would not be able to live only in my passion,” she added wistfully. In 2004, Scarano earned a doctoral degree and has been a physical therapist for eight years.

     Her career advanced, but unfortunately the keratoconus did too. By 2005, the condition – which can in many cases be managed with gas-permeable contact lenses - had progressed to both eyes. Contact lenses were no longer an option for her right eye, and Scarano was put on a list for a corneal transplant. On October 31, 2005, she had the operation with tissue donated by the family of a 26-year old man killed in a car crash. She noted that the process was managed by The Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey, Clark, who had originally recovered the tissue. “I was given a second chance,” she said emotionally.      Devoid of post-operative complications and armed with a brand new ‘view’ of her own, Scarano – an avid surfer - started traveling to places like Costa Rica and Puerto Rico with lens in hand. The results – a photographic collection entitled “Finding Warmth in Winter” – is on display until March 3 at Jamian’s, 79 Monmouth St., Red Bank. Photographs of native populations, sunsets, mountains, beaches, trees, pathways, unique natural landscapes and objects, fauna and flora - and ordinary objects that ‘most people wouldn’t even notice’- comprise the collection. “It captures the passion of people and places,” Scarano noted in her artist’s statement. One of her personal favorites – “The Wind” – captures a group of colorful sarongs blowing in the breeze at Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. “Most people would have just walked by,” she added. Another favorite – “Shaper’s Daughter” – shows the expressive innocence of a little girl eating watermelon. “Bus Stop” - taken in Rincon, Puerto Rico – shows the rustic photos,” Scarano stated, “and I seek to elevate ordinary things by finding their beauty.” Ironically, not all the photos are in perfect focus. Scarano commented, “I like to use natural lighting, not always focused, and there can be beauty in that. Seeing something out of focus has meaning and in and of itself makes a statement.”

     Scarano views her photographs as a triumph over adversity, a celebration of the gift of sight, and as a call to action ‘to stop and enjoy life.’ While there are no statistics on the amount of time that a corneal transplant is viable, Scarano is relishing every day – and taking the opportunity to help others. She is a fourth generation member of the Lions Club of Middletown Township and follows her mother, Beverly Bova Scarano; her grandfather, Paul Bova; and her great-grandfather, George Miller, a charter member of the club. Christine’s mother, Beverly Scarano, is the current president of the club.

     Scarano will donate a percentage of her photography sales to the Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey, and she will continue to visit offices of the N.J. Division of Motor Vehicles with MD-16B District Governor Joyce Palmer to promote organ donation. Scarano concluded, “I can still take pictures and will never give up. Not a day goes by that I am not thankful.”

     Information on the exhibit is available by contacting Curator Travis Radcliffe at (732) 747-8050. Details on future exhibits are available by contacting Scarano directly at cmscarano@msn.com.

Photo Captions:

Photo 2408 Christine M. Scarano and her first exhibit – “Finding Warmth in Winter.”

Photo: “The Ocean at Manuel Antonio”

Photo: “Sunset at Playa Pelada”

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP LIONS CLUB FUNDS SIGHT-RESTORATIVE SURGERY

The Middletown Township Lions Club recently recognized Dr. Daniel P. Goldberg MD, FACS of Atlantic Eye Physicians, Little Silver, for performing sight-restorative surgery on a needy Middletown resident who could not afford the surgery. The operation was performed at a greatly reduced fee with funding provided by the Lions Club. “It is people like Dr. Goldberg who enable the Lions to continue their mission of helping those with vision problems who are also in financial need,” stated Middletown Lions Club Chairman Al Siano. Siano presented Goldberg with an award specifically designed to honor his noble contribution. “My practice is about helping others and about giving the gift of sight,” Goldberg replied modestly. A renowned expert in his field, Goldberg affirmed his commitment to assisting the Lions in their mission to preserve, protect, and restore eyesight to those in need. Information on Atlantic Eye Physicians is available by visiting the website www.refractivesurgerynj.com and www.atlantic-eye.com or by calling (866) 853-3263

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP LIONS CLUB AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

     The Middletown Township Lions Club awarded scholarships to three deserving students from the Middletown community at a special ceremony on July 14th at the Holiday Inn, Hazlet. The scholarship winners were Brittany Ryan, Hilary Veth, and Steven Wiltbank. Ryan and Veth, graduates of Middletown High School South, were there to accept the $500 scholarships along with their parents. Wiltbank was unable to attend. Middletown Township Lions Club Scholarship Chairman Ron Finnegan complimented the winners and explained that they were selected from a group of highly competitive candidates on the basis of academic merit, participation in extracurricular activities, dedication to community service, and financial need. “They are impressive students of good character and are very deserving,” Finnegan stated. He added that the scholarships are one way that the Middletown Lions Club supports local youth from the surrounding community.

     Brittany Ryan will be attending Ramapo College. Hilary Veth will attend James Madison University and will major in Psychology. Steven Wiltbank, who will also be attending Ramapo College, will study Environmental Science.

     Middletown Lions Club President Beverly Bova Scarano congratulated the students, but issued a call-to-action at the same time. “The awarding of the Lions Club scholarships is one small way that we can say several things to these young people. First, we wish you well as you head off to college and enter a whole new world. But secondly, our wish is that you remember and will recognize the many opportunities to serve others both here and abroad. In doing so, we hope you too will come to know what it means when Lions everywhere say “we serve,” Scarano noted.      Information on the scholarship program, which is available to graduating seniors who are Middletown residents, is available by contacting Ron Finnegan at (732) 615-0510 or by sending a letter of interest to the following address: Middletown Lions Club Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 75, Middletown, N.J. 07748

CLASSIC CARS FOR A CAUSE – MIDDLETOWN LIONS RAISE OVER $13,000 AT ANNUAL AUTO MEET FOR CAMP HAPPINESS

Classic cars, community, camaraderie, and a cause – The Middletown Lions Club Fourth Annual Auto Meet for the Blind certainly had it all. Held at Dearborn Market in Holmdel, what has become a major celebration for both the local community and the scores of classic car owners and enthusiasts who travel from around the state to attend is also the largest fundraiser of the year for Camp Happiness, the pride of the Middletown Lions Club. Camp Happiness is part of the New Jersey Blind Citizens Association (NJBCA), Leonardo, and is a 100-year old non-profit organization that serves blind and visually-impaired adults and children with an array of programs and services. The cornerstones are an art therapy program, physical fitness program, computer training, job search assistance, a garden therapy program, and a very well-attended day program that provides “campers” with socialization, cooked meals, kinship, and activities like bingo Monday through Thursday. Executive Director Doug Scott was appreciative of the fundraising support, which yielded over $13,000. “The auto meet has become an indispensable part of our revenue stream and an integral part of our success. The Lions’ caring efforts and dedication to the blind helps to change and enrich lives,” Scott said. Event Co-Chair and Lion Jimmy Guerrieri commended the volunteers who helped to make the event a success and stated, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve along with fellow Co-Chair and Lion Craig Finnegan in addition to the many volunteers who made the event a success for Camp Happiness.”

Middletown Lions Club Chairman Al Siano actually proposed the idea for the car show several years ago and commented on what it has come to symbolize. “Every year the show is held the Sunday before the Fourth of July – a time when people are in the swing of summer and making plans for the holiday. The show has come to represent pride in over 100 years of American ingenuity apparent in the automobiles and by the display of a World War II jeep which holds the American Flag. Great American music is played, children participate in a hula hoop contest with parents, grandparents, and great grandparents looking on and remembering that wonderful American toy, and the parking lot is alive with the spirit and energy of those who attend. It is all about pride in our community and in our country,” Siano declared. He urged everyone to take a few moments to think about what it would be like to be blind. “Imagine – if only for a few seconds – what it would be like to be blind and to be dealing with the progressive loss of vision. Camp Happiness brings hope, joy, and pride into the lives of those it serves,” Siano added. Information on Camp Happiness is available by contacting Executive Director Doug Scott at (732) 291-0878 or by visiting www.njbca.org

OPEN HOUSE AT CAMP HAPPINESS PRODUCES MILES OF SMILES

     Dozens of people had the opportunity to experience the unique atmosphere at Camp Happiness, located on the Sandy Hook Bay in Leonardo, at an open house on Sunday, September 13. Part of the New Jersey Blind Citizen’s Association, a 100-year old non-profit organization which serves and advocates on behalf of the blind and visually-impaired, Camp Happiness directly improves the lives of those afflicted with blindness by providing programs which offer opportunities for learning, socialization, recreation, and camaraderie. Art therapy, gardening, physical fitness, computer training, and job training are some of what NJBCA offers. The organization also operates a thrift store on location which is staffed by members and offers some terrific bargains, according to NJBCA Executive Director Doug Scott. Members of Camp Happiness, who are referred to as “campers,” also form strong bonds with each other during the day programs Monday through Thursday and enjoy nutritious meals, games like bingo, and presentations by speakers like the Middletown Garden Club RFD.

     On September 13, many people from the community saw firsthand what Camp Happiness means to the people it serves while enjoying a barbecue complete with ribs, salads, hot dogs, and “the best cheeseburgers around,” according to several attendees. “I can’t even imagine being blind,” stated Middletown resident Peggy Flanagan, a steady customer of the camp’s thrift shop. “Camp Happiness offers a helping hand, and everyone has a good time and enjoys each others’ company too,” she added. Dottie Lee, a longtime “camper,” member of the NJBCA Board of Directors, and one of the most passionate and ardent supporters of the mission, explained that she spends most days at Camp Happiness. “My life would not be the same without it,” Lee stated. “It is a wonderful place,” she added emotionally.

     In addition to the barbecue, Camp Happiness officially dedicated the newly-designed Meditation Garden, which was created as an Eagle Scout project by Jonathan Della Pietro, a relative of NJBCA Board Member and Middletown Lions Club Chairman Al Siano, who was in attendance to congratulate Jonathan. “I am so proud of Jonathan. He has given something of himself to Camp Happiness, and anyone visiting will be greeted by the striking garden,” Siano stated. “He worked very hard on this project, and I am just absolutely amazed at the results, just blown away. It’s beautiful,” stated Scott. According to Della Pietro, the garden provides a “total sensory experience” with wind chimes, aromatic plants, a bird bath, bird houses, and benches for reflection. Della Pietro said he had a wonderful time planning and executing the project and wants to remain involved with Camp Happiness.

     Information on Camp Happiness and the New Jersey Blind Citizen’s Association is available by contacting Executive Director Doug Scott at (732) 291-0878. The website address is www.njbca.org.