The Brooklyn Canarsie Lions, Inc. held its 2023-2024 New Officers Installation and New Members Induction ceremony on Monday, July 17 at Nick’s Lobster House on Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn.

Over 125 persons attended the gala event that included several elected officials, who are members of Lions, Inc. They were: State Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, the Haitian-American chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party and representative for the 42nd Assembly District in Brooklyn; State Sen. Roxanne Persaud, the Guyanese-born representative for the 19th Senate District in Brooklyn; and Assemblywoman Monique Chandler-Waterman, representative for the 58th Assembly District in Brooklyn and daughter of Jamaican and Barbadian immigrants.

The others were: Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, the Trinidadian-born representative for the 59th Assembly District in Brooklyn; Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse, the Haitian-born representative for the 46th Council District in Brooklyn; and Councilwoman Farah Louis, the representative for the 45th Council District and the daughter of Haitian and Bahamian immigrants.

The inductees came from the US, as well as from Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico.

Lion Past District Gov. Jackie Phillips conducted the installations of new board members and induction on new members.

The inductees comprised: Suyapa Harry, Sherrie Jasper, Elias Marrero, Dr. Lisa Millsaps, Kamla Millwood, Eric Waterman and Vladimir Sterling.

New inductees with elected officials. Photo by Nelson A. King

New board members and officers included: Jean G. Joseph, president; Benjamin Pinczewski – nominated for vice president; Debbie Louis – nominated for 2nd vice president; Yolaine Ridore – nominated for 3rd vice president; Camille Hastick – nominated for membership chair; Andrea Dawes – nominated for 1st assistant membership chair; Joan Bakarridden – nominated for 2nd assistant membership chair; Sharon Borno – nominated for secretary; Valerie Grant – nominated for assistant secretary; and Maria Nanton-Moses – nominated for service chair.

Others were: Yolaine Ridore – nominated for: assistant service chair; Gemma Thomas – nominated for assistant nominating chair; Jade Jean-Baptiste – nominated for marketing chair; Inga O’Neale – nominated for welfare chair; Elba Melendez – nominated for event chair; Harlan Drakes – nominated for club technician; Henderson Wint – nominated for lion tamer; and Sophia Casimir – nominated for: tail twister.

Appointed board members were Joel Cohen, Sheila Wiltshire and Radica Jaikaran.

Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse, third from left, presents certificates to two Lions, flanked by Brooklyn Canarsie Lions President Jean Joseph, left.Photo by Nelson A. King

Joseph, the Dominican-born president of the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions, told the opening ceremony that she was honored to “spearhead an organization that promotes and celebrates service and empowerment.

“Despite the many social, political and climatic issues we are facing as a global community, we are blessed and happy to gather here in celebration of our Installation of Officers for the 2023-2024 term and New Member Induction Ceremony,” said the certified public accountant (CPA). “Tonight is rife with celebration as we will also proudly hand out some very special awards later in the program.

“Throughout its history the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club has adhered to its mission of service,” she added. “I’m proud to say that we are a beacon of light in our community. Moreover, not only are we entrenched in our community building efforts with events that cater to the health, safety and social needs of the people we are privileged to serve, we have done  so with distinction over the past year.

“And as we look forward to our Lions year ahead, I’m pleased to share some of the very critical plans and innovations on the drawing board,” continued Joseph, disclosing that the first is the “start-up” of a new group of Cubs and Leos catering to membership for a much younger demographic age, from 8-18 years.

She said a “Walk in the Park” is another initiative Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club plans to introduce, “which is aimed not only to increase marketing of our club but also help in building community relations.”

Councilmember Monique Chandler-Waterman, right, presents certificates new inductee Elias Morrero, flanked by Brooklyn Canarsie Lions President Jean Joseph. Photo by Nelson A. King

The president said the membership committee, “which did a yeoman’s job last year inducting more than 60 new members, will again be hard at work by revamping and updating our existing website, making it more user-friendly and expanding the services offered.”

She said Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club also has formed several new committees.

In addition to these new initiatives, Joseph said the club has its usual signature events, which include Masquerade Ball in October and Brotherhood Thanksgiving Dinner in November.

She said the club will once again participate in the 69th Precinct Council’s National Night Out and partner with other organizations in back-to-school events, in addition to hosting its own.

“We look forward to your continued engagement in making every event a success,” Joseph said. “Be reminded that it is you who put the unity in community. It is you who have made the Brooklyn Canarsie Lions Club one of the most formidable community-based organizations in the Borough.

“Let’s continue to rally together as Lions with a keen sense of the responsibility, which we shall continue to assume,” she added. “We look forward to a future large with promise and hope.”

Lion Frank Seddio, past chair of the Brooklyn Democratic Party, said the club needs “people who are active in the community.

“We do so much more today,” he said. “Come down and get involved.”

Williams said being a Lion is a “job that you cannot wait for anything in return”.

Narcisse said she was “here to support you,” adding that “When you come to Lions, it’s not about politics.”

Persaud said it was “good to see you’re doing good work”; Chandler-Waterman said the Lions’ services are “rewarding” and the community work is “priceless.”

Assemblywoman Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn, left, presents citation to Valerie Grant, flanked by Jean Joseph. Photo by Nelson A. King

Bichotte-Hermelyn presented a citation to Valerie Grant, an accomplished civil servant.

Joseph told Caribbean Life afterwards that she “felt a sense of satisfaction and pride to see how the club has grown from 10 members to over 75 currently.

“It gave me great hope and joy to see the support from the elected officials, other Lions’ clubs and the community at large” she added. “The camaraderie was unbelievable. It encouraged guests to join this wonderful organization.”

Among other Lions organizations that attended the event were: Westchester Lions Club, The Impact Lions, Metropolitan Lions, Crown Heights Lions, Midwood Lions and Hyde Park Lions.