The shelves in Manuel “Manny” Reyes’ home are lined with photos of children and grandchildren. But next to the expected displays are photo albums with the year and word “president” on the side.
Reyes, a member of the West New York Cuban Lions Club for 11 years and former president of the group, has become a sort of de facto photo historian for the group. He keeps two copies of the albums each year – one for his own memories and one to give each incoming president.
A chapter of Lions Club International, the local club has over 250 members and raises thousands of dollars each year, ranking number one for fundraising in New Jersey, number four in the United States, and 11th across the world.
The group holds a variety of events over the course of each year, from a picnics and flea markets to holiday parties and cultural celebrations.
What sets the group apart from other social groups is the work they conduct while they’re socializing. All of the events held by the Lions help raise money for charitable organizations, and the members get involved on a personal level by serving with their own hands.
The group has members from Union City, West New York, and North Bergen.
Doctors at free health fair
Approximately 40 Lions Club volunteers are expected to participate in a free Community Health Fair in West New York on Sunday, including members from the local and International organizations.
What makes the event special is that most of the doctors volunteering at the fair are members of the Lions, one of whom will be bringing students from an optometry school in New York City to help with vision screenings.
“We do it for the community,” said Reyes. “It’s an important event.”
Each year the fair draws over 400 people. This year, they are hoping to top 500.
“There’s a lot of enthusiasm,” said Lions President Luisa Cardenas, who added that three generations of Lions will be working at the fair on Sunday including the spouses, children, and grandchildren of members.
In addition to the screenings provided at the fair, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and get information. “We’re trying to give the best information and services to the community,” said Cardenas.
Worldwide tradition
Founded in 1917, Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization. The clubs are active in more than 200 countries and geographic areas.
Despite its name, the West New York Cuban Lions has members of many heritages including a spectrum of countries throughout Latin America.
Lions Clubs International has a long history of fighting blindness and promoting eye care and, in addition to their other philanthropic endeavors, the West New York Cuban Lions carry on the tradition in their work with St. Joseph School for the Blind in Jersey City.
Membership in the West New York Lions Club is open to both men and women. Prospective members don’t have to live in West New York but they do need to have a recommendation from a current member before they can join.
For information on the club, call Manny Reyes at (201) 424-1201.
Lana Rose Diaz can be reached at ldiaz@hudsonreporter.com.
Free community health fair
The West New York Cuban Lions Club Annual Community Health Fair will take place on Sunday, March 28. The event, which is free and open to the general public, will be held from noon to 4 p.m. in the New Community Room, 515-54th St., West New York.
Free health tests and screenings will include: blood pressure, cholesterol, dental exams, diabetes, sleep disorder information, vision/glaucoma, and much more. Several physicians will also be in attendance to answer questions.
Attendees will also receive free samples and giveaways. The fair is open to all residents of Hudson County; all that needs to be provided is a name and address. Services will be available in English and Spanish.
For more information, please call Manny Reyes at (201) 424-1201. – LRD