Dr Mary Welsh, is a leader, an author, speaker, grief session facilitator, non-profit leader, consultant, and university professor. She is married to Lion Joe Welsh, has six children and 5 grandchildren. She is active in her family and advocates for others in her community especially those helping children. Following the loss of her daughter Susie, she Co-founded Susie Q’s Kids (501c3) which provides comfort bags to kids in need, involves “Kids in Helping Kids”, and furthers the missions of the nonprofits that distribute the comfort bags. She serves on several Boards: Bereaved Parents of USA and Susie Q’s Kids furthering her interactions and support of our community.
She is the President of the Sterling Heights Lions Club enriching the club with her expertise and passion for assisting and guiding others as well as supporting our Lions charities helping the blind/sight challenged, deaf/hearing challenged, kids with disabilities, diabetes, and cancer, and those grieving the loss of loved ones. In 2022, she won the Joe Sandomierski Humanitarian Award for her Outstanding Contributions to the Ideals of Lionism and Humanitarian Efforts.
“We serve, it embodies my belief that we should all give back in our community especially programs for kids. The Lions Bear Lake Camp has programs for blind/sight-challenged kids, deaf/hearing-challenged kids, kids with abilities and illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and autism, along with grieving kids. I am committed to the kids (their physical, emotional, and mental health), reducing food scarcity and hunger, and to bettering our environment. Join our meeting to learn more.”
Chuck McAllister is a happy and positive person. married with two children and two grandchildren.
“Lionism has taught me the importance of giving back. It has also taught me the importance of serving the less fortunate.”
Ken Sharp is an active participant in life surrounded by family an friends and committed to helping others in the community.
“I joined the Lions Club to become part of a team to give back to the community in as many ways as possible, and serving the less fortunate. I truly enjoy working with the people on our tram to help better the community and serve those in need.”
Dawn DeClark is dedicated to children, in her role as a nanny she provides a safe welcoming environment for her kids to grow and thrive. She loves art, music, and traveling and is dedicated to her family, friends and community to making this world a better place.
“My grandfather was a Lion, my aunt and uncle are fellow Lions, and I am proud to be a Sterling Heights Lion as I have a passion to help kids and those less fortunate in our community. I love to take pictures and dabble with social media putting my skills to work telling the Lions story.”Vera Luckenbacher was born and raised in Michigan. She is a mother of five and a great grandmother of 13.
“When I was growing up, I was helping others. When I got older and in the workforce, friends were in the Lions and I became involved because I felt the need to help and found out what a wonderful job Lionism does in helping the community.”
Eileen Maciasz is married to fellow Lion Jim Oak. She retired from Chrysler Corporation and possesses an Associate Degree in Organizational Management from the Chrysler Institute of Engineering. She has been an active Lion member for 11 years and loves golf, bowling, and giving back in the community.
“Being a Lion has opened my eyes to the needs of others. I’m honored to be a part of an organization whose purpose is to change people’s lives for the better.”
Joseph Welsh, retired after 37 years as a Design Specialist at Stellantis Corp (formally Chrysler). As the father of six, his family and grandchildren keep him on his toes.
He is the Co-founder of Susie Q’s Kids and serves as it’s Treasurer. His accounting background and ethical and trusting demeanor make him the best to oversee the financials in conjunction with our CPA and accounting connections. He is dedicated to the success of Susie Q’s Kids, Inc. as if fulfills the niche to give back, to help others, to make a difference, and to honor our children. He is also a member of the Bereaved Parents of the USA-Macomb Chapter and serves on their steering committee. He joined the Sterling Heights Lions Club in 2021 and enjoys volunteering at their fundraisers and participating in their service projects. He is very active in the club and serves on their board.
“My commitment to Susie Q’s Kids and Lionism fulfills my desire to give back in the community making life a little easier for others.”
John Bingham has a long history of service to his country and community. He joined the Lions in 1999 and has held positions as President of the Sterling Heights Club and several other clubs, served as Chairperson for the Childhood Cancer program, and served on the district level as Region and Zone Chair and Past District Governor mastering three levels of leadership. He was a former Police Officer and served his country in the United States Air Force. He still operates as a Private Detective and Investigator,
In addition to his commitment to Lionism, John has been Trustee In Metamora, MI, and ran for positions as State of MI House of Representatives and Oakland County Commissioner, and held the position of PTA President for his daughter’s school. Currently, in addition to his role as the Immediate Past President of the Sterling Heights Lions, he is involved with the Venetian Club of Mutual Aid, Commonwealth English Club, and a member of the VFW. The community is enriched by his commitment to serve in his community.
“I became a Lion when asked to join as I thought back to when I was very young, age 9, (and) my brother Bill lost sight in his one eye due to a medical condition. The Lions Clubs provided a special pair of glasses to help strengthen his remaining good eye.”
Pat holds the role of President of the Lioness Lions Club Branch. She love spending time with her family and friends and exploring new relationships with her peers.
“As a Lioness Lion, I am committed to helping those less fortunate in our community and enriching the lives of those I meet.”
Bob McAllister was born in Detroit and raised in Sterling Heights. He is married to fellow Lion Barb McAllister and has six children and five grandchildren. For over forty years, he has managed one of the largest grinding shops in Michigan. He loves to spend time with his family and friends and enjoys traveling.
“Being a Lions helps to warm my heart with its purpose.
‘You make a living by what you get and you make a life by what you give.’
Volunteers are the only human beings on the face of the earth who reflect this nation’s compassion, unselfish caring, patience, and just plain loving one another.”
Jim possesses a degree from Eastern University and loves to work with his hands with a strong passion and deep appreciation of music and the arts performing at our events and leading the Pledge during our meetings.
“As a Lion, I am fortunate to have the most rewarding pursuit on the planet, changing people’s lives.”
Sue Joye is a proud mother of three kids: two sons and one daughter. She is a wife of thirty years to her high school sweetheart. She is a people person, ambitious, and very passionate about life who loves to garden and travel the world.
“Why Lionism is important to me: to serve those in need, to help our community in so many ways, to volunteer in so many events and create meaningful connections, to make a difference in someone’s life.“
Lion Frank is a dedicated member of 22 years in our club, married 64 years ago and has five children. He embodies the spirit of service, giving from the heart to make each and every day and the lives of others a little brighter.
“The 20 some years that I’ve been in the Lion’s Club have been really gratifying being able to help 100;s of people in need of glasses, and many people with hearing aids. Just like the ones that were just turned in to our Lions Club, from a promise person that I personally known, and I was able to give them to a person that was in dire need of them. Also, being able to coordinate three different service clubs to be able to get funds to upgrade their van with a wheelchair ramp for their child with multiple sclerosis!! Our Lord will lead us if we only listen to his wisdom.”
Dr Gary Ciolek has a long career in the chiropractic field and loves being able to ease the pain of others with his hands. He has a family and is committed to his children and grandchildren.
“I have a strong affiliation to the Lions as I lost sight in my eye, and can really appreciate the need, guidance, and assistance those who are sight-challenged or blind experience. Thank you to all Lions for your dedication and commitment to the blind, both children and adults.”
Depesh Bhalsod has a degree and job utilizing his skills to better the organization. He has a strong commitment to family, friends, and the community being a member of several service organizations.
“I love meeting new people and making a difference in the community with my fellow Lions, you should join our team.”
Joseph Croke is married with 3 grown kids. Along with his wife, Louise, they joined the Lions in 2022. His wife is an Occupational Therapist and he is currently employed as a Product Engineer at Stellantis in Auburn Hills.
“I became a Lion because I wanted to give back to the community and especially help with people with sight and hearing issues.”
Kelley has an accounting background helping others with their financial needs. She has held several different roles in her years as a Lion, currently as 1st District Governor and she is running for District Governor this spring.
“Lionism is a strong community supporter, I am warmed by the good done in the community around the globe. I have seen the impact first-hand of those receiving care, attending camp, and learning more about diabetes and other programs affecting those We Serve.
Ron Papa has been a Lion since May, 1989, and has held every office in the club. Other organizations he has worked with through the years are the United States Army, Chrysler Management Club, Catechism teacher at St. Rene, coach for boys softball, choir member at St. Isadore, and has served on, and or chaired on a number of Lion Club organizations such as Leader Dogs for the Blind.
“It has literally become a part of my life, most of my friends are Lions, my activities involve Lions or Lion functions, and it gives me an opportunity to help others live a better life.”
Ken has been a Lion for many years providing his experience in the Treasurer position and earning Progressive Melvin Jones awards. He is married and committed to his family and friends, enjoying life.
“Lionism is a great way to connect with other like-minded people and provide service to the community we serve both locally and around the world. I am proud to be a member of this group of dedicated people with a passion to help.”
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