Due to COVID-19 the Lions are planning alternate ways to support the Borough
CLICK HERE FOR THE 2020 OCEANPORT LIONS CLUB STRAWBERRY FAIR FLYER
Oceanport Lions’ Fair Raises $10,000 For Community
OCEANPORT: The Lions’ Club Strawberry Fair has closed out one of its most successful years with a gift to the borough community.
Lion John Bonforte presented the Oceanport Council with a check for $10,000 that will be divided among several groups. $2,000 will go to the Oceanport First Aid Squad, $1,000 will go to the Oceanport Police Department, $250 will go to the Oceanport Hook and Ladder Volunteer Fire Company, The Port Au Peck Chemical Hose Company and its fire police will receive $250 and $500, respectively, and the remaining $6,000 will go to to borough of Oceanport.
As for the fair itself, annual event was held at Monmouth Park two weeks ago and featured rides, games and food, including the traditional strawberry short cake. Included in the fun was the animals’ display where youngsters delighted in getting a close up view of the furry friends.
Other proceeds go to Lions charities, eyesight impaired and other difficulties that are often a challenge to address, and expensive at that.
This was the 14th event held at the Park, and encouraged volunteers to plan for next near.
As typical for Lions organizations, the West Long Branch chapter was allocated a table under the big tent where folks rested to eat or just chat with friends. The West Long Branch Lions were selling 50-50 chances with the drawing for a winner scheduled to be at the fireworks display at Franklin Lake. The chance drawing will be about 9:00 P.M. that evening at the pagoda shell.
Lions Clubs International is one of the world's largest service club organizations. Its 1.4 million members, 47,000 local clubs globally, which Oceanport Lion’s Club is one of, are dedicated to bettering the quality of life for the disabled, the poor, the sick, and the aged. The motto of Lions Clubs International is “WE SERVE,” and Lions live this motto with enthusiasm.
For many years our annual scholarship has been made available to a high school student who resides in Oceanport or is the son, daughter, or grandchild of an Oceanport Lion member in good standing and planning to further their education by attending a college or university. Our application has prioritized academic achievement, SAT/ACT scores, school activities, community service, and a TYPEWRITTEN essay of 500 words or less.
In 2022, you will see some changes to our application criteria that will further prioritize service and activities and allow for the inclusion of family responsibilities as a consideration of community service or activities a student is involved in. Our application will still collect all the information it always has, but with a different approach to evaluation and weighting. The application will also be open to students furthering their education through alternatives such as trade or vocational schools.
Our goal is to make this scholarship opportunity more inclusive and consider more students who could benefit from our $1000 grant, which may not have considered applying. Service is our priority and is demonstrated in many ways by young adults, and we want to evaluate more of them!
Applications may be obtained from your Guidance Counselor or downloaded at Oceanport Lions Club Scholarship Application.
For additional information, please get in touch with your high school scholarship counselor first, or you may contact Mark Barreca, Lions Club Scholarship Committee Chair, at (201) 563-2948 or at mjbarreca@comcast.net. Our club is excited to see this year’s candidates!