The Catskill Chronicle

Fallsburg Lions and Leos Serving the Community

FALLSBURG, NY (June 9, 2011) – In these challenging economic times the Town of Fallsburg Lions Club with the support of Monticello ShopRite collected non-perishable food items and cash donations from generous customers on May 7, 2011 for the second year in a row.

This year was bolstered by the help of eight Fallsburg High School students from the newly formed Leo Club affiliated with Lions International and sponsored by the Town of Fallsburg Lions.

Three other Fallsburg students participated as part of the school’s community service program. Along with nine Lions Club members, well over $600 was collected and was evenly distributed to benefit Bread of Life Pantry in Hurleyville, St. Andrews Food Pantry in South Fallsburg, and Federation for the Homeless in Monticello.

Fallsburg Lions Host PRASAD Dental Health Program Administrator

Speaking before the Town of Fallsburg Lions Club dinner meeting on May 19 at Nardi’s Frankie & Johnny’s Restaurant, Administrator of PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program (CDHP) Dr. M. Cecilia Escarra informed the audience that 64% of Sullivan County’s third-grade children have cavities, 18 percent higher than the statewide average.

The CDHP fills a vital need throughout the community providing quality care regardless of a family’s ability to pay the costs. It is through the generosity of people and organizations like the Fallsburg Lions that have donated once again $500 to keep PRASAD’s Mobile Dental Clinic on the road.

In the photo above are: Steve Ruwoldt, Dr. Cecilia Escarra and Miranda Behan.

Dr. Escarra added that the Club has gone the “extra mile” at a special time of need. Their driver has undergone some medical issues that prevent him from driving his normal schedule. She explained this to Miranda Behan, Program Committee Chair for the Fallsburg Lions and in-coming President. While on the telephone, Miranda suggested that her husband Peter might do some driving for PRASAD. As soon as he was asked, Peter happily offered his service.

During the question and answer period after Dr. Escarra’s presentation, a former and a present staff member at the Fallsburg Central School District attested to firsthand experiences with children in critical need of dental services before the days of the Dental Clinic and after. It was challenging and frustrating to see young people missing school or coming to school suffering from severe tooth pain and trying to find dental care along with their parents. Now the present staff member attested to seeing smiling young people emerging from the van after being in the hands of PRASAD’s caring dentist and assistants. If you want to share the example of the Fallsburg Lions and help bring smiles to children’s faces throughout Sullivan County and even into Ulster County, contact Dr. Escarra at (845) 434-0376. Check out their web site at www.prasadcdhp.org for more information.