The Stroke Rehabilitation Research Laboratory has a staff of seven, plus several students and trainees, who work on activities to try to improve functional vision and mental abilities after stroke.  Dr. Barrett discussed the difficulties of diagnosing vision problems after stroke, as many sufferers are reluctant to acknowledge their vision impairment or may have other physical impairments that impede the diagnosis.  The lab has worked to design a functional vision assessment initiative to improve the identification of functional vision problems in stroke survivors so that they may receive appropriate care.  This year the lab is starting a four-year study to institute science-based care of visual-manual coordination and veering problems.

On May 29^th Dr. Barrett will speak at a special lecture for family and professional caregivers for stroke survivors entitled Hidden Disabilities on Functional Vision.  The lecture will be hosted by the Wallerstein Foundation for Geriatric Improvement at the Kessler Institute of Rehabilitation Conference Center in West Orange.  For more information contact Naomi Schneider at 973-324-3532.

Congratulations to Phil Stern!  He is now Vice District Governor-elect.  No doubt District 16E will benefit from his talents and dedication to Lionism!

It is with great sadness that we share with you news of the death of Morton Stark.  In the long and storied history of this club, there are many members who are unsung heroes.  They took their oaths seriously and gave freely of their time and talent.  And they never sought the spotlight, never sought glory for their deeds.  They were proud and happy to be Lions.  One such person was Morton Stark who died May 16, 2008.  Many of you never

met him, as he moved to Tennessee over seven years ago.  His story is worth telling and, more importantly, emulating. 

Mort became a Lion in 1962 and remained a Lion until his death.  He was sponsored by Jerry Lieb.  Mort was the kind of a person you were glad to know and to be around.  His smile was contagious and his good humor was always present.  There were no airs about Mort.  He was the real thing; always there, always willing to help, never saying no to any task assigned to him.  He had 36 years of perfect attendance and sponsored 3 new Lions.  Our club thought so highly of Mort that he was awarded a life membership.  His record of club service reads like a manual on what it means to be a real Lion.  He and Jules Buck were inseparable friends. Each was the perfect foil for the other.  This is a club where life-long relationships are formed based on mutual goals.  It’s a shame that not everyone got to know Mort.  He was a truly exceptional man, husband, father, and Lion.  His memory will be forever enshrined in the pantheon of Maplewood

Lion heroes.  Rest in peace, Mort.  We are grateful you were one of us.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, June 5^th at 6:45 pm at Cent’Anni, at which we will vote on our slate of officers for fiscal 2008 – 2009.  Please see the attached list of members who have volunteered to lead our club in the year ahead.  Surely they will enjoy the support and cooperation of all club members in all our collective efforts to serve our community and beyond.

Our new officers will assume their responsibilities at our installation dinner on Wednesday, June 25^th at the Appian Way, located at 619 Langdon Street in Orange.  President Joel Ziegler has arranged for a lovely dinner including antipasti, pasta, entrée, dessert, beer, wine, and beverages, all for just $30 per person.  RSVP to me at 973-275-0631.