Lion Stephen N. Polezonis, PCC

Dr. Stephen N. Polezonis has been a member of Lions Clubs International since 1989. He is a past president of the Avon, Plainville and New Britain Lions Clubs and has chaired many fundraising and service projects for all three clubs and for District 23-B (Hartford and Litchfield Counties) and for Multiple District 23 (Connecticut). He is a member of the Lions Club of New Britain and has served as District Governor of District 23-B 2007-08 and Council Chairman of Multiple District 23 2008-09. His theme for the 2007-2008 Lions year was "Service with Vision, Working in Harmony". Lion Steve was also District 23-B Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Coordinator having served in that position from 2009-2012.

LCIF is the giving arm of Lion Clubs International (LCI). LCIF provides funding for humanitarian aid and projects through grants to local Lions Clubs as well as to districts and multiple districts. By providing direct assistance to local Lions Clubs 100% of donated monies go directly to those in need. Administrative costs are funded by a separate interest bearing account so no donated monies are used for administration. Relief and assistance efforts extend far beyond the initial stages after a disaster and include building new homes, schools, hospitals and other projects. Lions Clubs in Haiti and most recently in New Zealand and Japan are providing much needed food, medicine and housing to those stricken by the recent earthquakes. LCIF funds are still providing aid in the form of new homes, schools and hospitals in areas stricken by the Tsunami, in China after their earthquake and in the southern US after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. LCIF remains to help long after others have left. LCIF also provides continuing support for eye care missions to areas abroad without adequate eye care as well as eye health screenings and education here at home.

As an Optometrist, the every day application of his profession fits with the Lions mission as "Knights of the Blind". The Lions Eye Health Program, an eye screening and education program of the Lions, The New Britain Lions Community Eye Clinic and Lions International Campaign Sight First II are all projects in which Lion Steve actively participates and promotes. Other district and state Lions projects that Lion Steve promotes on an ongoing basis are the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation, Connecticut Lions Low Vision Centers and the FIDELCO Guide Dog School and Foundation. Current projects include the eye screening at the annual Veteran’s Stand Down at the Veterans’ Home in Rocky Hill and the new Pediatric Vision Screening Program.

The New Britain Lions Community Eye Clinic is a project originated in the late 1990's by the late Otto Strobino, PID and the New Britain Lions Club. Since 2000 Lion Steve, in his role as optometrist, has been the chief clinician providing service to those in the New Britain area who have no access to insurance and cannot afford eye care and/or eye wear. Appointments are available by calling 860-225-4033.

Lion Steve has been awarded 2 District Governor Certificates of Appreciation, 3 District Governor Medals, 2 International President Certificates of Appreciation, an International President's Medal and a Lions International Leadership Medal. He was recognized as New Britain Lions Club "Lion of the Year", is a Connecticut Knight of the Blind, an Ambassador of Sight and a progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. For more information on Lions Clubs and its activities please check the links provided.

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