Registration Open for 2026 Brookfields Lions Club Golf Tournament
NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA — Registration is now open for the 2026 Brookfields Lions Club golf tournament, according to event chair, Marc Kokansky.
The annual event is taking place on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Quail Hollow Country Club, 1822 Old Turnpike Rd, Oakham, MA. The four-person scramble tournament begins with registration at 12 p.m., followed by a 1 p.m. shotgun start.
The entry fee is $100 per golfer, which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, skins competition, closest-to-the-pin contests, and a meal following the tournament at Quail Hollow Country Club.
Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Brookfields Lions Club’s charitable programs and community service projects throughout the area. Through fundraising events such as this tournament, the club supports local organizations and individuals while carrying out the Lions’ mission of serving those in need.
To register a team or obtain additional information, contact Marc Kokansky at 508-847-9843. Registration is open now through August 15.
As the world’s largest, youngest and most active service organization, the mission of Lions Clubs International is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding. Members of the Brookfields Lions Club are dedicated to service and support in the communities of Brookfield, East Brookfield, North Brookfield, West Brookfield, and New Braintree.
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Brookfields Lions Club Elects New Officers
NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA — The Brookfields Lions Club elected new officers at its final meeting of the 2025-2026 club year on Thursday, June 18, according to immediate past president Bill Cass.
New officers for the 2026-2027 club year include Andy Caron, president; Bill Fullam, first vice-president; Paul Thompson, second vice-president; Glenn Waugh, treasurer; Jim Buzzell, secretary; Doug Morrison, membership chair; Marc Kokansy, director; Bill Cass, Lions Club International Foundation coordinator; John Thompson, tail twister, and Philip Bricault, lion tamer.
As the new Lions Club President, Andy Caron will lead the club, preside over meetings, oversee committees, and ensure that club activities align with Lions International goals. He serves as the chief representative of the club in the community and helps guide service projects, membership growth, and club operations.
First Vice-President Bill Fullam will serve as a catalyst to annually assess club activities and then implement new goals in the next fiscal year as club president. Second Vice-President Paul Thompson will serve as requested by the club president to lead specific committees or projects.
Club Treasurer Glenn Waugh will continue to serve as the main bookkeeper for the club’s financial accounts; this includes the administration of membership dues invoicing and collection, making deposits and recording expense receipts.
Club Secretary Jim Buzzell keeps the history of the club’s official proceedings, an accurate accounting of the club membership roster and assists in every communication effort to members. He also serves as the communications liaison between the club, the district and the association.
As the new club Membership Chair, Doug Morrison will lead the charge in recruiting new members, orienting them into involvement opportunities with the club and nurturing relationships between established members and new members. Reach out to Doug if you would like additional information about how to become a Lion.
Marc Kokansky will serve on the club’s board of directors, helping guide the club’s mission, policies, and long-term planning. He works with the club’s officers to provide oversight, support service projects, and ensure the club remains a strong and effective force in the community.
In his new role as LCIF Coordinator, Bill Cass will promote awareness and support for the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), encouraging member participation and contributions that help fund humanitarian service projects and disaster relief efforts around the world.
John Thompson’s job as the “Tail Twister” is to help create a fun, welcoming atmosphere at club meetings by encouraging fellowship, recognizing achievements, and promoting good humor. This role helps strengthen friendships and build club spirit.
As the ”Lion Tamer,” Philip Bricault will be responsible for the care and presentation of the club’s property, including flags, banners, the gavel, and other meeting equipment. This role helps ensure meetings are organized, professional, and conducted with pride.
The mission of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest, youngest and most active service organization, is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding. Members of the Brookfields Lions Club are dedicated to service and support in the communities of Brookfield, East Brookfield, North Brookfield, West Brookfield, and New Braintree.
For more information about the Brookfields Lions Club, to download a membership application, or to send an email to the club, visit their website at brookfieldslionsclub,org.
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Brookfields Lions Club Honors Members for Outstanding Service and Humanitarian Contributions
NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA — The Brookfields Lions Club recognized eight members for their dedication to community service and humanitarian efforts during the club’s annual Awards Banquet held Thursday, May 21, at Hardwick Crossing Country Club in Gilbertville.
Club President William Cass presented Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards to Lion Philip Bricault, Lion Jeffrey Hayes, Lion Geno Waugh and Lion Steven Willette in recognition of their exceptional service and commitment to Lionism.
The Melvin Jones Fellowship, established in 1973 by Lions Clubs International, is considered one of the organization’s highest honors. Named after Lions founder Melvin Jones, the award recognizes outstanding humanitarian service and support of the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
“Within Lionism, the Melvin Jones Fellowship symbolizes a person who truly embodies the Lions motto, ‘We Serve,’” said Cass. “These recipients have consistently gone above and beyond through leadership, community involvement and dedication to helping others.”
In addition to a personalized plaque and lapel pin, recipients of the fellowship also received congratulatory letters from Fabricio Oliveira, LCIF chairperson, recognizing their role in supporting humanitarian causes throughout the world.
The letter noted that LCIF-funded programs support efforts to fight diabetes, preventable blindness and childhood cancer, while also responding to natural disasters, feeding the hungry, empowering young people and protecting the environment.
Membership Chair Lion Andy Caron also presented the Lions District 33A Joseph J. Camarda Fellowship Award to Lion William Fullam, Lion Marc Kokansky, Lion Douglas Morrison, and Lion Paul Thompson.
The Joseph J. Camarda Fellowship, established in 1986 by the District 33A Sight & Hearing Conservation & Treatment Fund, honors individuals who have made significant contributions to sight and hearing initiatives throughout Massachusetts. Named in memory of Past International Director Joseph J. Camarda, the fellowship recognizes exceptional humanitarian service and dedication to improving vision and hearing health in local communities.
Recipients receive a personalized plaque and lapel pin, while fellowship contributions support programs that provide assistance for individuals facing vision and hearing challenges throughout District 33A communities.
“The Lions Club has a long tradition of recognizing members who quietly make a difference year after year,” said Caron. “These awards reflect the spirit of service and compassion that continues to define Lionism in our local communities.”
Brookfields Lions Club Awards Local Scholarships
North Brookfield, MA – The Brookfields Lions Club has awarded five scholarships totaling $5,000 to local high school graduates, according to club president, William Cass.
Each year, the Lions award scholarships of up to $1,000 to students who live within the club’s service area, and attend one of five local high schools: David Prouty High School, Spencer; North Brookfield High School, North Brookfield; Quabbin Regional High School, Barre; Quaboag Regional High School, Warren, and Tantasqua Regional High School, Sturbridge.
“We’re proud to support these students as they begin the next chapter of their education,” said Cass. “Each of them has demonstrated hard work, commitment to their education, and the potential to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. The Brookfields Lions Club is honored to help invest in their future.”
Madison DeCelle, of Brookfield, attends Tantasqua Regional High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and the National Art Honor Society. She is the daughter of Amanda DeCelle. Madison will be studying fashion design and marketing at Lasell University, in Newton, Massachusetts,
Willow Anderson is the recipient from East Brookfield, and also attends Tantasqua Regional High School. She is the daughter of Eric and Ellen Anderson. Willow will be attending The College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA, where she will be studying language in the hopes of someday working as a government interpreter.
Hunter McQueston, of New Braintree, attends Quabbin Regional High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps. She is the daughter of Michael and Jessica McQueston. Hunter will be attending the University of Maine at Orono where she will major in nursing.
Emily Black, of North Brookfield, attends Quabbin Regional High School. She is the daughter of Cassie Hobbs and Andrew Black. Emily will be attending Nichols College, Dudley, MA where she will be studying criminal justice with an eye toward being a criminal psychologist.
Gianna Lindsey is the recipient from West Brookfield, where she attends Quaboag Regional High School. She is the daughter of Eunice and Craig Lindsey. Gianna will be attending Western New England University where she will be studying law.
To be eligible for a Brookfields Lions Club scholarship, applicants must be a resident of one of the Brookfields or New Braintree. The student’s high school guidance director must confirm the student’s class rank and sign the application, and the completed application must be submitted before the high school’s spring break. To receive the scholarship, recipients must demonstrate that they are enrolled as a full-time college student and have earned passing grades.
As the world’s largest, youngest and most active service organization, the mission of Lions Clubs International is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding. Members of the Brookfields Lions Club are dedicated to service and support in the communities of Brookfield, East Brookfield, North Brookfield, West Brookfield, and New Braintree.
May 15, 2025 – Club Members Presented with Milestone Chevron Awards
Lions Clubs International recognizes the anniversaries of our members with Milestone Chevron Awards. Acknowledging our members with these awards gives LCI the chance to thank Lions for their years of service and encourage them to continue making a difference in their local communities and worldwide.
District 33A Governor Denise Andrews presented Milestone Chevron Awards to eight Brookfields Lions Club members on May 15, 2025:
• Steve Brunelle – 35 years
• Jim Buzzell – 25 years
• Mike Kularski – 35 years
• Jim Lovett – 45 years
• Tom Ruiz – 15 years
• Lindsey Searah – 20 years
• Mike Toomey – 45 years
• Joe Truhel – 25 years
May 7, 2025 – Brookfields Lions Club Awards 2025 Scholarships
Each year, the Brookfields Lions Club awards scholarships amounting to up to $500 to students at five area high schools. The following 10 students have each been awarded a $250 scholarship, according to Club President, William Cass:
Quabbin Regional High School – Samantha Carlson and Nathan Pride
Quaboag Regional High School – Joshua Leamins and Falon Rice
Tantasqua Regional High School – Anthony Fazzuoli and Jackson Landine
North Brookfield High School – Dayton Ford and Anthony Polanco
David Prouty High School – Makenzie Morin and Alivia Sauvageau
To be eligible for a Brookfields Lions Club scholarship, students applicants must be a resident of one of the Brookfields or New Braintree, and their high school guidance director must confirm the student’s class rank and sign the application.
Scholarship recipients have up to one year to demonstrate that they are enrolled as a full-time student at the college or university of their choice and earning passing grades.