Press release

Chicago, Jan 12: Kala Sampath Lions Club celebrated its 10th Annual Holiday Party and Community Service Awards Nite at Mohr Community Hall of Forest Park. Kala Sampath Lions Club belongs to one of the 96 Lions Clubs of District 1-A, which is the Mother District of Lions Clubs International. This program was initiated with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by God Bless America, led by Terry D'Souza, Region 3, Zone-A Chairperson of District 1-A.

This was followed by invocation by Dorothy Rego. The Immediate Past District Governor and current President of Kala Sampath Lions Club Austin Prabhu welcomed the Chief Guest Past District Governor and Past Chairperson of Council of Governor's of Illinois, Lion Georg Toft and other dignitaries of the District 1-A Cabinet and the community leaders of Broadview and Forest Park.

 Austin Prabhu, Raymond Pelletier-Broadview Police Chief, Best Police Officer Dean Savas & Best Fire Fighter-Eric Swanson both from Broadview, Stan D'Souza-compere

During his message Georg Toft surprised the audience present by presenting another honor bestowed on Austin by Lions Club International. He read the letter from the President of Lions Club International Dr. Ashok Mehta congratulating Austin's service to the community and his excellence in leading service programs. He stated that International Board of Directors as awarded Austin with "Life Membership" pin and presented the plaque of Life Membership. Responding to this unique honor from Lions Club International Austin thanked God Almighty for granting strength and courage in fulfilling his dream of community service.

This award ceremony was followed by introduction of "Best Fire Fighter of 2005" awardee, Fire Fighter Eric Swanson by Deputy Chief of Fire, Jack Jurkowski. In his introduction Dy. Chief Marshall Jurkowski stated that for his responsibility is not limited to his shift but he stated that he comes to the Department as early as 3 AM in the morning to keep all the instruments and equipments in order, although he does not expects that from any one of his fellow staff. He stated that Fire Marshall Eric Swanson is identified as the Team Leader for the Local Fire Fighters Council in combating asthma related illnesses and accidents and its prevention activities.

The President of the club Austin recognized the great community service provided by the local Forest Park Police Officers and the Fire Fighters who were present at this program. He invited all the seven Officers present at the program who belonged to Village of Forest Park Police and Fire Departments for a photo session along with the awardees, their respective chiefs and PDG Georg Toft. Toft gave away the awards to the awardees and the Police and Fire Chiefs.

As part of boosting public support for this program, there was raffle arranged under the leadership of Anita D'Souza, President of The Forest Lions Club. Raffle draw was convened by Atina D'Souza and Judy Toft. The participants thoroughly enjoyed the variety of prizes offered by its conveners.