John Tuttle chosen to be Lions District 23-C Humanitarian of the Year

For Immediate Release

EAST HAMPTON HUMANITARIAN RECOGNIZED AS EASTERN CONNECTICUT 2017 HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR

LEDYARD WOMAN RECEIVES DISTRICT GOVERNOR HUMANITARIAN FOR YOUTH

Groton, CT, January 21, 2017--- In recognition of his litany of unselfish services to the community, John Tuttle of East Hampton has been recognized as Eastern Connecticut’s 2017 Humanitarian of the Year by District 23C, Lions Clubs International (LCI) encompassing the Eastern Connecticut counties of Middlesex, New London, Tolland, and Windham. In addition, for her dedicated service to so many young people, Dr. Maze Stephan of Ledyard received the District Governor’s Humanitarian for Youth award.

State Senators Cathy Osten (19th), Paul Formica (20th), State Representative Melissa Ziobron (34th), and State Representative Doug Dubitsky (47th) joined other dignitaries, including former Congressman Rob Simmons, First Selectman for Stonington, presenting numerous laudatory state, and local proclamations, and US Senate citations from US Senator Richard Blumenthal at the 8th Annual Humanitarian Awards Banquet attended by hundreds at the Groton Inn & Suites on Saturday afternoon

Past District Governor Mary Krogh, who has been organizing this recognition program for the past eight years, remarked that - “Choosing among these highly generous and community minded individuals becomes more difficult each year.” “There are so many truly dedicated community leaders doing so much for so many and not looking for any praise.” She said. “That is why the Lions of District 23C are so pleased to seek out and recognize these unsung heroes,” added District Governor George Salpietro, who presented the Humanitarian Awards. PDG Mary also stated, “Although this is a Lions sponsored event, most of those in attendance are not Lions.” She and DG George are pleased that hundreds come out to recognize members of their own community.

The East Hampton Lions Club nomination for John highlighted his concern about the welfare of others. He immediately organized a fundraiser for an injured East Hampton Police Officer, raising over $30k. After learning of a family dealing with financial pressures and imminent divorce, he wanted to ensure there was a warm meal for Christmas and dropped off a $100 Stop & Shop gift card in their mailbox addressed from “Santa.” Similarly, after learning of a family’s breadwinner losing his job, he anonymously dropped off passes to Mystic Aquarium and paid for their lodging so they could briefly escape their worries and challenges.

John’s son’s Himalayan guide had lost everything, including his home, in a Nepal earthquake. John’s fundraising efforts raised $2,000 to help them recover from their devastation. As one of the founders and leaders of the Belltown Open Golf Tournament, the East Hampton Food Bank has benefited with over $30,000, and his church with approximately $25,000

John also serves as President of the East Hampton Ambulance Board of Directors taking pride in ensuring the association members and our residents have the best equipment and training their funds allow. Though busy, he always finds time to look after his neighbor’s, a Vietnam Veteran suffering agent orange and other conditions, property including mowing and snow removal. The nomination was summed up with a friend’s quote: A “Big guy, big heart.”

The Ledyard Lions Club nomination for Dr. Maze Stephan describes her as a PhD in Engineering who not only has the knowledge, but the skill and passion to impart that knowledge to even the youngest of her students. Her typical classes run between 40 to 45 kids and she accepts everyone, including kids with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. If parents are struggling financially, this humanitarian accepts them anyway. She opens her heart and checkbook to this community. She divides the students by ability, even having a 1st grader working with the advanced 5th graders because the little girl is just that smart.

Knit, Knots and Knowledge is what Maze calls her classes that are learning to knit. “They are brain building. Making new pathways in their awesome little noggins.” Because of Maze, we have kindergarten students teaching their parents how to knit! Through a series of original songs, Maze has taught these youngsters the Periodic Table of Elements, the solar system, and even the American Sign Language (ASL) alphabet. When reciting the ASL alphabet, she makes the students use both hands because it is a brain workout and the basis for many hand positions while signing. With a total of 33 original, learning-based tunes, Maze hopes to record and sell a CD along with a how-to book on starting a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program in your community.

The annual program recognizes non-Lions for their humanitarian service. Other Nominees and sponsoring clubs:

Rev. Jonathan Chapman, Danielson Lions Club

Bruce Dutch, East Haddam Community Lions Club

Irene Kuck, East Hampton Village Lions Club

Jeanne Mather, Lebanon Lions Club

Sara Chaney, New London Lions Club

Phil Pavone, Norwich Lions Club

Melanie Groggins, Pawcatuck Lions Club

David Hazzard Wordett, Salem Lions Club

Ray Aramini, Willimantic Lions Club

The District 23C of Lions Clubs International has 1,800 members in more than 50 clubs throughout the counties of Middlesex, New London, Tolland, Windham. Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with any of the region’s Lions Club, please visit www.LionsDistrict23C.org.

Celebrating its Centennial, Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.

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