Chris and I met with Mark Ahronian prior to his Friday night shift at the Lion’s Club Annual Carnival.  Recently elected President of the Club, Mark is excited to note that this is his second go-round as President—the first time was in 2006-7.  He excitedly noted, “No one has ever been President twice!”

With over 30 years of volunteer service to the local Lions Club, Mark, as well as his wife Linda (a former President herself), believe in the Lions’ Mission Statement:  We Serve.  Making it a family affair, daughter Amber launched the Leo Club when she was a student at Holliston High.  She, too, wanted to help her community and school.

Learning the needs of the community helped Mark to understand Holliston more deeply.  He remembered days when Lions sold light bulbs door-to-door—this practice from their promise to Helen Keller in 1925 to be the light to the blind, eradicating preventable blindness.  When one resident told Mark she could not afford to replace a bulb, he realized there were may people in need. 

“In 2008, many people lost their jobs.  Many could not find comparable jobs to what they had earned, so they had to take a step back,” said Mark.  He learned that everyone is vulnerable at some time and anything can happen. “[Being a part of the Lions] makes you more aware of your community,” he said. 

During COVID, Mark witnessed fewer people stepping up and into the Lions.  He and Linda felt the Lions was a very important organization for the community, so he returned to the position of 3rd vice president—putting himself in line again for president.  “We were all hurt by the pandemic,” he said. And the need for community service was great. 

The Lions support many aspects of the community, from scholarships to graduating seniors, to the Pantry Shelf and our public library.  They support the Senior Center, the Park Department, and the Auxiliary Police, in addition to holding speech and poster contests, and, of course, supporting eye health through research grants provide by Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc. (MLERF). Over the years, the Holliston Lions Club has donated in excess of $300,000 to MLERF. 

Numbering over 70 volunteers, the Holliston Lions became the “Best of the extra-large clubs in Massachusetts in 2022,” according to Mark.  And it’s no wonder with the activity they create and generosity they engender.  They sponsor the Lions’ Golf Tournament at local Pinecrest Golf Club.  Mark recently chaired this event which took in over $5000.  Mark was also instrumental in holding a “meat raffle.” He had attended one and thought it a good idea for the Lions.  This year’s meat raffle was not only fun, but it also engaged the Superette and Casey’s Pub as well as lots of happy participants.  The recent Lions’ carnival marked year 60 for the local group.  Mark noted that 3 generations of the Fanelli family have provided continuous carnival rides and entertainment over the past six decades.  These were only a few of the events Mark was proud to speak of.

Not only does Mark feel that the Lions’ Club has grown, but he also credits the Club with helping each volunteer to grow personally.  He feels his membership has taught him how to negotiate with his peers and to increase his public speaking skills.

Mark and his wife have both been recognized as “Lion of the Year,” Mark in 2007, and Linda in 2001. The group also recognizes outstanding individuals with the Melvin Jones Award, which both Mark and Linda have received.  This award is selected by the club and a donation is made in that member’s name to Lions Clubs International Foundation to continue the humanitarian work of Lions.  This year Mark instituted a new award,  “The Heart of the Lion,” a humanitarian award, presented  to someone not involved in the Lions’ Club who exhibits an unselfish nature.

Mark said, “Being a Lion is very rewarding.  You meet the nicest people, each with their own talents.”  The Lions gather once a month for a Board of Directors meeting, and meet at the 45 Restaurant on the 3rd Wednesday of the month for some social time and sometimes a guest speaker.  Mark recently attended the Lions International Convention in Boston.  “They [Lions} were all so friendly,” said Mark.  “It’s hard to get bored,” claims Mark of his time with the Lions, “It’s a vibrant community club.” 

Mark’s commitment to the Holliston Lions was evident to us through the excitement he shared with us of its people, its purpose, and its good works.  We wish him the best during his presidency!