Submitted by Jen Bencivengo, Old Greenwich School Principal
I am writing to express my heartfelt appreciation for the Lions Club of Old Greenwich and the vital role they play in supporting individuals with vision impairments in our community.
A member of my immediate family lives with both macular degeneration and geographic atrophy, which has resulted in significant vision loss. Thanks to the Lions Club, she was able to receive care from an Occupational Therapist who introduced her to essential tools—like check-writing templates, black-lined checkbooks, and other visual aids—that have greatly improved her ability to manage daily tasks and maintain her independence. These seemingly small supports have had a tremendous impact on her quality of life.
As the proud principal of Old Greenwich School, I’ve also seen firsthand how the Lions Club supports our students. Each year, they provide free eye screenings to our school community. These screenings regularly identify students with early vision needs, ensuring they can access timely interventions and supports that are critical to their success in the classroom.
This kind of service is made possible by the Lions Club’s ongoing fundraising efforts—a proud Greenwich tradition dating back more than 50 years. Proceeds support the Lions Low Vision Center at 500 W. Putnam Avenue. The staff at the Center provide individualized assessments and distribute vision-enhancing aids to help patients navigate daily life with greater ease and dignity.
More information is available at: https://greenwichunitedway.
In addition to the Low Vision Center and school screenings, Lions Club fundraising supports summer camp scholarships for Greenwich children, grants to local human service agencies, and contributions to the Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation (http://clerf.org), which advances critical research in eye health and treatment.
The Lions Club also raises funds through beloved community events such as their annual Pancake Breakfast and seasonal grapefruit sales. Details about these events—as well as information and resources for those living with low vision—can be found on their website: https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/
The Old Greenwich Lions Club is a quiet but powerful force for good in our town. My family—and my school community—are just two of the many who have benefitted from their generosity and service.
I encourage all residents to support their important work.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jennifer Bencivengo
Proud Principal
Old Greenwich School