Valley Stream Lions welcome two, honor longtime member

The Valley Stream Lions Club recently welcomed its two newest members, one familiar with Lionism and the other new to the international service group.

T.J. Anand, a Cedarhurst restaurant and certified public accountant, is an owner of Diya Fusion, an Indian Restaurant on Rockaway Avenue in Valley Stream. He said he has been with the Lions for 30 years but his former chapter closed down.

David Smith has lived in North Valley Stream for 40 years and is retired from electronic security sales. He said he now has more time on his hands and would like to share that with people who can benefit from his experience.

The two were installed by Al Brandel on July 21 at the monthly meeting at Goldie’s Restaurant in Gibson. Brandel was president of the Lions Club International from 2008-09 and is from Long Island, having joined the Lions in West Hempstead.

In addition to the two new members, the Valley Stream chapter honored on of its longest serving members. Bruce Abbate was recognized for his 45 years of service to the the Lions Club.

“The Lions, for me, is some of my closest relationships,” he said, “with some of my closest and best friends.”

Abbate joined the Lions Club in 1965, a year after opening up Vincent’s Stationary and Printing Company on Merrick Road. He owned the business until 1998. Additionally, he lived in Valley Stream for more than 30 years and his three daughters are Central High School graduates.

His sponsors for membership in the Lions Club were Sal and Vinny Spadaccino, owner of Sal and Vin’s Barber Shop. “I’m so happy to be a Lion,” he said. “It’s a wonderful thing. I hope I’m here for 50 years.”