In its 74 year history, the Sanford Lions Club Thursday, June 25, bestowed for the first time the club’s premier award, Lion of the Year, upon a female member. Honored by fellow club members was Teresa Dew who has done a yeoman’s job for Lionism since becoming the first female member in 2004.
The local service club also installed new officers for the 2009-2010 club year which included the Leo Club consisting of teenagers and presented numerous other awards. A large crowd of members, spouses, and guests attended.
Outgoing President John Walden, Jr. praised the new Lion of the Year for going above and beyond in her service to the club. “Whether it’s the Lee Regional Fair, organizing and selling tickets for fundraisers, or spearheading projects like pancake breakfasts and support for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Teresa Dew is always there leading others and working hard,” Walden said.
She was coordinator this year of the Day-Timer’s Branch Club which she organized after becoming a Lion. Dew often attends the regular Thursday night Lions meetings to report on or conduct business as well as the Branch Club’s lunch meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays. In the past two years she and other Branch Club members have raised some $4,000 for Lions International projects for the blind, $2,000 to purchase new tables and chairs at the fairgrounds, and this year raised $3,800 for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Dew began her involvement with the Lions through a cooperative Habitat for Humanity project for which she worked at the time. “I was impressed with the Lions organization and their hard work and I shared their mission of helping the visually impaired, the needy, and youth in our community. So, I jumped at the chance to join when invited by Dowe Smith who sponsored me,” Dew said.
In addition to spearheading the Day-Timer’s club, Dew led efforts to expand attractions at the annual Lee Regional Fair including the beauty pageants and cheerleading competition. She serves on the Lions Fair Steering Committee which oversees the large operation. She is also active in other community affairs including serving on the board of the Christian United Outreach Center.
Dew is employed at Harvey Financial Services owned by George Harvey who also is a Lions club leader. She has two sons, Ricky, a Fayetteville fireman, and Dustin, a senior at Appalachian State University.
Sanford Lion David Martin was recognized by the club for completion of a highly successful year as District Governor of District 31-F. Martin was also honored with an award from Lion’s International for outstanding service including the chartering of three new clubs in the district. He said he was honored that his last official club visit during his tenure was at his home club. Martin praised Sanford Lions for blazing a trail of success in North Carolina noted by its producing a dozen district governors of whom he is proud to be among.
Martin then asked all new officers to come forward for the installation ceremony including those from the Thursday night club, the Day-Timer’s Branch Club, and the Leo Club.
President for the coming club year is Richard Hendley and president-elect is Dr. Marvin Joyner. Don Morton is first vice president while Nick Novosel will serve as second vice-president. Returning as secretary is Dan Hruby as is treasurer John Burns. Bob Nelson will serve as tail twister and Richard Holshouser will fill the Lion tamer position.
Members of the Board of Directors serving with the officers are Don Dollar, Bill Whiteman, Teresa Dew, and Bill Schubert.
The new slate of officers for the Day-Timer’s Branch Club includes Coordinator Kimberly Cummings, Vice Coordinator Nancy Kimble, and Tail Twister Marie Profio.
Leo Club officers for the new year are President Taylor Batten, Vice President Brianne Schlott, Secretary Brandy Gregson, Treasurer Jayne-Anne Patrick, Historian Meghan Miller, Social Director Anna Johns, and Tail Twister Steven Wright. Lion Melissa Hilliard is the liaison between the Lions and the youth organization.
More than two dozen club members were recognized by outgoing president Walden for playing various roles in the organization this past year. Also, Scholarship Committee Chairman Roy Cashion announced the 2009 winner of a $1,000 college scholarship. She is Velvet McClurkin who graduated from Lee County High School where she was very involved in academic and extra-curricular activities. She will enter N.C. State University this fall. Assisting Cashion on the scholarship committee are Mike Womble, Bob Nelson, and Jim Romine.
The evening ended on a humorous note as the annual presentation of the Motor Mouth Award went to Lion Ismael Rivera. Several past recipients, with tongue in cheek, spoke of the pride they felt upon winning the award and the proper dignity it deserves—even if it’s just a trash can painted gold which must be prominently displayed in the winners home during the coming year.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
County Manager Addresses Lions
The Sanford Lions Club celebrated a successful 2009 golf tournament at its weekly meeting Thursday, June 4. Following his final report on the event, Chairman Jim Romine was honored with a rousing rendition of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” led by song leader John Byrd.
President John Walden, Jr. presided and Reggie Miller delivered the invocation. Jim Turner led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Tail Twister Wendell McGee entertained the crowd with a number of jokes.
President Walden announced that new officer installation and ladies night is scheduled for June 25 when he will pass the gavel to Richard Hendley for the 2009-10 year.
Guest speaker was Lee County Manager John A. Crumpton who was presented by program chairman Billy Miller. The county official explained the heavy revenue toll that the economic recession is taking on the county budget. The 2009-10 fiscal year budget takes effect July 1 and anticipated revenues are expected to be down drastically from the current year.
Fifty-seven percent of Lee County’s budget is derived from property taxes and the county tax base has declined, Crumpton explained. He also explained that county governments are largely extensions of state government, thus budget cuts on the state level directly impact county budgets in several major departments performing services mandated at federal and state levels. And the legislature’s budget struggles this year are well documented with deep funding cuts passing down to local governments.
Crumpton said the state is expecting counties to use their fund balances, or savings, to cover the revenue deficits and this is a burden on local governments. The state requires that counties maintain at least an eight percent fund balance for emergencies. But Lee County department heads have worked diligently to reduce expenses, Crumpton said, including eliminating 26 jobs permanently and making changes in health benefits.
President John Walden, Jr. presided and Reggie Miller delivered the invocation. Jim Turner led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Tail Twister Wendell McGee entertained the crowd with a number of jokes.
President Walden announced that new officer installation and ladies night is scheduled for June 25 when he will pass the gavel to Richard Hendley for the 2009-10 year.
Guest speaker was Lee County Manager John A. Crumpton who was presented by program chairman Billy Miller. The county official explained the heavy revenue toll that the economic recession is taking on the county budget. The 2009-10 fiscal year budget takes effect July 1 and anticipated revenues are expected to be down drastically from the current year.
Fifty-seven percent of Lee County’s budget is derived from property taxes and the county tax base has declined, Crumpton explained. He also explained that county governments are largely extensions of state government, thus budget cuts on the state level directly impact county budgets in several major departments performing services mandated at federal and state levels. And the legislature’s budget struggles this year are well documented with deep funding cuts passing down to local governments.
Crumpton said the state is expecting counties to use their fund balances, or savings, to cover the revenue deficits and this is a burden on local governments. The state requires that counties maintain at least an eight percent fund balance for emergencies. But Lee County department heads have worked diligently to reduce expenses, Crumpton said, including eliminating 26 jobs permanently and making changes in health benefits.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Golf Tournament Big Success
The fourth annual Sanford Lions Club Golf Tournament held Saturday (May 30) at Quail Ridge Golf Course proved highly successful with good weather, good prizes, good food, and good fellowship enjoyed by over one hundred golfers and supporters.
A big congratulations to Lion Sidney Boaz for scoring his first ever hole-in-one from the seventh tee. Boaz didn't start playing golf until he was 70 and now 15 years later comes his first ace. He was playing with Walt Drury, Reggie Miller and Bill Freeman.
Proceeds from the entry fees and business sponsors will help the sight and hearing impaired as well as support medical research and disadvantaged youth.
Tourney Chairman Jim Romine thanked everyone for their participation and financial support. While players chowed down on some good home cookin from Ron’s Barn at lunch, Romine announced the day’s top foursomes and presented a truckload of outstanding prizes provided by Calloway and raffle prizes contributed by area businesses.
First flight winners were:
First Place: Kevin Bunnell, Carl Bunnell, Jack Carlyle, and Jacob Gaster with a score of 55; Second Place: David Fields, Howard Willet, Ron Minter, and Benny Walters, score 56; and Third Place: Jimmy Douglas, Tom Savitski, Tommy Clark, and Bud Jennings, score 61.
Second flight winners were:
First Place: James Williams, Vaughn Challingsworth, Gary Henry, and Phillip Deese with a score of 58; Second Place: Tommy Jones, Steve Jones, Rodney Starr, and Suzie Starr, score 62; and Third Place: Dave Martin, Ralph Sparks, John Walden, and Rod Paxson, score 63.
Third flight winners were:
First Place: Darrell Smith, Donald Lloyd, Brian Carlyle, and Eddie Thomas with a score of 61; Second Place: Wally Jones, George Kostrewa, Mark Meaty, and Glen Phillips, score 62; and Third Place: David McBurnett, James McBurnett, Steve Bordeaux, and Jimmy Cook, score 64.
Closest to the pin honors went to Sidney Boaz who aced No. 7 and Joffree Bradley and Tim Kennedy. Steve Bordeaux and Vaughn Challingsworth were recognized for longest drives.
A big congratulations to Lion Sidney Boaz for scoring his first ever hole-in-one from the seventh tee. Boaz didn't start playing golf until he was 70 and now 15 years later comes his first ace. He was playing with Walt Drury, Reggie Miller and Bill Freeman.
Proceeds from the entry fees and business sponsors will help the sight and hearing impaired as well as support medical research and disadvantaged youth.
Tourney Chairman Jim Romine thanked everyone for their participation and financial support. While players chowed down on some good home cookin from Ron’s Barn at lunch, Romine announced the day’s top foursomes and presented a truckload of outstanding prizes provided by Calloway and raffle prizes contributed by area businesses.
First flight winners were:
First Place: Kevin Bunnell, Carl Bunnell, Jack Carlyle, and Jacob Gaster with a score of 55; Second Place: David Fields, Howard Willet, Ron Minter, and Benny Walters, score 56; and Third Place: Jimmy Douglas, Tom Savitski, Tommy Clark, and Bud Jennings, score 61.
Second flight winners were:
First Place: James Williams, Vaughn Challingsworth, Gary Henry, and Phillip Deese with a score of 58; Second Place: Tommy Jones, Steve Jones, Rodney Starr, and Suzie Starr, score 62; and Third Place: Dave Martin, Ralph Sparks, John Walden, and Rod Paxson, score 63.
Third flight winners were:
First Place: Darrell Smith, Donald Lloyd, Brian Carlyle, and Eddie Thomas with a score of 61; Second Place: Wally Jones, George Kostrewa, Mark Meaty, and Glen Phillips, score 62; and Third Place: David McBurnett, James McBurnett, Steve Bordeaux, and Jimmy Cook, score 64.
Closest to the pin honors went to Sidney Boaz who aced No. 7 and Joffree Bradley and Tim Kennedy. Steve Bordeaux and Vaughn Challingsworth were recognized for longest drives.
Economist Addresses Club
The Sanford Lions Club welcomed one of the state’s leading economists as speaker at its regular weekly meeting May 28 at the fairgrounds. Dr. Michael Walden, the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in Agricultural and Resource Economics at N.C. State University, discussed the economic recession and answered many questions.
Recessions aren’t uncommon as America has experienced 14 since World War II, Dr. Walden said. But the reason this one is the worst is the tremendous negative impact seen in the nation’s financial sector, and it all began, in his view, with the collapse of the real estate market. Inflated housing values in recent years resulting from an easy flow of money from the Federal Reserve and risky mortgage schemes offered by many financial markets, much of which unregulated by the government, collapsed like a house of cards. The result was a free-falling economy that was as near a total collapse not seen since the Great Depression.
Over the past three years housing values have dropped an average of one-third, the longest sustained decline ever, and American consumers have lost 20 percent of their wealth, amounting to trillions of dollars, Walden said. Economists generally feel the recession will bottom out by the end of this year or early 2010 and show improvement next year. The positive news at this point is the economic free-fall appears to be over with markets declining at a slower point.
Dr. Walden said there will be much more scrutiny of the Federal Reserve and banking practices throughout the recovery period and beyond and as the economy improves there will have to be a reversal of much of the emergency government action taken this year so as to reduce the national debt and likelihood of inflation and higher taxes. Thus, a destimulation on the federal government’s part, Walden said, prompting a chorus of “ayes” from the audience.
Woody Seymour was program chairman and introduced the speaker. President John Walden, Jr. presided and Roy Jernigan gave the invocation. George Kostrewa led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club members stood for a period of silence in memory of Dr. Kenan Williams who passed away last week.
Several visitors were recognized including Marty Rowe with Lion Joe Johnson, Mark Carroll with Lion Dowe Smith, Steve Martin was a guest of his father Lion Charles Martin, and Matthew Shaw attended with his grandfather, Lion John Cole.
Recessions aren’t uncommon as America has experienced 14 since World War II, Dr. Walden said. But the reason this one is the worst is the tremendous negative impact seen in the nation’s financial sector, and it all began, in his view, with the collapse of the real estate market. Inflated housing values in recent years resulting from an easy flow of money from the Federal Reserve and risky mortgage schemes offered by many financial markets, much of which unregulated by the government, collapsed like a house of cards. The result was a free-falling economy that was as near a total collapse not seen since the Great Depression.
Over the past three years housing values have dropped an average of one-third, the longest sustained decline ever, and American consumers have lost 20 percent of their wealth, amounting to trillions of dollars, Walden said. Economists generally feel the recession will bottom out by the end of this year or early 2010 and show improvement next year. The positive news at this point is the economic free-fall appears to be over with markets declining at a slower point.
Dr. Walden said there will be much more scrutiny of the Federal Reserve and banking practices throughout the recovery period and beyond and as the economy improves there will have to be a reversal of much of the emergency government action taken this year so as to reduce the national debt and likelihood of inflation and higher taxes. Thus, a destimulation on the federal government’s part, Walden said, prompting a chorus of “ayes” from the audience.
Woody Seymour was program chairman and introduced the speaker. President John Walden, Jr. presided and Roy Jernigan gave the invocation. George Kostrewa led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club members stood for a period of silence in memory of Dr. Kenan Williams who passed away last week.
Several visitors were recognized including Marty Rowe with Lion Joe Johnson, Mark Carroll with Lion Dowe Smith, Steve Martin was a guest of his father Lion Charles Martin, and Matthew Shaw attended with his grandfather, Lion John Cole.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Lions Support Relay for Life Event May 15-16
The Sanford Lions Club and its Branch Club members are working hard this week preparing to support the annual Relay for Life for Cancer research to be held at the Lions Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, May 15-16. And they urge all local citizens, whether touched by this dreadful disease or not, to come out and support this most important fundraiser.
The Lions Relay for Life team, spearheaded by Darlene Turner and Teresa Dew, have been raising funds for the event for months and other Lions have been working behind the scenes to assure the fairgrounds are ready for the thousands expected. Club members will be grilling turkey legs for sale with proceeds going to Relay for Life. Saturday morning, May 16, there will be a Lions pancake breakfast fundraiser at the fairgrounds. All Relay for Life participants and the general public is urged to support this project so that Lions can continue to help the blind, sight and hearing impaired, and youth programs.
These were among topics of business at the club’s weekly meeting April 30 with President John Walden, Jr. presiding. Special guest, Tony Williams, was recognized and welcomed by members. Williams led the club in 1985-86 and was district governor in 1998-99. He moved away from Sanford for a number of years, but has now returned.
Also honored by the club was its newest member, Johnny Poindexter, who received a standing ovation following his induction ceremony. Past District Governor Roy Jernigan conducted the rites which stress the club’s primary mission as a service organization whose motto is “We Serve.” Lion Thomas Douglas was his sponsor.
Poindexter and his wife, Susan, reside in Sanford. They have two daughters and two grandchildren. He is retired after 30 years with the Cooper Tools plant in Apex and now is a volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity center.
The evening’s program was a most informative report on Central Carolina Community College’s Emergency Services Training Center located at the former Lee County Airport site near Southern Lee High School in the Tramway area. Fire and Rescue Coordinator Joey Shue was the speaker and called the center one of Lee County’s best kept secrets.
Part of CCCC’s Continuing Education department, the center’s training programs serve all basic and continuing certification needs for emergency responders in the college’s three county area of Lee, Harnett and Chatham. But the outstanding site along with innovative planning and utilization of resources has turned the local center into a mecca for emergency services units from throughout North Carolina and the eastern U.S.
Police, fire and rescue departments from a wide area now come to Sanford for specialized training that they cannot get anywhere else. Also included at the facility are the school’s automotive restoration program and motorcycle safety courses which, along with emergency vehicle training, utilize the former airport runway areas.
Shue said this is generating a tremendous economic impact in the community as often hundreds of participants come from out-of-town and stay at local motels and eat in local restaurants.
Lion Ish Rivera was program chairman and delivered the evening’s invocation. John Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Lions Relay for Life team, spearheaded by Darlene Turner and Teresa Dew, have been raising funds for the event for months and other Lions have been working behind the scenes to assure the fairgrounds are ready for the thousands expected. Club members will be grilling turkey legs for sale with proceeds going to Relay for Life. Saturday morning, May 16, there will be a Lions pancake breakfast fundraiser at the fairgrounds. All Relay for Life participants and the general public is urged to support this project so that Lions can continue to help the blind, sight and hearing impaired, and youth programs.
These were among topics of business at the club’s weekly meeting April 30 with President John Walden, Jr. presiding. Special guest, Tony Williams, was recognized and welcomed by members. Williams led the club in 1985-86 and was district governor in 1998-99. He moved away from Sanford for a number of years, but has now returned.
Also honored by the club was its newest member, Johnny Poindexter, who received a standing ovation following his induction ceremony. Past District Governor Roy Jernigan conducted the rites which stress the club’s primary mission as a service organization whose motto is “We Serve.” Lion Thomas Douglas was his sponsor.
Poindexter and his wife, Susan, reside in Sanford. They have two daughters and two grandchildren. He is retired after 30 years with the Cooper Tools plant in Apex and now is a volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity center.
The evening’s program was a most informative report on Central Carolina Community College’s Emergency Services Training Center located at the former Lee County Airport site near Southern Lee High School in the Tramway area. Fire and Rescue Coordinator Joey Shue was the speaker and called the center one of Lee County’s best kept secrets.
Part of CCCC’s Continuing Education department, the center’s training programs serve all basic and continuing certification needs for emergency responders in the college’s three county area of Lee, Harnett and Chatham. But the outstanding site along with innovative planning and utilization of resources has turned the local center into a mecca for emergency services units from throughout North Carolina and the eastern U.S.
Police, fire and rescue departments from a wide area now come to Sanford for specialized training that they cannot get anywhere else. Also included at the facility are the school’s automotive restoration program and motorcycle safety courses which, along with emergency vehicle training, utilize the former airport runway areas.
Shue said this is generating a tremendous economic impact in the community as often hundreds of participants come from out-of-town and stay at local motels and eat in local restaurants.
Lion Ish Rivera was program chairman and delivered the evening’s invocation. John Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Breakfast, Golf Tourney Approaching
The Sanford Lions Club heard reports on several upcoming events and a timely program on the United States’ relations with Iran at its weekly meeting Thursday, April 23. President John Walden, Jr. presided and the invocation was given by Roy Jernigan.
Tickets are now on sale for a Lions pancake breakfast on Saturday morning, May 16, at the fairgrounds following the annual Relay for Life benefit to fight cancer. This major Cancer Society fundraiser involving thousands of cancer survivors, family and friends begins at the fairgrounds on Friday, May 15 and will run until the next morning. The public is urged to come out and enjoy good food, fun, and fellowship while also helping fight this terrible disease.
Chairman Jim Romine gave a report on the annual Lions Golf Tournament set May 30 at Quail Ridge Golf Course. This fun event has become notable for its great prizes and delicious lunch catered by Ron’s Barn provided for golfers. Romine announced that this year’s lunch will be sponsor by ERA Ammons Realty headed by Lions Branch Club member Cindy W. Ammons. More golfers and hole sponsors are needed for the tournament. Anyone wishing to support the Sanford Lions and the many charities it aids is urged to contact Romine or any Sanford Lion for information or go to the club’s website at www.sanfordlionsclub.com.
Guest speaker for the evening was retired Army Lt. Col. John Hillen who spoke on the delicate relations now between the United States and Iran. He was introduced by program chairman John Cole.
During his 20-year active military career, Hillen served in Vietnam and in the 1970’s was an advisor in Iran where he learned about the country and her people first hand. Currently, less than half its young population remembers when Iran was a constitutional monarchy and a U.S. ally. Today the country is controlled by a conservative Muslim theocracy, but there is considerable unrest among much of the 67 million population, Hillen noted.
Iran’s drive to obtain nuclear weapons is the biggest threat, but a military option against the country would be unwise, Hillen said, instead favoring diplomacy and support of groups favoring democracy within the country. Military action would have to be massive and would create more tension and anti-American sentiment both in the Middle East and around the world. He said there are still several areas of common interest between the U.S. and Iran and these should be pursued diplomatically.
Tickets are now on sale for a Lions pancake breakfast on Saturday morning, May 16, at the fairgrounds following the annual Relay for Life benefit to fight cancer. This major Cancer Society fundraiser involving thousands of cancer survivors, family and friends begins at the fairgrounds on Friday, May 15 and will run until the next morning. The public is urged to come out and enjoy good food, fun, and fellowship while also helping fight this terrible disease.
Chairman Jim Romine gave a report on the annual Lions Golf Tournament set May 30 at Quail Ridge Golf Course. This fun event has become notable for its great prizes and delicious lunch catered by Ron’s Barn provided for golfers. Romine announced that this year’s lunch will be sponsor by ERA Ammons Realty headed by Lions Branch Club member Cindy W. Ammons. More golfers and hole sponsors are needed for the tournament. Anyone wishing to support the Sanford Lions and the many charities it aids is urged to contact Romine or any Sanford Lion for information or go to the club’s website at www.sanfordlionsclub.com.
Guest speaker for the evening was retired Army Lt. Col. John Hillen who spoke on the delicate relations now between the United States and Iran. He was introduced by program chairman John Cole.
During his 20-year active military career, Hillen served in Vietnam and in the 1970’s was an advisor in Iran where he learned about the country and her people first hand. Currently, less than half its young population remembers when Iran was a constitutional monarchy and a U.S. ally. Today the country is controlled by a conservative Muslim theocracy, but there is considerable unrest among much of the 67 million population, Hillen noted.
Iran’s drive to obtain nuclear weapons is the biggest threat, but a military option against the country would be unwise, Hillen said, instead favoring diplomacy and support of groups favoring democracy within the country. Military action would have to be massive and would create more tension and anti-American sentiment both in the Middle East and around the world. He said there are still several areas of common interest between the U.S. and Iran and these should be pursued diplomatically.
Monday, April 20, 2009
New Officers Elected for 2009-10
The Sanford Lions Club elected its 2009-10 slate of officers Thursday, April 16, at its weekly dinner meeting at the Lions Fairgrounds. President John Walden, Jr. presided over the election and presented the names of those recommended by the club’s board of directors.
New officers followed by their positions include: Richard Hendley, president; Marvin Joyner, president-elect; Don Morton, first vice-president; Nick Novosel, second vice-president; Dan Hruby, secretary; John Burns, treasurer; Bob Nelson, tail twister; and Richard Holshouser, lion tamer.
Officers of the Lions Day-Time Branch Club are Kimberly Cummings, coordinator; Nancy Kimble, vice-coordinator; and Marie Profio, tail twister. Board of Director members include Don Dollar, Bill Whiteman, Teresa Dew, and Bill Schubert. They will assume their duties July 1.
Guest speaker was Stacey Bruton, teacher for the visually impaired in the Harnett County Schools. Blind since birth, she described her responsibilities as a teacher and advocate for visually impaired students at the several schools in which she works in Harnett. She also demonstrated several pieces of equipment and new technologies used by the blind.
They included a Braille writer, similar to a typewriter, for which she is raising money to purchase more, a laptop computer with voice assisted technology, and a cell phone with similar aids. Mrs. Bruton noted that new devices for the blind, as well as for other disabilities, with the latest adaptive technologies are very expensive and help from organizations like Lions Clubs is greatly appreciated.
Mrs. Bruton explained that she and a twin sister were born prematurely in Cumberland, Md. She received too much oxygen in the incubator resulting in a detached retina. Her twin has normal vision. But her parents saw to it that she attended regular public schools and completed college with a degree in early childhood and elementary education and she is now pursuing a master’s degree in reading.
Program Chairman Preston Spence and President Walden, who visited with the teacher at school, said they were very impressed with the work they saw Mrs. Bruton doing with her students and expressed the club’s appreciation for her important work and program. She was accompanied by her husband, Wayne Bruton, who also works with persons with disabilities.
Spence opened the meeting with prayer and John Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance. Song leader John Byrd sang a solo of the Gospel song, “I know who holds tomorrow.” Several reports on upcoming events were given including a pancake breakfast scheduled Saturday, May 16, following the Relay for Life at the fairgrounds. Tickets are $5 and open to the public. The Sanford Lions Golf Tournament is Saturday, May 30, at Quail Ridge Golf Course and hole sponsors and golfers are needed.
New officers followed by their positions include: Richard Hendley, president; Marvin Joyner, president-elect; Don Morton, first vice-president; Nick Novosel, second vice-president; Dan Hruby, secretary; John Burns, treasurer; Bob Nelson, tail twister; and Richard Holshouser, lion tamer.
Officers of the Lions Day-Time Branch Club are Kimberly Cummings, coordinator; Nancy Kimble, vice-coordinator; and Marie Profio, tail twister. Board of Director members include Don Dollar, Bill Whiteman, Teresa Dew, and Bill Schubert. They will assume their duties July 1.
Guest speaker was Stacey Bruton, teacher for the visually impaired in the Harnett County Schools. Blind since birth, she described her responsibilities as a teacher and advocate for visually impaired students at the several schools in which she works in Harnett. She also demonstrated several pieces of equipment and new technologies used by the blind.
They included a Braille writer, similar to a typewriter, for which she is raising money to purchase more, a laptop computer with voice assisted technology, and a cell phone with similar aids. Mrs. Bruton noted that new devices for the blind, as well as for other disabilities, with the latest adaptive technologies are very expensive and help from organizations like Lions Clubs is greatly appreciated.
Mrs. Bruton explained that she and a twin sister were born prematurely in Cumberland, Md. She received too much oxygen in the incubator resulting in a detached retina. Her twin has normal vision. But her parents saw to it that she attended regular public schools and completed college with a degree in early childhood and elementary education and she is now pursuing a master’s degree in reading.
Program Chairman Preston Spence and President Walden, who visited with the teacher at school, said they were very impressed with the work they saw Mrs. Bruton doing with her students and expressed the club’s appreciation for her important work and program. She was accompanied by her husband, Wayne Bruton, who also works with persons with disabilities.
Spence opened the meeting with prayer and John Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance. Song leader John Byrd sang a solo of the Gospel song, “I know who holds tomorrow.” Several reports on upcoming events were given including a pancake breakfast scheduled Saturday, May 16, following the Relay for Life at the fairgrounds. Tickets are $5 and open to the public. The Sanford Lions Golf Tournament is Saturday, May 30, at Quail Ridge Golf Course and hole sponsors and golfers are needed.
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