Sanford Lion Hal Siler thoroughly entertained his fellow club members at their weekly meeting Nov. 5 with a presentation of his art work spanning 46 years in the service organization.

The well-known community leader and land surveyor served many years as the club’s weekly newsletter editor and he used that canvas to showcase his talents as an artist with cartoons and caricatures of Lions and club events. It’s literally a club history in art form. Siler organized a collection of his best works and, with the help of son David Siler, developed a PowerPoint display.

The artist accompanied the presentation with humorous descriptions of each piece, the stories behind them, and tales on those depicted in the drawings. He made a fun game out of the presentation by giving away prizes to those correctly identifying people depicted in the artwork. Many subjects were old-time members from 30 to 40 years ago—some now deceased and some still active members. Some of those with the highest scores were veterans Billy Miller, Jimmy Bridges, Harry Thomas, Avron Upchurch, Bill Schubert, Bob Nelson, Clyde Rhyne, Roy Perry and others who enjoyed the memories and adding comments about those in the drawings.

Some of the late Lions remembered were Vick Keith, Sam Womble, Guy Boger, Elbert Price, Cummings McManus, J. Glenn Edwards, I.J. Morris, King More Willis, Bill Brinn, Jim Huff, Stacy Budd, Ernest Badgett, Olen Sluss, Everett Brooks, and Ed Davis, among others. Siler said one reason for developing the presentation was to inform newer members of those who came before and honor their great contributions in making the Sanford Lions Club what it is today.

Siler also presented the club a framed original of a full-page newspaper feature he created in 1963 for the Sanford Herald promoting that year’s Lee County Fair. It now hangs in the club’s exhibit hall at the fairgrounds where weekly meetings are held. Siler joined the club in 1965 and has tirelessly served in many capacities including president and secretary.

In addition to David Siler, the club welcomed special guest and prospective member Barry Eddy who was introduced by Tim Smith. Bill Freeman was a guest of Mr. Siler. President Richard Hendley presided and Siler delivered the invocation. Joe Johnson led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sanford Lion Hal Siler thoroughly entertained his fellow club members at their weekly meeting Nov. 5 with a presentation of his art work spanning 46 years in the service organization.

The well-known community leader and land surveyor served many years as the club’s weekly newsletter editor and he used that canvas to showcase his talents as an artist with cartoons and caricatures of Lions and club events. It’s literally a club history in art form. Siler organized a collection of his best works and, with the help of son David Siler, developed a PowerPoint display.

The artist accompanied the presentation with humorous descriptions of each piece, the stories behind them, and tales on those depicted in the drawings. He made a fun game out of the presentation by giving away prizes to those correctly identifying people depicted in the artwork. Many subjects were old-time members from 30 to 40 years ago—some now deceased and some still active members. Some of those with the highest scores were veterans Billy Miller, Jimmy Bridges, Harry Thomas, Avron Upchurch, Bill Schubert, Bob Nelson, Clyde Rhyne, Roy Perry and others who enjoyed the memories and adding comments about those in the drawings.

Some of the late Lions remembered were Vick Keith, Sam Womble, Guy Boger, Elbert Price, Cummings McManus, J. Glenn Edwards, I.J. Morris, King More Willis, Bill Brinn, Jim Huff, Stacy Budd, Ernest Badgett, Olen Sluss, Everett Brooks, and Ed Davis, among others. Siler said one reason for developing the presentation was to inform newer members of those who came before and honor their great contributions in making the Sanford Lions Club what it is today.

Siler also presented the club a framed original of a full-page newspaper feature he created in 1963 for the Sanford Herald promoting that year’s Lee County Fair. It now hangs in the club’s exhibit hall at the fairgrounds where weekly meetings are held. Siler joined the club in 1965 and has tirelessly served in many capacities including president and secretary.

In addition to David Siler, the club welcomed special guest and prospective member Barry Eddy who was introduced by Tim Smith. Bill Freeman was a guest of Mr. Siler. President Richard Hendley presided and Siler delivered the invocation. Joe Johnson led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Lions Honor Volunteers

By John Byrd

Sanford Lions "Fair Appreciation Night" was held in style Oct. 29. President Richard Hendley opened the gathering, welcoming those in attendance. Taylor Batten, 2009 Miss Lee Regional Fair, led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by the singing of the Star Spangled Banner by 6-year-old Allison Podlogar. Russel Mann gave the invocation.

All volunteers, friends, spouses and business participants present enjoyed a meal served by Andy Childress and the kitchen committee.

Lion George Harvey, program chairman, recognized all attendees who were involved in fair activities. All gave positive reports of how well every event and activity went. Just to name a few, Bob Jasany reported that the Lions Kitchen did well in sales with the help of many spouses and volunteers. Treasurer John Burns reported a total attendance of 22,00 with gate proceeds exceeding previous years. Teresa Dew gave a report on beauty contests. David Thomas reported on agricultural events in the arena barn as well organized and well attended.

The events were the broiler show, meat goat show and the cattle show. John Cole reported an increase in agriculture and horticulture exhibits. Lee County Extension Director Susan Condlin expressed appreciation for the joint efforts of Lions and the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service working together to continue to recognize the many agricultural aspects in Lee County. Condilin also praised the 4-H Club activity and involvement as partners in agriculture.

The group was entertained by dancers from Hooker Dance Studio and Latino dancers from the Hispanic 4-H Club who performed a Mexican Polka.

Lion Lindsay Jones introduced special guests State Rep. Jimmy Love, Sr. and Rep. Joe Hackney, speaker of the N.C. House of Representatives. Rep. Hackney commended the Lions for a job well done and emphasized the importance of volunteers not only at the fair, but statewide working together to make good things happen. He spoke briefly of activities in the General Assembly and spoke highly of Rep. Love for his performance in the Legislature.

Fair chairman Ronnie Turner commented on how pleased he was with the 2009 fair and is already looking forward to 2010. Closing remarks were made by President Hendley and a drawing was held for mums that graced the dining tables.

Many Sheriff's Department Improvements

Members of the Sanford Lions Club heard the latest update from the Lee County Sheriff’s Department at it’s weekly meeting Thursday, Oct. 22. Detective Sgt. Brandon L. Wall was guest speaker presented by Lion John Byrd who also opened the dinner meeting with prayer.

President-elect Marvin Joyner presided over the meeting while Lion Avron Upchurch led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Tail twister Bob Nelson shared his wit with fellow Lions, but then delivered some stirring remarks about the importance of expressing thanks and appreciation to those volunteers who help Lions during the annual Lee Regional Fair and other events sponsored by the club. The club was readying for an “Appreciation Night” Nov. 29 to honor all the wives, neighbors and friends and members of the business community whose support made the 2009 fair a success.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Department has received several state and federal grants recently that enabled the hiring of new officers and equipment to better serve citizens, Sgt. Wall stated in his remarks. One of the biggest is a$650,000 grant through the U.S. Rural Law Enforcement Act for which Lee County was the only sheriff’s recipient in North Carolina.

These funds will provide several jail improvements including a video system connected to courtrooms eliminating the need of escorting defendants physically from jail to court for routine appearances before judges. New fingerprint equipment along with two additional technicians will be acquired as will new computers for patrol vehicles, and two more patrol officers.

Sgt. Wall, a Lee County native and six year department veteran, cited numerous statistics showing improvement in many areas of law enforcement. New specialists employed in areas of narcotics, organized gang activity, and crime scene investigation has resulted in more arrests and knowledge of these criminal behaviors. The overall clearance rate of cases has improved greatly from year to year, he said.

The Sheriff’s support of programs directly benefiting citizens is positively impacting the county. These include a senior citizens contact program with the help of volunteers, a kid’s club, the reverse 911 system where citizens are contacted by telephone if a serious crime occurs in their neighborhood or community, and community watch. Sgt. Wall also urges citizens to be ever vigilant against identity theft by closely protecting important numbers such as social security, bank ID log-ins and credit cards.

Chilton, Cox, Douglas Are New Members

The Sanford Lions Club inducted three new members Thursday, Oct. 15, and recognized more than a dozen members for recent volunteer work. An informative program on the history of the Endor Iron Furnace was given by Lion Worth Pickard.
Past District Governor Dave Martin conducted the induction ceremony for new members Bonita Cox, Janet Chilton, and Robert Douglas. Their sponsors were Anne Edens and Jay Moore. Mrs. Cox is a retired educator and wife of Lion Everett Cox. Mrs. Chilton is a local realtor while Douglas owns and operates a cabinet business.
Lion Avron Upchurch, chairman of the club’s vision screening program in local schools, gave a report on screenings conducted in September at three Lee County schools in cooperation with school nurses. A total of 974 students were screened at Lee County High School, Southern Lee High School and West Lee Middle School during Health-A-Rama events.
Upchurch recognized Lion volunteers Roy Jernigan, Tommy Mann, Jr., Charles Martin, Wendell McGee, Billy Miller, Reggie Miller, Hans Niedworok, Cliff Pepper, Bucky Phillips, Ismael (Ish) Rivera, Jim Turner, John Walden, Bill Whiteman and Tony Williams. They received a rousing round of applause for their work of furthering the Lion’s primary mission of preventing blindness and vision problems.
Lion Jimmy Bridges was program chairman for the weekly meeting. He introduced old friend and fellow long-time Lion Worth Pickard who presented a fascinating history lesson on the Endor Iron Furnace located northwest of Sanford on the Deep River in the Cumnock community.
He announced there will be a tour of the historic site on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. with refreshments provided. While many area residents support the hard work all ready done to promote the site for a state historic park, many have never visited the furnace’s remains and the Endor preservation group hope’s this event will promote more support.
Endor Iron Furnace was built in the early 1860’s and provided a large portion of iron needed for Confederate ammunition and weapons during the War Between the States. It’s product was shipped down the Deep River and then Cape Fear River to Fayetteville to the military armory. Business slowed after the war and it closed around 1874. It’s history is interwoven with other significant developments of the time including the Egypt Coal Mine nearby and the Deep River and Cape Fear Navigating Co. which built locks to allow shipping along the waterways and finally the railroads that surpassed water transportation.
Pickard said this all provides a solid base for an outstanding state historic park that would be a significant attraction for the Sanford area. Several government grants and generous private contributions have been made to the preservation project, but much more work is needed. The project has the support of all area state and federal representatives, Pickard said.
Lion President Richard Hendley presided over the meeting. Jimmy Bridges delivered the Invocation and Bucky Phillips led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

CCCC Ambassadors Speak

By Theron Womble

Phil Bradley opened the weekly meeting by blessing the meal which was prepared by Andy Childress and staff. Tail twister Bob Nelson entertained the audience with his usual wit and wisdom and presented a gift to Walter Roberts for being the oldest member in attendance.

President Richard Hendley welcomed guest Judy Douglas, Barry Eddy, and Deter Niedworok. Roy Jernigan reminded the members that Camp Dogwood Raffle tickets were now available for distribution. The camp which is in its forty-fifth year is a recreational facility for sight impaired individuals. Tony Williams encouraged everyone to seek immediate help from their eye care professional when any changes in their vision are noticed. Blindness can occur without any pain being observed. He spoke about individuals who suffered from Macular Degeneration. Hans Niedworok led the club in the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

Program Chairman for the night was Phil Bradley. He introduced Alex Bridges and Donna Flowers who are Student Ambassadors with Central Carolina Community College. They represent the college at various events through out the year and recently assisted in the golf tournament which raised over thirty thousand dollars for the college.

They spoke of the Distance Education Program which via the internet instructs students in a variety of courses. This type of education is meeting today’s students’ needs as they were unable to attend the usual on campus form of class. CCCC is also leading the way in Green Sustainable Systems. They were first in the nation to formalize a Sustainable Agriculture Program and the first North Carolina Community College to form an Alternative Energy Technology Program; specifically the Bio Fuels Program. Both of these programs are held on the Pittsboro campus. Athletics are also growing at the college as they now participate in four sports in the Tarheel Conference of the NJCAA. The four sports are men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and golf.

The ambassadors help with the variety of students services provided on and off campus and they are willing to help in other ways which the community needs. Just contact them through student services at CCCC.

"Splashdown!" Remembered

After a busy September, the Sanford Lions Club settled back into its weekly meeting schedule Oct. 1 at the Lions Fairgrounds with hearty thanks all around to all those who helped make the 2009 Lee Regional Fair a big success on Sept. 15-20.

Club members also were recognized for helping host over one thousand bicyclists and their crews the following week who used the fairgrounds as a night stopover on an annual ride from the mountains to the coast. The club provided a dinner and breakfast for cyclists while the Chamber of Commerce provided bus transportation for those wishing to explore other areas of the city. Lions President Richard Hendley said club members demonstrated their dedication and commitment to both the mission of Lionism and to the community of Sanford in praising all their efforts.

An update on the sick from the club was given and special condolences were paid to the family of Bob Jasany whose mother passed away in Cleveland, Ohio. The club also sent get well wishes to Mrs. Sarah Mann, wife of Tommy Mann, Sr., who has been ill and was a patient at Moore Regional Hospital.

An interesting program on the recovery mission for the Apollo 10 space module from the Pacific Ocean was given by Lion Bill Bradford who served as a helicopter pilot aboard the USS Princeton. With the assistance of grandson Gene Phelps manning the slide projector, Bradford gave fascinating behind the scene details of the 1969 recovery operation that most people only saw on their small television screens at home.

Bradford piloted an SH3 Sea King helicopter similar to Marine One used to transport presidents. They were used as submarine hunters as well as assisting NASA in the recovery of space modules after splashdown in the South Pacific near American Samoa. As pilot on a backup helicopter, Bradford had a front row seat from his cockpit on the helicopter carrier’s top deck. He captured every stage of the recovery mission with his camera from the module’s first sighting to its hoisting aboard the USS Princeton as well as ceremonies welcoming aboard astronauts Thomas B. Stafford, Eugene kA. Cernan and John W. Young. He also displayed many maps, articles and other memorabilia from his experiences working on the NASA assignment.

Lee Regional Fair Starts Tuesday

The 73rd annual Lee Regional Fair gets underway Tuesday at 5 p.m. with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Loads of fun and excitement are promised for the next six days until the 2009 edition closes on Sept. 20.

Sponsored by the Sanford Lions Club, the fair is one of the top events of its type in North Carolina. It showcases the outstanding agricultural economy of Lee and surrounding counties not to mention providing excellent entertainment, food, and attractions for the entire family. Backing this up are the three top statewide awards presented to last year’s fair by the N.C. Association of Agricultural Fairs and the N.C. Department of Agriculture.

Lions club members heard final pre-fair reports at their meeting Thursday, Sept. 3. Fair Director Ronnie Turner was out-of-state at another fair conducting business, but phoned in to congratulate club members on the hard work done to prepare for this year’s event. Fair Committee Chairman George Harvey presented a rundown on the readiness of each section of the fair.

Other leaders sharing reports included Lee County Extension Director Susan Condlin, Exhibit Hall Chairman John Cole, Lions Branch Club Coordinator Teresa Dew, and Avron Upchurch who discussed distribution of advance tickets available at most schools, Piggly Wiggly, and from the Sanford Area Soccer League.

The club welcomed several members of the Extension Service Advisory Committee and a number of wives of Lions who work hard every year volunteering at the fair. It was noted that many friends and neighbors of Lions volunteer at fair time and this help is greatly appreciated.

A highlight of each year’s fair is the crowning of Miss Lee Regional Fair to take place on Wednesday night. Pageants this year will cover ages from kindergarten through high school, Dew said.