Lions August 14 Meeting

Sanford Lions August 14 Meeting



How Progress Energy works to keep our power flowing or to restore it following stormy weather was the weekly program topic Aug. 14 at the Sanford Lions Club. Guest speaker was Danny R. Bost, lead technical trainer at Progress Energy’s New Hill training center.

Advanced planning and ever improving technology are key factors in addition to plain old hard work and men and women in the field, Bost said. Power companies across the nation cooperate with one another to supply expanded workforces in time of emergency. And usually that help is mobilized and standing by in staging areas by the time a storm hits.

Bost stressed a number of safety tips for citizens. He said all downed lines should be considered live and avoided until trained workers arrive. He warned that such lines can be energized by personal power generators if they are not connected properly to a home’s wiring system. Also, auto accidents create many hazardous conditions with downed power lines and even good samaritans need to beware approaching a vehicle near downed lines.

Program chairman was Bill Bost, a cousin of the speaker. They related the family story of their grandfather, A.J. Bost, who was hired by Carolina Power and Light Co. in Raleigh to round up and direct a crew of workers to run the first electric lines in Lee County in the early 1900’s. “Captain Jack” as Mr. Bost was known, first turned down the job because CP&L wouldn’t foot the cost of horse feed. The company finally relented and the work started.

President-elect Richard Henley presided over the meeting which included a delicious meal prepared by the kitchen committee, lead by Andy Childress. The Lions remembered a number of sick members and wished them a speedy recovery. With the situation between the countries of Russia and Georgia, Mike Womble was asked to report on news from his son, David, who is a humanitarian worker in Georgia. Womble said David was safe, but communication with him has been very difficult with international phone service impacted. David Womble and his organization, World Vision, have helped thousands of displaced persons during the conflict, his father reported.

District Governor David Martin of the local club reported on two upcoming district meetings and displayed newly designed club shirts available for purchase by members.