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.