Lions Honor Veterans

The Sanford Lions Club members honored their veterans and all veterans of U.S. Armed Forces at its regular weekly meeting Thursday, Nov. 12, one day following the national Veterans Day observance. Tail twister Bob Nelson, himself a U.S. Navy veteran, called out the different branches of service and asked veterans of each to stand for a round of applause.

Nelson then went around the Lion’s Den sharing his microphone with many fellow Lions who briefly described their military experiences ranging from World War II, Korea, Vietnam and other conflicts. Russel Mann then read to the group “A Soldier’s Prayer” and Cliff Pepper led in the singing of “God Bless America.”

Roy Jernigan urged members to continue working on the Camp Dogwood ticket sales project. Every year Lions sell chances to win a new car or truck given away at the spring state convention. Proceeds support the upkeep of Camp Dogwood on Lake Norman north of Charlotte where every year hundreds of blind and sight impaired citizens enjoy camp experiences free of charge. Tickets are only one dollar and the public is asked to support this worthwhile cause when called upon by a Lion.

Guest speaker for the evening was Lee County Director of Emergency Services Shane Seagroves. He was introduced by program chairman Tom Douglas.

Seagroves heads a six-member staff in charge of all emergency preparedness programs in Lee County as well as coordinating all emergency services which covers some 700 emergency responders throughout Sanford and Lee County. He stressed that changing times have created many more threats to public safety than existed years ago.

Threats of terrorism, from both foreign and domestic sources, now are a very real part of daily life in local communities. Seagroves said, for example, that his office responded to live bomb threats four times in the past three months. Many such acts are not publicized, but they occur. Local emergency services whether it be Sheriff’s Department, police, firemen, rescue, hazardous material personnel or bomb experts stand ready around the clock to respond to any emergency. This also includes natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes.

President Richard Hendley presided and Wendell McGee delivered the invocation. Bill Schubert 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.

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.