The Sanford Lions Club celebrated the Christmas season Thursday, Dec. 17, with its annual holiday banquet and ladies’ night attended by almost 200 Lions, spouses and guests. President Richard Hendley presided and Mike Womble delivered the Invocation. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Tony Williams.
The Pledge, said routinely at all club meetings, was anything but routine this night as 55 fourth and fifth graders from J. Glenn Edwards Elementary School joined their strong voices to lift the national affirmation to another level. One adult was overheard saying, “It sure did my heart good to hear those children recite the Pledge of Allegiance.” They do it daily at school.
The students represented the J. Glenn Edwards School Chorus under the direction of Dr. Danny Hester. They presented a program of musical selections which was a highlight of the evening drawing a standing ovation from the audience. Dr. Hester said some 90 youngsters make up the school’s chorus and 55 were able to participate in the Lions program. They were also accompanied by teacher Rhonda Fancher and Principal Patricia Cauldron. Program Chairman Mike Womble, along with Hendley, thanked the school chorus and its leaders for an outstanding program and praised the students for representing their school so admirably.
Two new members were inducted into the club with past district governor David Martin officiating. Judy Douglas was sponsored by Betty Womble and Barry Edy was sponsored by Tim Smith. Martin gave a brief history of Lionism and its work locally and worldwide helping the blind and sight impaired.
Club song leader John Byrd led the crowd in singing several Christmas favorites. A dozen members were recognized for wedding anniversaries falling between Dec. 21 and Jan. 2. Amazingly, those married in just this two-week span represent more than five centuries of wedded bliss. Those present married at least 50 years included Hal and Esther Siler with 61 years, Clyde and Betty Womble also at 61, Jimmy and Ernestine Bridges, 59 years, Ed and Betty Paschal, 56 years, and Bill and Shirley Holt, 53 years.
Ladies night chairman Lindsay Jones and those who decorated the Lion’s Den for the evening received a round of applause for an outstanding job while Jones, with the help of Santa (Bill Schubert) and a team of elves, distributed 60 poinsettias to the ladies. Also shared were 150 homemade Christmas tree ornaments provided by new Lion Judy Douglas.
