Need for Tourism Authority Urged

Don Hudson, founder of the successful Sanford Pottery Festival, told the Sanford Lions that it’s time that everyone pull together to promote the city and its major events. He particularly pushed for creation of a local tourism authority to properly focus promotional efforts on attractions like the Pottery Festival, Lee Regional Fair, Temple Theatre, and Old Mill Crank-Up.

He said local events need cross promotion and efforts to sell the whole town as a package rather than separate attractions working independently. It’s hard to get out of town people to travel here for just one event, he said. Hudson said the Pottery Festival needs to grow, but to do so it might have to move. The festival is an expensive undertaking with rental of the Civic Center, tents, electrical services, and police assistance.

And without a tourism authority there is no place to seek funding assistance. Hudson used several examples of Cary’s coordination and support for community events that has helped that community grow from a small town to a large city. “We need a broader vision to attract people to Sanford to the outstanding attractions here. Many people here have done well in a lot of areas, but we need to try and grow to be a smaller version of Cary rather than a larger version of Siler City,” he said.

Hudson said the Pottery Festival hopes to enlarge its wine tasting event started last year into a separate wine festival by 2012 and for the upcoming 10^th anniversary a new chocolate exhibit will be added. In the future there could be specialty coffees, cooking shows, antiques, and barbecue festivals, he said.

Lion Cliff Pepper was program chairman of the Thursday, March 25, meeting at which President Richard Hendley presided. Pepper also delivered the invocation while the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Willard Garren. Six past district governors who are members of the Sanford Lions Club were also recognized. They are Russel Mann, Avron Upchurch, Milton Somers, Tony Williams, Roy Jernigan, and Dave Martin. The local club has sent a dozen members on to hold District 31-F’s top post—making it among top clubs in the state.

Habitat for Humanity Leader Speaks to Lions

By Theron Womble

The Sanford Lions gathered for their weekly supper meeting on March 18. As they enjoyed baked spaghetti for their main course, Lion Bob Nelson quizzed the members on their knowledge of the census. President Richard Henley reminded members of upcoming events and also updated everyone on the health concerns of those not present.

Jim Romine reported that golfers and hole sponsors are registering for the 5^th annual golf tournament to be held at Quail Ridge Golf Course. Tee time will be 8:30 am on June 5^th. Guest for the evening included Bob Chase and Tucker Mann. Billy Miller led the club in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Johnny Poindexter opened the meeting with the invocation and introduced Gary Wicker, who spoke to the club about Habitat for Humanity.

Mr. Wicker is the affiliated director for Habitat and a life long resident of Lee County. In this part time position one of his responsibilities is securing funds for the building projects. One such project under way presently is a partnership between Lee County Schools, CCCC, and Habitat and is funded by the Golden Leaf Foundation. High school students are working after school on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and on Saturday mornings to complete this building project at 224 Popular Street. When finished the house will be equipped with a solar hot water heater and meet all criteria needed to qualify as a “green house”.

Many businesses located in and out of Lee County donate building materials to Habitat. These donations plus the profits from the Habitat Home Store located on North Horner Boulevard play a major role in offsetting the expense of building a home.

Habitat for Humanity which was founded in 1976, organized in Lee County in 1989 through the efforts of Mary Bass and Carolyn Turner. Habitat is in sixty-five countries and its Disaster Response division is currently helping out in Haiti and Chile. Mr. Wicker stated that not only does Habitat build houses, it builds relationships.

Lions Golf Tournament is June 5

Spring is just around the corner and members of the Sanford Lions Club can’t wait to get out on the links with their many friends at the fifth annual Lions Golf Tournament set for Saturday, June 5^th, at Quail Ridge Golf Course.

Tournament Chairman Jim Romine says many fine prizes will be awarded and there will be a new vehicle presented for a hole-in-one on a designated hole. A delicious lunch will be served at Quail Ridge’s picnic shelter where winners will be honored and good fellowship will reign. Lions are now contacting supporters in the business community selling $100 hole sponsorships. Each sponsor has a handsome plaque naming their business displayed at a hole tee and are presented the plaque for display at their business afterwards.

Romine also urged members to be lining up friends to play in the tournament. He stressed the importance of hole sponsorships and golfers if the event is to be as successful as those in previous years. All proceeds of this fundraiser go to the charities supported by Lions, especially the blind and sight impaired. Anyone wishing to be a hole sponsor or participate can contact Romine at 774-1173, Phil Bradley at 774-7992 or Nick Novosel at 776-0104, or contact any Lions Club member.

Guest speaker for the evening was Dr. Diane Schaller, owner of Willow Creek Animal Hospital at 1902 Bragg St. in Sanford. The energetic veterinarian discussed her volunteer work with the American Red Cross which includes teaching a first aid course for pet owners. She described a number of techniques used to help animals in distress, especially choking which is a common occurrence.

Dr. Schaller also serves as the Lee County Veterinarian with the Lee County Board of Health. She is past president of the Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption and she and husband, Bret, volunteer with the Sanford Area Soccer League along with giving presentations at schools and civic clubs. They have four sons, ages three to 13.

President Richard Hendley presided and Don Morton delivered the invocation and was program chairman. Reggie Miller led the Pledge of Allegiance. The club welcomed guest Bernie Smith invited by Lion Ed Paschal.

Stevens Center Services Highlighted

The Stevens Center of Sanford strives to provide people with disabilities an opportunity to pursue their dreams as part of the community. How the staff and volunteers work toward this goal was the topic Thursday night, Feb. 25, at the weekly meeting of the Sanford Lions Club.

Guest speaker was Roger Bailey, executive director of the center, who was joined by Mark Neuman, president of the Stevens board of directors. Getting people to be comfortable in the presence of citizens with disabilities is an ongoing challenge and at the Stevens Center there are many programs and activities that encourage interaction between clients and the public with both benefitting greatly.

After all, Bailey said, almost all people experience some form of disability in their lives. It’s just that for some it occurs earlier in life than for others. Primary services at the Stevens Center include a jobs program for the disabled, Living Well activities focusing on living healthier lives and connecting with volunteers to share common interests and friendship, health and recreation opportunities, education, and training programs for families, caregivers, staff, and people with disabilities. The center also assists with independent living support services funded through Medicaid for those who qualify.

Lion Jim Turner was asked by Bailey to relate his experiences at the Stevens Center where he serves on the board of directors and leads a sports program as a volunteer. Turner said volunteers will find that working with those served by the center is one of the most rewarding experiences one can have.

Everett Cox was program chairman and delivered the invocation. President Richard Hendley presided while Tommy Mann, Jr. led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club members welcomed guest and prospective member George Wilberg along with guest Tom Mann of Raleigh, son of Russel Mann. Members were reminded of the 5^th Annual Sanford Lions Club Golf Tournament set for Saturday, June 5, at Quail Ridge Golf Club. Teams are now being formed and hole sponsors are sought to support this charitable event.

Childress Recognized for Jaycee Service

The Sanford Lions Club welcomed a special guest and friend Thursday, Feb. 18, past district 31-F governor and now Boys and Girls Home Chairman Brad Logsdon of Southern Pines. Logsdon has held many district and statewide positions in Lionism and this summer will become an international vice president when club leaders from around the world meet in Sydney, Australia June 28-July 2.

Vass Lion Sid L. Scruggs, III, will assume the post of International President at the Lions convention and will follow that honor with a visit to the Sanford Lions in August to help celebrate the local club’s 75^th anniversary. Having produced a dozen district governors, the Sanford Lions Club has distinguished itself as one of the largest and most active organizations in North Carolina and this region of the nation.

Logsdon presented a special service pin to Andy Childress recognizing 30 years of joint service to the N.C. Jaycees and Lions. More than a decade ago Lions had a program in which those aging out of the Jaycees could join Lions with credit for their years of service in Jaycees. Childress had been a Jaycee 20 years, but when he joined the Sanford Lions Club in 2000 he was never recognized for that previous service. At Logsdon’s request, Lions International verified records and the oversight was corrected.

Childress received a specially designed pin with emblems of both Lions and Jaycees. He is kitchen chairman overseeing club meals and kitchen operations for the more than 100 members.

In other business, several brief project reports were offered. Avron Upchurch reported that annual school eye examinations are underway starting at the high schools with Lion volunteers assisting school nurses. A detailed report will follow the project completion. Lion Golf Tournament Chairman Jim Romine said this year’s event will be on June 5^th at Quail Ridge Golf Course and Lions will soon be canvassing the public for support. Lee Regional Fair Director Ronnie Turner said attractions are being lined up for the fall event.

Guest speaker was Janice Almond, executive director of Deep River Mediation, a non-profit professional service that helps people settle disputes by talking rather than fighting or legal means. Many cases are referred from the courts and differences are settled in 90 percent of cases. This service is open to the public free of charge and they serve children as well as adults. They also have stress and anger management programs and work with local schools training peer mediators.

President Richard Hendley presided while Wendell McGee was program chairman and delivered the invocation. Billy Miller led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.