Joyner Takes Helm of Sanford Lions Club

Dr. Marvin Joyner was installed as the new Sanford Lions Club president during ceremonies held Thursday, June 24, and retiring club treasurer John Burns was honored as the Lion of the Year for 2009-10.

Outgoing President Richard Hendley had charge of the program in which he pointed out the many accomplishments of the club over the past year. He recognized committee chairmen and project leaders and all the Lions Club members who made it all possible.

Last club year’s charitable donations topped $31,000, Hendley said. Those projects included White Cane funds for the blind, $8,800; Matching Funds to help blind services, $6,000; Christmas gifts for the blind, $4,000; Camp Dogwood for the Blind, $3,000; Relay for Life, $3,000; Boys and Girls Home, $2,000, College Scholarships, $1,500; Lee County Extension Service, $1,000; Camp Dogwood Campers, $800; and the VIP Fishing Tournament for blind residents, $500, among others.

Hendley also cited Lion projects that benefit thousands of children each year including vision screening assistance in schools, the Children’s Day reading program held at the Lee Regional Fair, and providing soccer fields for the Sanford Area Soccer League and sponsorship through the Lions Branch Club of the Leo Lions Club for teenagers, and support of the 4-H program. Also, Sanford Lions collected 2,225 pairs of used eyeglasses this past year that are rehabilitated and distributed to the needy around the world.

Hendley said it was a great personal honor to present Burns with the Lion of the Year Award. He said Burns was a constant source of knowledge and support in all business matters of the club and he could not have served as effectively the past year without him. Burns, a Lion since 1987, has been treasurer since 2004 during which time a number of changes and advances have occurred with the Lee Regional Fair and club in general requiring extensive focus on finances. And Burns was honored for working tirelessly in directing the club’s budget during this period of growth.

Past District Governor Dave Martin officiated over the induction of new offiers. In addition to Dr. Marvin Joyner as president, others include Don Morton, president-elect; Nick Novosel, first vice president; Richard Holshouser, second vice president; Dan Hruby, secretary; Bob Nelson, treasurer; George Kostrewa and Ishmael Rivera, tail twisters; and Robert Douglas, lion tamer. Anne Edens will serve as coordinator of the Lions Branch Club. John Poindexter and Preston Spence were sworn in as new directors.

A number of Lions were also recognized for perfect attendance. They included Bill Holt with 22 years, Reggie Jackson with 20 years, Danny Duggins, 12, Reggie Miller, 7, Roy Cashion, 2, and Sidney Boaz, Andy Childress and Woody Seymour with one year of perfect attendance.

New Slate of Officers Elected

The Sanford Lions Club approved its 2010-11slate of new officers and heard about the fine work done by Outreach Missions, Inc. of Lee County at its weekly dinner meeting held Thursday, June 17, at the Lions Club Fairgrounds.

President Richard Hendley presented the list of officers on behalf of the club’s board of directors. It was approved unanimously by the membership and they will take charge July 1. Dr. Marvin Joyner will serve as president while Don Morton will be president-elect. First vice president will be Nick Novosel and second vice-president will be Richard Holshouser.

Dan Hruby will continue as club secretary while Bob Nelson will assume the duties of treasurer following John Burns who has held the post since 2004. Nelson previously held the post in 1988-91. Robert Douglas was selected to be the lion tamer while the tail twister position will be shared by Ismael Rivera and George Kostrewa. New board of directors appointments went to John Poindexter and Preston Spence. The Lion’s Branch Club Coordinator for the coming year will be Ann Edens.

Lion Tim Smith was program chairman and introduced Shirley Crissman, a leader of Outreach Missions, Inc. which operates two homeless shelters here, one for men and one for women. She said the shelters meet an important need for Lee County and their funding is totally dependent on the charity of area churches, organizations and individuals. As a Christian-based project where religious services are held regularly, it does not receive any government funding.

Only four area churches give to the project on a regular basis, Crissman said. She said the shelters operate with only the basics and clients are sent to them by local police, churches, and individuals. Residents must work at the shelters while also seeking employment and permanent housing. They can stay only 30 days. She said donations to Outreach Missions, Inc. are tax deductible and any and all gifts are welcome whether its cash, household supplies, furniture, etc. Residents must have proper identification.

In other business, Sanford Lions will sponsor the N.C. Lions Vision Van July 9-10 at the Wal-Mart parking lot. This free service offers several vital eye tests to screen for potentially serious sight problems. Referrals can be made to eye professionals and financial assistance is available for those who qualify. George Kostrewa is project chairman. The club welcomed two guests at the meeting including Mike Wicker who attended with Willard Garren and Darryl Sapp, a guest of Buckey Phillips.