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.