Lions Hear Pope AFB Inspector General

The Inspector General at Pope Air Force Base was the guest speaker at the weekly meeting of the Sanford Lions Club Thursday, July 29, and presented an informative program describing his Air Force career and changes taking place at the base. Lt. Col. Jonathan Shockey was accompanied by Vicki Johnson, a retired Air Force Master Sergeant who is now Chief of Public Affairs for the 43^rd Airlift Wing assigned to Pope.

Lt. Col. Shockey’s 19 years of Air Force service has carried him to many bases throughout the United States and the world as a C-130 pilot and flight instructor. That includes being among the earliest crews to fly into Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan at the beginning of that war following the 9-11 attack in New York.

But the officer now calls Sanford home as his wife, Joy, is a local native and they plan to maintain their residence here until he retires. The couple has two children and they are members of Cool Springs Baptist Church as is Lion Bucky Phillips who was in charge of the program.

Lt. Col. Shockey explained how Pope AFB was programmed for realignment under the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) law. The Air Force and U.S. Army at Ft. Bragg are still engaged in the transition process, but when completed all installation support functions and real property at the air base become a part of the Ft. Bragg Garrison under the U.S. Army. The air base will become Pope Army Airfield, yet Air Force personnel will still operate air support services for Ft. Bragg. When completed, Ft. Bragg will be home to one-tenth of the Army’s fighting force and that means that the role of the U.S. Air Force there will be more important than ever, the officer said.

President Dr. Marvin Joyner presided, citing a number of members on the sick list to be remembered and recognized Lion Glenn Jones upon his return following a lengthy absence and also Lion Billy Miller who was recently hospitalized. The invocation was delivered by Bill Whiteman and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Jimmy Bridges. Wendell McGee led the club in singing the first and third verses of the “Star Spangled Banner.”

Club to Honor 75 Years of Service to Sanford

The Sanford Lions Club will celebrate the 75^th anniversary of its founding this Thursday, Aug. 5, at the Lions Fairgrounds. Guest speaker will be Lions International President Sid L. Scruggs, III, of Vass who assumed the club’s worldwide top post a month ago in Sydney, Australia at the Lions International Convention.

Local President Dr. Marvin Joyner said this hallmark event will showcase the outstanding contributions and service made to Sanford and Lee County by Sanford Lions since 1935 when the club was sponsored by the Raleigh Lions Club. The Sanford club has gone on to sponsor eight new Lions Clubs and has produced twelve district governors from among its ranks.

Six of those past district governors have worked for months as a committee planning the Aug. 5 celebration, led by Chairman Avron Upchurch. Others are Russel Mann, Milton Somers, Tony Williams, Roy Jernigan and David Martin. Club members and their spouses and guests will enjoy a dinner prepared by Sanford’s Chef Greg Hamm amid special decorations. Banquet expenses are covered by private member contributions and not charitable funds raised by the club.

At the club’s weekly meeting Thursday, July 22, former Lee School Board Chairman Bill Tatum was the guest speaker, introduced by program chairman Charles LaRue. Tatum stressed that Lee County’s school system and its more than 9,600 students are in good shape and rank well when compared to area counties, even Wake County where some business leaders think students get a superior education. In fact, student testing data in recent years shows Lee Schools outpacing those in Wake and other surrounding counties.

Tatum pointed out the great diversity in Lee County public school students where now whites make up only 45 percent of the student population. Hispanic is second with 26.4 percent while blacks make up 22.6 percent followed by American Indian and Multi racial with 5.1 percent. Asians make up less than one percent of students. There are 24 native languages spoken by students in Lee County schools, he added.

Tatum, whose current term runs to 2012 on the school board, said he is confident in telling everyone with whom he talks that Lee County Schools provide a top quality education and operate as efficiently as any in North Carolina with the resources made available. He praised the work of all local educators from the central office staff to teachers in the classroom, saying they work very hard often under very difficult circumstances Lions President Joyner thanked Tatum for his remarks and also praised the work of everyone in education.

Teen Drivers Do the Craziest Things

Teaching teenage drivers can be a daunting duty, but there are still brave men and women who accept the challenge to mold tomorrow’s safe motorists. Sanford Lion Theron Womble is one who faced the challenge and lived to tell about it. And tell about it he did Thursday, July 8, at the weekly Sanford Lions meeting.

Womble, a retired Lee County teacher and driver’s education instructor, described what it was like to sit in the passenger seat of those driver’s ed cars with a foot inches away from the safety brake mounted on the passenger’s side. The state requires all school-age teens who want a driver’s permit and license to take the 30 hour course that requires both classroom work and driving practice. In fact, Womble said the graduated licensing process has done more to improve driving skills of teens and make the roads safer than anything else. It even requires that students maintain passing grades to remain in the program.

He said many students show no signs of having practiced driving before the course. As they learn to turn the steering wheel to round curves or the proper braking pressure, or changing lanes in traffic, the instructor learns quickly not to take an eye off the road or the results can be harrowing.

And then, as with most teenagers, things just happen. There was the time a mother had given permission for Womble to pick up her daughter for a Saturday morning driving session at a friend’s house where she spent the night. The 15-year-old hopped into the car scantily clad with a sheer top supported by spaghetti straps. Womble said he reminded her that school dress code went for driver’s ed too. She explained that she didn’t want to put on the same clothes she had worn the day before, so she just kept on her pajamas. The retired teacher and pillar of First Baptist Church clasped his wrists together, saying he could just see the police slapping handcuffs on him if caught riding around with a teenage female in her in PJ’s. She returned inside and changed clothes.

Local Lions are now engaged in work on the club’s biggest fundraiser each year—The Lee Regional Fair. Advertising for the Fair catalogue is now being solicited from area businesses and professional organizations with Lions making contacts. The public’s support of this project is very important. The catalogue lists all program events, schedules, and the many exhibit categories for which prizes and ribbons are awarded. Fair proceeds help fund the many charitable causes supported by the Sanford Lions Club, which last club year topped $31,000.

President Marvin Joyner presided at the meeting and Theron Womble gave the invocation. Lion Jimmy Bridges led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Richard Wallace was welcomed as a guest of Lion Ed Paschal.

75th Anniversary Plans Coming Together

Plans for the Sanford Lions Club’s 75^th Anniversary celebration on Aug. 5 are quickly taking shape now, according to Avron Upchurch who chairs a committee of past district governors from the local club that was charged with making arrangements for the historic mark. Upchurch reported on the group’s progress at the club’s weekly dinner meeting July 1 which was the first meeting led by new President Dr. Marvin Joyner.

Heading the program will be a special visit and address by new International Lions President Sid L. Scruggs, III, of Vass. Also expected to attend will be two members of the International board of directors, according to Upchurch. The ladies’ night banquet will be catered by Sanford’s Chef Paul with a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Lions Fairgrounds followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Special entertainment is also planned.

In addition to Upchurch, the committee consists of other past district governors still active in the Sanford Lions Club including Russel Mann, Milton Somers, Tony Williams, Roy Jernigan and Dave Martin. The local club has been a statewide leader in producing district governors with a dozen since 1938. The club was chartered in 1935.

Guest speaker for the weekly meeting was Dr. Angela Bright-Pearson of Sanford, a clinical audiologist who owns Bright Audiology on Carbonton Road. She described the latest technologies available to persons with hearing disorders and stressed that the number one cause of hearing loss is noise. She urged everyone to use ear protection devices when in the presence of noise such as any type of machinery or lawn care tools. Also, people are warned to reduce the volume of music, especially the use of earphones as seen with many young people.

She urges citizens to seek the services of audiology professionals who provide effective analysis and diagnosis of hearing loss problems and who will refer patients to other medical professionals if problems indicate the need. Her education includes a master’s degree in audiology and speech pathology from UNC-Greensboro and a doctorate in audiology from the University of Florida. She has taught at UNC-G and UNC at Chapel Hill and served on state audiology boards. She was accompanied by daughter, Hannah, who assisted by distributing literature to the group.

Preston Spence was program chairman and introduced Dr. Bright-Pearson. He also delivered the invocation while Bob Nelson led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. A special guest and prospective member was Jon Joyner, a math teacher at Lee County High School who is the faculty liason with the Brick City Leo Club, a teen organization affiliated with the Lions Club. Song Leader John Byrd led the club in the singing of “America, the Beautiful,” in honor of the July 4^th holiday.

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.

Haire Presents Program of Old Photos

Members of the Sanford Lions Club enjoyed two entertaining photographic exhibits presented by Jimmy Haire at their weekly meeting Thursday, May 20, at the Lions Club Fairgrounds. Local attorney Woody Seymour was program chairman and introduced the well-known photographer and local historian.

The first slide program featured outstanding photos taken at the 2008 Lee Regional Fair set to a medley of popular tunes. The second presentation consisted of a large number of old images of Sanford and Jonesboro, some as early as 1908. There were scores of past businesses and landmarks that today live only on the pages of books, files of photographs, and in the minds of those old enough to conjure up memories of the thirties, forties and fifties. And for those newcomers and too young to remember, Haire accompanied the presentation with rapid-fire descriptions of each scene.

Particularly of interest were major streets and intersections where narrow two-lane roads have given way to busy four-lane thoroughfares and large structures razed years ago. The changing face—as well as name—of Endor Street that is now Horner Blvd. was among the favorites. Haire was assisted in the program by daughter Allison Haire-Burris. Seymour presented Haire a Lions paperweight in appreciation for his program.

Next weekend will bring the 5^th Annual Sanford Lions Club Golf Tournament at Quail Ridge Golf Club and it is expected there will be some spots left for golfers interested in taking part in the fun event. There will also be a truckload of outstanding prizes including new golf clubs and all accessories. And there will be not one, but two new cars as hole-in-one prizes this year thanks to Wilkinson GM dealership here and Crossroads Ford of Cary. Anyone interested in participating can contact chairman Jim Romine at 774-1173 or any Sanford Lion.

President Richard Hendley presided over the meeting. Bucky Phillips delivered the invocation and Charles Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance.