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.