The Sanford Lions Club works hard all year on various projects raising funds to help the blind, sight and hearing impaired, and young people. Thursday night, July 23, members heard a first-hand account of the joy and excitement these projects bring to participants.
Helen Garrett of Sanford is legally blind. She visited the weekly club meeting and described the fun she recently had at the 2009 N.C. Lions VIP Fishing Tournament held annually at the Outer Banks. Over 500 sight-impaired citizens and volunteer helpers from across the state were hosted by Lions at Kill Devil Hills. Lee County alone sent a busload of excited guests eager to catch fish.
Garrett described how exhilarating it was to stand in the surf and feel the tug of the ocean currents as she competed for trophies and awards given out at a banquet. The guests were also treated to a barbecue dinner and fish fry during the three-day event. She thanked all Lions for providing this opportunity and especially for those who volunteered at the tournament with such duties as baiting hooks and handling the catches for participants. Garrett has also attended summer camp at the Lions’ Camp Dogwood on Lake Norman where the blind and sight-impaired enjoy many recreational activities.
“Although I’m legally blind, if not for that, I probably would never have had the opportunity to go to such places and I greatly appreciate it,” Garrett said.
She was accompanied to the meeting by Jamie Perkins, area social worker for North Carolina’s Services for the Blind. Perkins works closely with area Lions clubs to provide services to the needy and sight impaired. Often Lions will fund a need not covered by the state or the service club will direct someone who is qualified to Perkins for state assistance. Perkins said her agency’s goal is to help the sight impaired stay at home and as independent as possible and for as long as possible.
Many services that help the sight impaired are available through social services such as life skills classes, rehabilitation and jobs training and books on tape. Many assistance devices like white canes, communication aids, eye exams and glasses are provided often with the help of Lions resources, Perkins said.
In other business, Dr. Marvin Joyner reported that advertising sales for the upcoming Lee Regional Fair catalogue was successful although below figures from last year. The club’s marketing chairman thanked all members for their hard work and all business sponsors for supporting the club and fair even in these tough economic times.
President Richard Hendley presided while Bob Jasany delivered the invocation and was program chairman. Tommy Mann, Jr., led the Pledge of Allegiance and song leader John Byrd sang a spiritual entitled “I’m Standing on the Solid Rock.” The club also welcomed visitor Robert Douglas who was a guest of Jay Moore.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Monday, July 20, 2009
Vietnam War Remembered
The Sanford Lions Club received a personal account of the events and emotions relating to the Vietnam War and the impact they had on thousands of veterans like Ron Miriello who spoke to the club at two successive meetings July 9 and 16. His presentations covered a wide range of topics from training to seeing action in the Mekong Delta region to the experiences of service men and women after returning home.
The Navy veteran served on a patrol boat on the Mekong River and its many tributaries in southern South Vietnam. Miriello said their primary mission was to seek out and destroy North Vietnamese and Vietcong forces supplying weapons and occupying river communities. His yearlong tour of duty in the war zone straddled parts of 1968-69, a tumultuous period not only in the war, but also at home.
Miriello paid tribute to veterans of all wars and asked all “warriors” in the club to stand for recognition. He emphasized that the war in Vietnam was not lost by those wearing American uniforms. It was the actions of politicians in Washington that resulted in U.S. forces having to leave Vietnam. He concluded his program with a slide presentation of outstanding photos he had taken during his deployment depicting life aboard the riverboats and the dense jungle and dangers that faced them around every turn.
But, there were also photos of lovely children from villages along the river who would joyfully greet them, knowing the Americans would share their candy and rations. Miriello said if the children were not present upon their approach, it very likely meant that Vietcong were lying in wait. He said there are a number of parallels between the Vietnam War and our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, one being the growing efforts to limit troops’ authority to return fire and protect themselves unless foes are positively identified.
Another special guest was Lions Zone Chairman James Kiser of Buies Creek who recently assumed the post and is visiting each of the eight clubs in his zone, or section of District 31-F. The past president of the Buies Creek Lions said he is urging all Lions Clubs to get acquainted with one another by holding joint meetings or sharing in project work.
George Kostrewa , chairman of the N.C. Lions Vision Van visit in Sanford July 11-12 reported on a very successful event. Lion volunteers screened 144 citizens and a number of those were referred for professional eye exams, Kostrewa said. He thanked all members who participated in the project along with Wal-Mart for its cooperation.
President Richard Hendley presided over the meeting while Bill Whiteman delivered the invocation and introduced the guest speaker. Tommy Mann, Sr. led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Navy veteran served on a patrol boat on the Mekong River and its many tributaries in southern South Vietnam. Miriello said their primary mission was to seek out and destroy North Vietnamese and Vietcong forces supplying weapons and occupying river communities. His yearlong tour of duty in the war zone straddled parts of 1968-69, a tumultuous period not only in the war, but also at home.
Miriello paid tribute to veterans of all wars and asked all “warriors” in the club to stand for recognition. He emphasized that the war in Vietnam was not lost by those wearing American uniforms. It was the actions of politicians in Washington that resulted in U.S. forces having to leave Vietnam. He concluded his program with a slide presentation of outstanding photos he had taken during his deployment depicting life aboard the riverboats and the dense jungle and dangers that faced them around every turn.
But, there were also photos of lovely children from villages along the river who would joyfully greet them, knowing the Americans would share their candy and rations. Miriello said if the children were not present upon their approach, it very likely meant that Vietcong were lying in wait. He said there are a number of parallels between the Vietnam War and our wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, one being the growing efforts to limit troops’ authority to return fire and protect themselves unless foes are positively identified.
Another special guest was Lions Zone Chairman James Kiser of Buies Creek who recently assumed the post and is visiting each of the eight clubs in his zone, or section of District 31-F. The past president of the Buies Creek Lions said he is urging all Lions Clubs to get acquainted with one another by holding joint meetings or sharing in project work.
George Kostrewa , chairman of the N.C. Lions Vision Van visit in Sanford July 11-12 reported on a very successful event. Lion volunteers screened 144 citizens and a number of those were referred for professional eye exams, Kostrewa said. He thanked all members who participated in the project along with Wal-Mart for its cooperation.
President Richard Hendley presided over the meeting while Bill Whiteman delivered the invocation and introduced the guest speaker. Tommy Mann, Sr. led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Dew Honored by Fellow Lions
In its 74 year history, the Sanford Lions Club Thursday, June 25, bestowed for the first time the club’s premier award, Lion of the Year, upon a female member. Honored by fellow club members was Teresa Dew who has done a yeoman’s job for Lionism since becoming the first female member in 2004.
The local service club also installed new officers for the 2009-2010 club year which included the Leo Club consisting of teenagers and presented numerous other awards. A large crowd of members, spouses, and guests attended.
Outgoing President John Walden, Jr. praised the new Lion of the Year for going above and beyond in her service to the club. “Whether it’s the Lee Regional Fair, organizing and selling tickets for fundraisers, or spearheading projects like pancake breakfasts and support for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Teresa Dew is always there leading others and working hard,” Walden said.
She was coordinator this year of the Day-Timer’s Branch Club which she organized after becoming a Lion. Dew often attends the regular Thursday night Lions meetings to report on or conduct business as well as the Branch Club’s lunch meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays. In the past two years she and other Branch Club members have raised some $4,000 for Lions International projects for the blind, $2,000 to purchase new tables and chairs at the fairgrounds, and this year raised $3,800 for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Dew began her involvement with the Lions through a cooperative Habitat for Humanity project for which she worked at the time. “I was impressed with the Lions organization and their hard work and I shared their mission of helping the visually impaired, the needy, and youth in our community. So, I jumped at the chance to join when invited by Dowe Smith who sponsored me,” Dew said.
In addition to spearheading the Day-Timer’s club, Dew led efforts to expand attractions at the annual Lee Regional Fair including the beauty pageants and cheerleading competition. She serves on the Lions Fair Steering Committee which oversees the large operation. She is also active in other community affairs including serving on the board of the Christian United Outreach Center.
Dew is employed at Harvey Financial Services owned by George Harvey who also is a Lions club leader. She has two sons, Ricky, a Fayetteville fireman, and Dustin, a senior at Appalachian State University.
Sanford Lion David Martin was recognized by the club for completion of a highly successful year as District Governor of District 31-F. Martin was also honored with an award from Lion’s International for outstanding service including the chartering of three new clubs in the district. He said he was honored that his last official club visit during his tenure was at his home club. Martin praised Sanford Lions for blazing a trail of success in North Carolina noted by its producing a dozen district governors of whom he is proud to be among.
Martin then asked all new officers to come forward for the installation ceremony including those from the Thursday night club, the Day-Timer’s Branch Club, and the Leo Club.
President for the coming club year is Richard Hendley and president-elect is Dr. Marvin Joyner. Don Morton is first vice president while Nick Novosel will serve as second vice-president. Returning as secretary is Dan Hruby as is treasurer John Burns. Bob Nelson will serve as tail twister and Richard Holshouser will fill the Lion tamer position.
Members of the Board of Directors serving with the officers are Don Dollar, Bill Whiteman, Teresa Dew, and Bill Schubert.
The new slate of officers for the Day-Timer’s Branch Club includes Coordinator Kimberly Cummings, Vice Coordinator Nancy Kimble, and Tail Twister Marie Profio.
Leo Club officers for the new year are President Taylor Batten, Vice President Brianne Schlott, Secretary Brandy Gregson, Treasurer Jayne-Anne Patrick, Historian Meghan Miller, Social Director Anna Johns, and Tail Twister Steven Wright. Lion Melissa Hilliard is the liaison between the Lions and the youth organization.
More than two dozen club members were recognized by outgoing president Walden for playing various roles in the organization this past year. Also, Scholarship Committee Chairman Roy Cashion announced the 2009 winner of a $1,000 college scholarship. She is Velvet McClurkin who graduated from Lee County High School where she was very involved in academic and extra-curricular activities. She will enter N.C. State University this fall. Assisting Cashion on the scholarship committee are Mike Womble, Bob Nelson, and Jim Romine.
The evening ended on a humorous note as the annual presentation of the Motor Mouth Award went to Lion Ismael Rivera. Several past recipients, with tongue in cheek, spoke of the pride they felt upon winning the award and the proper dignity it deserves—even if it’s just a trash can painted gold which must be prominently displayed in the winners home during the coming year.
The local service club also installed new officers for the 2009-2010 club year which included the Leo Club consisting of teenagers and presented numerous other awards. A large crowd of members, spouses, and guests attended.
Outgoing President John Walden, Jr. praised the new Lion of the Year for going above and beyond in her service to the club. “Whether it’s the Lee Regional Fair, organizing and selling tickets for fundraisers, or spearheading projects like pancake breakfasts and support for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Teresa Dew is always there leading others and working hard,” Walden said.
She was coordinator this year of the Day-Timer’s Branch Club which she organized after becoming a Lion. Dew often attends the regular Thursday night Lions meetings to report on or conduct business as well as the Branch Club’s lunch meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays. In the past two years she and other Branch Club members have raised some $4,000 for Lions International projects for the blind, $2,000 to purchase new tables and chairs at the fairgrounds, and this year raised $3,800 for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
Dew began her involvement with the Lions through a cooperative Habitat for Humanity project for which she worked at the time. “I was impressed with the Lions organization and their hard work and I shared their mission of helping the visually impaired, the needy, and youth in our community. So, I jumped at the chance to join when invited by Dowe Smith who sponsored me,” Dew said.
In addition to spearheading the Day-Timer’s club, Dew led efforts to expand attractions at the annual Lee Regional Fair including the beauty pageants and cheerleading competition. She serves on the Lions Fair Steering Committee which oversees the large operation. She is also active in other community affairs including serving on the board of the Christian United Outreach Center.
Dew is employed at Harvey Financial Services owned by George Harvey who also is a Lions club leader. She has two sons, Ricky, a Fayetteville fireman, and Dustin, a senior at Appalachian State University.
Sanford Lion David Martin was recognized by the club for completion of a highly successful year as District Governor of District 31-F. Martin was also honored with an award from Lion’s International for outstanding service including the chartering of three new clubs in the district. He said he was honored that his last official club visit during his tenure was at his home club. Martin praised Sanford Lions for blazing a trail of success in North Carolina noted by its producing a dozen district governors of whom he is proud to be among.
Martin then asked all new officers to come forward for the installation ceremony including those from the Thursday night club, the Day-Timer’s Branch Club, and the Leo Club.
President for the coming club year is Richard Hendley and president-elect is Dr. Marvin Joyner. Don Morton is first vice president while Nick Novosel will serve as second vice-president. Returning as secretary is Dan Hruby as is treasurer John Burns. Bob Nelson will serve as tail twister and Richard Holshouser will fill the Lion tamer position.
Members of the Board of Directors serving with the officers are Don Dollar, Bill Whiteman, Teresa Dew, and Bill Schubert.
The new slate of officers for the Day-Timer’s Branch Club includes Coordinator Kimberly Cummings, Vice Coordinator Nancy Kimble, and Tail Twister Marie Profio.
Leo Club officers for the new year are President Taylor Batten, Vice President Brianne Schlott, Secretary Brandy Gregson, Treasurer Jayne-Anne Patrick, Historian Meghan Miller, Social Director Anna Johns, and Tail Twister Steven Wright. Lion Melissa Hilliard is the liaison between the Lions and the youth organization.
More than two dozen club members were recognized by outgoing president Walden for playing various roles in the organization this past year. Also, Scholarship Committee Chairman Roy Cashion announced the 2009 winner of a $1,000 college scholarship. She is Velvet McClurkin who graduated from Lee County High School where she was very involved in academic and extra-curricular activities. She will enter N.C. State University this fall. Assisting Cashion on the scholarship committee are Mike Womble, Bob Nelson, and Jim Romine.
The evening ended on a humorous note as the annual presentation of the Motor Mouth Award went to Lion Ismael Rivera. Several past recipients, with tongue in cheek, spoke of the pride they felt upon winning the award and the proper dignity it deserves—even if it’s just a trash can painted gold which must be prominently displayed in the winners home during the coming year.
Monday, June 8, 2009
County Manager Addresses Lions
The Sanford Lions Club celebrated a successful 2009 golf tournament at its weekly meeting Thursday, June 4. Following his final report on the event, Chairman Jim Romine was honored with a rousing rendition of “He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” led by song leader John Byrd.
President John Walden, Jr. presided and Reggie Miller delivered the invocation. Jim Turner led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Tail Twister Wendell McGee entertained the crowd with a number of jokes.
President Walden announced that new officer installation and ladies night is scheduled for June 25 when he will pass the gavel to Richard Hendley for the 2009-10 year.
Guest speaker was Lee County Manager John A. Crumpton who was presented by program chairman Billy Miller. The county official explained the heavy revenue toll that the economic recession is taking on the county budget. The 2009-10 fiscal year budget takes effect July 1 and anticipated revenues are expected to be down drastically from the current year.
Fifty-seven percent of Lee County’s budget is derived from property taxes and the county tax base has declined, Crumpton explained. He also explained that county governments are largely extensions of state government, thus budget cuts on the state level directly impact county budgets in several major departments performing services mandated at federal and state levels. And the legislature’s budget struggles this year are well documented with deep funding cuts passing down to local governments.
Crumpton said the state is expecting counties to use their fund balances, or savings, to cover the revenue deficits and this is a burden on local governments. The state requires that counties maintain at least an eight percent fund balance for emergencies. But Lee County department heads have worked diligently to reduce expenses, Crumpton said, including eliminating 26 jobs permanently and making changes in health benefits.
President John Walden, Jr. presided and Reggie Miller delivered the invocation. Jim Turner led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Tail Twister Wendell McGee entertained the crowd with a number of jokes.
President Walden announced that new officer installation and ladies night is scheduled for June 25 when he will pass the gavel to Richard Hendley for the 2009-10 year.
Guest speaker was Lee County Manager John A. Crumpton who was presented by program chairman Billy Miller. The county official explained the heavy revenue toll that the economic recession is taking on the county budget. The 2009-10 fiscal year budget takes effect July 1 and anticipated revenues are expected to be down drastically from the current year.
Fifty-seven percent of Lee County’s budget is derived from property taxes and the county tax base has declined, Crumpton explained. He also explained that county governments are largely extensions of state government, thus budget cuts on the state level directly impact county budgets in several major departments performing services mandated at federal and state levels. And the legislature’s budget struggles this year are well documented with deep funding cuts passing down to local governments.
Crumpton said the state is expecting counties to use their fund balances, or savings, to cover the revenue deficits and this is a burden on local governments. The state requires that counties maintain at least an eight percent fund balance for emergencies. But Lee County department heads have worked diligently to reduce expenses, Crumpton said, including eliminating 26 jobs permanently and making changes in health benefits.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Golf Tournament Big Success
The fourth annual Sanford Lions Club Golf Tournament held Saturday (May 30) at Quail Ridge Golf Course proved highly successful with good weather, good prizes, good food, and good fellowship enjoyed by over one hundred golfers and supporters.
A big congratulations to Lion Sidney Boaz for scoring his first ever hole-in-one from the seventh tee. Boaz didn't start playing golf until he was 70 and now 15 years later comes his first ace. He was playing with Walt Drury, Reggie Miller and Bill Freeman.
Proceeds from the entry fees and business sponsors will help the sight and hearing impaired as well as support medical research and disadvantaged youth.
Tourney Chairman Jim Romine thanked everyone for their participation and financial support. While players chowed down on some good home cookin from Ron’s Barn at lunch, Romine announced the day’s top foursomes and presented a truckload of outstanding prizes provided by Calloway and raffle prizes contributed by area businesses.
First flight winners were:
First Place: Kevin Bunnell, Carl Bunnell, Jack Carlyle, and Jacob Gaster with a score of 55; Second Place: David Fields, Howard Willet, Ron Minter, and Benny Walters, score 56; and Third Place: Jimmy Douglas, Tom Savitski, Tommy Clark, and Bud Jennings, score 61.
Second flight winners were:
First Place: James Williams, Vaughn Challingsworth, Gary Henry, and Phillip Deese with a score of 58; Second Place: Tommy Jones, Steve Jones, Rodney Starr, and Suzie Starr, score 62; and Third Place: Dave Martin, Ralph Sparks, John Walden, and Rod Paxson, score 63.
Third flight winners were:
First Place: Darrell Smith, Donald Lloyd, Brian Carlyle, and Eddie Thomas with a score of 61; Second Place: Wally Jones, George Kostrewa, Mark Meaty, and Glen Phillips, score 62; and Third Place: David McBurnett, James McBurnett, Steve Bordeaux, and Jimmy Cook, score 64.
Closest to the pin honors went to Sidney Boaz who aced No. 7 and Joffree Bradley and Tim Kennedy. Steve Bordeaux and Vaughn Challingsworth were recognized for longest drives.
A big congratulations to Lion Sidney Boaz for scoring his first ever hole-in-one from the seventh tee. Boaz didn't start playing golf until he was 70 and now 15 years later comes his first ace. He was playing with Walt Drury, Reggie Miller and Bill Freeman.
Proceeds from the entry fees and business sponsors will help the sight and hearing impaired as well as support medical research and disadvantaged youth.
Tourney Chairman Jim Romine thanked everyone for their participation and financial support. While players chowed down on some good home cookin from Ron’s Barn at lunch, Romine announced the day’s top foursomes and presented a truckload of outstanding prizes provided by Calloway and raffle prizes contributed by area businesses.
First flight winners were:
First Place: Kevin Bunnell, Carl Bunnell, Jack Carlyle, and Jacob Gaster with a score of 55; Second Place: David Fields, Howard Willet, Ron Minter, and Benny Walters, score 56; and Third Place: Jimmy Douglas, Tom Savitski, Tommy Clark, and Bud Jennings, score 61.
Second flight winners were:
First Place: James Williams, Vaughn Challingsworth, Gary Henry, and Phillip Deese with a score of 58; Second Place: Tommy Jones, Steve Jones, Rodney Starr, and Suzie Starr, score 62; and Third Place: Dave Martin, Ralph Sparks, John Walden, and Rod Paxson, score 63.
Third flight winners were:
First Place: Darrell Smith, Donald Lloyd, Brian Carlyle, and Eddie Thomas with a score of 61; Second Place: Wally Jones, George Kostrewa, Mark Meaty, and Glen Phillips, score 62; and Third Place: David McBurnett, James McBurnett, Steve Bordeaux, and Jimmy Cook, score 64.
Closest to the pin honors went to Sidney Boaz who aced No. 7 and Joffree Bradley and Tim Kennedy. Steve Bordeaux and Vaughn Challingsworth were recognized for longest drives.
Economist Addresses Club
The Sanford Lions Club welcomed one of the state’s leading economists as speaker at its regular weekly meeting May 28 at the fairgrounds. Dr. Michael Walden, the William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor in Agricultural and Resource Economics at N.C. State University, discussed the economic recession and answered many questions.
Recessions aren’t uncommon as America has experienced 14 since World War II, Dr. Walden said. But the reason this one is the worst is the tremendous negative impact seen in the nation’s financial sector, and it all began, in his view, with the collapse of the real estate market. Inflated housing values in recent years resulting from an easy flow of money from the Federal Reserve and risky mortgage schemes offered by many financial markets, much of which unregulated by the government, collapsed like a house of cards. The result was a free-falling economy that was as near a total collapse not seen since the Great Depression.
Over the past three years housing values have dropped an average of one-third, the longest sustained decline ever, and American consumers have lost 20 percent of their wealth, amounting to trillions of dollars, Walden said. Economists generally feel the recession will bottom out by the end of this year or early 2010 and show improvement next year. The positive news at this point is the economic free-fall appears to be over with markets declining at a slower point.
Dr. Walden said there will be much more scrutiny of the Federal Reserve and banking practices throughout the recovery period and beyond and as the economy improves there will have to be a reversal of much of the emergency government action taken this year so as to reduce the national debt and likelihood of inflation and higher taxes. Thus, a destimulation on the federal government’s part, Walden said, prompting a chorus of “ayes” from the audience.
Woody Seymour was program chairman and introduced the speaker. President John Walden, Jr. presided and Roy Jernigan gave the invocation. George Kostrewa led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club members stood for a period of silence in memory of Dr. Kenan Williams who passed away last week.
Several visitors were recognized including Marty Rowe with Lion Joe Johnson, Mark Carroll with Lion Dowe Smith, Steve Martin was a guest of his father Lion Charles Martin, and Matthew Shaw attended with his grandfather, Lion John Cole.
Recessions aren’t uncommon as America has experienced 14 since World War II, Dr. Walden said. But the reason this one is the worst is the tremendous negative impact seen in the nation’s financial sector, and it all began, in his view, with the collapse of the real estate market. Inflated housing values in recent years resulting from an easy flow of money from the Federal Reserve and risky mortgage schemes offered by many financial markets, much of which unregulated by the government, collapsed like a house of cards. The result was a free-falling economy that was as near a total collapse not seen since the Great Depression.
Over the past three years housing values have dropped an average of one-third, the longest sustained decline ever, and American consumers have lost 20 percent of their wealth, amounting to trillions of dollars, Walden said. Economists generally feel the recession will bottom out by the end of this year or early 2010 and show improvement next year. The positive news at this point is the economic free-fall appears to be over with markets declining at a slower point.
Dr. Walden said there will be much more scrutiny of the Federal Reserve and banking practices throughout the recovery period and beyond and as the economy improves there will have to be a reversal of much of the emergency government action taken this year so as to reduce the national debt and likelihood of inflation and higher taxes. Thus, a destimulation on the federal government’s part, Walden said, prompting a chorus of “ayes” from the audience.
Woody Seymour was program chairman and introduced the speaker. President John Walden, Jr. presided and Roy Jernigan gave the invocation. George Kostrewa led the Pledge of Allegiance. Club members stood for a period of silence in memory of Dr. Kenan Williams who passed away last week.
Several visitors were recognized including Marty Rowe with Lion Joe Johnson, Mark Carroll with Lion Dowe Smith, Steve Martin was a guest of his father Lion Charles Martin, and Matthew Shaw attended with his grandfather, Lion John Cole.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Lions Support Relay for Life Event May 15-16
The Sanford Lions Club and its Branch Club members are working hard this week preparing to support the annual Relay for Life for Cancer research to be held at the Lions Fairgrounds Friday and Saturday, May 15-16. And they urge all local citizens, whether touched by this dreadful disease or not, to come out and support this most important fundraiser.
The Lions Relay for Life team, spearheaded by Darlene Turner and Teresa Dew, have been raising funds for the event for months and other Lions have been working behind the scenes to assure the fairgrounds are ready for the thousands expected. Club members will be grilling turkey legs for sale with proceeds going to Relay for Life. Saturday morning, May 16, there will be a Lions pancake breakfast fundraiser at the fairgrounds. All Relay for Life participants and the general public is urged to support this project so that Lions can continue to help the blind, sight and hearing impaired, and youth programs.
These were among topics of business at the club’s weekly meeting April 30 with President John Walden, Jr. presiding. Special guest, Tony Williams, was recognized and welcomed by members. Williams led the club in 1985-86 and was district governor in 1998-99. He moved away from Sanford for a number of years, but has now returned.
Also honored by the club was its newest member, Johnny Poindexter, who received a standing ovation following his induction ceremony. Past District Governor Roy Jernigan conducted the rites which stress the club’s primary mission as a service organization whose motto is “We Serve.” Lion Thomas Douglas was his sponsor.
Poindexter and his wife, Susan, reside in Sanford. They have two daughters and two grandchildren. He is retired after 30 years with the Cooper Tools plant in Apex and now is a volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity center.
The evening’s program was a most informative report on Central Carolina Community College’s Emergency Services Training Center located at the former Lee County Airport site near Southern Lee High School in the Tramway area. Fire and Rescue Coordinator Joey Shue was the speaker and called the center one of Lee County’s best kept secrets.
Part of CCCC’s Continuing Education department, the center’s training programs serve all basic and continuing certification needs for emergency responders in the college’s three county area of Lee, Harnett and Chatham. But the outstanding site along with innovative planning and utilization of resources has turned the local center into a mecca for emergency services units from throughout North Carolina and the eastern U.S.
Police, fire and rescue departments from a wide area now come to Sanford for specialized training that they cannot get anywhere else. Also included at the facility are the school’s automotive restoration program and motorcycle safety courses which, along with emergency vehicle training, utilize the former airport runway areas.
Shue said this is generating a tremendous economic impact in the community as often hundreds of participants come from out-of-town and stay at local motels and eat in local restaurants.
Lion Ish Rivera was program chairman and delivered the evening’s invocation. John Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Lions Relay for Life team, spearheaded by Darlene Turner and Teresa Dew, have been raising funds for the event for months and other Lions have been working behind the scenes to assure the fairgrounds are ready for the thousands expected. Club members will be grilling turkey legs for sale with proceeds going to Relay for Life. Saturday morning, May 16, there will be a Lions pancake breakfast fundraiser at the fairgrounds. All Relay for Life participants and the general public is urged to support this project so that Lions can continue to help the blind, sight and hearing impaired, and youth programs.
These were among topics of business at the club’s weekly meeting April 30 with President John Walden, Jr. presiding. Special guest, Tony Williams, was recognized and welcomed by members. Williams led the club in 1985-86 and was district governor in 1998-99. He moved away from Sanford for a number of years, but has now returned.
Also honored by the club was its newest member, Johnny Poindexter, who received a standing ovation following his induction ceremony. Past District Governor Roy Jernigan conducted the rites which stress the club’s primary mission as a service organization whose motto is “We Serve.” Lion Thomas Douglas was his sponsor.
Poindexter and his wife, Susan, reside in Sanford. They have two daughters and two grandchildren. He is retired after 30 years with the Cooper Tools plant in Apex and now is a volunteer at the Habitat for Humanity center.
The evening’s program was a most informative report on Central Carolina Community College’s Emergency Services Training Center located at the former Lee County Airport site near Southern Lee High School in the Tramway area. Fire and Rescue Coordinator Joey Shue was the speaker and called the center one of Lee County’s best kept secrets.
Part of CCCC’s Continuing Education department, the center’s training programs serve all basic and continuing certification needs for emergency responders in the college’s three county area of Lee, Harnett and Chatham. But the outstanding site along with innovative planning and utilization of resources has turned the local center into a mecca for emergency services units from throughout North Carolina and the eastern U.S.
Police, fire and rescue departments from a wide area now come to Sanford for specialized training that they cannot get anywhere else. Also included at the facility are the school’s automotive restoration program and motorcycle safety courses which, along with emergency vehicle training, utilize the former airport runway areas.
Shue said this is generating a tremendous economic impact in the community as often hundreds of participants come from out-of-town and stay at local motels and eat in local restaurants.
Lion Ish Rivera was program chairman and delivered the evening’s invocation. John Cole led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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