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.

Two Cars Among Golf Tourney Prizes

The 5^th Annual Sanford Lions Club Golf Tournament is set to tee off June 5 at Quail Ridge Golf Club and there will be chances to win not just one, but two new cars as hole-in-one prizes, according to Chairman Jim Romine.

He said Wilkinson Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, GMC of Sanford is offering one vehicle while Crossroads Ford of Cary is providing the second. “We greatly appreciate the support of these companies and many other Sanford area businesses who are helping the Lions bring much needed services to the blind and sight impaired as well as disadvantaged youth,” Romine said.

He added there is still time for golfers and teams to sign up for the fun event and for local businesses to help by being hole sponsors. For $100 an attractive permanent sign bearing the business name will be placed at a tee for all to see and afterwards will be presented to the business for display. Interested golfers or businesses can contact Romine at 774-1173 or at jromine@windstream.net, or any Lions Club member, many of whom have been canvassing the business community for support.

At the May 13 regular Lions meeting, a special program of remembrance, honor, and history was presented by the family of Lion Russel Mann whose brother, Joe H. Mann, lost his life in Belgium at the Battle of Bulge in January 1945. To commemorate the 65^th anniversary, Russel Mann and sons Tom and Tucker along with Tucker’s son-in-law Drew Smith, last year retraced the steps of Joe Mann’s army division from Normandy in France to the Ardennes region in southeastern Belgium where he was killed by a sniper.

The journey was one of deep emotion as well as extensive research. From military records of Joe Mann’s division, to contacting survivors of his unit, to excellent records kept in Europe at local libraries and public offices, Russel Mann was able to stand at the spot where his brother gave his life while fighting for peace. They also were shown where he was interred for two years at an American cemetery.

In 1947 Joe Mann’s remains, along with thousands of other American soldiers, were returned to the U.S. and he was laid to rest in his home of Jonesboro. Five other Lee County soldiers’ remains accompanied that shipment. An outstanding photo slide show highlighted the presentation, depicting the American cemeteries and many memorials erected honoring American soldiers and key wartime sites.

President Richard Hendley presided and Russel Mann gave the invocation. Richard Holshouser led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.

District Attorney Doyle Speaks to Club

Even with prison overcrowding a problem in North Carolina, the state must keep violent criminals and habitual offenders behind bars, according to 11^th Judicial District Attorney Susan Doyle. That might mean releasing some lower level inmates to make room, but the trade off is worth it, she said.

District Attorney Doyle spoke Thursday, May 6, at the weekly meeting of the Sanford Lions Club as a guest of Walter Roberts, program chairman. Doyle has been the top law enforcement official in Johnston, Harnett and Lee counties since 2007, following DA Tom Locke. The Republican is seeking re-election this year.

She outlined her goals since taking office in 2007 including cracking down on habitual criminal offenders, more aggressive prosecution of those who drive while impaired including a no dismissal policy, fighting gang activity, and initiating a more efficient worthless check program that aids local business people by making the process less time consuming. DA Doyle presented statistics supporting the positive impact these priorities have had in the 11th District.

The District Attorney is a native of Weaverville, near Asheville, and a graduate of UNC at Chapel Hill and the Campbell University School of Law. She interned in the DA’s office in 1992 while still a law student and realized that representing the victims of crime and the public was her passion. Locke hired her upon graduation and she served as an assistant district attorney until 2007 when she ran for and was elected to the top spot. She is currently vice president of the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys.

In other business, Avron Upchurch gave a planning overview of the special 75^th Anniversary celebration for the Sanford Lions to be held in August. The event will feature many invited local and area guests including Lions from the local, state and international levels. Work continues for the June 5^th Sanford Lions Golf Tournament for which hole sponsors and golfers are needed. And a special meeting May 27 to host guests and potential members was discussed. Bob Groome was extended a warm welcome back following illnesses and other sick were remembered. President-elect Marvin Joyner presided while Walter Roberts gave the invocation and Dan Hruby led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Valuable Services at t.l.c. Home Described

The t.l.c. home, Inc. in Sanford is a special place for ten special people and hundreds of their family members and friends.

Rita H. Oglesbee, executive director, described the outstanding work and services provided at this ten bed, intermediate care facility for children and adults with mental retardation and other disabilities in a program given at the Sanford Lions’ April 29 meeting. Lion George Kostrewa introduced Mrs. Oglesbee and his wife, Kathy, who has served on the home’s board of directors and is currently secretary of the board.

While t.l.c. serves all ages, all current residents are adults. Mrs. Oglesbee stressed the high quality of care ranging from the routine daily regimen to professional services offered by physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists, teachers, and vocational trainers.

Work of the direct care staff in building a trusting, emotionally supportive, and close human relationship with each resident is the top priority, Oglesbee said. Also, the community based treatment program which brings residents into contact with other people and local acitivities such as store outings, bowling and fishing adds to the total growth and quality of life for t.l.c.’s clients. She invited anyone with questions or an interest in volunteering to contact the center or visit at 1775 Hawkins Ave.

In other business, President Richard Hendley reminded members of the club’s big 75^th Anniversary celebration planned in August with visitors including state and international Lions officials. Membership promotion night May 27 was discussed as members are urged to bring potential new Lions as guests. And the 5^th Annual Lions Golf Tournament will be June 5 at Quail Ridge Golf Club with golfers and hole sponsors still needed. A raffle was held with first place winner, Worth Pickard, collecting half the pot. Second place was Don Morton who won two Shriner’s fish fry tickets and third place winner was George Kostrewa winning a free meal at the nexty meeting.

John Walden led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance while Kostrewa gave the invocation. Guests included Tom Mann of Raleigh, son of Russel Mann, and Lions Zone Chairman James Kizer of Buies Creek.