The 73rd annual Lee Regional Fair gets underway Tuesday at 5 p.m. with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Loads of fun and excitement are promised for the next six days until the 2009 edition closes on Sept. 20.
Sponsored by the Sanford Lions Club, the fair is one of the top events of its type in North Carolina. It showcases the outstanding agricultural economy of Lee and surrounding counties not to mention providing excellent entertainment, food, and attractions for the entire family. Backing this up are the three top statewide awards presented to last year’s fair by the N.C. Association of Agricultural Fairs and the N.C. Department of Agriculture.
Lions club members heard final pre-fair reports at their meeting Thursday, Sept. 3. Fair Director Ronnie Turner was out-of-state at another fair conducting business, but phoned in to congratulate club members on the hard work done to prepare for this year’s event. Fair Committee Chairman George Harvey presented a rundown on the readiness of each section of the fair.
Other leaders sharing reports included Lee County Extension Director Susan Condlin, Exhibit Hall Chairman John Cole, Lions Branch Club Coordinator Teresa Dew, and Avron Upchurch who discussed distribution of advance tickets available at most schools, Piggly Wiggly, and from the Sanford Area Soccer League.
The club welcomed several members of the Extension Service Advisory Committee and a number of wives of Lions who work hard every year volunteering at the fair. It was noted that many friends and neighbors of Lions volunteer at fair time and this help is greatly appreciated.
A highlight of each year’s fair is the crowning of Miss Lee Regional Fair to take place on Wednesday night. Pageants this year will cover ages from kindergarten through high school, Dew said.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
Cancer Fighters Thank Lions
Lee County’s Relay for Life cancer fundraising committee is closing out its 2009 year with great success despite poor economic conditions that reduced the giving of many donors, Chair Shirley Crissman told members of the Sanford Lions Club Thursday, Aug. 13.
Crissman was joined by Crystal Stubits, committee advocacy chair, and Natalie Leary, regional manager for Relay for Life in Lee, Chatham and Moore counties. Introducing the program was Lion Glenn Stubits, also a committee member and volunteer.
The Lee County event, held at the Lions Fairgrounds and Entertainment Center, this spring raised $161,638 for research to help cure all forms of cancer. There were 45 Relay teams involving 859 participants, Crissman said. And each and every person worked very hard to remember those taken by the disease and honor those survivors who bravely fight it. The organization also pays tribute and provides assistance to familes and caregivers of cancer victims.
Leary, the regional manager, expressed the American Cancer Society’s sincere thanks to all the businesses, civic organizations, churches, schools, and families for their support. She also thanked the Lions Club for use of the outstanding fairgrounds facility and the clubs relay team which raised almost $4,000 for the charity.
Lee Regional Fair director Ronnie Turner gave a brief report on the upcoming fun event set for Sept. 15-20 at the fairgrounds. He said there will be new amusements on the midway and a number of new special attractions such as a professional lumberjack exhibition. Reports from fairs around the country indicate that people still support top quality entertainment close to home like local fairs, Turner said. Noting that the club will begin work nights this week, he urged all Lions to dedicate themselves to the success of this year’s fair. And he encourages all citizens to support this major fundraiser that helps the blind and sight impaired with local needs and medical research.
President Richard Hendley presided at the meeting and Willard Garren gave the invocation. Phil Bradley led in the Pledge of Allegiance and Song Leader John Byrd led singing of Happy Birthday to several members along with a solo entitled “Walking Up the King’ Highway.” Guest Tom Mann of Raleigh, son of Russel Mann, was welcomed.
Crissman was joined by Crystal Stubits, committee advocacy chair, and Natalie Leary, regional manager for Relay for Life in Lee, Chatham and Moore counties. Introducing the program was Lion Glenn Stubits, also a committee member and volunteer.
The Lee County event, held at the Lions Fairgrounds and Entertainment Center, this spring raised $161,638 for research to help cure all forms of cancer. There were 45 Relay teams involving 859 participants, Crissman said. And each and every person worked very hard to remember those taken by the disease and honor those survivors who bravely fight it. The organization also pays tribute and provides assistance to familes and caregivers of cancer victims.
Leary, the regional manager, expressed the American Cancer Society’s sincere thanks to all the businesses, civic organizations, churches, schools, and families for their support. She also thanked the Lions Club for use of the outstanding fairgrounds facility and the clubs relay team which raised almost $4,000 for the charity.
Lee Regional Fair director Ronnie Turner gave a brief report on the upcoming fun event set for Sept. 15-20 at the fairgrounds. He said there will be new amusements on the midway and a number of new special attractions such as a professional lumberjack exhibition. Reports from fairs around the country indicate that people still support top quality entertainment close to home like local fairs, Turner said. Noting that the club will begin work nights this week, he urged all Lions to dedicate themselves to the success of this year’s fair. And he encourages all citizens to support this major fundraiser that helps the blind and sight impaired with local needs and medical research.
President Richard Hendley presided at the meeting and Willard Garren gave the invocation. Phil Bradley led in the Pledge of Allegiance and Song Leader John Byrd led singing of Happy Birthday to several members along with a solo entitled “Walking Up the King’ Highway.” Guest Tom Mann of Raleigh, son of Russel Mann, was welcomed.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Lee Regional Fair Around the Corner
Planning and preparation for the annual Lee Regional Fair is a year-round job for members of the Sanford Lions Club. And then about this time of year it’s time to put those plans into action and that’s the case now as the Sept. 15-20 fall spectacular is just around the corner.
Promotions for the fair have started in the newspaper, on television, radio, handbills, posters and billboards. There’s even a Lee Regional Fair page on the popular Internet social networking site Facebook. Fair Chairman Ronnie Turner and the Lions’ Fair Steering Committee promise a week of fun and excitement filled with good entertainment, good food, and good people.
After all, it takes good people to showcase an award winning event like the Lee Regional Fair. From the agricultural community comes livestock, poultry, 4-H competition, antique farm equipment, and food and plant exhibits. The Miss Lee Regional Fair pageant, along with levels for younger girls, provides a stage for the areas loveliest young ladies. There’s entertainment, cheerleading competitions and much more—all requiring the hard work of good people.
And all of this is done to make life better for fellow human beings who are blind, sight and hearing impaired and disadvantaged young people who need a hand up in life. These are the good works supported by Lions Clubs locally and around the world. Sanford Lions thank the business community and local citizens for your help and support of its projects.
At the club’s weekly meeting Thursday, July30, members heard of plans to develop a permanent country village display at the Lions fairgrounds. A working sawmill will be the first attraction erected for this year’s fair with additions planned in the coming years.
Guest speaker was Janice Holmes, volunteer services coordinator for the Enrichment Center of Lee County. She was presented by program chairman Tim Smith. Holmes outlined the many outstanding programs for seniors at the Enrichment Center located at 1615 South Third St. Innovative programs are offered in areas of education, entertainment, fitness, health and wellness.
Holmes announced that the 7th annual Boomer, Senior, and Caregiver Expo will be held at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. More than 100 vendors will participate with educational seminars, health screenings, entertainment and a free lunch. Holmes said volunteers are needed for this event. If interested, call the Enrichment Center at 776-0501.
President Richard Hendley presided and Tim Smith gave the invocation. Lindsay Jones led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Promotions for the fair have started in the newspaper, on television, radio, handbills, posters and billboards. There’s even a Lee Regional Fair page on the popular Internet social networking site Facebook. Fair Chairman Ronnie Turner and the Lions’ Fair Steering Committee promise a week of fun and excitement filled with good entertainment, good food, and good people.
After all, it takes good people to showcase an award winning event like the Lee Regional Fair. From the agricultural community comes livestock, poultry, 4-H competition, antique farm equipment, and food and plant exhibits. The Miss Lee Regional Fair pageant, along with levels for younger girls, provides a stage for the areas loveliest young ladies. There’s entertainment, cheerleading competitions and much more—all requiring the hard work of good people.
And all of this is done to make life better for fellow human beings who are blind, sight and hearing impaired and disadvantaged young people who need a hand up in life. These are the good works supported by Lions Clubs locally and around the world. Sanford Lions thank the business community and local citizens for your help and support of its projects.
At the club’s weekly meeting Thursday, July30, members heard of plans to develop a permanent country village display at the Lions fairgrounds. A working sawmill will be the first attraction erected for this year’s fair with additions planned in the coming years.
Guest speaker was Janice Holmes, volunteer services coordinator for the Enrichment Center of Lee County. She was presented by program chairman Tim Smith. Holmes outlined the many outstanding programs for seniors at the Enrichment Center located at 1615 South Third St. Innovative programs are offered in areas of education, entertainment, fitness, health and wellness.
Holmes announced that the 7th annual Boomer, Senior, and Caregiver Expo will be held at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center on Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. More than 100 vendors will participate with educational seminars, health screenings, entertainment and a free lunch. Holmes said volunteers are needed for this event. If interested, call the Enrichment Center at 776-0501.
President Richard Hendley presided and Tim Smith gave the invocation. Lindsay Jones led the club in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Fishing Fun for Sight-Impaired
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.
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 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.
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