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JANUARY 2015
I
So Begins 'Ought-Fifteen – a short story
t was a cold, dark and rainy night. As he backed slowly onto the wet-slick asphalt that Monday, his forward vision was interrupted by the constant, rapid back-and-forth swoosh of wipers against the wet glass, headlights barely illuminating the wet roadway's edge. Past residences, the little shops here and there, the already shut-down and darkened businesses, across the river, confident in the traction of the tires to pavement, on he ventured. “Not much traffic out tonight,” he mused, wondering if the recent seemingly epidemic coverage of various winter colds and flu kept people off the roads. When the calm, still village of Seymour finally came into view – it's streets and lanes nestled between the foothills of the ancient mountains of blue smoke and the river, he saw, off in the distance, a light coming from inside a restaurant—there they were, a group of community-minded leaders gathering together over some delicious chicken, potato salad, and cole slaw to learn who had been, or could be, helped by their efforts. This seemed to immediately brighten his spirits, as he pulled in toward that ever-brightening light.
W
hen he parked and dashed through the pounding rain to the warm, dry comfort of Connie's Kitchen, he found what he had sought: those likeminded service-oriented men and women of all ages engaging in greeting each other, storytelling, and lots of laughter. These were, after all, good friends, but not just friends. No, so much more than just friends. These were the Lions. They get together regularly so they can buy eye exams and glasses for people, so they can help young people in their education and sports, so they can help seniors and other local groups, such as the library. They get together so they can help in a broader sense of community, helping to reduce, for instance, the incidence of guinea worm infection from more than 3.5 million cases a year in 1986 to only 126 cases last year, with complete eradication in sight. They help support employment for visually impaired persons. They sponsor guide dogs. They are the “knights of the blind” and so much more. This is my story. I am a Lion.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Club Receives Banner Patch – Starts Year on a Positive Note The Tri-County Lions Club received the Membership Satisfaction patch at the January 12 meeting. The patch was earned for engaging and involving club members in meaningful services and meeting membership critieria for the year ended June 30, 2014. President Ray Valentine showed it off at the meeting.
On My Own Program January Update Tri-County Lions Club members Moe Greenwood and Buddy Greene were among those participating in the recent “On My Own” school program. It was reported 213 eighth graders were served. This program is managed by University of Tennessee Extension Office, and helps young people learn about managing money.
Timely (?) Pie Sales Update Pie Day is Friday, January 23. It seems appropriate then, that as we prepare to “go to press” on Pie Day, we mention that Lion Connie Emmons calculated our costs per pumpkin pie (baked and sold in November) to be $2.98. With a sales price of $8.00, that nets the Club a healthy $5.00 per pie, and with sales of more than 100 pies, that is a successful project fund total in excess of $500!
Guess Who Uses Facebook? Upon checking the Club's Facebook page recently we found this item: Our Lions Clubs International President uses Facebook, and “liked” the Club's Page. Have you? Dues Due Just a gentle reminder: If you haven't paid dues (still only $30 per person) for the six-month period January 1, 2015 – June 31, 2015, please try to have it at the Monday, January 23 meeting. The invoice has been received from Lions Clubs International and needs to be paid promptly. Thank you very much.
Successful Lions Learning Retreat Concluded Attendance at this year's Lions Learning Retreat (January 16-18) was 134 Lions from 4 states, including 31 from District 12-N.
Food, one of Lion Ken's favorite activities at the LLR!
In addition to speakers and seminars, there were 4 service projects in conjunction with the event. More than $700 was raised during a Lions Strides walk (for diabetes issues). Also, supplies were collected for the Fisher House (a Veterans facility in Middle Tennessee, food was collected for a local food bank, and toiletries were collected for young people in need. Lion Ken Moffett of the Tri-County Club was co-chair and will chair the LLR January 15-17, 2016.
Lion Dianne Corlew, wife of International 2nd Vice President Bob, gave a powerful talk on Lions work she has witnessed around the world as they travel together.
Mark you calendars now and plan to attend. There are lots of meaningful seminars and motivating speakers as well as informal sharing of innovative, successful service, membership, and fundraising ideas. For more info, go here (www.lionslearningretreat.org) or the LLR Facebook page.
News on the Club Excellence Process According to LCI, the Club Excellence Process (CEP) is a fun, interactive process that brings members together to look at what the club is today and what it will be tomorrow. It gives us the tools to strengthen service, improve club effectiveness and enhance membership experience. CEP is the perfect resource for any club that wants to achieve excellence! The “Lite� version does not require a trained facilitator, but rather utilizes a member of the club in leading (or directing) the process. Club officers need to register their club for CEP. After registering, materials may be downloaded for free.
FEBRUARY EVENTS: February 9 – Tri-County Lions Meeting. February 23 – Chili supper scheduled for 4-8pm, at Connie's Kitchen; includes Silent Auction. (This is a the meeting night). February 20-21 – District 12-N Convention, Carnegie Hotel (across from ETSU): Past International President Jim Ervin will be the speaker.
PICNIC TIME ? YEAH! THAT'S THE TICKET!
Here is the information from Tennessee Smokies Baseball for the Club to consider as warmer weather approaches (we hope). Selecting a date early will help ensure reservations. A ballgame schedule has not yet been received. Option 1: Calhoun’ s at the Yard – Menu 1 (below) is included in this package. Fri-Sat $29 adults, Sun-Thurs $27 adults. All attending will also receive a Smokies baseball cap! Option 2: Picnics – like past years. Menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ, chips, slaw, beans, and cookies; $21 adults. We need to start planning if this is an activity we'd like to continue as a club. Would we want to invite some of our partners we've worked with during the past year?