December Newsletter

DG Visit

District 24-C Governor Marty Stoll shared dinner and some nice words with us at the 1/9/08 meeting.  He stressed the importance of Lions being a presence in the community as the number one priority and had only compliments for our involvement in Fluvanna.  He expressed concern that some clubs are having difficulty with publicity in local papers.  That not being our problem, Lion Wayne took a photo which will be sent to DG Marty when it appears in the Fluvanna Review. Lion President Dave thanked and presented him with a commemorative Fluvanna plate and pen.

Meals on Wheels (M.O.W.)

Marian and Will Blackford, representatives of the above organization, were our guests and program at the 12/12 meeting.  They've seen the real need to establish this service in Fluvanna and secured a matching grant of up to $7,500 from Better Living to get started.  We learned that the food is prepared at UVA hospital under dietetic supervision.  In Fluvanna plans are for JABA to continue to provide residents with frozen food for the weekend and M.O.W. to deliver one hot meal daily during the week.  The Fluvanna community has united behind this effort and is providing support with funding and office space (at Crofton).  Membership was extremely impressed with Mr. Blackford's presentation and voted to donate $1,000 to the effort.  In reality, this represents $2,000 because of Better Living's matching grant.

 

M.O.W. has sent letters to all churches in Fluvanna soliciting funds and members are urged to bring the word to their own congregations.  In addition, individuals may contribute (remember the matching funds offer).  Checks should be made out to:  Fluvanna Meals on Wheels, Inc., Box 251, Palmyra, VA  22963.  If you wish, donations may be made in honor of an event or "in memory of".  Thank you!

We will keep membership up-to-date on what is taking place with this new venture in our County.

Special 50/50 Raffle

This new project was established by Lions Florann and George.  For $50, individuals (or a group of individuals) were able to purchase a raffle with a winning prize of $2,500 with the remaining funds enriching our club treasury.  Happily, it can be reported that 87 raffles were sold and we are richer by $1,850!  The ticket was drawn at the December meeting and LM resident Jack Brennan the winner!  Congratulations to Mr. Brennan and his family.  Congratulations to the Lions Burnett for this innovative and most successful project!  Very Well Done!

Youth Initiative

Lion Marjorie passed a list of those members involved in projects at Central Elementary.  Under her leadership we are volunteers as Reading Buddies, Math Olympiads and nutrition providers (selecting and packing foodstuffs provided by Blue Ridge Food Bank).  Rivanna Lions and non-Lions are involved in these projects, initiated and maintained by Lion Marjorie who deserves kudos from the community as well as our members.  Thank you Lion Marjorie, once again, for all your efforts!

Open Positions

Ass't. Treasurer:  Lion Chris needs backup help for this position.

Lion Tamer - Lion Mike took over this job when Lion Chris became Treasurer.  Unfortunately, he can no longer physically handle the duties which involve seeing our club banner, flag, etc., are in place for meetings. Please see Lion President Dave to volunteer your services for the above or respond positively if approached.  Thanks!

Road Signs

Lion President Dave brought a partial sign (Lions Int'l logo) and told about the second half of the sign which will include our club name, meeting time and location.  There has not yet been any decision on exactly where these signs will be placed.

Miscellaneous

Lion President Dave presented a check for $100 to our wonderful waitress Kirsten in appreciation of the service, attitude and pleasantries she gives us at each meeting.  She very graciously accepted and thanked us.

Lion Guy  had the correct answer to Tail Twister Lion Tom's question and won a special T-shirt for knowing that former President Jimmy Carter is a Lion (as stated in a recent copy of the Lions magazine).

In the October 2007 issue of the newsletter under "Miscellaneous", was information about a collection box for used, working cell phones.  This was done in an effort to help another Lions' club with their newest  fundraiser.  Lion Ken is responsible for the idea, making the box and turning over the contents. Unfortunately, the specific club mentioned was incorrect (apologies from your Editor).  The collection will be given to the Scottsville Lions.  Please bring phones to any meeting or drop them off at the Mailboxes' store at Turkeysag.  See Lion Ken with questions.  Thanks.

Upcoming

Saturday, April 19:  Sahmsu screeners and technicians are needed at the Middle School from 9 a.m. thru 1 p.m (drivers will pick up unit on April 18 and park at the school overnight).  Some members will be needed for registration. The event is "Celebrating Children" put on by Fluvanna Social Services annually since 1999.   It is geared toward the younger schoolchildren of Fluvanna. The turnout is quite large and includes the children and their parents. You will see many familiar faces from our past health fairs among the participants.  This will be our first time at this event but, we hope, not our last.  Please make note of the date/s.  See Lion Gerry with questions.  Thanks.

White Cane:  Lion Ron suggested moving this event to warmer weather and the decision was to have it on a Saturday in May.  You will be advised of the actual date by Lion Ron once it is set.

50/50

Lion Florann/George won $38 on 12/12.  Lion Fritz won $21 on 1/9 and generously donated $20 to the club - Thanks!  Neither drew the Ace of Spades.

 

Bits & Pieces:

This is an area where news about members and families is posted.  You need not wait until your great-grandchild is elected to Congress to have something published.  Email me, call, pass a note, whatever.  Just let me know.  Thanks.

 

Upcoming Birthdays/Anniversaries

Lion George Bland:  2/1 (B)

Lion Fritz:  2/4 (B)

Lion Pam:  2/23 (B)

Lions Murphy:  2/19 (A)

 

Editor's Notes:

Please pass on to me any correspondence, pictures, etc., that may be used in our scrapbook.  Then, please give me lots of time to update the book - I have difficulty handling pressure!  Thanks: Lion Gerry Kojan.