December 10, 2008

Names still available as Rusk Dream Tree project’s deadline approaches

The Rusk Lions Club’s annual Dream Tree project is in full swing and project officials said anyone wishing to participate in making this Christmas merry and bright for some Rusk families has until Friday to do so.

Lions Club member Vic Whadford said this is the first year Rusk Lions coordinated the Dream Tree project, which garnered 150 individuals featured on the trees. The project helps the community provide Christmas gifts to Rusk children through age 11 and senior citizens who wouldn’t get a Christmas otherwise.

“These people are screened rigorously,” Whadford said. “These aren’t just people working the system; the need is truly there. It’s a huge order to fill, and I know many families are cutting back, but this community has always been extremely generous.”

Whadford said each family’s circumstances are different — from a father who’s been laid off to a set of grandparents caring for their nine grandchildren.

“These are our neighbors who are trying the best they can, but they just don’t have the means for a lot of extras,” Whadford said.

Club members said they are grateful for the help of the Rusk Chamber of Commerce, which organized the project in prior years.

“Thank you to the citizens and businesses of Rusk who have taken names off the Dream Trees so far this year,” Rusk Chamber Executive Director Bob Goldsberry said. “If you’ve not had a chance to participate in this year’s Dream Tree project, please do so quickly and help these children and seniors have gifts to unwrap on Christmas morning!”

Dream Trees that still have gingerbread ornaments featuring people needing sponsors are located at Austin Bank, Cherokee County Teachers Federal Credit Union, Citizens 1st Bank, Greg James Country Motors, Franklin Bank, Southern Cherokee Federal Credit Union and Texas National Bank, all in Rusk.

Spending limit per person is $35.

Whadford said anyone who doesn’t have the time to shop can support this effort by making donations at the chamber office.

“It’s our hope to have all our gingerbread people picked up and sponsored this year,” he said.

Wrapped gifts with the gingerbread tags attached may be dropped off Friday at the Rusk Police Department.

Lions preparing to help families for the holidays 

Kilgore Lions Club members are reporting a good year when it comes to helping those in need. 

Thanks to a successful Halloween Carnival, the Lions are preparing to distribute clothing, food baskets and toys to needy families they have identified through their work with Kilgore school officials. 

Randy Renshaw, Lions Club treasurer, said the club bought clothes for more than 100 children last year and they hope to exceed that effort this year. The club will also distribute about 60 food baskets to needy families. 

"We still need some toys for older children — anything that a young teen would play with like basketballs, footballs, that type of thing," Renshaw said. 

Donations can be dropped off at the Lions Building on Thursdays, Dec. 11 and 18; monetary contributions can be mailed to Kilgore Lions Club, P.O. Box 1256, Kilgore, Texas 75663. 

Renshaw said the club works with Brookshire's regarding food donations through the store's "Spirit of Christmas" food drive. Donations made at the store are distributed by the local Lions. He also praised students from Chandler Elementary School who gave generously during a campus food drive. 

Renshaw and Eugene Davis, executive director of the Kilgore Community Crisis Center, say they work together and with other outreach groups to keep duplications of gifts and food baskets to a minimum. 

Lions celebrate 80th anniversary
 

The Graham Noon Lions Club celebrated its 80th anniversary Thursday as Jimmy Ross, past international president of Lions Club International, reminded local members that they have made a difference in the lives of many people. Ross, who served as president from 2006 to 2007, told the Lions that while the community benefits from the work done at the civic club, the real beneficiaries are the members who learn to give back.  “As you stop and go back and think about the thousands of hours of work and the countless things you did for the community, if you took the time to add it up, it would be a countless amount of good,” Ross said. “Lives have changed. But I will say the lives changed more were the people who did the work. When you give and give unconditionally, it will come back to you 10-fold. That is the law of giving.”  Ross, who is from Quitaque, Texas, became famous as Lions president for his cowboy hat. He said hundreds of the hats have been given away to world leaders. What few knew, Ross said, is that growing up, he was never allowed to wear a hat indoors. Before he felt comfortable wearing his hat as a Lion, he had to get permission from his mother.  “She gave me permission to wear it inside a house on three occasions,” he said. “One is dancing, the second is making pictures and the third is speaking.” After serving as international president, Ross served the following year as past president and is currently heading up the Lions Club International Foundation. The foundation makes grants throughout the world for a variety of projects. The vast majority of the money in the foundation is raised by Lions throughout the world, but Ross said he hoped that would change.  “As most of you know, we just finished raising $200 million for Sight First II,” Ross said. “I have a philosophy. Other people should be giving us their money to support our projects.” Ross said he has been working with businesses and individuals around the world to raise money for Lions projects. The result has been gratifying.  “They are asking us how may we join you,” Ross said. “My philosophy is they have the products, they have the money, but they don’t have anywhere to spend it. They want us to let them give us goods and services. This is happening every day.” As president, Ross said he made a lot of changes when it came to money. He said he worked to cut spending and raise accountability because he wanted to make sure money raised by Lions was used in the best way possible.  “We account for every dollar that is spent,” he said. “If anything that occurs that is not up to our standards, we ask for our money back. Why? It’s your money. I want to spend your money like I would spend mine, very carefully.” As international president, Ross toured the world visiting Lions Clubs. What he learned is there is not a single definition of what Lions are and how club’s work.  “Lionism is not the same worldwide,” he said. “In the Orient, to be a Lion, it’s $10,000 up front. They don’t have a fund-raisers. A project is writing a check. They are the very, very wealthy. They see Lionism as something that goes on in North America, and they want to be a part of it. In India, it’s a status symbol to them.” Ross said one of his greatest pleasures as president was starting the first Lions Club in Iraq.  “The Lions in Iraq probably understand Lionism as well as any part of the world,” he said. “One of them told me, ‘thank you for bringing us freedom. Now it is time for us to give.’” Ross said the definition of being a Lion is not the same even in Texas. He explained that new clubs he has helped start operate differently than many of the existing clubs.  “Any product has to be reinvented periodically,” Ross said. “What we as Lions are doing in reinventing new clubs. We are allowing them to develop and pursue Lionism as they see it. We serve. How you serve is up to you and your club.”

Jimmy Ross, past international president for Lions Club International, presents an Everyday Heroes banner to Ray Herring for Herring’s work in the Graham Lions Club.     Graham Lions Club member Billy Wood, presents a gift to Velda Ross, wife of Past International President Jimmy Ross, during the Lions Club’s 80th anniversary celebration Thursday.     Jimmy Ross, left, talks to District Governor Dean Vernon. (Photos by David Rupkalvis)

Texas Lions choose Del Rio to gather, monitor humanitarian progress

By Bill Sontag
Feature Writer

Click here for full story

Central Texas Medical Center backs Thankful Turkey event

San Marcos — Central Texas Medical Center recently made a contribution to the San Marcos Bluebonnet Lions Club indicating its sponsorship for the sixth annual Thankful Turkey 5k Run/Walk. 

The 5k is set to take place on Nov. 22 at River Ridge Park in San Marcos.

The Bluebonnet Lions, under direction of Lions Club International, is a local service organization that supports charitable causes in the community.  Several people, such as CTMC employees Debby Lawrence and Sandi Gray, organize and host food drives and other events throughout the year.

“Money raised through community fundraisers such as the Thankful Turkey 5K help support pressing needs in our community,” Judy Aswell, fundraising project chairman for the Bluebonnet Lions, said.  “Lion members thank CTMC for supporting our fundraising efforts.  They are truly helping Lions make a difference.”

Over the past three years, Central Texas Medical Center has given more than $230,000 to various charities and organizations that mirror CTMC’s mission efforts. 

Each year CTMC makes a contribution to Texas State University.  Recently, in addition to its annual gift, the hospital gave $50,000 to benefit the creation of the School of Nursing. 

“As a hospital, people sometimes think of us as only providing health care,” Clay DeStefano, CTMC administrative director of PR and marketing, said.  “But we feel our role in the community reaches beyond just health care.  People rely on us to improve their quality of life, and we believe giving back to the community is a huge part of doing so.”

Lions Clubs International has 1.3 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in 202 countries and geographical areas. 

For more information, visit home.centurytel.net/bluebonnetlions/ or call Judy Aswell at 558-1032.

Saturday, October 18,2008

Lions raise funds for blind

Taylor Lions Club and Lions Clubs International will hold “White Cane Day” fundraiser in front of the Taylor Wal-Mart Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to collect donations to support projects. The event will help increase the public’s awareness of individuals who use the white cane with a red band at the bottom, a symbol commonly recognized and accepted as that of a visually impaired person.

In 1970, the President of the U.S. and Congress designated Oct. 15 as “National White Cane Safety Day.“

This day, in addition to increasing the public’s awareness about white cane laws, and the aspirations, hopes and abilities of people who are blind or visually impaired, serves as a venue to make known the sight conservation, restoration and preservation efforts by the Taylor Lions Club.

As Lions, the motto, “We Serve,“ is the driving force behind the organization’s efforts. Lions are commitment to supporting and sending kids to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, providing vision screenings and eye glasses and combating childhood blindness both locally and around the world. Collecting used eye glasses for the Texas Lions Eye Glass Recycling Center in Midland, supporting the Central Texas Eye Bank in Manor and providing support to the Leader Dog program are just a few of the Taylor Lions Club projects.

Rice Festival historic community celebration

By Heather Menzies

One of the premier events in Matagorda County has rolled back around for another year — it’s Bay City Lions Club Rice Festival time Oct. 16-19.

This historical Matagorda County event celebrates the history and heritage of rice production in the county with a wide variety of events to please everyone.

One of the most loved and time-tested events of the festival is the parade that will take place around the Matagorda County Courthouse Square at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.

This year’s theme is “The Great Outdoors” and has 40 float entries for competition, plus nine Lions Club floats and 14 floats for officials and dignitaries.

The Bay City Junior High marching band will be the featured band in the parade.

The grand marshal of this year’s parade is Past Lions Club International President Jimmy Ross of Quitaque, Texas.

The parade judges are: Past District Governor J.L. Than Colvin of Richmond; Past District Governor Johnny Simpson of Yorktown; Lions Tail Newsletter Editor Jeanette Ann Simpson of Houston, and Vernon Mack, a Lion from Sweeny.

Robert Bain, the Rice Festival Parade chairman, said all parade entries are welcome until Friday, Oct. 17, by calling (979) 245-4828.

The carnival and midway is provided by Todd Armstrong Shows that will bring 14 major rides, 13 kiddie rides, games and carnival food booths.

The carnival opens at the Matagorda County Fairgrounds from 4-11 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, for a $3 gate admission or with a donation of an HEB non-perishable food item. Carnival ride armbands are $20.

The carnival is also open from 4 p.m. – midnight Friday, Oct. 13, from 11:30 a.m. – 1 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, and 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19.

This year will also feature the traditional Rice Festival events such as the Rice Dish Roundup where participants serve up their best recipes containing rice products.

And another customary Rice Festival event, Exceptionally Challenged Day that provides some of Matagorda County’s special needs students a chance to attend the Rice Festival on their own terms with the companionship of volunteer high school students.

The festival will also feature a two-day auto and boat show on Friday and Saturday and cash bingo from 4-10 p.m. on Saturday.

The Brett Crenshaw Band, local Texas Country musicians, will be the featured musical performers in a free concert from 9:30 – 11 p.m. on Saturday.

This year’s title sponsors for the festival are: STP, Wells Fargo Bank, HEB, LyondellBasell-Company and Prosperity Bank. 

The gold sponsors are: Conoco-Phillips, Lower Colorado River Authority and RSC.

The silver sponsors are AdVantage, AEP Texas, Celanese, Champion Turf, IBC, KMKS 102.5, KZRC 92.5, Matagorda County Hospital District, McAda Drilling Fluids Inc., OXEA Corporation, Shoppa’s Farm Supply and The Tribune.

Sunday, October 05, 2008

Cyclists enjoy 'top tier ride' through Lufkin

By NICK WADE
The Lufkin Daily News

The Lufkin Host Lions Club hosted "the fall's most unforgettable ride" on Saturday as cyclists from around the state participated in the 17th Annual Garland Parise Pineywoods Purgatory. The event, which consists of four different rides to choose from, has been described as a "top tier ride" by some veterans of the sport.

The event started in 1992 when Garland "Bubba" Parise, an avid cyclist, dreamed up the route because he wanted Lufkin to have a ride that rivaled the larger events in Texas. One year later, Parise died suddenly at the age of 40. The Purgatory is a living memorial to Parise's commitment to create the ultimate cycling experience in the woods and hills of East Texas, said a press release from the Lions Club.

On Friday night riders and their friends and family took part in the carbo-load dinner, before waking on Saturday morning to battle the treacherous East Texas routes. The volunteers who man the rest stops also go "all out," according to the press release, with snacks, songs and cheers to put on a show.

Another feature of the Purgatory is the T-shirt. Designed each year by Lufkin artist Jeanelle McCall, the shirt alone draws people to the event. One group from Houston was quoted in the press release as saying "not only is the course well-marked and managed, the Purgatory has the best T-shirt on the circuit. We know folks who ride just for the shirt."

The event offered four rides, ranging from 25 to 102 miles. Each route gives riders a taste of East Texas' beauty, as well as the beast that is a grueling up and down course.

As one Lions Club coordinator said, "You'll understand the name 'purgatory' as you're caught between the heaven of the East Texas countryside, and the hell of having one more hill to climb."

Once the riders crossed the finish line at the Pitser Garrison Civic Center, they were treated to a fajita lunch and a well-deserved rest. This year the Lions Club teamed up with the Beth and Horace Stubblefield Learning Center as the recipient of the net proceeds from the Pineywoods Purgatory. The Stubblefield Learning Center is a non-traditional public high school focusing on dropout recovery and prevention. 

Friday, October 03, 2008

Jacksboro Lions welcomed Texas Lions Camp District Director Hugh Stroud as guest speaker Wednesday. He thanked the local club for their generous and continued support.  “Jacksboro is one of the top five clubs in this district who support Lions Camp,” said Stroud of Graham, a member of Lions Club International for 23 years.  Of the 1,536 children who attended the camp in Kerrville this year, three were from Jacksboro. Local Lions donate at a 100 percent level, some years giving four times that amount. 

Lions Camp for Crippled Children gives physically and mentally challenged and diabetic children a chance for a unique summer camping experience, just like other kids, and at no cost to their families. Camp runs for seven weeks in the summer with a budget of $1.9 million. In a normal year, costs to manage the diabetic children’s program runs about $200,000, this year the camp doctor and his staff provided services for less than $39,000. Volunteers are the heart of the program, some are paid about $150 a month.  The camp is open year-round and can be rented to groups or organizations who use the camp for retreats, clinics and training. The funding from these groups pays for maintenance, therapeutic equine care, swimming pool maintenance and building repairs. “You can see how helpful your donations are to this organization and we thank you for all you do for children,” said Stroud.  Lions will host Jacksboro Independent School District Athletic Director Brandon Brown at the next meeting scheduled for noon, Wednesday, Oct. 8. For those interested in membership, contact any member or contact Lions Club President Joseph Medina.

October, 3, 2008

By MARGARET TOAL

BRIDGE CITY -Children here who lost toys in Hurricane Ike's storm surge that destroyed thousands of houses will be getting special presents today.

Members of Lions Clubs from the Central Texas District have joined with the Bridge City Lions Club to give away 1,000 new toys beginning at 1 p.m. today at the Chamber of Commerce, 150 W. Roundbunch Road, according to chamber personnel.

The toys are for infants to 12 year olds; each child will be allowed to choose one toy. Parents can drive around the circular driveway at the chamber or park by the Church of Christ behind the chamber office. The give-away will last until the toys are gone.

September 28, 2008

Lions District Governor looking for more Lions Clubs 
By LESTER MURRAY 

2x2 Lions District  Governor talked  about the need for more clubs

Lions Club District Governor John Samples came to the Kilgore Lions Club on Thursday, but not necessarily with good news. Samples said he was coming not with criticism, but with encouragement.  "I just attended a Lions convention in Bangkok, Thailand, and the word from other countries is that they wanted the U.S. to step up to the plate," said Samples.  Samples was referring to the number of clubs and club members that are decreasing in the United States.  "Just last month alone, Texas lost 365 members for one reason or another and the number of clubs is dwindling also," said Samples. "We need to do more for Lionism. The goal at the convention is to charge existing clubs to start more clubs. It can be anywhere in Texas, or just the small town down the road, but we have to get out and get things done."  Samples said he grew up in Kilgore and it has always been a thriving town, with people who look after each other.  "When I was just a kid growing up, people would always encourage me to do better and get an education, which led me to serving in education for over 40 years," said Samples. "From Oklahoma State University to working in Tyler for 17 years, I enjoy helping others and we have people out there that need the help of Lions." He said the U.S. is economically troubled and it is only going to get worse.  "I have heard it said that by December we will be in a depression," said Samples. "By recruiting new members and getting new clubs started, each member represents two more hands to help someone.  "We have to also look at clubs that are faltering. Lindale has a Lions Club with only two members. What can we do as Lions to help save that club or others like it is the question," said Samples.  The district governor said Lions Clubs also need to look for more service projects to get involved in and look to start Leo Clubs in area colleges.  "Each club needs to look at itself also, like the way you dress for meetings or when doing community work. Each Lion should wear his or her vest, representing the club with pride," said Samples.  "I know it's hard work, but when I was a kid growing up in Kilgore I was inspired by Gussie Nell Davis, the head of the Rangerettes at that time. The way she could handle 80 girls at one time was impressive, which led me to become a band director," said Samples.  The district meeting will be held in Longview on Saturday, Oct. 11, and Samples said he hopes all Lions will attend.

The Kilgore Lions presented their Students and Teacher of the Month awards for  September. (left to right) Karina Reyes,  Will Mixon and teacher Lance Homeniuk.

Stephanie Lynn Henson Named Yamboree Queen

GILMER -- Stephanie Lynn Henson representing Gilmer Lions Club will reign as Queen Yam during the East Texas Yamboree Oct. 15-18 in Gilmer, the Yamboree Associ-ation announced. 

Rebecca Laine King representing the Rotary Club is the court princess. 

Other court members and the service club they represent are Jaclyn Paige Skinner, Rotary Club; Evyn Nicole Mannis, Beta Sigma Phi; Laren Elizabeth Clemens, Bluebonnet Literacy Club; and Reyven Elizabeth Osborne, Kiwanis Club. 

The queen coronation ceremonies are set for 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 15 and 16 in Gilmer Civic Center, according to the ann-ouncement. 

The Yamboree will also include a carnival, barn dance, livestock show, street dances, yam pie contest, and service club luncheon. 

For information, call Gilmer Chamber of Com-merce at 903-843-2413 or log on to www.yamboree.com. 

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Jacksboro Lions will sponsor the 27th annual Jump-a-thon to benefit Texas Lions Camp for Crippled Children in Kerrville as well as our elementary physical education program.
Elementary school students, first through fifth grade, will participate by collecting pledges in the week before the Jump-a-thon, which is scheduled for Monday-Friday, Sept. 29-Oct. 3. 
Children will jump rope during their physical education class time. Every student turning in money will be eligible for various levels of prizes, including jump ropes, t-shirts, movie rentals, Sonic and Pizza Pro gift cards, flip-over wheeler, a digital camera with key chain, a cosmic catch ball, American Idol Search dance mat with microphone star speaker, a V-tech nitro notebook, Rip Stick or $100 gift card to a store of choice.

The Jump-A-Thon is a favorite event with children and the experience allows them to help others. 
Proceeds from this event have allowed several Jacksboro students to attend the camp free of charge during past years. During 2008, three local children were able to participate in the camping experience.
Since its creation in 1963, more than 25,000 children with diabetes, epilepsy, hearing, visual impairment, orthopedic or other physical disabilities have attended the Texas Lions Camp. Each child, ages seven through 16 enjoys a one-week session of exciting camping experiences. the carefully planned program stresses essential qualities such as personal motivation, self-confidence, leadership and self-reliance in a fun-filled outdoor atmosphere.
The Jacksboro Lions Club encourages the community to pledge funds to students who participate. 
In addition to Texas Lions Camp, a donation is presented to the physical education department at the elementary school for their help and cooperation.

Dan Manuel Entertains Groesbeck Lions Club 

Dan Manuel entertained the Groesbeck Lions Club on Wednesday, September 10, with a number of musical selections. He was introduced by Charles Dailey. 

Mr. Manuel was in Groesbeck last week to conduct a series of series at the Groesbeck Church of Christ. 

Mr. Manuel is a regular entertainer for the Dogwood Jamboree in Palestine. He and his family live in Palestine. 

The fall production of the Dogwood Jamboree will be on Saturday, October 25, at 7 p.m. in the Palestine Civic Center. 

During the meeting the Lions Club conducted a drawing to award a life membership to the Texas Life Camp in Kerrville. The winner was Dixie McLelland. From time to time the club conducts such a drawing for a life membership with funds coming fines which the Club's Tailtwister collects from members from time to time. 

The Groesbeck Lions Club reminds everyone of its upcoming golf tournament and fall raffle. 

San Angelo's Fiesta Patrias honors Hispanic culture
By BECCA NELSON , Special to the Standard-Times

Friday, September 12, 2008 

Fiestas Patrias isn't just about Mexico's independence from Spanish rule.

It's also about recognizing and preserving the Hispanic culture, said Monette Molinar, Fiestas Patrias chairwoman and president of the Southside Lions Club, sponsor of this weekend's two-day celebration.

"We want to have the community come out and support us," Molinar said. "There's something for everybody."

San Angelo will kick off its annual Fiestas Patrias celebration at 5 p.m. today and Saturday at El Paseo de Santa Angela. It will end at midnight both days. 

"We've got mariachis scheduled to play at 7:30," Molinar said. "A dancing group will be performing, and we'll have a dance and a band playing" both days. 

Fiestas Patrias is one of two Mexican holidays celebrated in Texas and throughout the Southwest, according to The Handbook of Texas Online. Diez y Seis de Septiembre, or Sept. 16, recognizes Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla's call for Mexico's freedom from Spanish rule in 1810. The call is known as El Grito de Delores. 

Molinar said the grito will be re-enacted at the celebration, as it has been in years past.

According to The Handbook of Texas Online, San Angelo's Fiestas Patrias celebrations date to 1910. The Southside Lions Club has sponsored the event for at least 40 years, Molinar said. 

Emilio Perez Jimenez was a member of Southside Lions Club for 20 years and played an integral role in moving the celebration from the barrio to the Paseo 12 years ago, he said. 

"It's a beautiful facility, and it has the Mexican atmosphere, and we thought that was important," Jimenez said. "We used to rent only one pavilion, and after the third year, we were renting the whole Paseo." 

Jimenez is now vice president of the North Angelo Lions Club, which he said will have a booth at this year's festival. 

Proceeds from the event benefit the Southside Lions Club, which Molinar said will go directly back into helping the community.

Jimenez said Fiestas Patrias is an important tradition to uphold because even though it is a celebration of Mexican independence, it's also "what America is all about." 

"We are a conglomerate of races and traditions," Jimenez said. "It's part of our lives, and a part of the country." 

The celebration has a twofold benefit, he added. 

"It's tradition (for the Mexican culture), and it's also having the community participate as a whole," Jimenez said. "We give the people the opportunity to share in the food and culture."

Lions Celebrate Service

September 09, 2008 12:27 am 

The Corsicana Noon Lions Club honored two of its own Saturday, even as club members celebrated the group’s 90th anniversary.

Eddie Hambrick was named Lion of the Decade Saturday at the event, which took place at the Cook Center. Hambrick was chosen because of his leadership and support of the Texas Lions Camp, which offers free summer camp experiences for children with special needs.

In addition, Robert Gladney was presented with the Jack Weech Fellowship, in recognition of his contributions to Lions charities, and his continuous membership for the past 53 years.

The Corsicana Lions Club was established in 1918, a year after the national club was begun. The group’s first community service project was to pave Ninth Street from Seventh Avenue to 11th Avenue, where the hospital was then.

The Lions host the annual Col. Paul Bennett Golf Tournament, to raise money for the camp, and an annual talent show to benefit children in Navarro County.

Waskom Lions Club delivers book packs to Waskom Elementary School

On Sept. 9, several members of the Waskom Lions Club delivered 41 book packs to Waskom Elementary School Principal Wade Youngblood. This is the first year the Lions Club has undertaken this project and four Lions Club members were at the elementary school to make the presentation.

The Waskom Lions Club was organized in 2007 and has become an active organization in the Waskom community.

Known for its service projects, members of the club sponsored Waskom's Fourth of July Parade and Extravaganza, collected eyeglasses, contributed to the Lions summer camp for children.

In addition, they have participated in Waskom's National Night Out, helped with last year's Christmas parade, and the club has several fund-raising projects, the proceeds of which are used to fund the Lions' service projects.

This month's project is a effort to support the Waskom schools and to provide extra book bags for students.

Peggy Peal is president of the Lions Club this year.

She and members of the Waskom organization are working hard on service projects.

The Lions Club meets twice a month at Catfish Village in Waskom. The first meeting each month is at noon on the second Thursday of the month and the second meeting is the fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m.

Lions Club to find best peanut brittle in Texas

September 5, 2008

As part of the 2008 Peanut Festival, the Floresville Lions Club will hold its annual Peanut Brittle Contest. The contest will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, 2008.

This is the time to dig out that family recipe and manufacture your finest peanut brittle. Commercial entries will not be accepted, as this contest is designed for the general public.

Trophies will be awarded to first, second, third places and honorable mention, each participant will be awarded a special certificate of appreciation.

Entries will be accepted between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on the courthouse square in downtown Floresville in front of the Jailhouse Museum. Each entry will be numbered and judging will be done by well-qualified judges who will not be aware of the names of the contestants until after the judging is completed.

Each contestant must submit one gallon of peanut brittle in an undecorated clear glass jar. The peanut brittle submitted must be cooked in the home of the contestant, and will become the property of the Floresville Lions Club. Judging criteria are color, appearance, texture, and flavor.

Winners of the contest will be announced and trophies awarded on Saturday afternoon. Contestants do not have to be present to win.

For more information or if you would like to bid in the silent auction for the peanut brittle, contact Lion LaJuana Newnam-Leus at 830-393-2166 or any member of the Floresville Lions Club. 

August 17, 2008

By Joshua Buckley 
The Daily News 

GALVESTON — After only having three participants in last year’s Punt, Pass and Kick competition, Steve Lyons was quite pleased to see more than 70 kids arrive at UTMB’s sports fields for Saturday’s annual event.

“It’s pretty safe to say that we had a much better turnout this year,” Lyons said with a smile.

The PPK competition has each participant throw a pass, kick off a tee and kick on a punt. The distances of each attempt are measured and added together to determine the winners.

Lyons is a member of the Galveston Lions Club, which sponsored the event. More than 10 people from the club volunteered Saturday.

In the past, the Lions Club has hosted its own punt, pass and kick competition with the winners advancing to a state tournament. This year, the group joined forces with the National Football League in the nationwide PPK event. 

The winners at the Galveston qualifier advance to sectionals at a date and location to be determined.

“We wanted to have any kids from Galveston that excelled in the competition to go to the Super Bowl,” Lyons said. “It’s a lot better to be with a national organization instead of just a state group.”

The Galveston Riptide, a youth football organization formed last year on the island, contributed this year’s big turnout. Beau Rawlins, director of the Riptide, had 60 of his players show up, ranging from ages 8 to 12.

“There are two great things about participating in this event,” Rawlins said. “One, it’s good practice for the kids and they really have a good time out here. It’s also good to be supportive of our local Lions Club. They always do great things for the community.”

The PPK competition is broken up into four age categories. Winners who advanced to sectionals were Tucker Rawlins (8-9 years old), Gannon Rawlins (10-11), Lorenzo Nallie (12-13) and Bennet Gonzalez (14-15).

Gannon Rawlins said he hopes Saturday is the start of a championship journey.

“I hope that I can advance all the way to nationals,” the 11-year-old said. “That’s my goal — to get to the Super Bowl.”

It was more than the winners having a good time. Dvante Butler, a 12-year-old Austin Middle School student, said he had a blast.

“Most definitely I’ll come back next year,” Butler said. He finished second this year. “It was a lot of fun.”

Lyons said he hopes the PPK competition continues to grow in Galveston in the next few years. The participation this year was strong in 8- to 11-year-olds, but only had a few contestants from the 12-13 and 14-15 age groups.

Lyons said he’d also like some girls to participate next year.

“We are a community organization, so the more kids we can get to come out here the better,” Lyons said. “We’d love to have some older kids and girls participate next year.”

The Texas City Lions Club will host another PPK qualifier on Sept. 13 at Stingaree Stadium. 

Lions hand out awards, induct new members 

August 6, 2008

The Lions Club honored Lion Bill Henry (left) with an Outstanding Lion Award at their July 15 meeting. Judge Henry, who has been with Lions Club since 2005, has served on committees and has been a tremendous asset to the organization. Pictured with Lion Henry is Lion Don Campbell. (Center Photo) The Lions Club also inducted two new members at their July 15 meeting. Pictured from left are Membership Chairman Jim McMeans, Lion Lee Gibson, new member Kelly O’Keefe, new member James Nelson and Lion Bernie Ross. (Bottom Photo) Lion Lee Coble was honored as anew recipient of the Melvin P. Jones Award. This award, named for the founder of the club, is the highest honor presented to Lions for their dedication and service. Lion Coble, who has served as president of the club, has served on a variety of committees including the Texas Lions Camp. Other recipients of the award are pictured with Lion Coble beginning on the left with Lions Norm Parish, John Lyon, Dave Slyder, Lane Hartsock, Jack Bourke, Bill Noles, Dan Williams, Lee Coble, Morris Haggerton, Scott Brown, Lee Gibson and Don Campbell. 

By Jim Levesque
The Facts 

July 5, 2008

FREEPORT — An early rainfall Friday dampened the area but did little to slow down the action at the Freeport Host Lions Club Fishin’ Fiesta at Freeport Municipal Park.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Expo and the Texas Zoo were just two of the many organizations that hosted youth exhibits in the RiverPlace adjacent to the park.

“This is our second year at the Freeport Fishin’ Fiesta and we’re very happy to be here,” Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Expo Coordinator Kris Shipman said. “We’re proud to be involved in this great community and we’re having a lot of fun.”

At RiverPlace, children got a hand-on experience indoors, learning about different animals, nature and conservation. There were crafts and games for the youngsters and they even got some pointers on casting and how to tie fishing knots.

“The whole reason we do this is try to educate people about the importance of our Texas coasts and our coastal ecosystem,” Shipman said. “And one thing we try to do is get them to understand what they can do to protect it and preserve it.”

RiverPlace will be open from noon to 6 p.m. today. Admission is free.

There was plenty of movement on the Fishin’ Fiesta leaderboard and another record fish was caught Friday.

Drew Psencik’s 75.70-pound amber jack vaulted him to the top of the juvenile offshore leaderboard and smashed the former record of 56.5 pounds set in 1992.

It was the fourth record set this year in three days — Ronnie Meredith brought in a 560.6-pound tiger shark in the adult offshore division, Jason Gast nabbed a 97-pound crevalle jack in the spearfishing competition and Hunter Reed snagged a 32.3-pound dolphin fish in the juvenile offshore division.

“It’s been a great tournament so far,” event chairman Ron Martin said. “We were a little slow during the day here because a lot of the fishermen are going to stay out on the water Friday and most of Saturday. They’ll be coming in soon with a lot.”

Officials expect boatloads of fish at the park late today and Sunday afternoon before the 4 p.m. deadline.