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Public Relations for the Lions of Texas
MD2 Texas
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Texas Lions in the News
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. |
December 7, 2008
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. |
Friday, November 14, 2008
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) |
|
November 9, 2008
Texas Lions choose Del Rio to gather, monitor humanitarian
progress
By Bill Sontag
Feature Writer
Click
here for full story |
October 29, 2008 11:00 am
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.
Central Texas Medical Center employees Debby Lawrence (right) and Sandi
Gray (middle) present the Bluebonnet Lions’ fundraising chairman, Judy
Aswell (left), with a check to benefit the sixth annual Thankful Turkey
5k Run/Walk. |
|
Taylor
Daily Press
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. |
Saturday, October 13, 2008
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. |
2008 Lions Camp Tops Agenda at Recent Meeting
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. |
Lions Give Away 1,000 New Toys Saturday Afternoon
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. |
|
September 28, 2008
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. |
Jump-a-thon starts Monday
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. |
September 18, 2008
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." |
| Bluebonnet Lions donate to CASA
September 09, 2008 11:23 am
The San Marcos Bluebonnet Lions Club recently presented Court Appointed
Special Advocates of Central Texas with a donation that will help provide
more abused and neglected children a voice in the court system.
CASA of Central Texas advocates for by recruiting, training, and supporting
community volunteers. Advocating for children in this area for almost 22
years, CASA acts as the eyes and ears of the Child Protection Court Judge.
Community Relations Coordinator Eloise Hudson said the donation will
allow more volunteers to be trained.
“We provide the necessary training free to all of our volunteers,” Hudson
said. “In order to do that, we need the support of the community, such
as groups like the Bluebonnet Lions Club.”
CASA volunteers receive an initial 40 hours of training and are then
provided with continued training throughout their service time. They also
receive guidance from their casework supervisor. Hudson said the funds
provided by the Bluebonnet Lions Club will allow not only more training
to be held, but also better support for volunteers while they are serving
on a case.
Hudson said the donation also shows the community is dedicated to taking
a stand against child abuse in the community. The donated funds were made
possible through local fundraisers by the Bluebonnet Lions.
In 2007, CASA of Central Texas served 228 children in Caldwell, Comal,
Guadalupe and Hays counties but there were an estimated 560 or more additional
children who did not have the voice of an advocate.
To become a volunteer or learn about additional ways to support CASA,
visit www.casacentex.org, or call 392-3578. |
Eloise Hudson, CASA community relations coordinator, accepts a check
from Bluebonnet Lions President Debra Sowards. |
|
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. |
September 9, 2008
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. |
|
Wilson
County News
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. |
Galveston
County
The
Daily News
Kids show off football skills at annual event
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. |
|
Wimberly
View
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.
|
|
The
Facts.Com
Big day for youth at Fishin’ Fiesta
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. |
MD2 PR Co-Chairmen
Lion Wendy Van Winkle
Lion Jim Weed
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