PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Western Branch LIONS,                                                                         

What an absolutely gorgeous day!  It makes one feel good to be alive

I want to thank all of you who have participated in our many projects so far this year – and those who will participate in them the rest of the year.  WE’RE NOT DONE YET! There’s still a lot to be done to try to increase our charity and administrative funds.  Admin funds will probably increase significantly next Lions Year (LY), as the cost of everything is going UP!  Of course, we always want to increase our donations to the wothy charities WBLC supports, plus do more and more “helping” projects such as the eye-screening and working the Mobile Sight/Hearing Van. (Even costs for doing this work increases: postage, printing costs; costs of fuel and parts for the van.  So, I am asking each and every one of you to think of ideas on how we can increase our monetary coffers.

We were blessed to find a new meeting place, especially for the price, for this LY.  The number of Traveling Leo’s told a tale: LIONS like Golden Corral.  This was due directly to LION Vera’s efforts.  However, we are not (nor ever have been) on a “contract.”  So, we go from month to month.  If you are aware of anywhere in our territory you think might be better than where we are, please let the Board Members know, so it might be considered in the future, if necessary.  Sometimes places “change their minds” and LIONS find themselves floundering.

Our Officers and Board of Directors were elected at our March meeting – unanimously. ;-) Congratulations to LION Ellen (President); LIONS Phyllis, Penny and Monica (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd Vice President, respectively); LION Barbara S. (Secretary/Treasurer) – and would like assistance; LION Dan (Lion Tamer); LION Barbara M. (Tail Twister); LION Ray (Membership Director); LIONS Jack, Sharon and Vince (One Year Directors); LIONS Pat, Jill and Martha (Two Year Directors).  I want to personally thank our Nominations Committee (LIONS Irv, Martha and Duckie) for doing such a wonderful and timely job.  I foresee good things happening in 2008-2009, with new life coming to Western Branch LIONS.

If anyone would like to help our Secretary/Treasurer in LY 2008-9, please contact LION Ellen.  Otherwise, she might appoint an “Assistant to the Secretary and/or Assistant to the Treasurer” in accordance with Section D, Article VI  of our Constitution. ;-)  We all know how much LION Barbara hads given our club.  I think she’s had both offices since 1993.  It’s time some of us were willing to be trained and step up.  If you’ve skills in either area, please consider this.  Training for both is April 19, at Sara Bonwell Hudgins Center, Hampton.  (WBLC will pay for your breakfast.)

Our Constitution/ByLaws need amending to meet YOUR requests. You’ve proposed changes in VP responsibilities.  We have fewer active members than committees!  How silly’s that?  LION Ray will be working with his committee on this.  Please call him (483-0328) with your input.  Let’s get started, and, hopefully finished, before LION Ellen takes over.

We had a wonderful day at Jolliff UMC, with the Mobile S/H Van, thanks to the efforts of LIONS Martha, Jack, Monica, Iris and Penny.  A few folks seemed possibly interested in finding out more about LIONSM.  See LION Phyllis’ report inside for numbers.  Many blessings to all.

                                Sell those Pancake Breakfast tickets for 24 May – and Sign up to Work,

                                                                                                       LION Peg