OFFICER INSTALLATIONS

I had the privilege of installing officers for the Mifflintown and Mercersburg Lions Clubs. It's always an honor to be asked to install and hopefully inspire incoming officers of our local Clubs. Responsibility, accountability, dependability, flexibilitiy, laughability are all abilities that each Lion and Lioness posesses. Stepping up to share those skills and talents as Officers can sometimes be intimidating or overwhelming. Whether the Club is large or small, in numbers, it can be difficult to find volunteers to serve as Officers. These two Clubs were blessed with a full slate of Officers. Both Clubs also encouraged Assistant Offices, which spreads the work and enables more members to get involved. I wanted to keep with my theme of "Bright Ideas..a Future for All.. so I used fruits and veggies in the installation. Buying local this time of year is so easy with the various farmers markets and roadside stands. An example...Secretary is the communicator of the Club and communicators needs to listen, so I gave them extra "ears" (corn). The Lion Tamer needs sharp eyes to keep Club stuff from disappearing, so they received carrots. You get the picture. I had fun coming up with the program and I believe the Club members enjoyed it as well. As i was leaving Mercersburg's Meeting, a member told me "this was the healthiest installation he had ever been to".
As a Club Officer, there are many resources for you to take advantage of. First, make your reservations for the District Club Officers Training on July 30. It will be held at the Penbrook Community building beginning at 9:00AM. Lions Clubs International website has a section devoted to Leadership Training, including Club Officer Responsibilities and tutorials to improve your leadership abilities. Lastly, take advantage of your Zone Chairs, Past District Governors, past Club Officers for guidance and direction.

Thanks to each Lion, Lioness, Leo who volunteered to serve as an Officer of their Club. Have a fun and successful year.

TIME FOR GREAT FOOD AND LIONISM FUN

June has arrived and so too all the great events Lions and Lionesses organize to raise funds for community service. The first weekend in June is the Mt Parnell Lions Club Ox Roast. This is a great community social with food, music, games, and time to catch up with friends. Lion James and I went Friday evening for dinner. The weather cooperated with no humidity, cool breeze, and warm, not HOT temps. In my opinion, they have the best ground ox, seasoned just right and not dry. We get a few containers to have over the summer for quick meals. The Shippensburg German Band was on stage, playing their polkas. Lions were everywhere in their purple and yellow hats, keeping after trash, trays, condiments, running the cake and fruit wheels. As we waited for our homemade ice cream, I saw two familiar folks arive, PDG Bill and Lion Joyce Tuttle. They had heard about the event on the radio and drove down to share in the fun. We swapped stories and laughs, Lion Joyce tried her hand at the fruit box wheel, but no lucky numbers came up. Then it was time head home to prepare for the next day.

The first Saturday, in June, is the Buchanan Lioness Club Strawberry Festival and Fun Dog Show. This is our 20th year. We make our own shortcake, everyone using the same recipe, add 125 quarts of strawberries and vanilla ice cream and people line up early for a taste. Dogs begin arriving around 9:30AM. Big dogs, little dogs, scruffy dogs, manicured dogs, we have them all. Various community leaders and personalities serve as judges. This is an event that businesses support well and so everyone gets a doggie bag to take home with them. The Mercersburg Lions have their famous chicken BBQ that always sells out. Crafters, yard sale booths, moonbeam bounce for kids are also set up on the grounds. This year, a 5K run, sponsored by Mercersburg Wellness took place in the morning. Again, weather was agreeable for us and all enjoyed the sights, smells and tastes of the day.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME

When I volunteered to serve as District Governor, I never knew one of the perks or perhaps nightmare would be throwing out the first pitch at a minor league baseball game, perhaps I would have paid attention more to my brothers playing baseball. Tuesday, May 31, we had our Harrisburg Senators/Beacon Lodge "Fun"draiser on City Island. I am so proud to say 160 vouchers were sold, raising $640 for Beacon Lodge. 19 Clubs were represented. Of course, who would think we would have 90 degrees plus weather in May, but it happened. The evening did cool down some as the sun set. Members wore their Club shirts and hats and we filled the section behind home plate. I patiently waited for the call to throw out the first pitch. I did have my nephew, Jeff, come over and throw a few balls just to get an idea of what I was supposed to do. Unfortunately, as I walked across the field and I looked up into the stadium, all I wanted to do was throw and go, which is what I did. Sorry to say, the ball hit the ground about halfway to the catcher. We did have the opportunity to share info about our organization with a pregame interview. PDG Frank Wedig and Lion Kathy Fouse provided info about their Clubs on the radio broadcast during the third and fourth innings. We had 2 tables set up with Club brochures, info about Beacon Lodge, LCI, and programs we support. Several folks stopped by for info and to ask questions. It was a close game, 1 to 1 until the last few innings, then the Senators went into full speed and won 4-1. Cheers erupted the stadium. Overall, the event was a success and lots of fun. Thanks to all who helped and participated.