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| Brandywine Lions Newsletter Archive Sep 2009 King Lion SPEAKS... We are 2 months into the new year. I finally feel that I can write about the New Lion Year. Our Clubs Representatives went to the First Advisory Meeting. I must compliment the Organization for their efficient and time control of the meeting. I came away with mixed feelings. I felt that the Camp Merrick speaker left a message that Brandywine was not communicating with the Camp Merrick people about the Senior Handicap people. I felt this was a verbal slur at the Brandywine Lions Club. All was not bad for the Club. Oxon Hill-Friendly was recognized as a 100% Melvin Jones Club. Bowie and Brandywine were recognized as the other 22C Clubs who have been 22C’s Melvin Jones Clubs and a picture was taken. We had our Summer Picnic this year. I believe it was a great success. The weather was hot but our open Pavilion had a good breeze and it was comfortable for an insect-free meal and fellowship. I wish to thank the large membership total for their time, food, and fellowship. If you read the 22C Newsletter you will have seen the recognition of Jim Christian as a new member of the Brandywine Lions Club, Past King Lion Roger corrected this problem and we will complete the formal presentation at the Fall Craft Fair. This brings us to the Craft Fair. The Committee is working diligently on this fund raiser. Lion Donna is putting a lot of time in bringing the Crafter’s into the show. Other needed contributors are working to produce a successful show. Our religious leaders are praying for a weather enjoyable event. Our association with the Upper Marlboro Gator’s Youth Football League is progressing well. We have not formalized the arrangement but we have a temporary agreement between their leaders and the Brandywine Leadership. That temporary agreement which allows them to develop a temporary football field on our property where we designated. The formal agreement will be brought to the Board of Directors at the next Director’s Meeting. Be there. Their preparation of the temporary field is very impressive. Our First Regular Meeting in Sep will be a presentation on LCOF by PDG Charles Kearse. He will present the LCOF Program. I have asked him to discuss some financial assistance to the LCOF which I think Brandywine can help provide. I have received a letter from the Maryland State Highway about a proposed change to the interchange at Rosaryville Road. Several wetland areas have been identified as sites to allow for the wetland loss at the intersection. This may seem confusing but I will keep the directors informed. We had a record number of units of blood collected at our last Blood Drive. Lion Teslik is still working hard and successfully with this program. King Lion Tom
Aug 2009 King Lion SPEAKS... We are a month into this new year and the club is moving along very nicely. We have seen possibly 2 new members already this year. We will continue to look for more and I am sure that you will find them. The Craft Fair is moving along although we have not yet had a committee meeting. Lion Donna is the Craft Fair coordinator and is working hard to stabilize our Craft base and to increase our Crafter’s pool to help increase our financial position. We have not had much contact with others such as the P.G. Fair Board about adapting and utilizing our property for their use. This was not unexpected as we are working with a semi political organization. We had a lengthy discussion about the U.M. Gator’s Football League and their utilization of the Brandywine Lions Park. Several points of discussion where made and there is paper work to be done. I believe that everything indicates that we can work-out any problems. We will help our club and contribute beneficial contributions to our community. Lion Donna is working to keep regular meetings beneficial and enlightened. She is filling up our docket with inspirational speakers which should make each meeting a desire to attend. Two of our members have experienced some medical problems. Lion Joe Wood has had some blood problems and is undergoing treatment. The club is giving him our best wishes and support. Lion Don Cook had a surgical treatment recently. I have not heard of the nature of the problem yet. Our best wishes and caring to out to Lion Don Cook. Lion Charlie has taken his property management to a serious degree. Look at the pristine appearance of the property. King Lion Tom
============== July 2009 King Lion SPEAKS... Welcome to a new year in Lionism. I have accepted the position of King Lion for this year. I appreciate your confidence in me. There are many things to do and much to get done. Working together with me, we will have a successful year. I will be needing help along the way, and I know you will be there for me. We had a wonderful Installation Program on Saturday Jun 27, 2009. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves with good cheer, good fellowship and good food. For those of you who couldn’t make it you missed a fine evening. Lion Keith Clifton did his usual good speech and jokes. He entertained the members with his WISDOM and knowledge. Lion Keith held the Installation Program. He installed the incoming officers including myself with care and promptness. We cannot get anyone better to perform this job. King Lion Roger presented his awards for the year. Lion Paul and Lion Tab were presented awards for Treasury and Secretary. Lion Donna was given an award for Program Planning success. Her husband Jeff was given an award for service and jobs performed. Lion Whitey was given a special award for his service. Honorary members Lion Ernie and Lion Dick were recognized with an award for their continuous service to the club. Lion Don was presented with an award for his Bulletin, and assistance to the King Lion. Lion Betty and Lion Richard were awarded for their assistance in the utilization of Receveur Hall, and for keeping us WELL FED. King Lion Roger gave his Lion of the Year to Lion Tab Wheeler. Lion Tab has been a guiding light in getting the club in the eyes of the District and Lions Clubs International. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU OUTSTANDING LIONS! The Brandywine Lions Club was awarded the 5-Star Award and also the special District 22C Superior Service Award for its outstanding contributions to the community and the Principles of Lionism for the 2008-2009 Lions year. King Lion Tom Apr 2009 King Lion Speaks... Well, another month has blown by, thank God for warmer weather coming. I know that means everything looks better and everyone is feeling better. It also means our Spring Craft Fair is just around the corner! Lion Whitey reported that the crafters are slowly coming in, let’s hope that continues. Our friend Larry Windsor has all the signs in place and if we all spread the word, our spring show can be as big as the one last fall. Don’t forget this is a Craft and Home show, different businesses in the area can come and show their product. Mention to them it would be a lot cheaper than putting an ad in the newspaper! Again we need to get the word out. People will not attend if they do not know and are not given time to note it on their calendar so they can plan to come. Also we can’t forget about this year’s Bluegrass show, May 23rd. The Bluegrass attendance is getting larger each year, so let’s hope this show is even larger than last year’s! We have flyers for both the Craft Fair/Home show and the Bluegrass show in the Club house. So please pick some up the next time you are there and spread them around to your friends, neighbors, acquaintances, and businesses that will allow you to leave some on their shops. We were glad to hear that the Heavy Equipment Auction was a big success on March 14th. David Riggs told me the auction did very well, even with the rain, and that he may want to have another one sometime in June. We were glad to have Heather Zeolla, Camp Administrator, as our guest speaker on March 24th. Heather brought us up-to-date regarding what is happening down at Camp Merrick. I think she did a great job in answering some tough questions from our members. We have heard so many rumors about what is happening down at the camp. It was nice to have someone to clear the air. She has done a great jog in the few years she has been the Camp Administrator. Don’t forget the Easter Sun Rise Service here at the Brandywine Lions Club Park on Sunday, April 12th, Easter Sunday! Also on April 14th a reminder, at our dinner meeting, District Govern Paul Hawkins will be our Special guest. April 14th is also Election Night! This is the time when everyone has a say. King Lion Roger March 2009 King Lion SPEAKS... Well, it’s getting closer, just a few more cold weeks and warmer weather will be here. Next weekend the clocks leap forward one hour and the daylight savings time should gradually become more apparent. It seems like we have already been through March with all the high winds we have had. Our shingles on both pavilions suffered. So, again, let me say “Thanks” to the Riess brothers for spending a day replacing shingles on both pavilions. We had another good Blood Drive on Feb 12th with 39 people giving blood. We can always count on our own Lion Jimmy Richards for coming by to give. One of these days they are going to take him! What a great meeting we had back on Feb 24th with five guests on hand. Perspective new member Debbie Snelbaker, Lion Jim Damico and Lion Ed Dowell from Calvert County Lions, and our special guest speaker Past District Governor Charlie Kearse and his assistant, Lion Carole Shreve. Past District Governor Charlie gave a talk on the Lions Community Outreach Foundation (LCOF) on what it has done and continues to do for our community. It was nice for our Club to be able to give some financial support to this great organization and it’s always nice to have the Past District Governor Charlie here at Brandywine. Program Chairman, Lion Donna Roberts has scheduled Past District Governor Sonny Parker and Camp Administrator Heather Zeolla as guest speakers for our meeting on March 24th to speak on what is happening at Camp Merrick. This should make for a very interesting evening. It’s not too early to get the word out about our Spring Craft Fair on May 2nd and 3rd! Also, on May 23rd, our Bluegrass Festival will be held this year. We must spread the word about all of our coming events. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors, tell anyone you meet! Word of mouth is one of the best means of communication. Our prayers go out to Lion Steve Rinaldo and his family for the passing of his mother on Feb 14th. King Lion Roger February 2009 King Lion SPEAKS... Well, we made it through January without a big snowstorm. Only a couple of months left and we’ll have warm weather! I know we’ve been lucky so far, without “the big one”, and let’s hope it stays that way. On New Year’s Eve, we had some damage due to the high winds—nothing major, but some repairs are needed. The Melvin Jones Luncheon was held here at Receveur Hall on January 24th. A total of 79 Melvin Jones Fellows attended. It’s always nice to have so many of our friends from other clubs come here to Brandywine. I’m sorry I had to cancel our dinner meeting on the 27th, but with the bad weather, I thought it was the thing to do. Lion Donna Roberts has rescheduled Heather Leolla, Camp Administrator at Lions Camp Merrick, to be our guest speaker for some time in March. Also, Lion Donna has some very interesting speakers lined up for the next several months. Don’t forget about the blood drive on February 12th at the Baden Fire Hall. King Lion Roger ============== January 2009 King Lion SPEAKS... Well, the Christmas Holiday has come and gone, can you believe how quickly it seems to have come this year? How excited we all become and now we can settle back a little and get ready for the New Year to come. At our December 9th Dinner Meeting, we were pleased to have our guest speaker, Mrs. Susan Coffey, and her husband to talk about Dr. Samuel Mudd’s role in the Conspiracy. She also played the part of a servant and how life was on the Mudd farm back in the 1800’s. The Dr. Samuel A. Mudd House Museum is located on Dr. Mudd Road near Bryantown in Charles County. Go take the tour, you won’t be disappointed. The December 11th Blood Drive was one of the biggest yet! Forty people donated blood which made a total of 36 pints! A big “Thank You” goes out to our own Lion Bill Teslik for putting the Blood Drive on each time. Your time and effort is not only appreciated by your fellow Lions, but also by the many recipients of these precious pints of blood. Well, those of you who were not able to come to the annual Christmas Party missed a good one. I would have loved to have seen some others there, but I understand. Santa was in a good mood and gave out presents to everyone. I overheard Santa tell Lion Betty that she was getting the Special Gift she wanted, wonder whatever that could be? Only Betty would know… A “Special Thanks” goes to our DJ., Steve Padgett and Juke Box Memories! Steve always does a great job playing just the right music at the right time. He kept our Holiday spirits high and light. Great job, Steve! This year’s Food Drive will go down as one of the best to date for our Brandywine Lions Club. Thanks to Lion Paul Antonioli, who has been our Food Drive Chairman for many years and has always done a great job. Lion Paul, we thank you, your sons, their friends, and the Lions members for going to each school, starting early on Friday morning and picking up can goods, approximately 12,000 cans! Our Food Building was bursting at the seams! The Holiday Spirit was truly in the hearts of those school children by contributing to this food drive. It was a lot of work and a job well done! A Special “Thank You” to Lion Jimmy Richard’s wife, Eileen, and daughter Jennifer as well as my own special daughter, Debbie, for coming early that morning and staying all day to sort and organize the donated food. That was a lot of work! They may not have handled 12,000 cans, but if you arrived that evening to help with the packing of the food baskets, you would have really appreciated all their hard work. This sorting takes a great deal of time, but helps those who come to pack the baskets provide a variety of needed food to each family that received the Christmas Food Baskets. Our members and the Tri-County Cruisers Car Club with many other volunteers are all given a big “Thank You”. We could not have done all of this without your help. One Hundred and Five plus families had a brighter Christmas this year because so many of you cared. We should all feel very good about that. Plus, we had many boxes of can goods that went to our local Food Pantry. We are aware of their continued need to help families in our area. To give to those in need, puts a warm feeling in your heart. Our Open House and Kid’s Party held on December 20th turned out better than expected. Approximately 25 “Little” kids came to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas! The “Big” kids came out and told Santa what they wanted also. And yes, I told Santa what I wanted for Christmas. Santa said I’d get everything I wanted and I did. Thank-you, Santa! King Lion Roger =========== December 2008 King Lion SPEAKS... Well, 2008 is soon coming to its end. Christmas is just around the corner. Where did the summer go? Time is moving too fast. As we look back over the year, we can feel good about what we have done here at Brandywine, and the number of people we’ve helped… assisting CSS with their flea markets… the scholarship grants to the kids… the blood drives we do at the Baden Fire Hall… the donations to the 10 schools in our area and to the Boy Scouts… and don’t forget about our yearly food drive! Last year, 125 families in need received two big boxes of food, thanks to the Brandywine Lions Club, and I know this year will be no different. I am thankful we can continue doing what we have done for so many years, helping those who are less fortunate. I know the Spring Craft Fair had a lower turnout than expected, but the Fall Craft Fair had one of the largest turnouts we’ve seen in some time, had nice weather, and a great show! This year’s Bluegrass Show held its own, we made a little money and we had a good time! Then, on November 15th, we added something new. Wolfe Industrial Auctions, Inc. had a one-day heavy equipment auction here, and although we had 3 inches of rain before the sale, everything went on as scheduled and they want to come back and have a couple more auctions next year. Lion Joe Wood has been under the weather with some heart problems. He’ll know in a week or so what must be done, so let’s keep him in our prayers. Special thanks go to my youngest daughter, Stacy and her husband Dave, for coming out Saturday, November 29th and helping Lion Betty and I decorate Receveur Hall for Christmas. You did a great job! King Lion Roger =========== November 2008 King Lion SPEAKS... Let me start by apologizing for no newsletter last month. Just too much going on! That being said, I’m glad to hear some say they missed reading it. What a great Fall Craft Fair we had. We couldn’t have asked for better weather with the temperatures getting up close to 80 degrees both days with a big turnout of people on Saturday. There was a steady flow on Sunday which made for one of the best shows in recent years. Thanks to our Craft Show Chairman, Lion Whitey Roberts, for his many hours of work during the months leading up to the show. A special thank you to the few who were here weeks before making sure everything was in place and looking nice. “Thank You”, you guys are great! A big “Thank You” to Lion Jim Christian, who always comes in on Tuesday or Wednesday and helps out any way and any place he can help. Thanks, Jim. To all the Lions members who came both days and helped, members from other Clubs and to all our many volunteers who came out both days. I say “Thank You”. We couldn’t have done it without you. Again, this year’s Fall Craft Show was one of our biggest and best in recent years. We received many compliments on what we have done to our show field and how well all our crafters and everyone had been treated here at Brandywine. Our last dinner meeting held on October 28th, with some special guests attending, made for one of our best meetings in some time.
It was nice to have Margaret-Ann come out and have dinner with us. I am not saying that just because she picked my 50/50 ticket. It was nice having her here. Our two honorary members: Lion Ernie Riess and Lion Dick Riess with their lovely wives, Doris and Louise, joined our dinner meeting also. It was nice to have those folks with us. Our guest speaker for the evening was Dawn Reed. Dawn works for Costco Wholesale and gave a talk about the new Costco store coming to Brandywine and will open on November 12th. Educators’ night is set for our dinner meeting on November 25th. Tom Couteau will be in touch with Lion Lou Receveur as to what schools will attend. From now until the end of the year, things will be very busy. For next year, our Program Chairman, Lion Donna Roberts, has got some guest speakers lined-up that I know will make for some great dinner meetings. Special guest speaker for our Dec 9th meeting is to be announced. That speaker will represent the Dr. Mudd House and will update us on special Christmas Holiday events that the public will be invited to attend. We look forward to having those folks here. King Lion Roger ============= September 2008 King Lion SPEAKS... Well, it’s that time of year. It seems like we just took down the Spring Craft Fair signs and now it is time for our fall show signs to go up! Crafters that were here for our spring show loved what we did to the Show Field and are spreading the word and looking forward to coming back. With word going around about our new in-field, I know we will have a good show coming up. We must each do our best to get the word out about our Fall Craft Fair and Home Show, October 4th and 5th. Let’s not forget about our Lion’s Picnic in the Park on September 7th, beginning at 1 pm and going until 5 pm. Our picnic is open to all Lions and families in Region 5, Zones 1 and 2. Come on out and enjoy a great afternoon together. Please call our Club to R.S.V.P. (301-782-7900). Mark your calendar – we are planning to have a Fried Chicken or Fish Dinner, your choice! Yes, on Saturday, November 1st from 11 am to 5 pm, her at the Lions’ Park! Delicious Fried Chicken or Fried Fish Dinners that include: string beans, French fries, rolls and butter, all for $10! Carry Out Dinner Only! In the works: Our second Annual Super Bowl Party on February 1st, 2009, here at Receveur Hall. Game time is 6 pm. Finger foods, 50/50, and bar available. $15 person. Keep watching more to come about this. On August 26th, at our Dinner Meeting, we received some great news from Lion Don Cooke. His grandson, Brogan has returned home from St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after 6 weeks of radiation. He is still taking an oral chemo drug. Brogan was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in Jun 2008. He goes to school half days at this time. Please keep him in your prayers.
King Lion Roger ============= AUGUST 2008 King Lion SPEAKS... Our new Lions’ year started with the swearing in of our new officers for 2008-2009. The Installation Ceremony was held on June 28th, with our good friend, Lion Keith Clifton, installing our new officers. It is always nice to have Lion Keith and his lovely wife Joanna with us. The evening started with a great meal prepared by Lions Betty and Richard Windsor. We all fully enjoyed ourselves with the feast they prepared for this occasion.
Again we were glad to have Lion Keith and Joanna with us on this special occasion. With Lion Keith here the evening never gets boring and he always does a great job mixing humor with the present day situations.
On July 12th, Past District Governor Ted Ladd held his Awards Dinner here at Brandywine. It was nice to see our many friends from the Clubs attending this special dinner. Past District Governor Ted handed out many awards with our own Lion Paul Antonioli receiving the 100% Secretary Award! It was an honor for me to accept the District Governor’s Five Star Award, plus awards for Leadership, Publicity, Eyeglass Collection, Service to Youth, Service to the Community, Bulletin Excellence, Attendance to Membership Workshop, and last, the Governor’s Exceptional Club Award!
I wanted to thank Past District Governor Ted Ladd for correcting our status and apologizing that we did not receive this recognition at the time of the Convention.
Well, the next big thing is the Fall Craft Fair and Home Show. Larry Windsor is scheduled to start putting up signs the middle of this month. We have flyers prepared, so let’s all try to get the word out about our Craft Fair and Home Show on October 4th and 5th. It is not too soon to start gathering our venders for the show.
Special thanks to my son-in-law, Dave LaRosa for his work on July 11th. I’m not certain if everyone has taken the opportunity to look at the log border around our entrance Lions’ Club sign. It is too hot right now to plant any flowers or shrubbery in this new bed, but the plans are in the works to have it done in time for the Fall Craft Fair and Home Show. Again, thanks to Dave for his ideas, time, and work helping to enhance the appearance of the entrance to our Brandywine Lions Park.
King Lion Roger
========================== JULY 2008 Well, as this Lion’s year comes to an end, we can look back and feel good at what we have accomplished here at Brandywine. Even though our income was down this year, we still managed to support the many charities as in the past years: Lion’s Camp Merrick, Leader Dog Program, Boy Scouts, School Grant Program, Christmas Food Basket Program, and many others.
The improvements we have made to the Park this year will be noted by anyone visiting or using our Park. The new in-field for the crafters has already received praise. No more mud like in the past – what a big difference this will make for all our future craft fairs. How about those lights down the driveway and the lights on both our signs! Again, looking back over this past year, I can see nothing that we have done that should be changed.
We received The District Governor’s Five Star Award, the Service to the Community, and Blood Collection. We should have received many more, but did not… Again this year, we here at Brandywine, have to fight for what we know is ours. Some accomplishments have not been recognized in District 22-C. Our goal for this next year should be to work to be certain all of our accomplishments receive recognition.
In closing I would like to say “thank you” to all those that have supported me over the years and continue to do so. Working together is why we can help so many who are less fortunate.
Prayers and “Get Well” wishes go out to Ernie Riess, hope you are feeling better after your procedure. Don and Kitty, what can we say, you have our prayers for your grandson who is at St. Jude’s Hospital.
King Lion Roger
=============================== JUNE 2008 King Lion SPEAKS...
Well, we did it again! We got through another Spring Craft Fair. What great weather we had with the temperatures in the 70’s. Couldn’t have asked for anything better. The attendance was a little down, but many of the crafters said they did good and would be looking forward to our Fall show.
And what about our new in-field! How great did that work out for everyone! We heard nothing but praise for finally having that surface installed. We were ready for the showers, but glad that nothing significant developed. We can count on the word getting out about such an improvement to our grounds.
Special thanks to our Craft Fair chairman, Lion Whitey Roberts and all of his committee chairmen for a job well done. A special thanks to our two Honorary Members, Lion Dickie Riess, and Lion Ernie Riess for all their help weeks before the fair, during and after the fair! Thanks guys, we couldn’t have done it without you. And thank you to Lions that came from other clubes as well as our own and their spouses, to our many volunteers who return year after year and help out where ever it is needed.
Again this year Lion Betty Windsor and her staff ran the food court like no other. They couldn’t have done any better. What a crew! When they get in gear, you better get out of their way!
Even with a low turnout, we had a good Spring Craft Fair and look forward to the Fall show.
Well, our Bluegrass show was like our Spring Craft Fair with a low turn-out, but we did alright. We had great weather and wonderful bands. We had to deal with the very high gas prices, but we will keep on trying. Thanks to Paul Harris and his group, some of our Lion members, and some of the car club members, the “Big tent made a big difference!
Once again the Food Court received raves! It is always nice to hear how well things look and how great the food is from the Inspector who comes every show, However, that continuous line of repeat customers is the best example of how delicious everything was and how well it was enjoyed down to the last dinner sold. Thank you Lion Betty Windsor and your merry crew!
We truly had a good show. We didn’t lose any money and everyone had a good time. Again, I want to say think you to all who came out to help. I know we had some members who wanted to be present, but couldn’t. I understand and know you will be back as soon as you can and I thank you.
Now, on to a sad note… our prayers go out to Lion Don Cooke and Kitty. Kitty lost her brother Glenn on Saturday, May 24th, in a motorcycle accident that happened in Virginia on his way home. This was such a tragedy. Our sympathy to all the family and close friends.
Get well wishes go out to Lion Anna Receveur. On Sunday, May 18th, she fell and broke her nose. To make fun of a painful injury, we’re told, Anna looked like a little raccoon for a while. Get well soon Anna, we love you and miss you. We miss you too. Lou. Come back soon.
King Lion Roger
================================= APRIL 2008 King Lion SPEAKS...
Well it's that time of year again. Warmer weather coming and so is our Spring Craft Fair. Approximately one month away. Our signs are going up, and thanks to Lion Tab Wheeler, it's on our Web-site and Lion Tab also made up this year's craft show flyers for all of us to pass out. We must get the word out!
Now, what about the in-field? What a big difference, no more mud! What a big help this will be to our crofters as well as to all of us. We can all hold our heads high knowing we have one of the best, if not, the best show places around.
Again, we must get the word out and remember this is a "Craft and Home Show". Different businesses as well as crofters are welcome. Have them call Lion Whitey or call the Club House for more information.
Let's not forget our "Bluegrass Show" on May 24th. This will be our seventh show and each year it gets bigger. Let's hope it continues.
Just a reminder, on April 10th is the Blood Drive at Baden Fire Hall from 2:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Our next meeting is April 8th. This is one of the most important meetings of the year, Election Night!
I want to take this time to thank all of you that have supported me, not only this year, but for the last several years and continue to do so. It means a great deal to me. I'm proud of what we have here at Brandywine and what we have accomplished together. The new food building, the improvement in our Club house, and our two tractors that don't break down each time we use them! Our new tractor building and our new in-field, what a big improvement! But, I did not do this, it was all of us working together that got us where we are, one of the best! Helping those who are less fortunate is our goal.
Again, I'm asking for your support on April 8th, Election Night, so we can continue doing what we do best. Help to others.
King Lion Roger
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ELECTION !!!
How much do you think about the election of the officers of our Lions Club?
When we cast our ballots for the people (officers) who will guide our club for the next year we need to consider their qualifications of leadership in many areas. As members of the Brandywine Lions Club we ALL represent the motto of the Lions and this club "WE SERVE"!
The Brandywine Lions have a lot to be proud of. Over the years we have been the "Helping Hand" in our area and also assist those in need whenever possible. The attitude of the club has been to listen and respond to make life better for those in need.
We are very fortunate to have members who will do whatever they can to help others. The facilities at our location are the envy of other Lions Clubs and we do our best to share them whenever possible. There is constant maintenance necessary to keep the facility in topnotch condition, We have officers at present who are dedicated to this responsibility and never hesitate to give of their time for meetings with the public and are present when the facilities are being used.
Our election of Officers is a privilege of membership and we should consider those best suited to be the Officers of this club as we cast our vote.
I am proud to say I am a Member of The Brandywine Lions Club and I want to continue to be a working member of the Club. Before you cast your ballot THINK about leadership, now and for the future.
Don Cooke, Editor, News Letter =================================
Just a few more weeks and spring will be here with warmer weather. I know we have had a mild winter so far without a big snow storm and let’s hope we don’t get one.
Spring also means getting ready for our Spring Craft Fair & Home Show. We all must do better getting the word out to the different businesses in the area. We have a lot of room here, so let’s fill up the field!
We have started making improvements in the parking area which also could be used for Flea Market space in case of a wet in-field. Also we are hoping something can be done with the in-field before the craft fair. In another two weeks, our Craft Fair signs will be going up.
Lion Tab Wheeler is working on a new flyer for our Spring Craft Fair which we hope to have soon. This will help us start getting the word out. (Done, click here)
Our Nomination Committee Chairman, Lion Don Cooke, announced at our dinner meeting on February 26, 2008, that the nomination meeting for officers for the 2008-2009 year will be held on March 25th with the elections on April 8th. All members should try to make these two very important meetings.
A reminder, next Sunday morning at 2 a.m., we “spring forward one hour with clocks”!
King Lion Roger ================================= FEBRUARY 2008 King Lion SPEAKS...
Here we go . . . January 8th, we started the New Year with our dinner meeting with some special people in attendance here at Receveur Hall. Lion Lou and Lion Anna Receveur with their daughter, Carol, were here with us. How great it is to have those folks off the sick list and back with us. Also in attendance was Garner Hayden and Sam Hill from the Hollywood Lions Club. They came for a visitation and we enjoyed having them join our dinner meeting. It is always nice to have those folks come for a visit.
What a great afternoon we had on January 12th, with the Melvin Jones Luncheon here at Receveur Hall for the first time. We had a full house of Melvin Jones Fellows and guests, which made for the biggest Melvin Jones Luncheon ever. I’m glad that Brandywine Lions Club had the opportunity to host such a great event. Let’s hope we get the opportunity to do it again.
It was nice to have Heather Magoon, Camp Ad-ministrator, at Camp Merrick as our guest speaker at our January 22nd dinner meeting. Heather gave a short talk about what is happening at Camp Merrick and what is needed to be done. What a great place and what a great job they have done for the last 25 years, providing kids with special needs a place to learn, grow, have fun, and enjoy a better quality of life. We here at the Brandywine Lions Club are proud to say we share in helping to make this camp one of the best. If you have never been to Camp Merrick, take the opportunity on June 14th, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., to join them for their Open House. See first hand what a great place, Camp Merrick is for kids and adults to go each year! Visit their website anytime at http://www.lionscampmerrick.org/.
Stay warm and safe – it is cold!
King Lion Roger =============================
JANUARY 2008
King Lion SPEAKS...
Well another year has passed. The Brandywine Lions are here in 2008 and ready to hit the ground running. Each year seems to go by faster. As we look back over the past year, we see things we would like to change, but we can’t, so we move on. We also see all the good things we have made happen and can stand proud of our accomplishments.
We can take pride in our accomplishment for 2007:
- The School Grant Program is helping with the cost of each semester;
- The Educators Night with a donation to our area schools;
- Lions Camp Merrick represents a great place for kids to go;
- Lions Camp Merrick for Adults – a week for adults, this program we have sponsored for years;
- The Leader Dog for the Blind; and
- Vision Screening for preschool children.
Not to mention the ramp for Grace Williams, the little girl who had spinal bifida. She had successful surgery on both legs. Through the leadership of Paul Antonioli, our Brandywine Lions Club, with the discounted cost from Chopp Lumber Company, volunteers and additional donations from Calvert Memorial Hospital, gift cards and cash donations led by Paul’s mother, a ramp was built for Grace. With the ramp Grace has wheelchair accessibility! She is able to easily go and come as needed. Doctor’s appointments and then school! She is on time. This club helped all that to happen for little Grace Williams. How nice it was to see her at our Open House with Santa on December 15. She came gingerly walking through our doors for a visit with Santa. She is wearing leg braces and does require the wheelchair for safety, but she has come a long way.
And what about this year’s Food Drive! What a big success it was, thanks to its Chairmen, Paul Antonioli and Tab Wheeler. Also, a big thanks to the many other volunteers that assisted on Friday and Saturday. Too many to name, but we couldn’t have done it without their help. It was a “BIG” job. None of this would have been possible without the cooperation of the area school kids and many others that donated food which made it possible for our Club to provide 110 plus families with two big boxes of food. Thanks again to everyone who took the time to help these families to enjoy a very Merry Christmas meal plus!
Another accomplishment that we can be very proud of was providing calling cards to 30 US Air Force members deployed to Southeast Asia. This included our own Lion Bob Wise who is stationed there with these men. If you visit our web site at www.brandywinelions.com, you will see a picture of these brave men displaying the calling cards we provided as a Christmas gift. Lion Bob is the 4th from the left to the right in the row standing, displaying the card received with fellow members. This was the best we could do for these guys and let’s hope they will be coming home soon.
All and all, I think our Brandywine Lions have had another great year! What we have accomplished for others is what we are about – helping others. Working together has gotten us where we are now and I know it will continue.
We have had a lot of members out sick this past year, but it looks like everyone is doing much better and let’s hope for better health in this new year of 2008!
King Lion Roger
============================================== DECEMBER 2007
King Lion SPEAKS... Well, the “Holiday Season” is here! Where has this year gone? Seems like a couple of weeks ago we were setting up for our annual fall Craft Fair and now we are getting ready for our Christmas party, preparation of the food baskets for the needy and our annual Children’s Christmas party. Whew…!
We started the month off on Friday, November 2, with our Club hosting the second cabinet meeting. It is always nice to see so many of our friends from the other Clubs coming to be with us here at Brandywine. After a great dinner, Vice District Governor, Paul Hawkins, re-convened the meeting by introducing District Governor, Ted Ladd, Jr., and his cabinet. With the many programs and committee reports and a great slide show of Camp Merrick, the evening was very interesting. Again, it was nice to have all our many friends here and they are always welcome.
Educator’s Night was held on the 27th and what a great evening it was. Educators from eight of our area schools received a donation. We look forward to doing this each year. We thank Tom Conteau, of Brandywine Elementary School, for putting this all together. We are always glad to have Tom and all the teachers from our local schools here for this occasion. They do a tremendous job teaching our children to be knowledgeable and good citizens.
Later, on the same evening as Educator’s Night, we were please to have Ron and Ginger Sawer from the Maryland Department of Natural Resource Police. Ron gave a talk on State requirements for recreational vessels, as well as safety and survival tips. We look forward to their return visit sometime in March of 2008.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Lion Lou Receveur. He is in the hospital after a back injury. We hope Lion Lou has a speedy recovery. Our Club is not the same without Lions Lou and Anna present.
I would like to take this time to wish everyone a very “Safe and Happy Holiday” season. Good health and God bless.
King Lion Roger ============================================== NOVEMBER 2007
King Lion SPEAKS...
Well, September was a trying month for our Club with losing one of our own. Lion Ernie Jones left us after many months of suffering. Lion Ernie loved being a Lion and loved being a member of the Brandywine Lions. We could always count on Lion Ernie at Craft Fair time for getting things in place. His was always concerned as to whether we would have enough help in the food building. He would always ask what he could do to help? Lion Ernie was a great Lion and a great friend to all. He will be missed.
Our prayers were answered, a craft fair without rain and temperatures in the 80’s! Things couldn’t have been better for this event. Thanks to our Craft Show Chairman, Lion Whitey and each of his committees, the show went smoothly. We know some mistakes were made, but all in all we had a great show. No problems on Friday with getting the crafters in their right places, all went as planned. As always, Lion Charlie Sweeney was here placing the motor homes in their right spots. Things couldn’t have gone any smoother.
At the Craft Fair on Saturday, people started coming in early, as usual. Lion Don Cooke had his crew in place and they stayed busy both days. (The new rules worked great!)
Lion Joe Wood and his little helper stayed busy both days with trash pick-up, helping crafters, hauling ice and any thing that could be done to help.
Let’s not forget our new food building, what a big difference it made! Lion Betty and her staff did a great job. After passing inspection early on Saturday morning, (not to mention that Betty clearly charmed the inspector totally!!!) things didn’t slow down for two days! Thank you Lion Betty and all your helpers. More names than I can remember, but we know who you are and we know that you we can always count on your help. It makes a difference!
Our friend from Gateway Lions Club, Betty Moore and Barbara McMillion helped out in the food building again this craft fair. What a big help they are. Thank you, thank you….
A big “Thank You” to the Lions that did the screening for the Pre-School children. Susan Matthews, Mary Dehart and their group are always welcome and do a great job. Thank you to our Honorary members, Lion Ernie and Lion Dick Riess, for working on our parking fields and setting up the food building. Your efforts attributed to our success. Our newest Honorary member, Jim Christian, came in Wednesday and helped us get everything in place. Lion Jim lives in Lexington, Virginia, but always comes early to help out – that distance alone clearly shows his commitment to our Club! Thanks Jim.
And again, “Thank You” to our Craft Show Chairman, Lion Whitey Roberts, who started months before with the crafters and those who were here days after the show putting things away. Thank you for all you do. We couldn’t do it without you!
We are all glad to hear Lion Whitey’s, Dorothy Lee, is doing better after being down and out for several days.
King Lion Roger
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