Fairmont Lions Club > Newsletter (Text Only)

The Mane Growl

November-December 2024 (Abridged)

Why We Serve

As President Bob Brummage and Bob Moffett were completing a vision screening event this fall, staff at the facility told about a young student the club had screened last year. The parents received our Refer form and had the child seen by an eye doctor. The child had a weak muscle in one eye. Surgery corrected the problem and the child is now excelling. When we serve, we make a difference!t Lions joined forces to collect, disassemble and send to recycling over 200 cell phones, iPads, laptops, home computers, printers and other e-waste items. In addition, microwave ovens and small refrigerators were recycled, keeping them out of the landfill. Leo family members also pitched in to help.

Christmas Party for Children Set for December 14

The club received a communication via Facebook in November. The individual attends Grace Lutheran Church and said the church wanted to do a collection of toys in memory of Leroy Humberston, a Fairmont Lions member until his death in February of this year. We were told, "We loved him." Days later, another communication came through: "Our congregation would like to make this an annual collection."

Gifts will be given to families on Saturday, December 14, beginning at 10:00 am and concluding about noon at the Union Mission, 107 Jefferson Street. 18 bags of toys were left over from last year's event. There are 120 toys in inventory. The Midtown Leo Club received many toys through their "Giving Tree" program. It was reported at the November club meeting that there are 62 applications for the party. The cutoff for applications is Thanksgiving Day. Lions are asked to help out at the December 14 event.

The Lions club's Christmas Party for Children has been held at the Union Mission since 1935 and although it may have been skipped a year or so during the Great Depression or WWII, it continues to serve those in need.

Club Donates

Lions International Immediate Past President Dr. Patti Hill, recognized the Fairmont Lions Club for donations to LCIF during the 2023-2024 club year of $50 per member average with the banner patch shown. This includes the club's donation to Lions Clubs International Foundation, as well as individual donations from club members.

Officers Attend Training

District 29L offered club officer training in Morgantown on Wednesday, August 7th. Vice President Guy Ward, Treasurer Virginia Gallion and Secretary Bob Moffett attended the training along with Lions from Morgantown. PDG Bernice Pitcock provided the training.

Eyeglasses Provided

Keith Long, Eyeglasses Committee Chairperson, reported that two individuals received eye exams and eyeglasses for October.

Peace Poster Contest Winner Announced

After a run-off vote broke the tie in the competition, Reese Williams was determined to be the winner of the Peace Poster Contest competition at East Fairmont Middle School. Branden Burner was the runner-up.

The theme for this year's contest is “Peace Without Limits.” Both students of Misty Skarzinski's art classes were presented certificates and gift cards from club president Bob Brummage. The winning poster advances to the district level and if succeeds, will advance to the multiple district and then the international level of competion. It is interesting to note that Reese Williams also won last year's contest at EFMS.

One international grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of $5,000 and will be recognized at a special Lions International awards ceremony. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of $500.

Adopt-A-Trail

On Saturday, October 19, Fairmont Lions and Midtown Leos joined forces to clean about two miles along the West Fork River Rail Trail between Monongah and Everson trailheads. Lions participating included Pres. Bob Brummage, Fred Cannon, Rob Pickett and David Sturm. The club plans to resume trail upkeep in the spring of 2025.

Dues Reminder

Member dues are due for the second half of the 2024-2025 club year January 1, 2025. The Fairmont Lions Club is required to remit club dues to both Lions International and District 29L before the end of January. Questions? Please contact Treasurer Virginia Gallion.

2019-2020 Fairmont Lions Club Service Activities July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024

People Served: 2,466 Service Activities Completed: 22
People Served: 854
Volunteer Hours: 221
Funds Donated: $0

Calendar

Calendar (subject to change) The Fairmont Lions Club meets at Apple Annie's the 2nd Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm.

Dec. 14 Christmas Party for Children Union Mission 10:00 am - Noon

Jan. 9 Meeting Apple Annie's Middletown Commons 6:00 pm

Jan. 24-26 Lions of WV Leadership Retreat Days Inn & Suites and Conference Center Flatwoods, WV

This Issue's Quote

“What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.” Hazel Ruby McQuain

Editors' Note: Hazel Ruby's husband Jack died in 1972. In 1981, she married J. Burl "Mac" McQuain, 1973-1974 president and long-time member of the Fairmont Lions Club. Hazel was known for her generosity and community support.

Just a Lion or Two

Leanne Cannon missed the November meeting due to illness.

Beulah Miller had a tooth pulled and missed the November meeting.

Daniel Stutler is recovering from a stroke.

Aletta Moffett is recovering well following surgery.

Please remember these members in your thoughts and prayers.

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PDG Bob Moffett, Editor


"WE SERVE"