Lions March Meeting topics run the gamut

L-R Jerald Patterson, Elmer Thompson and Beth Patterson.

At our last Lions' meeting on Thursday, March 27, 2008, the agenda items ran the gamut of occurring long ago- about 40 years, to be exact- to current events, and to topics that will be happening in the future. President Lisa Little opened our meeting in the customary fashion. Lion Betty Gurr read an excerpt from Helen Keller's autobiography that cautioned us to treasure occasional silence and cultivate listening as ways to hear God's message to us all. Helen Keller is the individual who commissioned the Lions to be Knights of the Blind, meaning that our special task is to assist folks with vision issues, though that is not the only area where the Lions' motto, "WE SERVE", is evidenced.

White Cane Chairperson, Michael Thompson, gave us an update of what has happened so far with our Blairsville effort to assist the Georgia Lions Lighthouse with fund raising. When we function as individuals, or even as a club, we often lose the whole picture of why we are doing what we are doing. But Michael reminded us that our efforts combined bring about much good. The White Cane collecting took place on the weekend of Friday, March 25 and Saturday, March 26th in these locations around Blairsville: Bi Lo, Cobb's Mill, CVS, Ingles, Mike's Seafood Restaurant, United Community Bank, and the Waffle House.

Grey Williams.

Here's where the "long ago" comes in. In a surprise to one of our Lions who has been with the Union County Lions Club several years, Gerald Patterson, accompanied by his wife Beth, made his White Cane donation in honor of that Lion, Elmer Thompson. Gerald is now the owner of Jimmy's Metal at 6242 Patton Place in Blairsville but many years ago, Lion Elmer Thompson was the Principal of Union County Junior High, now known as the Middle School, at which Gerald was a student. He got to tell a few tales about Elmer that led to his making the contribution. Gerald said that there was no hollering involved when Elmer had to discipline a student- just quiet talking in a firm voice.

Gerald's great love in those days was to hurry through his chores as quickly as possible so he could get to school and shoot hoops. Since only tennis shoes were allowed on the gym floor- and Gerald had none- he did the next best thing and played in his bare feet, day, after day, after day. This action did not go unnoticed so one day, Principal Thompson took student Gerald, to the drygoods store to buy him what was the rage in those days - a pair of Converse sneakers. It was an action that Gerald is oft reminded of as he meets folks through life who are needy in some way. This check to White Cane was one way for Gerald to offer assistance to the needy in the same way that Elmer Thompson helped him.

Our mini-autobiography part of the mountains. Originally a member of the Hendersonville Lions Club, we are fortunate that he has transferred his membership to our club.

Lion Arthur continued with his orientation program and congratulated folks on maintaining respect for each other and for the ideals of Lionism. Lion Gene Little stated that he would be selling tickets for our upcoming lawn mower raffle at Ingle's in Blue Ridge. On display was a gorgeous dollhouse, crafted and furnished by Lion Vic Hamburger as another fundraiser. Vic hand -glued the 492 shingles on the roof- quite a feat for an over 80 youngster!

Finally, on behalf of the Membership Committee consisting of Ken Castle, Jim Wentworth, and Mike Thompson,Mike presented the news for the future- the slate of officers for the 2008-2009 season. They are:

President, Gene Little, 1st Vice-President-Chief Smith, 2nd Vice President- Mildred Thompson, 3rd Vice- President- Lisa Little, Secretaries- Marilyn Chapman, Dove Smith, Louise Little, Treasurer- Helen Hanson, Ass't Treasurer- Gray Williams, Lion Tamer- Roy McKee, Ass't Lion Tamer- Sam Weissberg, Tail Twister- Les Myers, Ass't Tail Twister- Ken Castle, Chaplain- Betty Gurr, Ass't Chaplain-Lisa Little, 1 Year Directors- Arthur Gurr, Jim Wentworth, Carl Buser, Louise Little, 2 Year Directors- Jean Hamburger, Pat Smith, 3 Year Directors- Sam Weissberg, Ken Castle. The Past president is automatically a member of the Board of Directors.

Our next meeting will be on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at Steve's Cookie Jar. All are welcome to attend.