Lions canvass area for White Cane fundraiser

Lion Sam Weissberg collecting for White Cane in front of BI-LO.

The Union County Lions Club meeting, held on Thursday, April 24, 2008, was dedicated to conducting in-house businesstying up loose threads and preparing for events to come so that we may continue living out our motto, "WE SERVE". One of those events was held the following day, Friday, and Saturday as well. It was the canvassing at local businesses for White Cane, which supports the GA Lions Lighthouse in its mission of providing surgeries, equipment, and doctors' visits for folks who have visual and hearing limitations. Lions stood at these spots around town- Bi Lo, Ingle's, Saw Mill Restaurant, CVS, Waffle House, Mike's Seafood Restaurant, and United Community Bank- and collected money while passing out miniature white canes as well as information about the services that the Lions have provided for the community. In addition, other local businesses had responded with donations earlier in the month so our total collection to send to the Lighthouse exceeds $6,000- quite an amazing feat in these times of economic distress .How fortunate we are to live in a community where folks take care of those less fortunate!. We are most appreciative of the contributions from the businesses and from the public.

Georgia, poodle pup donated by the Union County Lions to NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans.

Our fundraiser of raffling off a riding lawn mower is in good shape thanks to members selling tickets at various locations around town; the chairperson of that project is Gene Little. Lion Jeff Neal suggested that we needed to refurbish and spiffy up the Lions Pavilion behind the Chamber of Commerce; he plans to evaluate the needs and work on it the next 2 weeks. A key award for sponsoring 3 members in a year was awarded to Jim Hinton. Since it was National Secretary Week, our President, Lisa Little, gave a gift to our club Secretary, Betty Gurr, for the myriad duties she performs so very well. Among them are getting reports in on time, representing the club at various meetings, being a great encourager, etc.

A new non-due paying "member" was introduced via a few photographs. It's Georgia, born December 25, 2007, and now residing at the home of a puppy raiser in the state of Massachusetts. She is a purebred standard poodle, donated by Union County Lions Club to NEADS/Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, to be trained as a service dog. It was love at first sight for the dog lovers in the group and admiration from those who were not, in anticipation of the way that, fully trained, she will change the life of her human partner. Now if only they can train her to bark with a southern accent… Aname like Georgia would require that.

At our next Board of Directors' meeting, Kim Bridges, President of the Jaycees, is our invited speaker. She has been asked to discuss how the Sorghum Festival will be changing its location this fall and then determine how that will affect our food booth. For those interested in being invited to be a Lion, please plan to attend our next meeting on May 8th at 6:00P.M. It will be a fun-filled auction and the location will be at the Pavilion near the Dog Park and the Blairsville Senior Center.