King Lion Eloise and Lion Tuck sent a few photos in for us to post. We have new images added for the Senior Holiday parties in Damascus and Clarksburg. Also 8 photos of the new Clarksburg Leos Club signing their new Charter. (Damascus Lions now have five Leos clubs!) Don’t forget to view our Valentine Sweetheart couple. View the Gallery
New Photos added to the Gallery
February 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Auction Form
February 19, 2009 By 5 Comments
”Luck ‘O’ the Irish” In-house Auction
[Download the form as a WORD document or PDF file.]
Each year, club members are asked to donate goods or services and we hold an “In-House Auction” to raise funds to cover these administrative costs. This keeps our club dues more reasonable!! Your participation in the auction is VERY important to the club.
All members are encouraged to make a donation. Here’s your chance to be creative without having to wear a costume! Some examples of past donated items include: homemade baked goods, computer lessons, gift certificates, turkey dinner tickets, dinner out for two or more, airport shuttles, homemade birdhouse, use of rototiller, snow blowing service, firewood, use of trucks, beach house or condo, airplane ride, antiques, collectibles, athletic event tickets, telephone installation, auto detailing, yard work, lottery tickets, and a great evening with friends and a gourmet meal. This is also a marvelous time to unload that holiday present you just weren’t quite so excited to receive. Items can be new or used condition.
Even if you will be out of town we can still sell your item for the benefit of the club. CASH DONATIONS ARE ALSO ACCEPTED!!!
Here’s our schedule:
Feb. 17 Mtg. – Donation Form passed out. If you already know what you’ll donate turn in form.
Mar. 3 Mtg. – Last chance to bring your offer in writing to a meeting.
Mar. 17 Mtg. – (Auction Night) bring the goods to be sold. SPOUSE NIGHT.
(Last minute items will be sold but won’t appear in printed handout at Auction, but please try to get your information to us so we can prepare a list of items to be sold.)
Submit this form to Marcia Holpuch 301-312-9415, or Jack Peters 301-253-2589 at March 3 meeting. Final deadline by phone or mail is March 14th to allow time to compile the auction listing. This form will be available on the website for download. Items may also be emailed to Marcia at holpuch@verizon.net.
Download the form as a WORD document or download the form as a PDF file.
NBC 4 Health and Fitness Expo
February 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Nine Damascus Lions snubbed the weather report for Sat. the 10th and met at DHS to help staff the LCOF mobile health unit at the DC Convention Center. Lions Carol & Charlie Stone, Wayne Marr, Ronnie Poland, Chris Fletcher, Barbara Barry, Jerry Warfield, Marcia Holpuch and new Lion Tony Barry managed to take the Metro downtown together with no mishaps. We were allowed exhibitor entrance at 8:30 and located the bus in the back corner of the room.
Lots of other activities were going on at the convention center and we had a report that Bill Cosby was in the house. But he didn’t come to get his eyes or ears checked. Lion Tony sported the lion suit and walked the floor of the fair sending customers to our corner. Attendance was low at the 9 am opening, but had picked up considerably by 11. A great system was set up to ensure that visitors were served quickly and orderly.
By the time our shift ended at noon, we had screened over 60 people for vision, glaucoma and hearing. An additional screening area was set up for preschool vision screening and not included in our count. It was a fun activity and we didn’t lose a single Lion!! Much thanks to those who participated and made a difference at the health fair.
About the Damascus Lions Club
February 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The Damascus Lions Club, a 61 year old local organization, is one of 45,033 Lions Clubs worldwide. You will find the Damascus Lions working in the community in many capacities. Perhaps they will be at the Senior Center, volunteering at the Community Fair or cleaning up the highways. They assist youth with scholarships for higher education and sponsorships in the recreation area. Damascus Lions also have a medical loan closet to meet community medical equipment needs and conduct blood drives to compliment the Blood Banks. The Lions motto is “We Serve”
Sight and Hearing are our focus. We are fortunate to have Johns Hopkins close by who are known as the best in the country for eye and ear situations. The Damascus Lions perform Preschool Vision Screening in the community as well as adult sight and hearing assessments and glaucoma testing.
Lions International recently celebrated 90 years of service and is the largest service organization worldwide with 1.3 million members in over 300 countries and geographic areas working together to their community and worldwide needs.
The Lions International SightFirst II project’s goal is to eradicate river blindness by the year 2010 and the prevent blindness throughout the world.
To find out more about the Damascus Lions and their community involvement, contact us.
Join the Lions Club
February 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Think you might like to join the Damascus Lions Club? We’d love to talk to you about our great organization. Please contact our Membership Chairman: Lion Joy Schwab at 301-253-3294 (leave a message) or Lion Gary Rogers at 301-980-6071. We’d be delighted to talk to you.
Meetings include dinner and a short program.
They are held at 6:45 PM on the
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Meeting Location (usually):
Wesley Grove United Methodist Church
23640 Woodfield Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20882
(near Woodfield Country Store)
Prospective members are invited to attend any meeting as a guest of the Club.
The Damascus Lions Club is a non-political, non-religious organization pleased to welcome all adults who are committed to community service and the high ideals of Lionism.
Donate Eyeglasses
February 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The Damascus Lions Club collects used eyeglasses so that they may be recycled and provided to someone in need. If you have used prescription or nonprescription glasses or sunglasses in your drawers, desks, or closets, you can donate them now! Children’s glasses are especially needed.
Drop Off Locations:
You may drop off your eyeglasses (and hearing aids) at the following locations:
Damascus Lions Club
- Chevy Chase Bank; 26001 Ridge Road, Damascus
- Eyeballs; 26035 Ridge Road, Damascus
- Damascus Opticians; 26135 Ridge Road, Damascus
- Damascus Library; 9701 Main Street, Damascus
- Damascus Recreation Center; 25520 Oak Drive, Damascus
- Tom & Ray’s Restaurant; 9876 Main Street, Damascus
- Damascus Volunteer Fire Department; 26334 Ridge Road, Damascus
- Clearspring Elementary School; 9930 Moyer Road, Damascus
- Long & Foster Real Estate Co.; 9815 Main Street, Damascus
- Sandy Spring Bank; 26250 Ridge Road, Damascus
Clarksburg Branch
- Eye to Eye Optometrist; 13061 Wisteria Drive, Germantown
- Montgomery County Library; 19840 Century Blvd, Germantown
- Mother Seton Parish; 19951 Father Hurley Drive; Germantown
What will the Lions Club do with my Eyeglasses?
Lions help to conserve sight by providing usable eyeglasses to children and adults throughout the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 153 million people have uncorrected refractive errors (near-sightedness, far-sightedness and astigmatism). Refractive errors can be easily corrected with eyeglasses, yet millions in undeveloped nations lack access to basic eye care services. Lions have recognized the urgent need for corrective lenses and continue to fight the problem with the Lions Recycle For Sight Program.
Donated eyeglasses can help millions to experience corrected vision for the first time, enabling them to read, attend school, gain employment and take care of their families. It is estimated that Lions clubs collect more than 20 million glasses each year, and eyeglass recycling is one of Lions’ clubs most popular activities. Although the program was officially adopted by the association in 1994, Lions have collected glasses for more than 80 years.
Blood Drive – March 16
February 18, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The next Lions Club Blood Drive will be on March 16th at the DVFD Activities Building.
Donate/Borrow Medical Equipment
February 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
The Damascus Lions Club maintains a medical ‘closet’ for the local community. We have medical equipment that you may borrow.We also accept donations of medical equipment.
If you would like to borrow or donate any medical equipment, please contact Lion Tessie Gladhill at 301-253-2141 or Lion Jack Peters at 301-253-2589.
Some Items in our closet include:
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Canes
- Hospital Beds
- Crutches
- Shower Stools
- Adult “potty” chairs
- Shower Stools
- and more…
February 09 President's Message
February 17, 2009 By Leave a Comment
WELCOME 2009……the Damascus Lions are POPPING INTO A NEW YEAR, pop corn was given out, while resolutions were made, and a toast by King Lion, was given, “Everything will go fine in 2009″
Starting on Jan.10th, nine Lions from Damascus and the Damascus Branch of Clarksburg helped at the NBC4-Health and Fitness days. My thanks to these Lions that took time to screen people for hearing and vision testing at this event. Lions serving were, Marcia Holpuch, Jerry Warfield, Carol and Charlie Stone, Chris Fletcher, Ronnie Poland, Barbara and Tony Barry.
On Jan.20th, at the Dinner/meeting, special guests for the evening were the Peace Poster Family. Congratulations to Michelle Mei, winner the local club award, and going to District, to win that level, and it didn’t stop there, her poster reached the next step and won at Multiple District 22. Now it is competing at the Lions International level. We are very proud of Michelle for her accomplishments. The Peace Poster is a contest for youth from 11 to 13 years of age…. Michelle is 13 and a Leo at Rocky Hill Middle School, Clarksburg Maryland. Thanks to Chairman, Lion Sue Suddath for overseeing this project and working with the youth in our communities.
On Jan. 22th, at the Clarksburg Branch meeting, a program on the Children’s Inn at NI H was presented… Also Lions serving, At Thanksgiving a dinner was given by Branch lions to a family on Stringtown Road. More plans ahead for the chartering of the Clarksburg High School Leo’s Club. Forty-six members are listed, and the signing of the charter on Feb. 26,2009, with a cake to celebrate will be held, come and be a part of this ceremony for the youth.
I would like to ask everyone to invite someone to be a Lion, and join the many people serving others. {Lions clubs are open to both men and women}, put up promotional displays at local events, make a personal call or visit to a potential member. Bring a guest to a meeting; the prospective member meeting date is Feb.17th. Mark your calendar now, let your friends know what lions do and the reward you feel from helping and serving…. Lions Clubs are the largest service organization in the world. My Motto as President is “together we can make it happen.” Call and let Secretary Lion Tuck know you will be having a guest, 301-253-3807. Enjoy the experience of good fellowship, good food and exciting programs.
Convention time is here again, just a few months away, and we will be back at Dover Downs Del. at the Lion District Convention on May 17th-20th.This years Theme is “Everyday Heroes” .Lions this is a great way to meet fellow Lions from around the Multiple District, also network with Lions, attend enlightening seminars and exchange ideas, most of all Have Fun! Make plans now, and make this trip, everyone together sharing the same interest and goal, “Helping each other.”….for more information call King Lion, Eloise.
“Together we can make it happen”
10 Reasons to Serve
February 16, 2009 By Leave a Comment
10 Great Reasons to Serve as a Damascus Lion:
1. We give something back to our community.
It can be difficult for one individual to find meaningful ways to improve their community. By joining a community service club such as the Damascus Lions, you will feel a sense of satisfaction from performing valuable community service that will warm your heart and enrich your life.
2. We feel a real connection to our community.
The men and women of the Damascus Lions Club get together for regular, bi-monthly meetings and service projects. We learn about the needs of the community and use our collective resources to meet those needs. Working side by side with fellow Lions, you will meet active and retired business people and community leaders.
3. We help the youth of our community grow into responsible and productive adults.
The Damascus Lions Club established the Damascus High School, and Rocky Hill, John Baker, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Leos Clubs. The four clubs work together on many projects. The Lions also sponsor Boy Scout Groups and youth baseball. In addition we support Girl Scout Groups, 4H, and several organizations in local schools. We provide loans and scholarships to deserving local high school students. As mentor to these young people, you will be modeling responsible and productive behavior.
4. Together we can make the world a better place.
A strong community service organization with many people working toward the same goal can bring about real results. The Damascus Lions Club has been serving the community since 1946. As part of the world’s largest service organization, we join Lions all over the world to bring about stronger communities and contribute to making the world a better place!
5. We learn more about our community and world.
At Meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, featured speakers bring us information on a wide range of topics; Montgomery County Crime Solvers; our Clarksburg branch club; Special Olympics; updates on medical advances in treating eye disorders; our Central American sister club that reports on the progress of our help there; and more.
6. We stay connected with civic leaders of Damascus.
Through our important role in community service projects, The Damascus Lions meet and work closely with leaders of Damascus HELP, the Rotary Club, American Legion, Ecumenical Laymen’s Association, Volunteer Fire Department, Community Fair, Damascus Sign Committee, Damascus Emergency Preparedness Team (DEPT), Damascus Heritage Society, Celebrate Damascus, Clarksburg Historical Society Inc, and other community groups. Community leaders actively support the work of the club.
7. We fill the needs of the community that are not being met.
It takes the entire community – residents, service clubs, religious organizations, businesses and government – to solve the problems of our most vulnerable residents. Damascus is a great community because of this strong collaboration. It’s great to be a part of that!
8. We acquire and strengthen leadership skills.
All Damascus Lions have the opportunity to work on committees and projects of interest to them. Members interested in advancement in the Club are groomed for leadership roles by attending seminars and workshops. Club leadership changes every year, giving plenty of opportunity for advancement.
9. We find more joy in life.
See the joy at Thanksgiving and Christmas on the faces of needy families receiving Christmas baskets of food and toys you provided, hear the profound thanks of a parent whose vision impaired child has received the gift of a seeing eye dog you’ve provided; send a handicapped youngster to Camp Merrick, the Lions Summer camp for the handicapped in Saint Mary’s County, Maryland. That’s the sound of joy!
10. We have fun too.
We play as hard as we work! Traveling as a club, we attend sporting events and picnics; we march in parades as well!
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Think you might like to join the Damascus Lions Club? We’d love to talk to you about our great organization. Please contact us - we’d be delighted to talk to you.
Meetings include dinner and a short program.
They are held at 6:45 PM on the
1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.
Meeting Location:
Wesley Grove United Methodist Church
23640 Woodfield Rd
Gaithersburg, MD 20882
(near Woodfield Country Store)
Prospective members are invited to attend any meeting as a guest of the Club.
The Damascus Lions Club is a non-political, non-religious organization pleased to welcome all adults who are committed to community service and the high ideals of Lionism.
