“If everything seems under control, you’re just not going fast enough.”
Mario Andretti

Dear Damascus Lions,

Wow!  What a year it has been.  A part of me can’t believe that it’s almost over.  This will be my last newsletter article as King Lion for this year.  I think I must have been going fast enough since I rarely felt that everything was under control.  And it’s no wonder, we are a very active club.  It has been an honor and privilege to represent you this year, for I know of no better group of people I would like to be associated with.

We have accomplished much this past year and I could fill the entire newsletter with thanks to each of you who have stepped up and helped out this year in many ways and we still have one more month to go.  Each and every one of you is needed to help us do what we do – We Serve.  And without your contributions of time, dedication, and spirit, we would not have the outstanding club that we do.

May activities started out with White Cane collections.  Lion Wayne Marr does a great job getting us set up to collect, but we did not have enough volunteers to man all the posts for the allotted times.  Even so, collections were good and we thank Lion Wayne and his management crew as well as the collection volunteers for their time and work.

Lion Mary Frances Gosnell organized a wonderful Youth Night for us where we honored the young people of Damascus and Clarksburg.  The jazz ensemble from DHS entertained us with fine music and we recognized the efforts and accomplishments of our local schools and scholars.

Lion Carol could use more help with our Highway Cleanup Crew.  We’ve had some bad weather breaks this spring for our scheduled pickups.  If we can get another date lined up for June, please come help, even if it’s just for an hour.  Especially for this job, many hands make lighter work!

Lions Martin Carr, Mary Frances Gosnell and I attended the Multiple District Convention in May in Salisbury.  It was my first convention and was very interesting.  We were fortunate to have the International President (The “Kingliest” Lion??) in attendance for the convention.  One of the most interesting parts for me was the early morning session he did on Sunday when he did a Q & A session with those who attended.

Also in May, we held our third blood drive with Inova Blood Services.  Lion Ken Cook reports that it was our most successful drive so far this year!  Thanks to those who helped get the room prepared, put the signs up in town, and staffed the reception and canteen areas.  We are so encouraged that we are going to do a summer drive on July 25^th.  This drive will utilize the mobile collection unit which will be parked at Sandy Spring Bank.  Thanks, Lions Ken and Alice Denell for taking the initiative on adding an extra drive to our list.  As the time approaches, we will let you know what kind of help is needed for that drive.  It will be the first time we’ve done one with the mobile unit, so we’re still learning.

In keeping with tradition, we participated in the Memorial Day service at the American Legion honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom in this country. I’ve always been moved by such celebrations, and probably now even more so since Nick is currently enlisted in the Air Force.  Thank goodness there were no bagpipers this year.  The weather was pleasant and the ceremony was well attended.  It’s good to be a part of a community that cares so deeply and continues to recognize the men and women in the service.  Thank you to our own Lions Club members who have served in the military.

Still to come this month is our most profitable fund-raiser – the Golf Tournament.  This is the 8^th year we have done this and each one outdoes the last.  This year we are going to a new location at Glade Valley Golf Club in Walkersville.  We have a few more pre-registered golfers than last year so we anticipate another great tournament.  Lions Bob Snapp, Mike Thornett and John Warfield know how to put together a great event!!  If the weather cooperates, it’s a day that can’t be beat.  Thanks to all who make this happen, both the golfers and the volunteers for the day.

We also thank Lions Tammy and Charlie Hertel for offering their home for our picnic this year.  Catering will be provided by Tom & Ray’s Restaurant and we are looking forward to a fun, relaxed evening of fellowship and food.

Saturday the 11^th of June is the date of the DVFD bike ride.  If you are able to lend them a hand, they are still looking for volunteers to help out for the ride.  Charlie & I plan to go on the ride, so we need your support!  Please call Tracy at 301.356.5510 and let her know you are available to help.  Bikers are morning people so you’ll have plenty of time to do other activities after the ride is over.

We will cap off our month with Installation Night at the Cracked Claw in Urbana.  We will close out our year and install our new officers for 2011-12.  I know that you will give them all the support and help that you can to make next year even better.

My last special thanks go to my husband, Lion Charlie Holpuch, who has supported me throughout the year as I ran out the door (again) hollering, “It’s a Lions thing, honey!”

Thank you all for what you do for the club, the community and each other.  Here’s to YOU, Damascus Lions!!

Yours in Service,

~King Lion Marcia

I’m not sure where this little saying comes from, but if there’s any truth to it at all, we’re headed for a lovely, colorful May, for we’ve certainly had our share of April showers.

It rained on April 14th and it poured on April 16th, but for the opening of the Skate Park on April 15 the sun was shining.  It was a wonderful, breezy, spring day and the Lions were at the Damascus Community Recreation Center to officially open the park.  Many thanks to all who attended the ceremony.  We will be getting a sign to indicate our support of the park and let the community know that the Lions are serving.  There were many young people in attendance to enjoy the opening of the park ~ though I don’t think they were very interested in the speakers or the ceremony!  The park will be open when the Rec Center is open.  Extended park hours are available when there is a volunteer to open the gate and stay nearby.  If you would like to volunteer to open the park, either on a regular or occasional basis, please talk with Lion Tom Didone.  Drawn like moths to a light, when the gate is open, young people appear!  What a great facility for the youth of Damascus.  Thanks to all who helped to make this happen and your commitment to the future of the park.

Lions Gary Rogers, Carol & Charlie Stone, Vicki Dotterer, Mary Frances Gosnell and myself represented our club at the District year-end celebration in April.  Our club was also well-represented with students in the Honors Band.  Of 80 musicians, 19 of them were from Damascus and Clarksburg High Schools.  The district scholarships were presented to the students with Clarksburg student Luis Rosales receiving a 2nd place scholarship, Damascus student Robert Williams a 1st place and Joshua Tsai was presented with the Outstanding Musician recognition and top scholarship.  These students must commit to at least 2 years of participation in the Honors Band in order to be eligible to audition for a scholarship.  Our congratulations go to these young people who have excelled at their instruments and bring music to our lives.  The District Humanitarian Award was presented to the founding Director of Melwood, Earl Copus, Jr., who shared captivating stories of the founding and growth of Melwood.  The keynote speaker, Past International Director Leland Kolkmeyer, was interesting as well.  Overall, it was a better-than-usual 22-C Night!  With the exception of the severe weather, it was a great evening.

As this year begins to come to a close, I am happy to report that we have completed the required number of visitations.  With our April program on hearing, we have completed the requirements for the district 5-star award.  The district awards lunch will be held on June 18^th and all Lions are welcome to attend.  Please let me know if you are interested in attending the luncheon.

The Multiple District convention is this month in Salisbury, MD.  Attending a convention can be a great experience in learning and fellowship.  Anyone who is interested in attending is encouraged to go.  You can choose to attend any part of the convention.  Lion Mary Frances has all the information you need and will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Congratulations to our new officers!  As they gear up for the new year, let them know which projects you would like to be part of.  We are looking for some new fund-raisers to take the place of the Big Band Dance and your ideas are so welcome.

Golf Tournament time is coming up quickly.  We need many volunteers to help out for the day.  We are at a new location this year, so there will undoubtedly be some changes.  If you can be there to help, would like to sponsor a hole or just learn more about what you can do, please see Lions Bob Snapp, Mike Thornett or John Warfield.  The golf tournament has been one of our biggest fundraisers and is important to the club in maintaining our ability to support our other activities in the community.

Our semi-annual White Cane Days are scheduled for the first week of May.  If you haven’t already signed up for a shift, please see Lion Wayne Marr to get on his roster.  White Cane funds make it possible for us to provide much needed help in the community for eye exams and eyeglasses.
We will be having our last blood drive before the summer break at the end of this month on the 23^rd.  The timing of this drive will help provide blood for the Memorial Day weekend.  It also eliminates the scheduling conflicts with the Golf Tournament.  We need volunteers to staff the registration area and the canteen on the day of the drive as well as phone volunteers to remind our donors and the Rec Center and a few other small projects.  If you can help, just let me know.

The DVFD needs to replace the roof on the Activities Building on Lewis Drive.  They are holding 2 events this spring to raise funds to support that cause and have asked for our help.  The first event is a motorcycle ride on the 21^st of May and the second is a bicycle ride on the 11^th of June.  We are supporting both events financially, but they also need volunteers on those days for a variety of duties.  Of course, we want a nice, dry Activities Building, so do what you can to help!  Polish up that Harley and register for the motorcycle ride or pump up your tires and register for the bike ride or simply sign up to lend a hand at either event or be really crazy and help out at both events!

I spoke with Lions Tuck & Eloise and Tuck continues to make good progress.  He is still at Washington Hospital Center where they are now rather well-known!  It is anticipated that he may be released to go home next week.  Once he gets settled, they will welcome visitors who are not dressed in lab coats.  We’ll let you know when he gets home so you can give them a call and schedule a visit.

Last month we enjoyed the presentation on running and climbing by our very own athlete, Pattu Durairaj, who has climbed mountains and run a marathon on every continent ~ and has the medal to prove it.  What a fascinating accomplishment and we thank him for sharing his experiences with us.  Tonight we honor and recognize the various youth organizations in the Damascus and Clarksburg areas.  Our entertainment is a string quintet from Damascus High School.  Lion Mary Frances has put together the program and we hope that you enjoy the evening.

Yours in Service,

King Lion Marcia

Approximately 1950 bags of popcorn were consumed with some fair goers coming back for more.
That aroma sure does attract folks. There were 17 Lions who gave of their time during the weekend and we clocked about 110 hours of fun and labor.

Thanks to all who helped.  We truly needed you. Thanks to the Baker Leos for stamping the popcorn bags; also to our “Popcorn “mascot, Lion Lenora Kish’s grandson, for donning his outfit and handing out popcorn to the fairgoers.

 The Damascus Community Fair is the town’s best kept secret.  And the Damascus Lions sure have a niche in that secret!

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One thing is for sure; our club just doesn’t have a “down” period!!  By the time we have our first meeting, Lions Sue Suddath, Mary Frances Gosnell, Midge Tench, Ann Davis, Joy Schwab and unidentified others have celebrated birthdays at the senior center last Friday.  With that group, you know they had a fun party!

This weekend we Celebrate Damascus.  Thanks to Lion Tess, the club again has a “float” in the parade on Friday.  Lion Tony will be driving the tractor and we have plenty of room for Lions to join the fun and take a ride.  Stay and enjoy the fireworks.  On Saturday we have the flea market, this year at the DVFD grounds.  Lion Jerry is taking charge of a “flea table” for our club.  Bring her your stuff to sell for the good of the club.  If you can, spend an hour or two helping out. 

Our second meeting this month will be held in Frederick at a Keys baseball game.  We had such a fun time last year, let’s do it again.  Due to the Keys’ schedule, that meeting will be on Tuesday, July 27^th.  Please let me know how many tickets you need.  Feel free to bring your friends and family to enjoy an evening of baseball.  There will be a flyer on this outing at the meeting and also posted on the website.  Have you seen the website lately??  Lion Cindee does an awesome job keeping it up-to-date with news, photos, copies of the Lions Tale and all.  Spend some time there and know what’s going on at www.damascuslions.org.

Our first August meeting will be held at Montgomery UM Church again this year.  We can look forward to a delicious meal and interesting program.  The 2^nd August meeting is our night of Ice Cream dipping at the Montgomery County Fair.  See Lion Charlie Hertel to lend a hand with this annual event on Tues. August 17th.  Then on Thursday the 19^th we have our day at the fair for vision and hearing screening.

There’s no shortage of activities to chose from.  Participate in those that you can.  We’re always glad to see you and enjoy the time we spend together serving the Damascus Community.  Here’s to a great year!

 Mark your calendar now to come out and greet the cyclist to encourage them on for a safe and productive ride.  We will have water, fruit and snacks for them.  Watch your email for their ETA

For the events in May, my appreciation goes to –

• All Lions who assisted and attended Youth Night.  It truly was a rewarding evening for the recipients as well as the Lions – We Serve!
•  To Lion Bernie Duplan who organized and worked the Lions Booth for Damascus Relay For Life – also to Lion Jerry Mallack for helping to set up and getting started.  Was great exposure for the Lions and a sense of appreciation for the attendees?
• To Zone Chairman Lion Eloise for inducting the new Leo Advisors and to District Youth Outreach Chairman Lion Marcia for Installing the Leo Officers.  The night was important for the Advisors and Youth.  They are now ready to start the Leo Club this coming school year early on.
• Lion Martin for attending the Multiple District Convention, going to all the Business Sessions gathering pertinent info while I manned a booth for Cochlear Americas.  Also the Lions Tuck and Eloise for coming to attend the Multiple Banquet and the Necrology Service.  And yes, Damascus Lions, we are a Five Star Club for the year 2009-2010.  Thanks to all!
  • Lions Dale Ryan and Chris Fletcher for organizing and working the Clarksburg Relay For Life Lions Booth.

Welcome to new members Mary Kroll, Deborah Volley, Kym Ails and Theresa Sluger, all Leo Advisors.  WE look forward to working with them in the coming school year.

Mark you calendars now for June events,

• Blood Drive – June 7, DVFD Activities Building, Lion Charlie can use some help.
• Golf Tournament – June 14, Beaver Brook Country Club – Have you sponsored a Hole or got a team?  Contact Lion John Warfield
• Installation Night, June 15, American Legion – Lion Bob Snapp needs your reservations.

 Hope your Memorial Day weekend was a safe and memorable one.   School will soon end its year – so watch out for the kids while driving, enjoy your vacations and relax.

The entertainment for the evening will be DAMASCUS LIONS HAVE TALENT!   Yep, you got it; the Lions are going to entertain.  So sign up to do your thing – join ranks with other Lions for your performance -  practice your latest jokes – get out that old Sax -  practice your jig -  and lets have a fun evening.  Prizes await the participants!   Sign up may be done at the following email address – mgosnelldamsacuslions@gmail.com

I know there are many talents that we have not uncovered.  Now is the time to let them shine!

And so, our appreciation goes out to –

• Lions Carol and Charlie Stone for planning, organizing and bringing a great Big Band Dance to fruition.  It was an elegant evening with three of our newest Lions volunteering their time.  Although it is not a huge fund raiser, the ambiance of the evening says it all. 
• Lion Tuck Woodfield for arranging the 22-C Night reservations.  A great evening of connecting with other clubs and honoring our Most Valuable Player, Lion Ken Phillips.
• Lion John Holpuch and family for organizing the Highway Cleanup.  It truly makes a difference upon driving south on Route 27 and witnessing what a great service was done by the Lions Highway GANG!
• Lion Joy Schwab and sponsors on coordinating another new member Induction and meeting our membership goal.

     Welcome new members – Lion Heather Geehreng, Advisor of John T. Baker Middle School Leo Club, Lion Carol Cook, Lion Donna Feuilett and Lion Ruthie Johnson, representing

Damascus Community Bank.  I trust all Lions will make these and other new Lions welcome, give them guidance and get them involved.  Lions Heather and Carol have already volunteered.  Way to go Lions!

The calendar reflects lots of Lions activities that we can all become involved with in the next two months.  Just remember, being out in the community makes the Lions very visible.  “We Serve” is the name of the game!

Thanks to all of you for what your do for Lionism and the Damascus Community.