The President’s Message
Despite it being vacation time, our club has had a busy month.
My thanks and appreciation goes to -
• Lion Sue Suddath for the enjoyable Senior Center Birthday Party and all the Lions that supported Sue.
• All the Lions and Leos who participated in the Celebrate Damascus Parade
• Lions Jerry Mallack and Tuck and Eloise Woodfield for a great Flea Market Day
• All the Lions who enjoyed a Lions Night Out at the Keys Game.
All this flourish of activity brings to mind the theme of our new International President, Eberhard Wirfs. MOVE TO GROW. He says that anything needs momentum/movement to grow. And he emphasizes growth in all area of Lionism. He is using the Gingko tree and leaf as his symbol. The Gingko tree has longevity, adaptability, sustainability and abundance. We need to plant seedlings frequently to retain this incredible life of the Gingko tree. Thereby the Lions must continue to plant seeds of understanding and enduring community service, and cultivate a clean and consistent message of purpose. This involves effort, momentum, action and the NEED TO MOVE.
So as we go forward, we should be looking for opportunities, new and old, no matter how small or large, to serve our community. MOVE TO GROW!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Lion Walter Shipley who passed away July 15. Lion Walter was a 49 year member of the Damascus Lions and served the club in many capacities.
Also our memories of Lion George Connell who passed away on July 24 are ones of dedicated Lion and to the Damascus Lions. He was Editor of the Lions Tale for a period of time.
Both Lions have served the community well! God Bless them both!
Safe traveling to all as we grasp the last month of summer and vacation time.
Lion Mary Frances, President
June 09 – President's Message
June wraps up the year for me as your President, King Lion of the Damascus Lions Club. It’s been a special year for me and I have enjoyed the challenges that I have experienced.
In the month of May on Tuesday the 5th we held our annual Lions Youth Night at the Damascus UM church. We provided cash awards to many youth organizations. This will help them to do projects and activities in the local communities. My thanks go to Lion Ray Molesworth for doing the program for the meeting.
May was also a time to do our spring White Cane fundraiser. Lions participated by collecting in the community and raised a total of $1,645.62. This includes $139.96 from the Clarksburg Branch. Citizens in both Damascus and Clarksburg surrounding areas were very generous helping us with supporting this worthy fundraiser. Thanks to all that collected and to Lions Wayne Marr and Mike Bowersox for making arrangements for setting up at the different locations. On May 17th-20th six people from the Club of Damascus attended the Multiple 22-C Convention, Lions Secty. Tuck Woodfield, PDG Jim and Mary Belcher, VP Mary Frances Gosnell, Asst. Lion Tamer Martin Carr and myself, President KL. Eloise Woodfield. all headed for Dover Delaware. What a treat.
I had a chance to meet and greet the International President Lion Al Brandel and his spouse, Dr. Maureen Murphy as they arrived at the Dover Downs Hotel. Both spoke at meetings and were with us at other activities during their time at the convention. They are exceptional individuals and a pleasure to know {a real down to earth couple} doing a job well done, “WE SERVE”
Our club received two awards, the Five Star award, for 100% achievements and 3rd in collection of eye glasses, a total of 4,568 pairs and 24 hearing aids.
Memorial Day at the American Legion on Sunday May 24th was a beautiful afternoon where we remembered our heroic fellows. Lions attended and Lion Tuck and I presented a basket of Red, White and Blue flowers from the Damascus Lions Club remembering the beloved fellows from the area. The Lions Memorial Day Parade was held in the Nations Capital on Monday May 25th. Lions carried club banners making a sea of purple, thanks to Lions Marcia and John Holpuch, Damascus Lions were represented by their club banner in the parade. It was wonderful to see everyone coming together to celebrate our American Heroes.
Don’t forget the annual lions Golf tournament on June 8th. Thanks to Lions John, Bobbie Warfield, and Mike Thornett. It will be another successful day. Come join us.
We had a very good year, I will tell you more at the Installation Night to be held on June 16th. This will take place at the American Legion building with dinner and new officers being inducted by PDG Mike Bleything.
June 2nd, tonight as we enjoy our Lions picnic meeting at the home of lions Charlie and Tammy Hertel, Lion Gary Bellison will be cooking and side dishes will be provided by Lions and partners in service for us to enjoy. Thanks to everyone. The Program for the evening is, “Eat Plenty/ Fellowship” and Remember, Lions “together we can make it happen…. and “WE DID”
Thanks for a GREAT year!
President, King Lion Eloise Woodfield
May 09 – President's Message
Welcome to our new Lion members, Lions Joseph Hutchinson, Rick Kendall, Jennifer Ralph, Charles Grimes and Ulfat Ashraf,. These lions were inducted into the lions club by VDG Lion Robert Disinger of District 22-W at our recent dinner meeting. Lion Dis-inger presented an orientation to members and wished everyone success as lions “WE SERVE”. My thanks to VDG Bob and Lion Eileen for coming to help with this unique and informative ceremony.
On April 9th Lions Dave Davidson, Tuck Woodfield and I delivered eyeglasses and hearing aids to the LCOF office in Lanham, MD.
Thanks go to Lion Carol Stone, the BIG BAND DANCE was a HUGE event. The weather was perfect and one hundred fifty two people enjoyed meeting, greeting, and eating as the band played a variety of music for listening or dancing. Thank you, Lion Gary Bellison for allowing us to advertise this event at Tom and Ray’s at each table with a stand up display of information about the dance.
All on the same day, LCOF asked Lion and Leo volunteers to help with the first time, Health Fair to be held at the Faith Community Church in Clarksburg with vision and hearing screenings. Thanks to Lions Joann Woodson, Chris Fletcher, Tuck Woodfield, KL Eloise Woodfield, Ann Davis, Dave Davidson, Marcia Holpuch, Midge Tench, Su Huang, and Stephanie Huang, the day was a success.
Another event was also held at the Damascus Recreation Center where Baseball Opening Day was held this year. Lion Linda Panagolis (Damascus Recreation Center Director) asked that Lions setup a display to let the public be aware of the good work Lions do for the communities in the area. Lions Gary Rogers, Joy Schwab, Marcia Holpuch, Ann Davis, and KL Eloise were there to support the Recreation Center with this event for the first time at this location. Lions were busy up and down the road to make all these activities happen. Thanks for your time and efforts to make this all take place in one day.
Keeping in mind that MOTHER’S DAY is May 10th, our second dinner/meeting was a theme centered around Mommy, Mom, or Mother. Lion Marcia Holpuch {mother} and Lion John Holpuch {son} portrayed this real life family couple. Lion Marcia was dressed as a loving and caring mother with son John by her side, wearing a diaper and carrying a baby bottle. She carried a basket of packaged spring flower seeds that were given out to everyone attending. Thanks mom and baby Holpuch for making this occasion a time of fun and laughs. King Lion, Eloise told some history facts about Mothers Day and how it began.
Guest Carol Glover Richards gave a demonstration on how to make a centerpiece from flowers in your yard. Carol of “Carols Creations” gave us tips and ideas as we watched flowers turn into a beautiful arrangement. At the end of the meeting a drawing was held, and the centerpiece was won by Lion Rick Kendall.
District 22 C Night in Waldorf, MD was held, ten Lions attended this delightful affair. We were honored with having the Lions International Director, Edward J. Lecius and Elaine on that evening. Our own District Governor Paul Hawkins and Dee were recognized for a terrific year. Congratulations to all.
We had a wonderful meal and the 22-C youth band provided lovely music for our pleasure. Making us Proud were three students from Damascus that received scholarships. {Just a note of info} Lion Charlie Holpuch helps oversee the youth and makes sure everything is in order that evening, “thank you for making this happen, Lion Charlie.” Lion Joy Schwab was “Our Everyday Hero” chosen by the club members and was among other Lions that were rewarded for their devotion of receiving the title “Everyday Hero” for the year, “this was well deserved, Lion Joy”.
Starting into May we have several things, Youth Night is planned for the meeting on May 5th, at DUMC, come, see and hear what our youth do in the communities.
White Cane weekend is on May 1, 2, and 3 for the Clarksburg Branch Club. Locations for collecting are at the Clarksburg store and Giant in Milestone Center.
White Cane Days are May 6-9th at Damascus Businesses around the town.
I would like to Thank Rev. Bruce Davidson for the generous donation to the Lions in honor of his brother, Lion Dave, for his birthday, “A grand way to say Happy Birthday”.
On Sat. April 25th Lion Del Mayhew gave out flea market flyers at the Mt. Airy Lions yard sale, to vendors letting them know about the Damascus Lions Flea market at Celebrate Damascus, my “THANKS” to Lion Del for helping and wearing his walking shoes.
Relay for Life will take place again this year, Lions will be handing out healthy snacks to walkers on May 2nd. Remember a loved one and volunteer some time at this worthwhile event.
Don’t forget the Lions Convention May 17-20th at Dover, Del. We have six going this year from the club. Lions from District 22 will be meeting together to ex-change ideas and learn about how “WE SERVE”
On May 19th, in my absence, I have asked VP Lion Charlie Stone to fill in my position as President while I am attending the convention, representing Damascus lions. I will miss being with you, “give Lion Charlie your support.”
Remember… Lions “together we can make it happen”
President King Lion Eloise Woodfield
April 09 – President's Message
MARCH CAME IN LIKE A LION- dumping up to eight inches of snow in the neighborhood, however Spring in on the way! On March 3, it was time to hear about baseball.
Jennifer Ralph of the Damascus Sports Depts. told us some facts about sports, and presented a team picture plaque to Lion Ray Molesworth, our club youth chairperson. Thanks, Lion Ray for working with the youth of the community and Thanks, Ms Ralph for coming and providing us with a program on sports, to better understand how things work.
Lion Tuck and I attended the sumo wrestling matches that were sponsored by the DHS Leo’s. This was a funny experience to see, a great time was had by all 200 (or more) people around the room. Thanks Leo’s and Lion Barbara Barry for this event.
On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated with lions going GREEN. Dressed in green, lions enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by Wesley Grove Church. The dinner consisted of cream of Broccoli soup, Green Peas, Irish potatoes, cold Slaw, with fried oysters and ham, topped off with a serving of Key Lime pie, Thanks to Lois Kemp for creating this, Lucky Green food menu, a perfect choice and color, celebrating our St. Patrick’s Day Meeting.
Special guests for the evening were Mr. and Mrs. St. Patrick {Lion Dave Davidson and partner in-service Gail}, dressed in green from head to toe and giving out treats from a pot found at the end of the rainbow. Lions and guests were ready to party the night away.
At 8pm, our club auction starting off with Auctioneer Allen Burdette, taking bids for items donated from club members. Lots of Goodies and surprises sold to help add to our club Treasury. Thanks everyone for digging deep into your pockets, to make this happen, and to Lion Marcia Holpuch, Auction Chairman.
Reports and updates were given by Lion John Holpuch on the Road Crew Clean up, Lion Charlie Hertel on The Blood Drive, Lion Carol Stone on The Big Band Dance and Lion Tuck on Visitations. Keep up the good work, and remember “together we can make it happen!”
The day we had all been waiting for, was Sat. March 21 – Our Pancake Breakfast….YUM YUM. A huge crowd filled the room from 7am ‘til 11am. Leo the lion greeted everyone saying “THANK YOU” for coming, and had a bucket of candy mints to pass out. Again a super job, lions Joy and Sue for this wonderful Breakfast, and I want to say ”together we can make it happen” Thanks to all lions and Leo’s and guests.
PDG Lion Jim Belcher presented King Lion Eloise, with a lions/diamond pin from his collection of pins from his travels as Past District Governor. King Lion accepted this gift and is honored to receive it, and will wear it with pride. Thank you PDG Lion Jim for thinking of me and giving part of your memorabilia showing how as Lions “we serve”.
Sorry to say, we lost a long time lion of 40 years this month, Lion Maurice Purdum, but to us he was Lion “Butch.” A memorial service was held on Sat. March 21 to honor this great Lion. Thank you, Lion Butch, for your service to the Damascus Lions club and the community. ”WE SERVE”
The Tri State, Clarksburg Branch, and Advisory Board meetings all took place in the same week, whew, lots of things to do….. “LIONS, get involved and meet Lions in different places.” All this is a very rewarding experience.
As we leave the month of March behind, “WILL IT GO OUT LIKE A LAMB?” We look forward to warmer and sunny days ahead. April showers are on the way, bringing May flowers, IT’S SPRING!
Remember as Lions “WE SERVE” and “Together we can make it happen”
President, King Lion Eloise Woodfield
March 09 President's Message
GOOD BYE February, HELLO March. Did the groundhog see his shadow? Is spring on its way? or will there be six more weeks of winter?… Whatever the weather, you can count on Lions serving. Plans are in the works for several activities coming soon.
It’s time for the Lions road clean-up crew on March 14. Contact Lion John Holpuch to help make a clean sweep in the neighborhood.
The lions In-House Auction is on March 17, Lion Marcia Holpuch is our committee chairperson, let her know that you want to donate, an item/or send a donation now, sign up to help. “It’s a Fun Night.”
Our Pancake Breakfast is on March 21. See Lion Joy Schwab for Tickets. Plan to attend and help out. Also send an item for the Bake/Craft Table. Good food and Great buys.
At our Valentines meeting on February 3, Lions Joy and Warren Schwab were voted the Club “Sweetheart couple,” a trophy was presented by King Lion saying, “One love shared by two.” Thanks for your devotion to the Lions Club and to each other. All Lions received a box of candy. Valentines were also sent to remember our Lion Nick Holpuch, who is away, serving his country. “HAPPY VALENTINES DAY to All.
Sharing a PROUD MOMENT … A letter was received from the Presidential Inaugural Committee thanking the Damascus Lions for keeping the spirit of unity and service alive, signed “THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO,” President Barack Obama.
Black History Month was recognized at our February dinner meeting with guest speaker, Mr. Warren Flemming, who is a longtime resident of Damascus and is currently a commissioner for the Historic Commission of Montgomery County. Mr. Flemming informed us about the heritage of African Americans in the past. Thank you, Warren, for sharing your stories and information.
Prospective Member meeting night held on February 17 started with dinner and a Welcome to everyone from King Lion, with help of Lions Happy King and IPP Gary Rogers wearing lion’s masks and giving out small bags of mixed fruits, KL Eloise told of the symbol that the different fruits represented, The last one being a bunch of grapes, pointing out, become a Lion and “Be ONE on the bunch.”
Following was Business reports and updates ahead.
More in the Month of February on the 17… We enjoyed a program given by IPP Lion Gary Rogers. Gary is the Membership chairperson this year and had a Prospective Members outline prepared on “WHY LIONS, and WHAT Lions are all about. He asked around the room for lions to express their thoughts on the reasons they joined and what benefits are offered … among the comments were new friends, fellowship, serving, giving back to community and the joy of helping others, but mostly the PEOPLE, as Lions “WE SERVE”
Thank you lion Gary for this informative and informational program, reminding everyone of How “We Serve” encouraging us to invite someone to join, all you have to do is “JUST ASK,” you might be surprised of the answer….so step up NOW, and sponsor a NEW member TODAY!
I would also like to apologize to Lion Wayne Marr for missing his name on the list of helpers with the recent NBC 4 event report’ Thanks you also. please forgive KL.
Looking forward to the activities ahead, I ask that you mark your calendars and be involved, be a part of the bunch, it’s a Fruitful experience. “Together we can make it happen”
February 09 President's Message
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”
January 09 President's Message
Lions making a difference……The month of December brings lots of activities for Lions to serve the community in many ways. On Dec. 2nd, Lion Cynthia Considine, Commu-nity Relations Manager with LCOF attended our din-ner/meeting and updated us on LCOF and the forth coming N B C 4 Health and Fitness days to be held in Jan. 2009. Thank you Lion Cynthia for coming, we always welcome you and enjoy your visits. Some history was given by KL on the tradition of Oranges at Christmas time past. Oranges were handed out to all that attended this meeting to get ready to start the busy month ahead preparing for the holidays….
Dec. 3rd, Clarksburg High School Leo’s and Lions helped to trim the Clarksburg town tree. The official tree lighting is sponsored by the Historical Society Inc. of Clarksburg and was held on Dec, 5. Leo’s helped and some dressed as a snowman, a lion, and others as Santa’s helpers, greeted the 200 people attending and handed out candy treats, gifts and programs for the event. Thank you, Clarksburg High school Leo’s and Lions.
On that same day, 1pm at the Damascus Sr. Center, Lion Sue Suddath and Lions, George Hibbard, Rodney and Margaret Duvall, MF Gosnell, John Warfield, Fran Burlas, King Lion Eloise {dressed as an elf} with her Christmas puppy wished everyone a “Merry Christmas with a song. Santa Clause {IPP Lion Gary}, helped with making dreams come true, by asking “What do you want for Christmas”? Gifts were given and lots of activities. Refreshments were served. Thanks Lions and Chairman Lion Sue for making this happen.
Dec, 10 the Lions branch members were invited by Lion Joann Woodson, for a special meeting of the Clarksburg Se-niors. A holiday party was held and Mrs. Clause {King Lion Eloise} Santa {IPP Gary} and a Reindeer named Ru-dolph,{Lion Tuck} entertained about 15 seniors with songs, games, gifts and treats were enjoyed by everyone. Thank you Lion Joann for having us, and for this time of Fun!
Now its time for the combined Holiday Christmas Party /meeting on Dec, 16. Damascus Lions and Branch members of Clarksburg took a break and partied at the Damascus UM Church, where Lions Joy and Warren Schwab turned the dinning hall into a lovely Dinner Theater with a Holiday Theme of Red and White color to celebrate the season. The evening started with an “uninvited guest, named OLD MAN WINTER, and bringing a gift of sleet and freezing rain, when he arrived. The party started and at social time, check in was taken by a live Christmas Tree,{Lion Tuck} as Lions and guests arrived, they were greeted by Lion Su Huang, saying HELLO!
President King Lion Eloise welcomed Lions and guests, dinner was served…. At dinner, strolling Guitar and Banjo music was played by Joe Doyle, while everyone enjoyed a tasty buffet by the Damascus UMC women. Thank you to all, for making this a special occasion, something to remember. When the evening was over sixty-three people had received Cards and Gifts from King Lion that were handed out by Postman, {Lion Charlie Hertel}. Santa {Lion Gary} arrived with a HO HO HO, and helpers from the North Pole, Miss Candy Cane {Lion Bobbie Warfield}, Susie Snow Flake {Lion Midge Tench} and Frosty the Snowman {Lion Ann Davis} gave out door prizes. The evening ended with a solo by Lion George Hibbard, “The Stars Bangle Banner.” Thanks for this beautiful song. And I would like to say Thank you to everyone that helped to make it happen.
It’s back to work, the party is over!…. Dec. 17, 18, 19, and 20th, Lions were busy again. Lions, Leo’s, Partner’s in service, Students and friends all joined together and helped, shop, sort food, wrap gifts, and deliver baskets to 31 families in the Clarksburg and Damascus community areas—-A JOB WELL DONE!, Thanks to all.” together we can make it hap-pen”
A time to remember, on Monday Dec, 22nd Christmas Eve Eve Eve, Lions John Warfield, Tuck Woodfield and myself {King Lion} visited at seven locations, private homes, Asbury Home in Gaithersburg, Homewood in Fre-derick and presented poinsettias, gifts, songs and prayers to fellow Lions and partners in service. This was a very worthwhile and rewarding time, starting at 10am til 3pm. And then on Dec. 23 to finish the next day for a couple of more hours. We enjoyed seeing these people that support the Lions and say “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”, keep in touch!
With sadness on Dec, 24th I received a call from Julie Sain, letting me know that Lion Mark had passed,….. a Lion memorial service was held on Tuesday Dec. 30. We will miss Lion Mark and the support he gave to the Damascus Lions Club, as Lions “WE SERVE”….
As we move on…. into a New Year, 2009, I would like to wish everyone a” HAPPY NEW YEAR”! 2009. Its been a Great six months serving as your President and your Support is wonderful, I look ahead to the next half of my year, serv-ing with the Damascus Lions and serving the communities, “together we can make it happen”
President, King Lion Eloise Woodfield
