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