In years past, we have had some entertainment, 1/2 hour or so, either by a soloist from a church or an ensemble from DHS music dept. If you would like the HS music – Lions Marcia and Charlie Holpuch can help with getting that. Santa is always present and Lion Gary Rogers is the best. Lion Charlie Hertel has volunteered to be the elf as he announced at the last meeting. So hopefully between Gary and Charlie, they can work that out. They usually give out candy canes to everyone.
Lion Charlie and Marcia Holpuch have done a gift exchange the last few years whereby everyone who wants to participate brings a $10 gift and then the fun begins like a Chinese Bingo Gift exchange. They take charge of it. But we need to put in the Lions Tale that those who want to participate bring a $10 wrapped gift. That should conclude a nice enjoyable evening.
The days are growing very short and many of us are very busy preparing for Christmas or Hanukkah. We are looking forward to happy times with family and friends. Our club has some traditional fun times ahead. Our Christmas party usually features entertainment, a visit from Santa and his favorite elf who give all good lions a candy cane, and last but not least, a gift exchange that will steal your heart (or your gift if another lion wants it). If you would like to participate in the gift exchange, please bring a wrapped gift ($10 value.)
We enjoy having a lot of fun at our holiday meeting, but we must also be mindful of those who are experiencing uncertain or difficult times during the season. As Lions, we know that the true joy of the season comes in sharing what we have.
The Damascus Lions live out this joy, through our Holiday Giving Project. So don’t forget to bring mittens and socks for children, teenagers, and adults to the Christmas Party on December 13 to be tree decorations and then useful gifts. These contributions combine with our stocking stuffers (due December 6), and our food baskets to 30 needy families to round out our Holiday Giving Project.
The year is drawing to a close and some of us may be trying to decide where we are going to give our final charitable donations for 2011. If you are looking for a way to help others and support the mission of the Lions Club to help and support the blind, consider donating to the Lions Community Outreach Foundation. The LCOF is a member of the Combined Federal Campaign and the United Way of the National Capital Area. You might also consider setting up payroll deductions to LCOF (#29433) for next year.
Have a roarin’ good time this month. But remember, it is easy to get lost in the business and busyness of this season. So don’t forget to slow down and enjoy special times with family and close friends. Even the fiercest, most active lions rest, relax and purr now and then!
For the future: Every year, each Lions Club in the District chooses one nominee for the Bull Throwers Award. The deadline for submission of our candidate is April 1. The district award will be presented at the MD22 Convention in May. Be thinking of someone you think has been a hard working lion that should be considered for this award.