Greetings to all Lions and readers. So, why don’t celebrities worry about the heat? They have a lot of fans. Made you grin, possibly a little chuckle? I hope so. Having fun while serving our community is high on my priority list. I truly believe this is a common trait for the 300-plus members of the Conroe Noon Lions Club. This month we started a new Lions Club year and I’m anticipating fun and frivolity as we navigate through our annual community projects and endeavors. It seems to me that as soon as a new year starts, it ends. Time flies by when you’re engaged. If you’re stuck in “meh,” take yourself out of park and shift into drive by attending a meeting, Service Saturday, or one of our many projects. Let’s move on to the updates from our last Wednesday meeting.
We had the pleasure of hearing Lion Chuck Martin, Past District Governor and a current Director of the Texas Lions Foundation (TLF). Lion Chuck shared TLF was formed in 1984 for the purpose of providing emergency grants. Back then the Lions sold mints to raise money. Now the small amount of two dollars per member is contributed annually to TLF through each club in the state of Texas. Most recently the Pasadena Lions Club received a grant to assist Pasadena citizens when a tornado ripped through their city. In 2022 TLF provided eighty-six thousand in grants state-wide. Globally, the Conroe Noon Lions Club also supports the Lions Club International Fund (LCIF). LCIF also provides funds for humanitarian relief when a natural disaster strikes. Chuck has been a Lion since 1974 and has seen firsthand how TLF and LCIF have come to aid on many occasions. Thank you, Lion Chuck, for all you and the TLF directors are doing to sustain this cause.
Lion Tracy Irvine, Second Vice-President, reported on the year’s first Service Saturday at the CNLC Eyeglass Recycling Center (ERC). Over a dozen Lions volunteered to sort and box used eyeglass frames to send for recycling. Lions filled several pallets for shipment. When the task was completed, Lion (chef) Andrew Perry grilled burgers for all to feast on. If you didn’t know, The CNLC ERC collects thousands of pounds of eyeglasses from Lions Clubs throughout the greater Houston area. The ERC volunteers sort through it all to determine what can be kept, cleaned, measured, cataloged, and then sent out through charitable missions to help children and adults in places where resources are limited.
Lion Janet LeGardeur excitedly shared news of our approaching blood drive August 2 at the Lone Star Convention Center. You can schedule your appointment time through the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center website. Lion Janet also converted her red “new member” badge to a blue badge. Congrats Lion Janet!
The Annual Pigskin Preview will occur at this Wednesday’s meeting. It’s a great opportunity for local high school football coaches to prognosticate for the approaching season. This program has existed for as long as I can remember and is part of the legacy of Lion Don Buckalew. The coaches can tell some great stories and I can’t wait to hear them, but my dad would say- believe half of what you see and none of what you hear.
Lastly, there is a new member orientation July 27, 5:30p.m at the club office. Be like Lion Janet and attend so you can matriculate to your blue badge. Remember Lion President Jason Miller’s mantra- “you don’t have to, you get to.”
If you are not a Lion but are looking for an organization that embodies “We Serve,” then visit on Wednesdays, noon, at the Lone Star Convention Center. For more information about the Conroe Noon Lions Club, please visit our website, www.conroenoonlions.org, or call the local club office at 936-760-1666.
