Seniors enjoying a recent luncheon hosted by the Westport Lions.
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
The Westport Lions have been busy this October hosting a senior luncheon, closing the Reuse and Recycle Center, conducting vision screening in local schools, preparing for Halloween and the Santa Claus parade, visiting the Elgin Lions Club, and repairing the property and winterizing equipment.
Thirty-five seniors enjoyed lunch and fellowship at a recent luncheon prepared by the Westport Lions. The club decided years ago that it would get more value for its money if we prepared four luncheons instead of donating to the Senior Support Services (CPHC) Diner’s Club. The Westport Lions plan to host the free meals in June, July, August, and September because the Lions’ den is not conducive for seniors to walk up the hill to the club’s main entrance in the winter months.
Starting in October, The Free Methodist Church will host the luncheons on the third Thursday of each month. The cost of the meal is $12.00 and may consist of soup, sandwich, and dessert or a full course meal and dessert. According to the Diners Club website, if a senior wishes to join the Diner’s Club, they should call 613-342-3693 or 1-800-465-7646 and speak to Marion Rice at extension 2036 to reserve a spot. Volunteer transportation may be arranged through the Diner’s Club at no charge.
The Westport Lions Reuse and Recycle Center is closed for the season and will reopen next April. New managers Jeannette Harper and Lion Bruce Maynard wish to thank the community for its support, resulting in another successful season. Lion Bruce would appreciate any suggestions the public might have on how the R. and R. could improve, and what patrons would like from the centre. You can make recommendations by phoning 613-273-5789 or by emailing westportontariolions@gmail.com.
The Westport Lions Club vision screening team headed by Lion Jim McGlade has completed their yearly vision screening of the two Westport schools. Five Lions tested 36 students at Rideau Vista and 18 at St. Edward. Of those tested, only two students received notice that they should be further examined by an optometrist.
At our last meeting, Lion McGlade reported that he had sent 3,150 eyeglasses to the Kemptville Lions Club to be categorized and cleaned before the glasses were sent to Ghana. All types of eyeglasses can be dropped off at the Westport Village Pharmacy, The Rideau Medical Centre in Newboro, the Community Health Centre in Westport or to any Lion member.
Planning for this year’s Santa Claus parade on November 25 has commenced with various parade committees being established and the collection of money from local businesses to offset the costs of the parade. The theme for this year’s parade is Gingerbread Christmas. Additional details about the parade will be in a future column.
The club wishes to thank Lion Wayne Smokie Sherwood and his team for repairing and painting the beach gazebo. Other Lions have been busy repairing and winterizing the beach washrooms, the lawn mower and putting the snow blower on the tractor.
Lion Bill Garland, chairperson of the Halloween committee, and his helpers have prepared bagged candy for all witches and goblins on October 31. The Lions will start handing out candy at 5:30 p.m. at the corner of Spring and Church Streets in Westport to all children in costume.
Westport Lions Club 