Wayne Bent, Jeannette Harper, Dorothy Maynard, Kris Henderson Klatt, and Julian Bahmann at the Top Shelf Distillery in Perth.
Lions and guests listen intently while production manager Zack Kerr, left, explains the process of making vodka, gin and whiskey at Top Shelf Distillery in Perth.
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
The Westport Lions’ last two meetings were devoted to organizing fall and winter events.
Planning for this year’s Santa Claus parade on Saturday, November 23 has commenced with co-organizers, Lion Craig Jackson and volunteer Jan Gagnon establishing various parade committees. Participants are asked to be at the Esso at 1:00 p.m. so the parade can start at 2:00 p.m. The theme for this year’s parade is Teddy Bear Christmas. You can decorate your float using teddy bears, festive decorations, and anything else that displays the Christmas spirit. Prizes will be given for the most creative, festive and community-oriented floats. Please do not have any live Santas. It confuses young children.
To register your entry for the parade, please email Jan at jan.gagnon411@gmail.com or Craig at craigjackson0110@gmail.com by November 10.
The Westport Lions Toy Drive chairperson, Jan Gagnon, is excited to introduce a new format for this year’s Toy Drive called the Angel Tree. This new approach will ensure each child receives the same number of gifts with a similar dollar value. The problem in past years was that the club would receive numerous gifts for a particular age but might only have one or two children in that age category. Whereas, there might be other age categories with very few appropriate gifts donated. Jan always made sure each child received equal gifts but it meant a lot of shopping.
The Angel Tree will be set up at Kudrinkos starting from November 1.Each angel represents a child in need. Each angel will have a fake name and details such as age and interests. The tree has several tiers; each tier represents a specific dollar value. You can choose an angel and purchase a gift based on the information provided. It is hoped that the Angela Tree cuts down on duplicated gifts. Of course, cash donations and random gifts will still be greatly appreciated. Westport Flooring has volunteered to supply a four-wheeler and wagon in the parade to collect donations for the toy drive.
If your family needs assistance, please email Jan at jan.gagnon411@gmail.com or reach out to a Westport Lion as soon as possible to ensure your child’s participation.
The Westport Rideaus will again be collecting food and money for the Westport Food Bank during the parade.
Lion Craig Jackson is organizing a Christmas draw on December 22 to cover the cost of the new flooring in the clubhouse. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20. The first prize is 55″ Smart Colour TV, second prize one night at The Bunkie Air B & B including dinner for two at Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery. Both locations are easy walking distance from each other. The third and fourth prizes are freezer meat packages from Westport Fine Meats. You can purchase tickets from any Lion member.
The Westport Cash Calendars are selling quickly. Please contact a Lion member immediately if you wish to purchase a calendar.
In addition to organizing fall and winter events, the Westport Lions recently visited Top Shelf Distillers in Perth. Top Shelf started their distillery in March 2014 with vodka and gin, then they started aging their whisky and launched Reunion Moonshine. They have recently developed flavored dessert and cream liquors, with their butter tart moonshine being one of their biggest sellers.
On Saturday, October 19 Lion Wayne Bent organized a lunch and activity day for members. The event was so well received that Wayne plans on organizing another one this winter. Lion Dale Lyons was crowned king of the Crokinole board.
Westport Lions Club 