Lions Jim McGlade, left, and Harry Beckett along with Wayne “Smokey” Sherwood, missing from photo, trimmed and cut the grass at the Lions’ beach weekly. Photo credit: Bob Reddick
Lion Wayne Bent coordinated the beach cleaners this summer. Photo credit: Bob Reddick
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
The Westport Lions Beach had record breaking crowds this season. Behind this success lies a dedicated group of volunteers. A couple of years ago, Eastern Ontario Tourism named Westport Lions Beach one of the top beaches in the region—a recognition that relies on a continuous volunteer effort.
The beach is maintained seven days a week by three volunteer groups. Lion Wayne Bent leads a team of six Lions to clean the beach every day. This crew includes Lions Wayne Bent, Dale Lyons, Dorothy Maynard, Wayne “Smokey” Sherwood, Julian Bahmann, and Bruce Paterson.
In addition to raking the beach, Lions Bruce Paterson and Julian Bahmann open and clean the washrooms one day each week along with Lion Barry Winfield. All cleaners walk the property to collect garbage and personal items left from the previous day. A special recognition goes to Lion Craig Jackson, who cleans the washrooms the other four days of the week, and closes them every evening. Lion Jackson is also in charge of maintenance of the washrooms and making sure the cleaners have the necessary supplies.
The third group is the lawn maintenance crew, consisting of Lions Jim McGlade, Harry Beckett, and Wayne “Smokey” Sherwood. They cut and trim the grass every Thursday morning.
One of the tougher jobs involved in opening and closing the beach is putting in and taking out the swimming buoys. Every year, Jim McGlade – who is now 82- becomes more sensitive to the cold water, and he was very appreciative when Carolyn Avery and Lion Harry Beckett helped him. Lions Bill Garland and Smokey Sherman are slated to assist in taking the buoys out.
The washrooms will be closed through the week starting on Tuesday, September 2, but will be open on the weekends until the end of September or until Thanksgiving, depending on the weather and demand.
The Westport Lions Beach exists today thanks to the ongoing efforts of Westport Lions Club volunteers and the strong support of our community. These contributions, both in time and donations, are the foundation that keeps the beach pristine.
Why do the Lions spend so many hours maintaining the beach? Because they love seeing people enjoy this beautiful piece of paradise. Several Lions mentioned that they really appreciate it when a family, or an individual comes up to thank them for their efforts in maintaining the beach.
Last week, I failed to thank Ms. Danielle McIntosh and her class from Rideau Vista for supplying the Westport Lions Community Garden (WLCG) with lettuce plants this spring. The class planted the lettuce from seed and nurtured the young plants until they were ready to be transplanted in the WLCG. This resulted in an early crop of lettuce for the Westport Food Bank.
Westport Lions Club 