Lion Rick Warriner, left, presenting a cheque to President Dave Thurston for the Legion’s Poppy Fund. Photo Credit: Dave Wickenden
Westport Lions Roar
By Lions Bob Reddick and Peter Minnelli
Before the Westport Lions’ last general meeting on October 22, Lion Peter Minnelli introduced Bruce Verge to the members. Bruce moved to Westport a year ago from Kincardine, Ontario.
He is a dedicated runner and two-time Boston Marathoner finisher. This demonstrates that Bruce is an achiever and possesses the perseverance and dedication needed to achieve his goals. Bruce will be a strong addition to the club, and it is hoped that he will join the Westport Lions. Anyone is always welcome to check out the club by attending a meeting held every second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.
President Dave Lowery introduced Lions Zone Chair Sean Seabrook and invited him to address the members. Sean highlighted the need for all clubs to adapt by embracing new methods, technology and projects. He reminded the members that they should not come to a meeting and make excuses, but rather they should come bringing solutions to problems being faced.
Lion Bob Reddick reported on the Westport Lions Community Garden. The garden consists of 20, 4 x 8-foot beds. Five beds were rented by individuals, the other 15 beds grew cabbage, potatoes, tomatoes, celery, squash, carrots, peppers, kale, and lettuce for Westport’s food bank. Bob expressed appreciation to Pat Reddick, who obtained grant money, planted and harvested the vegetables, and Elizabeth Wesolowskis, who faithfully watered the plants. A total of 227 hours was spent caring for the garden. Also, it was mentioned that students from Rideau Vista donated lettuce plants grown hydroponically in their classroom, which were then transplanted in the community garden. This enabled the food bank to receive an early crop of lettuce.
Lion Marty Hawkins gave an update on this year’s Santa Claus parade on November 22 starting at 2:00 p.m. Marty stated that he has received confirmation of 25 floats so far, including five new participants. He also informed the members that three of the four bands have been confirmed. Lion Marty commended Lions Peter Minnelli and Dorothy Maynard for obtaining generous donations from local businesses to pay for the parade’s expenses. Santa will be at the Circle K parking lot after the parade to meet with the children.
Lion Dave Blair praised Lion Bill Garland for arranging the donation of all the club’s Halloween goodies. Dorothy Maynard, Marty Hawkins, Dave Blair, Patricia McParland, and David Lowery volunteered to hand out the bags of candy on Halloween night at the corner of Spring and Church streets.
One of the things that sets the Westport Lions apart from other clubs are its dedicated volunteers. There is no doubt that they are the lifeblood of the club. The Westport Lions currently uses approximately 60 volunteers; some are involved in one activity; others participate in several. Lion Kim Kelly graciously offered to be the Volunteer Coordinator. Kim’s responsibilities are to create a list of all the volunteers, prepare a budget for the recognition of volunteers, report to the membership on volunteer activities, ensure volunteers are thanked and invited to all the club’s social events, and promote and recruit volunteers for the club.
Lion Harry Beckett, dispatcher for the Lions’ Medical Mobility Service, informed the members that on an average month, he receives around 15 requests for driver assistance, but so far this month, he has dealt with an incredible 25 requests. He has only been able to handle this heavy demand by doing a lot of creative juggling and through the use of family members. Harry expressed the need for reliable drivers. If you can help the club out, please contact Lion Harry Beckett by calling 613-273-7605 or by e-mailing him at dhbharley@gmail.com.