At our last general meeting, the above Lions were busy planning our 80th anniversary celebration, a fishing derby, a bowling night in Elgin, and vision screening. The club also passed motions for emergency funding to individuals in need. (Photo credit: Ubah from WoodFire Café)
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
The Westport Lions extend their heartfelt condolences to President David Lowery and his family in the passing of David’s father, Bill Lowery.
Last week, I summarized the Westport Lions’ accomplishments from January to June 2025. This week, I will highlight events from July to December.
July
On July 1, hundreds of people gathered at the Westport Lions Beach in perfect weather to celebrate Canada’s 158th birthday. Starting at noon, one of the largest crowds ever enjoyed live music provided by the Adam Knapp Band, sponsored by Jim Archambault, owner of Rideau Valley Hearth and Home, and disc jockey Tom Gard of All-Star Karaoke. Artist Jessica McTavish of Pixie Pie Face Painting and Victor Limbeek, known as the Bubble Guy, delighted young people throughout the afternoon. To satisfy the hungry crowd, Lion members and volunteers served over 300 free hot dogs, freezies, and drinks which were donated by Ragu and Raman Sharma of Circle K.
This year’s version of the Westport Lions Canada Day Drawing Contest was a big hit with local children. Over 100 entries from children aged 6 to 12 were received with the theme: Why I am proud to be a Canadian? Certificates and ice cream prizes were given out courtesy of Vanilla Bean, the sponsor of the contest.
The winner of the Westport Lions $1,500 Cash Draw, sponsored by Rosebush Energies, was Teddy Steele from Westport. The second prize of $500 went to Perth Road resident Adam Knapp. Janet Mulville, Debbie Adrain, and Dr. Julie Brown, all from Westport, each won $50. In addition, Kevin Hewitt from Newboro and Glen McNichols from Godfrey won $50 gift certificates from Evergreen Golf Course.
Saturday, July 19, was a busy day for the Westport Lions. To show the club’s appreciation for the community’s support, the Westport Lions hosted Westfest at the beach. When a potential sponsor declined, Lions Marty Hawkins and Smokey Sherwood sponsored the band Chicken Pickin to provide the musical entertainment. On the same day, eight Lions and one volunteer helped manage the entrance gates at the Athens Lions Farmersville Exhibition. Since 1985, it has been a long-standing tradition for the Westport Lions to assist our neighbouring club during the Athens annual fundraiser. Also on that day, a group of Lions and volunteers ran the Lions Reuse and Recycle Centre (R & R). Now in its fifth year of operation, the R & R continues to be great source of revenue for the club, thanks to outstanding community support and 25 dedicated volunteers.
August
In August, two very deserving Lions were honored. Michael Harris was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest form of recognition offered by Lions Clubs International Foundation. Lion Michael was instrumental in establishing procedures to make club events more effective and efficient, such as the Christmas Cakes for Seniors program and the Medical Mobility Service. As president during COVID, Michael introduced video conferencing to enable members to continue their service projects. The other Lion honored was Marty Hawkins for being selected Westport’s Senior of the Year for his numerous contributions to the community. The energetic Mr. Hawkins is heavily involved in the Lions Club, Friends of the Arena, Westport Art Council, St. Edward School breakfast program and Westport Shares. Marty is also quick to organize fundraisers for local residents who are in need. Lion Marty’s contributions have truly made Westport and area a better place to live.
The club is happy to see the abundant use and long-term success of the volleyball courts at the Lions’ Beach. The Port Volleyball Clinic has grown steadily from one clinic of 20 participants in 2022, to four clinics with over 80 members this year. Two graduates, Conleigh Brown and Sophie Hartley have gone on to play at the post-secondary level, largely due to the instruction they received from Lauren and Chris Hartley at the beach.
September
Mel Broekema became $10,000 richer when her ticket was the last one drawn in the Lions’ elimination draw. In addition to the grand prize, Ron Fagan, Westport Village Pharmacy, Rick Steele, and FOTA received a $100 prize.
At our general meeting on September 24, Rob Scott presented the Westport Lions with a plaque in recognition of the club’s ongoing financial support given to FOTA. Jeannette Harper reported that the Reuse and Recycle Centre broke a revenue record during September.
The Westport Lions were delighted to host local seniors to four lunches on the third Thursday in June, July, August, and September. A combined total of 241 seniors attended, with an additional 12 lunches delivered to seniors who were unable to attend. The luncheons are the club’s way of expressing deep appreciation to the seniors for their ongoing support and offering them an opportunity to socialize.
October
October saw the seasonal closing of the Lions’ beach and Reuse and Recycle Centre. Both venues saw record-breaking attendance and support.
Marty Hawkins announced another successful fundraiser at The Cove on Sunday, October 21, featuring the band Chicken Pickin. The club appreciates the continuous support of The Cove. Lion Hawkins organized another fundraiser by catering at the ribbon-cutting celebration of Phase 3 at Watercolour Westport.
A pride of Lions gave out Halloween treats to trick-or-treaters at the corner of Spring and Church streets.
November
The 79th annual Westport Lions Santa Claus parade was held under perfect weather conditions on Nov. 22. It is amazing that a village the size of Westport can put on a parade of such scale and participation rate. The winners of the 41 floats that entered were: Most Creative – Howling Hideaway Rescue; Most Festive – The Baptist Church of Westport; and Most Community-Oriented – Westport’s Senior Living. If you wish to view the parade from multiple angles, copy or click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnKNZCqzGis
Bruce Grant of Perth Road won the $500 Westport Lions calendar draw for November 22.
December
Due to the hard work of Jan Gagnon, and the support of Kudrinko’s, Westport Flooring and the community, the Lions Toy Drive was able to donate multiple gifts to many areachildren. The Lion food bank drive was a huge success.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, 350 Christmas cakes were delivered to area seniors.
At the Westport Lions annual Christmas party held at The Cove, District Governor Jim Devenny and his wife, Renee, presented Lions Jim McGlade with his 55-year chevron, and Marty Hawkins received his 35-year chevron.
To close off the year, Lion Peter Minnelli wrote an excellent letter to W. Daryl White, Chief Executive Officer of the BMO Financial Group, expressing the club’s great displeasure with the closing of the Westport Bank of Montreal branch. The struggle will continue in 2026.
Westport Lions Club 