From the left, Mayor Robin Jones, MP Michael Barrett, MPP Steve Clark, President David Lowery, District Governor Jim Devenny, Mayor Arie Hoogenboom and Past District Governor Renee Devenny. Photo credit: Lion Peter Minnelli
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
On Saturday, May 16, the Westport Lions held a birthday party to celebrate 80 years of continuous service to our community. Director of Ceremonies, President David Lowery, began the evening by asking everyone to join him in singing a of O’Canada, followed by Lion Dale Lyons leading the Lions’ grace.
Mayor Robin Jones of Westport spoke from her heart when she tipped her hat to the Westport Lions Club. She said, “Volunteers are the backbone of the community. They are the health of the village. People that move to the area want to know what services are available, such as the rink, library, and churches. She is always thankful when she can direct people to the Lions’ beach.” Mayor Jones went on to say that, “The Lions Santa Claus parade is such an inclusive parade, if people want to be in the parade they can, and there is always a great turn out to see the parade.” She cited that the Medical Mobility Service allows us to not only to say we are a caring community, but enables us to back it up.
Rideau Lakes mayor, Arie Hoogenboom, started off by jokingly saying he had prepared a 30 minutes speech. Everyone knew he was joking, and he got a good laugh, but many people are leery when you give four politicians a microphone. However, all the speeches were detailed, thoughtful, inspiring and well-delivered. I was impressed. Mayor Hoogenboom continued to say, “He enjoys these events and appreciates the opportunity to celebrate with volunteers.”
District Governor, Lion Jim Deeveny congratulated Jim McGlade on his 55 years as a Lion. He pointed out that not only have the Westport Lions contributed to local causes, but in the past five years, the club has donated $15,000 to global causes through Lions Clubs International Foundations.
Michael Barrett, Member of Parliament for Leeds – Grenville – Thousand Islands – Rideau Lakes noted the Westport Lions charter was issued on March 26, 1946. He went on to say, “Many things have changed, but lots of things stay the same. Eighty years ago, the Lions maintained an outdoor rink; now the club is engaged in fundraisers to maintain the arena. If there is a need in the community, the Lions are there to help. Lions do the heavy lifting.”
President David Lowery masterfully conducted the evening. He only made one small slip when his eyes wandered while reading the program, introducing MP Michael Barrett before MPP Steven Clark, but he quickly recovered by joking, “It’s easy to get them mixed up because they look so much alike.”
Steven Clark, Member of the Provincial Parliament for Leeds – Grenville – Thousand Islands – Rideau Lakes said, “Lions offer dignity to people.
Dignity by taking people to medical appointments. Dignity by providing vegetables to the food bank by way of Lions’ community garden and donations. Dignity to parents by the club’s efforts to distribute Christmas presents through the club’s annual toy drive. Dignity to people that don’t have a cottage, they can go to the Lions’ beach. Lions provide normalcy and dignity; the club deserves a party for 80 years of service.”
Lion Gerry McDougal representing the Elgin Lions Club noted that their charter was given March 2, 1949 with the Westport Lions Club as their sponsor. Lion Gerry gave a cheque for $1,000 to Medical Mobility Service. MP Michael Barrett pointed out that Gerry was an example of an excellent speaker, short speech, big cheque.
Before leaving the formal part of the evening, and dancing to the music provided by Whiplash, President David thanked our guests for helping the club celebrate this milestone. He also thanked all Westport Lions past and present for 80 years of sweat, tears, laughs and support to our community.
To celebrate in true birthday style, everyone sang Happy Birthday to the Westport Lions Club. Here’s to 80 more years of service!