Local seniors enjoying a luncheon provided by the Westport Lions. Photo credit: Bob Reddick
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
The Westport Lions are delighted to host local seniors to four lunches on the fourth Thursday in June, July, August, and September. The luncheons are the club’s way of expressing deep appreciation for the seniors’ ongoing support and offering them an opportunity to socialize. On average, approximately 60 seniors and volunteers attend the luncheons.
The Westport Lions, under the initiative of Lion Wayne Bent, decided to organize these luncheons in collaboration with Senior Support Services – Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Diner’s Club rather than simply donating to it. This way, the club’s money goes directly to the community.
Like most events, there are several people who work hard to make it happen. Many of the seniors appreciated the ride up to the clubhouse in a golf cart provided by Charlotte Thompson, chauffeured by Julian Bahmann and Harry Beckett. Lions Dan Lewis, Harry Beckett and Wayne Bent work the grill. While Lions Lori Crawford, Jeannette Harper and volunteers Erica and John MacIntyre prepare and serve the food.
For more information and to be eligible to attend these luncheons, a senior must contact Senior Support Services by calling 613-342-3693 or 1-800-465-7646 and speak with a Service Assistant: Marion Rice (ext. 2036). When a senior joins the Diner’s Club, they will receive confirmation calls from a volunteer or staff to confirm the date, time, menu and to register their attendance. Volunteer transportation may be arranged by telephoning the above number at no charge. For the other months of the year, the luncheons are located at the Free Methodist Church in Westport on the third Thursday of each month. (Senior Support Services – Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Dinners Club website)
On Saturday, July 11th, Lions Jim McGlade, Harry Beckett, Kris Henderson Klatt, Dorothy Maynard, Dale Lyons, Bob Reddick and volunteers Mike McIntyre and Julian Bahmann managed the entrance gates at the Athens Lions Farmersville Exhibition. It has been a long-standing tradition for the Westport Lions to help our neighbouring club on Saturday morning. Lion Jim McGlade estimates that the Westport club has been assisting at this event for 45 years.
Farmersville Exhibitions offer something for everyone, including tractor and truck pulls, live music, children’s amusements, chainsaw carving, vendors and crafters, and lots of antique tractors, trucks and equipment on display and even a demonstration of dancing tractors.