Some of the dedicated volunteers who managed the Lions’ Reuse & Recycle Centre. Photo credit: Bob Reddick
Westport Lions Roar
By Lion Bob Reddick
Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., is the last day you can shop at the Westport Lions Recycle & Reuse Centre this season. The R. & R. had another great year thanks to the generosity of the people who donated items, the shoppers who bought merchandise, and the hardworking, committed volunteers who worked every Fri. and Sat. during the summer months. A special thank you to Kevin and George Tackaberry for their support and for allowing the club to use their building rent-free.
At the club’s last Board of Directors meeting on Tues., Oct. 6, Lion Dorothy Maynard announced that all $10,000 Cash Draw tickets have been sold. Winners of the draw will be announced next week.
Lion Marty Hawkins updated the executive on the progress of this year’s Santa Claus parade on Nov. 28. Marty has already received requests from people who want to enter floats and has booked several bands. The parade’s theme is The Magic of a Westport Christmas. Given the financial pressures on Westport businesses, it was decided that on a Saturday in November, the membership would canvas shoppers for donations to alleviate the cost of the parade.
Lion Bob Reddick reported that there was an excellent turnout at Westport Senior Living Fall Fair. The event had a wide range of valuable information suitable for seniors, yoga and Pilates demonstrations and a movie about caring for loved ones with dementia. Lion Bob answered questions and provided information about the Lions’ Mobility Service, the Reuse & Recycle Centre, the collection of glasses and hearing aids and the club’s medical equipment loans service.
Lion Wayne Bent stated that the Disbursements Committee had recently met and had assessed requests for financial aid. The Board of Directors gave their input, and the membership will review and vote on the recommendations at the next general meeting on Oct. 14.
Wayne Bent informed the Board that 260 senior lunches were served during the four months of the summer. In addition, five meals on average were delivered to shut-ins at each luncheon.
Lion Wayne also reported that this past summer was a banner year for the beach, and he thanked all the volunteers who assisted in keeping the beach clean and looking great. He estimated that around 15 hours per week of volunteer time is necessary to maintain the beach and cut the grass. Also, another five hours per week of volunteer time is required to clean washrooms and take care of garbage.
Treasurer Craig Jackson told the Directors that he should have our new financial system fully functional within a month. This new system will give the membership instant financial information so the club can make more informed decisions about expenditures from the club’s various accounts.
In other business, motions were passed to buy a new auger for the snow blower and purchase snow tires for the MV1 van. Lion Bill Garland has obtained a substantial supply of candy for Halloween, courtesy of local and regional merchants.
The Board reviewed the membership application for Peter Johnson and approved his application. It was decided that the club would induct three new members on Nov. 11.