August 5, 2003

   King Lion Dean had some trouble with controlling our rowdy bunch today.  After instructing the Tail-Twister to fine a few of the disrupters, he gained some control. (a least as much control as this fun-loving group will allow)    We had no visitors today.

   Lion Jerry Erickson reported on the two hours that he, Lions Rich Brown, Pete Hegg and Gordon Lanning spent cleaning the 109 spur. He thanked all of these Lions for their help and dedication to service.....Lion Rich Brown gave the final figures on the fireworks sales. The Club's net profit was $3800. It appears that we made approximately $300 more than last year.....GOOD JOB!!!

   After much consideration and a close vote, Lion Joan Smiley was awarded last weeks attendance pot money. Her husband, Lion Bob, called his attorney and canceled the lawsuit.

   With no further business or announcements, we retired to the lobby of the Elks for our program.  Lion Dee Johnson and his wife Judy have spent 9-10 months per year for the past 9 years sailing their boat in the waters of Central America and for today's program Lion Dee told us their many adventures.
   The countries they explored are: Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Columbia, and their personal favorite...Panama. Dee told of adventures in each of the countries and today he presented an original Dee and Judy Johnson video of Panama. The video, a compilation of  the last 3 years in Panama, was awesome. From the breathtakingly beautiful videos, it's little wonder why Panama is their favorite country.
   Dee stated that this was their final year of sailing the waters of Central America and they are shipping their boat home in November. Dee is sailing the boat from the Atlantic side of the Panama Canal to Costa Rica on the Pacific side for shipment. There is little doubt in this writer's mind, that when Dee sails out of the Panama Canal for the last time and into the Pacific Ocean, his final gaze over the fantail will be a teary one.
  Dee and Judy have lived an adventure that most of us just dream about and  sharing their exploits with us today made it all the more special....Thanks Lion Dee for the great program.

   da Pot - It seems as though every time he misses a meeting, we draw his name. Today was no exception...Lion Roger...YOU LOSE!!

August 12, 2003

   With the kind permission of the rowdies on the North side, King Lion Dean called the meeting to order. We had no visitors, however we did have a lot of August birthdays. In random order, the birthday Lions are: Steve Mihovilich, Chris Eide, Jack Strom, Fred Kogin, Don Feine, Andy McDougall, Ed Rosi, Larry Jones, Ken Miller, and Teresa Nichols. They were serenaded (and fined) in true Hoquiam Lions fashion.

   After a story involving grandchildren from Lion Larry Jones and a recital of "Ode to a Golf Ball" by Lion Kogin, King Lion Dean called for committee reports...The tune of the fortnight was, "Thanks for the Memories" in honor of the late, great Bob Hope. Lion Ken Johnson was the winner of the gift certificate. Sadly KJ was away and didn't get his freebie.....Lion Pete Hegg reported on the status of the concession committee for Logger's Play Day. His report was short and to the point--HELP!!.....Lion Ed Wayman reported that everything was going fairly well for the Barbecue and as of this date, the cost will remain the same as last year. This could change He also echoed Lion Pete's plea for---HELP!!. Lions, this our largest, single day event and it is  necessary that every available Lion "pitch in" and help. If you can recruit friends and relatives to give us a hand, it would certainly be appreciated......Lion Sam Coleman turned in $66 from mint sales and also 28 pairs of eyeglasses. (Way to go Sam).....Rain Derby Tickets will be out by the end of the week, so shine up your "selling boots" and get ready.

   Lion Rich Brown reported that the program that was scheduled for today, cancelled at the last minute. Rich called his friend Leroy Foster from the City of Hoquiam Water Department to provide us with a program.  In his introduction of Leroy, Rich told us of a couple pranks that Leroy had played on him. One time Leroy placed a "House For Sale" sign in Rich's yard and another time he put a sign on Rich's travel trailer suggesting that people should look at Rich's...whoops, better not go there as this is a family publication. (Did I mention "friend" earlier?)
   Leroy's topic for today was....The Federal Government mandated, State Government adopted, and City of Hoquiam implemented, fresh water back flow  prevention program. The program is designed to prevent contaminated fresh water from sprinkler systems, hot water heating systems.etc, from siphoning back into the drinking water system in case of a low water-pressure event.
  His talk was both interesting and very informative. After answering many questions, Leroy drew the capsule for the attendance pot.

da Pot - It seems that Lion Pete Hegg wins the attendance pot rather frequently. If this trend continues, the Club will be forced to give him a W-2 at the end of the year????

August 19, 2003

   Ist VP Lion Chris Eide was at the helm today. Attendance was not as good as it could have been, however given the gorgeous weather, it was not that bad.  We were honored today with a visit from several member's "soul mates". This bevy of beauties included: Nola Duvall, Donna Strom, Diane Kogin, Sally Hegg, and Sharon Smith.  In their honor, Lion Harold lead us in a couple of dreamy melodies ??????

   With Logger's Playday looming on the horizon, signaling the busiest time of the year for our Club, there were several committee reports.
Concessions - Lion Pete Hegg reported his committee was forming up nicely so far, however as in the past, some folks choose not to fulfill their obligation at the last moment. When this happens, Lion Pete really has to scamper around to fill these vacancies.  "Crunch time will be in about a week", Pete remarked.....Barbecue - Lion Ed Wayman's report echoed what Lion Pete reported.  He says that his committee is looking good so far. To take some of the pressure off the members, Ed has hired s few high school students to do some of the clean-up work. Again, we still have two weeks before we must perform our duties and a lot of things can happen, so be prepared and volunteer to help!!!....Playday Buttons - Arguably the most important committee we have standing, as the Logger's Playday people have allowed us the concession and barbecue rights in exchange for our Club being responsible for selling LP buttons. Lion Bill Foster stated that he has a lot of spots to fill for proper button sales coverage. He passed a sign-up sheet around with a plea for help. Give Lion Bill a call and volunteer at least a couple of hours for this very important Club obligation.....Rain Derby - Lion Roger Smith, Chairman of the 57th Annual Hoquiam Lions Rain Derby, rose to the floor and announced, "Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines."  By distributing the tickets, Roger has dropped the green flag and the race is underway. (where did that car racing metaphor come from???)  Oh well, suffice to say we have kicked off the selling season for Rain Derby tickets. An early report, which will come to a surprise to no one, shows that the "Lions Smiley" have already turned in $100 in ticket sales. Sadly, most of our members don't sell $100 worth of tickets in two years. Let's change that this year and give the Smiley's a run for their money.
[ editors note: Our Club's projects on Logger's Playday generate the majority of our yearly budget. It has always saddened me that don't have a 100% membership participation on this ONE day each year. ]

   Immediate Past President Roger came to the podium and explained that due to work commitments, the Lion that we are honoring today was unable to be present at the Installation of Officers dinner.. He stated that by an overwhelming majority vote, this Lion was chosen as our "Lion of the Year".  For service to his Club and his community, the honor goes to : Lion Mike Lytle.

da Pot - Lion George (I don't know the way to the meeting) Power's name was drawn.

August 26, 2003

   After the opening ceremony today, King Lion Dean immediately lost control.  As so often happens, when we see that there is no program, we are prone to be a tad more pesky than normal. Oh well, it has worked for over 60 years so why stop now.

   Lion Joan Smiley reported that Lion JoAnn Frazer had surgery on her knee recently and is doing well. We wish her a speedy recovery.

   Crunch Time - It's hard to believe, but Logger's Playday is again upon us. Given the number of projects in which our Club is involved makes this the largest "LION-labor intensive" day of the year. The chairmen (Lion Pete Hegg - concessions, Lion Ed Wayman - salmon barbecue, and Lion Bill Foster - button sales) need and will welcome any and all volunteers. Each Lion in our Club should be able to dedicate some part of this one day to help out.  .....Contact : Lion Pete  538-1626 / Lion Ed 533-3982 / Lion Bill 532-1073 and volunteer.
   The potato(e) scrub will be at Lion Helge's playhouse on Thursday, September 4th at 6:00 PM.... Mark your calendars!!!

   The tune of the fortnight was: Danny Boy.  Eight Hoquiam Lions and one ex-Hoquiam Lion (a Past President), Eldon Anderson, responded. Lion Ken Miller's name was drawn as the winner. Alas, Kenny was not here today. Oh well, 'tis better to have guessed and lost, than not to have guessed...I guess??

   King Lion Dean called for our usual song at the close of the meeting rather than at the opening. It has been noted that many Lions come to the meeting  just for the singing and leave shortly after. By having the music at the close, everyone stays until the meeting adjourns....Yeah, Right!!!

   da Pot - Lion Jean Carl's name was drawn for the attendance pot today.

  

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