By Jim & Phyllis Wilkins
One of the corner stone programs of Lions Clubs around the nation and the world is supporting youth. Over the last 30 years, more than 13 million young people in 90 countries have benefited through Lions Quest, our youth development program for kindergarten through 12th grade. Locally the Fairfield Bay Lions Club has been the charter organization for Boy Scout Troop 401 and the Cub Scouts and supported these local youth with both personal involvement and financial aid. Arkansas Lions have also been strong supporters of the Arkansas School for the Blind, World Services for the Blind and the summer camp for the blind and visually challenged. Our involvement with youth programs is one reason we are happy to have Matt Cleveland, Chief Development Officer for the Arkansas Sheriffs Youth Ranch as our speaker on Thursday, February 12th. The motto of the ranch “It is better to build a child than repair an adult” and has been the Ranch’s belief since its creation in 1976. Located in nearby Batesville, “The Ranch provides a health home environment filled with emotional support to help each child trust those around them and cope with their emotions, all the while learning responsibility and building self confidence. — More than 1200 boys and girls have experienced life at the Ranch and for those and many in the future, the Ranch will always be a place to call home.” (www.youthranches.com). So please feel welcome to come and join us for our 1st regular meeting of the year and to learn more about the Arkansas Sheriffs Youth Ranch on Thursday, Feb 12.
The Fairfield Bay Lions Club meets the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month with dinner served at 5:30 p.m. with a short meeting followed by our guest speaker. If you would like to dine with us please contact Lion Jean Hooper @ 884-3202. BINGO will resume on Tuesday March 3rd with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the first game called at 6 p.m.