By Jim and Phyllis Wilkins
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization. We have more than 1.35 million members in more than 46,000 clubs worldwide, with active men and women in more than 207 countries and geographic areas. Founded in 1917, Lions have a dynamic history and are best known for fighting blindness – it’s part of our history as well as our work today. Lions also volunteer for many different community projects – including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry, aiding seniors and the disabled. Local projects here have included the Lions Herren Amphitheater in Meade Park, aluminum can recycling, supporting the Arkansas Alzheimer Walk and the FFB Library summer reading program. By conducting vision screening, equipping hospitals and clinics, distributing medicine and raising awareness of eye diseases, the Lions give sight and work toward their mission of providing vision for all. Lions have extended their commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts, such as, the Lions World Service for the Blind, the Arkansas School for the Blind, and the Arkansas Lions Eye Bank and Laboratory, all located in Little Rock, AR. Our community projects, such as being the Charter Organization for the local Boy Scout program, support local children through scholarships, recreation and mentoring. Internationally, we offer many programs, including the Peace Poster Contest, Youth Camps and Exchange and Lions Quest. The Lions Club motto of “We Serve” is alive and well here in Fairfield Bay and around the globe.
At our next regular meeting on June 27, we will have installation of officers for the 2013 – 2014 year. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. Alice Chambers, Director of the Fairfield Bay Library, will talk about literacy programs at 6 p.m. Fairfield Bay Lions, please make a special effort to attend this meeting and welcome our incoming officers for next year. For information on becoming a Fairfield Bay Lion please contact our membership chair Lion, Mary Meadows, @ 884-6388 or drop by a meeting on the 2nd or 4th Thursday of each month. Pancake and sausage gravy biscuit breakfasts are held each Tuesday and Saturday morning from 7:30 til 10 a.m.
BINGO is held at the Lions Den on Dave Creek Parkway each Monday evening, with doors opening at 6:30 pm and the first game called at 7 pm. On Tuesday evening, the Lions Den is host to the Mark McCord musical show from 7 – 9 p.m. with tickets available at the door.