My Fellow Lions,

As I struggle to write this I can't help but find myself looking back over the years at all the events we have worked on together and ,more importantly, all the people in our community that WE have helped. I know it is kinda late but I would like to thank all the people who came out and helped make this years Winterfest a great success. Whether you sold tickets, dunked chickens or helped clean up at the end you deserve a pat on the back. I was surprised to see so many of our new members there to lend a hand, in a time when membership in many Clubs is declining our Club still keeps bringing them in. We must be doing something right!!

At the dinner meeting this Tuesday we will be joined by our District Governor who will swear in our Clubs new members, it is spouses night as well so bring your spouse, or come yourself, and come welcome our new members into the Club. The Leo Club will give an overview of what they have been up to this year and of course there will be a good meal. If you wish to come to the dinner meeting and you have not signed up yet please call Peg at the Johnson House to make your reservation.

To many people March is the start of spring, but it is something much more, it is time for the Lions/Leos Basketball Classic. Lion Marty and the Leo Club have again picked a worthy cause for the game and we are hoping that everyone comes out in support. We are looking for more Lions players (remember we are old and out of shape)to help split playing time, please contact Lion Marty if you wish to play. If you have a really tall neighbor we are giving special "Lion for a Day" membership cards that will make them eligible for the day.

As most of know may already know our Club has voted to "Adopt" a Unit from Fort Drum that is being shipped out to the Middle East. There is a meet and greet pizza party with them on Feb. 24th at Fort Drum. There may be some room left if you wish to go, please contact Lion John R. ASAP if you are interested. As a Club we will be collecting specified items and sending them overseas, Lion John will be provided a list of these items and will provide it to members of the Club.

The Country Fair season is starting and some of the details are already being worked on. The first official meeting of the year will be held at 8:30 this Saturday at The Churchville Family Restaurant. All Lions are invited to this breakfast meeting where we will discuss this years Fair as well as last years Fair and new ideas for the future.

Lion Bob Weitz will be running the meetings and will be the point of contact for this year's Fair Committee. I hope to see you all in the next several weeks whether it is at all of our events or only one.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lion President Bill Brunelle