April 6, 2010
With the very capable 1st VP Lion Al Bruun at the helm today, we sailed into yet another month in the history of the Hoquiam Lions Club. (Please excuse the nautical metaphors. My defense being that I am one of the "ancient mariners" in our Club and Lion King Neptune made me say it?) The first order of business this day was to recognize and honor the April birthday Lions. They are: Roger "You can run but you can't hide" Smith and Ed "The eyes have it" Wayman. Roger paid his fine without a whimper. We will have to hunt Ed Wayman down and mug him for his fine?
Once again we briefly discussed the paper drop problem and was reported that the solution will be forthcoming?? Lion Secty Jerry gave a report on the recent Zone Meeting that he and Lion Jack Strom attended. He made the following announcements regarding upcoming events: ..*.. Closely beating out all in our Club who were in the running for Zone Chairman, Lion Norm Adams from the Central Park Lions Club was chosen. (Maybe next year?)...*..The MD Spring Conference will be held May 13-15 at the Red Lion motel in Olympia. The Conference being so close to home allows many more from our Club to participate at least for one day...*...The Clearwater/Klahloch Lions Charter Party is scheduled for June 5 at the Navy Resort center at Pacific Beach...*...The Aberdeen Lions Club Charter Party is scheduled for June 21 (location TBA)...*...Clearwater Lions Club's annual salmon barbecue scheduled for July 17.
Lion Jerry McFeely introduced our program for this day - Jason Lake.
Jason is a counselor and business representative for WorkSource Grays Harbor. In this capacity, he counsels unemployment recipients and general job seekers on how to find employment. Further, he assists businesses in locating and screening qualified candidates for any job openings they may have.
He reiterated the national unemployment numbers - that bombard us daily in the
media - and compared them to our local
situation. Our Statewide unemployment percentage is 9.5%. However in this County
the figure approaches 15%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that are 5 job
seekers for every 1 job opening. He says that this is the highest number since
they began tracking in 1990. There was some job growth in March with about half
the increased number being part time US Census workers.
As of this date their are 4900 people on unemployment insurance in our County. Sadly about 2000 of them will exhaust their benefits within the next two months and be without any income. Add these folks to the ones who have already exhausted their benefits (and are no longer a valid statistic) and the picture is grim.
Jason gave us the "sulpher" and now suggests their may be some "molasses". Jason, together with another dedicated State employee - Mimi Reeves - are organizing Project H.E.L.P. (Harbor Emergency Lead Partnership) As we in Grays Harbor have always been known for our resilience, it is hoped that a meeting with Business and Community leaders will help minimize the impact on our Community. To this end, they are asking Community leaders, fraternal organizations, service clubs, and employers to attend the "town hall community forum". A group planning session is scheduled for April 16 at Grays Harbor College with the "town hall forum" tentatively set for mid-May.
Jason's very informed - and passionate - presentation was to the point and very thought provoking.
[ Those interested please contact: Jason Lake 538-6575 or Mimi Reeves 538-2347]
Dave Wayman's name was drawn for the attendance pot.
April 13, 2010
1st VP Al Bruun opened a "not much happening" meeting on time and under budget. The upcoming White Cane Days weekend was the only announcement. The work assignment for this fund-raiser will be forthcoming. Having no other business we proceeded to the Students of the Month. As the high school had a conflict last month, we had a "two fer" today.
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The February male Student of the Month is Ryan Gibson. He is the son of Chuck and Debbie Gibson He has been a member of the Varsity Baseball and Football teams and has been involved in National Honor Society. In a show of school spirit, Ryan participated in the stunt team assisting the cheerleaders He has been a camp counselor at Kamp Kiwanis and also a YMCA Youth Baseball coach. Ryan's favorite subject is History and his hobbies include tennis, swimming, ping-pong, and golf. He plans to attend Linfield College in McMinnville Oregon and major in Chemistry. Upon completion of his BS degree, he will transfer to UW to attend Pharmacy school. He will play baseball for Linfield as well. |
The February female Student of the Month is Jessica Barrie. She is the daughter of Erika and Krieg Barrie. Jessica, in addition to her high school studies, is attending GHC in the Running Start program. She has been a member of the National Honor Society, Forensics Science Club, a member of the ASB, Foodball, and Relay for Life team. Her favorite subject is Spanish. Jessica has served as a Bible Camp Counselor and has also helped with a Soccer camp for kids. Her hobbies include playing soccer, going on long walks, having dinner with her grandmother, and hanging out with her friends. Jessica plans to attend GHC to become a Registered nurse, the to transfer to PLU to specialize as a Family Nurse Practioner with a minor in Psychology. |
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The March female Student of the Month is Brianna Purdy. She is the daughter of Bryan Purdy. She has been a member of the Honor Society, Knowledge Bowl, Band, Jazz Band, Tennis team, Swimming team, Drama club, and Drum Major. Her favorite subjects are Band and Jazz Band. Her Community activities include Foodball, YMCA, and Camp Bishop volunteer. Tennis and Swimming are her hobbies. Jessica plans to attend WSU to study International; Relations or International business. She would like to be a member of a jazz band or ensemble while at WSU. |
The March male Student of the Month is Brady Dier. He is the son of Davis and Pamela Dier. Brady, in addition to his high school studies, is enrolled at GHC in the Running Star program. At HHS he is involved with band as Drum Major and Lead trumpet. He is also Captain and lead trumpet of the jazz band. His favorite subject is Literary Theory (Running Start program). He has been active in the 7th Street Kids program, and likes to spend his spare time reading and playing trumpet. He plans to get a Bachelors degree at WSU, and attend graduate school elsewhere.
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Lion Jerry McFeely introduced our speaker for this day - Keely Frost.
Keely is a licensed educator/teacher involved with a
program named "Community Opportunities for Parenting Education ( C.O.P.E ) ".
The program began in 1991 through combined efforts of several Grays Harbor
County agencies. The program - located at Harbor High School - has grown into a
major service provider for teen parents.
Adolescent parents often experience difficulty in completing their education, finding employment, and maintaining a stable living environment. COPE reaches our to teen parents and their children by involving them in opportunities to take positive control over their lives. At COPE these young parents are provided with an environment of respect and a chance to develop their strengths and move toward independence. Two of the services available are: Snug Harbor Child Care and Early Learning Center, and Parent and child development classes.
Instructors and family service specialists available to the young parents to guide them through an education plan and assist them with family and career goals.
Mark Maxfield's name was drawn for the attendance pot.
April 20, 2010
( Lion Dr Paul Prichard reporting )
Lion 1st V. P. Al Bruun presided. Three guests were present. They were Bonnie and Mel Williamson, both Past Zone Chairs and Jeannette Bruun. Lion Pete VanderLinden is reported at home with a leg malady. Get well quickly Pete!
White Cane days are May 7th and 8th. There are some slots still open so sign up with Lion Paul Dean.
Lion Pete Hegg submitted the nominating committee report. It passed the first reading. The nominees are:
President - Al Bruun * 1stVP - Roger Smith * 2nd VP - Jerry McFeely * 3rd VP - Chris Eide
Secretary - Jerry Schaefer * Treasurer - Jack Strom * Tail twister - Ed Rosi * Lion Tamer - Pete Hegg
Directors (1 yr ) - Steve Mihovilich / Fred Kogin * Directors ( 2 yr) - Gordon Lanning / Mel Thompson
Immediate Past President - Ken Johnson
Bonnie Williamson announced that the Lions Health Screening Trailer has been replaced with a new up-to-date one. A new tractor has been donated to pull it. Total cost is about $250,000. Way to go Lions.......Mel Williamson spoke on his favorite project, namely the Lions Club International Youth Exchange program. Informative brochures were passed out. Those interested further may check the website http://www.LionsYouthExchange.org
The pot was drawn for Paula Dean—she was not present.
April 27, 2010
The final meeting for April 2010 was our usual (and now becoming quite informative) business meeting. First, I must apologize for my outburst at the meeting. For those not in attendance, my "ranting" pertained to how our Students of the Month were honored, and why parents and grandparents are not informed prior to the meeting. I made a futile effort to correct this situation during my last term as President. (Evidently HHS is going to do the presentation their way - PERIOD)
The Club - subsequent to a unanimous vote - pledged $100 to the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes" event for the Community Action's Beyond Survival program. This is a program to advocate for and assist women (and children ) in Grays Harbor County who have been sexually and physically abused. The leader of the walk - Ron Schmidt, Co-Manager of WorkSource Grays Harbor - will be dressed as a women (albeit an ugly women) and "strut his stuff" at the head of the procession. There will be many men who will make this walk in ladies shoes however none will be as resplendent as Ron in his "Helga" persona.
The sign-up sheet for White Cane assignments was circulated once more and there are several time slots that need filling. Let's get off our collective "duffs" and fill the empty spots!
Several other not so pressing issues were discussed and will be revisited in the future.
Jerry McFeely won the attendance pot - again?
