June 7, 2011
"June's Bustin' Out All Over" - or so it would seem given today's large attendance.(very few empty chairs) We had many visitors this very special day, they were: Joanne Johannes, Mike Zabiaka, Suzi Zabiaka, Kristin Kato, Dr. Collette Kato, Ida Fioretti, Debbie Pickar, Mike Pickar, and Dave Smith.
Holding all Club business until later, King Lion Al introduced HHS Principle Jamie Huizinga, who introduced our Students of the Month for May. The honorees are:
|
Brett Fioretti School Activities: Four years wrestling Favorite Subject: US History Community Activities: Works at Jack-in-the-Box, Volunteer wrestling assistant at the Middle School, and assists in the Little Grizzly wrestling program. Hobbies: Fixing things (especially his car), working out with friends, and playing Xbox. Future Plans: To join the US Army and become a Ranger. Perhaps college after his tour of military service. Brett is the son of Ida and Gary Fioretti
|
Morgan Pickar School Activities: Volleyball, Basketball, Fastpitch, Tennis, the school drama production "All Shook Up", Foodball, and Relay for Life. Favorite Subject: Global Issues Community Activities: Loggers' Playday committee, Loggers' Playday Queen, Kamp Kiwanis, and youth volleyball/basketball camp. Hobbies: Spending time with friends and family (especially her 2 year old Nephew) Future plans: Attend GH College to get an AA degree then transfer to a 4 yr University to get a degree in Education. Her goal is to become a first grade teacher. Morgan is the daughter of Debbie Pickar and the late Gary Pickar |
Earlier in this writing, I mentioned that today was special and it is. Today, for the first time ever, we are presenting our annual College Scholarships at a Club meeting rather than at Class Night at the school. The four recipients this year are:
|
(LtoR) Jolee Zabiaka, Kari Kato, Madison Smith (Eun Kim was missing) |
Academic
Madison Smith
Eun Kim
Academic (Science Discipline)
Kari Kato
Vocational
Jolee Zabiaka
Our Club congratulates all of the graduating Seniors and wishes then the very best in their future endeavors.
Upon completion of these honors, the students and their parents departed and we we returned to our normal Lions meeting. The only announcements made were: Lions Jones, Hegg, Rosi, VanderLinden, and Jerry Schaefer, together with their spouse / guests, attended the Clearwater/Klaloch Lions installation at Pacific Beach. They reported that the food was tasty however there were a few mix-ups in the program, however a good time was had by all........Larry Jones reported that he had a trailer lined up for fireworks.......Jerry Schaefer reminded us of our own Installation this coming Thursday and that 45 people were signed up. These reports concluded our meeting
Jerry Schaefer won the attendance pot.
June 9, 2011
Installation of Officers Dinner
Forty-seven people - including Lions, spouses, and guests - attended this evenings festivities. Guests included: DG Terry Sutfin and his wife Lion Helen, PDG Brien Patton and his wife Laura (to whom we owe thanks for the photos), ZC Norm Adams and his guest, and Richard and Ardith Brown (ex-Hoquiamites now living in Arizona).
DG Terry was the installing officer this evening and as always was very passionate - together with the right amount of humor - giving his charge to each officer. Following the installation proceedings, Lion Secretary Jerry made the following award presentations. Lion Roger Smith was presented with the Lion of the Year award....For his steadfast dedication to his Community and to Lionism, our Club honored Lion Rudy Spanich as a Melvin Jones Fellow. Lion Rudy accepted the award to a standing ovation.
This was, once again, and evening of good food and fellowship.
|
Hoquiam Lions Club Officer's 2011-12 |
|
Roger Smith Lion of the Year
|
Rudy Spanich Melvin Jones Fellow |
June 14, 2011
Having very few meetings remaining in his tenure as King Lion, Al's sounding of the bell seemed a tad more authoritive than usual ?, We had one visitor this day, Dixie Thompson. (Her lilting female voice was welcomed at the opening songs.)
Reports and Announcements: Al read a thank you note from a person for whom we are assisting in obtaining hearing aids.....On behalf on the Club, he thanked Jerry and Nola for their efforts in facilitating yet another fine Lions function (Installation Dinner).....Lion Seppo gave a brief report on the young people we sponsored at Camp Leo.....Lion Jerry announced the Central Park Lions installation night dinner. June 25, 2011 at the CP Lions Clubhouse starting at 5:30 PM.
|
Going to the program of the day, Lion Mel Thompson introduced a cute and very talented 20 year-old singer/songwriter from Quinault - Alex Mabey. Alex has been playing the guitar for many years and has been writing songs since she was 15. When she was 16, she attended a 30 day song writing camp in Nashville. When she was 17, she spent a month of service in Zambia. (Alex played for us an original song that she wrote depicting the Zambian way of life.) She is in her second year at WSU studying to become a teacher. She did take some time off to move to Nashville, TN to try to get into the music business. After a few months, she realized that this was not the life for her. Fame could mean compromising ones values and she wanted no part of that. She has written and recorded (local recording) several of her original songs. Alex is still an active performer and has been the opening act for several of the "big name" artists at the the D&R Theater concerts. (Wynona Judd, to mention one) Alex will steadfastly pursue her music and (if this writer is any judge of character and perseverance) become a great teacher.
|
|
Don Feine's name was drawn for the attendance pot.
June 21, 2011
The opening bell signaled the first Summer 2011 meeting of the Hoquiam Lions Club. (we all know what summer in Grays Harbor County means - the rain gets a bit warmer)
Announcements: We will get our first shipment of fireworks for this year's sales period very soon. Immediately after the next meeting - June 28 - we will set up the fireworks stand. (As many hands as we can muster are needed) The sign-up sheet for sales time slots made the round again today. Sadly there are many vacancies even though the sales period was shortened to accommodate fewer volunteers.....We got a commitment for us to use the vacated Washington School venue for our Salmon BBQ again this year. (whew - dodged another bullet)
Concluding the announcements, Chris Eide introduced Mike Parker, Superintendent of the Hoquiam School District.
Mike gave us a complete report on the progress of "phase one" of the recent capital levy target - Hoquiam Middle School. Most of the work at the school has been completed and has made a significant difference in the integrity, safety (including health issues), cost savings, and increased student pride in their school. All of the work performed was done by local contractors with exception of a few specialized jobs that were sub-contracted out. There will be a public "open for inspection" day scheduled for Thursday September 19. (if they serve cookies, I'm goin')
He then let us know what's coming up in "phase two" of the levy proceeds earmarks. Emerson School is to be the prime target, or as he stated, "We are going to jump into that sewer at Emerson." ( perhaps this writer heard it wrong - things aren't that bad) The district has a very robust repair project starting immediately that will - hopefully - solve all of the problems that have been created by lack of maintenance in the past.
Mike answered several questions and drew the name for the attendance pot. The name he chose was none other than his assistant Superintendent - Shannon Webster.
June 28, 2011
King Lion Al summoned the meeting to order for the last time as Lions President 2010-11. What a great year King Lion Al has had and what an asset he is to our Club. As the King Lion he maintained more decorum at the meetings than most of his predecessors and he certainly has documented our Lion activities more than any other past Presidents. 4.0 gpa for King Lion Al.
Announcements: Ling Kion Al reported that our Club had good representation at the Central Park Lions installation and a good time was had by all......Lion Pete Hegg announced that our Club will once again participate, together with Jack Shrauger, in the annual picnic lunch at the Westhaven Assisted Living facility. Those Lions who have been involved in this outing in the past have a warm feeling in their hearts for how appreciative these shut-ins are. To volunteer, call Pete Hegg 538-1626. "We Serve"
Having a program cancel out at the last minute, Lion Mel Thompson decided to open his closet once again to show us more of his collected "treasures". I say closet, as every time he shares his passion for collecting "stuff" with us, it reminds me of the old Fibber McGee & Molly show on radio. When Fibber opened his closet, tons of stuff came tumbling out.
The main items on his list today were books. Goofy titles, history, and the list goes on. The last time Mel gave us a presentation like today's, this writer asked him where he kept all of the items. Today my query was answered when said that he has a private storage unit. Once again, Mel has entertained us by sharing his memorabilia and "stuff".
Dee Johnson's name was drawn for the attendance pot. The money was there, but Dee was not.
NOTE
The Nozey Lion will be out of circulation until September 2011. The News Room and Circulation Department have to take their annual break. All announcements will be made by email, snail mail, telephone, personal contact, smoke signal, pony express, carrier pigeon, or ESP. Have a great summer!!!
