Meetings

 

Lions Partner with RCMP to continue Children's Fingerprint Programme

February 9, 2012            

Lion Shirley and Constable Rowal visited Mrs Willigar's class of 5 and 6 yr olds recently to continue the programme of fingerprinting the children of the Parrsboro Area.   The children of course took it all very seriously, as well they should as this is another safety service provided by the Lions.

Lion Shirley, Const Rowal and the children of Mrs Willigar's class

To learn more about this programme offered by the Lions see our Projects page.

 

 

Lions Speak Out to be Held February 16th                        February 6, 2012

This year the the Lions Speakout Program wil be held on Thursday, February 16th, 2012 at the Parrsboro Lions Den at 5:30 PM.  So far there are four contestants who have entered the program, which is intended to help young people learn the skill of being able to speak to audiences.

Come out and support these young people as they take on a challenge that will benefit themselves, and ultimately their community into the future.

  • There are 4 levels of competition with certificates and cash prizes awarded at each level.  First level in Parrsboro, Second and Third levels in Amherst,  and Fourth will be held in Antigonish. (Expenses paid for travelling)

Dinner Meeting well attended                                                                 January 20, 2012

The January dinner meeting was extremely well attended as word went out about the amazing gravy that accompanied the roast beef.  

We were fortunate that Angie Lohness, Service Centre Coordinator and Bev Cooke of the Canadian Red Cross attended and made an interesting presentation on the services that the Red Cross provides in time of need, and talked to us about the need for local volunteers in our area.

It was made clear that the degree of involvement would be at our own discretion, and that not just Lions are invited to apply.   We very much appreciate them taking the time to visit from Amherst and pass on this important and interesting information.

 

 

 

 Parrsboro Lions Club meeting King Lion Frank Hartman presents Lion Jerry Boutilier with pins for bringing in 3 new members 2010-2011 and for more than 5 new members in total

 

Leos Serve..... cookies                                  December 12, 2011

 
A local youth group has for the second straight year made Christmas a little brighter, and sweeter, for the residents at South Cumberland Community Care Centre.

The Parrsboro Leo Club gathered at the Lions Den on Dec. 20 to make cookies, which they then delivered to the residents.

"It's kind of an annual thing, at this point," said Lion Cheryl Johnson, supervisor of the Leo club. "The Leos enjoy... doing it, getting together and listening to the music."

Wanting to give back to the community in some way, and knowing the care centre is always looking for volunteers and visitors, the idea came together after the Leo club was formed last year, she explained.

Fifteen of the Leo club members, along with a couple visitors, took part in the afternoon activity, and had a nice visit with the residents, according to Johnson.

"The residents are always so pleased with even a card," she said. "It's so nice to see the kids really amazed at how thankful they were for something so small. They were really grateful they were there."
 
Leos show off the assembled cookies ready for delivery.
"LEOS Serve"

Wasn't that a Party?                                       December 6, 2011

The Lions kicked off their Christmas festivities with dinner and a dance.    Starting at the Glooscap where we were served a fabulous meal, the party then moved up to the Lions Den where Rob and Pattie provided an evening of tremendous music and entertainment.    The annual gift exchange elicited numerous humorous reactions and added to the overall merriment of the night.     A great evening of fun and fellowship for all Lions in attendance.

Parrsboro Lions gather at the Glooscap Restaurant for their annual Christmas dinner

Photograph by Lion Lawrence Nicoll

                     

King Lion Frank sends all assembled Christmas greetings

Our very own Christmas elf!

And then the party repaired to the Lions Den..........

        

Rob and Pattie perform some great music                      While the group simply enjoys the music

Old Home Week Queen Kimberly and King Lion Frank shared the duties of the gift exchange

                       

Adding the the fun was a surprise appearance by Kenny/Dolly!!

aka Lion Shirley....what a hoot and thank you!!

and the party carried on into the night.

Thank you to all who attended, we hope you all enjoyed yourselves and have a very Merry Christmas

Wasn't that a party!!!!

Old Home Week Queen

Represents Lions at Tree Lighting

                                                                           November 26,2011

Old Home Week Queen Kimberley MacMillan was present yesterday evening at the annual Tree Lighting, helping lead the children in singing a song and assisting the winner of the draw Avery in lighting up Parrsboro for the Christmas season.  

  

Queen Kimberley greets the gathered crowd, leads the children in a song and asists light up the town.

 

New Lion Joins                                                                    November 19, 2011

At the November 17 dinner meeting the club was pleased to welcome new Lion Alexander Lich to the club.  Sponsored into the club by Lion Lyle, Alexander is a new resident of Parrsboro who has chosen to contribute to his new community through Lionism.

New Lion Alexander lights his candle, adding to the communcal light of Lionism in Parrsboro

Of course new Lion Alexander is a bit less impressed at receiving his badge of office as the new"Baby Lion" from past Baby Lion Crystal.   All in good fun and definitely in the spirit of Lionism

And in the true spirit of Lionism, at the same meeting Lion Ralph was presented with a pin identifying him as one of the two 'mentors'  for the new Springhill Lions Club.   This is a two year commitment to the new club and represents a significant commitment of time and energy by Lion Ralph.   Congratulations and thanks are very much in order for this contribution to Lionism.

Lion Ralph receiving his pin from King Lion Frank

 

 

Remembrance Day: 2011

Parrsboro, along with the rest of the nation, paused at the 11th hour, of the 11th month of this the 11th year of the new century, to remember with honour those who have fallen in defence our freedoms.     A large gathering took place at the Legion, recognizing that the inclement weather would preclude many of our local veterans from attending this day which is so important to them and to us.

Lion Hughie lays a wreath at the Remembrance Day ceremony on behalf of the Parrsboro Lions Club

Photograph by L Nicoll

 

Parrsboro Lions Receive Patch                                 November 8, 2011

The Parrsboro Lions Club received a special 'patch' to note their actions in sponsoring the new Springhill LIons Club.   King Lion Frank and several others were instrumental in assisting this newest Lions Club get off the ground in fine fashion, with an enthusiastic membership drive and memorable First Charter Night.

King Lion Frank Hartman shows off special patch presented to the Parrsboro Lions Club in  commemoration of the efforts to assist Springhill Lions Club in their inaugural organization.

 

Elmer Ling Celebrates 93rd Birthday                         October 28, 2011

Parrsboro Lions want to wish Elmer all the best on this his 93rd birthday.   While Elmer is recuperating in Springhill Hospital, several Lions gathered in the hospital common room to help him celebrate this momentous occasion.   Presentations were made on behalf of the Prime MInister and of course there was a cake to aid the festivities along.

All the best Elmer, Happy Birthday and get well soon and back to supporting Lionism in Parrsboro.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

I pledge allegiance to my country and to the cause of peace throughout the world.  I believe in the principles of Lionism as contained in the “Lions Code of Ethics”.  I am proud to be a Lion, dedicated to the service of others.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

At Home for Elmer Ling Postponed             October 20, 2011

It is with regret that we announce that the celebration planned for Elmer on October 28th has been postponed.   It would just not be the same if Elmer weren't there, so we will wait his recovery from this temporary setback and reschedule at a later date.   In the meantime keep Elmer in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery.

 

Arena Opening Delayed

While we are postponing things, unfortunately the opening of the Arena has been delayed until October 24th.  Warmer than expected temperatures are affecting the ice making and the extra three days is needed to ensure a safe surface on opening day.   Apologies to all who were holding their breath.   Take a deep breath now...

 

Lions Paint Ice at Arena                                October 19, 2011

Something probably no one ever thinks about...where do the blue lines, red lines..., circles and especially the centre ice logo come from? How do they get into the ice.

Well the secret is out...they are hand painted by your local Lions assisted by a couple of incredibly talented volunteers.     So next time you glide over them, you know.
Lions "We Serve"

 

Ice Set to go in at Arena                                              October 7, 2011

 

          

Now our icemaker is not as old as this one, or as small as that one, but it IS ready to swing into action on October 11th.    Ice-making at the Arena will commence on that date and it is anticipated that the Arena will be open for the application of cold steel by October 21st.    Again, well done and thank you to the Arena Committee.   None of this would be possible without your dedication and hard work.

 

 

Major Upgrades Completed at Lions Arena                September 26, 2011

The Lions Arena has been upgraded in several locations, most of which will be unseen by the public.  Similar to painting a ceiling, noone will walk in and be amazed by the changes, as most of them will be not obvious.   However, these upgrades represent a major investment in the Arena and are the result of signifiant efforts by the Club, and particularly the Arena Committee.

A heat recovery system, new low emissivity ceiling insulation, energy efficient lighting, and an upgrade to the sprinkler system have all been now completed.    Total cost?  In the neighbourhood of $80,000.

These amazing results were achieved as a result of participation in The Ice Rink Energy Programme and through NS Power's energy reduction programme.   The old lighting was replaced with low consumption fluorescent fixtures which reduce the heat burden in the building yet provide better illumination.   The club will be responsible for 20% of the cost of this upgrade, and will be paying it over the next two years as part of the bi-montly power bill:  basically a no interest loan.

      

Old lights removed, and new lights installed.

The entire ceiling has now been fitted with a low emissivity insulation which will reduce heat absorption by the roof by 28%, a significant saving when one considers that heat absorption into a chilled arena is considered basically...a not good thing.   Partnered with Efficiency Nova Scotia this system is valued in excess of $33,000 and will significantly reduce oil consumption and reduce the carbon footprint of the building.

The new insulated ceiling, which apparently improves the acoustics of the building as well

In conjunction with the ceiling work, a heat recovery system was installed part of which includes two large water tanks.   Once again in partnership with NS Efficiency this system comes in at an approximate cost of $34,000 with the Lions responsible for 20% of the cost.

Installation equipment moving out on completion of the renovations

Lions Jerry Boutilier and Ralph DeVille discuss details with Project Manager Derek Hawes

Two new water tanks as part of the heat recovery system

As if that was not enough however, the entire sprinkler system was replaced.   It was identified as being past its safe age and was replaced with an advanced galvanized system which is predicted to last significantly longer than a conventional system, even if at a higher initial cost.

The entire Arena Committee is to be congratulated for doing the research and paperwork which has permitted the club to make all these significant changes to the community Lions Arena.

 

 

A Personal Message from King Lion Frank Hartman            September 18, 2011

Fellow Lions


Congratulations to the Parrsboro Lions Club. This weekend at the Fall Cabinet Meeting in Liverpool our club won the Membership Growth Award and won the Most Improved Club out of 69 clubs.

It's Great To Be A Lion!!!!!

Thanks to each and every member; new lions and veteran lions; we are a family who serves our community and world because we care.


KL Frank

 

Parrsboro Lions Club Receives Provincial Recognition      September 18, 2011

Congratulations to the Parrsboro Lions Club. This weekend at the Fall Cabinet Meeting in Liverpool our club won the Membership Growth Award and won the Most Improved Club out of 69 clubs.

It's Great To Be A Lion!

What King Lion neglected to mention in his email to the membership was that he was awarded 2nd Runner Up as Best President in the Province.    It is great to see this recognition of his efforts which have resulted in the other two awards for the club.

 Membership Growth Trophy awarded to Parrsboro Lions Club 2011   

      If you read carefully you will note that this trophy was originally donated by PDG Elmer Ling

King Lion Frank Hartman receives the Most Improved Club Award at the Fall Cabinet meeting

King Lion Frank Hartman receives 2nd Runner up Trophy as Best Lions President in Nova Scotia

(We however beg to differ)

 

Lions Help Bay of Fundy Coverage        September 15, 2011

While it seems the entire Town of Parrsboro turned out for CTV's early morning coverage of the push to make the Bay of Fundy one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Lions were there as well.   Assisting in parking control from the initial moments and helping safeguard attendees just prior to the lift off of the helicopter at the end of the event.

Once again, "We Serve"

 

Leadership and Dedication Recognized       September 15, 2011

Pictured below is KL Frank Hartman presenting Lion Cheryl Johnson with the Leo Club Advisor Service Award for leadership in mentoring, educating and overseeing the new Parrsboro Leo Club.

Congratulations and well done Cheryl for taking on this project to benefit the youth of our community.

 

Lions Aid for Sight and Hearing              September 15, 2011

     

One of the most effective ways Lions help people with hearing loss or impairment is through our hearing aid recycling program. Lions recycle thousands of hearing aids a year that enhance the lives of adults and children worldwide.

For nearly 100 years, our members have worked on projects aimed at preventing blindness, restoring eyesight and improving eye care for hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

Your local Lions are now collecting used glasses and hearing aids in support of these efforts.  You can leave your old glasses and hearing aids, even non functional ones, at the Co-op and Pharmasave and help this effort to improve life for thousands around the world.

Your used stamps can also be placed in these same boxes.   Please leave a small border around each stamp.

With our heartfelt thanks.

Look for these collection boxes for your contributions

 

Parrsboro Lions Grow Again                           September 8, 2011

On Sept. 8 Four new members were sworn in at  Parrsboro Lions Club.   Lions goal to help in our community and the world continues to induce new members to help the good work all Lions love to do.

Left to right are new Lions:   Lion Charlene Lake , Lion Crystal Melanson, Lion Troy Melanson and Lion Greg Mathews

Overseeing the ceremony are Lion Ralph Deville and King Lion Frank Hartman

 

Lions Help Local Youth Development Programme    August 15, 2011

Every Monday and Wednesday, at the Lions Den/Arena there is an open programme for children up to Grade 12 held.   The programme is being conducted by Amanda Brown under the auspices of the Heartwood Centre for Community Youth.  

HeartWood Centre for Community Youth Development is a registered charitable organization who’s mission is youth engagement for positive community change. They work with youth to develop their skills and confidence as community leaders. They also train and coach adults to meaningfully engage youth.

Their Youth Development and Leadership Programs provide experiential learning experiences for youth to develop their personal leadership qualities through teamwork, community participation, outdoor adventure, and helping others. These programs are focused regionally in Nova Scotia, and provide them with the direct relationships with young people to continue to enhance our understanding on how to best serve them.

It is under this programme that this Children's Activity Programme is being offered here in Parrsboro. 

Supported by Maggies Place with a small fund for equipment, snacks and other materials, the Lions support this programme by providing the Den/Arena free of charge.

This has to be the best kept secret in town and deserves our support, and deserves to be widely advertised.  They are hoping to plan a 'big' trip to a water park or perhaps Magic Mountain toward the end of the summer.   In the meantime, this coming Sunday Amanda will be holding a Fun Day for all who show up. 

To find out more about HeartWood follow the link.   To participate, simply show up.  No registration. No charge.  Just what is readily apparent is that all who have come out so far this summer, have had a ball!!

http://www.heartwood.ns.ca/

Amanda Brown, more or less cheerfully accepting her fate as 'team leader' of the losing team in one of the water games played in the parking lot at the Lions Arena

  

Some of the participants in the children activity programme sponsored by HeartWood and aided by the Lions and Maggies Place

 

Lions, Leos and families Picnic    August 13, 3011

Absolutely perfect weather arrived just in time for the First Annual Lions and Leos Family Day Picnic.   King Lion Frank and his small committee put together a fun afternoon for all who attended, although we did decide to forgo the sack races in favour of another hamburger.

  

Lions, Leos, friends and family gather in the brilliant sunshine and gentle breeze for an enjoyable afternoon.

  

While some set up the volleyball net, others got right into some spirited competition with a washer toss

Considerable enthusiasm was demonstrated as a pickup volleyball game started

Although in some instances there was a difficulty in deciding which way to 'volley' the ball

At the same time a succession of volunteers ended up in the outdoor canteen handling cooking and set up for serving honours

Eventually the volleyball got organized enough to actually need line judges

    

Of course it could not be a proper Lions event without the Lions feasting!   And what can taste better than dining in the outdoors with friends and family?

   

Even food did not deflect the attentions of the dedicated 'washer tossers'.    And OHW Queen Kimberly showed all how form when delivering a toss is all important.

Overall the afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by all.   It was a terrific way to thank all Lions and Leos, and of course their long suffering and understanding families, for all the time, effort and dedication to putting on the 64th annual Old Home Week.   It was a pleasure to be able to just get together and enjoy each others' company without having to plan, discuss, plot, scheme or worry about what needed to be done next.  

A hearty thank you and well done to the committee who put this together, as well as thanks to Tissy Boliver from the Town Recreation Department for assisting with the loan of some equipment.

Looking forward to next years picnic already.

 

Old Home Week Queen visits FPW Fireman's Field Day     August 6, 2011

Parrsboro's new Old Home Week Queen started in on her official 'duties' representing our community and the Lions with a visit to the FPW Fireman's Field Day on Saturday 6 August.   Kimberly MacMillan attended the festivities and along with King Lion Frank participated in the parade to the grounds.  

OHW Queen Kimberly MacMillan and King Lion Frank during the FPW Fireman's Parade

 

Lions Continue to Grow

Three members of the community joined the Lions at the last meeting, held on 4 August at the Lions Den.    Sharlene Lake, Troy and Crystal Melanson had all expressed interest in joining the Lions and we are pleased to welcome them all to the quietest, hardest working group in the County.

At the same time King Lion Frank announced that the Parrsboro Lions Club would be assisting a group of 20 interested people in Springhill in the start up of a Lions Club for that community.   A meeting in Springhill will be arranged in the near future with Lion Peter Jeffrey,  Coordinator of the Global Membership Team and those who wish to start their own club for the town of Springhill.

(Latest update:  there are now 27 expressing interest in forming a Lions Club in Springhill)

 

 

Our Sponsored Child

Many may not realize but Your Parrsboro Lions meet their international commitments in a very personal way.    We sponsor an 11 year old boy in Paga, Indonesia under the auspices of Plan Indonesia.   This group concentrates its efforts on providing health, nutrition and education assistance to the children of Indonesia.    Devasted by an earthquake and tsunami in 2004, the region does not have the economic resources to care adequately for its population of children with most FAMILIES subsisting on less than $2 US a day!!!

We are proud and pleased to be able to be part of this effort to help Yoseph Kota and his family.   Yoseph goes to elementary school (which is a 45 minute trip each way each day) and has just recovered from influenza.    Medical facilities are also 45 minutes away.    A new baby brother has been born to the family so adequate medical care is one of the paramount concerns.

The children sponsored under this programme participate actively in assisting their country recover and progress.  They recently participated in a reforestation effort which it is hoped will help restore some of the large tracts of plant cover which was destroyed 7 years ago.

Yoseph Kota, 11, Paga Indonesia

"We Serve"

Parrsboro Old Home Week

July 19, 2011    Well that was the week that was!  

A terrific week to help celebrate our past, and our town's birthday, and the promise for the future!    The 64th Annual Old Home Week went off, not without a  hitch 'cos it just wouldn't be right if it did, but with the addition of a couple of new 'events', and a refinement of what has gone on in the past, good crowds turned out for every occasion and everyone celebrated and simply enjoyed themselves.   

A sincere well done to all Lions who contributed to the success of the week.  This was truly a Lions event and is the one time over the course of the year that the Lions are very much evident in the public eye.  The remainder of the year Lions work quietly in the background, in a multitude of causes, all for the benefit of their local community, and the global community.    In particular a well done and huge thank you to King Lion Frank Hartman who spearheaded the organization of this wonderful week.  With the continuous support of all Lions, and in particular Sarah, he was instrumental in involving the town Recreation Department and the local RCMP in two new events.

King Lion Frank Hartman and his lovely bride Sarah

See the Old Home Week page for details on this fun week, or the archive page for a bare bones review, or to revisit all the photographs and commentary of the entire week.

Planning will now begin for Old Home Week 2012, July 9 - 14, 2012 and we would love to see more events added or the return of events previously held.    Want to see a return of the go cart races on King Street?  Want to add an event?   Talk to a Lion, or better still, become a Lion and help organize something new and fun for our community.

 
 

Be sure to visit Parrsboro for all information on our community.

 


 

 

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