Meetings

Tail Twister Appreciation Day

One of the most important club members of the club is the Tail Twister.  He or she promotes harmony, good camaraderie, and enthusiasm at club meetings by appropriate stories, stunts and games and a shrewd imposition of fines on club members. One of the primary tasks of the tail twister is to extract humor and laughter with jokes, puns, witticisms, mimicry, acting, singing or dramatizations.  Fining members is a key element of a successful tail twister.

Each year, the club sets aside the last regular club meeting in June to recognize and pay homage to the Tail Twister.

Lion Tale Twister Dale Mounce levies a fine on Lion Allie Stough. 

Lion Dale receives a Sesame Street Big Bird puppet.  Anybody notice the resemblance?

This is a little something to jump start the meeting when things bog down.

Everyone should have a personal Lions pitcher.

A roll of quarters to bank roll the Tail Twister’s retirement fund.

Now these shorts are the height of fashion.  Imagine how good they will look with his Betty Crocker sports jacket

No gift is more satisfying than a box of our club’s fundraising Whitley’s peanuts

Thank you Lion Dale for a job well done!

 

Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club 46th Annual Charter Night

On Friday, June 23, 2018, Lions, spouses, significant others, family members, and guests gathered at the Richmond County Club to celebrate its 46th anniversary of the chartering of the Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club. 

The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club, a member of the International Association of Lions Clubs (LCI) International, has proudly served the city of Richmond and Henrico County Virginia communities since 1972.  Club members volunteer for community service activities and fundraisers to assist the needy.

Our goals include conserving vision and preventing blindness, educating our youth, providing comfort and aid to the disadvantaged, supporting other charitable and humanitarian organizations, and conducting fundraisers to support club projects and programs.

Lion Kevin Dunne serves as master of ceremonies and maintains some semblance of decorum over “Quiet Club” members.

Marlene Pratt takes a moment before dinner to converse with Lion Lydia and PDG Lion Earle Wilson.  We were all glad to see the Wilsons.  Events like this provide the opportunity to see and talk to members, spouses, and friends we normally do not see on a regular basis.

One of the highlights of the evening is to recognize outstanding Lions who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.  Club President, Lion Dave McNeal, presides over the award ceremony.

On behalf of the club, President Lion Dave presented Sarah Hoggard, wife of late Lion W.J. “Pat” Hoggard, with a resolution to celebrate his lifelong achievements as a member of the club.  Lion Pat was a charter member of the club and served in a number of positions in the club. He led the Skipwith Road “Adopt A Highway” Program and the club’s partnership with the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Program.

The club also took the opportunity to recognized Lion John R. Deacon who is the sole remaining charter member of the club.  Thank you, John, for all you have done for the club and especially for your tireless efforts to bring hearing conservation to the forefront in Lions and the local area public schools.

The club also recognized club members who died this Lions year including 1st Vice District Governor Lion Calvin W. Easter and Lion William “Bill” Barton. 

Installing new officers is a very important procedure in Club operations and has a very special significance to both the newly elected officers and to members.  Lion Joe McVey conducts the installation ceremony for the club officers and board members for Lions Year 2018 – 2019 as Lion Bill Jacobs looks on.

Outgoing President Dave McNeal presents the club charter to incoming president Lion Carol Sharp.

Lion Dale Mounce presents the Walter M. Burns "Meritorious Service Award" to Lion Lu Roberts.  The award is given annually to that member who has rendered the greatest overall service to the club during the current Lion year. 

Lion Dale presents Lion Lynne Dunne with the Chairman of the Year Award.  This award is given annually to the chairman of a committee that accomplished the most and had the best performance.  Lion Lynne chaired the Social and Guest Speaker Committees. 

Lion Dale Mounce presents the Lenert R. Sulik "Behind the Scenes Award" to Lion Robert J. Pratt.  This award is given annually to the member who has done the most behind the scenes work for the club.  Lion Bob served as the club webmaster, photographer, and one-year director.  He also served as Chair of the Unmet Needs Committee and the Salvation Army Committee.

Lion Dale Mounce presented outgoing club President Dave McNeal with the President’s Award for exceptionally meritorious service in leading the club through a very successful year.

Lion President Dave McNeal presents Lion Pete Sizemore with the Presidential Award.  The club president gives this award annually to Lions who he or she feels deserves special recognition because he or she has shown a significant level of commitment to the principles of Lions and outstanding contributions to the club. 

Lion Dave has reason to smile.  He just won the 50/50 raffle.

Charter Night is always a special occasion.  Lions, family, and friends get together for a night of good food, socializing, conversation, and fun.  Someone must have really tickled Lion Allie’s funny bone.  She’s having a great time.

No “Quiet Club” program is complete without a closing song.  Lions Nancy Alpine and Marlene Pratt (foreground), Lion Bill Jacobs, Suzanne Sizemore, Cheryl Jacobs, Linda Dudley, and Lion Richard Dudley sing the closing song.  See you next year!!

Genworth Financial Wheelchair Blitz

Lion Pete Sizemore coaches a Genworth Financial employee in the use of power tools to build one of the components of a wheelchair ramp. 

Project Homes, a nonprofit, organization takes a 360° method toward improving the housing and living conditions of Central Virginians through the construction of high quality affordable housing, large-scale home repairs, and installation of wheelchair ramps subsequently providing better accessibility and energy efficiency in existing homes.

The Wheelchair Ramp Program provides a unique volunteer opportunity known as a Wheelchair Ramp Blitz.  A Blitz event attracts corporate partners such as Genworth by giving employees hands-on opportunities on their own corporate campus. 

Corporate volunteers build wheelchair ramp components during the event, and in the following weeks install these components for disabled clients. Prior to each Blitz event, Project Homes staff transport all necessary equipment from its warehouse to the corporate partner’s location making it convenient for employees to give back to their community during their work day.

Lions Pete Sizemore, Bob Pratt, and Barry Yaffe are regular volunteers with Project Homes and have participated in the construction and installation of 180 wheelchair ramps. 

Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame

On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, the Office of the Senior Advocate, Chesterfield County Government inducted Lion Robert J. Pratt into the Chesterfield County Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame.

The Senior Volunteer Hall of Fame recognizes and celebrates Chesterfield seniors who have rendered unusual or outstanding services to their community.  Founded by Dorothy Charles in 1982 through her work with the Senior Council and the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors, the program has grown throughout the years. 

To qualify, nominees must be at least 60 years old, reside in Chesterfield County, and must have served after turning 60. Service may have been rendered outside the county.

This year, there were fifteen nominees.  The hall of fame committee inducted Lion Robert and two others.  The induction ceremony took place at the Eanes-Pittman Public Safety Center in Chesterfield.  The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors also recognized the inductees at its regular board meeting on June 27.

Mobile Health Unit Screening

On Saturday, May 26, 2018 members of the “Quiet Club, in partnership with the Antioch Baptist Church, conducted a mobile health screening in the parking lot at the corner of Government Road and Carlisle Avenue.  The event was the church’s Spring Community Giveaway. 

The church provided, at no cost to recipients, new and barely used clothing, household goods, toiletries, blood pressure checks, an opportunity to “talk with a nurse,” bibles, toys for the kids, applications for medical help and more!!  Participants also dined on hot dogs and hamburgers, and apples. 

Quiet Club members conducted vision and hearing screenings in the mobile health unit provided by Lions of Virginia District 24-D.

Lion President Dave McNeal, Kay Smith, and Bob Bigelow discuss screening procedures.  

A Salute to Caregivers - PDG Lion Earle Wilson

Lion Representatives (L-R) Lions Dave McNeal, Nancy Alpine, Kathy Bauer, David Bauer, Lu Roberts, Pete Sizemore, and Lions District 24-B Governor Ann Ragland. 

On February 17, 2018, District Governor, Ann Ragland, Lions of Virginia District 24-B, Lion Dave McNeal, President, Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club, and other members of the “Quiet Club” attended an Caregivers Program salute to caregivers at the Antioch Baptist Church, 1384 New Market Road, Henrico, Virginia 23221. 

One of the honorees was PDG Earle Wilson, a member of the Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club.  Despite his own ongoing medical conditions, Lion Earle has been caring for his wife Lion Lydia for the past several years.  Both he and Lydia are members of the Antioch Baptist congregation and have held key positions in the church. 

Regrettably, Lion Earle could not attend the ceremony because he was in a hospital that weekend for treatment for an ongoing medical condition.  However, he received a video of the ceremony and a commemorative plaque in recognition of his unselfish dedication.

It is the Reason for the Season

On Monday, December 11, thirty-two Lions, spouses, and family members gathered in the Richmond Room, in the E. Bruce Heilman Dining Center at the University of Richmond for a festive Christmas celebration.  This Christmas tradition began decades ago to provide an opportunity for Lions and family members to celebrate the season together in good fellowship. 

Lion President Dave McNeal called the meeting to order at 7:00 am and with a resounding rendition of the official club song, “The Mickey Mouse Club,” followed by the pledge of allegiance, and a prayer, quickly got club business out of the way. 

While everyone enjoyed a buffet breakfast, Tail twister Lion Dale Mounce cajoled us with his generous delivery of entertaining tales and fines.  No one was immune to his sleuthing and revelations. 

Then, what to our wandering eyes should appear, but Santa Lion Dave Bauer without his reindeer.  Fortunately, we were all good Lions no ’Bah! Humbug ‘here.   With assistance from his elf Lion Bruce Langhorne, Santa handed our gifts for everyone. 

We wrapped up the festivities with donations of Happy Dollars and the 50/50 raffle that Marlene Pratt won.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  Our very special thanks and appreciation to Lion Lynne Dunne, Chair, Social Commitee and her committee members for all their work to make this event a resounding success.  The Richmond West Breakfast Club wishes you and yours a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanzaa. 

Lions Supporting The Salvation Army

This is the first of a two-part series on the “Quiet Club’s” support for The Salvation Army. 

In 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee was distraught over the many poor individuals in San Francisco who were going hungry. During the holiday season, he was determined to make available a free Christmas dinner for the destitute and poverty-stricken. He remembered his sailor days in Liverpool, England. At Stage Landing, where the ships anchored, there was a large, iron kettle called "Simpson's Pot" into which passers-by tossed money to help the poor.

Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street in San Francisco. He erected a sign that read, "Keep the Pot Boiling." He quickly had the funds to feed the needy at Christmas.  Today in the U.S., The Salvation Army assists more than four-and-a-half million people during the Thanksgiving and Christmas time periods.

 

Lion Pat Hoggard

The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club has a long history of supporting the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle fund raising project.  The late Lion W.J. “Pat” Hoggard, a charter member, coordinated the club’s involvement for more than a decade.  When failing health forced him to give up leadership of the project in 2009, he sought a replacement to carry on the tradition.

In 2010, Lion Pat asked Lion Bob Pratt to take over the reins of the partnership.  Lion Bob agreed.  That same year, Lion Bob discovered that the Salvation Army occasionally paid people to staff some locations because of a lack of volunteers.  To maximize our support, the club agreed to staff the Red Kettle location at the Kroger Supermarket in the Eastridge Shopping Center on Eastridge Road, Henrico, Virginia for an entire day.  Members volunteer in two-hour shifts from 11:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Every year since then, the “Quiet Club” has staffed that Red Kettle location on the second Friday of December.  Despite occurrences of rain, snow and cold, club members steadfastly fulfilled the mission ringing bells into the night.

Lion Lu Roberts sheltered from the wind

This year, Lions Bob Pratt, Lu Roberts, Dave Bauer, Kathy Bauer, Rob Blackmore, Jack Meager, and Carol Sharp all stepped up to the challenge.  They worked in pairs on two-hour shifts.  However, despite our best efforts we had to terminate the project early due to inclement weather.  Nevertheless, our efforts did not go in vain.  We did manage to work a combination of 10 volunteer hours.

 

 

Lions Dave and Kathy Bauer start their shift at the Kroger Supermarket

The unselfish dedication and generosity of club members continue to underscore our motto of “We Serve”, not only for our club but for our non-profit partners and the community.  Many thanks to all of you for a job well done.  See you next year!

Article and photographs courtesy of Lion Bob Pratt

Salvation Army Angel Tree Program

This is the second in a two-part series on the “Quiet Club’s” support for The Salvation Army. 

Along with the well-known Red Kettles, the Angel Tree program is one of The Salvation Army’s highest profile Christmas labors. Salvation Army Majors Charles and Shirley White created the program in 1979 while assigned to the Lynchburg, Virginia area.  They worked with a local shopping mall to provide clothing and toys for needy children at Christmas.

The Whites identified the wishes of local children by recording their gift needs on Hallmark greeting cards that featured pictures of angels. They placed the cards on a Christmas tree at the mall to allow shoppers to select children to help. Thus, the Angel Tree program was born.  Thanks to the Whites, more than 700 children had a brighter Christmas that first year.

In 1981, when the Salvation Army stationed the Whites in Nashville, Tennessee, they initiated the Angel Tree program there.  WSM radio, which airs the Grand Ol’ Opry, became the first Angel Tree co-sponsor in the U.S. With the on-air promotion, national publicity on CNN and the Larry King Show, news of Angel Tree spread across the country and is now in hundreds of cities across the US.

The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program provides new clothing and/or toys for children of needy families. Volunteers decorate each Angel Tree with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age, and gender of a child who needs a gift. Contributors remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child or children described on the tags.

Lion Bruce Langhorne and wfe Helen staff the Angel Tree Desk

The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club has supported the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program since 2010.  That year, Lion Bob Pratt, Chair, Salvation Army Committee, suggested to the club Board of Directors that the club, in addition to supporting the Red Kettle program, also support the Angel Tree program in a comparable manner as a two-part holiday volunteer opportunity. 

The board agreed, and for the past ten years, the “Quiet Club” has provided volunteers to staff an Angel Tree location at the Regency Square Mall, Henrico, Virginia for an entire day.  Members volunteer in two-hour shifts from 10:00 am until 9:00 pm.

Lion Lu Roberts, and Wells Fargo volunteers Alex Marx, and Jacy Walker

This year we returned to staff the Angel Tree at the mall.  Lions Bob Pratt, Lu Roberts, Bruce Langhorne and wife Helen, Kathy Bauer, Kevin and Lynne Dunne, and Carol Sharp all volunteered to help.  The club volunteered 22-person hours that day.  In addition to club members and a family member, we were fortunate to have two young volunteers from the Wells Fargo Company join us for part of the day.  Alexander Marx join us for more than four hours.  He is an energetic, compassionate young man who not only volunteered his time but also sponsored several Angel Tree children. Jacy Walker was the other delightful Wells Fargo employee giving back to the community by promoting the Angel Tree Program. 

Lion Dr. Kathy Bauer joins Lion Lu at the Angel Tree desk

Once again, “Quiet Club” members and spouses have helped to make the holiday season much brighter for thousands of families and children throughout Central Virginia.  We love the work we do and look forward eagerly toward next year. 

Article and photographs courtesy of Lion Bob Pratt

Halloween

Most of us have vivid recollections of the Halloween holiday with its costumes, going door to door “trick or treating,” and attending parties.  Although the true history of Halloween has faded in many countries over the decades, we continue in the more modern traditions.  However, before we delve into the historic evolution of Halloween,

Did you know that:

  • "Halloween" is a poem written by the Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1785 and first published in 1786.  The poem is in the Kilmarnock volume. It is one of Burns' longer poems. 
  • "Halloween" is the name of the first issue of the comic series W.I.T.C.H.
  • Halloween is the name of a 2002 children's book by Jerry Seinfeld
  • Halloween is the name of an American heavy metal band formed in 1983
  • Halloween is the ring name of professional wrestler Manuel Ortiz
  • Halloween was a British-trained racehorse active in the 1950s
  • Hallowe'en is an iron clipper ship launched in 1870 for the John Willis shipping line

 

Halloween or Hallowe'en, a contraction of All Hallows' Evening is a celebration observed in a number of countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day.

It begins the three-day observance of All Hallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed.

 

 

 

It is widely believed that many Halloween traditions originated from ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain; that such festivals may have had pagan roots; and that Samhain itself was Christianized as Halloween by the early Church. 

Halloween activities include trick-or-treating attending Halloween costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, divination games, playing pranks, visiting haunted attractions, telling scary stories, and watching horror films.

 

In many parts of the world, the Christian religious observances of All Hallows' Eve, including attending church services and lighting candles on the graves of the dead, remain popular, although elsewhere it is a more commercial and secular celebration.

Can you identify our friendly hosts and gobblins?

 

 

Our thanks and appreciation to Lions Lynne and Kevin Dunne for hosting this year’s party and providing the opportunity for a fun time for everyone.

The Messimer Mission Project Legacy

Through the generosity of Lions Dr. Kathy and Dave Bauer, more than 90 kindergartners and special needs students at the Westover Hills Elementary School received a Kohl’s Cares stuffed animal and Sesame Street reader on October 25, 2017.  The Bauers also graciously donated 8 boys’ and girls’ coats, and stuffed animals and books for the school library. 

 

Lions (L-R) Lions Lynne Dunne, Dr. Kathy Bauer, and Dave Bauer prepare
to deliver gifts to kindergartner and special needs classes.

Ms. Madeline Miller, kindergartner teacher, helps to distribute gifts to children in her class.

These donations were part of the continuing legacy of 'The Messimer Mission,’ a program the late Lions of Virginia Past District 24-B Governor Carolyn Messimer started and one that is continuing as her legacy. It is an awesome way to help stimulate the reading skills of needy children at this school. 

Lion Carolyn had a passion for children and their education.  The Messimer Mission is a program in which the club donates two school books a month to the Westover Hills Elementary School library.  Ms. Thea Paul, school media specialist provides a list of books to the club.  The club has a regular club meeting twice a month.  At each meeting, the club has a guest speaker.   At the end of the meeting the guest speaker signs and dates the bookplate in the front of the book.

The club has donated books to the school library since 2014.  Charlotte Outland, the Communities in Schools of Richmond Site Coordinator for Westover Hills Elementary School, shows Ms. Thea Paul, school media specialist, the latest book donations, and the stuffed animals for the library. 

(L-R) Lion Dr. Kathy Bauer, Lion Lynne Dunne, Charlotte Outland, Lion Dave Bauer, and Principal Dr. Virginia Loving pose with children’s gifts. 

This has been another very successful partnership year with Dr. Loving, Ms. Joni Moore, Assistant principal, Ms. Outland, all the fourth-grade teachers, and staff of the Westover Hills Elementary School.  We eagerly look forward to an even better year next year.

Ear Buds for Our Troops

Charitable and humanitarian organizations often partner together to serve as a force multiplier in serving their communities during emergencies and catastrophic events such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires.  However, many organizations also partner during less traumatic times.  An example of the latter is our club’s partnership with the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). 

In 1946, a band of wounded soldiers returning home from World War II with spinal cord injuries, formed the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).  It is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, non-profit organization.  Since its beginning, the PVA has been a leading advocate for quality health care, spinal cord research and education, veteran’s benefits, and civil rights for veterans and all people with disabilities.

Our partnership with the PVA began earlier this year when Ms. Jennifer Purser, Administrative Director, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Paralyzed Veterans of America spoke to our club members during a regular club meeting.  In October, Ms. Purser requested the club’s assistance in obtaining ear buds for service members undergoing treatment at the Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Medical Center.  The ear buds allow service members to listen to music or watch television without disturbing their fellow patients.

The club quickly responded by purchasing 100 pairs of ear buds.  Lion Bob Pratt delivered the ear buds to Ms. Purser at the local office in Midlothian Virginia on October 20, 2017.  The PVA will distribute the ear buds to our service members. 

Westover Hills Elementary School Backpack Project 2017

Lions Bob Pratt and Lu Roberts, Co-Chairs, Unmet Needs Committee, organized this project four years ago.  The purpose of the committee is to identify opportunities to serve the community that city/county governments and other charitable organizations have not or cannot address. 

According to statistics from the Department of Social Services, City of Richmond, more than 90 percent of the children in the city between the ages of one and eighteen live in households that subsist at or below the poverty level.  The education of these children is one of the keys in breaking an endless cycle of dependency on government agencies, drug use, unemployment, and crime.

Our project is simple.  The club provides a back pack and school supplies for the entire school year for each fourth-grade student at Westover Hills Elementary School.  The Richmond Public Schools officials determined which school received the backpacks based upon the schools with children with the greatest need.  Our club has provided backpacks and school supplies to the school each year since 2014.

This year, the purchasing team bought the supplies on tax-free weekend August 5, 2017 from the Walmart Superstore, 11400 W. Broad Street, Glen Allen, Virginia.  Our thanks to Walmart associate Nicole who had our order pulled and ready for us when we arrived. 

The Purchase Team.  (L-R) Lions Bob Pratt, Kay Smith, Kathy Bauer, and Dave Bauer.  Photograph courtesy Lion Lu Roberts.

Let the Packing Begin!!

The filling of the backpacks has been an opportunity for club members to get together for a wonderful cause and have a great social evening.  Lions Bob Pratt and Lu Roberts planned and organized the event.  On August 7, 2017, sixteen Lions, spouses, family members and friends of the “Quiet Club” gathered to fill 70 backpacks with school supplies.  The party kicked off with a BBQ pork meal with baked beans, Cole slaw, fruit platter, and drinks. 

On August 7, 2017, sixteen Lions, spouses, family members and friends of the “Quiet Club” gathered to fill 70 backpacks with school supplies.  The backpacks will go to every fourth-grade student at the Westover Hills Elementary School, Richmond, Virginia.  This is the fourth year that the club has sponsored this project.

Lions Bob Pratt and Lu Roberts planned and organized the event which included the purchase of the supplies on August 5 and the “packing party” on August 7.  The party kicked off with a BBQ pork meal with baked beans, Cole slaw, fruit platter, and drinks. 

(L-R) Lions Kay Smith, Allie Stough, Nancy Alpine, Dave Bauer, Kathy Bauer, and Kathy’s sister Susie Willis enjoy the meal.

 

Using an assembly line process, the team quickly and efficiently filled each pack with the seventeen items on the Richmond Public Schools official school supply list in well under an hour, after which the team enjoyed heavenly cupcakes from Pearl’s Cupcake Shoppes. 

The Packing Team.  (Front Row L-R) Lions Allie Stough, Nancy Alpine, Kay Smith, Unmet Needs Committee Co-Chair Bob Pratt, Kathy Bauer, Carol Sharp, Lynne Dunne, and Co-Chair Lu Roberts.  Back Row (L-R) Lions Rob Blackmore, Dave Bauer, Richard Dudley, Club President Dave McNeal, IPP Tom Anderson, Tom’s wife Beverly, and Lion Kevin Dunne.   (Not shown is Susie Willis.)

It was a team effort but we would be remiss if we did not give special recognition to Lions Dave and Kathy Bauer.  Dave and Kathy arranged for the use of their church for the past two years to fill the backpacks and to store them until we delivered them to the school.  Additionally, Kathy organized family members to put the “loose” items in pencil pouches in advance to reduce the time needed to fill the packs.  Special thanks to Susie Willis, Lion Kathy’s sister, who has been a steadfast supporter of this and other projects over the years.  Lion Lu provided the meal and drinks for the team.  The project would not be complete without the cupcakes from Pearl’s Cupcake Shoppe graciously provided by Lion Nancy Alpine.

The Big Day!!

The big day came on August 24, 2017 when Lion President Dave McNeal and seven other Lions delivered 70 backpacks filled with school supplies destined for each fourth-grade student at the Westover Hills Elementary School, Richmond, Virginia.  Each backpack contains a 3-ring binder, composition books, crayons, erasers, facial tissues, glue sticks, index cards, loose leaf pages, black ink pens, red ink pens, a pencil pouch, pencil sharpener, pencils, colored pencils, a ruler, and scissors. 

Lion President Dave presented the backpacks to principal Virginia Loving, Ph.D.  Also on hand for the event were Joni Moore, Assistant Principal, Charlotte Outland, Communities in Schools of Richmond Site Coordinator, fourth grade teachers Ms. Jan McKean, Mr. Jake Sawyer, Mrs. Tammi Robertson, Ms. Cheryl Craig, Lions Tom Anderson, Dr. Kathy Bauer, Dave Bauer, Bob Pratt, Lu Roberts, Carol Sharp, and Pete Sizemore.  Also on hand to document the presentation was a photographer from the Richmond Public Schools Department of Communications and Media Relations, and a videographer from television station ABC WRIC Channel 8. 

Our thanks to club members, friends, and family members who helped to make this project a success.

Lion Carol Sharp talks to fourth grade teacher Jan McKean.  In the background (L-R), Dr. Virginia Loving, fourth grade teacher Mr. Jake Sawyer, Ms. Cheryl Craig (wearing blue shirt), and Assistant Principal Joni Moore.

Fourth Grade Heroes!! Teachers (L-R) Ms. Jan McKean, Mr. Jake Sawyer, Mrs. Tammi Robertson, Ms. Cheryl Craig.  Lion Dr. Kathy Bauer looks on.

The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club – Westover Hills Elementary School Team.  (L-R front row) Lions Dr. Kathy Bauer, Lu Roberts, Carol Sharp, teachers Jan McKean, Tammi Robertson, Cheryl Craig, and Lion Tom Anderson.  Second Row (L-R) Lions Kevin Dunne, Lynne Dunne, Vice Principal Joni Moore, Lion Pete Sizemore, teacher Jake Sawyer, Principal Virginia Loving, Lion President Dave McNeal, Charlotte Outland, Communities in Schools of Richmond Site Coordinator, and Lion Dave Bauer.  Photographs courtesy Lion Bob Pratt.

45th Charter Night Celebration

On Friday evening, June 30, the Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club celebrated its 45th year of service.  Lions, spouses, family members, friends, and guests met at the Richmond Country Club, 12950 Patterson Avenue, Richmond, Virginia. 

Rick Shaffer serenaded the group with melodious songs from the past.  Lion Dale Mounce served as master of ceremonies.  Attendees enjoyed an appetizing dinner followed by dessert and the formal program.  Outgoing Club President Lion Tom Anderson highlighted the club’s achievements of the current year and looked forward to the challenges of the coming year.  Lion Pete Sizemore presided over the installation of officers.  Lion President Tom then presented the club charter to incoming president Lion Dave McNeal.  President Dave then provided his remarks. 

Lion Jack Meagher presided over the presentation of individual awards.  Lion Dick Boaz led the club in a closing song which ended the formal program.

Rick Shaffer entertained the group with soothing sounds of songs from the past.

Lion Dale Mounce strikes a pensive pose as he tries to maintain decorum from the raucous audience.

Club President Lion Tom Anderson highlghts the club's achievements and comtributions to the community during the 2016 - 2017 Lions Year.

 

Lion Pete Sizemore installs the incoming officers for 2017 - 2018.

It's official!  Outgoing club president Tom Anderson transfers the club charter to incoming president Dave Anderson.  

President Dave thanks the club for its confidence in him and looks forward to new challenges.

Lion Jack Meagher kept us amused and amazed during the presentation of indivudal awards.

Lion Lynne Dunne poses with our very special guest appearance from "The Lion".

Thanks to everyone who came out to share this special event with us.

Project Homes Wheelchair Ramp Program

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club’s partnership with Project Home’s Wheelchair Ramp Program. 

 

The "Just Ramps" Wheelchair Ramp Team.  (L-R)  Lion Bob Pratt, Steve Carnes, Robert Harris, Dan Dixon, and Lion Pete Sizemore.  Other team members not present include Lion Barry Yaffe, Tom Weir, and Mike Trancynger, Team Leader.

 

Project Homes (formerly Elder Homes) is devoted to improving the value of housing and living conditions for people in need in Central Virginia by making perilous home repairs and improvements and building high quality, affordable homes. Its mission is “Improving lives by improving homes.” The organization helps low-income and elderly remain in their homes and comfortably age in place.

The Renew Crew volunteers tackle home repair projects and build wheelchair ramps and other accessibility modifications.  There are two “permanent volunteer” wheelchair ramp teams The Trinity Gang and Just Ramps.  Lions Bob, Pete, and Barry are members of the Just Ramps team.  Their team builds the wheelchair components in the warehouse on Tuesdays and installs the ramp on Thursdays.  The team volunteers every other week.

 

 

Lions Bob Pratt, Pete Sizemore, and Barry Yaffe have volunteered their time and skills to build and install more than 160 wheelchair ramps in the cities of Richmond, Petersburg, Colonial Heights, and Hopewell as well as Chesterfield, Henrico, Prince George, Glen Allen, Chester, Sandston, Mechanicsville, and Ashland.

If you are interested in participating in this most worthy program, please contact Lion Bob Pratt at (804) 77-9753 or send him an e-mail message at rpratt08@yahoo.com.  You do not have to be a member of Lions Clubs, have your own tools, or any construction skills.  We will provide the tools and teach you everything you need to know.  Check us out!

College Scholarship Program

This year’s winner of the Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club Scholarship is Ms. Kendal Fletcher.  Kendall, daughter of Michael and Johanna Fletcher, completed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) courses her high school junior year at the Advance Career Education Center at the Hermitage Technical Center and she is now taking courses in sports medicine.  Kendall plans to attend college to become a trauma nurse.  Ms. Fletcher receive her scholarship announcement in ceremonies at the Hermitage High School on May 15, 2017.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Volunteering requires dedication, perseverance, and sometimes challenging work.  As Lions, we do the things we do out of care and concern for neighbors, our community, and the world.  We do not seek nor expect recognition or rewards for the work we do.  However, that does not mean we don’t have fun and a good time doing our work. 

On March 17, Lion Lynne Dunne graciously hosted a Saint Patrick’s Day party at her home.  Revelers enjoyed an evening of merrymaking and fun.

 

Lions Rob Blackmore, John Farmer, John Deacon and Pete Sizemore get into the festive mood!

Ann McNeal, Jack Meagher, Dave McNeal, and John Farmer have a grand time at the party.

Your Board of Directors at Work

While every club in the International Association of Lions Clubs has its own unique character, one thing they have in common is a basic organization which includes a board of directors.  Our club holds its regular club meetings on the 2nd and 4th Monday each month.  Our board meeting is on the Friday after the first meeting of the month.  We hold our meeting from 7:00 am – 8:00 am at the Shoney’s Family Restaurant, 8415 W. Broad Street, Richmond, Virginia 23228.

The board of directors is a body of appointed members who jointly oversee the activities of the club.  The club selects members of the board based upon their ability to help move the club forward and provide administrative and fiduciary oversight and guidance on the club’s programs, projects, and activities.  The club’s constitution and by-laws confers the powers, duties and responsibilities to the board.  The board is accountable to, and subordinate to, the club’s full membership, which vote for the members of the board.

The responsibilities of the board are serious business but that doesn’t mean they can’t have fun doing it.  There’s never a dull moment at our meetings.  Club members do not have to be a member of the board to attend meetings.  In fact, we invite and encourage our members to come out and see their board in action.  We invite you to join us for breakfast or a cup of coffee.  We hope to see you soon.

Lion President Tom Anderson (green shirt) presides over the March 17, 2917 board of directors meeting as Lion Lynne Dunne (in red), Lion Bruce Watson (back to camera), and Lion Carol Sharp listen to the subject at hand.

Lion 2nd Vice District Governor and club secretary Calvin Easter reads the minutes of the previous meeting as Lion Pete Sizemore looks on.  Lion Lu Roberts is in the background.

(L-R) (Front row) Lions Lu Roberts, Calvin Easter, Bruce Watson, and Dale Mounce.  (On the right) Lions Carol Sharp and Lynne Dunne.  (Back row)   Lions John Farmer, Pete Sizemore, and Pat Hoggard.  Not showm is Lion Dave Bauer, club treasurer.

The 2017 Virginia Victory Games

The Virginia Victory Games is a non-profit organization that sponsors an annual, one-day sporting event for children and adolescents ages 6-21years with medically diagnosed physical, visual and/or hearing disabilities.  These children are not eligible to participate in the Special Olympics because they do not have any mental impairment.  To ensure fair competition, game officials classify competitors based on their level of disability.

The mission is to give young people with physical disabilities the challenge of athletic competition like their non-disabled peers.  Competitors come from across Virginia.  Athletes may participate in up to four events.  The events include the 60, 200, and 400 meter races, wheelchair slalom, softball throw, bowling, corn hole toss and relay races.  The games start with motivational speeches, a parade of athletes and with the lighting of the torch.

The Games on contributions from businesses, organizations, and individuals to fund the Games and continue the tradition of offering eligible participants the opportunity to compete at no cost to them.  St. Christopher’s School, 711 St. Christopher’s Road, Richmond, Virginia 23226 has provided its Kemper Athletic Center as the venue for the Games.

The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club is one of the many sponsors of the Games.  We not only provide financial support but also provide volunteers to assist with the setup, serve as timekeepers, scorers, and other durries as needed

Lion Bill Barton reported that this year’s Victory Games held on March 4, 2017 were a huge success.  Lion Pete Sizemore, his wife Suzanne, Lion Dave Bauer, and Lion Bill Jacobs volunteered to work the games while Lion Walter Douglas led the cheering section.

The Robins Center

The term “We Serve” can have many meanings.  Most of us, as Lions, accept it to mean assisting those who are otherwise unable to help themselves whether it is in the form of vision, hearing, other health issues, housing, mobility, education, the environment, and many other facets of our neighborhood, community, and the world. 

Like any charitable or humanitarian organization, Lions Clubs need funds for administrative operations.  Since we cannot use money generated from fundraising to pay for administrative costs, members in our club like most other clubs, cover these and other costs through membership dues.  Depending upon the number of members, level of club activities, and social events, it can become expensive

One of the methods we use to help defray membership dues is by working in the concessions stands during the University of Richmond women’s basketball and soccer games.  It has been a very successful program.  The cornerstone behind that success for more than a decade has been the Chair, Robins Center Committee, Lion Dale Mounce.  Dale has worked tirelessly with the university to plan work schedules, determine the number of workers needed, notify club members, and recruit volunteers to work the games. 

The program is simple.  Our volunteers include spouses, family members, significant others, and friends.  The university pays the club an hourly rate for the number of hours each volunteer works.  The club in turn uses the money to pay for club administrative and social costs thereby reducing the cost of individual membership dues.

While this may sound like a simple project, it can and has been time-consuming and even frustrating for Lion Dale to make all of this happen.  Despite the challenges, he has served most commendably over the years.  Lion Dale’s dedication and tenacity has “served” our club in this capacity and we take this moment to extend our thanks and admiration for a job very well done.

Salvation Army Holiday Volunteer Opportunities

Angel Tree Project 2016

The “Quiet Club” has had a long-standing partnership with the Salvation Army Holiday Volunteer Opportunities to provide staffing for an Angel Tree and a Red Kettle location.  Salvation Army Committee Chair Lion Bob Pratt and Co-Chair Lu Roberts coordinated with Joanna Brown. the Salvation Army Volunteer Coordinator, to staff the Angel Tree location at the Regency Mall, 1420 North Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23229 on Friday, December 2, 2016 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. 

The project was a huge success thanks to 11 Lions and 1 family member including Lions Lu Roberts, Earle and Lydia Wilson, Kevin and Lynne Dunne, Bruce Langhorne, Nancy Alpine, Allie Stough, Carol Sharp, and Dale McNeal.  Special thanks to Helen Langhorne, wife of Lion Bruce Langhorne, for volunteering for this special event.  Volunteers amassed 26 volunteer-hours for the day.

(L-R) Lions Lydia Wilson and PDG Earle B. Wilson prepare materials for the first shift at the Angel Tree location at the Regency Mall.

Many thanks to Lion Lu Roberts for volunteering several shifts to ensure the operation ran smoothly.  “We Serve”.

Red Kettle Project 2016

The “Quiet Club” has also had an even longer partnership with the Salvation Army Holiday Volunteer Opportunities to provide staffing for a Red Kettle location.  Lion Pat Hoggard headed the committee for a number of years.  Recently Lion Pat passed leadership of the project to Lions Bob Pratt and Lu Roberts.  They coordinated with Kathy Jones, the Salvation Army Red Kettle Coordinator, for this year’s project to staff the Red Kettle location at the Kroger Supermarket, 1510 Eastridge Road, Henrico, Virginia, 23229 on Friday, December 9, 2016 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. 

Lion Nancy Alpine (center) braves freezing temperatures to staff the Red Kettle at the Eastridge Shopping Center with daughter Lion Allie Stough (right) and grandson Tyler Jones (left).  We extend our thanks and appreciation to Tyler Jones who has participated with the club on a number of Lions Club projects. 

In spite of the blustery winds and below freezing temperatures, the project was successful thanks to the dedicated efforts of nine Lions and one family member including Lions Lu Roberts, Bill Barton, Carol Sharp, Kevin Dunne, Lynne Dunne, Nancy Alpine, and Allie Stough.  Special thanks to Tyler Jones, Nancy Alpine’s grandson, for volunteering for this special event.  Volunteers amassed 10.5 volunteer-hours for the day. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lions Lynne Dunne and Kevin Dunne take their turns at the Red Kettle in support of the Salvation Army's Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Program. 

"Quiet Club" Salvation Army Committee Co-Chair Lu Roberts bundles up for her shift at the Red Kettle.  Thanks for a job well done!!

Annual Lions Clubs Thanksgiving Luncheon

On November 18, 2016, five greater Richmond area Lions Clubs met at the Westwood Club to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Lions, spouses, family members, and friends from the Bon Air-Manchester-Midlothian, Glen Allen-Short Pump, Richmond James River, and Richmond West Breakfast Lions Clubs came together for this annual event.  Clubs take turn hosting the annual event.

Lion Dave McNeal Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club presides over the Thanksgiving Luncheon activities.

At the head table, (L-R) Guest speaker Andy Ferguson, Lion Lynne Dunne, Lion Kevin Dunne, and District 24-B District Governor Heather Jones-Lancto. 

District Lions had the opportunity to recognize PDG Lion Joyce Pittman on her birthday.  Lion Joyce and her daughter made the trip from Newport News.  Happy Birthday Joyce!

Lion PDG Jay Overbey, Richmond James River Lions Club takes his job as Tail Twister seriously, as he fines DG Heather Jones-Lancto. 

 

Lion Pete Sizemore, Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club, and luncheon Co-Tail Twister, dishes out his own brand of tales and fines.

 

Lion Dave McNeal thanks Andy Ferguson, guest speaker, for his inspirational message.

Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club Scholarship Program

 The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club scholarship program began nearly 25 years ago.  At that time, the club awarded a $2,000 scholarship consisting of payments of $500.00 annually for four years.  The scholarship recipient had to pursue studies in a medical field.  However, over the years the club realized that many of the recipients, as college students are often apt to do, change their field of study to non-medical pursuits.

In 2014, the award committee changed the procedures for awarding the scholarship.  The club collaborated with the Medical Studies Programs at the Hermitage Technical Center, Henrico County, Virginia.  We now award an annual one-time $1,000 scholarship to one student. 

The club coordinated with the Heritage Technical Center scholarship committee to have it screen and select the scholarship recipient based upon guidelines from our club.  The major provisions of the criteria states that the applicant must be currently enrolled in the technical center’s medical program and they must have the desire to further their college education in a medical career program including but not limited to pre-medical, nursing, medical research, emergency medical technician (EMT), etc. 

Destiny Baskfield poses with her parents John and Brenda Baskfield.

The club is very proud to award the 2016 scholarship award to Destiny D. Baskfield.  Ms. Baskfield graduated from Glen Allen High School and Hermitage High School (their technical center).  She will attend George Mason University, Fairfax County, Virginia where she plans to major in nursing.  Destiny attended the club's AAugust 8 meeting to thank the club and to tell members about herself and her collegiate goals. 

Lion Bruce Langhorne, Chair, Scholarship Committee, is working to increase both the amount and number of annual scholarships in the future. 

 

 

 

 

Westover Hills Elementary School Supplies Project

In 2014, The “Quiet Club” created an Unmet Needs Committee to identify unmet community needs not covered by the city, counties, or other non-profit organizations.  Co-chairs Lions Bob Pratt and Lu Roberts worked with the Richmond City Public Schools to identify children at risk to provide them with all the school supplies needed for a school year.  Richmond Public School officials selected the two fourth classes at the Westover Hills Elementary School.

The club has “adopted” the fourth graders each year by providing essential school supplies and individual backpacks.  Additionally, Lion Nancy Alpine coordinates with the school librarian to develop a list of library books.  The club purchases a book for each regular club meeting.  At the meeting, the guest speaker signs the book faceplate and Lion Nancy delivers the books to the school. 

On August 3, 2016, members of the club purchased the school supplies from the Walmart Super Store in Glen Allen, Virginia.  (L-R) Lion Dave Bauer, Walmart Manager Jason Weaver, Walmart Associate Gerges, Lion Bob Pratt, Lion Bruce Langhorne, Lion Lu Roberts, and on front row Walmart Associate Susie.  Not shown is Walmart cashier Claude.   

On Friday evening, August 19, the Unmet Needs Committee invited Club members and spouses to come out on a hot, muggy Richmond evening to fill 60 backpacks with school supplies for the fourth graders at Westover Hills Elementary School.  This is the third year the club has supported this project, and we had a record 20 people join us. 

Lions Dave and Kathy Bauer were kind enough to coordinate the use of a room at their church to fill the backpacks and store them there.  Co-chair Lu Roberts, ever the resolute Lion, handled the dissemination of information to the club and organized the evening’s culinary delights.  Our sincere gratitude goes to Sarah Hoggard who brought the potato salad and cole slaw.  Lion Lu donated fried chicken from Shoney’s.  She also provided the table setting, flatware, plates, cups, and napkins.  Thanks to Lion Nancy Alpine who donated the delightful cupcakes from Pearl's.  They were the hit of the evening.

The first order of business was Bob Pratt’s brief welcome and explanation of the project followed by a delicious meal and some social interaction.  After dinner, it was time to get to work.  First, the team filled the pencil pouches with loose items such as erasers, pencils, crayons, etc.  Then, using an assembly line technique, we filled the backpacks with the remainder of the school supplies.

With all the backpacks filled and neatly stored, we disassembled the cardboard boxes for recycle, bagged up the trash, and returned the room furnishings to their original configuration.  It was 8:00 pm—a mere two hours from the time we started.

(L-R)  Lion Walter Douglas seems to be having a great time as Sue Douglas looks on.  Next to her is Lion President Tom Anderson, Suzanne Sizemore, Lion Carol Sharp, and Beverly Anderson.

Lions Allie Stough and Carol Sharp wait for the next backpack.

(L-R) Lions Richard Dudley, Dave McNeal, and Nancy Alpine, Sue Douglas, Lion Kay Smith, Suzanne Sizemore, and Lion President Tom Anderson concentrate on their individual tasks.

The Gang! (L-R) (Rear Row) Lions Walter Douglas, Dave Bauer, Richard Dudley, PDG Earle Wilson, Dave McNeil, and Lu Roberts, Beverly Anderson, Lion President Tom Anderson, Lion Pat Hoggard, Suzanne Sizemore, and Lion Pete Sizemore.  (Front Row)  (L-R) Lions Bob Pratt, Nancy Alpine, and Anne McNeal, Sue Douglas, Lions Lydia Wilson, Kay Smith, and Carol Sharp, and Sarah Hoggard.  (Photograph courtesy of  Lion Allie Stough)

Members of the “The Quiet” Club delivered backpacks filled with school supplies for the fourth graders at the Westover Hills Elementary School on August 24, 2016.  Members clustered around the school sign include (L-R) Lions Lu Roberts, Club President Tom Anderson, and Dave Bauer, Tyler Jones (Lion Nancy's grandson), Sue Douglas, Lions Carol Sharp, Walter Douglas, Andy Stephenson, and Nancy Alpine.  (Photographs courtesy of Lion Bob Pratt).

Tyler Jones and a school staff member load a cart with backpacks. 

Club President Lion Tom Anderson speaks to teachers and staff about the importance of education for our young people.  Dr. Virginia Loving, principal, accepts the backpacks on behalf of the school, students, and teachers.

Westover Hills teachers welcome Lions Club members.

Teachers and Dr. Loving prepare for the start of a new school year.

93rd Annual Lions of Virginia State Convention

Five Lions from the “Quiet Club” travelled to Roanoke, Virginia to represent their club at the 93rd Annual State Convention in The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center, Curio Collection.  Club members attended district meetings, luncheons, classes, lectures, and the general sessions.

District 23-B delegates elect our own Lion Calvin W. Easter as the 2nd Vice District Governor, District 23-B.  Shown is Lion Calvin with spouse Mary Catherine.

Lions Anderson Moses, Lydia Wilson, Earle Wilson, and Robert Pratt await the beginning of the closing general session. 

The changing of the guard.  District 23-B Governor Lee Winder escorts District Governor Elect Heather Jones-Lancto and Lion Chris Lancto escorts Ms. Winder to the presentation of newly elected district officers at the closing general session.

Lady Spiders Topple Lady Rams in Collegiate Lacrosse

The “Quiet Crew” was on hand Friday evening to staff the concession stands at Robins Stadium as the Lady Spiders of the University of Richmond defeated the Lady Rams of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in the Atlantic 10 opener on Friday, April 2, 2016.  Lions Calvin Easter, Bruce Langhorne, and Bob Pratt, and spouse Helen Langhorne, assisted by two ladies from the Gamma Eta Chapter, Delta Delta Delta Sorority staffed the concessions. 

(L-R)  Lion Calvin Easter, Helen Langhorne, and Lion Bruce Langhorne prepare the concession stand for the women’s lacrosse match.  Not shown are Delta Delta, Delta sorority members.  Photograph courtesy of Lion Bob Pratt.

Project Homes Wheelchair Ramp Installation

The Quiet Club Project Homes Crew was at it again providing mobility for another Richmond resident.  On Thursday, March 31, Lions Bob Pratt and Barry Yaffe joined other members of the “Just Ramps” Team to install a wheelchair ramp in the city.  The five team volunteers and Project Homes staff supervisors Brad Burnum and Kline Hill completed the installation of the 20-foot ramp in a record two hours.  Pictured (L-R) are Lion Bob Pratt, volunteer Tom Weir, Lion Barry Yaffe, and volunteers R.C. Hall, and Mike Trancynger.  Not pictured are Project Homes staff Brad Burnum and Kline Hill.

Lion Barry Yaffe (L) assists R.C. Hall with installing deck boards on the ramp.

Project Homes Wheelchair Ramp Installation

Quiet Club members were at it again as they volunteered with Project Homes to install a wheelchair ramp at a home in Henrico County on March 17, 2016.  The “Just Ramps” team pauses for a group photograph at the end of the project.  (L-R) Lion Pete Sizemore, R.C. Hall, Volunteer Team Leader Mike Trancynger, Lion Bob Pratt, and Robert Harris.  Not show are Brad Burnum, Wheelchair Ramp Program Manager and Kline Hill, Project Homes.

Project Homes and Dominion Resources Wheelchair Ramp "Blitz"

Lion Bob Pratt (L) and Project Homes volunteer Dan Dixon posed in front of a model wheelchair ramp at the Dominion Resources Glen Allen campus on March 10, 2016. 

Lions Bob Pratt, Pete Sizemore, and Barry Yaffe are members of The Renew Crew, a volunteer program of Project Homes.  Project Homes is a non-profit organization comprised of more than 900 volunteers who address the needs of area homeowners. They have been wheelchair ramp volunteers for more than eight years and have built and installed more than 100 wheelchair ramps in the Greater Richmond Metropolitan and surrounding areas. 

On this occasion, Project Homes and Dominion Resources partnered to setup a three day workshop on the Dominion Glen Allen campus where Renew Crew volunteers supervised Dominion employees in constructing wheelchair ramp components.  Dominion employees will have an opportunity to install actual wheelchair ramps in at homes in the coming weeks.

Concession Stands at the Robins Center

Lions (L-R) Bruce Langhorne, Dave McNeil, and Barry Yaffe prepare a concession stand for sales at the Robins Center, University of Richmond  prior to the Richmond vs Davidson women’s basketball game on February 10, 2016.

Lions (L-R) Calvin Easter and Dave Bauer serve local Greater Richmond Metropolitan school children visiting the Robins Center during the Richmond vs Davidson women’s basketball game on February 10, 2016.

Lions Christmas Party

Each year, the Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club celebrates the holiday season by holding a Christmas meeting on the second Monday in December at the E. Bruce Heilman Dining Center on the campus of the University of Richmond.  Spouses, friends and family join club members for a buffet breakfast and an hour of merriment.  This year, Lion Santa Dave Bauer with the assistance of his helper Club President Lion Kathy Bauer, presented gag gifts to club members.

Lion President Kathy Bauer presides over the gala.

Lion Santa Dave Bauer distributes gifts to members.

 

Salvation Army Angel Tree Project

In 2015 the “Quiet Club” continued its long standing partnership with the Salvation Army to provide staffing for its Angel Tree and Red Kettle locations.  Under the leadership of Salvation Army Committee Chair Lion Pat Hoggard and Lion Bob Pratt, club members staffed the Angel Tree location at the Regency Mall, 1420 North Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23229 on Friday, December 4, 2015 from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. 

Volunteers included Lions Bruce Langhorne and his wife Helen, Pat Hoggard and his wife Sarah, Lions George Fitz-Hugh, Dave Bauer, Lu Roberts, Earle and Lydia Wilson, Nancy Alpine, Allie Stough, Carol Sharp, and Calvin Easter staffed the Angel Tree station.

(L-R) Helen Langhorne, Lion Bruce Langhorne, George Fitz-Hugh, Lu Roberts staff the first shift at the Angel Tree location at Regency Mall.

Lion Lu Roberts prepares to start her shift at the Angel Tree location.  Lion Lu was instrumental in the planning and execution of this year’s program. 

Lions Dave Bauer and Lu Roberts take their turn at the Angel Tree at Regency Mall.

Project Homes Wheelchair Ramp Program

The Renew Crew is a volunteer program of Project Homes (formerly ElderHomes) founded as a non-profit by the Capital Area Agency on Aging (CAAA) in 1992. Project Homes improves the housing and living conditions of low-income adults and persons with disabilities in Richmond Planning District 15 and the Cities of Hopewell, and Petersburg.

One of its goals is to help people stay in their homes comfortably, safely, and affordably. In 2008, several Quiet Club members volunteer for this most needed program as part of the Wheelchair Ramp Division.  Volunteers build the wheelchair components in the Project Homes warehouse on Tuesdays and install the ramps on Thursdays.  Since 2008, volunteers Bob Pratt, Pete Sizemore, and Barry Yaffe have participated in the installation of more than 120 wheelchair ramps.

In December 2015, Lions Bob Pratt (second from left), Barry Yaffe (3rd from left), and Pete Sizemore (5th from left) pose with other members of the "Just Ramps" Team and the homeowner. 

 

Lion Barry Yaffe supervises Capital One employees making wheelchair ramp components during the Capital One "blitz" in April 2015.  Capital One has been a major contributor to the Project Homes Wheelchair Ramp Program.

In March 2015, (L-R) Lions Bob Pratt and  Pete Sizemore and other members of the "Just Ramps" team pose at a completed ramp at a home in North Cheserfield Virginia. 

 

Annual Lions Thanksgiving Luncheon

(L-R) Lion President Kathy Bauer, Lion Treasurer Lion Dave Bauer, RichmondWest Breakfast Lions Club, and Lion Marcy Somers, Glen Allen-Short Pump LionsClub.

On November 20, 2015, five greater Richmond area Lions Clubs met at the Westwood Club to celebrate Thanksgiving.  Lions, spouses, family members, and friends from the Bon Air-Manchester-Midlothian, Glen Allen-Short Pump, Mechanicsville, Richmond Host and Richmond West Breakfast Lions Clubs came together for this annual event.   Lion Bill Daniels, Bon Air-Manchester-Midlothian Lions Club presided over the festivities.  Lion Richard Dudley gave the invocation. The guest speaker was Chuck Hansen.

Westover Hills Elementary School

In 2015, the “Quiet Club” resolved to continue to provide more direct support back into the community by providing school supplies for school year 2014 – 2015 to the fourth graders at the Westover Hills Elementary School.  The Unmet Needs Committee co-chaired by Lions Bob Pratt and Lu Roberts partitioned the Board of Directors to make the project a permanent program and fund it accordingly.  The club quickly approved the project. 

On August 7, 2014, members of the club purchased school supplies from the Walmart Superstore at 11400 W Broad St, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060.  Lion President Dr. Kathy Bauer and Lu Roberts negotiated the price of the supplies with Walmart Associate Manager Emmanuel.   

Lions Lu Roberts, Co-Chair, Un-Met Needs Committee, Walmart Associate Manager  Emmanuel, Lions Bruce Langhorne, Bob Pratt, Chair, Unmet Needs Committee, Pete Sizemore, Dave Bauer, and Club President Dr. Kathy Bauer.  Not pictured is Helen Langhorne. 

Lions and family members gather at the Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church, 7000 Park Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23226 to stuff back packs with school supplies.  Seated on the first row are (L-R) Lion President Dr. Kathy Bauer, Lions Lydia Wilson and Lion Lu Roberts.  Standing on the second row (L-R) are Suzanne Sizemore, Lions Pete Sizemore, PDG Earle Wilson, Carol Sharp, Sarah Hoggard, and Lion Anne McNeil.  Standing on the third row (L-R) are Lions Dave Bauer, Dave McNeil, and Pat Hoggard.  Not shown is Lion Andy Stephenson.  Photograph courtesy of Lion Bob Pratt.

Lion President Dr. Kathy Bauer presents the first back pack to Westover Hills Elementary School principal Dr. Virginia Loving on August 17, 2015.

The staffs of Westover Hills Elementary School and Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club pose with some of the 60 back packs presented to the fourth grade students.  Present are (L-R) Joni Moore, Assistant Principal, Kristen Larson, Richmond School Board Member for the Fourth District, Charlotte Outland, Communities in Schools of Richmond Site Coordinator, Dr. Virginia Loving Principal, Dr. Kathy Bauer, Club President, Lion Dave Bauer, and Lion Bob Pratt.

The University of Richmond

Concession Stand Operations

Lion Dale Mounce preps Quiet Club Lions and family members on the strategy for working the concession stand at the University of Richmond’s Men’s Lacrosse game on March 14, 2015.  (L) Lions Bruce Watson, Bruce Langhorne, Lu Roberts and family member Suzanne Sizemore. (R) Lion Dale Mounce and Carol Sharp. Not shown are Lions Calvin Easter and Bob Pratt.

Suzanne Sizemore  and Lion Joe McVey get ready to serve refreshments at the men’s lacrosse game on Saturday, March 14, 2015.


The Messimer Mission

School Library Project

 

Lion Bruce O. Watson, President, Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club, learned of a program where a non-profit charitable club had its guest speaker autograph a book the club purchased.  The club then donated the book to a local school.  The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club board of directors approved a similar program as a part of the Messimer Mission.  The Messimer Mission is a program initiated by the Late PDG Lion Carolyn Messimer to provide reading materials to local schools.  Because of its previous work with the Westover Hills Elementary School, the club agreed to provide its books to that school library. 

Lion Nancy Alpine, a retired Chesterfield County elementary school librarian, heads the new program.  She contacted Ms. Thea Paul, Media Specialist, Westover Hills Elementary School for suggestions and a book list.  Using Ms. Paul’s list, Lion Nancy purchases books online through Amazon.com.  The books are library quality to withstand the rigorous use by the children.  Lion Nancy also created the bookplate. 

The club has a regular club meeting twice a month.  At each meeting, the club has a guest speaker.   At the end of the meeting the guest speaker signs and dates the bookplate in the front of the book.  Lion Nancy delivers the signed book to the school librarian after each meeting.

The club began having guest speakers sign books at the December 2014 meeting.  Dr. Earl Bruce Heilman was the first guest speaker to sign a book.  Dr. Heilman has served as president of several American colleges and universities. He currently holds the position of Chancellor at the University of Richmond.


The Salvation Army

Red Kettle Operation

Club members staffed the Red Kettle Station at the Kroger Supermarket, 1510 Eastridge Road, Henrico, Virginia 23229 on Friday, December 12 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.  Volunteers included Kevin Dunne, Paul Miksovic, Earle Wilson, Lydia Wilson, Lu Roberts, Pat Hoggard, Sarah Hoggard, Dave Bauer, and Kathy Bauer.

Lions Lydia and Earle Wilson staff the Red Kettle location at Kroger, Eastridge Road.

Lion Earle Wilson, Sarah Hoggard, Lion Pat Hoggard, and Lu Roberts.  Lion Pat Hoggard, his wife Sarah, and Lion Lu prepare to take over the third shift at Kroger.

The Bizarre Bazaar

The Christmas Collection

Fundraising to fund the various club charitable and humanitarian programs projects we engage in is often tasking but they are almost always fun.  One of these fundraisers is the annual Christmas Bizarre Bazaar.  Each year our Lions volunteer their time to work at the Bizarre Bazaar performing such tasks as decorating the buildings and grounds at the Richmond International Raceway, the home of the Christmas Bizarre Bazaar, assisting vendors in unlading their vehicles, and setting up booths, taking tickets at the entrances, and other duties necessary for the success of the bazaar. 

Club members performed the work and Bizarre Bazaar paid the club for the number of hours each volunteer works.  This year’s volunteers included Lions Carol Sharp, Andy Stephenson, David McNeal, Joe McVey, Dave Bauer, Nancy Alpine, Rosemary Duda, and Bob Pratt.  They worked during the week of December 4 – 7, 2014. 


Club Christmas Meeting

Each year, the Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club celebrates the holiday season by holding a Christmas meeting on the second Monday in December.  Spouses, friends and family join club members for a buffet breakfast and merriment.  This year, Lion Santa Dave Bauer with the assistance of his helper Lion President Bruce Watson, presented gag gifts to club members.

 

 

 

 


Monroe Park Comfort Kit Project

Our club has served the Richmond city and Henrico county communities for more than forty years.  We have supported individuals, other Lions Clubs, and partner agencies.  We have done well, but many members felt that we could do much better by directing more resources toward face-to-face projects. 

The club’s Unmet Needs Committee created the Monroe Park Comfort Kit Project.  It is a hands-on project to help satisfy one of the community’s unmet needs by providing indigent men, women, and children in the city of Richmond a toiletry and personal hygiene “comfort kit” for Christmas holiday.  The club donated kits to men, women, and children in Monroe Park on December 7, 2014.. 

Committee co-chairs Lions Bob Pratt and Lu Roberts would like to thank the members of the committee who helped to make this project a success.  Committee members include Lions Barry Yaffee, William Barton, Bruce Watson, Carol Sharp, Jack Meagher, Nancy Alpine, Allie Stough, Patricia Edwards, Pete Sizemore, Richard Dudley, Pat Hoggard and his wife Sarah, Lion Dave Bauer, Lion Kathy Bauer, her sister Susie Willis, and her husband Laurin Willis, Tom Anderson and his wife Beverly, and Marlene Pratt. 

Lion Carol Sharp (red cap and jacket), Lion Pat Hoggard, Laurin Willis (Kathy's brother-in-law in the background), Lions Kathy Bauer, Richard Dudley, and Beverly Anderson (with back to camera), Tom Anderson, and Marlene Pratt get organized at Monroe Park.


Lions Kathy Bauer, Richard Dudley, Tom Anderson, and his wife Beverly discuss strategy.

Ask Lion Lu Roberts if it was cold!

Richmonders line up for a hot meal provided by STAVE Ministries and a comfort kit from the Richmond West Breakfast Lions in Monroe Park, December 7, 2014.

Lion Kathy Bauer chats with Marlene Pratt and Susie Willis.

Children's gift bags await distribution.


Salvation Army Angel Tree Operation

The “Quiet Club” has had a long standing partnership with the Salvation Army to provide staffing for its Angel Tree and Red Kettle locations.  Under the leadership of Salvation Army Committee Chair Lion Pat Hoggard and Lion Bob Pratt, club members staffed the Angel Tree location at the Regency Mall, 1420 N. Parham Road, Richmond, Virginia 23229 on Friday, December 5, 2014 from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Volunteers included Club President Lion Bruce Watson, Lions Bruce Langhorne and his wife Helen, Pat Hoggard and his wife Sarah, Lions Carol Sharp, John Deacon, Lu Roberts, Allie Stough, Kathy Bauer, and Dave Bauer.

Lions John Deacon, Bruce Watson, and Carol Sharp

Lions John Deacon, Brce Watson, and Carol Sharp staff the Angel Tree location at Regency Mall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lion John Deacon checks an Angel Tree gift bag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lion Carol Sharp receives gift bag from donor.


University of Richmond Concessions

It is common knowledge that Lions Clubs can only use money raised through donations and fundraisers for charitable and humanitarian causes.  Clubs cannot use solicited funds to defray the administration costs of running the club.  Administrative costs include but are not limited to correspondence, postage, post office box fees, state charter fees, meals, social events, etc.

So how does the club pay for these costs?  Much of it comes from membership dues.  However, many clubs have innovative ways to reduce the cost to members.  The “Quiet Club” earns administrative dollars by working the concession stands at the Robins Center and football stadium during women’s soccer and basketball games.  The University pays the club based upon the number of hours our volunteers work.  Lions refrain from wearing Lions Club paraphernalia while working to avoid the perception that the money earned goes toward charitable and humanitarian causes.

(L-R)  Lion Kathy Bauer (behind popcorn machine), Lion Dave Bauer, Lion Kathy's brother-iin-law Laurin Willis, and her sister Susie Willis prepare the concession for operation. 

(L-R) Lions Calvin Easter and Dick Boaz at work.


Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon

In the greater Richmond metropolitan area, Lions Clubs have come together annually for more than a decade to celebrate Thanksgiving with a joint luncheon.  Each club takes turns to host the luncheon.  This year, the Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club hosted the event on Friday, November 21, 2014 at the Westwood Club, 6200 West Club Lane, Richmond, Virginia. 

Lion Bruce Watson, President, Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club, was the master of ceremonies. Lion J.B. Neal accompanied by Lion Jan Kessler led the group in song.  Lion Richard Dudley led the attendees in the pledge of allegiance, and Lion Kevin Dunne provided the invocation. 

The keynote speaker was Reverend Judy Oguich, Minister of Adult Ministeries, Triity United Methodist Church.

(L-R) Lions Nancy Alpine, Lydia Wilson, and Earle Wilson, all of the Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club enjoy the luncheon activities.


Coats for Kids Program

(L-R) Lions Kathy and Dave Bauer, Nancy Alpine, and Lu Roberts display some of the coats the “Quiet Club” donated to the Puritan Cleaners Coats for Kids Program.  From November 1st through November 30th, Puritan Cleaners cleans each coat donated by the Richmond area community and gives them to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Center for distribution to needy children and their families. 


The Messimer Project

The “Quiet Club” matched a donation from the late PDG Lion Carolyn Messimer to establish the Messimer Project.  Lion Kathy Bauer, Chair, Missions Committee suggested that the club adopt the kindergarten classes at the Westover Hills Elementary School in the city of Richmond.  The Board of Directors approved the idea and Lion Kathy recommended that the club purchase a stuffed animal and children’s book through the Kohl’s Cares Program for every kindergartener at the Westover Hills School and two additional sets for each kindergarten classroom. 

On November 7, 2014, Lions Kathy and Dave Bauer, Lu Roberts, Nancy Alpine, and Robert Pratt delivered the stuffed animals and children’s books to the kindergarteners.

Lions Nancy, Dave, Kathy, and Lu display some of the gift bags.

Preparing the bags for distribution to the kindergartners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lions Dave and Nancy

Dr. Loving enjoys one of the gifts.

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Back Pack Project

In 2014, the “Quiet Club” resolved to provide more direct support back into the community.  The Unmet Needs Committee co-chaired by Lions Bob Pratt and Lu Roberts recommended to the Board of Directors that the club provide school supplies for school year 2014 – 2015.  The club quickly approved the project.  Lion Bob coordinated with the Richmond City Public Schools staff.  The staff recommended the Westover Hills Elementary School and selected the fourth grade classes as the recipients. 

On August 24, 2014, the club donated 59 colorful backpacks filled with all the school supplies for the year to each fourth grader at the school.

Committee members included Lions Nancy Alpine, Allie Stough, Pete Sizemore, Richard Dudley, Carol Edwards, Kathy Bauer, David Bauer, Tom Anderson, Bruce Langhorne, Lu Roberts, Andy Stephenson, and Bob Pratt.

Lions Allie, Pete, Richard, and Kathy fill back packs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lion Kathy Bauer helps to put school supplies in the back packs.

Unloading back packs at the school.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(L-R) Dr. Virginia Loving, Principal, Lions Lu, Andy, Carol, Bruce, Pete, Allie, Tom, and Nancy.


Project Homes

The Renew Crew is a volunteer program of Project Homes (formerly ElderHomes) founded as a non-profit by the Capital Area Agency on Aging (CAAA) in 1992. Project Homes improves the housing and living conditions of low-income adults and persons with disabilities in Richmond Planning District 15 and the Cities of Hopewell, and Petersburg.

One of its goals is to help people stay in their homes comfortably, safely, and affordably. In 2008, the Quiet Club had several club members volunteer with Project Homes as part of its Wheelchair Division.  Volunteers build the wheelchair components in the Project Homes warehouse and install the ramps on Thursdays.  Since 2008, volunteers Bob Pratt, Pete Sizemore, and Barry Yaffe have participated in the installation of more than 130 wheelchair ramps.

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Lions Barry Yaffe, Pete Sizemore, and Bob Pratt take a break after another successful installation.

Lions Barry and Pete prepare tools in the Project Homes warehouse.


Because We Care

Henrico County Volunteer Litter Control Program

The Henrico County Volunteer Litter Control Program offers volunteers the opportunity to become proactive in the fight against litter throughout Henrico County.  The Richmond West Breakfast Lions Club has participated in this program for several years.  Our club has a sign erected by the county that identifies our assigned area.  We pick up litter four times a year weather permitting.  The club cleans a two linear mile distance on Skipwith Road.  The county provides trash bags, gloves, vests (on loan), and trash pick-up. 

(L - R front row)  Lions Kathy Bauer, Bruce Langhorne, Walter Douglas, and Calvin Easter. 

Rear row (L - R) Lions Pat Hoggard, Mike Harris, Dale Mounce, and Dave Bauer.


(L - R) Lions Walter Douglas, Kathy Bauer, Dave Bauer, Mike Harris, and Earl Watson.


Virginia Victory Games

In 1981, a group of physical and recreational therapists organized The Rainbow Olympic Games in Richmond.  Their objective was to give young people with disabilities the challenge of athletic competition similar to their non-disabled peers. In 1992, The Games became a non-profit organization and renamed The Virginia Victory Games.  It relies on contributions and volunteers to fund the Games. 

The Virginia Victory Games is a one-day sporting event held annually in Richmond for children and adolescents (ages 6-21) with medically diagnosed physical, visual and/or hearing disabilities. These children are not eligible to participate in the Special Olympics because they do not have any mental impairment. To ensure fair competition, game officials classify all competitors based on their level of disability.

The “Quiet Club” has supported the Games annually with financial and volunteer support.  Games are held at St. Christopher's School and include softball throw, bowling, wheelchair slalom, 60M race, 200M race, and 800M race. Awards were given out at the end of the day based on the participants' performance within their age group and classification.

(L - R) Lions Kathy Bauer, Dave Bauer, Calvin Easter, Walter Douglas, Bob Pratt, Bill Marshall, Bill Barton, and Pat Hoggard

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