Everyone needs a helping hand now and then

Lions District Gov. Bill Anderson spoke about his hopes for the 45 clubs under his supervision and goals for the year, during an April 20, joint governor’s night. Hosted by the Lake Holcombe and Cornell chapters, the dinner meeting was held at Staudacher Field in Holcombe. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Becoming a Lions club member is about more than just dishing up chicken, or biscuits and gravy. It’s about service to those in need and helping with community projects.

That’s what Lions District Gov. Bill Anderson’s grandfather told him as a lad, that he needed to give back. Anderson shared his message on service and community participation April 20, as part of the Lake Holcombe and Cornell Lions clubs annual Governor’s Night.

Taking his grandfather’s words to heart, Bill has been a proud Lion for 38 years, now reaching rank of governor within the organization. Bill says there was a lot to learn, but that he and his wife, Karen, enjoy meeting all the clubs, who have given them so much support.

“We came in pretty green,” said Karen. While the focus should be on the community, Bill reminded

(To the right) During the night, the governor also presented Monarch Chevron Awards to Lake Holcombe and Cornell Lions, left to right, Sue Sublett (10 years), Dave Barry (30), Ole Olichwier (20), Ron Plumer (20) and Bob Nelson (35). Missing, were Ann Thompson (15), Bob Langland (10), Laura Johnson (15), Ray Guthman (45) and Tim Bonn (35).

the two neighboring clubs to also look out for their own, by checking on club members regularly, since the average age of a Lion is 80. He said some elderly or disabled members may need help, now and then, and need to get out or involved through online means.

The Lions camp is also a big focus for Bill, and he didn’t neglect to mention inter-club relations and work sharing.

“Even big clubs need help, small clubs need some help sometimes,” he said.

With 45 clubs in his district tour, Bill has seen where people need a hand and told members he will come to their aid, if needed.

“My main goal is to have clubs helping clubs and getting clubs back in the community, so the community sees…that we’re still here to serve,” said Bill. “I’m proud to be in this district.”

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="745"]  Lake Holcombe also installed their new officers for the year, handing out positions, left to right, in front, to Bob Nelson, Ole Olichwier, president Rick Mitchell, Bill Seipel, District Gov. Bill Anderson and April Shackleton. In back, are Bryan Olichwier, Rhonda Mataczynski, Crystal Olmstead, Beth Meddaugh, Judy Simpson, Mike Schmidt, Wade Meddaugh and Jim Mataczynski. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="" align="alignnone" width="494"] During the night, the governor also presented Monarch Chevron Awards to Lake Holcombe and Cornell Lions, left to right, Sue Sublett (10 years), Dave Barry (30), Ole Olichwier (20), Ron Plumer (20) and Bob Nelson (35). Missing, were Ann Thompson (15), Bob Langland (10), Laura Johnson (15), Ray Guthman (45) and Tim Bonn (35). Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]   [caption id="attachment_169188" align="alignnone" width="300"] The Lake Holcombe club also welcomed new members at the April 20 event, with District Gov. Bill Anderson inducting them. Present, left to right, are sponsor Bryan Olichwier; inductees Ashley Carothers, Zachary Carothers, Eric Davis, Paul Messmer, Mary Ann Messmer; sponsor Jim Justus; and Anderson. Missing, are sponsor Ervin Larson; and inductees Roseann LeMay, Betsy Patterson and Pete Patterson. Photo by Ginna Young[/caption]