WHOA! Stop running around for a bit, and come to our meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16. We’ll talk some Lion business, hear some reports, find out what the Lion sitting next to you is doing for the Holidays and have a good lunch. We may even be favored by a visit from the TailTwister, always personifying the Spirit of Giving. Come anyway. We’ll hear about Rose Day from JERRY HODDINOTT, one new event, the Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament from DON NEVIASER, and another new event, the Walk For Sight, from JODI. Note that these last two are fundraisers that don’t involve selling, and the Walk has a service component as well. Each of these will raise our visibility in the community if we do them right, so bring your ideas and a willingness to help.

BELL RINGERS will do their bit for the Salvation Army at West Towne Mall on Thurs. Dec. 18. Last we knew, Chairman BOB BOHN still needed 2 (only two!) more Lions to fill our schedule. Check with BOB.

Past TailTwister SCOTT GROVER has gone back to his old pattern of persistence and is regularly reminding us of the need for MCLC members at the Kohl Center refreshment stand. It makes money for our service funds, and is a chance to work with a friendly bunch of Lions (several local clubs) and other friends, have a good time, and do some good. Family members and friends are welcome. See SCOTT, or call him, or check our web site for scheduled events where you can contribute.

Community Service - PHIL INGWELL says the Toy Depot needs some more hands and feet for their 3-day session on Dec. 15 (setup) and distribution on Dec. 16 and 17. You can choose your time and your job, and help get toys to some kids who wouldn’t have them otherwise. See PHIL for details.

More Community Service. A local family with vision impairments needs someone to read their mail for them once a week or so. See Pres. JODI.

Our Holiday Treat Sale has a few more nuts, trail mix, fruit cakes and malted milk balls to sell. LINDA BERGREN has kept this fundraiser afloat just about all by herself, and we have to get the surplus stock out of the Edgewater Catering Manager’s office, so pick up a few from LINDA, or at the next meeting, and let’s get them sold. Turn in money to LINDA.

At our last meeting the Pres. and lst VP were absent, and the 2nd VP had lost his voice to a cold (hard to believe, we know) so District Governor/Club Secretary JOHN JENSON rose to the occasion as he always does, and presided. He had the bell, but no gavel to hit it with, so he improvised, and JIM SCHUTZ led the song at a bass pitch. LINDA BERGREN (who does everything but fix the lunch, and could do that too if she had to) gave the invocation.

We had several guests in anticipation of our musical program. JIM SCHUTZ brought Jacqui, TERRY SCHAR brought Mary, DON NEVIASER brought Lynn Adams, and LINDA BERGREN brought hubby Dave York, guest Dave Meyers and her son-in-law, whose name escaped the editor ‘s old ears.

Music was in the air, as LINDA BERGREN introduced two talented local musicians, Francesca and Bob. We had piano, voice, and trumpet, in a mix of popular, seasonal and jazz numbers. LINDA has talented friends!

STEVE BRIGGS spent some extra days in the hospital dealing with unpleasant complications and about a week in therapy, but he and his refurbished hip are safely home and things are looking up - he just threw away the crutch! He’s still stuck inside watching it snow, though, so give him a call. 273-4180.

A few more “Thayerisms” -

“Things are just that - things.”

“Record everything - even the number of “Trick or Treaters” that come to your house so you’ll know how much candy to buy next year Halloween.”

“God is a verb, not a noun. He calls us to action.” “Find reasons to bring people together.”

Happy Holidays!

From the Lions Tale, Happy Holidays, and the best of New Years!!!!