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FARMINGTON — Lions Club dignitaries from local to international level gathered at the Fairbanks School Community Center Feb. 22 to celebrate the newest Lions Club in the State of Maine.
The charter celebration, hosted by the newly-formed SPC (Senior Planning Center) CYBER Lions Club, included the induction and pinning of charter members, the installation of officers and the presentation of the charter.
The SPC Cyber charter members met for the first time last June to discuss the possibility of forming a CYBER club, which would be sponsored by the Stratton- Eustis Lions Club. Marge McHugh of the Stratton-Eustis Lions Club acted as the “Guiding Lion,” assisting the new group through the organization process. They received the International Charter on Oct 7, and Saturday’s celebration officially welcomed the newest “cubs” into the District.
Senior Planning Center has four location throughout the state of Maine and these locations are participating in the Lions club in honor of Anthony Arruda, past district governor and CEO of the organization. This club is unique is that its members meet online or by conference calls. This is the first Cyber Club in Maine, and members are hoping for more.
The idea that members can be part of the organization and plan fundraisers or service projects without leaving their home or office is a great boon for the organization. Then meeting in person to do the activity makes it even more fun for members to get together.
McHugh has been assisting members in learning the benefits of helping others and the ethics and procedures for Lions meetings and protocol. “We do this in our business every day. So, we chose to use senior assistance as our primary service projects.,” she said. “We do plan on helping with all of the Lions causes such as, collecting glasses, hearing aids and cell phones in all our offices; those items are recycled and used throughout the communities and the world where needed.”
The first fundraiser was offering cookies and treats to clients in the office. Members then used those funds to give a Valentine gift of cards and a bouquet to three nursing homes in our areas. The cards were made by Olivia Brown’s fifth-grade class and together we gave out 200 valentines cards. It may have been simple, but something that made us all feel good.
There were several Lion dignitaries present at the celebration from district officers and club officers representing 10 different clubs throughout the state. We were honored by the District Governor Tia Knapp, and guest speaker Maine State Senator Russell Black. There were five past district governors present, each of whom commented on how unique the club is and all wishing much success for the future.
Past District Governor Anthony Arruda performed a touching and heartfelt induction ceremony, asking the new members to close their eyes for a moment to imagine the darkness of blindness and to remind us that it was Helen Keller who spoke at the 1925 Lions Conventions and asked the Lions to be the ‘Knights of the Blind.’ That is why — to this day– we still remember our number one commitment to help the blind.
Past District Governor Neil Iverson followed with a clever and fun installation of the officers. Each officer received a hat to remind them of their duties. The president as leader of a team with a Patriots hat; the secretary with a large brimmed hat as she is responsible for so many things and able to carry them off in style.
The membership hat was orange with dinosaurs on it to remind us that membership is important and not let the members die off. Go with the changes, as the Cyber club is unique but keeping pace with change. The vice president received a Fireman’s hat to help the president in keeping the club in order and if problems arise to help put out the fires. Visor for the Treasurer, Princess hat for the service chair to look for and plan service projects in our areas.
The club consists of employees, spouses, family members and friends. Anyone is welcome to join the club.
The newly inducted officers are Tracy Dowland, president; Heather Dube vice president; Crystal Kwon, secretary; Julie Chandler, treasurer; Mandy Keane, “Tail Twister;” Ray Hutchinson, Lion tamer; Courtney Ventura, service chairwoman; Rachel Marble, membership chairwoman; Mickayla Gammon, LCIF chairwoman; Erin Dyar, eye glass chairwoman.
Members include Brad & Michelle Dyer, Laura Kwon, Yvonne Zagorites, Samantha Walker, Aaron Michaud, Allen Martin, Laura Fissette, Caitlin Beairsto, Christopher Labbe, Jeff Taber, Louise Chandler and Olivia Brown (Leo to Lion).
For information about joining or viewing a video of the ceremony, contact Rachel Marble, 207-778-6565 ext. 402.
PHOTO: New members gathered recently to celebrate the newest Lions Club in the state. (Submitted photo)
