Meetings 2023-2025
2024-2025
Meeting Jan 15, 2025 - Membership MeetingCall to Order: 6:30 pm – Lion President Roger Snell
Pledge of Allegiance – Lion Jeri Furman
Patriotic Song – Lion John Robertson
Invocation – Lion Bill Austin
Member Care: Lion President Roger Snell led a moment of silence in remembrance of Lion Jim Healy and Lion Dick Kreassig’s wife, Elle.
Introduction of Guests: Lion President Roger Snell welcomed Ruth Burgman, a guest of Lion Nancy
Lekberg, and Robert Cass, the program speaker for Ainsley’s Angles. Cass was joined by Sparrow
Haynie, the new ambassador for Ainsley’s Angels of Hampton Roads.
Recess for dinner: 6:35 pm
Resume meeting for program: 7:00 pm
Introduction Guest Speaker by Lion Bill Austin: Robert Cass representing Ainsley’s Angels Program:
Ten years ago Robert Cass and his wife Emily were inspired by Kim “Rooster” Rossiter, a neighbor whose daughter Ainsley had an incureable neural disease. When “Rooster” jogged while pushing Ainsley in a wheel chair, she became so joyful. He shared her delight with others in the running community. When she passed away, “Rooster” changed his grief into passion and founded Ainsley’s Angels, and organization of inclusion by pairing runners with disabled people so they could participate in racing events.
Robert and Emily Cass were struck by the dedication of “Rooster” and the organization, especially when Robert was asked to run with a young man who appeared to be catatonic. The runner had the name “Uncle Louie” on the flag attached to his wheelchair. Robert was surprised that as the crowd cheered for Uncle Louie, the runner actually responded. Since he and his wife were already very athletic, they officially joined Ainsley’s Angels.
Their commitment has lasted 10 years to date. “Fitness is a gift you can share,” Robert said, adding that he has not run a race solo since. His second motivation is allowing parents to stand by and watch their child receive praise as a participant in a very normal experience and even go home with a medal. He said that these parents are caretakes for the life of their child and often don’t have a break. His third motivation was seeing a father turn the trauma of losing a daughter into a blessing for thousands of others. Ainsley”s Angels now has 61 local organizations across the country and over 2,100 volunteers to run events. Locally Robert also helps maintain the supply of special push chairs for the runners plus spreading its mission of inclusion. His family has helped many racers complete 5K, 10 K, marathons and relays.
With Robert was Sparrow Haynie, an accomplished racer who also has vowed not to run solo again. She is replacing Emily Cass as the Hampton Roads Ambassador for Ainsley’s Angels.
Business session resumed: President Roger Snell presented a pin and membership documents to Lion Sandra Richards.
Secretary’s Report – N/A
Service Reports:
*Holiday Project 2024 – Lion Vickie Kennedy read a letter from Michelle Streuli, project coordinator at the Department of Human Services for the City of Virginia Beach. She thanked the club for participating in the project which provided 798 Thanksgiving baskets and 424 Christmas food baskets to needy families and individuals. The program also gave gifts to 1,300 children in foster care. Feeding Kids at the Oceanfront – Lion Nancy Lekburg volunteered to coordinate the project with Lion Susie Sumnick, and several Lions offered to participate. The project involved preparing and serving a meal to approximately 21 children who attend an after-school program at Beach Methodist Church at 19 th and Pacific. Thalia Lions are scheduled to provide the dinner on Wednesday, January 22 and Wednesday, Feb. 26 th. Normally, one volunteer provides a main dish, one provides a variety of cut vegetables and Ranch Dressing, and one provides fruit. If desired, cookies are always welcome; however, they need to be bagged and distributed after the meal so the children can carry them home. Meal providers meet at 4:30 to set tables, chairs and the food.
*Lions Bag Hunger and $500 Grant Presentation – January is LCI Hunger month, and Thalia Lions received $500 to give to the Thalia United Methodist Church Food Pantry. The check presentation should be on a Thursday between 11:30 and 2:30pm because that is the only time the food bank is open. The remaining Thursdays in Jan. are Thurs 23 rd and Thursday 30 th . Lion Nancy Lekburg volunteered to coordinate the presentation and will announce the preferred time after contacting the church. Lions are encouraged to bring a bag of groceries to the Thursday presentation. Below is a list of most needed items:
Vegetables--canned
Protein—canned meats
Beans—canned
Grains—cereals, rice, oatmeal
Pasta—boxed
Soup—canned or dehydrated
Personal care items –deodorant, soap, diapers
Please let Lions Nancy Lekburg, Susie Sumnick, or Roger Snell know if you can donate a bag of groceries and deliver it either to the church for the presentation or to a member attending the event. Bland Music Scholarship Competition – Lion Vickie Kennedy announced that the Bland Music Scholarship Competition would be held at the Thalia United Methodist Church Friday, February 28. She stressed that many volunteers would be needed to help with the event. Our guest, Sparrow Haynie, was volunteered to help as a coordinator with the judges. Lion Dorothy Young will help with introducing participants.
Fundraisers:
Peanuts & Brooms - Lion Jack Wagner was absent, so please contact him directly. We have a supply of the Christmas assortment left.
LOVF Raffle – Lion Stanley Furman distributed raffle booklets, an important fundraiser for our club and the Lions’ charities. The Club keeps $20 and Lions of Virginia Foundation receives $10 from the sale of each booklet. Please buy or sell as many booklets as possible.
From the Floor:
Tail Twister: 50/50 raffle/fines-- Lions Sandra Richards and Mike Coren were winners.
Queen of Hearts drawing: No winner tonight.
Birthdays: December Birthdays – Lions Jeri Furman, 12/3, Dorothy Young, 12/13, Stan Moss. 1/28 January Birthdays – Lions Vickie Kennedy, 1/8, guest Sparrow Haynie 1/12
Program Schedule – Lion Bill Austin
Feb. – Dr. Joanne Watters (American Cancer Society)
March – Women & Water – PDG Homer Cook
April – Native Ukrainian
Adjournment: 7:50 pm
Sat. Jan. 18 th – funeral service for Lion Dick Kreassig’s wife, Elle. Old Donation Church 2pm
Wed. Jan 22 nd - Feeding Kids at the Oceanfront –. 4:30pm – Beach Methodist Church, 212 19 th and Pacific Ave. - Volunteers are needed for this event. Thurs. Jan 23 rd – EGRC – meet Lion John Robertson at Best Buy (9:30am) to carpool. If you drive, the address is 2040 Broadmoor St., Chesapeake, Va.
Wed. Feb. 5 th -Thalia Board of Directors meeting 7pm Zoom
Wed Feb. 19 th – Deceased member Lion James Healy funeral service – Holy Family 11am
Wed Feb. 19 th – Membership meeting – First Colonial Inn - 845 First Colonial Inn 6pm
Wed. Feb. 26 th - Feeding Kids at the Oceanfront – 4:30pm – Beach Methodist Church, 212 19th and Pacific Ave. - Volunteers are needed for this event.
Submitted by Lion Fran Scott
Oct 16, 2024 Membership Meeting
First Colonial Inn. 845 First Colonial Road 23451
Lion Martin Joseph lost his brother to brain cancer.
Lion Jeri Furman will be coming home from rehab on Friday
Lion Dick Kreassig is home from the hospital and recuperating. Lion Aziz’s wife, Arian, is home recouping after having another back procedure to assist with pain resulting from her cancer treatments.
Introduction of Guests by sponsors – Sandra Richards (Lion Brenda Mallery)
Introduction Guest Speaker by Lion Bill Austin: Lion Past Council Chairperson Stanley Furman: Lions Charity Foundations
Lion Stanley explained the available foundations in our District. We are fortunate to have the support of each foundation to assist our clubs in service activities.
LCIF – Lions Club International Foundation – Lion Stanley passed out forms for individual donations for Melvin Jones Fellowships. That donation is $1,000. This foundation has helped with disaster relief, Lions EyeBank, Center for Sight and with expensive projects that the individual clubs cannot afford. You can contribute in small increments until you reach the $1,000 amount. LCIF has given this district more in grants than we have contributed.
LCFSVA – Lions Chairty Foundation of Southeastern Virginia, originally called LCFof 24D.
The major source of revenue was the PGA golf tournament until it was moved from Williamsburg. Virginia. They turned to a Bid & Buy Yearly Auction until Covid 19 ended that event. With about thirty million in assets, they help with the Center for Sight, Diabetes Camp, Beach Bag, and other worthwhile causes.
LOVF – Lions of Virginia Foundation – Founded after hurricane Camille, to assist with recovery if our own state. The District governors in Virginia created the foundation for state disasters.
That foundation will grant up to $10,000 with an almost instant turnaround when there is an event. Their only fundraiser is the raffle tickets we sell in January. The tickets a sold by a book of thirty tickets for $30. The club keeps $20 for each book so this is also a club fundraiser. Business session – President Roger Snell
Tail Twister replacement –Tail Twister Lion Rhonda will be absent for a few months. She has gone on a “walk about” and will decide where she wants to permanently reside. Lion President Roger asked for a volunteer to take her position until she decides to return. Lion Nancy Lekberg willingly consented to take her position. Thank you, Lion Nancy! Holiday Party Ideas – First Colonial Inn will host our Holiday Party on Dec. 18 th . The club members decided to continue with their regular meals for the party because FCI does such a good job. Each member may invite a partner, spouse or friend to attend. The Board of Directors will decide at the next Board meeting how we will charge the membership for the event. Lions Dorothy Young and Lin Johnson will plan the activities for the party.
Secretary’s Report Fall Conference will be November 21-23 – registration is now available. Lion Nancy Watters will forward the registration form to the membership. The conference is in Portsmouth. We need some officers and members to attend to maintain our Club Excellence status.
Service Reports - Lion Nancy Watters
*Beach Bag Grant report - There were 82 volunteers that packed 2,500 bags of food on Monday, Oct. 7 th . We were presented with a $500 donation from a Thalia Lions friend. We are grateful for the support of the $12,000 grant from LCFSVA.
*Vision Screenings – To date we have screened 1,300 children in the school system and Head Start programs. The screening should be complete by the end of the month.
*Social Service Families Thanksgiving Project – Lion Stanley Furman presented information on 4 families with single mothers and several children. The project is to contact the family and to provide all the necessary Thanksgiving fixings for the holiday meal. The food should be delivered at a time arranged with the family. The list and the members who agreed to accept this project is attached to these minutes. If there are corrections, please let the secretary know.
*Thanksgiving in a Laundry Basket – see attached item list and instructions. Copies were placed on the tables. Several people volunteered to purchase a laundry basket and fill it with Thanksgiving food items. The baskets should be completed and delivered to the Virginia Beach Christian Church front parking lot at 1:00pm on Wednesday November 13 th . They will be loaded into designated vehicles and delivered to the ForKids location in Chesapeake that afternoon. This is an entirely different project from the one above about Social Services Families. Please let Lion Nancy Watters know if you are planning to do a basket.
*Water bottles for Elementary Schools – Lion Susan Sumnick still has a few water bottles to deliver to our elementary schools.
*Sock & Underwear for Elementary Schools – Lion Susan Sumnick is collecting items to deliver to the elementary schools. Please remember to purchase new items if you want to contribute to this project.
*Sight & Hearing Van –Wed., Oct. 23 rd Adult Learning Center – 5100 Cleveland St., VB 9am-2pm. We will do vision and hearing screenings. Blood sugar screening kits are ready for 2 nurses. The schedule is attached to these minutes.
*Sight & Hearing Van – Sunday, Oct. 27 th – Convention Center 12-4pm. Veteran’s Health Fair. This event is sponsored by the Town Center Blind Lions Club. They have asked for assistance since most of them are vision impaired. Lions Roger Snell, Dorothy Young and Lin Johnson have agreed to help. Lion Nancy and John will take the SPOT for screening children that may be at the event.
*Feeding Kids at the Oceanfront – Oct. 30 th – 5pm – VB United Methodist Church, 212 19 th and Pacific Ave. 5pm. – Lions Nancy Lekburg, Bob Perrine and PCC Stanley Furman will provide the meal. These children, bussed from Cooke Elementary, are taken to the church for a meal before being picked up by their parents. All these children are homeless, many being housed in hotels. There are usually 15-20 children in this group.
Fundraisers
*Peanuts & Brooms - Lion Jack Wagner - Atlantic Shores Holiday Bazaar – Nov. 13 th 10- 2pm. – 2-3 volunteers needed per shift. The event will be held inside the clubhouse. We will have 1 display table.
*Southside Reverse Raffle – Lion John Watters still has too many tickets left for the South Side Reverse Raffle. This is one of our most profitable fundraisers each year. We normally sell 100 tickets and raise $2,000. To date we still have more than 20 tickets left. The tickets are $60 each or 2 for $100. Thalia Lions keeps half of all our ticket sales and the grand pay out is $5,000 to the winner. Second winner is $1000, third winner is $500. During the raffle, every 25 th ticket pulled wins $100. Only 400 tickets are sold so the odds of winning are pretty good. Please let Lion John know if you want a ticket. He will need to turn all money and unsold tickets into Southside before the end of the month. We have never had to turn in unsold tickets.
Programs – August - Lion Bill Austin
November –Va. Beach Fire Department Safey Supervisor
December – Party at First Colonial Inn Dec. 18th
From the Floor:
Tail Twister: 50/50 raffle/fines - Lion Stanley Moss won $50.00 with the winning ticket.
Birthdays – Marvin Clemmons (4), Rich Edwards (26), Jon Halvorson (27). Only Lion Rich was in attendance. He was heartily wished a Happy Birthday with a cacophony of Lions voices.
Queen of Hearts drawing -Lion Stanley Furman- Lion Nancy Lekberg drew the winning ticket but the losing card!!
At the end of the meeting, Lion President Roger Snell discovered that his gavel had been stolen. More drama to come!
Adjournment:
Thurs. Oct. 17 th – Head Start Atlantis – 8:30am
Fri. Oct. 18 th – Sunnybrook - SPOT – 9:00am
Wed. Oct. 23 rd – Sight & Hearing Van – ALC – 9am-2pm – 5100 Cleveland St. VB
Sun. Oct. 27 th – Sight & Hearing Van – Convention Center – Veterans Health Fair 12-4pm
Mon. Oct. 28 th – Head Start – Stoneshore – 8:30am
Wed. Oct. 30 th – Head Start Twin Canals – 8:30am
Wed. Oct. 30 th – Feeding the Kids at the Oceanfront – United Methodist Church, 212 19 th and Pacific Ave. 5pm
Nov. 13 th – Atlantic Shores Holiday Bazaar 10-2pm
Nov. 13 th – 1pm – Thanksgiving in Laundry Baskets to VBCC front parking lot.
Future dates for preparing meals for homeless children - Jan 22nd, Feb 26th, Mar 26th, Apr 23rd, May 28th
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