River Hills Lions Club

Applications for career mentoring were given to all Clover High School Twelfth Grade students (seniors).  To date two students completed applications.  Letters explaining the program were mailed to their parents followed with phone calls to answer any questions and to set up an initial meeting.  One applicant declined the opportunity.  The other has made an appointment for an initial meeting.

The possibility of providing service to intermediate grade level students is still being investigated.

Frank Van Leer
Education Mentor Chairperson

Whooppee!…the project has been approved by the school nurses and the Board of Education.  We will definitely have at least one screening time.  That is set for January 17th and 18th, 2008 and will be for the 9th and 11th grades.  We will be setting up a meeting with the lead nurse, Gale Stewart, the nurse at CHS and the principal for location, etc of the health unit.  River Hills Lions must provide support for this endeavor with personnel for the eye testing, BP (if nurse requests this), paper work and “traffic” coordinator for smooth lines.  We will need to cover the unit’s 4 “shifts” in a 2-day visit.  If you can help us out with this terrific endeavor please call Dona Van Leer, Patrick Kirby or Bill Burgin.

The second screening is in the works for the elementary levels and is tentatively set for September 25th and 26th, 2008.  I have also booked the unit for Saturday the 27th of September 2008 which is also the Clover Antique Car Show.  This is a great way to get out into the community and let them know we are here, let them know we work for the community and, a great way to raise membership.

In 1925 the International Lions Clubs accepted the challenge, posed by Helen Keller, to help persons who are deaf as well as those who are blind.

In 1977 the South Carolina Sight Conservation Association began researching the program of “hearing conservation and aid to the deaf”. A hearing aid bank was established and the South Carolina Lions Charitable Services(SCLCS) “Loan for Life” hearing aid program was implemented to benefit South Carolinians who have hearing problems that can be helped with the aid of an amplification device and do not have the financial resources to obtain hearing aids.

The way this program works with the River Hills Lions is as follows:

1. Locate potential recipients from the York County South Carolina area.
2. Have the applicant fill out a financial aid form available at the CAAC or from the Lions Hearing Aid Committee.
3. The recipient schedules a free audiogram at the Speech and Hearing Center in Rock Hill, SC.
4. The qualified recipients audiogram will be sent to the SCLCS in Columbia ,SC to request the behind-the-ear style hearing aid(s).
5. The recipient is fitted for ear molds at the Speech and Hearing Center and after final adjustments signs a “hearing aid return agreement” which allows then to keep the aid(s) on permanent loan. When they are no longer needed or they need updating they return them to SCLCS.

So what can all River Hill Lions do to help expand this program?

1. Inform York County residents of our “Hearing Program”
2. Update/combine our used eye glass & hearing aid collection program.
3. Send interested/potential recipients to CAAC to fill out the financial aid form.

Lions Hearing Chairman, Pat Kirby
Lions Asst. Hearing Chairman, Bill Morgan

Congratulations to Lion C J Nager for receiving the Long Term Achievement Award from the River Hills Lions Club on September 4, 2007.  C J is a very valuable member of our Club.  Since C J joined the Club in 1996 he has served in many leadership capacities including President in 2000, 1st & 2nd VP, Secretary and Director.  He has been Chairman of the Pot Luck Supper since 2001 and is Co-chair of our twinning activities with the Berkhamsted Lions Club in England. In addition, C J has served on numerous committees such as the golf tournament, attendance, benefit drawing, mentoring Clover High School students and directory salesman.
CJ ‘s latest contribution is the formation of the River Hills Community Foundation which is growing in leaps and bounds.

C J has been married to Katzy for over 51 years and they have 3 grown children and 5 grandchildren.  He is a graduate of Rensaelaer Polytechnic Institute, is an avid tennis player, and  can be found on Lake Wylie early mornings on his beautiful labor-of-love scull.

Again, congratulations C J!  You exemplify our Motto “We Serve”.  Thanks to you and your efforts, the River Hills Lions Club is the best Lions Club in South Carolina!

Criteria for the award is 10 years of service with the RH Lions with distinguished service to the club. It was to honor the many long time Lions that are not as active and would not win a Lion of the Year. but have put in year after year of quality service.

You won’t want to miss this meeting! On September 4 the River Hills Lions Club will feature Dr. Tony Zeiss, President of Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), who will use a story-telling presentation format to feature four participants of the War Between the States. These four men are the dominant characters in his book, “All Were Heroes: A Civil War Reunion Story”. He will give equal time to two Yankees and two Confederates. Dr. Zeiss is a noted author on the Civil War.

In 1992, Dr. Zeiss became the third President of CPCC, the largest college in North Carolina. During his tenure, the college has grown from one campus to six. He is also a professional speaker and a member of the National Speaker’s Association. Dr. Zeiss has authored numerous books including four featuring the Civil War.

The dinner meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 4 at 7 pm at the River Hills Country Club. Please call Lion Bill Burgin at 803-370-2828 or Lion President R J Phillips at 803-831-7808 for details, reservations and to learn more about the River Hills Lions Club. www.riverhillslions.org.

Meet new friends and have fun.  The River Hills Lions Club gives back to the community and the world at large.  We welcome men and women of all ages.  If you are ready to give back and become active helping others, please check out our website www.riverhillslions.org and then call Lion President R J Phillips 803-831-7808 or Membership Chairman Bill Burgin at 803-370-2828 for details.

The annual Potluck Supper Party was started six years ago to say thank you to our Lion Members for their volunteer efforts during each year. The party is a social gathering for members, spouses and guests with no Lions Club business carried on….. designed to give all “ a night on the town!”

On May 6, 2007 we had our latest party at the Marina Pavilion. Members and spouses brought veggies, salads, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts while the RHCC Chefs prepared fried chicken for some ninety four attendees. Beer, wine and soft drinks were provided by the Lions Club.

Much camaraderie and goodwill was enjoyed by all.

Tess Sagos led the Bingo Segment in a delightful and fun manner. Thanks to all who helped make it a memorable evening.

Every Lion in our District is being asked to give $20 to Lions Clubs International Foundation. The money will be used to fight blindness around the world. Last year the LCIF gave out more money ($30 million) than they received ($18 million).

Count to five. That’s how often someone, somewhere loses their sight. Every five seconds, someone will never again see their children, their spouse or a sunset. Lions are Knights of the Blind. As local service clubs, we do all we can in our communities and in our state to prevent blindness and aid those whose sight has already been lost. We, as Lions, can help fight blindness on a global scale. Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) awarded $30 million in grants last year. These grants funded 127,940 cataract campaigns, over one million treatments for river blindness and saved the vision of over 250,000 at risk children.

This is your opportunity to make a difference by becoming a Contributing Member of LCIF. A mere $20 will fund cataract surgery in Africa and allow someone to see again. More importantly, it will allow him to work again and be a productive member of society. Your $20 can buy independence! Please contact Sandy Decker (803-031-8227) for a Donation Form.

Please note that this is an individual gift from a Lion member and that you are a member of The River Hills Lions Club of Multiple District 32. The 2 minutes of your time it takes to send this donation can give the gift of sight to someone in need. That is what being a Lion is all about: helping those in need.

Many years ago, our Lions Club started a special service within our Community called Helping Hands. Under the direction of Bob Meeker, the group is still active.  If you need someone to sit and visit with your family member while you run errands, or need a ride to a doctor’s appointment, please call Bob Meeker at 803-831-1542.

This group has unselfishly helped many people over the years; and on a personal note,   Sandy and Dave Decker have used them numerous times for Sandy’s grandmother, Dave’s Mom and Sandy when they had to go to their various doctor’s appointments.  A fond memory was when Bill Heflin drove Sandy to her rehab appointments for several weeks when she was recuperating from a fall.  We will forever be grateful to them as they have been a life-saver for our family in many, many ways.

Please note that this wonderful service is only available for River Hills Residents. If you are interested in joining the group or need help, please give Bob a call.

Congratulations to two very deserving Lions, Pat Duffy and Ralph Byra for being named  New Lions of the Year.  New Lions have to be recent members of the Club and must be very active in the workings of the Club.

Pat who joined the Lions in 2005, was part of the Telephone Directory team, participated on the Golf Tournament Committee for the past two years, sold Christmas Trees and worked on the Benefit Drawing’s Silent Auction.  Ralph, who joined the Club in 2006 was also very active on the Telephone Directory team, was active on the Golf Tournament Committee and Christmas Tree sales.  Ralph stepped up this year to give Golf Chairman, Don Meyer help by playing a key role in the success of the Golf Tournament.

Again, congratulations to both of you on your commitment to the success of the River Hills Lions Club. www.riverhillslions.org