Lions Club Members Attend District 24-A Winter Conference

Members of the Lake Jackson/Mid-County Lions Club, recently attended the 35th annual Winter Conference for District 24-A. Club President Gloria Wilson and Lions Joe Angsten, Judy and Russ Holt were among those who participated in the conference that drew representatives from clubs across Northern Virginia. With the theme of the conference being "A Focus on Service", participants attended breakout sessions on Canine Companions for Independence, the Fisher House Foundation and the Final Salute Organization. Onsite community projects included sorting Stamps for the Wounded, writing notes of gratitude to the military and making lap blankets for military personnel. The keynote speaker for the conference was Colonel Gregory Gadson, USA, the Base Commander of Fort Belvoir. His inspirational message told us how we can overcome our own disabilities. According to District Governor, Mike Ryan, "We as Lions have chosen to dedicate our lives to the service of others in an effort to make our local and world communities a better place for all to live. However, we frequently forget that we could not dedicate our lives to the service of others, if it weren't for the courage, strength and sacrifice that our men and women in uniform have demonstrated in order to keep our great country free." Locally Lions Club members make an impact in the community through service, such as Sight & Hearing screenings, supporting Boy Scout Troop 1378 and the Leader Dog for the Blind Program. Proceeds from past fund-raising events have been made to the Senior Citizens Center of Manassas, Special Olympics and the PWC Hospital Wellness Center for Diabetes. The club is currently gearing up for their upcoming Flea Market season. The Lake Jackson/Mid-County Lions Club has 29 members and meets on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at the Great American Buffet in Manassas. Lions clubs are groups of men and women who identify needs within their communities and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information about the Lake Jackson/Mid-County Lions Club, please contact Membership director, Russ Holt at 703-791-4545 or visit us on the web at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/lakejacksonva.