Local Lions clubs make an impact

On November 20th, the Wannaska Lions hosted a Zone 7 fall meeting. Zone 7 includes clubs in Greenbush/Badger, Grygla, Goodridge, Goodridge Lion Tamers (women), Roseau, Wannaska and Warroad. 45 club and cabinet members attended the meeting. Jenifer Spielman, of Project New Hope, was the featured speaker. Project New Hope is a nonprofit organization which provides retreats for veterans and their families. Their mission is to provide the education, training and skills necessary for veterans and their families to live in their communities after wartime services. The closest retreat is located in Bemidji. 

There is no cost to veterans and their families for this weekend retreat. If you or someone you know served in any of the wars and are interested in attending a retreat, their website is www.projectnewhope.net/welcome.aspx. The cost of retreats is covered by donations, many from Lion Clubs.

Lion John Wollenzien, District Governor for Zone 7, greeted club members and spoke of the upcoming midwinter convention in Mahnomen, the Heart of the Lion award and provided other pertinent information. He also presented patches to each of the clubs for their Lion activities in the past year. 

Lion Jeannine Windels spoke of the MN Lions Vision Foundation of which she is a board member. The Vision Foundation has been working to help the blind and visually impaired since 1960 when Helen Keller spoke to Lion members and challenged them to be knights of the blind.  

Lion Jerry Amiot spoke of the MN Hearing Foundation of which he is a board member. The Hearing Foundation is a nonprofit organizations founded in 1973 for the purpose of helping individuals with hearing or communication disorders. 

Where there is a need, there is a Lion. The Lions Club is the world’s largest service organization. Lions make an impact in communities all over the world. Please consider becoming a member of your local Lions Club.