NEWS
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Peace Poster Winners Chosen
(See all posters under Photos Tab)
Cody Davidson of Saltville is the winner of the 24-F Peace Poster contest “ Power of Peace” and will now compete in the Virginia State Lions contest.
The contest was judged by Judith L. Peter, Instructor of Art at Wytheville Community College.
The other winners were River Michaels of Richlands, second place; Sidney Childress of Hillsville, third place and Hannah Gwynn of Cana, honorable mention.
Cody represents the Saltville-Rich Valley Lions club and is in the eighth grade at Northwood Middle School. His quote on peace was, “The dove represents peace with the weight of the world on its shoulders. Clouds have always symbolized peace to me. World flags are included in the clouds.”
The judge comment on the winning poster said, “ Good composition, well balanced, lovely technique, medium used, concept explanation shows understanding of theme.”
River is in the seventh grade at Richlands Middle School and represented the Richlands Lions Club. His quote on peace was, “We can protect each other and ourselves by making peace our priority.
Comments by the judge on River’s poster were, “Good composition, well balanced,, symbolism is very interesting, drawing skills are evident, the background detracts due to its inconsistency and value.”
The third place winner, Sydney, is in the seventh grade in Hillsville and represents the Hillsville Lions Club. “Turn to peace and brighten the world,” was the quote on peace.
Judge comments were, “Interesting symbolism of earth as a light accompanied by the dove and peace symbol.”
The honorable Mention poster by Hanna, a seventh grader at St. Paul received these comments from the judge, “Beautiful colors, sky in particular is very interesting, nice composition and well balanced.” Hanna, representing the Hillsville Lions Club gave her peace quote as, “People all over the world giving the power of peace.”
A total of 304 students participated in the contest representing seven Lions Clubs.
“With the excellent participation this year I would hope that more clubs in the district will start now on the project for next year,” said Bill Hall, District Governor of 24-F
He said he would like to thank the Peace Poster committee, headed by PDG Laila Cox and Barbara Slater, for their work in promoting the event again this year. Clubs that participated were Saltville-Rich Valley, Pound, Norton, Appalachia, Galax, Hillsville and Richlands.
What is Lions in Sight?(See Lions Info)
Lions Internatinal Foundation Newsletter (See Lions Info)
Leader Dog News (See Lions Info)
Fall Confrence Cabinet Minutes (see Lions Info
(Story From Bristol Herald Courier)
Claudia Byrd surprised by honor from Lions Club
BRISTOL, Va. – Claudia Byrd had a simple plan Saturday afternoon: She’d go to the Lions Club’s Fall Convention, watch her husband speak and then say a few words herself about Bristol Speedway Children’s Charities.
But things didn’t go that way. Claudia Byrd’s husband, Bristol Motor Speedway President Jeff Byrd, introduced her at the meeting right before the Lions Club recognized her with its Distinguished Humanitarian Award.
“My husband brought me here under false pretenses,” Claudia Byrd said, admitting the honor caught her by surprise and left her speechless for a rare moment in her life.
Lions of Virginia Foundation Past President Jan Bowling said the Distinguished Humanitarian Award recognizes people who have “really given from their heart.” It is the group’s top honor and given to only a few Southwest Virginia residents each year.
“She deserves special recognition,” Bowling said, adding that Claudia Byrd was chosen for the honor because of her work with the Bristol chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities. She is the chapter director.
The charity uses events including Speedway in Lights and the Sharky 500 to raise money for nonprofit groups that work with children in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
The group gave $575,000 to 83 local children’s groups during its Night of Smiles event in November 2008. Since it was founded in 1996, the chapter has distributed $4.5 million.
“I love children,” Claudia Byrd said explaining why she works with the group. “I have the best job in the world because I get to make a difference in the lives of children.”
24-F Fall Conference
Held in Bristol
Lions from throughout Southwest Virginia gathered in Bristol October 30 and 31 for their Fall Confrence.
Highlights of the confrence were:
1- Honoring Claudia Byrd, Executive Director of the Bristol Motor Speedway Children's Charities, with the Lions of Virginia Foundation Humaniterian Award.
2-PDG Roger Ramey was presented with his official Lions International Ambassador of Good Will award for his work with the Wise Lamp project.
3-Honored PDG Bill Taft, who served as District Governor in 1950-51.
4-Presented LCIF President appreciation awards to PCC Jan Bowling and Cabinet Secretary Priscilla M. Hall
5-Heard from International Director Neil Spencer from Florida.
6-Held training schools for Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers and on leadership and membership.
See Photographs in the photo section of this web site!
Hearing Foundation
In 1978, the Lions of Virginia Hearing Foundation was established at the UVA Medical Center. This was a joint venture between the Lions of Virginia and the UVA Department of Otolaryngology. The objectives of the foundation are: 1. To initiate and support research on deafness and hearing problems in all age groups;2. To support the Cochlear Implant Program for the rehabilitation of profound deafness in children and adults;3. To conduct diagnostic clinical examinations;4. To conduct informational programs to educate the public on hearing disorders and to encourage hearing protection; and5. To initiate educational programs for practicing ear surgeons on the latest surgical techniques. The Foundation’s program operates through donations from the clubs in Virginia. Each club is asked to donate $10 per Lion. Last Lions year, 11 clubs made donations of $3,080. Please forward your contribution to District Hearing Chairman, Lion John W. Jones, Jr., 300 East North Street, Wytheville, Virginia 24382. One of the key research projects that have been funded by donations from clubs has been the growth of new hair cells in damaged ears of chickens. There is a great deal of optimism that the knowledge gained will allow this effort to be transferred to humans. Other programs include: hair cell regeneration; cochlear implant; implantable hearing aid; newborn hearing screening; and hearing aid assistance. If you would like a hearing program, please contact Lion John Jones at 276/228-3560.
DISTRICT 24F HEARING PROGRAM
During this past Lions year, our District Hearing Aid Program has provided hearing aids to 27 applicants, bringing the number of people who have received hearing aids to 815. The program, similar to the eyeglasses program each club has, provides new hearing aids to those citizens of our district who are approved and sponsored by a club. The applicant will complete an application furnished to the club by the Bristol Speech and Hearing Center. The Center will then get in touch with the applicant. The only charge is $135, which the applicant is asked to pay $25, and the club pays the balance of $110. With each passing year, this program has grown. Its success and continued growth hinges on the financial support of the clubs in the district. Last year thirteen clubs made donations of $4080.00, which enabled us to purchase 25 hearing aids. Our procedure again this year is that those clubs that make a donation are first on the list to have an applicant receive a hearing aid. After going through the list of applicants, one from each club, if there are still hearing aids remaining, the applicant list is gone through again and any clubs that made a donation and still have an applicant will receive an aid. If there are still hearing aids left, then starting at the top of the list, applicants from clubs that have not made a contribution in the past two years will receive a hearing aid. Those clubs that have made a donation in the just completed Lions year (2008-2009) are: Bristol Evening, Bristol Host, Chilhowie, Ewing Boones Path, Galax, Independence, North Tazewell, Norton, Rural Retreat, Saltville-Rich Valley, St. Charles, Tazewell, and Wytheville. To support this program, clubs need to send donations to District Hearing Chairman: Lion John W. Jones, Jr., 300 East North Street, Wytheville, VA 24382. The hearing objectives for this year are: 1. Have an active hearing program in your club and community to include a program presentation to your club.2. Collect used hearing aids for the District Hearing Aid Program.3. Make a financial donation to the District Hearing Aid Program.4. Make a financial donation to the LOV Hearing Foundation. Those of us involved in the above program deeply appreciate the financial support from the clubs across our district. Without your support, the program would cease. If you would like a hearing program, please contact Lion John Jones at 276/228-3560.
Haysi-Clinchco holds Duck Race, enters parade (see photos for pictures)
On October 3, 2009 the Haysi - Clinchco Lion's Club held their 9th Annual Duck Race. We entered a float in the Haysi Russell Fork Autumn Fest parade. Our theme was "Don't Leave Those Old Eyeglasses LION Around". Everyone that rode the float wore jumbo sunglasses. We had a drop box on the float to encourage people to donate those old eyeglasses to their local Lion's Club. We had a concession stand in town, selling soup beans and cornbread, homemade vegetable soup, homemade fried pies, cream puffs and candy. We are a small club, but everyone worked very hard to make this day a success. We had lots of fun working on our float, participating in the parade, putting on the Duck Race and manning our concession stand.
Official visit to Clintwood, Pound, Haysi-Clinchco held by Governor Hall (See Photos for pictures of event)
Jonesville Lions host Pennington Gap, St. Charles, Ewing-Boones Path Lions for Offical Governor's visit. (See Photos page)