the citizen - july 2, 2015 special lions club 70th anniversary edition

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015. PAGE 11.

Blyth Lions Club

Saturday, July 11thBlyth Lions Park

1:00-3:00 pm Meet and Greet

DisplaysWading pool open for children

3:00-3:30 pmOfficial presentation

Dedication of new benches4:00 pm

Free Community BBQDonations accepted for upkeep and improvement

to the Blyth Lions Park

th

Schedule

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015. PAGE 13.

Congratulations Blyth Lions on your 70th Anniversary

HOWSON & HOWSON LTD. FLOUR MILL Blyth

519-523-4241SINCE 1875

Website: www.lisathompsonmpp.ca Email: [email protected]

CONSTITUENCY OFFICES

Kincardine Office: Phone: 519-396-3007

Blyth Office: Phone: 519-523-4251

ThankYou!

Congratulations and sincereappreciation for serving

the community for 70 years!

Blyth Décor Shoppe

Queen Street, Blyth ~ 519-523-4840

Your Paint & Drywall ContractorBarney & Linda Stewart

Congratulations Blyth Lionson your dedication and service

to our community for the past 70 years!

404 Queen St.Blyth, Ontario 519-523-9449

www.Stitcheswithatwist.com

Yarns, Notions& ChainMaille

SuppliesSewing Services

Well Done!Thank you for 70 Years of Service

Your Hosts: Peter and Sarah Gusso

226.523.FOOD(3663)428 Queen Street, Blyth, Ontario

(Licensed under AGCO)

Best wishes on your 70th Anniversary!

422 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-9381 • blythinn.ca

The place to be.

“ A Classic Huron DiningExperience”

Congratulations on your 70th Anniversary

New, Old & AdditionsHistorical Renovations

Residential, Retail & OfficeInstitutional, Industrial

& StorefrontsBarrier-Free Accessibility

Feasibility Studies &Condition Reports

JOHN RUTLEDGE ARCHITECT406 Queen Street, Box 393, Blyth, Ontario N0M 1H0

[email protected] 519-523-9000

“We have BIG plans”Best wishes to the Blyth Lions Club

Congratulations on your70th Anniversary

I am proud my father, George Radford was a Charter Member from 1945-1981

and we continue to support the Blyth Lions.

519-523-4551Featuring: Pizza and subs,

Scrimgeour’s homemade country sausage, Scrimgeour’s homemade beef patties,

Soup and Sandwich to go. Open Mon.-Wed. 8 am - 7 pm; Thurs. & Fri. 8 am - 8 pm;

Sat. 8 am-6 pm; Sun. 12 noon-5 pm

Congratulationson your 70thAnniversary

Specialty Coffees & Espresso Bar

430 Queen St., Blyth 226-523-9720

Wi-Fi access • [email protected] (under AGCO)

Wishing the Blyth Lions all the best as theycelebrate 70 Years of service. Thank you!

Lunches, Fresh Pie, Buttermilk Biscuits, Cake, Muffins,

Cookies & Squares,Craft Beer & Wine

402 Queen St., Downtown Blyth 519-523-4535

www.pianovations.com

Open Wednesday - Friday 10 am - 5 pm;

Saturday 10 am - 4 pm Also by appointment.


& BLYTH GUITAR SHOPNew & Used Sales and RepairsBook appointments

online

519-523-4793

406 Mill Street, BlythCorner of Dinsley & Mill

www.spaessentialsblyth.com

�• MANICURES �• PEDICURES �• FACIALS �• WAXING �• PERMANENT MAKEUP �• ION CLEANSING �• EAR PIERCING �• LASER HAIR REMOVAL

�• RMT MASSAGE �• HOT STONE MASSAGE �• RELAXATION MASSAGE �• BODY POLISH �• REFLEXOLOGY �• EYELASH & EYEBROW TINTING

Advanced aesthetics for women & men

Congratulations Blyth Lionson 70 Years of Service

Congratulations to the Blyth Lions Club on their

70th Anniversary

Blyth Arts & CulturalInitiative 14/19 Inc.

Honouring Our Past, Planning for Our Future

Best Wishes to the Blyth Lions on your 70th Anniversary

Famous forFashions and

Leather & WoolOpen 7 days

Hwy. 4, 1 mile south of Blyth519-523-4595

Congratulations and Best Wisheson your 70th Anniversary Blyth Lions

Congratulations Blyth Lions

theoldmill.ca

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Blyth Lions on their

70th Anniversary and to thank themfor their years of service

to the community.

The Citizen541 Turnberry St.,

Brussels519-887-9114

413 Queen St., Blyth

519-523-4792

Blyth Lions Club 70th Anniversary Celebration

208 Hamilton St., BlythPhone 519-523-9306

Fax 519-523-9305

SUPPLIERS TO RESIDENTIAL, AGRICULTURAL,COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

BLYTH BUILDINGSUPPLIES LIMITED

Best Wishes & Happy 70th Blyth Lions!

Wash & Fold ServiceFull Laundromat

Phone for info ~ 519-523-9687191 Westmoreland St., Blyth

Taking care of your laundry since 2007

Blyth Laundromat

Congratulations Blyth Lions on your 70th Anniversary Celebration


Blyth Lions Club

Blyth519-523-4554

Congratulations Blyth LionsClub on 70 Years ofCommunity Service

G. L. HUBBARDLIMITED

Growers And Packers Of Quality Rutabagas

1940s – 1950sThe Blyth Lions Club received its charter

from Lions Clubs International on March 27,1945. It was sponsored by the Mitchell LionsClub. Dr. Don Hodd was elected Club President.

The first project undertaken by the newlychartered Club was a Minstrel Show, producedand performed by the Blyth Lions. This popularshow played to capacity crowds in Blyth andsurrounding communities. The Club’s firstmajor purchase was to acquire the propertyknown as the Lions Park. The longest servingCharter Members were Frank Bainton (1945-1992), George Radford (1945-1981) andNorman Garrett (1945-1972). The Blyth Boysand Girls Band was sponsored by the BlythLions and had approximately 50 members.

The Blyth Standard, February 19, 1947:“President Norman Garrett presided over themeeting. The relief for China campaign wasintroduced by Lion Norval Kyle who moved aMotion that the Club donate $15 towards thisworthy and humane cause, seconded by LionBert Tasker and carried.”

The Blyth Standard, April 2, 1947: “The LionsClub held its Thursday evening meeting at theMemorial Hall. The highlight of the meetingwas a solo by Jimmie Lawrie, ‘Carry Me Backto Old Virginny.’ Lion Tamer Stan Sibthorpealso sang, ‘My Old Kentucky Home,’accompanied by the entire Club on the chorus.

First Vice Frank Bainton spoke of the comingevents being sponsored by the Lions Club andgave the members a pep talk.”

1960s – 1970sIn 1963, a Blyth group started to raise money

for an artificial ice plant and floor for the BlythArena. After two years the project was haltedonly to be taken over by the Lions Club. Theproject was completed at a cost of $25,000 withthe entirety of the funds being raised by theLions Club and paid over a three-year period. In1976, the Lions Club pledged $12,000. towardsthe construction of a new arena.

The floodlights on wooden stands at the balldiamond also had to be replaced. In 1972, theLions purchased and installed new steel towers,along with a screen fence for a backstop. Theydug up the infield, installed a drainage systemand refinished the field.

The Blyth Lions sponsored the Blyth LeoClub in 1973 with Lions Harold Cook, GordJenkins and Charlie Shaw acting as LeoAdvisors.

In 1974, the Blyth Lions helped start the LionsYouth Exchange Program. Lion Charlie Shawwas the first District A9 Youth ExchangeChairman.

The Blyth Standard, November 2, 1966: “Thewinners of the different costume events at theLions Halloween Party were: Fancy Dress pre-school – Kim Van Vliet, Marie Barrie, Eric

Street; Best Comic Dress pre-school – Rickeyand Neil Elliott, Kent Van Vliet, Lorie Young,Joan Barrie; Best Fancy Dress public schoolgirls – Catherine Street, Lorie Campbell, KimWatson, Carol Mason; Best Fancy Dress public

school boys – David Street, Steve Howson,Danny Barrie, Kevin Carter; Comic Dress girls– Debbie Hicks, Barbara Bell, WendyHesselwood; Comic Dress boys – Kevin Tasker,Paul Warwick.”

The Blyth Standard, November 2, 1966: “Ifthis year’s Lions Club Rummage Sale wasn’tthe best one on record it was certainly the bestby the local organization in several years. Whenthe selling was over the Lions found themselvesa tidy four hundred dollars richer and once againproved to be the biggest single money makingyearly event for the Lions.”

The Blyth Standard, November 30, 1966:“Winners of the Blyth Lions Club Pin Designhave been announced: 1st prize – Mrs. JimWarwick $25.00; 2nd prize – Miss JeanCampbell $10.00; 3rd prize – Miss Susan Street$5.00.

1980s – 1990sIn 1988, Lion President Don Scrimgeour

spearheaded the construction of a new wadingpool at the Lions Park.

Kim Medd, sponsored by the Blyth Lions,was the 1987 District A9 Female Champion inthe Lions Effective Program and represented theClub at the Multiple District ‘A’ Final inPeterborough.

The Blyth Lions Club was one of first Clubsin the District to extend membership to women.Bev Blair was the Club’s first female memberin 1998 with Lynn Logue, Eileen Jefferson andBrenda Brown becoming members shortlythereafter.

The Lions Club supported the LionsFoundation of Canada with the opening of the

Lions Dog Guide School in Oakville in 1983.June Foran acquired a guide dog from the schoolon the recommendation of the Lions Club.

The Citizen, August 27, 1997: “Another yearof Blyth Lions youth exchange has come to aclose. This year two youth were sponsored andsent to Europe. Christina Black went to Ceylonand Jamie Black went to Finland. The Lions alsoreceived two youth – Marja Kiiskinen fromFinland and Yuka Sato from Japan were hostedby Connie and Murray Nesbitt. Wednesdaynight in camp was visitors’ night when hostfamilies, Lions and anyone interested couldcome and meet the youth. Goderich Lions friedfresh fish. The Blyth Lions provided dessert, alarge decorated cake with the names of allvisiting youth.”

2000sLion President Wayne Wheeler initiated the

purchase of new playground equipment for theLions Park in 2001.

Brenda McDonald was elected the first femalePresident of the Blyth Lions Club in 2005.

Courtney Bachert won the 2014 District A9Immediate Effective Speaking competition andrepresented the Blyth Lions Club at the MultipleDistrict ‘A’ Final in London.

It has been estimated that more than $1.2million has been raised by the Blyth Lions Clubover the past 70 years with every penny (nickel)

The PeacemakersThe Blyth Lions Club began supporting the Peacemaker project in 2004 atBlyth Public School, which helped senior students keep the peace in theirschool yard. Teacher Cheryl Cronin, left, spearheaded the program. From left:Cronin, Anthony Peters, Jennifer MacDonald, Lion President Tyler Stewart,Jennifer Williamson, Leticia Kolkman and Darcy Young.

Blyth Boys and Girls BandThe Blyth Lions Club sponsored the Blyth Boys and Girls Band in the 1940s asone of its first projects in the village. When it began, the band had approximately50 members. Continued on next page

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015. PAGE 13.

blythfestival.com1.877.862.5984

Congratulations!


HOWSON & HOWSON LTD. FLOUR MILL Blyth

519-523-4241SINCE 1875

Website: www.lisathompsonmpp.ca Email: [email protected]

CONSTITUENCY OFFICES

Kincardine Office: Phone: 519-396-3007

Blyth Office: Phone: 519-523-4251

Lisa Thompson, MPP

for Huron-Bruce

Thank you for yourcommunity support

over the last70 years.

ThankYou!

Congratulations and sincereappreciation for serving

the community for 70 years!

Blyth Décor Shoppe

Queen Street, Blyth ~ 519-523-4840

Your Paint & Drywall ContractorBarney & Linda Stewart

Congratulations Blyth Lionson your dedication and service

to our community for the past 70 years! Well Done!

Thank you for 70 Years of Service

Your Hosts: Peter and Sarah Gusso

226.523.FOOD(3663)428 Queen Street, Blyth, Ontario

(Licensed under AGCO)

Best wishes on your 70th Anniversary!

422 Queen St., Blyth 519-523-9381 • blythinn.ca

The place to be.

“ A Classic Huron DiningExperience”

JOHN RUTLEDGE ARCHITECT406 Queen Street, Box 393, Blyth, Ontario N0M 1H0

[email protected] 519-523-9000

“We have BIG plans”Best wishes to the Blyth Lions Club

Congratulations on your70th Anniversary

I am proud my father, George Radford was a Charter Member from 1945-1981

and we continue to support the Blyth Lions.

Congratulationson your 70thAnniversary

Specialty Coffees & Espresso Bar

430 Queen St., Blyth 226-523-9720

Wi-Fi access • [email protected] (under AGCO)

Wishing the Blyth Lions all the best as theycelebrate 70 Years of service. Thank you!

Lunches, Fresh Pie, Buttermilk Biscuits, Cake, Muffins,

Cookies & Squares,Craft Beer & Wine


& BLYTH GUITAR SHOPNew & Used Sales and Repairs


BLYTH, ON N0M 1H024 Hour Towing

"Big or Small, Will Tow 'em all!"

519-523-9474 • TOLL FREE 1-800-350-6993

Auto Body & Towing Ltd.


CompleteCollisionRepairs

Congratulations to the Blyth Lions Club on their

70th Anniversary

Blyth Arts & CulturalInitiative 14/19 Inc.

Honouring Our Past, Planning for Our Future

Your full-service John Deere Source for Parts, Sales & Service

www.hurontractor.com

• Agricultural Equipment • Utility Vehicles • Skid Steers • Sprayers • Pressure Washers

• Lawn & Garden Equipment�• Exeter 519-235-1115 �• Blyth 519-523-4244

�• Mitchell 519-347-2251

Congratulations Blyth Lions Club

The tradition of service continues...

Clinton Chapel • Blyth Chapel

519-482-9521Michael S. Falconer

Christopher M. SmithMark R. Rushton

Amanda RichZoellyn Onn

FalconerFUNERAL HOMES

Best Wishes to the Blyth Lions on your 70th Anniversary

the

Vintage and Consignment Clothing Store

Come in and check us out!Where yesterday’s and today’s fashion meet!

Open Tuesday - Saturday409 Queen Street, Blyth

519-440-7207

Purple Poodle

Best Wishes Blyth Lions on 70 Yearsof Dedicated Service to our Community

Unique works of art, gift baskets, gourmet foods. We ship!

398 Queen Street, Blyth, Ontario Phone: 519.523.4276Tues - Fri 10-5:30 pm, Sat. 10-5 pm Theatre Nights �‘til 8 pm

mapleandmoose.comVendor Cooperative ~ We Welcome New Vendors

�“Purveyors of all things Canadian�”

Famous forFashions and

Leather & WoolOpen 7 days

Hwy. 4, 1 mile south of Blyth519-523-4595

Congratulations and Best Wisheson your 70th Anniversary Blyth Lions


theoldmill.ca

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the Blyth Lions on their

70th Anniversary and to thank themfor their years of service

to the community.

The Citizen541 Turnberry St.,

Brussels519-887-9114

413 Queen St., Blyth

519-523-4792


208 Hamilton St., BlythPhone 519-523-9306

Fax 519-523-9305

SUPPLIERS TO RESIDENTIAL, AGRICULTURAL,COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

BLYTH BUILDINGSUPPLIES LIMITED

Best Wishes & Happy 70th Blyth Lions!

Wash & Fold ServiceFull Laundromat

Phone for info ~ 519-523-9687191 Westmoreland St., Blyth

Taking care of your laundry since 2007

Blyth Laundromat

Congratulations Blyth Lions on your 70th Anniversary Celebration

& Detailing389 Queen St.,

Blyth 519-523-9725


Blyth Lions Club

CongratulationsBlyth Lions Club

on 70 Years of Service

from

Blyth Legion and

Blyth Legion Ladies’ AuxiliaryBranch 420

Best Wishes Blyth Lions Club

Blyth519-523-4554

Congratulations Blyth LionsClub on 70 Years ofCommunity Service

G. L. HUBBARDLIMITED

Growers And Packers Of Quality Rutabagas

BLYTH

Congrats & Thank You!

Blyth Construction Ltd.Dwight Chalmers

82992 Allboro Line, Box 59, Blyth, ON N0M 1H0Tel: 519.523.4766 • Fax: 519.523.9164

Cell: 519.525.7125Email: [email protected]

CongratsBlyth Lions!

519-440-2717519-440-2717!! !!

BLYTH!! !!

! Pottery Art Jewelry !! Flexibile Workshops !

! Have fun getting Dirty !" Open 6 Days a Week "

! Pottery Art Jewelry !! Flexibile Workshops !

! Have fun getting Dirty !" Open 6 Days a Week "

1940s – 1950sThe Blyth Lions Club received its charter

from Lions Clubs International on March 27,1945. It was sponsored by the Mitchell LionsClub. Dr. Don Hodd was elected Club President.

The first project undertaken by the newlychartered Club was a Minstrel Show, producedand performed by the Blyth Lions. This popularshow played to capacity crowds in Blyth andsurrounding communities. The Club’s firstmajor purchase was to acquire the propertyknown as the Lions Park. The longest servingCharter Members were Frank Bainton (1945-1992), George Radford (1945-1981) andNorman Garrett (1945-1972). The Blyth Boysand Girls Band was sponsored by the BlythLions and had approximately 50 members.

The Blyth Standard, February 19, 1947:“President Norman Garrett presided over themeeting. The relief for China campaign wasintroduced by Lion Norval Kyle who moved aMotion that the Club donate $15 towards thisworthy and humane cause, seconded by LionBert Tasker and carried.”

The Blyth Standard, April 2, 1947: “The LionsClub held its Thursday evening meeting at theMemorial Hall. The highlight of the meetingwas a solo by Jimmie Lawrie, ‘Carry Me Backto Old Virginny.’ Lion Tamer Stan Sibthorpealso sang, ‘My Old Kentucky Home,’accompanied by the entire Club on the chorus.

First Vice Frank Bainton spoke of the comingevents being sponsored by the Lions Club andgave the members a pep talk.”

1960s – 1970sIn 1963, a Blyth group started to raise money

for an artificial ice plant and floor for the BlythArena. After two years the project was haltedonly to be taken over by the Lions Club. Theproject was completed at a cost of $25,000 withthe entirety of the funds being raised by theLions Club and paid over a three-year period. In1976, the Lions Club pledged $12,000. towardsthe construction of a new arena.

The floodlights on wooden stands at the balldiamond also had to be replaced. In 1972, theLions purchased and installed new steel towers,along with a screen fence for a backstop. Theydug up the infield, installed a drainage systemand refinished the field.

The Blyth Lions sponsored the Blyth LeoClub in 1973 with Lions Harold Cook, GordJenkins and Charlie Shaw acting as LeoAdvisors.

In 1974, the Blyth Lions helped start the LionsYouth Exchange Program. Lion Charlie Shawwas the first District A9 Youth ExchangeChairman.

The Blyth Standard, November 2, 1966: “Thewinners of the different costume events at theLions Halloween Party were: Fancy Dress pre-school – Kim Van Vliet, Marie Barrie, Eric

Street; Best Comic Dress pre-school – Rickeyand Neil Elliott, Kent Van Vliet, Lorie Young,Joan Barrie; Best Fancy Dress public schoolgirls – Catherine Street, Lorie Campbell, KimWatson, Carol Mason; Best Fancy Dress public

school boys – David Street, Steve Howson,Danny Barrie, Kevin Carter; Comic Dress girls– Debbie Hicks, Barbara Bell, WendyHesselwood; Comic Dress boys – Kevin Tasker,Paul Warwick.”

The Blyth Standard, November 2, 1966: “Ifthis year’s Lions Club Rummage Sale wasn’tthe best one on record it was certainly the bestby the local organization in several years. Whenthe selling was over the Lions found themselvesa tidy four hundred dollars richer and once againproved to be the biggest single money makingyearly event for the Lions.”

The Blyth Standard, November 30, 1966:“Winners of the Blyth Lions Club Pin Designhave been announced: 1st prize – Mrs. JimWarwick $25.00; 2nd prize – Miss JeanCampbell $10.00; 3rd prize – Miss Susan Street$5.00.

1980s – 1990sIn 1988, Lion President Don Scrimgeour

spearheaded the construction of a new wadingpool at the Lions Park.

Kim Medd, sponsored by the Blyth Lions,was the 1987 District A9 Female Champion inthe Lions Effective Program and represented theClub at the Multiple District ‘A’ Final inPeterborough.

The Blyth Lions Club was one of first Clubsin the District to extend membership to women.Bev Blair was the Club’s first female memberin 1998 with Lynn Logue, Eileen Jefferson andBrenda Brown becoming members shortlythereafter.

The Lions Club supported the LionsFoundation of Canada with the opening of the

Lions Dog Guide School in Oakville in 1983.June Foran acquired a guide dog from the schoolon the recommendation of the Lions Club.

The Citizen, August 27, 1997: “Another yearof Blyth Lions youth exchange has come to aclose. This year two youth were sponsored andsent to Europe. Christina Black went to Ceylonand Jamie Black went to Finland. The Lions alsoreceived two youth – Marja Kiiskinen fromFinland and Yuka Sato from Japan were hostedby Connie and Murray Nesbitt. Wednesdaynight in camp was visitors’ night when hostfamilies, Lions and anyone interested couldcome and meet the youth. Goderich Lions friedfresh fish. The Blyth Lions provided dessert, alarge decorated cake with the names of allvisiting youth.”

2000sLion President Wayne Wheeler initiated the

purchase of new playground equipment for theLions Park in 2001.

Brenda McDonald was elected the first femalePresident of the Blyth Lions Club in 2005.

Courtney Bachert won the 2014 District A9Immediate Effective Speaking competition andrepresented the Blyth Lions Club at the MultipleDistrict ‘A’ Final in London.

It has been estimated that more than $1.2million has been raised by the Blyth Lions Clubover the past 70 years with every penny (nickel)

The PeacemakersThe Blyth Lions Club began supporting the Peacemaker project in 2004 atBlyth Public School, which helped senior students keep the peace in theirschool yard. Teacher Cheryl Cronin, left, spearheaded the program. From left:Cronin, Anthony Peters, Jennifer MacDonald, Lion President Tyler Stewart,Jennifer Williamson, Leticia Kolkman and Darcy Young.

Blyth Boys and Girls BandThe Blyth Lions Club sponsored the Blyth Boys and Girls Band in the 1940s asone of its first projects in the village. When it began, the band had approximately50 members. Continued on next page

THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2015.


GODERICHLIONSCLUB

CONGRATULATIONSto the Blyth Lions Club

on their 70th Anniversary

LucknowLionsClubWe would like to wish the

Blyth Lions Club a Happy 70th Anniversary.


We would like to congratulatethe Blyth Lions on their

70th Anniversary

AUBURN

LIONS

CLUB

Happy 70th AnniversaryBlyth Lions Club!

Brussels Lions Club

Enjoy your celebrations!

Happy 70th Anniversary Blyth Lions Club

Wishing you all the best as youcontinue to serve.

DungannonLions Club

Londesboro & District Lions Club

CongratulationsBlyth Lions on your

70th Anniversary of serving thecommunity and beyond.

Wishing all the best for the future.

Congratulations on your

70th AnniversaryFrom

Clinton LionsClub

Lions Clubof

WinghamCongratulates the

Blyth Lions on their 70th Anniversary!

We wish you all the best as youenjoy your celebration.

Continued from previous pagebeing returned to the community through theactivities and projects of the Blyth LionsClub. The Club regularly donates to the BoyScouts, minor hockey, softball, soccer andfigure skating programs. The Club supportsLions Quest, a program to fight drug abuseand bullying in schools. The Club haspurchased books, computers and sportsequipment for local schools as well ascontributing towards healthy eatingprograms, bursaries and school trips.

The club has supported initiatives such asSight and Hearing Conservation, DiabetesAwareness, Hospital Foundations, theChristmas Bureau, Local Food Banks andEnvironmental Projects.

Through an ongoing commitment tosupporting the Blyth community, here are afew of the many financial contributions theClub has made in recent years.

• 2001 – $60,000 to Heart and SoulCampaign – Construction of a new Arena andCommunity Centre

• 2001 – $10,000 to The Huron PioneerThresher and Hobby Association to assistwith new washroom facilities

• 2003 – $380 to the Blyth Public SchoolPeacemakers Program

• 2006 – $7,500 to the Emergency SafetyTraining Centre

• 2012 – $1,000 to the Children’s SafetyVillage

• 2010 – $1,000 to the Lions Foundation ofCanada Dog Guide School

• 2013 – $500 to the Drive for Dean • 2014 – $500 to Campaign 14/19 • 2015 – $1,250 to the Blyth Fire Riders –

Ride to Conquer Cancer• 2015 – $200 to the Dave Mounsey

Memorial Fund’s annual Run Around theSquare

• 2015 – $100 to the Special OlympicsTorch Run.

The Club has also assisted with communityfundraising events for Mikayla Ansley (2008)and Jim Johnston (2011), teamed up with theNorth Huron Firefighters Association to hostGrandpa Bob’s Walk for Louie, initiated theLions Snow Volleyball Tournament inmemory of Blake Hesselwood and JohnBokhout and began the Seed Sowers Social

Annual Steak Barbecue in 2011 to raise fundsfor community projects.

THE BLYTH LIONS PARKThe first major purchase of the newly-

formed Lions Club was the property knownas the Lions Park. It was purchased fromCharter Member Harve McCallum for thesum of $500. Seventy years later this piece ofproperty now boasts a playground withequipment, a children’s wading pool,horseshoe pits, a picnic pavilion and aclubhouse. The original wading pool wasreplaced in 1988 with a larger pool, completewith a filter system, pump house and fence.

Lion President Doug Howson oversaw theconstruction of the lawn bowling greens andthe clubhouse in 1975. When the LawnBowling Club disbanded, the clubhouse wasreturned to the Lions Club. The membersvolunteered many hours to renovate andexpand the facilities in order that it could beused as the Club’s year-round meeting place.

The first Lions meeting at the new facilitywas called to order by Lion President Greg Toll in September, 2007. The picnic pavilion was constructed in the early 1980s and has been used for family picnics, church services, wedding

receptions and an occasional beer garden. Each summer the Lions Club employs

students to supervise the wading pool and tocut grass. While it costs approximately$7,000. annually to maintain the park, theClub is pleased to advise that governmentfunds have never been received, nor have theyever been requested.

LIONS YOUTH EXCHANGEPROGRAM AND

THE LION CHARLIE SHAWDISTRICT A9 INTERNATIONAL

YOUTH CAMPHere is an excerpt from The History of

Lions Youth Exchange by Lion Charlie Shaw.“In 1974 a request was received from Lion

Jim Johnston District 2T2 Governor fromTexas requesting permission to send 15 youthto Canada. The Governor sent word that theyouth would fly to Sault Ste. Marie for pickup by the Blyth Lions. He obviously did notunderstand the size of Ontario. We got intouch with him and the youth flew to Detroitand were bused to Blyth. On the morning oftheir departure the Governor phoned to say hehad one more boy who had just heard aboutthe exchange program the night before. Wesaid send him along. The Texan youth arrived

in Blyth at our door mid-afternoon and veryhungry. My wife, Pat, some Lions membersand our neighbours raided our refrigeratorsand fed them. Soon after their arrival itstarted to rain. They all came into the houseexcept for the boy that was last to apply. Hesaid, ‘Man, I have been irrigating cotton allsummer with no rain.’ He stayed out in therain. After a five week stay a bus wassupposed to pick up the youth and take themto the airport for their return flight. The busnever arrived. The Blyth Lions took theyouth in cars with their luggage packed in pick-up trucks and rushed to the Detroit Airport arriving just in time.

“During the second year of the exchange aone-week stay at camp was included. Youthattended from the USA, Europe, Japan andAfrica. I was very pleased and honoured tohave the youth camp named, ‘The LionCharlie Shaw District A9 International YouthCamp’.”

Since the inception of the youth exchangeprogram more than 50 youth from the Blytharea and sponsored by the Blyth Lions Clubhave participated and visited such countriesas Australia, Great Britain, France, Germany,Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Italy, Finland,Sweden, Brazil, Spain, the Netherlands,Estonia and the United States.

BLYTH LIONS CLUB – PRESENTDAY

Today, there are 40 members in the BlythLions Club, both men and women. It is agroup of community-minded individuals whodonate a small portion of their free time tohelp those in need all over the world, whilemaking their own community a better andsafer place to live, work and play.

The Blyth Lions Club is one of more than46,000 Clubs located in 208 countries world-wide. There are more than 1.4 million Lionsthroughout the world. The Lions motto is“We Serve”.

Anyone wishing additional informationabout the Blyth Lions Club or Lions Clubs International is encouraged to contact any Lions Club member or visit the website at www.lionsclubs.org or the Club’s Facebook page.

Blyth Lions Club history compiled by Lion John Stewart

Lions ParkAs a gift to honour Frank Bainton, the Bainton family donated a waterfountain to the Lions Park in 1993. From left: Lion John Stewart, FranklinSnell, Lion Ken Stewart, Cenetta Bainton and Glenyce Snell.

Congratulations Blyth Lions ClubJohn Johnston

MDA Council ChairBob TannerPast Chairandfrom

Happy 70th AnniversaryJoanne KlonikowskiDistrict A9 Governor

Hank Van MoorselPast District Governorandfrom

the citizen - july 2, 2015 special lions club 70th anniversary edition

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