Hunter River Lions Club Supports
Payton Gallant # 42
The Hunter River Lions Club is pleased to support Payton Gallant with a donation as she prepares for the 2026 Bandolero racing season.
Payton, a Prince Edward Island–born racer and is entering her fourth and final season in Bandoleros. She competes regularly at Oysterbed Speedway and travels across Atlantic Canada several times each season. As one of the few female drivers racing locally, Payton continues to make her mark on the track.
A fourth-generation driver, Payton follows in the racing footsteps of her great-grandfather Ralph Hickox, grandfather Eddie Duskey, and Uncle Mike Duskey who have decades of experience in motorsports.
Her results reflect steady growth and determination. In 2023, Payton finished fifth in points with a feature win and nine podium finishes. In 2024, Payton had a feature win, seven heat wins, and third in points. In 2025, she stepped up to the Outlaw Bandolero class, finishing seventh in points, placing in the Top 5 at Petty International Raceway’s Beginner Bandolero Index Weekend, and earning second place at the TCM September Shootout at Oysterbed Speedway.
The Hunter River Lions Club is proud to support Payton as she heads into her final Bandolero season and wishes her continued success in 2026.
Celebrating Lion Dwayne Stevenson
Since joining the Hunter River Lions Club in 2009, Lion Dwayne Stevenson has exemplified the very best of Lionism through his dedication, humility, and service to others. It is with great pride that we recognize Dwayne as the new 2nd Vice District Governor of District N1.
Throughout his Lions journey, Dwayne has generously shared his time and leadership, serving as Club President from 2014 to 2018 and later as Zone Chair from 2018 to 2020. Today, he continues to lead by example as Club Membership Chair—a role he has held since 2024—and as the LCIF Club Coordinator. A life member of the Lions Foundation of Canada, Dwayne has also expanded his knowledge and passion for service by attending two USA/Canada Lions Forums and recently achieving the distinction of Certified Guiding Lion. In recognition of his heartfelt commitment, he was deeply humbled to be named Lion of the Year this past year.
Lion Dwayne’s journey reminds us all that service comes from the heart—and that leadership is measured not by titles, but by kindness, perseverance, and the lives we touch along the way.
April 2026
The Hunter River Lions Club hosts Crokinole every Thursday afternoon and will be holding a Crokinole Skills Competition on Saturday, April 11th starting at 8 am. Lion Flora and Lion Lynn are preparing to compete in the upcoming Provincial Crokinole Championship on April 18th.
Several members of the club will also be attending the Lions International Conference from April 10–12 in Fredericton, where they will proudly support fellow Lion Dwayne Stevenson in his candidacy for Second Vice District Governor in District N-1. The Second Vice District Governor plays a vital leadership role, supporting the District Governor while advancing the objectives of the association, strengthening club health and membership, fostering leadership development, and assisting with the planning of major district initiatives, including conventions.
Dwayne has been an active and dedicated member of the Hunter River Lions Club since November 2009. He is widely recognized for his passion for serving the community and for leading with empathy, integrity, and compassion. We are grateful for his commitment and leadership, and we extend our full support and best wishes as he pursues this important role. The club is fortunate to have Dwayne as part of our Lions family.
Looking ahead, the next Open Mic will take place on Saturday, April 25, during Chase the Ace ticket sales starting at 3:00 p.m. Guests are invited to share music, stories, or songs. The Chase the Ace draw will be held at the club that evening.
The club is also preparing for a busy month of May, including:
- Paint Night with East Coast Art Party on May 1 at 6:00 p.m.
- Sound Bath with Liz Fay on May 2 at 11:00 a.m.
If you are interested in volunteering, looking to host an event, or if you represent a not-for-profit organization seeking community support, please contact us at hunterriverlionsclub@gmail.com to learn how we may be able to assist.
March 2026
The Hunter River Lions Club had a great turnout for guest speaker Ernie Gallant, who presented on his healing journey. It was a great presentation, and we are grateful he was able to share his story.
Chase the Ace continues to grow – tickets are available online at www.peichasetheace.com or by visiting the Hunter River club Saturdays from 3 – 6 pm.
Fay’s Empathic & Divine Healing hosted a relaxing, restorative sound bath on March 21, with part of the proceeds going back to the community. The session offered a meditative experience using healing instruments, such as singing bowls, chimes, and percussion to create soothing sound waves. Participants were guided into relaxation while enjoying benefits like reduced anxiety, deeper well‑being, expanded awareness, and the release of unwanted energies. Attendees could sit or lie down comfortably as they drifted into the soundscape. Keep an eye out for future Sound Bath dates. For additional information, please contact Liz Fay, lizajane3@hotmail.com
Toonie 50/50 Draw is held weekly at Hunter River Pharmacy – Don’t forget to sign in your toonie! New participants welcome.
March 28th Pancake Breakfast 7:30 am - 10:30 am will be in support of Handibear Hills Horse Sanctuary.
Regular Club Meetings will take the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m., all community members are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities or becoming a member of the Hunter River Lions Club can reach out to hunterriverlionsclub@gmail.com
Open Mic Night will be a re-occurring event with the next one being held on April 25th starting at 3:00 pm at the Hunter River Lions Club. Come showcase your talent or join a jam session for a good ole fashioned kitchen party. Hope to see you there.
February 2026
The Hunter River Lions Club has had an active and impactful February, hosting a variety of events that brought people together, supported local initiatives, and demonstrated strong community spirit.
On February 7 and 8, the Club proudly hosted both a Cabinet Meeting and Lions Portal Training at the Hunter River Lions Club. Attendance was excellent, and participants shared positive feedback on the sessions. The gathering provided valuable opportunities for learning, collaboration, and strengthening Lions service across the region.
Valentine’s Day was celebrated in style with a lively Valentine’s Dance on February 14. Entertainment was provided by Gypsy Soul, and the evening was filled with fun, laughter, and community connection.
February 20th marked a very successful Prize Bingo, which was well attended and enjoyed by all. The Hunter River Lions Club extends a heartfelt thank-you to the many community sponsors whose generous support helped make this event such a great success.
In a touching show of solidarity, the Club also lowered its flag to half-mast in honour of those affected by the recent tragedy in British Columbia—an act reflecting the Lions’ core values of compassion and community support.
Thank You to Our Community Partners
Winsloe Irving
Doiron’s Garden Centre & Christmas Store
Mezza Stratford
Hunter River Pharmachoice
Route 2 Diner
Harmony House
Bonded Sisters Jewelry
Karen Macleod-Wilkie – Author
Deborah Walsh, RRT
Kiwanis Bingo Country
Nicholson Family
MacKinnon Family
Gallant Family
Members of Lions Club
Cricker’s Creamery
Dowling’s Ground Works Inc.
Dairy Farmers of PEI
Kim Curley
Parkdale Sherwood Lions Club
Cymbria Lions Club
Kays Wholesale
Kent Dollar – MLA Brackley-Hunter River
The popular Chase the Ace fundraiser continues to draw strong participation, with an estimated jackpot now exceeding $95,000 and growing weekly.
The January pancake breakfast was held in support of the Bluefield Step Up Program. Community members gathered for a warm meal while helping raise funds for an important youth-focused initiative.
February 28th Pancake Breakfast was in support of the U18 North Stars Minor Hockey.
The Hunter River Lions Club thanks all volunteers, guests, and supporters who helped make February a month of meaningful service and community connection. Together, we continue to live our motto—We Serve.
