April 2014 -Contact: John Luthy, Secretary Jacksonville Lions Club, 532-7276, luthyjo@kuhncom.net
Picture 1: The 49th Jacksonville Lions Club Easter Egg Hunt begins.
Picture 2: Lucky prize winners.
[Photographer: Kristin Wiley]
Jacksonville Lions Host 49th Annual Easter Egg Hunt
The Jacksonville Lions recently sponsored their 49th annual Easter egg hunt for the community’s children. Over 100 children and their families enjoyed this year’s event on the morning of April 19. The weather was fabulous, so the hunt was held outdoors at the South Newton Township Volunteer Fire Department. Children were divided into four groups based on their ages. They searched for Easter candies that Lions club members had hidden. Those lucky enough to get specially marked Easter candy picked a prize from the winners’ table. Sixty lucky children received “wooden nickels” entitling them to a free meal at a nearby Texas Roadhouse restaurant.
As a public service, the Jacksonville Lions Club sponsored the Sheriff’s Department Child ID program again this year. A total of 49 children took advantage of this service. Local photographer Kristin Wiley provided a range of Easter-themed props and snapped many adorable pictures for the children’s families.
In earlier days, chocolate was nowhere to be found. Members and their helpers dyed hundreds and hundreds of hard-boiled eggs. Children finding prize eggs received live peeps and bunnies! As time passed, candy eggs and chocolate bunny prizes became more desirable for all concerned, except perhaps to parents whose children got a sudden burst of energy from “chocolate overload!” Baskets full of toys and games were given out as prizes this year.
The Jacksonville Lions Club meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the firehouse in Walnut Bottom. To find out how to become a member and to learn more about how the Lions serve your community, ask any Lion, visit us on Facebook and on our webpage, or better yet, stop by our next meeting on May 12 and enjoy a complimentary dessert!
April 2014 - Contact: John Luthy, Secretary Jacksonville Lions Club, 532-7276, luthyjo@kuhncom.net
Picture: Jacksonville Lions Students of the Month for April. (left to right) Lion Nathan Grippin recognizes Big Spring High School seniors Mark Shughart and Trisha Wardle.
April's Area Scholars Recognized by Jacksonville Lions
Mark Shughart and Trisha Wardle, Big Spring High School seniors, were presented with a check and a certificate of academic achievement at the Jacksonville Lions Club’s April meeting. The Jacksonville Lions annually recognize area scholars who achieve academic excellence.
Trisha Wardle has been on the honor roll all four years of high school. She participated in the spring musical cast in her freshman year, and was part of the set construction crew in her first three years of high school. She has been a member of the Big Spring Shakespeare Troupe every year, and served as co-president of the Troupe in her junior and senior years. She competed in the Shakespeare competition sponsored by the English Speaking Union for the past three years, advancing to the regional level this year. Outside of school, Trisha participates in youth groups at Trinity United Methodist and Oakville. She plans to major in Art Education and Elementary Education at Millersville University. Trisha’s mother, Jackie, also attended the ceremony.
Mark Shughart has been on the honor roll all four years of high school and maintains a 94% GPA. Mark is active in 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and his church. He also enjoys hunting, fishing and camping. Following graduation, Mark plans to work to make some money before taking over the family farm. Mark was accompanied by his parents, Alan and Cheryl.
The Jacksonville Lions’ next meeting will be on Monday, May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Newton Township firehouse in Walnut Bottom. The meetings and activities are fast moving and well organized, requiring on average just a couple hours per Lion each month. Potential members are encouraged to ask any Lion, drop a note to PO Box 67 in Walnut Bottom, visit the Jacksonville Lions Club Facebook page and website http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/jacksonvillepa/ or better yet, come to the next meeting to hear about our service projects and membership opportunities while enjoying a complimentary dessert.
February 2014 - Contact: John Luthy, Secretary Jacksonville Lions Club, 532-7276, luthyjo@kuhncom.net
Picture: Jacksonville Lions Students of the Month for February. (left to right) Lion Nathan Grippin recognizes Big Spring High School seniors Alex Sweger and Madison McGowan.
Area Scholars Recognized by Jacksonville Lions
Madison McGowan and Alex Sweger, Big Spring High School seniors, were presented with a check and a certificate of academic achievement at the Jacksonville Lions Club’s February meeting. The Jacksonville Lions annually recognize area scholars who achieve academic excellence.
Madison McGowan has taken honors and college courses to help prepare for her future. She is currently ranked 36th in her class. Outside the classroom, she has participated in charity organizations such as Warm the Children and Breast Cancer Awareness walks. Madison plans to attend Shippensburg University and major in Business and minor in Spanish. Madison’s parents, Christopher and Cheryl, joined a family entourage at the awards event.
Alex Sweger will attend James Madison University to pursue a degree in Business and Finance. A member of the National Honor Society and a regular on First Honor Roll, Alex has maintained a 4.0 GPA while taking multiple Advanced Placement (AP), honors, and duel enrollment classes. He achieved the Intellectual Academic Award for history in his junior year. Outside the classroom, he has played varsity soccer all four years and is on the highly competitive Pennsylvania Classics club team in Lancaster. Alex has completed over 200 community service hours as a life Boy Scout and regularly helps his church as a lay reader and with its audio-video requirements. He was accompanied by his parents, Andrew and Kim, along with other family members.
The Jacksonville Lions’ next meeting will be on Monday, March 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Newton Township firehouse in Walnut Bottom. The meetings and activities are fast moving and well organized, requiring on average just a couple hours per Lion each month. Potential members are encouraged to ask any Lion, drop a note to PO Box 67 in Walnut Bottom, visit the Jacksonville Lions Club Facebook page and website http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/jacksonvillepa/ or better yet, come to the next meeting to hear about our service projects and membership opportunities while enjoying a complimentary dessert.
January 2014 - Contact: John Luthy, Secretary Jacksonville Lions Club, 532-7276, luthyjo@kuhncom.net
Picture: Jacksonville Lions Students of the Month for January. (left to right) Lion Nathan Grippin recognizes Big Spring High School seniors Jeremy Witter, Autumn Busser, Dalton Donica and Dylan Johnson.
Area Scholars Recognized by Jacksonville Lions
Achievement and aspiration best describe these Big Spring High School seniors from the Walnut Bottom area. The Jacksonville Lions awarded four area scholars with a check and a certificate of academic achievement at the club’s January meeting. The Jacksonville Lions annually recognize area scholars who achieve academic excellence.
Jeremy Witter will attend Susquehanna University to pursue a degree in Accounting. Besides serving on the student council and being a member of the National Honor Society, Jeremy ranked fourth in the class. He is captain of the varsity football and basketball teams. His love of travel took him to seven European countries for a three week stint with People to People. He applies his love of sports and community outreach by volunteering to run a football camp and coach in a youth basketball clinic. He was accompanied by his parents Don and Laura.
Autumn Busser will attend Cedar Crest College to pursue a double major in Education and Biology. She has been on the honor roll throughout high school. She enjoys theater and has been part of the Big Spring theater program since her freshman year and is also a member of the school’s Shakespeare Troupe. She has completed honors and AP courses. Autumn’s parents, Troy and Ann, joined her at the awards event.
Dalton Danica has recorded both academic and athletic achievements. He has been on varsity teams for track and field, soccer and basketball. Dalton is president of the peer tutoring club. He plans to attend Penn State to pursue a degree in Chemical Engineering. Dalton’s parents, Shanna and Scott, were also in attendance.
Dylan Johnson was named Big Springs’ student of the quarter for the Business Department. A member of the Student Council, Dylan is also a varsity, two-time Mid-Penn all-star and Patriot News all-star baseball player. He will attend Hood College to further his Accounting studies, as well as to play baseball. Dylan was joined by his parents Tim and Diana.
The Jacksonville Lions’ next meeting will be on Monday, February 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Newton Township firehouse in Walnut Bottom. The meetings and activities are fast moving and well organized, requiring on average just a couple hours per Lion each month. Potential members are encouraged to ask any Lion, drop a note to PO Box 67 in Walnut Bottom, visit the Jacksonville Lions Club Facebook page and website http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/jacksonvillepa/ or better yet, come to the next meeting to hear about our service projects and membership opportunities while enjoying a complimentary dessert.
December 2013 - Contact: John Luthy, Secretary Jacksonville Lions Club, 532-7276, luthyjo@kuhncom.net
Picture: Jacksonville Lions Club inducts newest member, Gloria A. Hilsinger. (left to right) District 14-C Governor George Hilsinger, Gloria A. Hilsinger, sponsor Jack Wyrick.
Jacksonville Lions Club Inducts New Member
At their December meeting, the Jacksonville Lions Club added its newest member. Gloria A. Hilsinger was inducted by District 14-C Governor George Hilsinger. Gloria accompanied husband George on his many Lions travels this year, and grew to appreciate the services that Lions provide. “I wanted to become part of this organization,” Gloria exclaimed. Gloria, a retired public health nurse, is also very active in the Trinity United Methodist Church. Though currently the only female member of the Jacksonville Lions, she joins the legacy of women who have served through the years either as active club members or as president.
The Jacksonville Lions’ next meeting will be on Monday, January 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Newton Township firehouse in Walnut Bottom. The meetings and activities are fast moving and well organized, requiring on average just a couple hours per Lion each month. Potential members are encouraged to ask any Lion, drop a note to PO Box 67 in Walnut Bottom, visit the Jacksonville Lions Club Facebook page and website http://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/jacksonvillepa/ or better yet, come to the next meeting to hear about our service projects and membership opportunities while enjoying a complimentary dessert.
October 2013 - Contact: John Luthy, Secretary Jacksonville Lions Club, 532-7276, luthyjo@kuhncom.net
Picture 1: District 14-C Governor George Hilsinger (left) receives check from president Larry Flood (right) at the Jacksonville Lions club's October 14 meeting in Walnut Bottom.
Jacksonville Lions Club Reaches Out from Walnut Bottom to the World
At their October meeting, the Jacksonville Lions Club presented a check to District 14-C Governor George Hilsinger. With this donation to the governor's project fund, the Jacksonville Lions club will help financially support PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp, Leader Dogs for the Blind, PA Lions Hearing Research Foundation, PA Lions Sight Conservation and Eye Research Foundation, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Northeast PA Lions Eye Bank, District LEO support and Diabetes Awareness.
The Jacksonville Lions’ next meeting will be on Monday, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. at the South Newton Township firehouse in Walnut Bottom. The meetings and activities are fast moving and well organized, requiring on average just a couple hours per Lion each month. Potential members are encouraged to ask any Lion, visit our Facebook page and website, drop a note to PO Box 67 in Walnut Bottom, or better yet, come to the next meeting to hear about our service projects and membership opportunities while enjoying a complimentary dessert.
August 2013 - Contact: John Luthy, Secretary Jacksonville Lions Club, 532-7276, luthyjo@kuhncom.net
Picture 1: Lions tri-county District 14C Cabinet meeting hosted by Jacksonville Lions at the South Newton Township firehouse.
Picture 2: Another truckload of eyeglasses adds to the 30,000-plus collected by District 14C and taken to regional facilities for recycling and distribution.
Jacksonville Lions Serve - More than Just Donuts
It takes more than locally made donuts to bring Lions to Walnut Bottom! The call to service (plus the lure of the donuts?) recently brought almost 90 Lions club members from across the tri-county area together for the District 14C cabinet meeting. The Jacksonville Lions, home club of District Governor George Hilsinger, hosted the gathering at the South Newton Township firehouse.
Worldwide, Lions International has about 1.35 million members. Locally, over 60 Lions, Lioness and Leo clubs in Adams, Cumberland and York counties are organized into District 14C with the mission to “provide quality services to our local and world communities through effective leadership and active participation to serve those in need.”
At the recent district meeting in Walnut Bottom, one of the Lions’ best known sight programs was in full swing. The truckload of eyeglasses outside the district meeting showed the popularity of the program. Individual Lions clubs collect used eyeglasses from their communities and then send them to regional facilities for recycling and distribution. According to Recycled Eyeglasses Chair, Gene Kilgore, “Last year, 30902 pairs were collected from [District] 14C. Every three months I take approximately 6000 pairs to Arlington, VA to the recycling center to be sent all over the world.”
As stated on the Lions International website, “We want everyone to see a better tomorrow. That's why we support sight programs and services including vision screenings, eye banks and eyeglass recycling [and] ...eye care services to those at risk of losing their sight.”
Besides supporting these international sight programs, the Jacksonville Lions are also very active at the local level hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt, providing hospital equipment to those in need, recognizing students of the month in our community, and much more. In fact, the Jacksonville Lions club has again received the district’s annual Division One Award for its level of activity and service.
The Jacksonville Lions club meets the second Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the South Newton Township firehouse. The meetings and activities are fast moving and well organized, requiring on average just a couple hours per Lion each month. Potential members are encouraged to come hear about our service projects while enjoying a complimentary dessert.
Indeed, the Jacksonville Lions club serves the community…and the donuts!
