Long Point Lioness Lions present Helen Keller award

By Sue Green

Happy new year and welcome to our first update for 2025! The Long Point Lioness Lions Club is planning a wonderful year with events focused on serving the community and raising funds to give back to charities and pro-grams that help many.

The club dinner meeting took place on January 13 at The Country Fork. During this meeting, the club welcomed three new members. Special guests Region Zone Chair Blair Oatman and Kelly Oatman officiated the ceremony with Lioness president Kathleen Denn. Annette Coderre, sponsored by Lynda Hendel and Beth Lounsbury and Carrie Hart, sponsored by Penny Hutcheson, took the oath to serve. They were congratulated and welcomed to the club, which now has 25 members and looks forward to continued growth in 2025.

Recap of Events:

December 16 – The club held a Christmas social meeting and enjoyed an evening of celebration. During the evening, an incredibly special and emotional presentation was made by Lioness Lynda to Lioness Laurette Lisabeth who was honoured with the Lions International Helen Keller Award. In 1925, Helen Keller attended the Lions Club International Convention and challenged the Lions “to become knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” This award honours outstanding Lions, Lioness, and non-Lions individuals, businesses or organizations who perform exemplary service to a club, district, or community. These honorees possess the highest examples of good character, ideals, purpose, and service.

Lioness Laurette Lisabeth is a founding member of the club from when the Long Point Lioness was first formed in 1975 and chartered in 1977. She has continued to be a leader and a highly active member of the club for over 49 years, organizing the annual pie sale and club programs, and holding various roles including past president. Laurette continues to volunteer at every event. Laurette is a true example for all in the club, and they are fortunate to have her continued guidance, wit, and level of service. Congratulations Laurette!

Tuesday, December 24 – Christmas Eve. A free one-hour Family Skate at the Langton Arena was sponsored by Long Point Lioness Lions Club.

January 19 – Long Point Lioness Lions Club sponsored “Walking Together 2025,” a Walk with Me project held at the Port Rowan Community Centre. It was an afternoon session to help educate and raise awareness for mental health and available resources in our community.

Upcoming Events for 2025

Saturday, February 8 – The Lioness will host the canteen at the Fish and Game Show. Convenors of this event are Sue Knighton and Christine Prentice. The club will be serving breakfast, lunch, and beverages at Port Rowan Community Centre from 8 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m.

February 17 – Family Day Free Skate at Langton Arena from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mark your calendars. The ice time is sponsored by Long Point Lioness Lions Club.

The next cooking class is coming, announcements will be posted on Facebook – search for Long Point Lioness Lions Club.

Tickets are available for the 2025 50/50 draw. The club has 1,200 tickets for sale at $5 each. When all tickets are sold the winner will receive $3,000. The draw will take place on Bayfest weekend.

Sunday, August 31,—the Long Point Lions Club Chicken BBQ, with proceeds to Valley Heights Secondary School and six elementary school nutrition programs. Tickets are available from any member and various upcoming events and locations throughout the area.

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Long Point Lioness Lions Club is a like-minded group of women who come together and seek ways to serve the community. If you are new to the area or if you feel it is time to be involved in something that helps you to give back, please reach out by contacting Lioness Lynda Hendel, membership chair, at 519-983-4319, or send a message through the club Facebook page Long Point Lioness Lions Club.

Upcoming meeting dates are Monday, Feb. 10, and Monday, March 10, starting at 5 p.m. Dinner starts at 5:30 sharp followed by the meeting. To reserve your seat to learn about the club, please contact any member or reach out to Lioness Lynda Hendel.

Originally printed in The Good News, February 2025.