The Broiler Steak House in Redwood Valley saw 27 AV Lions and their guests sit down to celebrate their annual Xmas party last Sunday night. Pretty great to be all together again without masks so we could see the smiles and put away a delicious dinner. The Broiler never disappoints. We were in a classic steakhouse that understands how to cook meat. We could choose grilled steak, fried prawns, roasted chicken or pork ribs. Most chose the steak (we are Lions after all). On the rare-ish side they were tops along with the old school iceberg lettuce with thousand island dressing salad, hot rolls with plenty of sweet butter, and baked potato finished off with hot coffee and Philadelphia style cheesecake - yum. David and Bonnie Starkey were thoughtful enough to bring a big bottle of Navarro Cabernet and some Cambozola triple cream cheese which we slathered on the steaks or into the baked potatoes - double yum. John Leal brought some of his very excellent signature wine, which he makes himself.
As a footnote the trip home from the dinner was especially exciting. Starting to go up and “over the hill” the falling rain intensified and started getting more opaque. Before we knew it thick plumes of snow were falling. At first it didn’t seem to be sticking but suddenly the trees turned white and the guide lines on the highway began to disappear. Looking out the windshield it looked kinda more white than anything else. This southern California raised girl was more than a little nervous as we crawled our way up to the top of the peak and the snow kept getting heavier. Coming down the other side I was really praying for that snow to turn back into rain. It really took its’ time doing so- starting up again only about 5 minutes outside of Boonville. I was never so happy to see rain (and the road). What an unexpected thrill. Woe to anyone who loitered in Ukiah!
Anyway…back to the party where President Eric welcomed us all and congratulated everyone on their good work throughout the year. It was a year when we could finally get back to our fundraising. Fundraising is what the Lions’ do best - funneling all of the money directly back into the community. Christine Clark acting treasurer let us know that we had donated a total of $14,260 this year. Senior scholarships totaled $5000.
We gave the Fair $1000 seed money for their parade. The Ambulance BBQ got $3965 with 125 served while the Senior Center BBQ got $2490 with 100 served, the Sam Prather Memorial Appreciation BBQ for the Fair got $965 with 250 served. Sams’ BBQ was funded out of the tip jar from our Fair Beer Booth. Satisfied customers gave us $1700 in tips over the Fair weekend. With a bumper Fair attendance this summer our Fair revenue was back up to pre-Covid levels- more money to invest in our community. We sponsored a balance workshop for seniors $490 and the Fire Department toy drive for $200. Both the Farm Supply and the Grange asked us to procure liquor licenses for events which we sponsored for $75 each. We were back in business at the AV Brew Fest with our Tri-Tip sandwiches. Any deserving project that benefits the community can come to a Lions Club meeting, describe their need and make a request. We have sponsored many things over the years including uniforms, eyeglasses, art supplies, sports equipment etc.
If your organization has a need come to a meeting and share your story. We meet at the Grange Hall 9800 Hwy. 128 on the third Monday of the month at 6:00. We share a potluck dinner and all are welcome. The Lions is primarily a service club and it has existed in the valley since the 1950’s. Originally the club was all men. Many members were part of the vibrant business community that existed during the boom times when you could even buy a new car off a lot in downtown Boonville.
Christine Clark who was president for 25 years joined in 1989 and was only the second woman Lion. The first Woman to join was David Wallaces’ mother (whose first name I do not know). Bill Holcomb was an early member (and is still active in the club) along with Carl Kinion, Smokie Blattner and Earl Clark (a founding member) all deceased. Christine told me Larry Lombard invited her to her first meeting and soon thereafter she became president (she is a vice president and acting treasurer today). Our hardworking and computer savvy secretary is Mea Bloyd and her brother Eric Bloyd is our president is always the first to arrive and the last to leave doing whatever needs to be done. Christine told me she sits on five boards and if she had to “stick with” just one it would be the Lions because of how much they give back. Bill Harper was president for 5 years after Christine and still serves as co-vice president and organizational memory. Bill has been our chief meat buyer a critical role in a club that cooks meat as a means to fundraising second only to selling beer.
If you get satisfaction from a job well done by people who are energetic, responsible and caring the Lions may be for you. You can call Mea for membership information at (707) 489-7026 or just come to one of our meetings and check us out.
The Lions membership of about 50 people comes from a wide range of backgrounds. Some have lived here all their lives, some retired here, some came “back to the land”, some are conservative and others are liberal. In the work we band together to make something positive possible despite our differences. It’s a great opportunity to meet people that might not be in your immediate social circle. The truth is that there is never a dull moment. Do you like people and enjoy working on a team? Do you have a sense of humor about life? If so you will definitely get more out of a Lions Club membership than you put in.
Unless you are an officer in which case you will be working harder but with greater rewards. Since our goal is to “Give back” a positive outcome is virtually guaranteed.
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