Lions Club of Land O’Lakes 55th Anniversary

May 08, 2024

On the 4th of May the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes celebrated their 55th Charter Anniversary. More than 70 Lions and guests were in attendance. The hall was decorated with the Lions typical colors of yellow and purple and some of the tables were lined up with liners showing the Lions logo.

The celebration meeting was chaired by Past District Governor of Lions Dr. Douglas Galt (member of the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes).

Attending Lions came from far and wide and the Lions’ District Cabinet was represented by the two Vice District Governors, the three Region Chairs and several of the Zone Chairs, as well.

Past District Governor of Lions Dave Hansen representing Sharbot Lake & District Lions Club presented a cheque for the value of $5,000 to the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes in support of the Emergency Preparedness Plan. And President Lynn mentioned the support of the Denbigh-Griffith Lions Club for the amount of $1,000 towards the same.

Zone Chair-Elect Mike Hage toasted the Lions Clubs International, and the response toast to the Lions Club of Land O’Lakes was presented, in a very touching message, by the District Governor-Elect Kevin Kimmerly.

Mr. Scott Reid (MP for Lanark – Frontenac – Kingston) presented the club president Lynn Oborne with a certificate from MPP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, in recognition of the great work that the club has done in bettering the community.

Mr. Ric Breese (MPP for Hastings – Lennox & Addington), a fellow Lion himself, talked about his family’s history in Lions, and how coming out of a family of Lions has impacted him positively over the course of the years. He then presented the club president with a second certificate of recognition of the years of service of the club to the community.

Mayor Gerry Lichty talked fondly of the day he took a bus ride and later on walked the streets talking the community during Santa’s Parade in 2022. He also mentioned several more of the projects that he has heard of and seen by the Lions Club, and emphasized, once again, the role the Lions play in serving the community. He ended by presenting the club president with one more certificate of recognition for the club on behalf of the Township of North Frontenac.

Reeve Henry Hogg presented a certificate from Addington Highlands, and in yet one more heartfelt congratulation to the Lions for their dedication and commitment to the community, ended by mentioning at one point he too was a Lion.

Following the local elected officials, Past District Governor of Lions Don Radnor talked about the successes of the District during the past years despite the overwhelming situation of the pandemic. In doing so, he listed the great successes of the many Lions clubs; including chartering new clubs, bridging others, running meetings of the district virtually, and continually supporting the local communities. Club President Lynn presented him at the end with a gift from the club, and requested a standing ovation for him from the audience.

President-Elect, and Past Zone Chair Jean-Jacques (Red) Emond walked the audience through the achievements of the club of the last few years touching the hearts of everyone at the end when he, in an emotional moment, thanked President Lynn (who then received a standing ovation from the audience) for her leadership over the course of the year, and the club for electing him to lead starting July.

A great celebration by a club that contributes every day to the community.