Lions Ring in the New Year

By Will Johnson

Messenger Reporter

GRAPELAND – Even though the holiday season may be over, the Grapeland Noon Lions Club celebrated that most festive time of the year with one last holiday celebration on Thursday, Jan.5. In what has become an annual tradition, the Lions postpone their seasonal soiree until after the New Year so club members can focus on family and friends during Christmas time.

More than 50 members, family and guests were in attendance at the Grapeland Senior Citizens Center for a gathering to celebrate the club’s accomplishments during the past year and to enjoy the comradery and fellowship within the organization.

The dinner meeting was called to order by President Ben Childress who welcomed those in attendance.

“In every speech I give, I brag on the Lions Club. I am so proud of this club. We are a good active club and if you go any district meeting, they all know about Grapeland,” Childress said. “For a town this size we have 62 active members. Some may not come to every meeting because of work, but one way or another they are active. They either contribute what we need or financially support us.”

As he continued, Childress asked the members to keep the family of John Roberson in their prayers, following his untimely death. He also requested the Lions to keep those members struggling with health issues in their prayers as well.

Changing gears somewhat, the president thanked those who had cooked and prepared the evening meal as well as those who had helped set-up the senior center.

“We’re a good, strong club financially and member-wise,” Childress re-iterated. “We have 62 paid members and we’re not carrying anyone who hasn’t paid. That’s good for a town this size with 1,400 (people).”

Following his remarks, Childress requested Lions Club Secretary Martha Childress to come forward in order to introduce two potential members, Lynn Elliott and Laura Walling.

“Both of these girls grew up in Grapeland and moved away. One served in the military and moved back, while one worked in Mississippi and then moved back. We are lucky enough to have them wanting to join the Grapeland Noon Lions Club and I highly recommend both Lynn Elliott and Laura Walling,” she said.

When the matter was put to a vote, the two prospects were unanimously approved and welcomed to the club.

Once the business part of the meeting had been taken care of, Childress introduced Dr. Charles Allen and Chuck Allen who provided the evening’s entertainment performing several songs and instrumental pieces.

After the musical performance, the dinner meeting was adjourned as several of the members moved over to the domino tables for several games of “42.”

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].