Lion District A9 Governor Bill Chalmers was pleased to install the new executive for the Clifford Lions on June 21 at the home of Lion Ivan and Sheila Campbell in Clifford.
Lois Zettler moves into the position of past president as the gavel is passed to president Fay Binkley.
The new executive consists of first vice president Dave McBeth, second vice Garry Zettler, treasurer Dave McBeth, secretary Ivan Campbell, two year director Ruth Wolfe, member-at-large Ho Park, with Judy Worsley and Allan Manning as affiliate members.
Lion president Zettler felt her year as president had passed by rather quickly and wished Lion Binkley all the best.
The club also honoured guest Brad Richardson, Clifford’s Citizen of the Year, and his wife Debbie, who were invited by Reg and Brenda Grice.
Lion Ivan Campbell read of Brad Richardson’s endearing qualities and years of service to the community. The Richardson’s moved here in the early ‘80s. Their three children Sarah, Dan, and Ashley were active in Sports and the community. Richardson sat on Clifford council for seven years before the Town of Minto was formed. He sat on or chaired many committees including fire, finance, and sewers. He still umpires baseball and is president of the men’s slo-pitch league of Clifford, Harriston, and Palmerston.
For 14 years, Richardson has been involved in decorating the Town of Minto (Rotary) Park at Christmas. Besides coaching hockey and baseball in Clifford, he sat on Clifford Minor Hockey for 20 years, Clifford Recreation for 15 years, and the parks and recreation advisory committee.
Richardson is a member of the Masons and is a Shriner, where his efforts support other charity organizations.
Lion Ivan presented Brad with a plaque and noted his name will appear on the plaque on display at the Post Office.
On behalf of the Town of Minto, councillor Ron Elliott praised Richardson for his great influence and support of the community.
President Lois Zettler presented Debbie Richardson with a bouquet of flowers and thanked Reg and Brenda Grice for helping to keep the surprise and for helping to celebrate Richardson’s award.
Clifford Lions attend meetings, clean the adopted road way twice a year, fundraise, promote Lions Club events, sponsor guide dogs, support the CNIB, co-host Breakfast with Santa.
On May 27, Lion McBeth attended the Mount Forest Lion’s Dog Guide Walk collecting $260 for the cause. Donors included fellow Lions Ho Park, Lois and Garry Zettler, Wightman Telecom, Carol McBeth, and Clifford Lions.
On June 5, the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides held a fundraiser raffle for Toronto Blue Jay tickets at the organization’s head office in Oakville. First prize was a weekend for two in Toronto to see a Blue Jays game, with 10 diamond sapphire necklaces as second prizes. Despite the odds of winning, with 30,000 tickets sold, two members of the Clifford Lions, Fay Binkley and Lois Zettler were both winners of diamond sapphire necklaces. The Clifford Lions always welcome new members. For more information contact 519-327-8132 or ivyho7@hotmail.com
