Sonora Lions Club Sonora Lions Club, P.O. Box 101, Standard, CA 95373 Pine Tree Restaurant, Wednesdays at 12 Noon We District 4-A1, Mountain Region, Zone 3 www.SonoraLions.org Lions John and Ruth Moyer Co-Editors 23 Volume XCV, No. 6 “Sonora Lions, Serving the Mother Lode since 1922” December 2017 With the Holiday Season upon us it crosses my mind that often we forget why we have these festive occasions. Christmas celebrates a religious event, Thanksgiving and the 4th of July celebrate an historical event and Easter celebrates another religious event. There are so many more holidays and festivals unique to local and regional events. During most of these events we celebrate them with our families, and often the emphasis of these events is directed toward our children. Christmas presents, Easter eggs, Halloween costumes, candy, fireworks, parades, and games. The amount of time and money spent is staggering and although many give pause to this, each year everything increases. One thing I think is the fact that for many, these events require individuals to remain on the job, pro- tecting our safety and maintaining the many services we as a culture have come to rely on. I am, of course, referring to the members of law enforcement, fire departments, hospital and medical services, the military and all the governmental services we have come to rely on. But more, keep in mind all the commercial and service based individuals who work during these festive times, unable to take part with their families in these events. During Halloween this year, Sonora Lions Joe Skaff and Kenny Ayres took it upon themselves to visit a few of the local people who were not able to join in the festivities because they were working. I am so very proud of these two Lions. Thank you for your efforts. Lion John Moyer, editor Lion Joe with staff at Avalon Sonora Police Department Columbia College Fire Station Fire Station on Hillsdale Drive Sheriff’s Department Transitional Care Unit Skyline Care Lion Kenny at Avalon Message from your President The fellow we know is also known as Lion President Joe Skaff ‘Father Christmas,’ ‘Papa Noel.’ [email protected] ‘Weihnachtsmann,’ and ‘Mikulas’ across the www.SonoraLions.org globe. The traditional Christmas gift-bringer is called ‘Christkind,’ which translates to BELIEVE “Christ-child.” Hmmm! WANTED: BIG GUY WITH WHITE So what is this time of year really about? I BEARD, RED CLOTHES AND FUNNY HAT said in the beginning that it’s the time that I WITH A WHITE BALL AT THE END Did you know that in most countries of the do an in-depth review of what I do believe. I world, ‘Santa’ is NOT what we think of him! want you, my fellow Lions, to know that I be- Each country has its own traditions, norms lieve that the Son of God, Jesus Christ, was and mores regarding who this Winter “gift- born near the end of this month some giver” is and what he looks like. 2,050+ years ago. I believe that He lived a For as far back as I can remember, Decem- 33+ year-life whose purpose it was to bring ber 1st marks a time that I take a very deep grace, truth and forgiveness to a broken dive into what I believe about Christmas. For world and is doing so today! some reason at this time of year, my dad got I believe that Jesus brutally died on a Ro- a tree, put it in water and we decorated it man cross and was entombed. I believe that with shiny balls, ornaments, tinsel and lights. He rose from the dead on the third day after I’m an only-child, so I got to do a lot of deco- he died. I believe that He will come back rating myself. again because He said that He would, and I Also at this time of the year, when I was a believe that this time is closer than we think. child, until I can’t remember when, my par- Today, when emotion drives me to the ents played vinyl records of Johnny Mathis, brink, when illness encroaches upon my very Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby and others sing- life, when our culture becomes just too much ing “Christmas songs.” I remember our fire- to take, I turn to Jesus. place being lit, Christmas music on and the I believe that when I die, I will face Al- twinkle of the tree lights. And; I believed in mighty God and will spend eternity with no ‘Santa Claus.’ more pain, no tears, no sadness, no evil, no After a good many years, I “got it” that this illness. I believe that there is one God, one was a special time of year. I mean, really, my truth and one reality. parents never played music from these guys I believe that when I pray, God hears me. at ANY OTHER time of year and we never He is still in the business of loving us had a tree in our living room in June! We all through the often rotten things we do and recall that there was one time that we, for has a desire for me to turn my life over to whatever reason, STOPPED actually believ- Him. I believe that He never leaves me; it’s ing in ‘Santa Claus.’ me who turns from Him. I put ‘ ‘ around Santa Claus, because he is a It’s important for me to know that each of character, a fable, a story. Santa is an idea, you believe in, have hope in, and live for but I no longer “believe” in him. something. I would love to have you believe Interestingly, I found that the very term in the God I’m talking about; our creator. ‘Santa Claus’ originated in Austria, the Czech But, if not, you’ve always got Santa! Republic, Holland, Germany and England. Most have derived from the figure of Saint Please have a joyful Christmas. Love, Joe Nicholas. 2. Secret Lion: The Secret Lion was Frank Meckler, who was November 1 able to collect a few bucks. The meeting was opened in regular form by our Raffle: Lion President Joe Skaff, followed by a rousing Raffle winners today were Lions John Moyer rendition of “America The Beautiful”. Our new lead and Joe Skaff. The Critter was won by Lion Bob waitress, Beverly, was then introduced. Bader. Lion Kenny Ayers introduced his neighbor and Program: friend, Floyd Krause, who started building violins Our speaker today was Floyd Krause, who had 19 years ago, at the age of 76! a selection of beautiful violins and printed material Birthdays/Anniversaries: displayed on a table in front of the podium. In the Lion PP Wendy Penhallegon was regaled with past he had repaired some violins, but he began a canorous Birthday song. building them after his little granddaughter asked Announcements: President Joe Skaff told about the community service project he and Lion Kenny Ayers per- formed last night on Halloween. The two took buckets filled with candy around the com- munity to the many people who had to work on this holiday. The long list of places they visited is on page 9 of this news- letter. ~ Help is needed for registration and serv- ing meals at the District meeting in Columbia next him to build one for week. ~ At the next Board meeting a discussion her. That request be- will be held about purchasing a large banner ad- came a full time pro- vertising the Lobster Dinner. Arrangements would ject. He has since be made to display it across Washington Street, built mandolins, gui- as we do with the Cioppino Dinner banner. ~ Lion tars, banjos, and vio- Diann Kaiser has volunteered to have the club lins in two sizes, reg- Christmas party at her home. ~ The beautiful pho- ular (4/4) and (3/4). to taken by President Joe Skaff and picked by He uses many different types of wood, and carves Club members last year as club winner, for the Li- the solid hard wood bottoms and uses a softer ons Environmental Photo contest, will be taken to wood for the tops. His handcrafted violins can sell the District meeting this year – hopefully. ~ The for $3,500 up to $14,000!!! Pancake breakfast will be soon, and tickets are being printed. Last year 100 tickets were sold, and Marble Draw: 84 persons were served. Lion Jerri Regelin will be The pot is up to $111.50, but a loud drum roll bringing coffee servers from her church. didn’t help Lion Jan Newman pull out the black Happy/Sad Bucks: marble. Lion Jerri and Bud Regelin had a wonderful va- cation, but are glad to be home. ~ Lion Wendy Penhallegon had two happy bucks, one for her birthday, and another for the $230 she raised for The best and most beautiful things in the the Lions Student Speakers program. ~ Lion Ken- world cannot be seen or even touched. They ny Ayers says it was a blessing to be able to dis- must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller tribute candy pails with Lion Joe Skaff last night. ~ Lion Joe Skaff related that Lion Ed Brown is back in town and looks fantastic. 3. Dedication of the historic Rocco Blacksmith Shop On November 7th during the dedication of the historic Rocco Blacksmith Shop in Jamestown, Lion Jim Gormely reviewed the project and his part in it’s construction. His skill and active partici- pation was essential in the completion of this pro- ject which lasted for over three years.