The Williams Lake Lioness Club held their installation of officers on Sunday, June 3 at the home of Lioness Sharon and Lion Lionel Burnier. Using a western theme, the event was entitled “Roundup at the Lioness Corral.”
Following a lunch, consisting of a barbecue, salads and desserts provided by Lioness members and guests, outgoing president Debbie Westwick gave a brief summary of the club’s accomplishments during the past year. Westwick then presented each member with a flower in recognition of her contributions to the club and the community during her term of office. Lioness secretary Judy Garlinge, on behalf of the members, presented Westwick with a carnation in appreciation of her dedication and continued support for the club.
Past zone chair Lion Lionel Burnier and Lions Club past president Al Garlinge conducted the installation ceremony. Comparing the various positions on the executive to similar occupations on a ranch, Burnier and Garlinge used humour to lighten the seriousness of the occasion.
The new executive for the 2012-2013 fiscal year are president Eleanore Nagy, vice-president Midori Kozuki, secretary Judy Garlinge, treasurer Joanne Laird, tail twister Sylvia Prevost, Lioness tamer Marlene Davis, directors Sharon Burnier, Marlene Davis, Bonnie Johannesen and Mary Lewis.
President-elect Eleanore Nagy, in her acceptance speech, said she was looking forward to the coming year as well as the continuation of established projects and perhaps taking on some new ones.
She also mentioned how much she appreciates the fun and fellowship that exists in the club.
The afternoon concluded with the singing of a slightly altered rendition of Back in the Saddle Again, referring to Nagy’s third term as president, as she is a seasoned member of the Lioness Club.
The Williams Lake Lioness Club began in 1967 when wives of the newly-formed Lions Club felt they should meet once a month to get to know one another.
They decided to call themselves Lionettes, and remained so until 1979 when they became part of the larger international Lioness organization.
The club joined thousands of Lioness clubs around the world dedicated to improving their communities.
The local Lioness Club does fundraising throughout the community and also receives gaming funds from the provincial government. These proceeds are then donated to a wide variety of local organizations as well as recognized charities. From 1967 to the present time, the Williams Lake Lioness Club has donated more than $200,000.
Submitted by Joanne Laird