Homer, Alaska - News - Lions draw conference crowd 11/19/08

Story last updated at 7:37 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Lions draw conference crowd

By McKibben Jackinsky
Staff writer

Known for its "we serve" motto, the International Association of Lions Clubs 49th District, which includes clubs in the southern half of Alaska, had a full house for the banquet wrapping up its mid-winter conference.

"We were actually surprised," Tari Youngblood, president of Kachemak Bay Lions Club, said of the Nov. 6-8 event. "We were kind of looking for 110-120, but people just kept signing up."

Held at Land's End Resort Quarterdeck, the number reached an estimated 165 people.

"It was pretty packed," Youngblood said.

In addition to Alaska Lions from as far north as Copper Center and Glennallen, as far south as Juneau and as far west as Kodiak, Patti Hill, an international director from Alberta, Canada, was the keynote speaker. Past International Director Buster Hall of Anchorage also was on the conference agenda, following Hill to the podium to offer opening remarks.

Three Leo Clubs -- Kodiak, Eagle River and Copper Center -- also were involved in the conference.

"They do the same things Lions do, but at a teenage level," Youngblood said.

Worldwide, there are 1.3 million Lions in 45,000 clubs in 202 countries. The Kachemak Bay Lions Club, host of the mid-winter conference, has approximately 31 members actively engaged in community projects. Currently, they are preparing Thanksgiving boxes. The next activity is a Christmas party for residents of South Peninsula Hospital's Long Term Care Center. The Lions also offer scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Local Lions also support the organization's SightFirst program. Working with local eye care providers, the Lions provide financial assistance for eye exams and eyeglasses for those unable to pay for them. They also collect used eyeglasses that are refurbished, the prescription checked and then donated to individuals unable to afford them. Used eyeglasses can be donated through collection boxes placed around town.

"We want to thank the people that sponsor us," Youngblood said of support received for the conference. "Giving back to the community is definitely what we're all about and we have some people who do a lot."

There are two Lions clubs in Homer -- Kachemak Bay Lions and Homer Racing Lions. Anyone wanting to know more about Lions can attend:

* Kachemak Bay Lions Club, first and third Wednesday of the month, 6 p.m., Friendship Center; or

* Homer Racing Lions, first Tuesday of the month, 7 p.m., L.P. Power Sports.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.

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