Clermont-Minneola Lions Host Kids Of Give A Day Foundation On August 4th

Submitted by Nick Jones

CLERMONT-MINNEOLA LIONS CLUB was the host for GIVE A DAY FOUNDATION kids on the Lions shooting range in Groveland on Saturday, August 4th.

Lion Dan Strauss and Otis Taylor of the GAD Foundation put the program together.  Assisting Dan and Range Master, Lion Tom Sheehan were Lions Larry Rescoe, Nick Jones, and Clif Brown along with Tom Fagan one our the Club’s most expert patrons.  Chick Fil A brought breakfast for the kids and the Lions grilled hot dogs and hamburgers for lunch.  The kids were given a safety course on the proper and safe handling of shotguns and given the opportunity to try their skills in shooting clay pigeons. Top shooters tied  –  Alek Brademyer and Josh Patterson.  A flip of the coin gave the prize – a Lion clock to Alek.

The range has been improved considerably with the back-drop berm raised to approximately 15 – 16′ as well having had fill brought in to improve

drainage.  22 cal. rifles are being considered.

The Lions operate the range as their prime fundraiser on the Second, Third and Fourth Saturdays.  The third Saturday is limited to shotguns.  As demand grows, “TURKEY SHOOTS” are expected to be put back into operation.  Look for them on SR 50 in Groveland directly across from Tractor Supply, 8 am – noon.

The Lions had a banner day at the Sunday Farmer’s Market downtown Clermont distributing used sunglasses, kids bracelets and key tags and selling straw brooms.  Look for the Lions downtown on the first Sundays.

The Club expects to have gained five new members that stepped up indicating their interest in becoming a volunteer where they can make a difference in their community.

Lions collect and redistribute eyeglasses all over the world.  The Clermont-Minneola Club has fitted numerous glasses to children and folks that fall through the cracks of government red-tape.  Look for their drop boxes at Publix stores and Walmart. The straw brooms are made by the blind, required in commercial kitchens by code for their antiseptic capacity.  Homeowners like them for the ability to absorb oil on the garage floor.

The Lions expect to reinstall their diabetes screening program as the Club grows.  Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness.  Helen Keller inspired Lions shortly after the founding of Lions International, 1917 in Chicago to adopt the blind as their number one priority.

The Club will have Audrey Sanders of the Florida Lakes Symphony as their next guest speaker.

Meeting are held on the second Thursday of each month at St. Mathias Episcopal Church in downtown Montrose St., Clermont.  Potluck suppers are standard fare. Contact Lion Horace Harper, President at 352 708-5516 or any Lion to be a Lion and or a volunteer.