Morrison Lions Club members are busily engaged in the efforts of raising funds for a much-needed picnic pavilion at the Morrison Sports Complex.  The sturdy structure will be erected by Wick employees and will withstand high winds and heavy snow loads.   The open-sided, 24′ x 32′ pavilion will be a Wick structure with concrete floor.   It will be topped by an ivory colored roof with tan peaks, posts, and ceiling.  These colors will blend nicely with the buildings already at the complex.

Many residents recall the days when the Morrison High School auditorium was new, and the need for air conditioning became a project for Morrison Lions.  The completion of that project has been enjoyed by the community.  Now, the picnic pavilion is desperately needed.  With community donations and support of Lions fundraisers, the picnic pavilion will also become a reality.

KaufmanBoy Scout Nick Kaufman is partnering with our club to raise funds to earn his Eagle Scout Award through the pavilion project.  He is shown at left on Friday, March 14, during the Meet the Players event at Morrison High School.  Accompanying Kaufman were Leo the Lion, Sandy Shetler, and Bob Smith. 

This project is a way for Lions to continue the motto “We Serve,” which includes not only vision and hearing, but also community projects and working with our youth.

On Saturday, April 5, 2014, Morrison Lions will host a breakfast featuring pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, coffee, milk, and juice at DQ Grill & Chill, 200 N. Sawyer Road, Morrison, IL.  Serving will be from 7:00 to 10:30 a.m.  The drive-up window will be open, and carry-outs will be available.  All proceeds raised will be used for the Pavilion Project.   Supplemental funding is being provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.  Be sure to come for breakfast and support the Pavilion Project!

If you wish to donate to the Pavilion Project please download a Donor Form from the club’s website at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/morrisonil.  Check out the Home Page or the Morrison Lions Foundation, NFP page for a link.  Donor forms can also be obtained in Morrison from THE National Bank at 211 W. Main Street or Sterling Federal Bank at 410 E. Lincolnway.  Donations may also be left at either bank.

All donations received will be eligible as a charitable tax deduction if made payable to Morrison Lions Foundation, NFP, which has applied for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status.  Consult your tax preparer for advice.

ivory roseBrighten someone’s day with a dozen roses from the Lions.  To place an order contact Jim Blakemore (772-3744), Flora Stralow (772-4874), Bob Smith (772-2896), or any Lions member.  Cost remains at $15 a dozen.  Delivery of the roses will be on Good Friday, April 18, and Saturday, April 19.  

Proceeds from the Rose Day Sale support the annual $1500 scholarship awarded to a Morrison High School graduating Senior.

 

Pannier Ken SmithBrian Melton was in charge of the program on Tuesday, March 4.  Left-to-right are Mayor Everett Pannier, Ken Cocking of the Prophetstown Lions Club, and local President Bart Smith.  Mayor Pannier spoke on present and future City issues.  The winter has been harsh, causing waterline breaks, and snow removal has kept City crews busy.  His presentation included projects that are in the beginning stages, including the wastewater treatment plant, trail to French Creek Park and MIT, and bridge over Route 78 at French Creek.  He also discussed aiding the Resthave Retirement and Nursing Home expansion project and the new Windsor Manor Assisted Living facility being constructed.  Questions and answers followed the presentation.

Flora Stralow is in charge of the program for Tuesday, April 1.  The speaker will be Betty Steinert from the Whiteside County Development and Enterprise Zone.  Our club meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month at noon, at Happy Joe’s, 109 W. Main Street, Morrison.  We welcome anyone to our meetings to learn more about Lionism.  Be sure to check out our website at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/morrisonil.