History of River Hills Lions
March 12, 2000
Dear River Hills Lions,
These notes were prepared for the Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the River Hills Lions Club. They are the highlights of the articles that appeared in the River Hills Press and the Board and Regular Minutes of the River Hills Lions Club.
Thanks to Kitty and Milt Yesek and Claire and Al Ellingson for giving me all of the back issues of the River Hills Press and Trina Nochisaki, former Editor of The River Hills Press, who gave us the pictures we were able to build this scrapbook, make a video and write an Anniversary Issue of the Focus.
I hope all of you take the time to read the notes and look through the scrapbook. The River Hills Lions have a lot to be proud of. From a humble beginning and a handful of dedicated, community-loving men the River Hills Lions is what is it today – one of the largest Lions Clubs in South Carolina.
I have thoroughly enjoyed working on this project and being a part of the history of the River Hills Lions.
Sandy Decker
1975
The River Hills Lions Club was formed on March 24, 1975 and chartered on March 28, 1975. Officers:
President - Jack Rutter
First VP - Gene Connell
Second VP - Larry Schroeder
Third VP - George Beecher
Secretary-Treasurer - Harvey Watson
Lion Tamer - Dick Michaux
Tail Twister - Jack Litton
Directors - Dick Berlow, Lee Bullington,
Gary Hurt & Bruce Pickard
The Club started meeting on the second Saturday at 8 a.m. for continental breakfast at the Wreck Center and on the fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. for dinner at the River Club.
Charter Members Included:
Richard L. Austin Richard E. Fuller Roger L. Perry
Sam T. Ball William H. Geho Bruce L. Pickard
George N. Beecher Harold J. Hofsess Stanley R. Roberts
Richard Berlow Gary J. Hurt John P. Rutter, Jr.
Harold Breitman Robert H. Irwin Michael Schlueter
E. Lee Bullington Jack L. Litton Lawrence Schroeder
Edgar M. Burkett J. R. Meyer-Cuno Harry S. Summer
Eugene D. Connell Richard L. Michaux Harvey L. Watson
Robert Enders Robert G. Munroe Ed K. Williford
Gene Connell was chairman for Charter Night on May 9, 1975. The dinner meeting was held at the Regatta Room. District Governor Frank Lineberger presented the Club with it’s Charter and challenged the group to make sight conservation a major undertaking of the Club. The Plaque can be seen in the trophy case opposite the Cove Room at the River Hills Country Club. Harvey Watson accepted a gift of a podium, a gavel and a gong from the Clover Lions Club who was the sponsor of the River Hills group. The speaker for the group was Lion Obe Rosvold, President of the SC Eye Bank in Columbia.
Our speaker at the May 28, 1975 meeting was Larry Harris of the Speaker’s Bureau for the SC Lions Sight Conservation Association. Jack Rutter visited the SCLSCA and the SC Eye Bank in Columbia, SC.
On July 4, 1975 in the area of the General Store complex, the River Hills Lions gave away rolls of candy in the hopes of receiving donations. Most of the donations will go to the SCLSCA and the balance to local community projects such as the Clover Rescue Squad.
The first organizer of these projects was Chairman Dick Berlow who was aided by Harold Breitman, Bob Enders, Jack Litton and Dick Michaux.
? The River Hills Lions’ first project was obtaining eye donations from its neighbors.
Dr. Reed Gaskin was the speaker for the July dinner meeting.
? October is Sight Conservation Month. The SC Mobile Eye Clinic was on display at the October 18, 1975 barbecue that was held at the Regatta Room.
? Started a campaign to sign up eye donors
? Started a collection of used eye glasses
? Sold plastic garbage can liners – netted almost $900
November 8, 1975 at 8 a.m. in the Wreck Center will be the first installation of River Hills Lions Club’s new members. New members included Miles Bigger, Bill Herring and Gary Smitscamp. Gaylord Walker transferred from another club.
The first Ladies Night Out was held in December 1975.
Dues was $20 per quarter
Charitable projects: Clover Rescue Squad, Eye Bank and Mobile Eye Clinic.
In November 1975, Lions have $1,356.88 in the Activities Fund
Recap of 1975
? 4 fund-raisers
? Candy Day – $127
? Barbecue – $606
? Plastic Trash Bag Sales – $900
? Raffle – $4,350
Total net Activities Fund $5,983
? Disbursements
? South Carolina Lions Sight Conservation Association – $360
? Extractor for Clover Rescue Squad – $895
? Four pairs of eyeglasses for needy Clover children – $153
? $4,600 left to disperse to various charities
? Collected about 300 pairs of used eye glasses
? Secured 100 eye donor pledges
? Membership total 28
? Held first new member induction ceremony – Deputy Dist. Governor John Bryan presided. New members were Miles Bigger, Bill Herring and Gary Smitscamp. Garylord Walker transferred from another club
1976
January
? Lions to present the Clover Rescue Squad with a “can opener” known as an Extractor and is used for removing victims pinned in auto, boat and truck wreckage. The Fall barbecue paid for this piece of equipment.
? $350 was sent to the South Carolina Lions Sight Conservation Association.
? Dinner meetings changed to the 4th Monday at 7 p.m. and were held at the Hungry Fisherman
? Plans for preliminary stages for a “humongous” raffle with ten prizes – the first of which was $5,000.
February
? The first raffle was held on May 21, 1975, Dick Berlow was the Chairman, and tickets were $60 each. They included a two-hour open bar on the River Club Patio w/hors d’oeuvres and live music. Net proceeds will go to local, state and national Lions charities. 200 tickets will be sold. All cash prizes from $5,000 top prize to $100.
? Chair, Bruce Pickard of our Sight Conservation Committee will conduct a campaign in March to sign up eye donors.
March
? Committee being formed to work on a policy statement to be amended to our by-laws which will cover contributions “charities” we will or will not support.
? Saturday meetings held at the Wreck Center for breakfast and the Hungry Fisherman for dinner.
April
? Slate for year beginning 7/1/76
Harvey Watson, Pres., Larry Schroeder, 1st VP, George Beecher, 2nd VP, Dick Berlow 3rd VP, Bill Herring, Sec-Treas.
? Voted to provide eyeglasses for several Clover area youngsters.
May
? Presented Clover Rescue Squad with a $900 Extractor
? SC Lions Sight Conservation Association Mobile Eye Clinic here in July
July
? 225 people screened at the Lions Mobile Eye Clinic
? Registered 36 eye donors
? Board voted to sponsor one youngster to go to Camp Leo (camp run by Lions for blind children)
? Board to investigate the construction of a Little League baseball field.
? Fish Fry fund raiser project planned at Stowe’s Fish Camp
1976
? Speaker October – FBI Agent Chuck Richards
? New member cocktail party
? Awarded 100% President’s Award from Lions International
? Speaker – Mac Upchurch, VP and Trust Officer of NCNB
1977
? Meetings at the Hungry Fisherman
? Lions decide to begin the solicitation of used hearing aids
? Nov 19 Fish Fry big success 400 people attend $950 made. Tickets $3.75 adults, $2.50 children
? Speaker Nov 7 – Ted Law, Chairman of the Board of the Mecklenburg Better Business Bureau
? Lions donated a portable, battery powered loud speaker to the River Hills Community Association
? Membership – 40
? May 9 Pony League began its season. Lions sponsor this team and provided the money and arranged for the construction of the field and backstop.
? March – donated a base C.B. station for the main guard gate
? Speaker March 7 Dr. Reed Gaskin, country’s leading opthamologist
? We will split the cost of eye examinations and eyeglasses for the needy in the Clover School district with the Clover Lions Club.
? Board agreed to sponsor a second child to Camp Leo. The first one was sponsored in the Fall.
? August – SC Lions Mobile Eye Clinic screened 180 individuals – 14% required referral for further checking
? Lions received an award for being #1 in percentage of increased membership in its district.
? Lions International sign will be placed near the front entrance of River Hills
1978
? Officers
President - Bill Herring
Sec/Treas - Angus MacInnis
1st VP - Howard Erwin
2nd VP - Ray Cook
3rd VP - George McAleese
Tail Twister - Posty Postweiler
Lion Tamer - Jim Peek
Directors - Julian Bing, Bob Hanna, Steve Wilson, Stan Roberts
? April 17 meeting Lions presented a proposal that will cover the acquisition of a completely equipped and properly manned ambulance.
? Speaker John Budh of E. F. Hutton
? Speaker Jim McKown, Pres of York Lions Club introduced Vicky Wray and Gary Hubbard, blind York High School students and their Leader Dogs, Poncho and Nicky.
? Fish Fry profit $1,100
? Harvey Watson gave a short history of the founding of the Club
? Started Eye Donor campaign-forms available
1979
? 7/22/79 New Officers Installed
? Howard Erwin - President
Bob Hanna - 1st VP
Stan Roberts - 2nd VP
Bill Duetting - 3rd VP
Angus MacInnes - Treasurer
Ken Wisecarver - Secretary
Bob Ross - Tail Twister
Glenn White - Lion Tamer
Julian Bing - Director
Jim Peek - Director
Glenn Saunders - Director
? Membership increased from 50 to 61 members
? Oct 13, 1979 5th Annual Fish Fry
Attended by 600 people – net income $1,000
? Oct 10 – 12 Lions Mobile Eye Clinic
? 40 members toured the Catawba Nuclear Project
? Speaker at Nov 6 meeting – Dr. Francis Robicsek, Lung & Heart Specialist with Sanger Clinic & Memorial Hospital
? 10 new members inducted – new total 70 members
?
1980
? As part of International World Service Day, the RHL replaced all the blue stop signs within the community with the standard red signs.
? Lioness Lynn Anthony is asking Lions to assist in running the “Meals on Wheels” project.
? Speaker at Sept 20 meeting – John Spratt, who announced plans to open a branch of the Bank of Fort Mill in the Lake Wylie Shopping Center.
? Speaker at Oct 7 meeting – Paul Buck, Managing Director of the Charlotte Coliseum, Auditorium and Civic Center Authority.
? 6 new members inducted.
? May 17 – 4th Annual Raffle Master of Ceremonies – Jerry Peterson of WSOC-TV
? Largest benefactor from the Lions Club – River Hills Rescue Squad
? Over $3,500 towards the new ambulance and training program for EMT’s.
? About $4,500 donated to other causes: Little League, Clover Rescue Squad, Help the Blind, Plantation Planters, Fire Department and the Caring Center.
? River Hills Lions were awarded a plaque at the State Convention in Columbia for being first place within District 32-D by having increased membership, club participation in the various activities within the district and the procurement of eye donors.
? Clubs fifth anniversary will be celebrated in July
Past Presidents:
Jack Rutter
Harvey Watson
Dick Berlow
Bill Herring
Howard Erwin
? Original membership 20 – this year membership increased from 61 to 80 members.
? May 17 Fifth Annual Lions Club Charity Raffle
? 320 attended
? Jerry Peterson, weatherman for WSOC-TV, Master of Ceremonies
? First Prize of $4,000 won by Jim Lane
? Net profit for Raffle – $6,000
? Ed Geary won 2nd place award in the State District for his monthly Lions Bulletin.
? Membership increased to 82 (inducted 3 new members)
? Speaker at June meeting – Frank Snyder, head of the York County Council of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
? New officers:
? Bob Hanna - President
? Bill Duetting - 1st VP
? Glenn Saunders - 2nd VP
? Ed Geary - 3rd VP
? Angus MacInnes - Treasurer
? Van Vanden-Bosch - Secretary
? Bob Ross - Tail Twister
? Herb Lyon - Lion Tamer
? Bus Busbin - Director
? Arnold Stone - Director
? Glen White - Director
? Harvey Watson was given an award for sponsoring the new River Hills Lioness
? September – Lions Club move meeting location to the River Hills Country Club.
? Speaker – South Carolina State Representative, Herbert Kirsh.
1981
? Speaker Jane Griswold from The Spirit Square Arts Center
? Speaker Dr. E. K. Fretwell, Chancellor of UNCC
? Officers for 1981-1982
? Glen Saunders - President
? Ed Geary - 1st VP
? Arnold Stone - 2nd VP
? Colin Browne - 3rd VP
? Van Vanden Bosch - Secretary
? Anges MacInnes - Treasurer
? Steve Wilson - Tail Twister
? Bob Goodell - Lion Tamer
? Milt Yesek - Director
? Bruce Roberts - Director
? Winton MacCarter - Director
? Speaker Mark Erwin told us about progress being made to establish a Lake Wylie Post Office.
? Ira Schey received an award for 30 years perfect attendance (transferred from Gastonia).
? Speaker, Obe Rosvold, South Carolina Lions Club Executive Director, discussed the Eye Bank and Hearing Aid Bank.
? Speaker Charlie Styer, former naval officer, discussed the Polaris submarine that made the trip under the North Pole.
? Speakers from Piedmont Natural Gas, E. C. Hinson, SVP of Finance, Tom McCreery, VP and Brad Wyatt, Investor Relations discussed Cable Television.
? During 1980, RHL donated over $8,000 to projects in River Hills, Clover, etc. (River Hills telephone directory, River Hills Rescue Squad, Bethel Fire Department, Leader Day, etc.)
? Fund-raisers – Fish Fry and Raffle responsible for raising over $8,000
? Mobile Eye Screening Unit here July 8 – 10
? Unit supported by funds raised by Candy Day, sale of brooms and light bulbs horse shows, pancake suppers, etc.
? 233 persons were tested
? Raffle raised $6,377
? Angus’ son, Duncan, pulled his own ticket to win first prize of $4,000.
? The River Hills Phone Directory has been delivered to 650 River Hills residents.
? $539.55 check presented to Fire Chief Bill Johnson for a Low Level Strainer and a Vaportron.
? $150 to the Steele Creek Fire Department
? Glen White starts “In Sight” which is a new look to the Lions monthly publication
? Speakers – Lions Directors from Fort Mill, Tega Cay and Rock Hill present a slide show on Camp Leo.
? Program Chairman, Dick McDonald, presented a sound synchronized slide presentation of Camp Wilderness, a California camp for deaf children.
? $500 to Camp LEO
? In lieu of Candy Day, Board decided to donate $950 to the South Carolinas Lions Club.
1982
? Speaker Ada Jumper, runs SC Eye Bank
? Officers 1982 – 1983
? Ed Geary - President
? Colin Browne - 1st VP
? Ed Jones - 2nd V P
? Bob Kennedy - 3rd VP
? Van Vanden Bosch - Secretary
? Angus MacInnes - Treasurer
? Tail Twister - Pinky Funderburk
? Lion Tamer - Martin Lewis
? Dan Shaver - Director
? Harold Breitman - Director
? Milt Yesek - Director
? 10 bulletproof vests presented to the York County Sheriffs Dept. on May 4, 1982.
? Speaker Morris Maple, Piedmont Medical Center, showed slides of the new construction of the PMC.
? Speaker Dr. Clark Hunt, ffom the River Hills Community Church
? Speaker Charles Beckman, President-Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce
? Speaker Wes Stevens, Assistant Director of Camp Thunderbird
? Lions Directory being distributed to all River Hills Residents.
? Purchase of a Crib Monitor for the River Hills Community Church was approved.
? Mobile Screening Unit screened 160 individuals and 39 donors signed up for the Lions eye bank.
? 1982 – 1983 Slate of Officers
? Ed Geary - President
? Colin Browne - 1st VP
? Ed Jones - 2nd VP
? Bob Kennedy - 3rd VP
? Van Vanden Bosch - Secretary
? Angus MacInnes - Treasurer
? Pinky Funderburk - Tail Twister
? Martin Lewis - Lion Tamer
? Bruce Roberts - Director
? Harold Breitman - Director
? Dan Shaver - Director C
? Program – film showing highlights of Clemson’s No 1 ranked football team’s last season. Film was presented by Allison Dalton sports promotion director at Clemson.
? Speakers Sept 7 meeting – Candidates for the US House of Representatives seat for SC’s Fifth Congressional District, John Wilkerson and Jane Sprat, wife of John Spratt who was unable to attend due to scheduling conflicts.
? Lions founded the Good Neighbor Deli in September 1982. (was The Good Neighbor Pantry, Inc, now Clover Area Assistance Center). Every Lion was asked to bring a container of food to each meeting or contribute $1. Food containers were placed in Harris Teeter and Community Cash stores. Harris Teeter contributed old bread. It started with 226 families in the Cover School District who were certified to receive food from The Good Neighbor Pantry. Volunteers came from mainly the River Hills Lions and Lioness. Also a small corps of volunteers from Clover helped.
1983
? River Hills Lions donated a flagpole placed near the guardhouse at the front gate that will fly the American and South Carolina flags.
? Lions sponsored “Good Neighbor Deli” collection boxes in cooperation with the Clover Lions Club.
? Speaker Harry Hogue, York County tax assessor.
? Speaker Harold Dickson, Chairman of the York County Council.
? Sept 23 – 2nd Annual Lions Charity Golf Tournament.
? April – Lions arrange for Diabetes test at Piedmont Health Center.
? May 21 8th annual Lions Charities Raffle. Cost of tickets $65
? Marji and Wil Leahy won $4,000
? Lynne Bradley, WBTV Channel 3 weather girl
? Speaker Garry Bickett, Manager of Public Relations for Carowinds.
? Speaker John Brown, Coordinator of community residential programs for the Alston Wilkes Society. Society assists prison inmates and former offenders to reestablish themselves as contributing members of the community.
? 1983 – 1984 Slate of Officers
? Colin Browne - President
? Ed Jones - 1st VP
? Bob Kennedy - 2nd VP
? Bruce Roberts - 3rd VP
? Dave Morrow - Secretary
? Angus MacInnes - Treasurer
? Ken Brown - Tail Twister
? George Hagman - Lion Tamer
? Lou Widener - Director
? Bun Clarke - Director
? Christmas Tree sales showed a profit of $1,884.34.
? Lions Raffle May 15, 1982
? Win & Marge Reese win First Prize of $4,000
? Steve Wilson names Lion of the Year
? Club raised over $8,000 from the raffle
? Club raised a net of $4,000 from the sale of advertising for the 1983.
1984
? On Oct 19 – 21 the South Carolina Lions Eye Screening Mobile Unit screened 212 people.
? Glenn Saunders, former River Hills Lions Club president and current deputy district governor of Lions, announced that the River Hills Lions is the second largest Lions Club in SC, Columbia is the first.
? Lions budgeted $19,000 for worthwhile causes.
? Christmas trees will be sold this year in Lake Wylie and outside the Tega Cay gate.
? Speaker Diane Appleton, Assistant District Attorney for Mecklenburg County
? Speaker Susan Magnuson, Assistant Manager of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
? Annual raffle May 19 – tickets $75
? Slate of Officers
? Ed Jones - President
? Bob Kennedy - 1st VP
? Don Stewart - 2nd VP
? Harold Breitman - 3rd VP
? Dave Morrow - Secretary
? Anges MacInnes - Treasurer
? Bud Katter - Lion Tamer
? Bob Mackenzie - Director
? Glenn White - Director
? Lou Widener - Directory
? Bun Clarke - Director
1985
? March 85 – Lions sponsor the new Health Screening Unit (checks for visual acuity, glaucoma, blood pressure & diabetes)
? 196 people were tested – 18 people signed up as eye donors
? Speaker – Ron Kuhn from the National Weather Service stressed the importance of being knowledgeable and alert to weather system reports.
? Ten Year Anniversary – Five of the charter members are still active:
? Sam Ball, Harold Breitman, Harvey Watson, Dick Berlow and Dick Fuller
? 2nd Largest club in SC with 118 members
? Speaker – Shelley Lyons, Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
? April 2, 1985 – Lions visited the Catawba Nuclear Station.
? River Hills Lions Telephone Directory
? Started as a Women’s Club project in 1976 – Gerry & John Battens took on the initial task of gathering names, addresses and telephone numbers (300 names)
? They turned it over to Posty Postweiler and then Winton McCarter put list on computer.
? Arnold Stone got the advertising started in 1983, Don & Jeanne Stewart took over and the directory became a profitable enterprise.
? Directory took 4 months to complete and grossed about $16,000 (netting $12,000 – $13,000).
? Directory helps to support:
? River Hills Emergency Squad
? Good Neighbor Pantry
? South Carolina Lions Sight Conservation Association, etc.
? Slate of Officers
? Bob Kennedy - President
? Don Stewart - 1st VP
? Mel Nield - 2nd VP
? Bud Katter - 3rd VP
? Chet Rose - Treasurer
? Dave Morrow - Secretary
? Alex Keller - Tail Twister
? Bill Rinck - Lion Tamer
? John Beck - Director
? Glenn White - Director
? Bob Mackenzie - Director
? 120 members
? Club raised more than $26,000
? South Carolina Sight Conservation Association Eye Bank - $8,000
? Good Neighbor Pantry - $3,900
? Drug and Alcohol Control Program - $2,250
? Bethel Fire Department - $1,500
? River Hills Emergency Squad - $1,000
? York County Hospice - $1,500
? Eye Problem Donations - $ 750
? Misc. donations from $100 to $600
1986
? Lion Kennedy summarized plans for the Bing Memorial Fund.
? Trophy for Lions Golf Tournament “Julian Bing Memorial Tournament”
? Aid needy in the Greater Charlotte Area with eye-related problems
? 142 members – 3rd largest club in SC
? Donated an IBM Selectric typewriter and computer to the South Carolina Eye Bank
? Raffle tickets $75 – Expected to raise $100,000
? Lions sponsor drug awareness program at Clover Middle School
? Henry Rohrs honored for being an active Lion for 55 years
? Speaker – Congressman John Spratt spoke about Nicaragua
? Good Neighbor Pantry started by the Lions in 1982 and reorganized as a charitable organization in 1985. Lions Dan Shaver, Milt Yesek and Bert Grey areas of expertise were financing, food acquisition, and food distribution. Special praise rendered to Lynn Anthony and the Lionesses for keeping the program running smoothly.
? Christmas Tree sales in Lake Wylie and Tega Cay.
1987
? Mike & Mary Lyons won $4,000 at Lions Raffle (255 tickets sold)
? 10th year of River Hills Directory being published by Lions
? Speaker Grady Faulk – Traveling Preacher
? 27 new members added in 1987
? Lions Golf Tournament most successful ever-net profit approximately $4,000
? May 87 – Our club is the largest in the State
? Speaker Representative Herbert Kirsh
? Speaker Dr. Martha Pepper, Pres of Winthrop College
? March 14 – 95 members present – the largest attendance of Lion Club Members in the Club
? Speaker Lion Bill Rinck, talk on South Africa
? Speaker Dr. Grady Faulk, Minister from Pineville
? Lion Glenn Saunders was elected as an Honorary Life Member of our Lions Board of Directors.
? Feb 21 – Contributed $2,600 to the Good Neighbor Food Program
? Speaker John Ferree, an officer of Mission Air (volunteer air transport agency that transports emergency problems)
? Contribution would be made for 2-way radios for the Golf Ranger.
? Officers
President - Nield
1st VP - Hagman
2nd VP - Telfer
3rd VP - DeWalt
Secretary - Aldrich
Treasurer - Krewson
Lion Tamer - Debry
Tail Twister - McKibben
Directors - Brown, Goodell, Mackenzie, Stone
1988
? Maggie & John Pennell won the 13th Annual Lions Club raffle – $2,500
? Tickets $75 – 225 sold
? 2nd largest Lions Club in South Carolina – contributed $30,500.
? The largest contribution was $10,500 to the South Carolina Sight Conservation Foundation.
? Good Neighbor Pantry - $2,600
? Lake Wylie Library - $2,500
? Lions Quest program - $2,000
? Bethel Fire Department - $2,000
? York County Hospice - $1,000
? River Hills Emergency Squad - $1,000
? Plantation Planters - $1,000
? Steele Creek Fire Department - $ 500
? Yorkville Literacy Council - $ 300
? Fund-raisers
? Lions Telephone Directory
? Lions Raffle
? Christmas Tree Sale
? Golf Tournament
? Club promoting a display of American flags by residents on Memorial Day, Independence Day, etc., to show patriotism.
? Speaker Brent Funderburk, son of Pinky Funderburk, – The Breathing Eye (100 drawings and paintings, classical music with synchronous natural sounds and a live poetic narrative by the artist).
? Slate of Officers
? Lyman Telfer - President
? Byron DeWalt - 1st VP
? Orville Brauss - 2nd VP
? Don McKibben - 3rd VP
? Art Aldrich - Secretary
? Dick Krewson - Treasurer
? Jack Spafford - Tail Twister
? Paul Derby - Lion Tamer
? Ken Brown - Director
? Bob Goodell - Director
? Bill Rinck - Director
? Bob MacKenzie - Director
? Speaker Carl Scheer, VP and General Manager of the Hornets
? Speaker Jeff Solomon, Air Traffic Controller Feb 5, 1988 215 in attendance. Largest to-date.
1989
? John & Eleanor Goddard won $2,500 – Lions raffle
? Sept 11, 1989 Bill Heflin started Helping Hands.
? 14th Annual Raffle
? $85 ticket – 255 tickets to be sold – $2,500 1st prize
? Melvin Jones Fellow – Glenn Saunders
? April – 1989 River Hills Lions take new members outside River Hills
? Speaker Fujiko Miyamoto, Pres. Kellen International and husband, Robert Kellen regarding Japanese-American business relationships.
? Speaker Michael Terry-Lloyd regarding South Africa
? Speaker Lion Bob Luttrell spoke on Saudi Arabia
? Speaker Eckert Goette appointed by the West German government as Honorary Consul for NC
? Speaker Charlie Beckman, VP, Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce
? Directory netted $20,000
? Lions Tournament netted over $3,900
? 1st Place District 32D Candy Day
? 1st Place for Multiple District 32 Candy Day
? 3rd Place District Governor’s Contest
? Gave gift of $2,500 to the new Lake Wylie Library-Formal Opening May 6
? Lion Goodell reported that the Clover High School system requested a few men from River Hills volunteer to participate in a counseling program. Particularly disadvantaged children.
? Lions help Lioness in their biggest flea market on Nov 4
? Lions sign near the front gate missing
? Meeting will be a panel discussion on the emergency plans in place prior to Hugo. Panel included the County Director of Emergency Preparedness, a member of the County Highway Dept and a representative of Duke Power.
? Lion Dan Johnson in charge of program dedicated to the aftermath of Hugo-Speakers Marion Sony Broach, Branch Manager of Duke Power, Randy Thompson, Fire Marshall of York County and Cotton Howell, Director of Emergency Preparedness.
1990
? Joan & Keith Covelle – $5,000 Raffle Winner – $80 raffle ticket
? Speaker Dr. Robert C. Lindeman, The Medical Associates of Rock Hill discussed diabetes
? Speaker Sharon Swintek, Exec Dir. of the SC Lions Eye Bank
? Speaker Colonel Bill Bundy, retired Air National Guard and member of the President’s Council discussed anti-drug activities
? Speaker Herb Carlton, Asst. Deputy Sheriff for York County
? Speaker Frieda Nicholson, Dir. of Discovery Place
? Golf Tournament nets $3,111
? Raffle nets $5,353 – 250 tickets sold
? Christmas Tree sales netted $1,769
? 633 pairs of used eyeglasses received this year and 86 individual lenses, 11 hearing aids
? Lions will participate in the River Hills Recycling program
? Lions joined hands with the staff and counselors of Clover High School to assist them in motivating students toward improved scholastic performance and provide guidance toward the attainment of advanced education – 25 students
? Speaker Susan Becht, neighbor and Treasurer of Duke Power Company.
? The River Hills Telephone has a new look – state-of-the-art laser printing. Two new color-coded sections will appear. Pastel pink pages will be used for the section containing emergency and service numbers. A listing of the Plantation young people will be included and will be printed on blue paper. A “street locator” will be featured.
? Disbursements this year will be around $33,000.
? The induction ceremony for new members has changed. It was done to emphasize the responsibilities that come with being a Lion.
? Officers
? President - Art Aldrich
? 1st VP - Guy Knouf
? 2nd VP - Scott Douglas
? 3rd VP - John McGraw
? Secretary - Eric Bruce
? Asst. Secretary - Joseph Gray
? Treasurer - Robert Wittebort
? Asst. Treasurer - Erwin Bokelkamp
? Directors - Paul Debry, Bruce Thurston,
William Bold, Thomas LaRoe
? Lion Tamer - Richard Lewis
? Twail Twister - Mario Martino
? Lion sign at the front gate has been replaced in December
1991
? Norman Mozer – $5,000 winner Lions Raffle – $80 ticket
? Bob Goodell in charge of the Clover Junior Scholars Program
? Lion John Tennant, Chair of Sight Committee reported that to-date 380 pairs of eyeglasses, 116 lenses and 4 hearing aids have been collected.
? Charitable Contributions – $37,300
? 165 members – #1 in South Carolina – Charleston #2 155 members
? Slate of Officers
? Guy Knouf - President
? Bruce Thurston - 1st VP
? Dick Lewis - 2nd VP
? K Covelle - 3rd VP
? E Bruce - Secretary
? Robert Wittebort - Treasurer
? Henry Welfare - Tail Twister
? Ken Dahlstrom - Lion Tamer
? Bill Bold - Director
? Tom LaRoe - Director
? Paul Debry - Director
? Dan Johnson - Director
? Glenn Saunders - Director
? River Hills Lions Directory grossed $31,000
? Helping Hands – 3rd year Bill Heflin Co-Chair with Dolly Wild (Lion/Lioness Project)
? Melvin Jones Fellowship Award – Milt Yesek – March 1991
? Speaker Susan Becht, Treasurer, Duke Power and Art Fields, VP of Crescent Resources
1992
? Jerry DeCarbo winner $5,000 Lions Raffle
? Ron Cartner wins Julian Bing Memorial
? In January Bob Goodell was given a plaque by he SC Dept of Education for the work of his committee with the Clover High School
? Speakers Mr. Chuck Richards and Ms. Julia Muller of the Charlotte office of the FBI
? Speaker Mr. Nick Susco, Airport Manager for Traffic Management at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport
? Speaker Steve Camp of the Charlotte Coliseum
? Speaker Dr. David Somerstein, Urologist
? District Governor Frank McCarthy paid tribute to Bob Kennedy and presented Barbara Kennedy the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award in Bob’s memory
? Officers
? President - Bruce Thurston
? 1st VP - Dick Lewis
? 2nd VP - Lew Kirk
? 3rd VP - Dan Johnson
? Secretary - Wil Couch
? Asst. Secretary - John Tennant
? Treasurer - Bob Wittebort & Bert Blum
? Directors - Dave Cox, Paul Debry, Jack Haher, Ray Pippen
? Speaker Dr. Joseph Wieczynski, a noted Russian history professor
? Guy Knouf was presented with a banner by the Lioness for his efforts with the “Mail Box” project
? Speaker Akira Yamakawa, VP/Treasurer of Midrex Corp and Director of The Japanese Association in Charlotte.
1993
? Mary Fuller – $2,500 1st Prize Lions Raffle – $35 ticket price
? Speaker Charles “Chuck” L. Beck, retired CIA Agent
? Robert Goodell – received Melvin Jones Fellowship Award – June 93
? Speaker Larry Carroll, Carroll Financial Associates President
? Speaker Andy Kane, Dir. of Environmental Education, Camp Thunderbird with Florence Kane, Assistant Director Camp Thunderbird
? Speaker Akira Yamakawa, Pres. of the Japanese Association of Charlotte and VP, Treasurer of Midrex Corporation of Charlotte spoke of Subjective Differences and Similarities of Japanese and U.S. Business people.
? Lion Cox discussed petitions to the US Postal Service to issue a stamp honoring Organ Donors, a concept that was being supported by Lions International.
? Speaker Dr. David Apple, Director of the Center for Interocular Lens Research at the Storm Eye Institute of the Medical University of SC
? April 17 – Ruthie Dahlstrom inducted as River Hills first female Lion and Paula DeCarbo and her husband Gerry as the first married couple to b inducted togethr.
? May 15 – The first Lady Lion fine -Paula DeCarbo was fined $2 from Henry Welfare, Tail Twister. Paula arrived late and had failed to fill out a form Lion Welfare wanted.
? Speaker Dr. Donald Bosch and his wife Eloise – missionary and surgeon in Oman.
? June 1 – received 2nd place newsletter (Focus) award
? Speaker Ray Killian, EVP Human Relatins, Belk Stores in Charlotte
? Lions Club formed in 1887 in Chicago by Melvin Jones. Helen Keller in 1925 made an address regarding the challenges that had to be met.
? Speaker Everett Burnett, Social Worker with the SC Health Dept
? Raffle net profit around $14,000
? Speaker and neighbor Mr. Coy Eklund, formerly on Gen George Patton’s staff during WWII.
? Guests-Boy Scouts of America Troop #333 to thank us for our recent contribution
1994
? Nina Johns winner of Lions Raffle $2,500
? Laura Thomas first recipient of the Lions Club Scholarship Award – May 23, 1994
? River Hills Lions Tournament featuring a $100,000 Hole-in-One Shoot Out.
? Speaker Joel A. Larsen-Financial Consultant
? Speaker Andy E. Kalnik, volunteer for Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance.
? Speaker Joseph P Finnegan, Jr., President of the South Carolina School of the Deaf and the Blind with musical medley performed by “School Daze” (six vision disabled students ranging from six to 14 years old.
? Sunshine Committee formed – Henry Welfare, Chairman – Feb 19
? New Club brochure printed and distributed – March 19
? Speaker Lillian Mood, RN – Dept of Health and Environment Control. Discussed Health Care Reform
? Special Guest, Craig Reese, technician for the Mobile Health Screening Unit – worn Lions costume
? Speaker Bill Lavelle, General Manager of the Charlotte Knights Baseball Club
? Netted $4,300 from Golf Tournament
? Special guests – Teresa Glass-Community Relations Coordinator for Clover School District. Liaison for the Student Mentor Program; Barbara Ware, Asst Principal at Clover HS; Laura Thomas – first recipient of the new scholarship grant awarded by the RHLC.
? Speaker Judge Robert Burroughs, Sr Resident Superior Court Judge
? Received award for the Clover High School Mentor Program – presented by State Superintendent, Barbara Neilson and State Board of Education Chairman, Robert Peeler.
? Speaker John Bledsoe, Attorney for the original group that founded River Hills.
? Joint effort with Lioness in the Habitat for Humanity project
1995
? December 1995 – Lions establish The Rev. Kenneth Kovas Fund.
? Carl Bergman won the $2,500 1st prize raffle
? Speaker Cotton Howell, Director of Emergency Management for York County.
? February, 1995 Lions Pioneer Organ Donor Program
? Christmas Trees netted over $2,600
? Celebrated 20 Anniversary – April 4, 1995
? Club raised over $420,000 since it’s inception – over $50,000 this year. The Lions and Lioness together during this period have given well over $500,000.
? Ruthie Dahlstrom – Lion of the Year
? Student Mentor program now expanded by the State of SC to include the entire State and the Sophomore Class. Approximately 350 – 400 students will participate, requiring 50-60 mentors
? Speaker David Mandt, Manager of Community Relations for Carowinds.
? Speaker Michelle Smith, RN SC DHEC and Shirley Morrison, RN Supervisor of DHEC’s Home Health Services in York County
? Directory netted $30,500 – 25% increase over last year
? Speaker Tamra West, Executive Director of the York County Hospice
? Speaker Dr. Paul Galantine, Eye Surgeon
1996
? Speaker Jim Ferguson, President Rock Hill Bank & Trust.
? Bill Heflin – Lion of the Year
? May 10, 1996 Most successful Charity Golf Tournament. 132 men and women participants.
? Christmas Trees netted over $3,000
? Dan Johnson, Immediate Past President received the President Excellence Award from Lions International.
? President Chuck Davis presented Dan Johnson the beautiful “cat-carrier” that Dan had bid on but did not qualify for at the Raffle.
? Speaker James McCullough, CIA Agent
? Speaker Martin Regalia, VP and Chief Economist for the US Chamber of Commerce
? Speaker Ms. Roslyn Greenspon, Marketing Representative with John Hancock Insurance Co.
? Speaker Alexander Varnokov, from Vornezh, Russia will work at Okuma for 1 month
? Lion of the Year – Bill Heflin
? Speaker Art Nash, Executive Director of the Heineman Medical Research Center
? Net income Lions Directory $30,000
? Speaker John Barr Pearson III, Senior Resident Agent for FBI
? Speaker, Deputy Crig Collier – new Deputy in the Sheriff’s Dept
? Speaker Nancy Knowles, Chairman of the Leader Dog Program in SC
? Lions Raffle and Silent Auction netted $9,811
1997
? Christmas Trees netted over $2,300
? John Tennant received Key Award for sponsoring five new members
? Speaker Robert Hair and his assistant Irene Casey – Musical Director for a singing troupe for The South Carolina School for the Deaf & Blind.
? River Hills Lions sells Brooms for the first time
? Tax deductible Trust is formed “River Hills Lions Charities, Inc.”
? Speaker Colonel William McHenry, USMC retired. Colonel McHenry is Director of ROTC at Fort Mill HS
? 50/50 drawing changed. You can now buy 3 tickets for $2
? Tega Cay Lions & River Hills Lions sponsored a joint breakfast on May 3 at Hardee’s to help pay for John Showers’ medical expenses.
? Speaker Lion Bruce Updyke – 5th Annual Dawn to Dusk Golf Marathon
? Speaker Ed Duffy, VP of Development- York Tech
? Speaker Bill Kimbrell – Fort Mill Rotary
? Speaker The Honorable Thomas Burton, Councilman for York County
? Speaker Dr. Billy Floyd, Supertendent for the Clover School District.
? Golf Tournament raised approximately $9,000
? Telephone Directory raised over $42,000
? District Governor Arthur Gregory at the State Convention announced that the River Hills Lions received 4 awards:
? Two Outstanding Service Awards for Candy Day
? One for Third in the District
? One for Second in the State
? Achievement Award for being the Most Outstanding in District 32D
? First Place for Focus
? Lion of the Year – Dick Lewis
? Speaker Major General Stan hope Spears, Adjutant General, SC Natinal Guard
? Golf Tournament proceed around $8,800
? Speaker Dick Black-Executive Director of South Carolina Lions, Inc.
? Net proceeds Directory $31,556.25
? 25% of EMS members are Lions
? Bill Heflin reports that at the start of this Committee in 1992, and July 1997, the drivers served 354 people.
? Bill Heflin announces that he will no longer Chair the Christmas Tree Committee
? Health Screening Unit examined 102 people
? Speaker Van W Shields, Director of The Museum of York County
? Lions sold hot dogs and sodas as a fund raiser in front of the new Food Lion – November
1998
? Christmas Tree sales netted $2,896 – 20% increase over last year
? Speaker George Robinette, Asst Dir of the Charlotte Douglas International Airport with and airport security trainer and his dog, Josh.
? Speaker Manual Holland of the SC Lions, Inc. presented a trophy to the membership. The trophy is a new SC award made for the first time to “The Outstanding Lions Club in SC”.
? Officers
? President - Harold Breitman
? 1st VP - Russ Leinbach
? 2nd VP - C.J. Nager
? 3rd VP - Dick Pastor
? Secretary - Steve Flaherty
? Treasurer - Jack Stout
? Directors - Jerry Orlick, Milt Tager
? Membership - Bill Howe
? Tail Twister - Tom Stall
? Lion Tamer - Lee Rowley
? Communications - Kathy Fajt
? Information Services - Pat Taylor
? Clover Charities Liaison Milt Yesek
? Speaker Peggy UpChurch, President of The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce, Lobbyist in Columbia and former member of the York County Council
? Speaker Jennifer Watson Roberts, Director of the Charlotte Foreign Affairs Council
? Golf Tournament netted about $9,000
? Speaker The Reverend Donald A Lowery, Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in York
? Club donated over $50,000 to charities last year
? Club will sponsor a client of the Leader Dog Program
? Guests – Laura McDaniel, winner of this year’s Lions Scholarship (5th awardee of our scholarship)
? Special guest Roberta Spampinato and her daughter Robyn presented with a plaque for her years of service
? October – Lion Bruce Updyke of the Tega Cay Lions, mentioned the awarding of the first Lions Vision Scholarship at York Tech.
? Speaker Bill Hilton of Stowe Botanical Garden
? Mobile Unit screened 125 individuals
? 3,383 pairs of glasses and 10 hearing aids with batteries were donated to SCLI. Win Reese explained how a Clover resident was able to get a prosthetic eye. Win Reese received a pin from the SC Lions Eye Institute to recognize his efforts to provide the prosthetic eye.
? Tree sales netted $2,140
? Bill Heflin was honored with a Lions desk pen set for his service in organizing the Christmas Tree Sale for 20 years and for his work heading up the Helping Hands program.
? Bulk mail special rates are now available for the fund raising. Estimated savings of $500
? Speaker Lorayne Fiorillo, Security Analyst from Prudential Securities
? Speaker Peggy Upchurch, Presidetn of The Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and lobbyist in Columbia and a former member of the York County Council
? Speaker Jennifer Watson Roberts, Director of Charlotte Foreign Affairs Counil (Randy’s daughter)
? May 16, 1998 – Jurgen Meyer-Cuno rejoined the Lions (was charter member)
? Lion of the Year – Arnie Bendet
? Lions donated over $50,000 to charities last year
? Club will now sponsor a client for the Leader Dog Program
? President introduced Laura McDaniel, winner of this years Lions Scholarship (She is the 5th awardee of our scholarship
? Received award to our contribution to Candy Day
? Special Guest Roberta Spampinato and her daughter Robyn – honored for her years of assistance
? Guest Lion Bruce Updyke of the Tega Cay Lions Club mentioned the awarding of the first Lions Vision Scholarship at York Tech.
? $111 raised from the sale of the Knights Baseball tickets
? Speaker Bill Hilton of Stowe Botanical Garden
? Lions helped Lioness with painting of the mailboxes
? 125 people screened at the Mobile Eye Screening unit
? Three eye exams and glasses provided to indigents in York County
? 3,383 pairs of glasses and 10 hearing aids with batteries were donAted to SCLI
? Provided a prosthetic eye for a needy resident of Clover (Win Reese convinced the State Chapter to provide $1,300 toward the cost of the eye)
? Win Reese presented with a pin from the SC Lions Eye Institute to recognize his successful efforts to provide a prosthetic eye to a local Clover resident
? 143 members end of April
? 146 members at close of fiscal year
1999
? Diabetes and Hearing Committees newly formed
? Christmas Tree sales netted $2,425
? Bob Daily received special thanks from President Breitman for his efforts in refurbishing the Eye Glasses Donation Boxes.
? Tom Stall received a plaque for his excellence and humor as a Tail Twister
? Richard Stubenrauch nominated into the Hall of Fame and his memory will be recognized at the State convention in April
? Speaker Glen Bell, Catawba Nuclear Generating Station
? Speaker Donna Lisenby, Riverkeeper for the Catawba River
? Sandy Decker first Lioness to transfer to the Lions Club
? Awarded plaques by the District and State for being the largest support of Candy Day
? Speaker Dr. Paul Galentine, Eye Surgeon
? Club formed a walking team for the Juvenile Diabetes Walk to Cure Diabetes
? Club raised $7,685 for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
? Sharon Ferriola and Sandy Decker were each presented with a plaque for raising over $1,000.
? Lions gave The Good Neighbor Pantry $6,500
? Lions Club participated in the celebration of the Lioness 20th Anniversary
? Speaker Loretta Hartzell, long term care specialist, was introduced by Program Chair George Gessner’s wife
? Member Keys awarded by International were given to John Chislett and Bill Howe recognizing their outstanding efforts to bring new members to our Club.
? Pamphlet “Lions…..People Just Like You” were ordered and will be used in the membership drive
? Golf Tournament raises net $ 10,511.50
? Speaker Dr. Ed Duffy of York Tech-Thanked Club for support of the Scholarship program for the visually and hearing impaired students
? Larry Edson honored by the York Bank as Citizen of the Week – special attention because of Larry’s effort with the Clover Pantry
? John Chislett – Lion of the Year
? In June, President Harold Brietman presented Plaques to Lions in appreciation of all the hard work each of them did during the past year.
? Officers
? President - Russ Leinbach
? 1st VP - C. J. Nager
? 2nd VP - Gerry Orlick
? 3rd VP - Dick Sarver
? Secretary - Steve Flaherty
? Treasurer - Posty Postweiler
? Lion Tamer - Kathy & Rich Fajt
? Tail Twisters - Tom Stall & Bob Daily
? Communications - Sandy Decker
? Information Services - Pat Taylor
? Directors - Lou Desser, Jack Stoudt, Owen Brown, Milt Tager
? Telephone Directory raised $30,000 with 230 advertisers
? Health Screening Unit screened 84 people
? Clover Caring Center changes its name to Clover Area Assistance Center
? Bill Phillips club photographer
? Lions Raffle raised over $12,000 (Third annual)
? Dick Sarver won two years in a row
? Ticket sales 1997 – 176, 1998 – 198, 1999 – 218
? First time in history of Club 5 members were inducted – November 20
? River Hills Lions Charities gave River Hills Emergency Squad $10,400
? 136 Members
? Lions donated $50,922 to charities in the 1998-1999 year
? Helping Hands have been called to assist 423 times since the year they were founded in 1989
2000
? Clover Pantry and Clover Caring Center now Clover Area Assistance Center (CAAC) Milt Yesek will manage the pantry operation until he moves from River Hills.
? Speaker Nancy Annis, R.N., C.D.E. Presbyterian Hospital spoke on Diabetic Treatment and differences in types.
? Sight Chairman Win Reese reports that 682 pairs of glasses are being delivered to SCLSSA this week (Feb)
? Walk to Cure Diabetes 2000 will be April 1, 2000 at Carowinds
? Lions International now has a web site www.lionsclubs.org
? President Leinbach presented New Member Growth Pins issued by LCI in recognition of sponsorship of new members. John Chislett for sponsoring John Hasler and Ray Mattes, Sandy Decker for Jan Deal and Bill Howe for Randy Chiefer.
? Mentor program has over 400 students who signed up this year. Mentors increased from 21 to 40. These mentors are from River Hills and outside.
? Lions will distribute in excess of $54,000 to various state and local programs during this fiscal year.
Past Presidents:
1975 - Jack Rutter 1990 - Art Aldrich
1976 - Harvey Watson 1991 - Guy Knouf
1977 - Dick Berlow 1992 - Bruce Thurston
1978 - Bill Herring 1993 - Dick Lewis
1979 - Howard Erwin 1994 - Dan Johnson
1980 - Bob Hanna 1995 - Chuck Davis
1981 - Glen Saunders 1996 - David Cox
1982 - Ed Geary 1997 - Chuck Henry
1983 - Colin Browne 1998 - Harold Breitman
1984 - Ed Jones 1999 - Russ Leinbach
1985 - Bob Kennedy
1986 - Don Stewart
1987 - Mel Nield
1988 - Lyman Telfer
1989 - Byron DeWalt (Is this first name?)
Lion of the Year:
1983 - Steve Wilson
1995 - Ruth Dahlstrom
1996 - Bill Heflin
1997 - Dick Lewis
1998 - Arnie Bendet
1999 - John Chislett
Melvin Jones Award: (Lions Club formed in 1887 in Chicago by Melvin Jones. Helen Keller in 1925 made an address regarding the challenges that had to be met.)
1989 - Glenn Saunders
1991 - Milt Yesek
1992 - Bob Kennedy (Presented to Barbara Kennedy in Bob’s memory)
1993 - Robert Goodell
Charter Members Still Active:
Sam Ball
Harold Breitman
Jergen Meyer-Cuno
Harvey Watson
Misc:
? Henry Rohrs honored for being an active Lion for 55 years
? Glen Saunders was elected as an Honorary Life Member of our Lions Board of Directors
