by Ron Kraft on November 14, 2009
It will begin to look a lot like Christmas when the River Hills Lions Club begins tree sales Nov. 23 at the familiar spot at the front-gate entrance to the community and Camp Thunderbird off Highway 49. It will smell like Christmas too with the evergreen scent of some 300 fresh-cut trees, garlands and wreaths filling the air.
Or, it might be the sight of Father Christmas (aka Frank Van Leer) in his Santa-like suit and long white beard, waving to children and their parents as they approach, that evokes a Christmas spirit.
Trees are cut in the mountains of North Carolina near Boone. There will be 300 trees, in six sizes, from five to 12 feet tall and priced from $35 to $125. Also available will be 150 wreaths in four sizes, from 12 to 18 inches and priced from $15 to $30. Fresh pine bough garland roping will be available at $2 a yard or $40 for a 25-yard rope.
Bob Daily, chair of the tree sales program, said trees are individually displayed and will be delivered free in River Hills and the Lake Wylie community. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26). River Hills Lions volunteers will set up and staff the lot. Daily said, “100 volunteer Lions are needed to make this project successful.” Lions hope to achieve a net of $8,000 for charitable causes in the York County area, such as the Lake Wylie/River Hills Emergency Squad, the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, the Clover Area Assistance Center and up to 30 other agencies that help children and people in need.
by Ron Kraft on November 13, 2009
The Lake Wylie Lions Club is returning Father Christmas to Camp Thunderbird for a pancake breakfast from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 12. The event will feature, in addition to the breakfast, pony rides, a jumping station, a small gift and a photo op for children with Father Christmas.
Tickets are $8 for children and $5 for adults. Contact Dick Pastor at 803 831-0483 or Dona Van Leer at 803 631-3543.
A visit to Father Christmas (aka Frank Van Leer) is a cultural and historical learning opportunity for children since Father Christmas dates back at least to the 17th Century. That figure was later merged in popular culture with Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas.
by Ron Kraft on November 13, 2009
The River Hills Lions Club has launched a new project, called Roaring Readers, to provide free books to children in the second grade at Kinard Elementary School in Clover. In addition, the school has applied to Reading is Fundamental, a government program to help young readers by providing 75 percent of the book cost. Funding usually takes up to a year for approval.
The Lions Club is concerned with the issue of learning disabilities which may impact children’s progress in school and prospects for success in life.
The Lions project’s goal is to deliver free books three times a year to Clover second graders.
by Ron Kraft on October 2, 2009
2009 LIONS BENEFIT DINNER AUCTION ITEMS
Category Item Min Bid Value
Art Signed numbered print of Berkhamsted England $25 $200
Art 4 pencil drawings of Williamsburg $100 $400
Art Watercolor Painting Original by Lee Rowley’s Mother $75 $200
Art Watercolor Painting Original by Lee Rowley’s Mother $75 $200
Art Watercolor Painting Original by Lee Rowley’s Mother $75 $200
Art Water Color Print Framed of the Beach $50 $125
Art Water Color Print Framed of the Sea Gulls $50 $125
Art Small pen & ink sketches (2) $20
Art Abstract Turquoise Watercolor on Canvas $15
Art Ireland Countryside Wall Hanging $50 $180
Art Thomas Kincaid’s Lamplight Memories $60 $160
Art Oil Painting of Farm Scene 30″ x 40″ Artist Professionally Framed $100 $400
Art Oil Portrait – Barbara will paint a portrait of someone you pick $500 $1,000
Art Bronze Sculpture of a Golf Scene $50 $300
Art Large Oil Farm Scene Painting $50 $300
Boat Dinghy, Sail, 7 Oars $400 $1,900
Boat Kayak $300 $1,200
Collectibles Hand Painted Plate (Delft Holland) of Frans Hals portrait “Laughing Child” $30 $60
Collectibles Signed Porcelain Fragonard 9 1/2″ Wall Plate (Limoges, France) $50
Collectibles Signed Porcelain Fragonard Candy Dish (Limoges, France) $25
Collectibles Victorian Rose Pie Serving Plate with Pie Server $15 $40
Collectibles Artini Sculpture $25
Collectibles Granite Russian Little Bears Pencil (Candlestick) Holder from Ural Mountains
Collectibles Italian Ceramic Sculpture $25
Collectibles Carved Wooden Crane $10
Collectibles Metaxa Handmade Greek Porcelain Liquor Bottle $10 $25
Collectibles Set of 6 collectors plates – “The Gift of Joy, $80 $210
Entertainment 1/2 day fishing trip on Lake Wylie with Bob Smith $50 $125
Entertainment 2 Panther Tickets (25 Oct 09) Club 1 Seats $150 $724
Entertainment 4 bridge lessons – beginner to intermediate – $50 $100
Entertainment 1/2 day fishing trip on Lake Wylie $50 $125
Food 5 Course Gourmet meal for Two $40 $100
Food Wine Tasting Evening With The Magnarini’s – – for 6 $75
Food (4) Brunch Coupons (each for two adults) $100 21 x 8 = 168
Furniture Adjustable Bed $750 $2,400
Furniture TV Cabinet $50 $250
Furniture Office Chair $25 $75
Furniture Steel 2 drawer File Cabinet $25 $50
Furniture Walnut desk (narrow) $75 $400
Golf New Golf Bag $25 $50
Golf 4 near antique golf drivers $10 $40
HD Helmet Black Harley Davidson Helmet size XXL w/ full face protection (Look new not scratches) $100 $275
HD Helmet Black Harley Davidson Helmet size XXL w/ face shield (some scratches) $50 $150
HD Helmet Black Harley Davidson Half Helmet size L (looks new) $40 $100
HD Helmet Black Harley Davidson Half Helmet size XL (looks new) $40 $100
HD Helmet Black Harley Davidson Half Helmet size XL (some scratches) $35 $100
HD Helmet White Harley Davidson Half Helmet size XXL (looks new) $40 $100
HD Helmet Black w/ Blue Flames Haley Davidson Half Helmet (looks new) $60 $200
HD Helmet Black Harley Davidson Helmet size X Small w/face shield (New) $75 $150
HD Helmet White Harley Davidson Half Helmet size XXL (looks new) $40 $100
HD Jacket Black Leather Harley Davidson Jacket Size 2XL $125 $475
HD Jacket Black Leather Harley Davidson Jacket Size 3XL $125 $475
HD Jacket Blue Denim Harley Davidson Jacket Size 2XL $45 $85
HD Jacket Brown/Black Dragster Windbreaker Harley Davidson Jacket 100% Size XL $40 $80
Jewelry Peugeot ladies two-tone, black dial, diamond bezel watch $50 $135
Jewelry David Wysor orginal jeweler’s Proof earrings – silver & gold $200 $500
Misc. Ceiling Fan Installation $25 $85
Misc. Mobile hot/cold Car/Boat Refrigerator or Food Warmer – Runs off of car power $50 $125
Misc. 4 hours home repair $50 $100
Misc. Carpet Cleaning for 5 rooms $75 $199
Misc. Frank Sinatra VHS Tape Collection (10) $5 $15
Misc. SPA Basket of Lotions $50 $100
Misc. Sonicare Electric Tooth Brush $50 $110
Misc. Water Skis – Beginner skis – wood $10 $35
Misc. 5 Life Vests – Orange coast guard approved $10 $25
Misc. Air Duct Cleaning $350 Towards a Whole House Air Duct Cleaning $50 $350
Misc. 7 in One Smoker Oven $50 $150
Money $100 Savings Bond $25 $50
Money Gift Certificate $10 $25
Money Physical or Neuromuscular Therapy, or Performance Stretching & Balance Training, or Whole Body Vibration, or Yoga Classes $30 $100
Money Studio 9 gift certificate
Money $75 Gift Certificate $40 $75
Outboard Outboard Motor 4HP – 2 Cycle $200 $800
Plants Bonsai – Crape Myrtle 6″ Outside $25 $50
Plants Bonsai – Paulson’s Juniper Cascading 5″ Outside $30 $60
Plants Bonsai – Sargent’s Juniper 7″ Outside $20 $40
Plants Bonsai – Sargent’s Juniper 6″ Outside $20 $40
Plants Bonsai – Gardenia – 7″ inside /outside $25 $50
Spa Message Envy – 3 Months Free membership – 3 one hour message sessions $75 $177
Sports Signed Bob Cat’s Jersey – Signed by Raymond Felton $50 $200
Sports Golf Lessons
Sports Tennis Lessons
Vacation Marriott time share $1,000 $1,750
Vacation Lake Lure Vacation Home for 5 nights (Sunday arrival/Friday departure) After March 2010 $600 $1,000
Wine/Liquor Liquor Basket by L W Liquor and Baskets by Sue Stall $50 $110
Wine/Liquor Liquor Basket by L W Liquor and Baskets by Sue Stall $50 $110
Wine/Liquor Liquor Basket by L W Liquor and Baskets by Sue Stall $50 $110
Wine/Liquor Wine Basket by Sue Stall $20 $40
Wine/Liquor Wine Basket by Sue Stall $20 $40
Wine/Liquor Wine Basket by Sue Stall $20 $40
Wine/Liquor 5 bottles of Wine in Basket $25 $50
by Ron Kraft on August 16, 2009
The Summer Reading Program at the Lake Wylie Library is alive and well, according to Branch Manager, Nancy Monts-Rayfield. This year a record number of children between the ages of 3 – 12 years of age are participating in the program. 402 children will spend June and July at the library reading and generally having fun. The children are encouraged to count the time they spend reading, and the winners will receive prizes. Also, as an added treat, performers will come once a week to the library to act out various books.
Thanks to the generosity of the Community supporting for the River Hills Lions fundraisers, the Lions were pleased to be able to donate $1,000 to the Lake Wylie Public Library. According to Nancy, most of this money was used to purchase over 60 Children’s books and those books will be used to fill the shelves of the new children’s reading area.
Pictured are Lion Dick Pastor who presented the check to Nancy and Nancy holding the check.
by Ron Kraft on August 16, 2009
Since 1966 the Bethel Fire Department has been protecting the area and is currently covering an area of approximately 61 square miles which consist of over 18,000 residences and over 300 businesses in the fast growing Lake Wylie and Clover, SC areas. The Fire Department is a 100% volunteer organization consisting of over 50 active members. The River Hills Lions are pleased to donate $10,000 to the Bethel Fire Department for their excellent work and dedication to protect our communities.
Per Lion Dave Decker, “We are extremely proud to be able to support them with our check for $10,000. It may seem small compared to the support they get from our new large corporate neighbors, but it will help with the additional training and support they will need to protect those new Lake Wylie businesses.”
Pictured are Past President R J Phillips and Bethel Fire Department Fire Chief, Don Love.
by Ron Kraft on July 5, 2009
L-R: Cynthia & Gary Bottomley-Rock Hill Lions, Kelly & Bill Pettus, Teresa Kuehler, Sandy & Dave Decker-River Hills Lions. Front Row: Ashley Pettus & Matthew Kuehler.
Congratulations to the Lions Strutters who on June 2 received an award for ranking 7th among the top 10 teams in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk. The Strutters comprising of the following SC Lions clubs, the River Hills Lions, Rock Hill Lions and the Tega Cay Lions, raised a total of almost $11,000 and had 55 Lions walking.
Since the Lions started participating in the Walk 11 years ago, they have raised over $196,000. This year’s Walk was extremely successful with 6,500 walkers raising over $1.4 million.
Pictured are Ashley & Matthew the children the River Hills Lions Club sponsored in their fundraising campaign, their parents and members of the Rock Hill & River Hills Lions Clubs.
by Ron Kraft on July 5, 2009
Pictured L-R: Dr. Tom Stall, Myron Boloyan, Charley Eggers, Mitch Costner
Thunder, lightening and a 2-hour delayed start did not dampen the spirits of the 91 golfers and many volunteers who attended the River Hills Lions Club 2009 Charity Golf Tournament and Business Expo on May 8.
A big thank you goes to all of our sponsors, golfers and volunteers who enabled us to raise a whopping $11,000 for our local charities. Among the charities we help are the Bethel Fire Department, River Hills/Lake Wylie Emergency Squad, Clover Area Assistance Center, Clover Student College Scholarships, Camp Thunderbird, York Adult Day Care, Teen Health Center, Girls Home, York County Hospice and PATH, Inc. (People Attempting to Help). For a complete list of charities sponsored by the Lions and information about our Club, click on “Charities We Support.”
by Ron Kraft on June 26, 2009
Great Job Lion Lee Kehler! Lion Lee was chosen as this year’s New Lion of the Year, a special award that is given to extraordinary Lions who have been members of the Club for less than 18 months. Lee joined the River Hills Lions in June 2008 and has been an inspiration to us all. Lee immediately became an active Lion and has worked on numerous committees. He has sold Christmas Trees, screened Clover students on our Mobile Screening Van and most recently created and headed-up the new Business Expo portion of our Lions Golf Tournament. Lee, with his marketing expertise, has helped the Lake Wylie EMS Squad find creative ways for fundraising.
Lee and his wife, Dianne, have a daughter Leslie, son-in-law Ryan; Son Chris, daughter-in-law Gayle and two wonderful granddaughters who live in Canada. Lee and Dianne own their own businesses, Remedics Restoration Carolinas and Grill Blaster Inc. When Lee isn’t working, you will find him on the golf course, working on start-up businesses with new and old marketing concepts, gardening and boating.
Congratulations Lee, your truly exemplify our motto, We Serve.
Pictured are President Dona Van Leer, Lion Lee Kehler and Past President R. J. Phillips
by Ron Kraft on June 26, 2009
Congratulations to Lion Anita “Neet” Rounds who was presented with the prestigious 2008-2009 Lion of the Year award on June 20 by the River Hills Lions Club. Since Neet joined the Lions in 2002, she has been an active member of the Club and has taken on a number of leadership roles. Most recently Neet was co-chair of the very successful River Hills Lions Golf Tournament & Business Expo and has been on the Board of Directors for the past several years. Neet is a mentor at the Clover High School, has worked on the Lions Holiday Party, Pot Luck Super, Benefit dinner, sold Christmas Trees and helped screen Clover students at the Lions Mobile Screening Unit.
When Neet is not busy helping the Lions, she can be found at the Clover Area Assistance Center (CAAC) working as a computer liaison between CAAC and the software program provider. She is also active at the Emergency Food & Shelter Program doing numerous tasks such as writing grants, computer programming and disbursing money to name a few. In Neet’s spare time you will see her power walking or teaching fitness at the Lake Wylie Sports Center. Neet also enjoys playing Nintendo mind games such as Sudoku and loves Science Fiction!
Neet and her husband, Nick, moved to River Hills in 2001, they each have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
Pictured are Lions President Dona Van Leer, Neet Rounds, and Past President R. J.Phillips
