The Rhythm of Service
Lions Supporting Winship School
The Grand Forks South Forks Lions were pleased to receive an update about Winship Elementary School from Jennifer Modeen and Becky McIntyre at their Tuesday, August 20 weekly meeting. They spoke of the great diversity that exists at the school and how that provides great opportunity for students/teachers to learn from one another. They spoke of school values that can be seen in the overview photos below. For more information on Winship School, please click the button below.
Please watch the Winship School welcoming video below.
The South Forks Lions provided Jennifer and Becky with a box of school supplies and a gift card totaling $400 to support efforts to ensure that children and teachers have the necessary supplies needed. Pictured L to R: Club President Roy Fillian, Lion Clair Zirnhelt, Jennifer Modeen and Becky McIntyre. Jennifer and Becky also spoke of the bullying prevention program implemented in the school system. For more information on this program please click the link below.
The South Forks Lions thank Jennifer and Becky for their time and information highlighting the tremendous effort that goes into educating and supporting Grand Forks students.
UND Interim President Joshua Wynne Addresses South Forks Lions
Interim UND President Joshua Wynne recently spoke to the South Forks Lions.
The South Forks Lions recently had the privilege of having Interim UND President Dr. Joshua Wynne speak to the club. Wynne was named Interim President in June of this year. He has served as the Dean and Vice President of the UND School of Medicine since 2010.
Dr. Wynne spoke of the exciting, fun and educational time it has been in the short time he has been in his new role. He said his time as President comes during a transition to the future. His emphasis is "moving forward and striving for excellence." He noted that the University is in good standing and there is not a lot broken but rather the direction of the strategic plan established by former President Mark Kennedy, is a solid one. He believes it is important to ask what the University can do for the State rather then what the State can do for the University during this rapid time of change within education. For example, the huge impact of technology on education is a significant factor in planning for the future. He also mentioned the work on the physical plant of the University is ongoing. Infrastructure improvements and the beautification of the campus is well underway. For more information on the University of North Dakota please click the link below.
For more information on Dr. Wynne's appointment as Interim President of UND please click the link below.
The South Forks Lions thank Dr. Wynne for his time and presentation to the club.
GF Senior Center Going "Out To Where the Seniors Are At"
Jamie Schumacher, Public Relations Manager for the Grand Forks Senior Center, spoke to the South Forks Lions about the many activities going on at the center. Just as significant, she discussed the activities taking place away from the center that are drawing nice turnouts. She notes that many of those attending do not go to the center.
Ms. Schumacher thanked the South Forks Lions for their many years of support for the Home Delivered Meals program. She updated the club on the issue of needing volunteers. She also spoke of the friendships that are made of people coming to the center for activities and meals. Many services are provided at the center. For more specific information on Senior Center Services click the button below.
Senior Center Without Walls
Jamie spoke of the new concept that has been implemented at the center. Instead of trying to have 2 facilities to meet needs, the center decided to "bring the senior center to seniors." She used the example of the "Senior Supper" activity. Times were set to meet at various resteraunts at a certain time. To their surprise many people came, particularly people that generally wouldn't come to the senior center (she estimated 75%) on a normal basis. The success of these off-site gatherings has been so successful that it has created a need for people to sign-up. Also, many of the trips, both days long and day long are tremendously popular, yet many of those going on these trips do not go to the senior center. This reinforced the notion that there are many people who don't want to go to the center but yet are looking for senior activities to be involved in. For a list of activities click on the button below:
The South Forks Lions thank Jamie for her time and presentation.
Lions Clubs Across the Country Focus on Diabetes
Diabetes is a global epidemic, affecting an increasing number of men, women, and children all over the world. As Lions, we see and feel the effects of diabetes in our communities and are doing something about it together.
Diabetes can lead to serious diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth. In most high-income countries, diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputation. It is expected to affect 629 million adults by 2045. For a short video on what Lions across the country are doing in response to the Diabetes effort, please click on the video below to see how one community brought Lions and students together to promote healthy food choices.
Glasses Drop Off Locations
The South Forks Lions give community members many locations to drop off used eye glasses. These glasses are reconditioned and then sent to those needing them across our country and the world. Please take a few minutes to gather those old glasses you have laying in a drawer or box and bring them to one of the locations below as that action may be the difference of someone being able to see or not. All glasses are accepted. Look for a box like the one below. Don't underestimate the difference you can make in someones life by simply donating old glasses (prescription, sun glasses, reading glasses etc.). The locations include:
- Hugo's - 32nd Avenue S.
- Hugo's - N. 20th St.
- Hugo's - EGF
- Hugo's - South Washington
- Opticare - EGF
- Sterling Optical - Southtown 1
- Lifetime Vision Center
- Valley Vision Clinic
- Midwest Vision Center - Columbia Mall
- EyeMart - Menard's Mall
- Walmart Optics - 32nd Ave. S.
- Sam's Club
- Walmart Optic - Gateway Drive
- Advanced Eye Care - UND
- North Dakota Eye Clinic
- Dakota Boys Ranch Thrift Store
Credits:
Bryon Novotny