The Lions Club of Mechanicsburg, Pa. utilizes the first meeting of the month to have guest speakers to inform the club of various organizations and entities that provide support and services to the Mechanicsburg and local area communities. This allows the club to ascertain possible opportunities to expand our mission of “We Serve”. These presentations also provide areas where we may partner with other organizations to assist in activities, events, support and service.
Recent Activities
District Governor Patti Wurzbacher Visit
We were honored to host District Governor Patti Wurzbacher, her Partner in Service Wayne, and 2VDG Ronald Garman at our September 1st meeting.
Upon learning of her initiative to provide books to pediatric cancer patients, we promptly spread the word, and our club responded commendably. Within a few days, we successfully donated over 180 books to the District Governor. Additionally, we presented her with a check for $2000 to support her various projects.
During the meeting, the District Governor awarded Mike Caravello her “Guiding Light” certificate. As described by our Club Secretary and President, “Lion Mike is one of those Lions who is always there when you need him. He never hesitates to volunteer, lend a hand, or jump in at a moment’s notice, and he does it without looking for recognition or praise. Whether he is helping at the Food Bank, pitching in on Operation Wildcat projects, volunteering at Mission Central or 180 Ministries, or helping with one of our many other club activities, Mike can always be counted on. His willingness to serve, his dependability, and his genuine desire to help others make him a valued and much-appreciated part of our Lions family.” This was well deserved recognition for Lion Mike and we appreciate DG Patti’s interest in identifying a Lion such as Mike who goes above and beyond in Lionism.
Our District Governor was also gracious in recognizing our members who have served 10+ years by presenting them with their Monarch award. (Not pictured is Sue Miller who also received her 10 year Monarch). We also presented 2VPDG Ron Garman with our 75th anniversary plaque.
It was a very enjoyable evening. Thank you District Governor Patti!
Shelly Bitting and Joel Wierman of “Your Pa Move Mangers”
At our August 11th meeting, new Lions to our club, Shelly Bitting and Joel Wierman of “Your Pa Move Mangers”, shared information about how the company helps seniors and their families navigate the emotional, logistical and physical aspects of relocating or downsizing. Services include space planning, downsizing support, packing and unpacking, settling-in support, donation, sale and removal services, estate clean outs and move management.
PDG Tom Jones on PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp
During the May 5th meeting, we had the privilege of hosting PDG Tom Jones as our guest speaker, where he delivered a highly informative presentation detailing the latest developments from the PA Lions Beacon Lodge Camp. His presentation encompassed a comprehensive review of the camp’s history, an outline of this year’s camping sessions, and an expression of gratitude to our club for its continued support and commitment of volunteers for the work weekends. Following his presentation, President Coco Houghtaling formally presented Mr. Jones with a commemorative plaque.
Kimberly Turner with the Downtown Mechanicsburg Development
Our April 7th meeting had Kimberly Turner with the Downtown Mechanicsburg Development. She thanked the Lions for participating in the Mechanicsburg Money initiative that helped local merchants and invited us to participate in the upcoming Downtown Wine Walk scheduled for May 2nd.
Darrin Henry – the owner of Barracks Baristas Coffee Co.
The Guest Speaker for March 3rd’s Mechanicsburg Lions Club meeting was Darrin Henry – the owner of Barracks Baristas Coffee Co.
He is a career veteran serving in both our country & abroad. He advises all veterans who have had mental challenges to contact the “Headstrong Project” for free mental health resources & counselling. His coffee will soon be available at local stores. He also volunteers at “Operation Honor Roll Salute” for veterans. His message was well received by our membership.
Jordan Lenick, Advance Funeral Planner for Buhrig’s Funeral & Cremation, Ltd. in Mechanicsburg
At our February 3rd meeting, the Lions Club of Mechanicsburg PA was proud to host our guest speaker, Jordan Lenick who is a licensed Funeral Director and serves as the Advance Funeral Planner for Buhrig’s Funeral & Cremation, Ltd. in Mechanicsburg. She showed a PowerPoint presentation explaining the various facets & advantages of preplanning funeral arrangements. She invited anyone who is interested in preplanning to contact her for a personal appointment. Many questions were answered by her & Lion Kirk Freed, the Supervisor of Burhrig’s Funeral Home.
Faith Jones, Goodwill Keystone
Our Guest Speaker on January 6th was Faith Jones, a financial wellness coach from Goodwill Keystone. She did a PowerPoint presentation about the various dangers of scams and other current dangers on the internet other media.
