Yesterday marked the Lions Club second annual Health, Education, and Volunteer Fair, while also doubling as a celebration of the organization’s 75th Anniversary! Approximately 20 vendors were on hand to strengthen the community by promoting health, increasing awareness of educational options, and facilitating volunteerism in the community. LEAP, with alumna Victoria McClendon-Leggett–now with Student Legal and Mediation Services–were on hand to learn and engage.
With booths from the Walker County Senior Center, Huntsville Memorial Hospital, Benchmark Hospice, the Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home, and many more, there was a lot of information and services available to local residents. Attendees had the opportunity to do health checks at one moment and, somewhat curiously, grab candy and chips.
With this many resources in one place, it was inevitable that we would run into friends such as Gregoria McGuire, Derrick Birdsall, Rob Hipp, and Stacy Loll. The Lions Club, festive in their celebration of their 75th Anniversary, had cake on hand, as well as a photo backdrop, with Lions Representatives from across the state on hand.
It was also a chance to re-connect with old friends. During our rovings, Huntsville Memorial Hospital employee Paula Morales came up to Professor Yawn, asking, “Are you Mr. Yawn?” When she received an affirmative reply, she noted that she was part of the “very first Citizenship Course” and that she had earned her citizenship in 2009. It was a pleasant and touching reunion and, in a sense, a microcosm of what promoting a stronger community is all about.
It may have been the Lions Club birthday/anniversary, but it was a really a gift to the community, one that was much appreciated by LEAP.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 