Vermillion Lions hold club’s Christmas banquet

The annual Vermillion Lions Club Christmas banquet was held on Thursday, Dec. 15. Guests for the event included wives of two deceased club members: Leone (Herb) Christopherson and Glendae (Wally) Anderson.�Leone was introduced by Lion Maxine Johnson and Glendae was introduced by her daughter, Lion Gloria Christopherson, who is currently the club president.

Entertainment for the evening was provided by Nick Schwebach and Owen DeJong who played a good selection of vintage music and also provided accompaniment for a carol sing led by Lion Ted Van Bruggen.�

Lion Art Rusch was in charge of the induction ceremony for two new Lion members; Yewmun Yip sponsored by Lion Lyle Wagner and Fred Balleweg sponsored by Lion Linde Wipf. It should be noted that Lion Wipf was inducted at last year's Christmas banquet. Lion Art pointed out that the International Association of Lions Clubs was formed in 1917 and at the present time is the largest service group in the world (1.4 million members). The Lions, in 1925, following the appeal of Helen Keller, took on the special dedication of serving the blind and sight impaired throughout the world.�������������������� ��������������������������

Lion Allen Johnson reminded the Lions that volunteers would be needed on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church to help prepare Christmas boxes for distribution. The Vermillion Lions along with the Vermillion Rotary Club have provided monetary as well as food donations to assist in providing food for the boxes.�

Special food drives were also held at Jolley and Austin Elementary schools. The evening concluded by a drawing for the table centerpieces which were stuffed Santas and snowmen; 12 prizes were given. Special table favors were Santa Claus bells, complete with glasses, which had trimmed the tree at the W. H. Over Museum.