Twenty-six members and one guest were in attendance at our Dec. 10 meeting. The Christmas tree was aglow, tables were nicely decorated in red and the smell of lasagna put members in a festive and giving spirit.

After the preliminary Pledge of Allegiance and prayer, a moment of silence was held for Lion Mike’s mother, Norma Giles, Charter member Neil Payson and Lion Jay’s dad, Dr. John Andrews. A Lions toast and coin toss was followed by our guest speaker for the night, Boothbay Harbor Police Officer Larry Brown.

Our dinner crew for the night served up a delicious meal of lasagna, salad, bread with brownies and ice cream for dessert. Many thanks to Lions Tom N., Joe, Don and Barry for a grand meal and thanks for a helping hand in the kitchen Lion Neal M.

Assistant Tail Twister Tom N. fined Lion Susie for a spelling error, and our guest speaker Officer Brown for a "false stop." Tail Twister Mike fined Lion Karen for an error in the last newsletter, Lion Jenn for not being present to tell us it’s her birthday tomorrow; Lions Alan and Mary for being in Florida and Lion Lynn for squealing, Lion Glenn for forgetting to introduce our guest speaker tonight; Lion Tom also fined Lion Glenn for needing a history lesson on stores he "passed" when en route for milk for the meeting.

Lion Susie introduced Officer Larry Brown who spoke to us on the Taylor Foundation. Larry is now the school resource officer. He enjoys working with kids and making them safer.

Taylor Darveau was a teenager from Bucksport. Taylor was a passenger in a friend’s car one day. The friend had their intermediate license, an accident ensued and Taylor lost her life. Taylor’s parents started an awareness campaign which includes stickers that would go on a car — the stickers, which are now voluntary, would alert parents, young adults and police officers that the teenage driver has an intermediate license.

Officer Brown would like to have these stickers available to hand out to newly licensed drivers. Larry spoke very passionately about these stickers and convinced the club to offer support. After Larry left, the hat was passed for donations to support the purchase of these stickers.

Further discussion took place on the building and raising funds for future projects such as the replacement of the two bathroom windows. More discussion to follow for fundraising ideas. Lion Tom T. reported on the status of our 501(c)(3). We have formed the Lions Pride, the application has been filled out, bylaws and tax ID are done — and now we wait.

Lion Karen reported the cookies for Food For Thought are needed at the Clubhouse by noon on Dec. 18. Remember to make them nut free and marked food for thought.

Lion Susie reported Santa will be at the clubhouse on Dec. 17 from 6-8 p.m. Pizza, cookies and punch will be served free of charge. The event is open to the public.

The 50/50 raffle was won by Lion Karen who donated it to the Santa party fund. The CHEER raffle was also won by Lion Karen who donated it back to the club. A turkey donated by Lions Tom and Karen was also raffled off with Lion Pete the winner.

Lion Tom N. told a story about Christmas past in the clubhouse — long story short, then Lion Brud Pierce hollered at the children to sit down as he couldn’t see Santa!

Next meeting is Jan. 14, 2015 — the winter months are now upon us. This is a crucial time for all members to attend and support our club. We need everyone’s input for fundraising ideas to keep our club going! Hope to see you then and bring a friend! January dinner crew: Lions W. Greenleaf, P. Greenleaf, Dolan, Jones.