King Lion Mike Giles praised the Boothbay Lions' rejuvenated attitude at our October 23 meeting, and you didn't need to look beyond the person sitting next to you to see that energy in action.

Every single seat was full at that meeting as we sat down for a delicious turkey dinner prepared by Susie Giles and other Lions.

The word must have gotten out about the meal, as we were also joined by five members of the Damariscotta/Newcastle Lions Club as well as our own two newest members, Duane Lewis and Georgia Ireland.

The Damariscotta folks weren't just there looking for food, though. No, Mark Potter, who is serving as zone chair for several clubs, also had special pins called chevrons in hand.

These pins commemorated several Lions' membership anniversaries. Don Soler, Mel Shahan and Neal Murphy all celebrated 10 years. Stephan Branch, Mark Jones and James Smyth all hit the 20-year mark. Glenn Tilton and Richard Wood have celebrated 25 years in the club. Alan Tilton hit the 45-year point.

And founding member Harry Pinkham got a 60-year pin and a standing ovation.

Our guest speaker this week was Win Mitchell from Watershed Tavern and Boothbay Craft Brewery, who came by to talk to us about craft beers and community.

Win discussed the growth of the craft brewing movement, the fresh and local ingredients that go into his beer and the tavern's food, and how none of what he does would be possible without the greater Boothbay community.

In other news, many thanks to all who came out to our fish chowder booth at the Fall Foliage Festival. We sold out and the money we brought in will go directly into our charitable initiatives here on the peninsula.

Coming up next is our semi-annual blood drive, which will be held at the YMCA on the afternoon November 7. Come on out and donate something other than cash for a good cause.

There were a lot of fines at this meeting, primarily to those (including Tom Nickerson) who wanted to leave early for the first game of the World Series. Tom would have won the weekly 50/50, but since he had already vacated the premises we kept the money for the next winner. Paul Greenleaf won the cheer raffle, taking home a bottle of one of Win Mitchell's special brews.

Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 13, when our guest speaker will be Sgt. Justin Fowlie of the Maine Warden Service. The doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a social hour and we sit down for our meal and meeting at 6:30 p.m. We'd love to have you join us.

For more information on the Boothbay Region Lions Club, please contact club president Mike Giles or any other Lion, find us on Facebook, or visit us online www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/boothbay/index.php.