At the annual convention of Lions Clubs International in Seattle in July 2011, Dr. Wing-Kun Tam, International president, charged Lions around the world to plant a tree for each club member. That would mean 1.3 million trees would be planted in 207 nations to help replenish the forests lost in the past few years. So far 6.8 million trees have either been planted or plans for planting are under way.
The Columbus Lions Club is planting wild dogwood trees at the Howard B. Greene Building (DSS) in honor of visually impaired persons (VIPs) in the area. Trees will also be planted at Stony Knoll Community Center.
The Lions are the world’s largest volunteer service organization. The Columbus Club tries to live up to the Lions’ motto, “We Serve,” through its medical equipment loan program, by sending a VIP to Camp Dogwood and another to a fishing tournament at the Outer Banks each year. The club also hosts a luncheon for local VIPs each spring and visits them with gift bags at Christmas time. Lions help provide eyeglasses for those who cannot afford them and recycle used eyeglasses.
Columbus Lions meet on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Calvert’s Kitchen in Columbus. For more information, call president Fran Goodwin at  828-894-2505.
– article submitted by Fran Goodwin