Roaring Lions Newsletter – May 15, 2012

 

The Marshall Lions Club met at Noon, Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at Panola-Harrison Community Room, 410 E. Houston.  After a delicious barbeque ham lunch, catered by PicNPay, the meeting was called to order by President Mutt Sanders.  The opening prayer was offered by Ben Bane, followed by the pledges to the US Flag and Texas flag led by Charles Abma.  Frank Lower led the Club in a singing “I’d Rather Belong to the Lions”  and “God of Our Fathers”, accompanied by pianist Arnola Zabokrtsky.

Lion Tamer Ann Terry reported on attendance, with 34 present.  She welcomed everyone to the meeting, and welcomed guests Diane Turner, wife of the speaker; Leta Kay, Mary Margaret King, daughter of Lion Bob King; Taylor Reeves, daughter of Lion Kent Reeves; Michelle Horsley, daughter of Lion Chris Horsley, and Ted Beecham, guest of Lion Horsley.  Misses King, Reeves and Horsley all are recipients of Lions Club Scholarships.  This year’s MHS graduates receiving a Scholarship are Don Jones, Crystal Rimes and Mary Margaret King, presented at Assembly by Judge Kent Alford.

The $2.00 Lion, chosen by Chris Horsley is Judge Kent Alford.

Lions Kent Alford and Jeff Thompson announced that their sons, Kendrick Alford and Jeffrey Thompson, Jr. had graduated from Texas A & M last Friday.

Tail Twister Suzanne Willis fined several lions for various reasons and enjoyed raising money for Lions Camp.   She asked guest Ted Beecham who is also having a birthday to lead the Lions in our own unique version of “Happy Birthday” to Cynthia Horsley, wife of Lion Chris Horsley.

President Sanders then turned the meeting over to the program chairman for the day, William Hatfield, who introduced the speaker, Dr. Carl Turner.  Dr. Turner is a photographer and bird watcher who enjoy the entire environs around Caddo Lake.  He and his wife, Diane are also members of the Texas Master Naturalist Association.  This required 40 hours of training and 40 hours of volunteer work.  Dr. Turner related he grew up in Houston, where it is hard to find groups of trees to study birds.  After graduating from medical school, he and his wife looked for a place to live that would let them enjoy their love of the outdoors.  The last page of a program of a seminar he attended caught his eye, and they looked up Marshall on the map and saw Caddo Lake nearby, and they were hooked.  He said he had enjoyed his pediatric practice in Marshall and he and Diane got to follow their hobbies.

Dr. Turner said there are over 16,000 acres around Caddo that the Master Naturalists serve.  There is Caddo Lake State Park, the Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge and the Caddo Lake RAMSAR Wetlands Center for people to visit.  Carl said the early settlers coming to Texas encountered a pine forest savannah and could drive their wagons through the forests.  The National Wildlife Refuge Rangers, through controlled burns each spring, is slowly getting back to that setting.

Lion William Hatfield, Dr. Cark Turner & wife, Diane

A slide show of beautiful birds, animals, trees, flowers and sunsets was shown by Dr. Turner.  He said Caddo, the only natural lake in Texas, is the largest Cypress forest in the world, and is considered a submerged forest.  Caddo is believed to have been formed by a log jam on the Little Cypress, lasting from 1780-90 until Captain Shreve was hired to break it up.  This allowed steamboat traffic from Jefferson to New Orleans.  1911 brought the first offshore oil drilling rigs in the world to Caddo.  There are still active wells on the lake.

 Dr. Turner told about the Spanish moss, which is not a moss, but is related to the pineapple.

He showed slides of lilies on the lake, including the Lotus, White Water Lily and the Spatterdock Lily.  He said there are over 200 bird species that visit or live on the lake during some part of the year.  He described the Cormorant, which travels from Canada during the summer to Caddo during the winter.  They are a diving bird who can swim after prey in the water.  Also shown were the Great Egret, White Ibis, Showy Egret, Blue Heron, Great Blue Heron, the Warbler (a brilliant yellow), Pileated Woodpecker, and the Wood Stork, a rather large bird.  Also shown were a regular Crow and a Fish Crow, which looked similar, but had sharply different sounds.  Turkey vultures and black vultures, barn owls, beavers, and many other animals, insects and spiders were covered.

 Also shown were beautiful sunsets over Caddo.  Dr. Turner is author of two Caddo Lake books, Caddo Lives and Caddo Poetry.  He had both and offered to sign them for purchasers.  He said all proceeds from the sale of his books  benefit Friends of Caddo Lake.

Dr. Turner answered several questions from Lions and Lion Hatfield presented him with a Lions writing pen with an invitation to come back any time.  President Sanders offered the closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Brenda Wood, 903-938-316

Prayer requests:  Keep Rodger Garbs in your prayers.  Also Harold Raines as he recuperates from retina surgery.  He faces a long recovery and needs our prayers. 

I will have cataract surgery next Tuesday and Lion Daren Horton will stand in for me.  He will attempt to get the newsletter out, but be prepared to read about it in Sunday’s paper.  Thank you Daren.

The website is now updated…log on to marshalllionsclub.com to check it out!

And, please, please, INVITE someone to come with you…you never know when a friend would just LOVE to become a Lion!

It’s GREAT to be a Lion! 

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Roaring Lions Newsletter – May 8, 2012

 The Marshall Lions Club met at Noon, Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at Panola-Harrison Community Room, 410 E. Houston.  After a delicious barbeque rib lunch, catered by PicNPay, the meeting was called to order by President Mutt Sanders.  The opening prayer was offered by Ken Poindexter, followed by the pledges to the US Flag and Texas flag led by Ed Hoffman.  Frank Lower led the Club in a singing “There’s No Place Like Home”  in honor of Mother’s Day and “God Bless America”, accompanied by pianist Arnola Zabokrtsky.

Lion Tamer Ann Terry reported on attendance, with 27 present.  She welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked if everyone had read the newest Lions International Magazine.  She especially asked about an article about the Lubbock Lions Club who recently hosted their 60th Pancake Supper and set a new record for serving 16,469 plates.

Acting Tail Twister Jan Williams fined several lions for various reasons and enjoyed raising money for Lions Camp.   She auctioned a Lions Club T-shirt with the slogan of “Hear Me Roar” on the front.  Cody Holloway was winning bidder.  She also said East Texas Sports Center will print a shirt for fellow Lions.  She also auctioned a Longview Lions Club pin.  The $2.00 Lion, chosen by Cody Holloway, was Gid Terry.

Lions then sang our own unique version of “Happy Birthday to Lion Brenda Wood; Jackie Lower, wife of Lion Frank Lower; and Amanda Grantham, daughter of Lion Alan Grantham.

President Sanders then turned the meeting over to the program chairman for May, Susie Oliver, who introduced the program personality.  She asked what the Lions Motto is, with the response of “We Serve”.  Susie then said that ETBU is a place of service for students, faculty and staff as they prepare students to serve in the world.  She then introduced Dr. Dub Oliver as the 12th President of East Texas Baptist University and her 1st husband.  Dr. Oliver was born and reared in San Antonio, and as a youngster attended a Catholic school.  He received his undergraduate degree from Baylor, and received his Doctorate at Texas A & M University.  He has served in the Air Force, taught in public school as a third grade teacher, and served at TAMU and Baylor as Student Life Director. 

 Dr. Oliver began by telling about the Centennial Celebration at ETBU beginning in December of 2011, and continuing all year with events scheduled.  He said he has been attending Alumni Rallies around this area, with one in Mesquite last week.  The college was founded in October of 1912, on a challenge by the pastor of First Baptist Church, W. T. Tardy.  Several men had come to Marshall from Dallas to raise money to build a college in Dallas which came to be known as SMU.  At a dinner celebrating the monies raised, Pastor Tardy said, “Why can’t we have a college here?” and was given $1,000.00 pledges from P. G. Whaley and Mr. McGee.  The College of Marshall was built, changing names twice; East Texas Baptist College, then gaining University status.

Dr. Dub Oliver

 Dr. Oliver says ETBU embraces faith, engages minds, and empowers leaders.  The University is diverse in what is offered, with Monday and Wednesday Chapel required of students.  They also require bible classes before graduation.  He had to brad a bit about the School of Nursing, now 20 years old.  The graduating students must pass a National Licensing Text, which ETBU students passed 100 per cent.  Not only passed this year, but for 4 straight years.

 Dub says that the University boasts 1,214 students pursuing varied degrees.  The operating budget for the current year is 30.6 million dollars.  He also said there are 17 foreign exchange students; from the Philippines, Bahrain and others.  In closing, he exhorted Lions to pray for ETBU, and said that “The light on the Hill will never die”.

 Dr. Oliver answered several questions from Lions and President Sanders presented him with a Lions writing pen with an invitation to come back any time.  President Sanders offered the closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Brenda Wood, 903-938-316

Prayer requests:  Cody Holloway’s wife, recovering from surgery and Lion Harold Raines had surgery Tuesday to repair his retina.  He should be home Wednesday.

The website is now updated…log on to marshalllionsclub.com to check it out!

 And, please, please, INVITE someone to come with you…you never know when a friend would just LOVE to become a Lion!

It’s GREAT to be a Lion!      

Guest Larry Ford & host Robert Wood

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Roaring Lions Newsletter – May 1, 2012

The Marshall Lions Club met at Noon, Tuesday, May 1, 2012, at Panola-Harrison Community Room, 410 E. Houston.  After a delicious catfish lunch, catered by Catfish Express, the meeting was called to order by President Mutt Sanders.  The opening prayer was offered by Frank Lower, followed by the pledges to the US Flag and Texas flag led by Charles Alma.  Suzie Oliver led the Club in a rowdy rendition of “She’ll Be Coming ‘Round the Mountain” and “My Country Tis of Thee”, accompanied by pianist Arnola Zabokrtsky.

Acting Lion Tamer Janice Williams reported on attendance.  She welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded the club to vote in the city and county elections.

Tail Twister Suzanne Willis fined several lions for various reasons and enjoyed raising money for Lions Camp. The $2.00 Lion, chosen by Daren Horton, was Chris Horsley.

Ben Bane gave a short report on the Pancake Supper and asked everybody to turn in the money from any sales of tickets. The supper and silent auction were both a success thanks to the hard work of all the Lions.

President Sanders then turned the meeting over to the program chairman for May, Charles Alma who introduced the program personality.  Kent Basinger lives with his wife and four kids in Mt. Pleasant, Texas.  Kent is a retired law enforcement officer and is now a self-employed private investigator.  Kent has been a Lion for five years and is the Director of the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville, Texas.

The Texas Lions Camp is a summer camping facility dedicated to serving children from the State of Texas with physical disabilities and Type 1 diabetes.  The camp is located on over 500 acres of hills and woodlands in the beautiful Texas Hill Country.  Programs at the Texas Lions Camp offer campers a chance to try new activities and create long-lasting friendships while developing greater self-esteem and independence.  Children eligible to participate in the summer camp program must be between the ages of seven and sixteen and have a qualifying physical disability.  Children with Type 1 diabetes must be between the ages of eight and fifteen, Downs Syndrome twelve to sixteen years old.  Activities at the camp include swimming, photography, music, pedal boating, canoeing, horsemanship, archery, ceramics, theater, various sports, ropes challenge course, an all camp dance and an overnight campout. 

 Mr. Basinger said as he sees it, Lions Camp is a blessing.  It is God’s work passed through many great Lions and counselors to turn kids from shy and under motivated individuals, into people who use their full potential to reach places they never thought they would go.  When these kids get on the bus to leave for camp they are crying because they are leaving their mothers and families.  When they get on the bus to go home they are crying because they have to leave.  He said he has never seen a Lion leave the camps closing ceremony with dry eyes.   Mr. Basinger challenged the Marshall Lions to go out into the community and find kids who qualify for the camp and help them discover this life changing opportunity.

Texas Lions Camp is a non-profit organization funded by the Lions Clubs of Texas and other caring individuals.  This is the camps sixty-third year and over sixty-five thousand kids have attended.  All children attend camp at no cost to them or their families. The Texas Lions Club is accredited by the American Camp Association and licensed by the Texas Department of State Health Services.  For more information visit www.lioncamp.com

 Mr. Basinger answered several questions from Lions and President Sanders presented him with a Lions writing pen with an invitation to come back any time.  Loin Ken Poindexter offered the closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Brenda Wood, 903-938-316

Robert & I were in Galveston Sunday through Wednesday.  We missed Lions Club and you, but I want to thank Lion Daren Horton for taking notes for me.  It’s important to keep everyone informed, so if you have any news you want included in the Roaring Lions Newsletter, please let me know before Wednesday of each week. 

The website is now updated…log on to marshalllionsclub.com to check it out!

And, please, please, INVITE someone to come with you…you never know when a friend would just LOVE to become a Lion!

It’s GREAT to be a Lion! 

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Roaring Lions Newsletter – April 24, 2012

The Marshall Lions Club met at Noon, Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at Panola-Harrison Community Room, 410 E. Houston.  After a delicious barbeque lunch, catered by PickNPay, the meeting was called to order by President Mutt Sanders.  The opening prayer was offered by Dudley Swofford, followed by the pledges to the US Flag and Texas flag led by Frank Lower.  Kent Reeves led the Club in singing “Little Brown Church in the Vale” and “The Star-Spangled Banner”, accompanied by pianist Arnola Zabokrtsky.

Lion Tamer Ann Terry reported on attendance, that there were 31 total in attendance.  She welcomed everyone to the meeting and reminded the club to vote for the Homestead Exemption.

Tail Twister Suzanne Willis fined several for various reasons and joked with members while creating an atmosphere of fun for Lions.  She fined Frank Lower because his wife Jackie’s picture was in the paper, and asked who had birthdays and/or anniversaries this past week.  Ellen Poindexter, wife of Lion Ken Poindexter and Lion Ann Terry have birthdays this week and Lion Frank Lower and Jackie have an anniversary.  Suzanne asked Lion Jeff Thompson to lead the club in our special celebration song.

The $2.00 Lion, chosen by Bob King, was Kent Reeves.

Ben Bane gave a short report on the Pancake Supper and asked everybody to turn in the money from any sales of tickets.  He said we served 309 plates and everybody seemed to enjoy the pancakes.  He also said the Silent Auction, though not as large as in the past, was a success.  He thanked the members for getting the items for this.  President Sanders then read an invitation from the Chamber of Commerce to attend the Grand Opening and Chamber-After-Hours to be held at the brand new LaQuinta Inns and Suites located on US 59 South, to be held Thursday night.

President Sanders then turned the meeting over to the program chairman for April, Fuzzy Harmon, who introduced the program personality.  Bill Marshall was born and raised in Lynchburg, SC.  After graduation from high school, he joined the US Navy.  With scholarship from the Navy, he graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1967.  He attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as an Officer in the Navy.  He then went through the Navy’s Nuclear Power Program.  As an Officer he served on the USS Long Beach in Viet Nam and on the USS Nimitz.  He has also taught at Vanderbilt University.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Bill worked for Stone & Webster, an engineering company building both nuclear and fossil power plants.  He then worked for AMP, Inc. as head of their Engineering Computer Systems and as a Division Manager of a product line.

Program Chair for April, Fuzzy Harmon & Speaker Bill Marshall

In 1998, Bill became President of Electrotechnics Corporation, or ELTEC.  He continues to serve in that capacity.  ELTEC manufactures and sells products for the traffic industry throughout the US and Canada.  Under Bill’s leadership, ELTEC has become a leader in solar power systems for the traffic industry.

 Currently Bill is the City Commissioner for District 4 in Marshall.

 Mr. Marshall talked to Lions about the impact of industrial development on the City of Marshall’s tax base, and on Marshall ISD.   He gave figures about property taxes and talked about investment in the industrial activities that do pay dividends.

 He talked about incentives that have been offered to attract businesses and industry to Marshall and Harrison County.  Medco has made a large impact on the tax base in Marshall and while Mr. Marshall concedes the streets need improvement, he doesn’t think it needs to come at the expense of Medco’s budget.  He says the streets have been neglected in the past, but are receiving attention.  He stated that “Prop 3 is not a reduction in tax but a shifting of sales tax monies”.

Mr. Marshall answered several questions from Lions and President Sanders presented him with a Lions writing pen with an invitation to come back any time.  Kent Reeves offered the closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Brenda Wood, 903-938-3162

Prayer needs:  the Jim Walker family and GOD BLESS THE USA!

The website is now updated…log on to marshalllionsclub.com to check it out!

And, please, please, INVITE someone to come with you…you never know when a friend would just LOVE to become a Lion!

It’s GREAT to be a Lion! 

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Roaring Lion Newsletter – April 10, 2012

The Marshall Lions Club met at Noon, Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at Panola-Harrison Community Room, 410 E. Houston.  After a delicious lunch, catered by PickNPay, the meeting was called to order by Vice-President Jim Quinn.  The opening prayer was offered by Ben Bane, followed by the pledges to the US Flag and Texas flag led by Bob Swanson.  Cody Holloway led the Club in singing “Clementine” and “God Bless America”, accompanied by pianist Arnola Zabokrtsky.

Lion Tamer Ann Terry reported on attendance, that there were 30 total in attendance.  She welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Acting Tail Twister Melinda Gaulden fined several for various reasons joked with members while creating an atmosphere of fun for Lions.  She fined auctioned two items, one being a “silver casket key chain”.  James Thompson, Chairman of the Lions Pancake Supper, reminded Lions about the upcoming event and passed a sign-up sheet to assign jobs.  He also assigned jobs for the Silent Auction.

Vice-President Quinn turned the meeting over to the program chairman for April, Fuzzy Harmon, who introduced the program personalities.  Fuzzy recalled fond memories of Alana’s father who was band director at MHS.  Alana Pool Jones and her mother, Susan McBeth Pool, originated the Art Party.  They teach painting by a system they call GPS (group painting system) and they have a patent pending on this system.   It all started with “the Art Party” and has been held at various locations in Marshall, including the Bradbury Building, the old Coca Cola bottling plant, the Chamber of Commerce building, and is now housed at the Marshall Visual Arts Center as “The Art Event.

Susan McBeth Pool & Alaina Pool Jones showing some of the art created at The Art Event

 Alana and Susan brought placemats similar to what restaurants use to entertain children for Lions to decorate, including crayons.  To the delight of three Lions, Susie Oliver, Cody Holloway and Hilda Bane, they were winners of a free lesson at the Second Saturday Art Event.  The cost for one of the Art Events is $35.00 for pre-registration and $45.00 at the door, if space is available.  This covers a 16 x 20 canvas and all the brushes and paints you need to complete your work of art.

 Alana and Susan also teach art to children, working with the ACE program, also do private children’s parties.  They require a headcount of 12 minimum on private parties, and will even come to homes to do a party.  They supply everything, including aprons.  You can go to The Art Event on Facebook to see what the group is painting.

The ladies answered many questions from interested Lions, and Vice-President Quinn presented them with a Lions writing pen with an invitation to come back any time.  Bob Graves offered the closing prayer and the meeting was adjourned.

Submitted by Brenda Wood, 903-938-3162

Next week, April 17, is the Pancake Supper, so we will not have a Noon meeting.

The website is now updated…log on to marshalllionsclub.com to check it out!

And, please, please, INVITE someone to come with you…you never know when a friend would just LOVE to become a Lion!

It’s GREAT to be a Lion! 

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Roaring Lions Newsletter – April 3, 2012

The Marshall Lions Club met at Noon, Tuesday, April 3, 2012, at Panola-Harrison Community Room, 410 E. Houston.  After a delicious catfish lunch, catered by Catfish Express, the meeting was called to order by President Mutt Sanders.  The opening prayer was offered by Bob Graves, followed by the pledges to the US Flag and Texas flag led by Robert Wood.  Kent Alford  led the Club in singing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “The Eyes of Texas”, accompanied by pianist Arnola Zabokrtsky.

Lion Tamer Ann Terry reported on attendance, that there were 32 total in attendance.  She welcomed everyone and reminded everyone about collecting ads for the Horse Show program.

Acting Tail Twister Jan Williams fined several for various reasons and about 6 for being late and joked with members while creating an atmosphere of fun for Lions.  She fined William Hatfield for having his picture in the newspaper.  James Thompson, Chairman of the Lions Pancake Supper, reminded Lions about the upcoming event and passed a sign-up sheet to assign jobs. 

Robert Wood chose Kent Alford as the $2.00 Lion for the day.

President Sanders turned the meeting over to the program chairman for the day, Brenda Wood, who introduced the program personality.  Gene Gardner presently lives with his wife, Sue, in a rural subdivision near Waskom.  He is retired, and formerly worked as a soils and foundation engineer in Shreveport.  His hobbies include woodworking, gardening, and music.  He plays keyboard for his church, First Baptist of Waskom. He sings and plays autoharp at several nursing homes and assisted living homes in Longview, and also at Reunion Inn in Marshall.

 He was born and raised on a farm in central Illinois.  He met his wife (who is from south Louisiana) while working as a safety engineer for State Farm Insurance company in Bloomington, Illinois.  They moved south to the Shreveport area in 1981.  They have one son, who lives in southeast Houston with his wife and two small children.  They have one daughter who lives in a suburb of Dallas with her husband and two small children.  Gene is also a fellow Lion; a member of Waskom Lions Club and Marshall Lions Club is their Guiding Lions Club. 

 Playing his autoharp and singing, he started the program with an Irish song entitled “McNamara’s Band”, and next offered “Big Rock Candy Mountain”.  Sixties music was next with “Remember Me”.

He then played and sang a Country hit, “Just Because”.

 He explained  the difference between a zither, dulcimer and autoharp and when asked, said the autoharp has 37 strings and is tuned with a hex key, which takes about 20 minutes.  He also told about classes given at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain Home, Arkansas.  Gene also invited Lions to the Jam Session held on Second Saturday every month at the Weisman Center.

Gene Gardner performs for Lions

 

Gardner then played and sang “The Rivers of Texas”, and concluded his program with “Will There Be Any Stars In My Crown?”

President Sanders presented Mr. Gardner with a Lions writing pen with an invitation to come back any time.  Ken Poindexter offered the closing prayer and President Sanders  adjourned the meeting.

Submitted by Brenda Wood, 903-938-3162

The website is now updated…log on to marshalllionsclub.com to check it out!

And, please, please, INVITE someone to come with you…you never know when a friend would just LOVE to become a Lion!

It’s GREAT to be a Lion! 

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Roaring Lions Newsletter – March 27, 2012

The Marshall Lions Club met at Noon, Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at Panola-Harrison Community Room, 410 E. Houston.  After lunch, catered by PickNPay, the meeting was called to order by President Mutt Sanders.  The opening prayer was offered by Ken Poindexter, followed by the pledges to the US Flag and Texas flag led by Bill Mauthe.  Alan Grantham led the Club in singing “She’ll Be Comin’ Round the Mountain” and “America”, accompanied by pianist Arnola Zabokrtsky.

Lion Tamer Ann Terry reported on attendance, that there were 28 total in attendance.  She welcomed everyone and said that there were several ads for the Horse Show program that had not been collected and asked Lions to contact several.

Tail Twister Suzanne Willis fined several for various reasons and several for being late and joked with members while creating an atmosphere of fun for Lions.  Suzanne asked Brenda Wood to lead Lions in singing “Happy Birthday” to Lion Kelli Clayton’s husband, Patrick.  The $2.00 Lion was Lion Bob Graves, chosen by Lion Alan Grantham.  Lion Jan Williams reported on her son, Adam Boyd, saying he is half-way through his training and has sweated off two sizes.

President Sanders turned the meeting over to the program chairman for the day, Jim Ammerman, who introduced the two speakers; Darron Forehand and Carlos Harris.  Darron Forehand is the head of the Juvenile Justice System for Harrison County for close to 10 years.  He is married to Carla and they have three children; Kyle, Jamie and Cody.  He oversees the Willoughby Juvenile Center and is the Chief Probation Officer.  Darron also proudly related  that his 90 year old father still preaches.  Among his duties are counseling juveniles toward rehabilitation as well as intake at the facility from various agencies.  Harrison County currently houses juveniles from as far away as Bowie County. 

Darron related that the facility offers individual counseling, group and family counseling.  The average stay of a first-time offender is 10 days, but can be sentenced up to 90 days.  If the juvenile has mental problems, other facilities can be considered, such as Brentwood.  A Boy’s Ranch has been used for more serious behavioral problems.

First Sergeant Carlos Harris is the head of the Star Boot Camp for the Harrison County Juvenile System.  He also is a 10-year veteran and is enthusiastic about helping juveniles under his care.  He is married to Lakesha and they have 4 children; Kristen, Korren, and twins Carlos, Jr. and Chad.   Harris related that the Star Boot Camp is considered by many as the “First Line of Defense” against delinquency.  He said that they had a success rate of 88 per cent.  In 2005 the program had 518 referrals of which 90 were serious felonies.  This decreased each year until 2011, when the total was 190 referrals with 31 felonies.  The Boot Camp is represents a cooperation between the District Attorney, Judge Ammerman and the Juvenile Center.

Carlos Harris, Darron Forehand & Judge Jim Ammerman

 

1st Sgt. Harris stated that every day starts out with the parent(s) getting the kids up at 5 am and bringing them to the Center.  Every day involves exercise, studies and counseling sessions.  He said that referrals can come from parents, the schools or the Court and range from 30 days, 45 days, 60 days all the way to 6 months.  He likes to say, “it’s the only last chance you’ll have!”

Carlos said the kids must dress in a white dress shirt, tie and khaki pants.  They must have short hair with the girls wearing long hair tied back.  He stressed parental participation and told of success stories and said they stressed Christian values.  He answered many questions from Lions and received many compliments.

Judge Ammerman presented Mr. Forehand and 1st Sgt. Harris with a Lions writing pen with an invitation to come back any time.  President Sanders offered the closing prayer and adjourned the meeting.

Submitted by Brenda Wood, 903-938-3162

April 3 – Lions will be treated to a musical program by Gene Gardner will play his autoharp.  Gene is also a member of the Waskom Lions Club.

The website is now updated…log on to marshalllionsclub.com to check it out!

And, please, please, INVITE someone to come with you…you never know when a friend would just LOVE to become a Lion!

It’s GREAT to be a Lion! 

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50th Annual Marshall Lions Club Charity Horse Show

Lion Jan Williams presents a ribbon to a winner!Judge Ronnie Hooker

Organist Ines Lancaster

Watching at the gateAnother entrant

Lion Cody Holloway

Another high-stepper