The annual Lions Club fundraiser was a successful worship service, despite the looming fear of COVID-19 (coronavirus) having cases in Tennessee. The Primitive Quartet headlined, supported by local bands County Line and Won in Hymn, and an audience of roughly 500. Being described as a “good show with a good spirit” the Primitive Quartet looks forward to the second Saturday in March each year and performing in Union County in support of the local Lions Club and their efforts to provide vision and hearing assistance to those in need. The first year this fundraiser was an overwhelming success, making enough money to sponsor the Vision Van coming to Union County! That show brought in around 1200 people to support their community and worship together. You may remember that the Union County Opry deliberately starts their season in April to not conflict with this effort. With the virus scare reducing the anticipated numbers, the Opry has invited the Lions Club to return to sell concessions at their concerts. Don’t you just love the way the different organizations come together to support each other?

The East Tennessee District hosts a Vision Van clinic at the Fountain City Lions Club Park on the third Wednesday of each month. Regionally, the need has been growing, with three of the last four months hosting record numbers of participants (no clinics in December). According to Jim McFarland, who manages the Vision Van for the district, nine clubs regularly send people from their area, and 13 or 14 clubs provide volunteers out of 41 clubs in the district. It was a huge deal for us to have the Vision Van come to Union County, bringing services to those who are transportation-challenged. McFarland says the Vision Van is now at capacity with about 100 patients, which is all that we can hope to serve in the 3.5-hour time slot with our current eye care volunteers. The March clinic was cancelled due to public health concerns. The future is unknown, but when Vision Van clinics resume they will proceed with caution with at least four volunteers constantly re-sanitizing the shared surfaces. McFarland will make the April decision after April 1.

We know that “this too shall pass” but we don’t know when, so we’re making plans with confidence! On June 20, the district will be hosting “A Day with the Lions” at the Fountain City Lions Club Park. This is the biggest fundraising event of the year; all clubs participate and benefit from the proceeds. The central event is the “Reverse Raffle,” where names are drawn with the last name drawn being the first place winner of $2,000! Second place is $1,000, and Third $500. Throughout the day, random drawings will be held for prizes such as a weekend away, restaurant gift certificate, goodie baskets from local businesses, etc. Around the park you will hear music from County Line and Aaron T, and there will be fun and games for the kids, a corn hole tournament, bingo, and more. Your Union County club will be selling our famous Hawaiian Ice, cotton candy, and water. Each club has tickets and is now selling them and making plans for a wonderful day in June. Also, on June 26-27 your Union County Lions Club will be selling Hawaiian Ice for you to enjoy as you stroll through the beautiful gardens at the Oakes Daylily Festival.

The Lions Club meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at Hardee's in Maynardville; the public is welcome and encouraged to attend!