Wilson Lions members attend Lions International Convention

Lewiston Porter Sentinel, July 14, 2007

Wilson Lions members Diane and James Muscoreil, shown at the Parade of Nations, during the 90th Lions Clubs International Convention, held recently in Chicago.

Lions James and Diane Muscoreil of Wilson, members of the Wilson Lions Club, recently attended the 90th Lions Clubs International Convention in Chicago. They were among the over 15,000 Lions who participated in the meeting that drew representatives from 100 countries and geographic areas around the world.

According to the couple, it was the “experience of a lifetime.”

Convention highlights included a spectacular Parade of Nations featuring 10,000 Lions from 110 countries, many in native dress, who marched along with floats and 25 marching bands. Attendees also heard Lion and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter deliver a special address.

Convention delegates attended workshops, learned about important issues facing communities around the world, elected international officers, voted on constitutional amendments and helped set the future direction for Lions Clubs International. Attendees also enjoyed the music of superstar performer and recording artist Glen Campbell.

“It was amazing to meet so many people from countries all over the world. I am looking forward to future conventions so I can reconnect with my new international friends,” said James Muscoreil, who serves as District 20-N Vice District Governor.

He points out that since the club’s chartering in 1941, Wilson Lions members have been active in a variety of projects in the community, such as the Wilson Phone Directory and the Greenwood Cemetery Cleanup Project. Proceeds from past fund-raising events have gone to scholarships for students of Wilson Central School, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Campaign Sight First II and Canine Helpers, to name just a few.

The club recently held its first-ever benefit golf tournament with the Youngstown Lions Club, and is now beginning work on the 2008-2010 Wilson Phone Directory. Muscoreil notes the Wilson Lions Club currently has 45 members and meets on the first and third Mondays of the week at 7 p.m. at the Wilson House Inn. New members are always welcome.

Lions clubs consist of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Wilson Lions, contact Lion President Bob Hull at 471-1100 or check out their Web site, www.wilsonlions.4t.com.

Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with nearly 1.35 million members in approximately 45,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Since 1917, Lions clubs have aided the blind and visually impaired and made a strong commitment to community service and serving youth throughout the world. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit the Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.