Food, Awards, and Understanding Gained at Recent Lions Club Meeting

Mixing business with pleasure, the Payson Lions Club dined on food, awards, and understanding of events affecting the local region, as they gathered at the Peteetneet Museum and Cultural Arts Center last week.

The Lions’ January 23 meeting opened with dinner and accolades handed to outstanding club members. “Tailtwister,” Ned Deuel was delivered his 40-Year Chevron, an honor announced prior to the evening’s event.  Rick Moore was recognized for his twenty years a Lion, while mom, Connie Moore, and wife, Lana Moore, were each recognized for having devoted fifteen years to the Payson Lions Club.  Rhett Huff was presented the Club President’s Award for having led the local Lions into a season of significant growth, from 2012-2013.  Mr. Huff was presented a crystal pin, along with a letter from the Lions International President.

Russ Fotheringham, County Economic Development Manager of EDCUtah (Economic Development Corporation of Utah), served as the evening’s guest speaker.  Major water and economic development projects planned for the local region were among topics discussed.  As were environmental matters: namely dirty air.

Working with economic development, Mr. Fotheringham told the local Lions that he seen industries, who had expressed interest in locating their manufacturing operations in Utah, later decline, due to the seasonally high particulate levels and EPA regulations.

Water, yet another concern in the area, was discussed by Mr. Fortheringham, including major projects coming down the pipe.

Rick Moore, who serves as Payson City Mayor, followed the discussion with a warning.  Snowpack in Payson Canyon, noted Moore, is only at 56%, signalling a dry summer ahead. Having undergone dry seasons over the past several years, local reservoirs have not had the chance to become sufficiently replenished.  “We’re in a sad position right now,” he said. “It’s going to be a tough [year].”

The Lions wrapped up the evening with club business and discussion on the much anticipated fundraising event, “A Little Night Music.”  Ticket sales are well underway, as members encourage the community to support local talent slated to perform opera, light opera, and Broadway tunes January 31 and February 1.  The performances will take place at the Payson City Banquet Hall, 439 West Utah Avenue, Payson, at 7 PM each night.

High quality, handcrafted items, including a stunning wood carved lamp, the creation of Lion member, Ross Huff, is among items part of a fundraising drawing spanning the two nights.  Proceeds from “A Little Night Music” will go toward local charities, including the Payson Lions’ ongoing project providing eye care to children in need within the Nebo District region.

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