PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE (October 29th)

Today is my last weekly meeting with the Cedar Falls Lions. My career is taking me out-of-state, yet the friendships I’ve experienced in Cedar Falls will stay with me forever. That sentiment certainly holds true for the LIONS. I believe in “giving back” to the community that has provided me with so much, and Lions is a great tool for doing so. Lionism is all about service to those in need, both locally and globally. I take personal pride in knowing that this service club has consistently supported causes that enrich others. We do that collectively; we do that willingly; and we do that to foster a better path for many that we will never know. My departure causes me to reflect on the deep value this Club provides, and I hope my thoughts remind each of you of our noble mission. We have good reason to be proud Lions.

I trust that the Cedar Falls Lions Club will continue to thrive in the decades to come. I see dedicated Club members, I see lifetimes of experience, I see lots of raw talent, intelligence and grit. My thanks to all of you that have made my days as a Lion enjoyable.

We Serve ……… John Page

TODAY’S MEETING (October 29th)

Candidate Forum - Cedar Falls Municipal Elections.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

November 5 … Scott Cooley from Covenant - Sartori Hospital will speak to the Club about the Festival of Trees Fundraiser.

November 12 … Rich Powers and Sue Gettman will speak to the Club about Emergency Preparedness.

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES

Jon Crews - Oct. 30th Craig & Holly Schwerdtfeger - Oct. 30th

ANNOUNCEMENTS

None

LAST MEETING (October 22nd)

Vern Fish, Executive Director, Black Hawk County Conservation Board, spoke to the club about the partnership between Black Hawk County, City of Cedar Falls, Cedar Falls Utilities, numerous organizations and private citizens regarding the planning and future construction of the Big Woods Park Campground. The campground will be located in the NE corner of Big Woods Park and will feature approximately 55 RV camp sites, two (2) cabins that will be open year-round and a future tent camping area. The campground will be unique in that it will feature hard surfaced roadways and camping pads for the RV users. Full hookups including water and electric will be available as well as wireless internet access. Funding for the project came from numerous sources including $300,000 from Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP), $85,000 from Land & Water Conservation (LAWCON) Fund and $70,000 from Community Attraction & Tourism (CAT) Fund, $200,000 from Black Hawk County and $100,000 from the City of Cedar Falls. In addition to the grant dollars, Jim Fogdall donated $20,000 towards the project. Vern discussed the excellent working relationship that has taken place between various governmental agencies and private citizens. Work on the campground should begin late this fall or early winter with an anticipated opening on Labor Day 2008.

DID YOU KNOW

▪ The University of Northern Iowa's museum was established in 1892. Today, the museum's collection of biology, history and anthropology exhibits is the largest in Northeast Iowa.

IT'S GREAT TO BE A LION!