THE LIONS ROAR REINCARNATED

Edited by Mark Ripplinger

Photos by Don Wood

June 4, 2007

PRESIDENTS MESSAGE (June 4^th)

Steve Boals

As I enter into my final month as our club president, I find myself reflecting on the great year that our club has had and all that we have to be thankful for. The fellowship that Lions Club provides is such a valued experience for those of us that take the time to really appreciate all of the things that we have an opportunity to contribute to our community. Lions have long been a vital element in the lives of many people throughout the world.

We have had a very prosperous year in all of our fundraising efforts. The resources that we have been able to generate provide us the opportunity to reach out to many people in the Cedar Falls community. We have provided trees, playgrounds, scholarships, vision testing for many children, and of course lots of pancakes and sausage. Our contributions are simply, too vast to recall.

Now, as we gear up for our annual Sturgis Falls celebration we prepare for more pancakes, parades, and more vision testing for the infants of the community. If you have not yet taken the opportunity to volunteer your time in support of our initiatives associated with Sturgis Falls, please do so.

Next week we will have our spring picnic at Gateway Park, followed by golf at South Hills in Waterloo. Let’s take the opportunity to enjoy the season and the fellowship that our club has to offer.

WE SERVE

TODAY’S MEETING (June 4th)

Mark Miller of the Cedar River Environmental Group will speak to the club today.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

June 11 … Lions Picnic at Gateway Park, Golf Outing at South Hills

June 18 … Steve Carignan will speak to the club about the upcoming RAGBRAI event

June 25 … TBA

LAST MEETING (May 21st)

Bob Reisinger, Executive VP of the Cedar Falls-Waterloo Board of Realtors spoke to the club about local real estate facts and trends. Bob indicated that the local market is not tied to the national trends we are seeing now. The housing “bubble” that has been in the news is not applicable to our area. The bubble is dependent on a weak economy and an excess number of houses, neither of which has occurred in the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area. It remains a very good time to buy, sell and build homes. Interest rates and insurance costs remain low and there are “no down payment” options available. There are many home styles available on the market. Statistics show that housing value has risen 88% over the past decade. The metro-area remains an attractive place for employers to start or expand their businesses due to the housing costs, recreation opportunities, art and culture, schools and workforce availability.

BIRTHDAYS ANNIVERSARIES

Jim Landau – June 11th Bob & Beverly Leahy – June 6th Jim & Pam Taylor – June 10th

Martin & Sue Holst – June 16^th

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Board of Directors will meet next Tuesday, June 12^th at the Brown Bottle.

Please talk to Bob Leahy if you are interested in golfing after the picnic on June 11^th. Cliff Satre may have seats available on the Lion’s bicycle during the Sturgis Fall Parade. And remember, only 20 more days until the 2007 Sturgis Falls Lions Club Pancake Breakfast..

IT'S GREAT TO BE A LION!