As the week begins, here are some brief thoughts about news happening around the North Quabbin region:
Athol’s Tim DeVault will be the next district governor for the Massachusetts Lions Multiple District 33A. He will officially be nominated at a state convention April 27 in Mansfield, and installed by the Lions International director at the international convention in Las Vegas in July.
DeVault became a member of the Athol Lions Club 10 years ago. He worked his way up the chain of command since, sitting on the board of directors for several years, and has served a term as president.
DeVault believes in service to community and service to others who need help. The Lions are champions of the blind and their motto is, “We Serve.”
For 14 years, DeVault helped out with the St. Jude’s Radiothon, which raised money to fight childhood cancer. After the Boston radio station stopped doing the radiothon, DeVault found an outlet for his community service with the Athol Lions.
As district governor, DeVault will be responsible for the 52 clubs. We hope and expect his generous spirit will boost the district’s efforts.
Speaking of Lions, one of the world’s largest service clubs, Athol Lions Club member Charles Pierson III of Orange has been awarded a Silver Centennial Lion pin. Installed as a member in October 2013, Pierson was recognized for increasing the club’s membership. He serves on the Executive Board of Directors and participates in many of the service projects of the club.
Most Lions are pretty modest about their charitable work, but Pierson now gets to wear a 100th anniversary limited edition lapel pin issued by Lions Club International, a subtle signal to those in the know about his accomplishments.
Coming up is the Fresh Air Fund’s 142nd summer of bringing together underprivileged New York City children and volunteer host families in Massachusetts.
Area families over the years have made a “country” vacation possible for inner city kids. We still remember the anecdote about a young New Yorker on his first outing outside the city. After sitting in the kitchen of the host home eating a snack and looking out the window, the youngster excitedly asked when they could visit the park, pointing to the back yard. He had a tremendous time and was able to return for years afterward.
This year, Fresh Air is hoping to line up new host families to share what they have with New York City children and introduce them to the joys of suburban or country life. It’s a great cause and can be transformative not just for the visitors, but for the host families, too.
First time Fresh Air children are boys and girls, from 7 to 12 years old. Children who are re-invited by host families may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18.
The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit organization, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.8 million New York City children since 1877. For more information call 978-846-0404 or visit www.freshair.org.
We find charitable giving everywhere, even inside a firehouse.
The Athol Fire Department is donating surplus firefighting gear to Ecuador. The donation is being coordinated by volunteers from the Gear Up Foundation.
Gear Up takes old fire equipment like turnout gear that has run its course here in the United States, and re-purposes it where it’s needed — including in 16 Latin American countries like Ecuador.
National standards in the United States recommend replacement of turnout gear within a specified time, even if the protective clothing is still functional. Most departments have no choice but to throw it out.
So, our local firefighters are helping ensure that usable gear helps less well-equipped brethren in the fire service.