FORMOSA – The Formosa Lions hosted their sweethearts to a Chinese dinner on Feb. 8, 2023. President Lion Jim Batte also welcomed Ken Kazmusz, president of the Hanover Lions. Lions or their spouses were invited to tell a funny story about their or someone else’s wedding day. All participated and everyone had a good laugh over some of the tales that were told.
Secretary Lion Hank Soers and Treasurer Lion Jennifer Batte tended to their duties. The following donations were made: $250 to the Mildmay Moose Broomball team and $250 to the Twisted Sisters Broomball team, both of which are heading to Saskatoon for the Canadian championships. A donation of $250 was also made to the LCIF Turkey/Syria Earthquake Relief Fund. As of Feb. 14, the number of earthquake deaths have surpassed 40,000.
Lions Sandra Douglas and Kay Uitvlugt made the February draw for the Lions Lottery, with the following winners: Judy Schumacher, Joe Strauss, Tim Cronin, Harriet Goetz and Gerry and Donna Bross.
Lion Shirley thanked the ladies who helped house clean the Formosa Library and mentioned 15 boxes of excess books went to Wingham Habitat for Humanity.
Lion Carl Zettel reported that the new recreation pad committee is being formed with the following members so far: Jeff Fischer, Cory Voisin, Brett Fischer, Shirley Kuntz and the current Lions president. With Stage 1 complete, the Lions are ready to begin Stage 2, which includes installing the doors on the new pad and adding a roof between the new covered pad and the rec complex. Jeff Fischer (519-270-3498 or bess3659@gmail.com) will answer questions and take bookings. Rental costs are $500 per day or $50 per hour.
Lion Paul Kuntz and his team have been making arrangements for a May 27 dance at the Formosa Hall with Highway 21 providing the music. Profits will go toward building expenses at the Recreation Complex.
The Formosa Swans held their February meeting, with President Marlene Voisin welcoming members and inviting them to answer roll call with a Valentine memory or a chocolate dessert recipe. Guest Theresa Detzler demonstrated how to make homemade chocolate bars. The ladies were delighted to have a taste and take home the recipe.
The Swans donated $4,000 to the Formosa Recreation Complex for new doors on the main building. Sunday, Feb. 12 saw the Swans serving hot chocolate and cookies to the many people who stopped by the Rec Centre. The Swans were hoping to be serving the treats to the skaters, but Mother Nature had other plans and the rink was actually just a pool of water.
The annual Holy Saturday Easter Egg Hunt will be hosted by the Swans this year and Rick Gowing will be back with face painting for the kids.
Although Formosa is no longer hosting a Craft Show after 34 years, Two Blonde Vendors will be hosting a Craft and Vendor show on Saturday, April 1. Admission is free but a food donation to the food bank would be most appreciated. The Formosa Swans and the Formosa CWL will be looking after the cafeteria.
The Formosa Catholic Women’s League have not met during the winter months but come March 7, members will hold their annual potluck supper. Eileen Beninger is making a quilt and Sally Kroeplin is making an afghan for the annual draw, and Linda Walter and Kay Uitvlugt will look after the tickets. The North Regional Meeting will be held Saturday, March 25 in Port Elgin. The Formosa CWL Breakfast will be held on Sunday, April 23. As you can see the CWL will be knee-deep in activity as spring approaches.
The Formosa Country Christmas committee is busy making new and different decorations and displays. It seems there is no rest for this enthusiastic group, who just outdo themselves each year. It is nice to have a sneak peek at what is being made but you will just have to take my word for it – you will be amazed.
