Morrison Lions Club started the year voting to proceed with the purchase of a 24′ x 32′ pavilion shelter to be constructed near the main walkway at the Morrison Sports Complex. This project is in commemoration of our 75 years of service in Morrison, IL. The shelter will be a Wick Building structure, open-sided, with tan peaks and posts and an ivory-colored metal roof. These colors will blend well with the existing buildings at the complex. The club is partnering with Nick Kaufman, who is working on his Eagle Scout Award. In the coming weeks, the community will hear more about the fundraising efforts for this much-needed project.
Members also approved annual donations to Lions Clubs International, Lions of Illinois Foundation, and the Center for Sight and Hearing. Assistance for eyeglasses was also approved for a Morrison resident.
Flora Stralow, left, was in charge of the program for January. The guest speaker was Dr. Johanna Hager, at right, a Forensic Psychologist and coordinator for April House. This facility was begun by former Sheriff Roger Schipper and serves as a child advocacy center. It is located in Morrison but serves all of Whiteside County. April House has a homelike atmosphere and is an ideal setting to interview a child who may be exposed to sexual or physical abuse or a situation of neglect. Dr. Hager is specifically trained in child development and trauma issues. The services are coordinated with State and local services and local law enforcement. Approximately 100 interviews are conducted annually. The budget for April House is small, and it is a not-for-profit organization. Grant supports and community donations fund this great facility. If you are interested in supporting April House you may contact Dr. Hager at 815-772-8663.
As a reminder to the community, if you have old keys you no longer use, please take them to Morrison True Value for recycling. Unlock Your Heart is a new project for the Lions Club. The keys will be donated to Lions of Illinois Foundation to be recycled. Monies received from the sale of metals is used for infant vision and hearing screenings.
All are welcome to attend any of our meetings held on the first and third Tuesday of each month at noon at Happy Joe’s, 109 W. Main Street, Morrison.
To learn more about our club, you can also visit our website at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/morrisonil.