What brought out so many Lions and guests for our November 28th meeting? Was it King Lion Tom Nickerson's quick wit? Chef Amy's delicious baked haddock? Or was it guest speaker Sarah Sherman McGrail?

Whatever the reason, we were glad to see so many friends and both new and familiar faces. We count among them the five men and women who joined us from the Whitefield Lions Club -- even though they ended the night by stealing our bell. (Don't worry, clandestine operations to recover it are already in the works.)

Our guest speaker this week was Sarah Sherman McGrail, Operations Director of the new Seasons of Change Community Center, which opened in Edgecomb on October 1. Seasons of Change was created to serve the needs of the uninsured population of Lincoln County, and offers counseling sessions for individuals, families and children. Services include addiction and mental health counseling, Alateen and substance abuse education, and life-skills coaching, among others.

Seasons of Change's teen sobriety group meets once a week, serving eight to ten teens in every session, helping them to discuss alcohol-related issues that might affect themselves, their families or their friends.

'There's a true need for these types of services in this area,' said McGrail, who says the center has already expanded to serve people from Knox and Sagadahoc counties. 'Many people have no insurance coverage. Our policy is that no one is turned away.'

More information can be found at seasonsofchangecommunitycen ter.org.

Our thanks to Sarah Sherman McGrail for an eye-opening discussion.

In other news, fines this meeting were heavy: Lion Steve Branch was fined for blabbing, and for his daughter making deans list. Lion Phil Chapman was fined five cents per year in honor of his celebrating his 42nd wedding anniversary the night before. King Lion Tom Nickerson fined himself for not recognizing one of our guests. And Lion Alan Tilton was fined for forgetting what he was going to say.

50/50 winner was Lion Neal Murphy, who donated his winnings back to the club; the cheer raffle went to Alan Tilton, who did not.

Treasurer Celeste Brown reminded us that a few members still owe their annual dues (don't worry, she didn't name names), while Secretary Jennifer Hyson wanted to let people know that she can make new name tags for anyone who needs them.

A quick Lions International fact: December 2 through 8 is the Lions Eye Bank Week, commemorating the anniversary of the first corneal transplant performed by Dr. Eduard Zirm on December 7, 1905 in the present-day Czech Republic. Today, as part of their long-standing mission to work with the visually impaired and blind, Lions clubs aid 60 Lions eye banks located in nine countries around the world. (Didn't know that, did you?)

Our next meeting will be held Wednesday, December 12, when we'll convene for our annual Christmas party ! Lion Francis Latter has been appointed King Christmas, and he'll be anointing the Lions hall with decorations, a tree, and plenty of other surprises. (Francis denies that he'll be dressed as Santa Claus, but we'll see.)

We're hoping for a great turnout for the Christmas party, not just because it will be fun, but also because it will help to support several worthy community causes. We ask that all attendees bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, as well as a monetary donation for the Boothbay Region Food Pantry.

The doors open at 5:30. Guests and spouses are not just welcome -- they're encouraged! Please RSVP to Jennifer Hyson at 380-5745. We hope to see you there!

(Can't make it to the party? We'd love your support anyway. Contact Jennifer at the number above to find out how you can contribute.)

There won't be a meeting on December 26, as we all expect to be recovering from the holidays, but stay tuned for news about our 2008 events and meetings. We have a lot in the works, and look forward to telling you about it all in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Boothbay Region Lions Club (including how to become a member - hint, hint!), contact King Lion Tom Nickerson, or visit our Web site at www.lionwap.org/boothbay .