The snowbirds are returning!

Several long-unseen faces were spotted at our April 23rd meeting, which also served as our annual Past Presidents Night. Current King Lion Tom Nickerson gave a tip of his crown to seven other past presidents, including Phil Webster, who served as King Lion nearly 30 years ago! (Obviously, he must have been the club's first teenaged president.)

To honor the past presidents, chef Amy Ronan provided a stunning meal of teriyaki chicken, steamed veggies and mashed potatoes, followed by a sinful chocolate cream pie.

Our guest speaker was one of our very own Lions, Jennifer Hyson, who told us about the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America and its upcoming fund-raiser walk, Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis, which will take place May 31 at Back Cove in Portland. This annual walk is the only one held in Maine in support of those suffering from the digestive diseases known as Crohn's and Colitis . For more information, or to donate, please visit http://www.active.com/donate/takestepspme07/jhyson

In other news, Lions elections are coming! Interested candidates should give Tom Nickerson a call before the next meeting. (Everyone else should expect a call from Tom as he seeks a full slate of candidates.)

Meanwhile, Lion Paul Greenleaf is looking into solutions to cut our heating costs next winter. Got any ideas? Let him know.

Special thanks go out to Harold Sabins, a much-appreciated member of the community who has helped us by collecting numerous pairs of eyeglasses over recent months. If you have unused eyeglasses that you would like to donate, please see any Lion or bring them by our clubhouse on Lakeview Road.

In donations news, Jennifer Hyson's talk inspired the club to provide a donation to the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. We also agreed to continue our tradition of sponsoring a child to attend Camp Knickerbocker for a week this summer.

Fines were heavy this week, going to Bruce MacDonald for the legislature not being in session, and to an entire table for talking politics.

Alan Tilton won the 50/50, and Pete Johnson won the door prize. Both Lions graciously donated their prizes back to the club. Much appreciated gents!

Our next Fish Chowder Dinner will be held on Friday, May 9th. Just $6 will get you a bowl of delicious chowder, plus a biscuit and dessert. It all runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lions clubhouse on Lakeview Road. Join us for dinner there, or pick a bowl or two up to take home!

Our Next Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 14 , when our guest speaker will be John Long, Chairman of the Maine Firemen's Convention Committee. This will be a joint meeting with the Boothbay Rotary Club, so we're looking forward to an extra-large attendance. The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served promptly at 6:30 p.m. And yes, guests are always welcome!

Kitchen duties: Our crew for May is Chapman, Costello, Robinson and Wallace. Remember folks, if you can't make it, it's your duty to find a replacement.

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