WELLSVILLE — The Wellsville Lions Club met November 9 at the SOI Club with King Lion Ruby Heldman conducting.

Fifteen members were in attendance with guests Lion Tim Coalmer, Lion Gary Freeh, Lion Karen Titus, and Lion Richard Titus from the Calcutta Lions Club and Lion Frank Armstrong, Lion Dave Forinash, and Lion Dick Sell from the New Waterford Lions Club.

Reports from secretary Lion Cathy Wollam and treasurer Lion Gary Malone were read and approved. Under old business, reports on a recent tag day for Care and Share and the completed apple sale were presented. Under new business a request by the Wellsville Chamber of Commerce for a monetary donation for the Christmas parade was approved.

It was reported that the First Christian Church will hold its annual dinner for Care and Share on Saturday Nov. 18 from 4-6:30 p.m. Also discussed was the annual Breakfast with Santa to be held on Saturday Nov. 25 from 9-11 a.m. at the Riverside Presbyterian Church. Workers are to be at the church by 7 a.m.

Care and Share Chairperson Lion Erin Orr reported on upcoming events. The next tag day will be Saturday December 2. The club will accept applications for the annual Care and Share Program from 5pm to 8pm November 27, and from 11am to 1pm November 28 through December 1 at the Wellsville Carnegie Library. Applicants must live in the 43968 zip code, have a 532/362 phone number and bring a photo ID as well as proof of address such as a utility bill. Applications are for both food baskets and toys and must be filled out in person at the library. Food baskets will be prepared on Friday December 22 with distribution on Saturday December 23.

Guest Speaker for the evening was Dr. Richard Lehrer. He has been a Lion for 23 years and Chair of the Sight Conservation for 22 years. He spoke about the importance of early detection to stop and prevent sight problems. One of the major projects of the Lions is to perform eye screenings at area preschools and elementary schools. A special camera known as the plusoptox 512 is used for preschool age children. For elementary students a more extensive examination is given. This includes symbol identification for any who don’t know letters or numbers. Male students are also tested for color blindness since this is more prevalent in males. Forms are sent home to all children tested indicating a pass or refer. School nurses assist the Lion members at each school. Dr. Lehrer discussed color blindness, muscle control, depth perception and amblyopia, commonly known as lazy eye. Early detection is important before the age of 8 and can begin as early as 6 months. Glaucoma, an ocular disease was also discussed. Some Lion Clubs give glaucoma screenings to adults. Many thanks to Dr. Lehrer for his excellent presentation.

The next meeting will be December 14 at the SOI.