Several weeks ago, $13,750 in college and vocational school scholarships were presented by our local Lions Club to six of our graduating seniors. A significant part of this is made possible by fundraisers such as the upcoming 40th Annual Lions Club Salmon BBQ on Saturday, July 4 at the Eastsound Fire Station.

Other Lions Club fundraising activities include renting tents, tables, and chairs, usually for wedding events. Other service events include the annual Easter egg hunt, the quarterly blood drives, health screening van, holiday fruit basket deliveries, eyeglass and hearing aid programs, and the mobility equipment program at the Orcas Senior Center, which loans equipment to anyone on the island needing it. Most of this is provided at low or no cost to the community due to the many hours of service provided by Lions Club members.

This year’s Salmon BBQ is on Saturday, July 4, beginning after the parade at 1 p.m. and lasting until 7 p.m. Barbecued chicken is also offered and take-out is available. The Eastsound firehouse is a wonderful venue for such a nice community event. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time on Friday afternoons at the Island Market, Saturdays at the Farmers Market, at certain business establishments in town, during the parade, and at the actual event.

Please consider making this part of your July 4th weekend plans.

Steve Schaefer

Orcas Island Lions Club