HADDONFIELD LIONS CLUB     Volume 8, Issue 7       January 2008

 

 

EDITOR’S BIT

What a way to begin the year! A mammoth turnout for the annual Chris Wheeler show, a great presentation by the Director of the Eye Bank, a fun Christmas party, Leo club officers visiting our meeting, and some nice publicity. There’s lots more on the way - don’t miss any of it! 

PROGRAMS

Not only did Chris Wheeler and Bernie Parent, his constant companion when he visits us, appear but we had a slew of Gloucester City Lions as well on January 3. I am not sure but they may have outnumbered our club members! “Johnny C” was on the ball as tail twister, fining Gloucester City Lions as much as our own. After a few announcements and a delicious oven fried chicken dinner (and chocolate cake), Chris took over.

One thing was clear from the outset – Chris is fond of the Philadelphia fans and believes that their great support this last season helped the club to excel. He thanked us as fans and said that people like the players on the team – their enthusiasm, their derring-do, and of course, their skills.

He loves Jimmy Rollins – “One of the few guys on the team that I can look right in the eye.”  and, although he deserved it, didn’t think that he would win the MVP. Asked about a three-peat at MVP, he praised Chase Utley as a really hard-working, dedicated, player who benefited much from the departed John Vukovich’s tutelage. Chris is not concerned about Ryan Howard’s contract status – he will be well paid in arbitration, if not beforehand by the club, and is not eligible for free agency for four more years.

He was sorry to see Aaron Rowand leave (he was a great influence in the clubhouse) but understands the practicalities with his risk of injury. The real problem he believes is in the pitching. He likes Brad Lidge but would like to have him and Bret Myers in the bull- pen together. Myers will do okay as a starter but has a short attention span that makes him better suited to relieving. Besides, he loved that role.

As usual, Bernie said nothing, although he was much praised by the speakers for his tremendous seasons with the Flyers when they won back-to-back Stanley Cups. He did stand and wave to the crowd.

On January 17, District Governor Marlene Martin and some of her cabinet will appear and talk to us. Let’s have a good turnout.

As previously announced, Haddonfield Mayor Tish Colombi will talk on “Heart Health” in February. She will be followed in March by Harry Gamble, a great story teller, as well as former University of Pennsylvania football coach and NFL official (and a resident of Haddonfield).