Pipestone Flyer
The shiny metal Lions’ International Life Membership Card received by Wetaskiwin Lion, Isabel Peters, on November 24, 2014, is a symbolic recognition of her long time, dedicated service to the Club. The card was presented to Peters by President Chuck Wood, along with a certificate honouring her as a recipient of the prestigious Lion’s International, Life Membership Award. This award is only granted to members who have maintained active membership for twenty or more years and have rendered outstanding service to his/her club and community.
Lion member Corrinne Denham speaks highly of Peters. “Lion Isabel is very deserving of her award. She is highly regarded by both her local club as well as the district for her years of involvement with the Wetaskiwin Lions Club and the commitment she has displayed in supporting various projects and activities for the betterment of the community of Wetaskiwin. Projects that are of special interest to her are those that affect seniors and/or children and she is one of their greatest advocates. You’ll see her presenting Canada Day flags to grade one students, working bingos and casinos or serving pancakes at any of our pancake breakfasts.”
Peters began her long history with the Lions in 1977 when she became a member of the Wetaskiwin Lioness Club. It didn’t take her long to become a major contributor, holding the positions of vice-president and project chairman, as well as two terms as president.
In 1993, Peters joined the Wetaskiwin Lion’s Club and in 1999-2000 achieved the honour of becoming the first female President. She also contributed to the Club by serving as District I Zone Chair, Youth Exchange Chair, Lion’s Project Pride Chair, Bingo Chair, Social Committee Chair, Board member and still holds the title of Projects and Activities Chair.
With more than 50 years of assisting the community in which they live, Wetaskiwin Lions Club works under the philosophy of, “The values of the Lions are to work for others. There is no ‘self’ in Lions. Another value of Lions is the family. The Lions Club is a family working together to do the things needed in the community where the government doesn’t find enough money.”
Isabel’s husband, Henry Peters, also served as the District Governor for two terms during 1993-1995 which involved extensive traveling for both of them to places such as China and Thailand, as well as visiting the Leader Dog Guide School in St. Paul, Minnesota. During his tenure, Isabel was the editor and publisher of the District Governor newsletter.
The local Lions Club has achieved a well-earned reputation as an organization that supports causes that assist with bettering the lives of residents in our communities. A multitude of groups, projects and activities have been, and still are supported such as, The aquatic centre, football field and skating rink, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts, Leaders of Tomorrow, Race for Tomorrow, Wetaskiwin Twilighters, minor hockey, music festival, Sign of Hope, Victims Services, Wetaskiwin Legion, FCSS Secret Santa, WDACS Pumpkin Ball, Horizon’s Centre, Salvation Army, CNIB, and school-based programs such as Project Pride, Grub Tub, Lions Legacy Scholarship and assistance with funds for playground development.
In addition to providing donations, the Wetaskiwin Lions Club operates the local Wetaskiwin Lion’s Club Campground on Highway 13, east of Wetaskiwin, which makes Wetaskiwin a summer destination for many campers.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Wetaskiwin Lions Club or want to be a part of serving your community through us, please contact Lion President Chuck Wood at 780.368.2566.
Pictured: Isabel Peters receives the Life Membership Award from President Chuck Wood. Photo by Barry McDonald