Flipping pancakes on Family Day

Serving food at the Waterford Lions Family Day community breakfast are from left Krista Boerkamp, Josephine Skoblenick and Ann Tchegus. 

Brenda Moser

Advocate Contributor

It may have seemed like chaos – be it all organized – but the Waterford Lions members had everything under control.

On Feb. 16, Family Day to be exact, the Waterford Lions Club once again sponsored a free community breakfast and the turnout was overwhelming!

Four years ago, the local club sponsored and held its first Family Breakfast at Waterford United Church. For the first two years it was held at the Main Street site until they decided to bring the community event to their Church Street facility. That move proved to be successful and the community support has grown in leaps and bounds.

When advertised, the start time was to be 9 a.m. but first-vice Tom Crowhurst said, “They started coming at 8:30 so we started serving early. It’s been non-stop ever since.”

All stations were manned by Lions members and they were all kept quite busy… from flipping pancakes to cooking sausage, eggs, serving up the food, brewing coffee, pouring OJ, cleaning up, dishes and just helping out wherever needed. Everyone played a part in the event and they all chipped in!

No one had the time to just stand around - the Lions went about their tasks with smiles on their faces. More coffee? No problem, they were on top of it. More pancakes? They kept them flipping and kept them coming.

“This is one of our busiest breakfasts yet with about 250 to 300 people out. We love our community and we love to see them come out,” said Crowhurst.

Lions serve… and serve they did!

As I chatted with Crowhurst, he explained that male and females alike can become a Waterford Lions member. They are always looking for people who want to give back to their community and have some time to offer their support in any and all ways. They are always open to new ideas.

“There’s no more segregation… we all serve the same cause and all women are welcome to join. We all have a common love for our community. Four years ago we had about 25 to 30 members and now we have almost 70. Everyone digs in to help out when and where they’re needed.”

Crowhurst had nothing but praise for club members.

“Thank you to all of the Lions who helped make the morning such a success,” said Crowhurst who summed it up best when he stated, “We truly live in the best community! Thank you showing your support.”

The Lions could not have held such a successful breakfast without local supporters and donors. Crowhurst expressed thanks to Arnold’s Eggs, Markhoeve Dairy, Foodland, Giles Meats, Kerry’s St. James Street Restaurant and Tracy Winkworth. Their generous donations were greatly appreciated.

The Waterford Lions also sponsored a free Family Day Skate at the local arena - a one-hour open skate session, followed by a one-hour Family Sticks and Puck Session. All ages were welcome and the response was great. Thank You Waterford Lions!

While Waterford may lack some of the perks that larger towns or cities might offer there is much to be said about living in a smaller close-knit community. Thanks again Waterford Lions for a Family Day to remember. Your hard work is most definitely appreciated!