GRAVETTE -- Members and guests of the Gravette Lions Club enjoyed hearing Benjamin Kelly as their guest speaker during their Feb. 18 meeting at the Arvest Bank community room. Kelly, the "Voice of the Naturals," gave a video presentation on the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, who will open their ninth season April 7 against the Frisco Roughriders.
Kelly related highlights of the Naturals history. The team has earned five playoff appearances in their eight seasons. Average attendance at Naturals games is just under 4,500 fans and some games have drawn over 7,000 fans. The Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, who won the 2015 World Series, and Kelly pointed out that 13 of the 25 Royals who played in the Series were former Naturals.
Kelly told of improvements going on now at Arvest Ballpark, including installation of a new 66-foot-wide high-definition video screen and scoreboard and redecorating work in the suites. The Naturals will be at home for Fourth of July weekend, when a big fireworks spectacular is planned, and for Labor Day weekend. The Arvest Ballpark parking lot will be a rally stop for Bikes, Blues and BBQ again this year, and the Gravette High School baseball team will play two games at the field, on March 13 and again on April 14.
Ken Foxx, a member of the Gravette Lions Club, introduced Kelly. Foxx is an avid baseball fan who was at opening day at Wrigley Field 38 years in a row, despite living in South Africa or being in Brazil four of those years. Foxx said he believes baseball is the most interesting sport, partly because it's the only game where the defense has the ball. It's also the only game you can "watch" on the radio, he said, "and with the announcers you are there." In introducing Kelly he said, "You'll hear a voice in the big leagues one day and he's sitting right here."
Ken Swanson of Bella Vista, chairman of the district global membership team, gave a brief history of Lions Clubs. They were founded by businessman Melvin Jones, who told business leaders they should also address the needs of their communities. Lions became involved in sight conservation when Helen Keller challenged them to become Knights of the Blind. The first eye bank was established in New York City and today there is one in almost every state. Women were first accepted into Lion membership in 1978 and today are the fastest growing segment of new members. Swanson noted that the Lions Clubs International Foundation had been rated by Financial Times as "the best non-governmental organization to partner with."
In a brief musical interlude, Jeff Davis, president of the Gravette Lions Club, entertained by playing a tune on a banjo he had made from a Naturals lunchbox.
Tina Crose, secretary-treasurer, presented donation checks to Patty O'Bannon for the Lions Diabetes Awareness and Service Center and to John Fielek for the Gravette summer softball and baseball program. The LDASC, at Springdale, pays for diabetic testing supplies, oral medications, insulin and syringes for patients who cannot afford them. The Gravette summer softball and baseball program has enrolled 325 youngsters from age 3 to 14.
Bill Mattler, zone chairperson, outlined some of the activities of the Gravette club and Susan Holland, vice-president, commented on why she became a Lion.
Refreshments of cookies, coffee and hot spiced cider were served.
Community on 02/24/2016