‘Lewie’ Grand Marshal for I.V. Lions Club 37th annual Labor Day Parade
From our weekly issue dated August 27, 2008
Lewie Spencer (Photo by Illinois Valley News)
Ask any Illinois Valley Lions Club member about “Lewie” Spencer: They will all say, “He’s a humble guy.”
And the 79-year-old Lion is being honored by the club selecting him as Grand Marshal for this year’s 37th annual I.V. Lions Club Labor Day Parade in Cave Junction.
He moved west from Butler, Okla. to Yuma, Ariz., eventually settling in Southern California with his wife, Jo, in 1952. Spencer began his affiliation with Lions Club endeavors on May 23, 1963 as a charter member of the Yermo-Calico Lions Club, where he held every office at one time or another.
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In 1981, Spencer’s job with the California Dept. of Agriculture moved to the produce inspection station on the south border of Oregon and Illinois Valley. He moved to the valley, and transferred his Lions membership. He has served the club as treasurer since 1992 and has been president.
Spencer has been deeply involved with the Lions Sight & Hearing Program, which brings a mobile vision and hearing test center to town. He estimates that more than 100 people in I.V. are served through the Sight & Hearing program every year.
“I enjoy being in Lions because we raise quite a lot of money to help people out whenever they need it,” said the affable Lion. “All the money we make goes back to the community.”
Additionally, Spencer said, the group helps community members who need to use hospital equipment and can’t afford it; and raises money for five $1,000 scholarships for Illinois Valley High School graduates.
“Our motto,” he noted, “is ‘We serve.’ We do whatever it takes.”
Lewie & Jo Spencer have been married for 58 years. They have four children, 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
It’s not known how many will be waving to him as he rides in the annual Labor Day Parade, but it’s for sure that many along the route will honor his presence.
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I.V. Lions Labor Day Festival
2008 Schedule of Events
Daily Events (all in Jubilee Park)
8:00 Breakfast by Kerby Belt Masonic Lodge
10:00 Softball (all day)
10:00 I.V. Lions Train
11:00 Dunk Tank, Beer Garden, Lion Burger, Food & Vendor Booths, Greased Pole, Money Haystack - open
Noon Bingo by American Legion Post 70 & Auxiliary
5:00 50/50 Drawing (must be present to win)
Saturday, August 30
10:00 Grand Opening
11:00 Watermelon Seed Spitting (kids only)
Noon “Birds of Prey” presented by Wildlife Images
1-2 Talent Show (juniors)
1-? Tuff Truck Races
3-4 Karaoke
4:45 50/50 Drawing
6-9 Music by “Moon & the Lunatics”
Sunday, August 31
9-11 1st Love Fellowship (Gospel)
11:30 Watermelon Seed Spitting (kids only)
12-1 Talent Show (intermediates)
1-? Tuff Truck Races
2-3 Karaoke
4:45 50/50 Drawing
5-8 Music by “TJ & the Spurs”
Monday, September 1
10:00 Parade
12:30 “Fiesta Americas” 4-H cultural dance group
1:30 Parade Awards
2-3 Talent Show (adults)
3:00 Watermelon Seed Spitting (adults only)
5:00 50/50 Drawing including autographed photo of Kristy Lee
5:15 Alex Paulson, Talent Spotlight
6:00 Bike Raffle
