vive la woz

The Aux Lyons La Rose Group celebrating the  feast of  

St Rose de Lima, after the church service and parade through the community.

Bon Fete La Woz Tout Sent Lisyen

Saint Lucia celebrates the feast of St Rose de Lima

Saint. Lucia’s local culture and traditions are revealed through two flower festivals during the months of August and October. The feast of St. Rose de Lima is the festival of the La Rose Flower Society held on August 30. The structured hierarchy consists of a king and queen as head of the society and other dignitaries patterned on the socio-economic structure of colonial society. Thus, after the king and queen come princes and princesses, and a number of other pseudo-legal, military and professional personnel, including judges, policemen, soldiers and nurses

The festival begins with what is locally referred to as séances. These séances are weekly meetings held by the group to prepare for the feast.The central figure in the séance is the "chantwelle" or lead singer who sustains the spirit and tenor of the evening's entertainment. The chantwelles are mostly female, but there are sometimes a number of male shantwels. The chantwelle leads the song with the other members of the group acting as chorus in a call-and-response pattern.  The tunes which are a blend of African and French expressions are sung in French Creole. In these songs, the Chantwelle and members give praise to their respective societies, while they lightheartedly disparage their rivals (the other Flower Society) in song and dance. The choruses of these songs are usually sung in unison to the accompaniment of Instrumentation which includes any combination of violin, banjo, quatro, guitar, shak-shak, baha,  drums,and saxophones.

Strict protocol is observed at those nightly séances with visitors or participating members, upon entering, bowing to the King and Queen present with their court . Soldiers and police in uniform enforce regulations against any disorder or breaches of protocol, or what are considered misdemeanors. Offenders are taken before a magistrate for a mock trial and then fined.

These weekly seances culminate in the colourful festivals of the La Rose on August 30.  Presiding over the annual festivals are the "King" and "Queen" who are accompanied by their royal entourage of Princes, Princesses, Soldiers, Policemen, Doctors, Nurses, the clerical hierarchy, and supporters of the respective flowers. The grand fête is celebrated, first with church service throughout the island and after with processions throughout the streets, the principal personages magnificently attired. In the evening there is a sumptuous banquet to which dignitaries and leading personalities are invited. The rest of the evening is spent dancing. One can then witness and participate in some of the colorful folk dances, among which are the Quadrille, the Mappa and the Belair.

 

 

Chnatwelles

La Rose Queen and her royal party



Members of the various dignitaries enjoying song and dance



La Rose Princess

The folk band who provides the music during the seances and the feast

The Lions Club of Castries joins with the rest of Saint Lucia in celebrating the feast of St Rose De Lima

Vive La Woz tout sent lisyen

                                                      

AFTER WORK LIME POSTPONED TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

FUND RAISING BAR-B-QUE

Join  the Lions club of Castries in hosting an After Work Bar-b-Que 

Friday September 30, 2011 

at the Lions Den Sans Soucis.  Tickets - Pork  - $15

                                             Chicken - $15

                                                   Fish - $20

The funds raised will support our monthly feeding project.

COME  AND ENJOY AN EVENING OF FUN AFTER A HARD WORKING WEEK

LIONS RECORD MEMBERSHIP GROWTH

Lions Clubs International Records Fourth Straight Year of Membership Increase

Lions Clubs International has experienced its fourth straight year of membership increase. While many volunteer organizations continue to see a decline in members, 2010-11 marks the first time in nearly 20 years that the world's largest service club organization has recorded four straight years of membership increase.

We chartered more than 1,600 new clubs, bringing our total number of clubs to more than 46,000,” said Wing-Kun Tam, the 2011-12 president of Lions Clubs International. “In the last four years, we have increased our membership by more than 50,000. With more members, Lions can provide more service to their communities and to those in need around the world.”…..

Our fastest growing demographic group is women.” In addition to recruiting more women, Lions clubs have been successful in reaching out to younger members and organizing clubs that encourage parents and children and other family members to volunteer together. …..

Lions have also organized many specialty clubs such as cyber clubs that meet online and get together only to do service projects, as well as other clubs that serve specific interests and needs of groups within communities. …..

Lions Clubs International has 1.35 million members in 206 countries and geographic areas. In addition to its efforts toward conquering blindness, the organization has made a strong commitment to community service and helping youth throughout the world. 

To learn more about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.

LION Reminder

Reminder

Before inviting someone to become a LION, make sure that the prospective member is fully aware of the financial obligations of membership, attendance requirements, and expectations for involvement.

Zone 3B - Advisory Meeting

The Zone Chairman, Lion Lyndell Gustave met with the Presidents, Secretaries and District Officers of Zone 3B to  discuss their plans for the lions' fiscal year and to share strategies for addressing the challenges.  

 

Some of the issues highlighted by all clubs  surrounded the following themes:

-  Membership Growth and Retention

-  Member commitment and involvement

-  Public Relations and

-  Communications.

Strong clubs foster innovation and flexibility. The following  best practices are intended to strengthen clubs by motivating members to implement new ideas and to increase the vitality of the club:

 • Developing long-range goals that address the elements of an effective club

• Setting annual goals that support long-range goals

• Keeping all members involved and informed

• Communicating effectively with club members and district leaders

• Ensuring continuity in leadership from year to year

• Customizing the bylaws to reflect club operations

• Providing regular fellowship opportunities

• Actively involving all club members

• Offering regular, consistent training

• Assigning committees that support your club’s operational needs,

 Lions and Leos of Zone 3B continue working  together at "Raising  the levels of Service"

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Home

Hurricane Preparedness Tips for Home

Hurricanes can be dangerous, listening to the hurricane warning messages and planning ahead can reduce the chances of injury or major property damage.

BEFORE

• Know your Emergency Shelters
  Contact the National Disaster Office for the closest shelters.
   
• Have disaster supplies on hand
  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Portable, battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kit
  • Non-perishable (canned food) and water
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Cash and credit cards
  • Sturdy shoes
     
• Protect your windows
  Permanent shutters are the best protection. A lower-cost approach is to put up plywood panels. Use 1/2 inch plywood--marine plywood is best--cut to fit each window. Remember to mark which board fits which window. Pre-drill holes every 18 inches for screws. Do this long before the storm.
   
• Trim back branches from trees
  Trim branches away from your home and cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property.
   
• Check into your Home and Auto Insurance
  Confirm that policies are valid and coverage is appropriate.
   
• Make arrangements for pets and livestock
  Pets may not be allowed into emergency shelters for health and space reasons. Contact your local humane society for information on animal shelters.
   
• Develop an emergency communication plan
  Make sure that all family members know what to do.  Teach family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.  Teach children how and when to call police or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.  In case family members are separated from one another during a disaster (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), have a plan for getting back together.

Hurricane Watches and Warnings
A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-36 hours.
A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions (winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, or dangerously high water and rough seas) are expected in 24 hours or less.

DURING A HURRICANE WATCH

• Listen to the radio or television for hurricane progress reports.
• Check emergency supplies.
• Fuel car.
• Bring in outdoor objects such as lawn furniture, toys, and garden tools and anchor objects that cannot be brought inside.
• Secure buildings by closing and boarding up windows.
• Remove outside antennas and satellite dishes.
• Turn refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings. Open only when absolutely necessary and close quickly.
• Store drinking water in clean jugs, bottles, and cooking utensils.

DURING A HURRICANE WARNING

• If you need to evacuate your home, lock up home and go to the nearest shelter.
• Take blankets and sleeping bags to shelter.
• Listen constantly to a radio or television for official instructions.
• Store valuables and personal papers in a waterproof container on the highest level of your home.
• Stay inside, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Keep a supply of flashlights and extra batteries handy. Avoid open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
• If power is lost, turn off major appliances to reduce power "surge" when electricity is restored.

  Extracted from CEDREA's Website

WORLD DIABETES DAY - THREE MONTHS TO GO

'O is for Outrage'

Our campaign to convince US President Barack Obama to attend the Summit continues to gain momentum. If you haven't done so already, make sure to submit your postcard before August 31.

ACT ON DIABETES NOW - FIND OUT MORE ON 

www.worlddiabetesday.org

 

District Governor 60B - Raising the Levels of Service

The District Governor 60 B Lion Lloyd Barker has committed to raising the levels of service within the Sub District and has chosen as his theme song for the lions fiscal year 2011/2012  

You Raise Me Up

                                                                                                            (Westlife version)

Interested in Volunteering?

If you live in Castries and you are interested in volunteering and joining a vibrant group, contact us and we can make this a lifelong experience for you

International President - Wing-Kun Tum - Theme "I BELIEVE"

Castries Lions Begin the Year in Service

As is customary the members of the Lions Cllub of Castries joined the residents of the Bexon Community in a Eucharist Service on Sunday August 07, 2011.   The Church service is to invoke spiritual blessings and guidance on the club's activities for the lions fiscal year.  The officiating minister Deacon Thomas Alexander was cognizant of the selfless efforts that members who volunteer to ensure that the needs of the less fortunate in the community are addressed.   

After the church service the members socilized and shared in a sumptuous breakfast at the Pink Plantation Restaurant. 

Meet the Zone Chairman 2011-2012

The Lions Club of Castries is proud to present to you the Zone Chairman for the Lions’ fiscal year 2011/2012 Lion Lyndell Gustave.

She joined the Lions movement as a member of the Leo Club of Castries and then graduated to become a Lion in 2006. During her short stint as a Lion she has served in the positions of President, Secretary, Director and Tamer. A professional Court Reporter she is at present the Deputy Clerk of Parliamnet in the Saint Lucia House of Assembly

As the Zone Chairman Lion Lyundell will provide leadership to the clubs in Zone 3B which comprise the five clubs in Saint Lucia, namely the Lions clubs of Castries, Vieux Fort, Piton Lions (Soufriere), Gros Islet, Micoud and the Leo Club of Castries.

She has outlined her goals and objectives for the Zone which she has aligned with those set out by the District Governor for Sub-District 60 B and that of the International President.

The following are her Goals and objectives.

Goals

1. Foster closer tie between Lions members and the community

2. Create public awareness of Lionism, and positive Lions image

3. To boost the moral of Lions for membership drive, club extension and retention

4. To fulfill International President theme “I Believe” and District Governor theme “Raising the Level of Service”.

 

Objectives

1. To visit, help, motivate, mentor and encourage and give advice to clubs in the Zone when required.

2. To develop and encourage the spirit of Lionism amongst members in order that they derive maximum benefit from their membership.

3. To extend hands on services to communities in need.

4. To encourage the members to share ideas and to engage with each other.

5. To complete an effective/successful year through club members participation and enjoy friendship and fellowship within the family of Lions.



After Work Lime

FUND RAISING BAR-B-QUE

Join  the Lions club of Castries in hosting an After Work Bar-b-Que on Friday August 26, 2011 at the Lions Den Sans Soucis.  Tickets - Pork  - $15

                                           Chicken - $15

                                     Fish - $20

The funds raised will support our monthly feeding project.

COME  AND ENJOY AN EVENING OF FUN AFTER A HARD WORKING WEEK

Annual Church Service

The Annual Church Service to mark the commencement of the new lions'

fiscal year 2011-2012 will be held on Sunday August 07, 2011 at the Bexon Roman Catholic Church at 8:00 a.m.    

The Church Service will be followed by a Creole breakfast at the Pink Plantation Restaurant, Morne Fortune. 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Commitment is willingness reaffirmed. It is you, keeping a promise to yourself. Edward Grinnan, author, The Promise of Hope