Enthusiastic Fan

If you can recount or even read my article of Aug. 4 recanting "the demise of service clubs," I want to apologize for what appeared to be a blanket, generalized comment to those people who either coach, support or manage Little League clubs, wherever you are. I was totally remiss by coming down too hard on these people plus their friends, family, neighbors and especially the youths involved in each and any sport throughout the year. I completely overlooked and failed to mention the life lessons these groups pass on to their young charges. They are their coaches, teachers, mentors, supporters, encouragers, etc., who volunteer their time, talent and money to teach the children the game, how to play, sportsmanship, camaraderie, friendship, etc. It's organized, structured sports. My biggest misgiving is that I'm an enthusiastic fan perhaps overzealous when it comes to the giving, the service, "the acts of kindness and sheer beauty" provided by social, fraternal and civic clubs in this area and around the world. I am saddened especially by the imminent demise of the Longmeadow Lions Club, chartered in 1947. I salute the seven remaining members that stayed to the end when we voted to return our charter to Lions District 33Y on June 15, 2008 a comedown from a membership totaling between 100 and 125 people in the '60s and '70s. Again, you young people and people of either gender who are "young at heart," give some consideration to hearing the goals of our many social, fraternal and civic clubs. I especially appeal to those who have been assisted by the club members. We need town help and vitality. The Longmeadow Lions Club fell victim to age, moves, voluntary termination, disabilities, death, etc. Help everybody. Look in the yellow pages for phone numbers and addresses under Clubs, Service and Fraternal Organizations and in closing, remember the words of Grantland Rice, the great sportswriter "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game."

Dick Holmes

Longmeadow Lions Club