King Lion Dan Wikoff of the Lake Placid Lions Club sits next to Karen Fountain during the club’s March 25 meeting. (Provided photo)

The March 25 Lake Placid Lions Club meeting agenda started off with a very interesting and informative presentation by three members of the Ausable River Association, which is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Wilmington that is dedicated to projects and solutions that protect freshwater and wildlife and help to provide local communities with tools for economic and climate resistance.

Lions Club members were truly fortunate to have an opportunity to listen to presentations by three professional ARA staff members: Phil Snyder, water quality research manager; Carolyn Koestner, GIS and science communications fellow; and Gary Henry, stream restoration manager.

The presentations covered an array of topics including the effects of road salt use on water quality and environmental habitats on regional rivers streams and waterbodies, including Mirror Lake.

Members thoroughly enjoyed the presentations and discussion opportunities and send heartfelt thanks to the Ausable River Association.

Following these presentations and dinner, the evening concluded with another very welcome item as we were honored to induct lifelong resident Karen Fountain into the Lions Club.

Carolyn Koestner, Gary Henry and Phil Snyder of the Ausable River Association pose during the Lake Placid Lions Club meeting on March 25. (Provided photo)

Most everyone knows Karen, but as a brief overview, she is a graduate of SUNY Potstam and spent 31 years as an English teacher at the Lake Placid High School. Simultaneously, she dedicated her services to the Lake Placid Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years, serving many of those years as secretary/treasurer.

Interestingly, Karen had made a presentation to the Lions Club as the historian for the town of North Elba and village of Lake Placid just a few weeks ago and expressed interest in joining the club. She fondly recalled that her late dad, Fred Fountain, had also served in the Lake Placid Lions Club and had often played Santa Stockings in the traditional Lions Club Kid’s Christmas Party. Karen is excited about carrying on the family tradition, and as a first assignment, she has already agreed to assist on the scholarship committee.

Welcome, Karen!

The funds generated by the Lake Placid Lions Club support many local causes and organizations.

The Lions Club is always looking for new members. For more information, send a note to the Lions Club of Lake Placid, PO Box 296, Lake Placid, NY 12946.

(Jay Rand is a member of the Lake Placid Lions Club.)