Working on Portland

Still busy working on activities related to the Portland trip.  We are fortunate in being able to confirm that Ian Taylor will join us for our AVFC California gathering on match day.  I haven't had the opportunity to meet Ian in person yet, but from what I can tell from video and podcasts, he seems like a great guy and loves to be in contact with the fans.

We are hoping to also schedule an opportunity for members to attend an open practice, but Villa is still working on this with the Timbers.

Also still working hard to get the word out on our store to support Acorns Children's Hospice! http://www.cafepress.com/avfccalifornia     We have raised some money already, but want to raise so much more.

California - A Vast Place

In my next few posts, I wanted to touch upon what it is like coordinating a Lions Club in such a large geographic place such as California.  This post just provides some basic geography facts.

Some geography facts:

* 163,695 sq. mi./423,970 sq. km - 3rd largest state (behind Alaska and Texas)
* 1,200 mi./1,931 km of coast line along the Pacific Ocean
* 400 mi./644 km - length of Sierra Nevada mountain range
* 14,494 ft./4,418 m. - Mount Whitney (tallest point in the lower 48 states)
* 282 ft./86 m. below sea level - Death Valley (lowest point in North America)
* Coast, mountain, desert climates

AVFC California is based in the San Francisco Bay Area

What does the desk of a Lions Club chairman look like?

The desk where I currently spend a huge percentage of my time these days (unfortunately) has a good part of it dedicated to the Villa.  It helps me get through those tough days... UTV!

A Pint with our Leader

Having a pint at the Brasshouse with our Lions Club leader - Alan Perrins!  (4 May; Friday before the match against Tottenham)

This is why I am a Villa supporter!

First Trip to Birmingham and Villa Park

I've returned home following my first trip to Birmingham and Villa Park.  All I can say is that it was an amazing trip.

Touring Villa Park and seeing just how much that facility has to offer was great.  Viewing the many hospitality areas (classy), the corporate suites, changing rooms, media areas, and walking pitch side.  What I enjoyed the most was seeing the Acorns Suite and history provided by our tour guide Pete.  After the tour, Pete was gracious enough to help me take some photos of our AVFC California flag in different spots around the pitch.

In front of the North Stand

In the lower section of the North Stand

With the Holte End in the background

Of course the highlight of the trip was on Sunday, 6 May, when I attended the Villa-Spurs game and then later played in the Chairmen's game.   The whole thing was surreal.  I was able to join other Lions Club members in the Lions Club Lounge prior to the game and then sat in the Doug Ellis stand for the game.  Hearing the singing coming from the Holte End gave me goose bumps.   The result was a 1-1 draw, but it was the point that secured our Premiership safety.

Lions Club interior

Lins Club exterior entrance

Villa Park at halftime

With Bob Clayton, Alicante Lions Club chairman

After signing the "Support Stan" wall

About a week prior to leaving for Birmingham, I was experiencing some slight pain in my left achilles, but it didn't seem serious and I was hoping that it would be ok.  Well, as I walked alot during the first few days, it didn't get any better...an even started to become more uncomfortable.  By Sunday, it was getting pretty painful, but there was no way I was going to back out of playing in the chairmen's game. I got on the pitch and was limping pretty badly, but being able to play on the Villa Park pitch was my focus.  The at one point I went up to compete for a ball in the air and then came down on my left foot and I felt something "give way".  After that - I knew I was in trouble and had to come off.  Today is my first business day back home and I need to get an appt to see my doctor.  My lower leg remains swollen, stiff, and a bit bruised.  I hope that I didn't do too much damage.  Was it worth it though?  ABSOLUTELY.

Thanks Alan Perrins

One of our California Lions Club members has some friends that I will have a chance to meet up with prior to the Villa-Spurs game.  They are members of the Knowle & Dorridge Lions.

I also look forward to meeting Alan Perrins, our Lions Club liaison.  Alan has really been front and center  in being the advocate for the Lions Club Network within Aston Villa.  The annual awards event appears spectacular (I have not been able to attend this event yet), the chairmen's game on the Villa Park pitch is a great gift, and the establishment of the Lions Club Suite at Villa Park (formally the David Taggart Suite) are just a few of the amazing benefits for Lions Clubs to enjoy.  Thank you Alan for all that you do!