Gilman Lions celebrate 70 years of service
Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world. Founded in 1917, Lions are best known for fighting blindness, but they also volunteer for many different kinds of community projects - including caring for the environment, feeding the hungry and aiding seniors and the disabled.
Lions Club members from Medford, Whittlesey, Thorp, and Jump River all gathered together in Gilman on Wednesday night to support the 70th anniversary of the Gilman Lions Club.
A meal was provided by Dot and Jerry’s Supper Club, located on Hwy 64, in Gilman.
High school student, Kane Mengel, entertained the guests with his singing talents and guitar ability beforehand.
There were speeches given by various club members thanking everyone for their service to the community. For instance, 27C-2 District Governor Judy Hatz, Patti Jenson, Pamm Spooner, and Sandi Gunderson.
Marilyn Newman, whose father was one of the charter members, told the story of the Lion’s Club logo. Newman stated “The lion faces both ways, looks to the past with pride for the things they have done in the past. It also looks to the future, with confidence, and we are going to face our future with confidence as well.”
Gilman high school seniors, Emma Grunseth and Ava Gunderson were acknowledged by club member, Jane DeStaercke as club ambassadors, saying “These young ladies have gone above and beyond our expectations. They have done a superb job of helping out at June Dairy Days, and they are always willing to lend a helping hand. Good luck in your future endeavors.”
A scholarship will be awarded to these students in the spring.
Hatz, talked to the group congratulating them on their 70th anniversary. She also shared some fun facts with the group. For instance:
• Lions Club started in 1956.
• Deer hide collection is their largest fundraiser throughout the year.
• Lions camp has served over 70,000 summer
• Lions camp was started to help the blind and visually impaired.
• Throughout the years, it has extended for both youth and adults.
• Today they have diabetes camp, intellectual disabilities camp, Deaf and hard of hearing camps, and camps for individuals with developmental disabilities.
A 70th Anniversary patch was designed by Jenson to acknowledge the accomplishment of the club.
A lapel pin was designed by Gunderson, to highlight the Christmas Tree light display in Gilman park, that is done annually by volunteers. The current Gilman Lions Club members and officers are as follows: President—Harry Sweda; Secretary—Jane DeStaercke; Treasurer—Fran Prasnicki Club members are: John Burzynski, Florence Carlisle, Karen Chaplinski, Jane DeStaercke, Emily Doro, Jacob Doro, Sally Erickson, Eileen Grunseth, Jonathan Grunseth, Emily Gunderson, Sandi Gunderson, Duane Jenson, Patti Jenson, Kenneth Klahn, Thomas Kowalczyk, Marilyn Newman, Roger Newman, John Podolak, Fran Prasnicki, John Quinnell, Cheryl Rosemeyer, Pat Rosemeyer, Robin Rosemeyer, Carol Soraparu, Norman Spooner, Pamm Spooner, Harry Sweda, Bernard Van-DenHeuvel, Kae VanDenHeuvel, Charles Webster, Virginia Webster, David Welter and Jason Wry
Kane Mengel entertained the guests before dinner.
Longstanding members of the Gilman Lions Club are (l. to. r.): Bernie Vandenheuvel, President Harry Sweda, Chuck Webster, Duane Jensen (front) David Welter.
