LaMoille Lions celebrate 40 years

LAMOILLE — Since its inception in 1975, the LaMoille Lions Club has served as a vital source in its community, providing needed resources and opportunities that have kept the surrounding area thriving.

To celebrate 40 years of dedication and to mark an important milestone in the club’s history, club members will host an anniversary open hose on Saturday, April 25.

The LaMoille Lions Club has raised several thousands of dollars throughout the years, which have helped fund numerous community projects.

Lions Club President Jim Smith explained the goals of the club are to assist the schools and community with fundraisers, and allowing others to use the clubhouse when in need.

Club member Larry Forristall said the club, on average, gives $20,000 each year to various organizations.

“We give it to whoever is in need,” he said. “All the money we raise stays in our community.”

Funds are raised through drawdowns and other annual fundraisers held throughout the year, as well as through Bingo night events held Wednesday evenings in Peru.

On top of their hefty donations, the club provides a facility at the edge of town in LaMoille.

The facility has been a location option to host all sorts of community events throughout the years including wedding receptions, business meetings, banquets, reunions, holiday parties, fundraiser, private family gatherings and much, much more.

Jim Scully, who has been a club member for over 20 years, said the building is huge for the community.

“It’s one of the only big buildings in the area we have,” he said. “It’s used for all different kind of things for people looking to use it.”

As the club prepares to mark 40 years of service, they are using this time to reflect on how far they’ve come and the direction they’d like to head in the future.

The club is currently working on a drive to get new members interested in joining the LaMoille Lions Club.

“Moving forward, it’s going to be a big part of our focus — getting more members of the community in here to see what we do, and getting that next generation,” Smith said.

He explained many of the club members are over the age of 60 and some are even 80 years old.

“They’ve been around a long time, and they’ve done a lot of work over the years. But we need some new blood and new ideas,” he said.

John Aden, a member of the club, is currently handling the club’s membership drive.

Right now is he working on getting people interested in signing up for a drawing at the April 25 open house, which is when the club will raffle off a new grill.

Aden said it’s just for people who show interest in joining the club; they don’t have to commit that evening.

He said it’s important to push for new members because of community.

“Community strong,” he said. “Without the community, we wouldn’t have the LaMoille Lion’s Club. I believe the more community involvement, the better —the more donations we get, the more we can give —that’s what we’re looking for.”

Smith said it’s $30 a year for club dues, but it’s a good deal and goes a long way in helping others.

Members of the 40th anniversary planning committee include Larry Forristall, Richard Wheeler, Jim Smith, JoAlyce Hewitt, Jim Scully, and John and Stacy Aden.

A full schedule of activities is planned for Saturday, April 25, including food, music and door prizes. Balloons and face painting will be offered to children. There will be informational presentations about the club’s activities and contributions. Members of the Mendota Lions Club (which has sponsored the LaMoille Lions Club), local businesses, schools and individuals will be recognized for their special contributions to the LaMoille Lions Club.

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Mark the Calendar

What: LaMoille Lions Club celebrates 40 years.

When: Saturday, April 25.

Time: 1 to 5 p.m.

Where: LaMoille Lions Club clubhouse, located at 308 Howard St., LaMoille

Note: This event is open to the public.