Lions and Rotary share common goals, including fostering civic organizations, community service, promoting alcohol and drug education, aiding health issues, alleviating hunger, and promoting peace. They also share similar structures, relying on independent clubs, organized at regional and global levels.
The fellowship and collaboration between Lions and Rotarians result in many good works, often unnoticed by others. The Boothbay region has benefited from over a half-century of such friendships.
Community Service
The Ben Davis Lions Club supports many different projects throughout the year. From installing wheelchair lifts for members in need, donating to the food pantry and giving college scholarships, 100% of funds raised during their various fundraisers goes back into helping those in need in the community. They also participate in a variety of community events such as chicken barbecues and other raffles.
The Lions Club also helps to support the local area schools. At a recent meeting, they hosted an educational event with Eileen Coleman from Love Always Equine Sanctuary. She gave the club an overview of her facility and talked about how she uses volunteers to help with the many animals they have there.
A number of other speakers came to the meeting as well. One was Superintendent Jeff Reimer. He discussed a few changes to the district that are going to be implemented and answered questions from the club. Another speaker was Ray Zylinski, who works for the Olmstead Center. They spoke about the various services they offer and how people can receive training at their homes.
Other presentations included a member from the Affton Middle School demonstrating the importance of recycling and how it helps the environment. They also shared information about a program that they are working with to give students the opportunity to be ambassadors and represent their school in a positive light.
There was also a presentation by the Diamond CounSEL Club at Ben Davis High School. The club promotes friendship, includes students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and advocates for them. They discussed their goals for the year, which include creating a sisterhood and supporting each other as they navigate through high school. The club also hopes to create a club at the elementary level.
The club presented awards at the end of the evening. The President’s Service award went to Partner in Service Juli Wilson who organizes Lions Night at the Ransomville Races and helps with other events. Lion of the Year was Tim Leising. He was recognized for his quick response whenever the club needed him to step in and take on a project. The Distinguished Service Award went to Assistant Secretary Margo Sue Bittner. She is very active with fundraising, finds speakers and does the internal newsletter. She was also very helpful in getting the club started with their new Zoom meetings. She is a great asset to the club and was well deserving of this recognition.
Scholarships
A major part of the Ben Davis Lions Club’s mission is to support local students who will have a positive impact on their communities and society. The club is proud to provide scholarships for both students from the York and Jennings Townships of Van Wert County, as well as those who attend colleges or universities outside York and Jennings.
Scholarships are awarded to full-time undergraduate and graduate students who have demonstrated a commitment to community service. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of their application essay which addresses their academic and professional goals, as well as their motivation to contribute to the betterment of society. The Scholarship Committee also places considerable importance on extracurricular activities, leadership experience and high school/college honors.
The scholarship was established by the family of former DCC History Professor Fred Lloyd and friends in his memory. It is awarded to a student who plans to pursue a career in history or related fields and is pursuing a degree at a university or college.
This scholarship is awarded to an incoming freshman or current student enrolled in the Drafting and Design program at DCC who demonstrates academic promise and leadership potential with an on-going commitment to community service. Preference will be given to a Danville area resident.
Founded in 2005, this award honors a graduating senior from the York or Jennings townships who has demonstrated dedication and service to their community and society. The award is based on the student’s essay answering the question: “What are your educational and career goals and how do you plan to make a difference in the world?”
Each year, the Ben Davis Lions Club provides a $1,000 scholarship in memory of West Linn Lion Eric GlenAlan Egland who was a husband, father of four college graduates, and a tireless volunteer for many local organizations including his beloved church, where he served as an Eucharistic Minister, Lector and Altar Server.
Both Rotary and Lions Clubs have a long tradition of supporting community groups, local projects, and hungry, sick or disabled individuals. Often, when an organization seeks help for a project or to help people in need, the club will check with the other local clubs to see if they are willing to assist.
This friendly competition has led to many successful projects. For example, the Lions and Rotarians jointly collected toys each December for Toys for Tots; the Lions helped fund the aeration of DCC’s football field; and both clubs contributed money to light the baseball fields. The result is that both clubs are stronger together.
Leadership
Lions Clubs are built on the foundation of friendship, fellowship and mutual help. While it is true that competition may have existed between Rotary and Lions clubs in earlier years, both clubs share an interest in promoting community service projects that benefit those in need. Over the past half century, this cooperation has produced many projects that might not have been undertaken by one club alone.
The first meeting of the year took place on September 6. The speaker was Sue Capell from Youth Mentoring Services. She discussed the many programs the organization provides for youth throughout Niagara County. These range from one on one mentoring to assisting in school supplies. She also spoke about the various outings and activities the program hosts for the youth.
Several members were presented with anniversary chevrons for their continued commitment to the club. These included Lion Mark Edmister for 10 years, Lions Phil Bates and Fred Leuer for 15 years, Lions Terry Eldridge and Kevin Bittner for 20 years and Lions Kent Wakefield, Scott Ecker and Dan Mace for 30 years. Lion President Tim Leising also presented Lion of the Year to Kurt Lutz for his enthusiasm and willingness to step up to help with a number of projects, especially a very successful chicken barbecue.
At a recent club dinner, District Governor Jeff Jarvis installed 2 new members, Lion Tina Linderman and Pam Rider. The group also voted to honor Lions who helped with the recent ice cream social with certificates. Lion Past President Mike Feltz was recognized for his work keeping the chicken barbecues organized and Lion Past President Chris Czelusta for his help in organizing and installing ramps. Lion Treasurer Jim Bittner gave a report on the current state of the club finances and upcoming fundraisers.
In a tribute to the late Eric Glenn Alan Egland, the Egland Family has established an endowment to aid in providing scholarship grants. This endowment will grow through investments, allowing the family to distribute more scholarships in future years. The Ben Davis Lions Club is working with the Egland family to increase the size of this scholarship annually.
The club’s next meeting will be on Wednesday, September 10. Outgoing Lions President Kent Wakefield will run the program and committee chairs will have an opportunity to provide updates. The club is looking forward to another great year of service. Interested people are encouraged to attend. The club meets at Becker Brewing in Gasport at 6:30 pm on the third Tuesday of each month. New members are always welcome. For more information, contact Lion Tom Ware or the club website. A list of the upcoming events is on the club website. The club is a 501(c)(3) certified non-profit entity. Donations are tax deductible. For more information on becoming a member, click the “Join Us” tab.