NEW LONDON LIONS CELEBRATE 85 YEARS
2009 marks the 85th anniversary of the New London Lions Club. Originally sponsored by the Appleton Lions, the club was chartered in January, 1924, with Giles H. Putnam as its first president. From its inception the New London Lions have included both civic and humanitarian activities.
The club was actively involved in the construction of one of the first cabins built at the Lions Camp at Rosholt under the direction of Lion Norb Klatt. Other early projects of the club included minstrel shows, snowmobile races, fish boils, community auctions, light bulb sales, and community birthday calendars.
Over the years the New London Lions were instrumental in promoting Lions Clubs in the nearby communities of Black Creek, Bear Creek, Hortonville, and Shiocton. Additionally, five of its members became District Governors of 27-B2, including Giles Putnam, Emil Gehrke, Lou Sheahan, Vern Volz, and Norbert Klatt. Sheahan and Volz were also Directors of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.
By the late 1960's the Club boasted a membership roll of over 60 Lions and in the early 70's established the first Leo Club in 27-B2 under the leadership of Ron Steinhorst and attended the International Convention in San Francisco.
Wives of the Lions saw a need to also become involved and organized themselves as the New London Lionettes in 1962 through the efforts of Alice Sheahan. Their purpose was to unite in stronger bonds of friendship and to better enjoy, give and receive benefits in serving the community and the world. Today their membership is open to any community member and of the original 25 members, six remain active at this time.
Over the years the New London Lions moved from weekly to bi-weekly meetings and changed to Monday night meetings, thus establishing a better attendance record. Currently the club has 32 members and averages a 65% attendance at its meetings. From its varied fundraisers, the club continues to sponsor scholarships, donate large print books to the public library, participate in the Wisconsin Lions Foundations, PRIDE, and supports a variety of local projects
"It's great to be a member of the world's largest service club."
Our last meeting at the Timber Rattler Stadium was attended by 15 Lions and 10 guests. Thank you to Lion Jim Pompa for arranging the outing and a Rattler victory.
Thank you to all the Lions who showed for the Kids from Wisconsin program on July 15 and supported the program. Special thanks to Lions Mike Sullivan and Ed Bonack for making the arrangements for the Kids, to Lion Gary Henke for the printing, to Lion Tom Schmude for donating the cookies and soda for intermission, and all who helped. We took in $90+ at the intermission and should recognize a profit over $2,000.
MISSION STATEMENT
To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation.
Lions are an international network of 1.3 million men and women in 205 countries and geographic areas who work together to answer the needs that challenge communities around the world.
