By Chuck Armstrong
A Loss for Chelsea.
I am sorry to say Aug. 20, 2019 was the last scheduled meeting for the Chelsea Lions Club.
The Chelsea Lions Club was founded in 1977.
In our 42 years, we have striven to serve the people of Chelsea and the local community in many ways.
As our members age, move out of the area, and pass on we find ourselves in the difficult position of not having enough help to run the club, and pursue the numerous projects that we employ to raise funds, which were then returned to the community.
And we have not been successful in enticing new people.
It seems an appropriate time to recap some of the services and benefits we have provided the community over the years. Below is a partial list.
We installed the gazebo in Timbertown.
Each year, we provided two graduating CHS seniors going on to college with service awards, $1,000 each.
We provided up to 30 turkeys to FIA each Thanksgiving, and adopted a family, or two, at Christmas, providing them with clothing and gifts.
We purchased for St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Chelsea a portable diabetes analyzer.
And for the library, we provided a display and vision aids which can be checked out for free by library patrons.
Each year, we have financed the attendance of two CHS students to attend the Girls State convention in Lansing.
The flag installation program was initiated by the club. It’s now being run by your local boy scout troops.
For years, we have provided free sight screening for up to 200 toddlers. Some screenings have resulted in referrals that have been truly life changing for the child and family.
We have provided free eye exams and glasses for many in need in the local area.
We have happily supported many organizations in Chelsea, including the Chelsea Senior Center, FIA, Purple Rose Theater and others.
Locally, we’ve helped Penrickton Center for the Blind and Disabled, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and other non-profit service providing
organizations.
Certainly we could not have undertaken these many projects without the generous contributions in time, work (Dunk Tank at the fair) and donations from the kind people in our community.
We give you our most heartfelt thanks for your support.
District Governor Mike Scott said he’s received some inquiries about starting a new club and provided this information.
Kindness in Action
When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing—and an incredible feeling for everyone involved. That’s Lions.
Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships and improving the world through kindness. It’s 1.4 million caring men and women serving together so they can make a lasting impact and change more lives.
For more information: http://be-a-lion.org
So sorry to see this happening to the Lions Club. I’ve been watching the same thing with two other non-profit Boards I sit on. We are aging out and the generation of kids we raised ourselves “are too busy.” Makes me wonder if they ever thought about how busy we were raising them. Somehow we found time to volunteer for 4H, Little League, our Church, local government unpaid positions, and so many more volunteer organizations. Sad…just sad.