- By Dan Veaner
- Around Town
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Independence Day isn't complete in Lansing without the Lansing Lions Club's annual 4th of July barbecue. This year the weather cooperated, and hordes of people descended on Myers Park to celebrate.
Most people know the Lions as the folks who flip pancakes, or collect used eyeglasses for the needy. The 51 members host events and initiatives to raise money to help many aspects of the community. About 90% of the membership were helping with the barbecue.
A new initiative is to raise money to construct a band stand in Myesr Park. Sales of Lansing Afghan throws and barrels are helping to fund this. Additionally businesses or individuals who donate $250.00 or more will be listed on a plaque on the band stand. The Lions hope to have construction completed by Spring of 2006 so residents can enjoy the band stand next summer.
Lions Club members showed up around 7 AM to begin setting up for the barbecue. There was plenty of heavy lifting as they got the barbecue heated up to cook hundreds of chickens, which were delicious, by the way. The line was long, but moved at a steady clip as people passed by the sales table, then picked up their chicken, beans, potato and applesauce dinners. The barbecue is chaired by the outgoing and incoming Lions presidents, Nick bera and Lin Davidson. Noni Krom and Charlotte Wilson wree behind the organization of the event.
The Historical Association's tent had displays of information about Lansing. They had their many publications for sale, including the popular Lansing Outhouses poster.
There were also many vendors' booths where crafts, clothing and a variety of other items were offered for sale.
The Lions give much time and effort to local service projects, but do it without bringing attention to themselves. As a result many people don't realize the extent of their beneficial influence on the community. Here is a list of current projects:
Local Service Projects
Adopt-a-highway program, Rout 34
Speech & hearing Clinic (Camp Badger)
Field Days
Work (service) Day
Recognition of School Students
Sports teams & Musical Drama Participants
Sponsor Boy's and Girl's State Participants
Student of the Month recognition
Scholarships for five graduating seniors, Lansing High School
Sponsor the International Peace Poster Contest, Middle School Students
Sponsor the Lansing Boy Scout Troop & Cub Pack
Sponsor the Lansing Youth Leo Club
Show support for Lansing Residential Center & Gossett Center
Senior Citizen Organizations
Representation to LOAP Programs
Donations to Senior's organizations
Community Recognition Dinner, (began, May 1995)
Donations to support speech, sight, hearing, and diabetes projects and
associations
Provide eyeglasses and hearing aids to Lansing residents
Collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids for the needy
Serve free hot dogs at the annual Lansing Crop Walk
Ring Bells for the Salvation Army during winter holiday season
Decorate a Community tree during the holiday season
Help the new youth group PALS -Lions cooked Chicken for BBQ
Present two adult community service awards
Permanent Projects accomplished for the Lansing Community
Built pavilions in Myers Park
Renovated Community Center
Donated the Community Center to the Community
Planted Pine trees along Myers hill road
Planted pine tree in front of Community Library
American Flags up on holidays
Fund Raising Activities
Two Pancake breakfasts each year & placemat Project (April& October)
July 4th. Chicken BBQ
Exchange Student Chicken BBQ, Lions, Rotary, & Lansing Faculty association-
(Lions cook the chicken)
Broom Sales (ongoing)
Food Sales: Town Barn Auction (September)
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