Imperial Lions recognized for its community service projects

    Members of the Imperial Lions Club were recognized last week for their service to the community.
    Lions District Governor John Rundel of Trenton attended the May 25 meeting held at the home of Club President Sheryl Curtis and Lion Bruce, and presented a plaque to the club for its work serving the community of Imperial.
    Other special guests were Larry and Judy Seger of Wallace, who serve as chairmen for the Lions Clubs International Foundation on the state and district levels, and four prospective new club members.
    Dist. Gov. Rundel said Imperial Lions remained active last year despite COVID-19.
    Some of the club’s service projects include the annual Easter Egg Hunt, $1,000 CCS senior scholarship, purchase of eyeglasses for needy students, working gate for CCS football and volleyball games, putting out U.S. flags downtown on holidays/major events, sponsorship of bike parade at Smokin’ on Broadway, highway trash pickup, donating 4-H fair trophies and pantry food drives.
    In addition, over the past two years the Imperial Lions donated $5,000 to the Mid-Plains expansion project, $1,000 to the Imperial Community Foundation Fund, $500 to the fire department’s generator fund.
    It also continued its $1,000 annual donation to the fair despite having no bingo in 2020.
    Larry Seger of Wallace commended the club for its service work, telling the prospective members, “It’s one of the best clubs in the state.”
    Seger said a passion that has developed in him since joining Lions is the organization’s work with Special Olympics.
    Each year at the state Special Olympics meet, Lions from across the state volunteer to screen athletes for eye problems. With eye specialists also on hand, many of those Special Olympians leaving the screening have a new pair of glasses.
    “A lot of things can be gained by doing something for someone else,” he said.
    Judy Seger spoke of the impact Lions had on her when her home club in Wallace was instrumental in acquiring a Leader Dog for a man in their community.
    Dist. Gov. Rundel will serve another year’s term in 2021-22 as District L Governor. Serving in that position for 2022-23 will be Ed Dunn of Grant.
    Imperial Lions have a major anniversary later this year, President Curtis reminded the guests.
    The club will celebrate its 90th year in December, after being chartered in 1931. An anniversary celebration is planned. The club’s 90th anniversary pin has already arrived, and was shown at last week’s meeting.