By LOU WHEELAND

Special to The Press

SUSAN RUMBLE

Special to The Press

The Upper Lehigh Lions Club celebrated the 75th anniversary of the club’s founding in 1947 at the Twin Lakes Country Club, North Whitehall, on Nov. 9.

On hand were current members, past presidents and the board of directors.

During the celebration, Ronald W. Smith was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, by the Lions Club International Foundation, for his dedication to humanitarian services.

As planning for the 75th anniversary of the club got underway, Immediate Past President Rich Wisser reported the celebration would include a great deal of reminiscing of accomplishments and the good times members enjoyed working together on projects through the years.

Wisser said photos and memorabilia would be on display, and slides from past years would be projected for everyone to see.

Members with many years of service would be given the opportunity to talk about their experiences with fundraisers, including the more than 50 years commitment of cooking food and waiting on customers during the weeklong Great Allentown Fair.

Chartered Nov. 21, 1947, the Upper Lehigh Club has a history of dedication to the betterment of the community and to helping people in need.

In addition to providing donations to local organizations and individuals, the club also contributes to the worldwide services of Lions International.

Although there are no surviving charter members, other individuals in the organization have devoted much time to the fundraisers which enable the club to carry out the Lions’ motto, “We Serve.”

To support the Lions’ mission, fundraisers include an annual basket social, hoagie sales, and food sales at local events such as the Schnecksville Fair and Parkland home football games.

In July, the Lions were glad to bring back the annual festival and craft show in the Neffs Church grove after two years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Schnecktuckey Derby is scheduled to return in April 2023.

Past fundraisers included Sunday breakfasts at the Schnecksville Fire Hall, where significant amounts were raised to help families of children with medical needs.

Also, the annual pig stomach dinner provided an opportunity for people to enjoy a Pennsylvania German specialty while also helping the Lions.

Upper Lehigh Lions funds are directed to all of the local fire companies, Northern Valley EMS, Northern Lehigh and Parkland CARES food banks, the Center for Vision Loss, diabetes research and pediatric cancer.

The Lions provide free eye exams and glasses for needy local children, scholarships for high school seniors, loans of medical equipment, and financial support for families with tragic needs.

Recently, the Upper Lehigh Club contributed toward an individual who needed hand controls on his vehicle.

“We evaluate needs on a case-by-case basis and sometimes receive grants from Lions Club International,” explained Wisser.

While looking at memories of the past 75 years, Wisser turned his thoughts ahead.

“To be relevant in the future, new membership growth will be important,” Wisser said. “We need to get younger members involved to continue to serve the community.”

He noted the Parkland High School Leo Club, advised by Erin Heintzelman, is active and provides young people an opportunity to experience community service through Lionism.

Anyone interested in joining the Upper Lehigh Lions Club should call membership Chairman Ken Zimmerman at 610-799-4828.