WADENA LIONS
“We Serve”
What Is The LIONS Club? The Lions is an international organization dedicated to serving others.
What Is The WADENA LIONS Club? The Wadena Lions club was formed over 90 years ago. The club presently has about 60 members – with about 25 to 30 “active” members. Some members have earned “privileged” status due to their age and attend only occasionally. The members of the Wadena Lions represent a diverse range of age and occupation. Member’s ages range from those in their 20’s to those who have been retired for many years. Members include business owners and managers, teachers, medical professionals, public employees, and retirees.
When Does The WADENA LIONS Club Meet? Dinner meetings are held in the evening on the second and fourth Mondays during September, November, January, February, March, April and May at local restaurant. The only meeting in December is the club’s annual Christmas Party. Spouses or significant others are invited to this holiday gathering. Meetings in the summer months of June, July and August are usually held on the second Monday evening at the Lions Shelter at Sunnybrook Park. The food is catered and a fun “picnic” atmosphere is enjoyed by the Lions and their partners.
There are a total of 14 regular dinner meetings, one Christmas Party and three summer picnics.
What Happens At The WADENA LIONS Club Meetings?
The regular dinner meetings begin with a social hour at 6:00 p.m. Attendance at each meeting ranges from 20 to 40 members. (Some members have to miss meetings due to business trips, family activities, winter vacations, etc.)
The dinner bell rings around 6:30 p.m. Some meetings begin with a few songs. The song leaders select songs that are fun to sing, with our club noted for its volume not its talent. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and grace, the food is served.
The menu includes entrees like steak, chicken & ribs, turkey and dressing, pork chops, pizza-chicken buffet, etc.
During the meal, the “Tail Twister” tries (quite successfully) to get each member to donate a quarter or two to the club treasury or for a special cause (Food Shelf, Empty Stocking, etc.). Games of chance are often used (dice, cards, etc.).
After the meal, the President calls the meeting to order. Minutes from the Board of Directors meeting are read, followed by the Treasurer’s report. The President also brings the club up-to-date on committee meetings, service projects and fundraisers.
Following the official business there is a program. An invited guest is given 15 minutes to discuss a topic. Program speakers have included local conservation officers talking about game laws, transportation safety experts, an update on the local golf course, high school coaches, physicians discussing medical issues, community topics, etc. We are usually done between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
What Service Projects Do The WADENA LIONS Sponsor?
- Paid for and maintain two shelters at Sunnybrook Park
- Paid for and installed new playground equipment at the swimming pool
- Sponsored trophies for sporting events
- Sponsor youth hockey, softball and baseball teams
- Sponsor the local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts
- Contribute to National and International Lions charities
- Clean ditches on three miles of Hwy. 10 west of Wadena spring and fall
- Sponsor a Christmas Party for the Shady Lane Nursing Home
- Sponsor college scholarships to WDC students
- Annual “BBQ in the Park” fundraiser (800+ meals)
- Sponsor a local LEO Club (Lions Youth Service Club)
The Wadena Lions make all of these things happen with members contributing just a few hours. Our service projects are FUN!
What Is Expected From Each WADENA LION Club Member? We are dedicated to serving others and have long held the tradition that doing so should be enjoyable. Members should try to attend as many meetings as possible and try to give a few hours of their time for each project.
What Are The Dues To Belong To The WADENA LIONS? Quarterly dues are $65. This amounts to an annual fee of $260. Many businesses will pay the dues for an employee. The fee covers the cost of Lions International dues, and all meal expenses (including the Christmas Party and the summer picnics).
How Do I Join The WADENA LIONS Club? Ask a member to take you to a meeting to experience our club’s atmosphere. Then ask a member to propose you for membership. A short application form is required.
