The Clarkston community might get another service group as the Lions Club is looking to start a chapter in Clarkston.
The Lions Club, which used to have a chapter in Clarkston, has nearly 1.4 million members in 193 countries. The club is known for their services to the blind and visually impaired.
‘That began in 1921 when Helen Keller was the keynote speaker at the international convention and challenged the group to crusade for the blind. At that point we did not have a real focus and it kind of expanded from there,? Sterling Heights member and District 11a2 extention chairman Jim Henkel said.
Henkel, along with Ortonville Lion Lee Palshan, is helping to get the Clarkston club up and running. They need a minimum of 20 members to become a chapter.
‘But the more the better,? Henkel said. ‘We have just started but we have about five individuals who are interested in becoming members. The more people the better because then you can spread the work load.?
The Clarkston group members will be able to decide the direction they want the club to go.
‘Our motto is ‘We Serve,?? Palshan said. ‘We are a service organization who helps support the community. What different projects the Clarkston chapter will participate in is up to them. At the Ortonville Chapter will have scholarships, donate Thanksgiving dinners to the senior center and of course get glasses for the visually impaired among other things.?
The group is looking to expand in Oakland County. They chose Clarkston because they felt a chapter could flourish there.
‘We saw a need in town,? Henkel said. ‘The Rotary is here but it is more of a business networking organization. I highly doubt the person who is working payroll is going to join the Rotary.?
The Lions Club asks for a 24-hour commitment for the year in order to be a part of the club. Of course, members are more than welcome to dedicate more time to the cause.
‘The Lions Club has a history of being associated with the Jaycees. They have an age limit of 35-years-old so traditionally a lot of Jaycees have joined the Lions Club after they reach that age,? Henkel said.
An informational meeting is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30 at Independence Elementary School for anyone interested in learning more about the Lions Club. The club will meet the second and fourth Thursday of the month. Anyone looking for additional information can call Henkel at (586) 764-6230.