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Photos by Daniel Lai
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District Gov. Robert Chrisman (left) presents club President Barry Allen (far right) with the official Lions International charter. The Manchester Lions Club recruited 26 members over the past year to officially become a sanctioned group.
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What began little over a year ago as a small band of optimistic volunteers has quickly developed into Manchester's newest service organization.
The roar of the Lions could be heard through the village Saturday as the 26 members of the Manchester Lions Club officially received their club charter.
"It's a distinct honor to accept our charter on behalf of the 26 members," club president Barry Allen, said. "A year ago, the dedicated Lions from Napoleon and Jackson roamed the streets of Manchester looking for members. Though we still have a lot to learn, from this small few, we have evolved."
Roughly 132 members from Michigan's District 11-B1 attended the event, including representatives from Chelsea, Saline, Dexter, Napoleon and Lenawee.
Allen credited representatives of the club's guiding Lions - Vice District Gov. Roberta Sexton, Bob Sexton, Dan Shepherd and Jerry and Margie Horsch - from Napoleon, for countless hours of support.
"We are extremely grateful for all the support they have given to us over the past year," he said. "Without their vision and hard work, this club would've never blossomed.
"They were there when we needed them and their guidance has been exceptional. We will live up to their expectations."
Allen said acquiring the 26 members required by Lions International to be recognized as an official group was not easy.
"It's difficult in an area where there is already so many service groups that people give their time to," he said in a previous interview. "It seems we would take one step forward and two steps back."
Allen said with the club officially chartered, members have already begun planning activities for the coming year including free eye screenings at the Manchester Community Fair.
"I'm so glad to see this club chartered," former Lions International director, Ken Lautzenheiser, said. "They have accepted the challenge to bring change to their community and they will. The road is not always easy but the fruits of their efforts will be bountiful."
Stressing the importance of faith, Lautzenheiser told the new members their membership brings a beacon of hope to Manchester.
"Just because you put on a lapel pin doesn't totally make you a Lion but it is a step in the right direction," he said. "You have to believe and you have to have faith. There will be trials and it won't always be as pleasant as we think it could be, but the outcomes will be pleasant for those we serve."
Rep. Pam Byrnes, D-Dist. 52, said she is excited about the club's future.
"Service clubs are able to do things other organizations cannot by bringing people together to serve others," she said. "As volunteers, you benefit the community, yourself and others."
Manchester Lions Club charter members include: Barry Allen (president), Fred Best (first vice-president), Peggy Allen (secretary), Barbara Fuller (treasurer), Kathy Richardson (tail twister), Sue Miller (lion tamer), Siobhan Gorman (membership chairman), Marion Ahrens, Bruce Bates, Carol Britten, Rachel Burkhardt, Jean Davis, Renee Doster, Korry Friday, E. Nelson Fuller, Kathleen Gould, Michele Ingalls, Sue Knasiak, Cindy Kelley, Daniel Lai, Marlene Lentz, Julie Marvin-Manders, Danell Proctor, Steve Spensley, Edward Sterling and Linda Stevens.
"How do you get your arms around this global issue of blindness?" Allen said. "We do it one person at a time, one dollar at a time. We will start in Manchester and work our way up."
The Manchester Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of every month at the Whistle Stop Restaurant in Manchester.
Editor Daniel Lai can be reached at 428-8173 or dlai@heritage.com.
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