brussels lions 70th

4
THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016. PAGE 11. Brussels Lions Club th 70 years of Brussels Lions Back row, from left: Gord Mitchell, Paul Mutter, Neil Mitchell, Bob Kellington, Jack Knight, Frank Workman, Gerry Exel, Jim Lee, Clarence McCutcheon, Tim Prior, Ron Clarkson and Gary McCutcheon. Middle row, from left: Jim Prior, Greg Ducharme, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, Lions Zone 8 Chair Mary Lou Stewart, Lions Past District Governor John Stewart, Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan, Lions Past District Governor Andy Klonikowski, District Governor Joanne Klonikowski, Jack Anniversary Celebrations McCutcheon, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Jim Knight, John Boneschansker, Paul Nichol, Jean Davidson and Bryan Morton. Front row, from left: Kamran Zafar, Treasurer Janet Haertel, Second Vice-President Brian Keller, President John Gillis, First Vice-President Cora Alcock, Third Vice-President Kathy Nichol, Secretary Jim Armstrong, Master of Ceremonies Neil McGavin and Mel McCutcheon. Absent were: Klaas Jorritsma, Bob Richmond, Max Demaray, Merle Hoegy, Jeff McGavin, Louise Poirier and Bob Raymond.

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The Brussels Lions recently celebrated the group's 70th anniversary special and The Citizen helped out with this look at where the group has been, where it is and where it is going.

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THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016. PAGE 11.

Brussels Lions Clubth

70 years of Brussels LionsBack row, from left: Gord Mitchell, Paul Mutter, Neil Mitchell, BobKellington, Jack Knight, Frank Workman, Gerry Exel, Jim Lee, ClarenceMcCutcheon, Tim Prior, Ron Clarkson and Gary McCutcheon. Middle row,from left: Jim Prior, Greg Ducharme, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, LionsZone 8 Chair Mary Lou Stewart, Lions Past District Governor JohnStewart, Huron East Mayor Bernie MacLellan, Lions Past DistrictGovernor Andy Klonikowski, District Governor Joanne Klonikowski, Jack

AnniversaryCelebrations

McCutcheon, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, Jim Knight, JohnBoneschansker, Paul Nichol, Jean Davidson and Bryan Morton. Front row, fromleft: Kamran Zafar, Treasurer Janet Haertel, Second Vice-President Brian Keller,President John Gillis, First Vice-President Cora Alcock, Third Vice-PresidentKathy Nichol, Secretary Jim Armstrong, Master of Ceremonies Neil McGavinand Mel McCutcheon. Absent were: Klaas Jorritsma, Bob Richmond, MaxDemaray, Merle Hoegy, Jeff McGavin, Louise Poirier and Bob Raymond.

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016. PAGE 13.

Congratulates and sends sincereappreciation to the

Brussels Lions Club for servingthe community for 70 years!

Brussels Lions Club 70th Anniversary Celebration

CongratulationsBrussels Lions Club

on 70 Years of Service

from

Brussels Legion

Branch 218

HURON FEEDINGSYSTEMS

JOE SEILIBrussels

519-887-6289

Come for a visit and see ourvarious equipment lines

Best Wishes Brussels Lionson 70 Years of Service

RADARAUTO PARTS

“You will find it at CARQUEST”

235 TURNBERRY ST., BRUSSELS519-887-9661

3878 WELLINGTON ST.,MITCHELL

519-348-8485and

20 KING ST.,CLINTON

519-482-3445

Congratulations Brussels Lions!

42309 Morris Road, Brussels, ON N0G 1H0519-887-8253 Office

[email protected]

Brett & Laura Fischer

Thank you Brussels Lions for 70 Years of Service

McGavinFarm Equipment Ltd.

"Celebrating 80 years in business 2016"

We can help you with ROPS(Roll Over Protection

Structures)

Walton519-887-6365 OR 1-877-887-6365

70 Years of Service ~ CongratulationsBrussels Lions!

Brussels 519-887-6273

• Crop Inputs • Crop Consulting• Crop Protection Products

• Seed • Custom Application

BrusselsAgromart Ltd.

www.brusselsagromart.ca

Congratulations Brussels Lions

Todd Wheeler Insurance Inc.

Office: 519-357-0155Fax: 226-889-8944Home: 519-887-9327

75 Sports Dr., Brussels

Thank you for 70 years of ServiceBrussels Lions!

Jacquie GowingAccounting

ServicesAccounting & Income Tax Preparation

Personal, Farm, Business & Corporate

• Monthly Bookkeeping Services• Electronic Tax Filing

519-887-9248

Thank you Brussels Lions for 70 YearsDedication serving our community

Thank you for 70 Years of Service

Downtown Brussels

CAFÉ

~ Oven barbecued chicken & ribs our Friday night dinner special as seen on CKNX.ca EAT HERE

~ Eat in or take out~ Homemade quiche, buns, baked goods,

soups, sandwiches and salads~ Live music in the Upper Deck

519-887-8011

Congratulations Brussels Lions!

BRUSSELS

38 King StreetBrussels

519-887-9740

The Municipalityof

Morris-Turnberry

Brussels Optimist

Club

Wishes to thank the BrusselsLions on their dedication and

service for 70 years in ourbeautiful community.

Municipality ofHuron East

1-519-527-01601-888-868-7513 (Brussels)

Congratulatesthe BrusselsLions on 70

Years of Service

Call us 519-887-6461

Visit our webpage at:www.brusselslivestock.ca

email us at: [email protected]

BRUSSELSLIVESTOCK

Thanks the Brussels Lionsfor their 70 years of service

to our community!

CRAWFORD, MILL & DAVIESROSS E. DAVIES, B.A., LL.B., U.L.

CONOR T. O’KEEFE, B.A., B. Mgmt., LL.B.BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

Thank you for 70 years of ServiceBrussels Lions!

Congratulations Brussels Lions

on your 70th Anniversary

P.O. Box 69, Brussels, Ontario N0G 1H0DOUG SHOLDICE, CIP CAIB RIBO

Office: 519-887-6100 FAX: 519-887-6109 Res.: 519-887-9820

e-mail: [email protected]

Thank you for 70 years ofdedication & service

439 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-9682

Spa & Gift Shop

www.solacespa.ca

Thank you Brussels Lions for 70 Years of dedicated service to our community.

Brussels Agri Services Ltd.

519-887-93911-877-887-9391

• Feed • Animal Health• Pet Food • Gates & Feeders

• Fencing • Work Clothing• Western Tack & Apparel

R.R. #3 Brussels, Ont.located at Brussels Livestock

[email protected]

Congratson your

70thAnniversary

Gas Bar &Family

Restaurant • Pizza, Subs • Daily Specials • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Eat in or Take Out

Gasoline

Congratulations Brussels Lions!

Open 7 days until 9:30 p.m.390 Turnberry St., Brussels

519-887-6951

Ph: 226-889-4152

• We provide full prescription and OTC services.• We’ll deliver free. • We waive the ODB co-pay.• We’re open Monday to Saturday.• We’ll arrange for transfer of your prescriptions.• We’ll listen to what you need.

Be well.

Fax: 226-889-4155453 Turnberry St., (Main) [email protected]

BestWishes

BrusselsLions!

428 Turnberry St., Brussels

Lucy’s Crafts• sewing • knitting • crocheting • mending

Thank you Brussels Lionsfor 70 Years of dedicated service

to our community

BonnieSallows

Aesthetics Electrolysis Manicures, Pedicures, Facials

791 Sports Dr., Brussels, Ont. N0G 1H0

519-887-6661

Job Well Done!

Congratulations Brussels Lionson 70 years of service

83997 Brussels LineRR #2 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0SHOP: 519-887-6916

FAX: 519-887-6949

Greg & Jim Ryan

Thank you Brussels Lions!

FEED STORESDUNGANNON 519-529-7951

1-800-665-5675WALTON 519-887-6023

COUNTRYSTORE

WALTON 519-887-8429

440 Turnberry St., BRUSSELS

519-887-6851

42659 Walton Rd. WALTON VENTURE CENTRE519-887-9393 ~ Walton

email: [email protected] Made in Canada

Cotton Barmy Bags™ The Natural Choice

Congratulations Brussels Lions on 70 years of service

Box 1028Wingham, ON N0G 2W0Tel: 519-357-3630 Fax: 519-357-2798

Box 104Brussels, ON N0G 1H0Tel: 519-887-9491Fax: 519-887-9148

Box 610Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0Tel: 519-528-2818 Fax: 519-528-2848

Box 100Ripley, ON N0G 2R0Tel: 519-395-2633Fax: 519-395-4947

Congratulations and Best WishesBrussels Lions Club

Congratulations and Best WishesBrussels Lions Club

Thank you for your dedication andsupport to our community

BRUSSELSAGRICULTURAL

SOCIETY

Brussels, Ont.519-887-6277

www.mcdonaldhomehardware.com

McDonaldHome Hardware Building Centre

Thank you Brussels Lions for youongoing support in

our community.Wishing you all the best as youcelebrate 70 years of service.

565 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-6224

• GROCERIES • POP • LOTTERY TICKETS • ICE

• SLUSHIE MACHINES • MOVIES

Brussels Variety

Open 7 days a week

ATMMachine

Congratulations Brussels Lions on 70 Years!

Murray’s BarberShop

460 Turnberry Street, Brussels

519-887-6223

Congratulations on 70 Years

Brussels Lions!

Brussels 519-887-9616

• Windows • Doors • Decks• Additions • Roofing

Gerald ExelCarpentry

Renovations & New Construction

CongratulationsBrussels Lions

on 70 years of servingour great community!

503 Turnberry St., Brussels

519-887-6006

Best WishesBrusselsLions on

70 Years ofServing ourCommunity!

FreeWifi

122 Main St. E., Listowel

519-291-4440

Carpet One Floor & Home

“You can’t pass on TenPas, where the welcome mat is always out for you!”

TENPAS DECOR

This year, the Brussels Lions Clubis celebrating its 70th anniversary.

This landmark event means that forseven decades, dedicated men andwomen from the village have beenvolunteering their time to worthycauses throughout Brussels andbeyond, making a difference.

This occasion was marked onSaturday night with a specialanniversary celebration thatwelcomed Lions, their families anddignitaries from throughout theorganization to Huron County.

The evening, which was emceed byLion Neil McGavin, also marked adonation from the Lions Club to theBrussels Legion Building Fund. Thecheque was presented by PresidentJohn Gillis and Vice-President CoraAlcock.

The first meeting in the history ofthe Brussels Lions Club was held onMarch 29, 1946. It was a Friday. TheSeaforth Lions Club, chartered in1924, that sponsored the founding ofthe Brussels club.

The Brussels club then held itsofficial charter night on Wednesday,

April 17, at which time the clubinducted its board of directors. Themeeting was held at MelvillePresbyterian Church. It began at 7p.m. and was called to order bySeaforth Lions Club President RossScott.

The inaugural slate of officersinstalled that night were: R.B.Cousins, president; L.W. Eckmeier,first vice-president; R.J. Bowman,second vice-president; Rev. H.C.Wilson, third vice-president; R.E.Johnston, secretary; R.C. McBride,treasurer; G.M. Laycock, Lion Tamer;D.A. Rann, Tail Twister and directorsK.L. Ashton, A. Wood, Dr. W.D.S.Jamieson and M. Wineberg.

The club welcomed 42 chartermembers to its first meeting.

Membership would fluctuate in thefollowing years from the chartermembership of 42. In the early 1960sthere were just 28 members, butmembership would then peak in theearly 1980s at 59. It would sit at 37 inthe 1990s.

Membership is currently 36,including five very active female

members. After first welcoming afemale member to the club in 2005,later this year the club will see its firstfemale president.

From the club’s early days,members have come from all walks oflife, including clergy, local businessowners, doctors and farmers.

After first receiving its charter, itdidn’t take the Brussels Lions long toget involved. In June, 1946, the clubhosted the popular CKNX BarnDance and collected clothing forNational Clothing Drive. Since thattime, funds have been raised for manyworthwhile projects in a wide varietyof ways.

Halloween parties were held eachyear from 1947 until the early 1960s.In 1952, a car raffle was held whichraised in excess of $2,500 – quite anaccomplishment for its time. Rodeos,minstrel shows, peanut sales, paperdrives, bingos and the Barrel over theDam contest raised funds throughoutthe 1950s and 1960s.

In 1961, the first Lions HockeyDraw was held. Its popularitycontinues to grow year after year and

has now become a major fundraiserfor the club.

Throughout the 1970s and early1980s, Polar Daize provided localswith the opportunity to have fun andfrolic in the cold, participating inskating carnivals, dances on the ice,the Polar Dip and the ever-popularThunder Mug races. Radio bingos,walkathons and canoe andsnowmobile races also helpedcontribute during this period.

In 1972, the first Lions EliminationDraw was held with the intent to raisefunds for the construction of the newarena and community centre for thevillage and the surroundingcommunity. This annual event hascontributed more than $200,000 sincethat time; money that has been spenton a wide range of communityprojects.

During the 1970s, the BrusselsLions Club was one of the drivingforces during the planning andconstruction of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre and was one of the project’s major contributors with

a donation of more than $18,000. The single largest project in the

history of the club however, occurredin 1984/1985 when the Lions Clubdecided to build a swimming pool forthe village and its residents.Approximately $50,000 was raisedfrom various raffles and a door-to-door canvass to match an equalamount of government funding.

Even though the facility was turnedover to the municipality on openingday in 1985, the Brussels Lions havecontinued to financially support thispool through the purchase of neededequipment, funding of capitalimprovements and subsidizing thecost of swimming lessons for localyouth.

During the 1980s, the Lions helpedto promote the local businesscommunity by sponsoring Town andCountry Tradefest at the communitycentre and large dances in the newarena were also major fundraisers inthe 1980s.

Throughout the 1990s, the duckraces and Christmas raffles wereadded as fundraising activities and

then in 2014, an annual fiddlejamboree was added. In 2016, theBrussels Lions held their firstcommunity breakfast whichimmediately proved to be verysuccessful.

When the village’s Carnegie librarywas expanded and renovated, theBrussels Lions contributed $20,000and then in 2016 the club contributed$8,000 to the Brussels Legion’saccessibility and facilityimprovements.

As a result of the very generoussupport of the citizens of Brussels andthe surrounding area, it is estimatedthat since 1946, close to $700,000 hasbeen raised and returned to thecommunity by the Brussels LionsClub. Since the club’s inauguralmeeting, members of the communityhave entrusted the Lions with theirmoney to do what needs to be doneboth at home and around the world.

Although the bulk of the fundsraised are spent locally, the club iscalled upon to assist in other parts of

Being seenCelebrating seven decades in the community is no smallaccomplishment and the Brussels Lions Club achieved theirlongevity by being seen. Here is one of the club’s paradefloats, making its way through the streets in 1981. (Photosubmitted)

Release the ducks!The Brussels Lions Club’s annual duck race fundraiser hasquickly evolved into one of its biggest of the year, and it’scertainly a spectacle that draws a crowd when the weatherin the village is beautiful, as it so often is on the day of theduck race. (Photo submitted) Continued on next page

PAGE 12. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016. PAGE 13.

Congratulates and sends sincereappreciation to the

Brussels Lions Club for servingthe community for 70 years!

Brussels Lions Club 70th Anniversary Celebration

CongratulationsBrussels Lions Club

on 70 Years of Service

from

Brussels Legion

Branch 218

HURON FEEDINGSYSTEMS

JOE SEILIBrussels

519-887-6289

Come for a visit and see ourvarious equipment lines

Best Wishes Brussels Lionson 70 Years of Service

Thank you Brussels Lions for 70 Years of Service

McGavinFarm Equipment Ltd.

"Celebrating 80 years in business 2016"

We can help you with ROPS(Roll Over Protection

Structures)

Walton519-887-6365 OR 1-877-887-6365

70 Years of Service ~ CongratulationsBrussels Lions!

Brussels 519-887-6273

Todd Wheeler Insurance Inc.

Office: 519-357-0155Fax: 226-889-8944Home: 519-887-9327

75 Sports Dr., Brussels

Thank you for 70 years of ServiceBrussels Lions!

Jacquie GowingAccounting

ServicesAccounting & Income Tax Preparation

Personal, Farm, Business & Corporate

• Monthly Bookkeeping Services• Electronic Tax Filing

519-887-9248

Thank you Brussels Lions for 70 YearsDedication serving our community

Thank you for 70 Years of Service

Downtown Brussels 519-887-8011

The Municipalityof

Morris-Turnberry

Brussels Optimist

Club

Wishes to thank the BrusselsLions on their dedication and

service for 70 years in ourbeautiful community.

Municipality ofHuron East

1-519-527-01601-888-868-7513 (Brussels)

Congratulatesthe BrusselsLions on 70

Years of Service

Call us 519-887-6461

Visit our webpage at:www.brusselslivestock.ca

email us at: [email protected]

BRUSSELSLIVESTOCK

Thanks the Brussels Lionsfor their 70 years of service

to our community!

CRAWFORD, MILL & DAVIESROSS E. DAVIES, B.A., LL.B., U.L.

CONOR T. O’KEEFE, B.A., B. Mgmt., LL.B.BARRISTERS & SOLICITORS

Thank you for 70 years of ServiceBrussels Lions!

Congratulations Brussels Lions

on your 70th Anniversary

P.O. Box 69, Brussels, Ontario N0G 1H0DOUG SHOLDICE, CIP CAIB RIBO

Office: 519-887-6100 FAX: 519-887-6109 Res.: 519-887-9820

e-mail: [email protected]

Thank you for 70 years ofdedication & service

Brussels Agri Services Ltd.Congratson your

70thAnniversary

Gas Bar &Family

Restaurant • Pizza, Subs • Daily Specials • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

• Eat in or Take Out

Gasoline

Congratulations Brussels Lions!

Open 7 days until 9:30 p.m.390 Turnberry St., Brussels

519-887-6951

428 Turnberry St., Brussels

Lucy’s Crafts• sewing • knitting • crocheting • mending

Thank you Brussels Lionsfor 70 Years of dedicated service

to our community

BonnieSallows

Aesthetics Electrolysis Manicures, Pedicures, Facials

791 Sports Dr., Brussels, Ont. N0G 1H0

519-887-6661

Job Well Done!

Congratulations Brussels Lionson 70 years of service

83997 Brussels LineRR #2 Brussels, ON N0G 1H0SHOP: 519-887-6916

FAX: 519-887-6949

Greg & Jim Ryan

Thank you Brussels Lions!

FEED STORESDUNGANNON 519-529-7951

1-800-665-5675WALTON 519-887-6023

COUNTRYSTORE

WALTON 519-887-8429

440 Turnberry St., BRUSSELS

519-887-6851

42659 Walton Rd. WALTON VENTURE CENTRE519-887-9393 ~ Walton

email: [email protected] Made in Canada

Cotton Barmy Bags™ The Natural Choice

Congratulations Brussels Lions on 70 years of service

Box 1028Wingham, ON N0G 2W0Tel: 519-357-3630 Fax: 519-357-2798

Box 104Brussels, ON N0G 1H0Tel: 519-887-9491Fax: 519-887-9148

Box 610Lucknow, ON N0G 2H0Tel: 519-528-2818 Fax: 519-528-2848

Box 100Ripley, ON N0G 2R0Tel: 519-395-2633Fax: 519-395-4947

Congratulations and Best WishesBrussels Lions Club

Congratulations and Best WishesBrussels Lions Club

Thank you for your dedication andsupport to our community

BRUSSELSAGRICULTURAL

SOCIETY

Brussels, Ont.519-887-6277

www.mcdonaldhomehardware.com

McDonaldHome Hardware Building Centre

Thank you Brussels Lions for youongoing support in

our community.Wishing you all the best as youcelebrate 70 years of service.

565 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-6224

• GROCERIES • POP • LOTTERY TICKETS • ICE

• SLUSHIE MACHINES • MOVIES

Brussels Variety

Open 7 days a week

ATMMachine

Congratulations Brussels Lions on 70 Years!

Murray’s BarberShop

Brussels 519-887-9616

• Windows • Doors • Decks• Additions • Roofing

Gerald ExelCarpentry

Renovations & New Construction

CongratulationsBrussels Lions

on 70 years of servingour great community!

503 Turnberry St., Brussels

519-887-6006

Best WishesBrusselsLions on

70 Years ofServing ourCommunity!

FreeWifi

122 Main St. E., Listowel

519-291-4440

Carpet One Floor & Home

“You can’t pass on TenPas, where the welcome mat is always out for you!”

TENPAS DECOR

This year, the Brussels Lions Clubis celebrating its 70th anniversary.

This landmark event means that forseven decades, dedicated men andwomen from the village have beenvolunteering their time to worthycauses throughout Brussels andbeyond, making a difference.

This occasion was marked onSaturday night with a specialanniversary celebration thatwelcomed Lions, their families anddignitaries from throughout theorganization to Huron County.

The evening, which was emceed byLion Neil McGavin, also marked adonation from the Lions Club to theBrussels Legion Building Fund. Thecheque was presented by PresidentJohn Gillis and Vice-President CoraAlcock.

The first meeting in the history ofthe Brussels Lions Club was held onMarch 29, 1946. It was a Friday. TheSeaforth Lions Club, chartered in1924, that sponsored the founding ofthe Brussels club.

The Brussels club then held itsofficial charter night on Wednesday,

April 17, at which time the clubinducted its board of directors. Themeeting was held at MelvillePresbyterian Church. It began at 7p.m. and was called to order bySeaforth Lions Club President RossScott.

The inaugural slate of officersinstalled that night were: R.B.Cousins, president; L.W. Eckmeier,first vice-president; R.J. Bowman,second vice-president; Rev. H.C.Wilson, third vice-president; R.E.Johnston, secretary; R.C. McBride,treasurer; G.M. Laycock, Lion Tamer;D.A. Rann, Tail Twister and directorsK.L. Ashton, A. Wood, Dr. W.D.S.Jamieson and M. Wineberg.

The club welcomed 42 chartermembers to its first meeting.

Membership would fluctuate in thefollowing years from the chartermembership of 42. In the early 1960sthere were just 28 members, butmembership would then peak in theearly 1980s at 59. It would sit at 37 inthe 1990s.

Membership is currently 36,including five very active female

members. After first welcoming afemale member to the club in 2005,later this year the club will see its firstfemale president.

From the club’s early days,members have come from all walks oflife, including clergy, local businessowners, doctors and farmers.

After first receiving its charter, itdidn’t take the Brussels Lions long toget involved. In June, 1946, the clubhosted the popular CKNX BarnDance and collected clothing forNational Clothing Drive. Since thattime, funds have been raised for manyworthwhile projects in a wide varietyof ways.

Halloween parties were held eachyear from 1947 until the early 1960s.In 1952, a car raffle was held whichraised in excess of $2,500 – quite anaccomplishment for its time. Rodeos,minstrel shows, peanut sales, paperdrives, bingos and the Barrel over theDam contest raised funds throughoutthe 1950s and 1960s.

In 1961, the first Lions HockeyDraw was held. Its popularitycontinues to grow year after year and

has now become a major fundraiserfor the club.

Throughout the 1970s and early1980s, Polar Daize provided localswith the opportunity to have fun andfrolic in the cold, participating inskating carnivals, dances on the ice,the Polar Dip and the ever-popularThunder Mug races. Radio bingos,walkathons and canoe andsnowmobile races also helpedcontribute during this period.

In 1972, the first Lions EliminationDraw was held with the intent to raisefunds for the construction of the newarena and community centre for thevillage and the surroundingcommunity. This annual event hascontributed more than $200,000 sincethat time; money that has been spenton a wide range of communityprojects.

During the 1970s, the BrusselsLions Club was one of the drivingforces during the planning andconstruction of the Brussels, Morris and Grey Community Centre and was one of the project’s major contributors with

a donation of more than $18,000. The single largest project in the

history of the club however, occurredin 1984/1985 when the Lions Clubdecided to build a swimming pool forthe village and its residents.Approximately $50,000 was raisedfrom various raffles and a door-to-door canvass to match an equalamount of government funding.

Even though the facility was turnedover to the municipality on openingday in 1985, the Brussels Lions havecontinued to financially support thispool through the purchase of neededequipment, funding of capitalimprovements and subsidizing thecost of swimming lessons for localyouth.

During the 1980s, the Lions helpedto promote the local businesscommunity by sponsoring Town andCountry Tradefest at the communitycentre and large dances in the newarena were also major fundraisers inthe 1980s.

Throughout the 1990s, the duckraces and Christmas raffles wereadded as fundraising activities and

then in 2014, an annual fiddlejamboree was added. In 2016, theBrussels Lions held their firstcommunity breakfast whichimmediately proved to be verysuccessful.

When the village’s Carnegie librarywas expanded and renovated, theBrussels Lions contributed $20,000and then in 2016 the club contributed$8,000 to the Brussels Legion’saccessibility and facilityimprovements.

As a result of the very generoussupport of the citizens of Brussels andthe surrounding area, it is estimatedthat since 1946, close to $700,000 hasbeen raised and returned to thecommunity by the Brussels LionsClub. Since the club’s inauguralmeeting, members of the communityhave entrusted the Lions with theirmoney to do what needs to be doneboth at home and around the world.

Although the bulk of the fundsraised are spent locally, the club iscalled upon to assist in other parts of

Being seenCelebrating seven decades in the community is no smallaccomplishment and the Brussels Lions Club achieved theirlongevity by being seen. Here is one of the club’s paradefloats, making its way through the streets in 1981. (Photosubmitted)

Release the ducks!The Brussels Lions Club’s annual duck race fundraiser hasquickly evolved into one of its biggest of the year, and it’scertainly a spectacle that draws a crowd when the weatherin the village is beautiful, as it so often is on the day of theduck race. (Photo submitted) Continued on next page

PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 2016.

Brussels Lions Club 70th Anniversary Celebration

GODERICHLIONSCLUB

CONGRATULATIONSto the Brussels Lions Club

on their 70th Anniversary

LucknowLionsClubWe would like to wish the

Brussels Lions Club a Happy 70th Anniversary.

Congratulations Brussels Lions

DungannonLions Club

CongratulationsBrussels Lions on your

70th Anniversary of serving thecommunity and beyond.

Wishing all the best for the future.

Congratulations on your

70th AnniversaryFrom

Clinton LionsClub

Continued from previous pagethe world through LionsInternational. These initiativeshave included such things ascollecting used eye glasses foruse in developing countries,funding to help in the preventionof disease such as leprosy andblindness as well as faminerelief, literacy programs andproviding financial aid forvictims of natural disasters suchas hurricanes, earthquakes andfloods.

Health and special needscharities such as the CanadianNational Institute for the Blind(CNIB), Easter Seals, CrippledChildren, Canadian Associationfor the Mentally Handicapped,deaf, blind, The RonaldMcDonald House, victims ofdisaster and many local familiesin need have also been thebeneficiaries of the club over theyears.

Closer to home, the BrusselsLions continue to providefinancial support to a vast arrayof local communityimprovement projects andprograms including, sportsclubs, boy’s and girl’s clubs,school bands, area parks andrecreation facilities, youthgroups, home and schoolassociations, church groups andSanta Claus parades.

The Brussels AgriculturalSociety, local hospitals, foodbanks and a host of localcharities too numerous tomention continue to benefit

annually from the support of the club.The club has been a long-time supporter of

the Lions Youth Exchange program, both inproviding financial support to localparticipants travelling to other parts of theworld as well as hosting participants fromother countries and assisting with theDistrict’s Youth Exchange Camps.

In 2013, the club revived the Leo Club afternearly 25 years with 15 members inducted onits charter night. The club’s charter wasofficially presented on Monday, Sept. 23. Theclub’s first executive was: Seth Nichol,

president; Sean Mitchell, vice-president; Sarah Mitchell,secretary and Emily Mitchell,treasurer.

The Leo Club continues to bevery active and has taken onmany fundraising programs andprojects on its own since thattime, including a new sports padbeside the community centre,which has seen its use risesteadily since its opening lastyear.

The Brussels Lions firstintroduced the local Leo Club in1976. At first, it was very popularwith local youth, but it faltered inthe 1990s before being rekindledin 2013.

Success in any organization islargely dependent upon theparticipation and dedication ofits membership. The BrusselsLions Club has been fortunate tohave a constant mix of both long-term and new, younger memberscapable of working together.

New members are immediatelyplaced on club committees tobetter acquaint them with thefunctions of the club. Havingserved at the committee level,members are encouraged toproceed through the clubexecutive ranks with the ultimategoal of serving as club president.Aside from allowing members ofthe club to serve the community,membership in the club providesmany other benefits. Leadershipskills, public speaking, fun andfellowship are only a few of therewards of being a member of theLions Club.

The Brussels Lions Club continues to meeton the second and fourth Mondays of themonth, taking July and August off.

All members of the Brussels Lions Clubpast and present, as well as the localcommunity, shall be forever grateful to thegroup of gentlemen who got together in thespring of 1946 and chartered this fineorganization. Brussels and the surroundingcommunity have benefited for the past 70years from their foresight, and from thededication of members, both past and present.

The next generationThe Brussels Lions Club resurrected the LeoClub program in 2013 due to a great amountof interest from youth within the village. Afterseveral planning meetings, the club began,sponsored by the Brussels Lions. Here isSean Mitchell, left, receiving the Leo Club’sofficial charter in September of 2013 fromGord Mitchell. (File photo)

The icing on the cakeThe Brussels Lions Club celebrated its 70thanniversary with a special celebration onSaturday night. All members were welcomed,as were Lions dignitaries from all across thearea and both Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobband Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. Tokick off the evening, long-time members JimKnight, left, and Jim Armstrong cut theceremonial anniversary cake. (Jim Prior photo)

The Lions

Club ofAtwood

Best wishes to the Brussels Lions

on 70 years of service

Congratulations

John JohnstonMDA Council Chair

from

Brussels Lions Club

We would like to congratulatethe Brussels Lions on their

70th Anniversary

AUBURNLIONS CLUB

Happy 70th AnniversaryBrussels Lions Club!

Blyth Lions Club

Enjoy your celebrations!

Happy 70th Anniversary Brussels Lions Club

Wishing you all the best as youcontinue to serve.

Londesboro & District Lions Club

Lions Clubof

WinghamCongratulates the

Brussels Lions on their 70th Anniversary!

We wish you all the best as youenjoy your celebration.