Celebrating 75 years of service to the community
2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the Churchville Lions Club. It was October 1950 when a representative of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organization, visited Churchville in search of community leaders interested in establishing a local Lions Club. He hit a bullseye when he stopped at Fran Ehrmentraut’s hardware store, and the wheels were quickly set into motion. Within three months, the Charter Night was held, with 29 Charter Members. The skeptics who said the group would fail were proven wrong as the club started to make an immediate impact on the local community. The activities that were Lions International trademarks—such as a Medical Loan Closet, a light bulb sale, a birthday and anniversary calendar, and programs to support youth—became visible, and the club grew in both membership and activities.
On Saturday, October 18, the Churchville Lions Club celebrated its 75th anniversary with a party at Jack’s Place in Chili. The featured speaker was Churchville Lion John Rabideau, a Life Member (52 years) of the club and a past International Director, past District Governor, and twice past President of the club. Lion John shared many memories of Lions’ activities and service to the Churchville-Riga community. Current District Governor Tom Flaherty also spoke of the Lions’ motto of “We Serve.” Guests included several past District Governors, many members of neighboring Lions Clubs, the Riga Town Supervisor, and the Churchville Village Mayor.
Churchville Lion President Joe DeLeo presided on his 75th birthday (appropriate for the evening’s festivities) and was surprised with “Happy Birthday” and his own cake. He then presented several awards to Churchville Lions Club members in attendance: Lion Mel Sand received a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, Lion Mark Kohler received a Robert J. Uplinger Distinguished Service Award, Lion Nancy Steedman was recognized as a Career Lion, and Lion Jill Kohler was recognized as Lion of the Year. Past District Governor Judy MacKnight then inducted Rob Phillips as the newest member of the Churchville Lions Club.
The evening celebrated the rich history and achievements of the Churchville Lions and its members. A video display featuring hundreds of photos showcased past and present members, as well as the numerous activities the club has been actively involved in over these decades. A memorabilia table highlighted past District Governors: John Rabideau and Peter Neidrauer, as well as photos and programs from the annual Country Fair, the Community Music Festival, the annual Luminaria Ceremony, and the Churchville-Chili LEO Club. Also included were maps of the Town of Riga’s South Sanford Park, featuring trees planted in memory of deceased Lion members, and the memorial bricks at the Village Memorial Park.
The Churchville Lions Club continues to serve the Churchville-Riga community and looks forward to another quarter century of service to all neighbors in need. New members are always welcome; simply contact the club at churchvillelions364@gmail.com
