History of Millerstown Lions Club

The Millerstown Lions Club was organized September 23, 1941 with 25 members. The first slate of officers for the new organization were Blair R. Bice, President; Chester A. Ulsh, Secretary. Treasurer is unknown.

The local Lions club presently meets on the first and Third Thursday of each month, September through May. The first meeting is held at the Millerstown Senior Center and the third meeting is a dinner meeting at the Millerstown Fire Hall, catered by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Fire Department.

The Lions have sponsored Midget Ball Teams for approximately 36 years, Boy Scouts for 53 years, and Cub Scouts for 48 years.

The Lions are known for their Chicken Bar-B-Q's some of which are to help with scouting projects. Each year, they also hold a hoagie sale to benefit the local scouting movement.

Each year, the club donates approximately $1,400 to local and Lions District14T projects including sight preservation, diabetes, Beacon Lodge, and Leader Dog. They also purchase new eyeglasses for needy families in the Greenwood School District and collects used eyeglasses to be recycled. During 2003, over 210 pairs of glasses were collected; during 2004, 137 pairs were collected. Drop-off point is the Juniata Valley Bank in Millerstown.

One of the major projects of the Millerstown Lions has been to purchase and install Christmas Lights for the square and most recently entire Market and Sunbury Streets. Each year, they hold the annual tree lighting with entertainment and the arrival of Santa Claus. They also built the Bar-B-Q pit at the Millerstown pool recreation area and they also paint and maintain the picnic pavilion at the park.

Other projects include sponsorship of the Millerstown Lions Halloween parade at a cost of over $315. The also sponsor a $100 Citizenship award to a deserving senior at Greenwood High School each and co-sponsor a Peace Poster Contest with the Liverpool Lions Club. The Club members also have brooms for sale at a price of $9. The brooms are made by the blind.

Lion Barner Swartz is the only charter member remaining in the club, being a member for over 64 years. The oldest member of the club is John Weigle. Mr. Weigle has also been a member for over 61 years transferring from the New Bloomfield Club. Other long time members include Ted Furry (50 years), John Allen Hall (50 years), George Byers (49 years), and Leonard Beasom (47 years).

Officers for 2004-05 are Glen Byers, President; Bob Rotingzer, First Vice President; Richard Sarver; Second Vice President; David Foose, Third Vice President; Leonard Beasom, Secretary Treasurer for over 46 years; Lion Tamer, Robert Ackard, and Tail Twister, Jim Hoffman. Board of directors are Billy Roush, Bob Brofee, and John Beaver.


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