Rhinelander Lions Club marks 85th anniversary

According to a press release, the Rhinelander Lions Club celebrated its 85th anniversary Nov. 12 at Cabaret Cove.

The club was organized Aug. 19, 1940, sponsored by the Merrill Lions Club, with 31 charter members. Its first meeting was held Sept. 3, 1940, followed by a Charter Night celebration Oct. 8, 1940, at the Oneida Hotel.

Since its founding, the Rhinelander Lions Club has been part of Lions Clubs International, which was established in 1917 and now includes more than 1.4 million members in nearly 49,000 clubs worldwide. The organization’s motto is “We Serve.”

Several Lions leaders attended the anniversary event, including district governor Anne Madison of Iron River; District Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin coordinator Judy Hatz of Merrill; and zone chairman Jeff Koth of Gleason.

Madison addressed the club, offering congratulations on its service and accomplishments. Hatz presented Knight of Sight awards to Rhae Ellen Schnoor and Bruce Carlson for their dedication to vision-related service.

Mel Hook presented framed anniversary pin sets to Jeff Kataoka and Barb Haenel, recognizing their work in designing the club’s 80th and 85th anniversary pins.

Special recognition was given to Ed England, the club’s longest-serving current member, who has dedicated 56 years to the Rhinelander Lions.