The Town of Wheatfield Lions Club is sponsoring an open house in the celebration of the Lions Club Centennial year (1917-2017). The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at the Lions' Five Senses Park located next to the Wheatfield American Legion Post No. 1451 at 6535 Ward Road.
A flag raising ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. with lion dignitaries and local elected officials. The event will continue with hayrides, and balloons, face painting and washable tattoos for children. Also offered will be tours of the clubhouse facility, which includes the club's loan closet of medical assistant equipment. Free refreshments will also be offered.
The first Lions Club was founded in Chicago by Melvin Jones. He believed this club was an opportunity to reach out to others in fellowship and service to people in need.
This was the beginning of a service to others that has grown to 46,000 clubs, 1.4 million members and 200 countries and geographical areas.
Lions have changed from offering programs to benefit the blind, which still continues, to becoming a part of other humanitarian services.
In 1987, women become members of the Lions Club.
The Town of Wheatfield Lions Club was chartered in 1973. It is the only club in Western New York with a clubhouse, pavilion and a 13-acre park. It also has the only Lions Club loan closet for medical assistant equipment on fee loan to residents who are in need.
Available are wheelchairs, medical beds, crutches and other equipment.
The motto for all Lions Clubs is "We serve."
