Community Notes: Charles City Lions Club: 103 years of service!

By Chuck Meyer, President, Charles City Lions Club

When one considers the fact the Charles City Lions Club was founded in 1921, it’s amazing to think how much our world has changed since that time.

Advances in medicine, technology and transportation have undeniably impacted our social and economic landscape in unmeasurable ways since that inaugural meeting.

What hasn’t changed is the philosophy of the Lions Club’s dedication to community and our world through service to others, promoting the principles of good citizenship and providing a forum for matters of community interest.

On a community level, one of our most visible projects is our Flags Over Charles City program – spearheaded by Lion Russ Schwartz since its inception.

If you aren’t familiar with our flag program, Lions Club members place flags at residential and business locations around Charles City on five federal holidays in exchange for a $50 annual fee.

This endeavor has quickly evolved into one of our largest fundraising efforts and continues to grow to the point where we’ve now involved youth from our local Trapshooting team.

Our longest-standing project, having been held almost every year since the 1960s, is our annual book sale. Even with today’s technology of podcasts and multiple sources of electronic media, we hear time and time again at the sale how “there is just something about holding a book and turning pages!”

This year’s book sale will be held at the former Oliver Tap (813 North Main Street) with opening day scheduled for Oct. 9.

Held every July in conjunction with the Northeast Iowa Regional Airport east of Charles City, our annual pancake breakfast is always a big hit with flight enthusiasts and the public alike.

Under the coordination of Lion DeLaine Freeseman we hosted 23 individual pilots and almost 500 people at this year’s event! This is also a great opportunity to showcase our local airport and what they have to offer!

From a service perspective, the Charles City Lions hold a proud legacy of promoting sight awareness and preservation for area youth.

In keeping with Lions International’s “KidsSight” program, Lion member Charley Perry leads the coordination of eyesight screening of pre-school aged children every late September/early October.

By utilizing specialty equipment, Lions volunteers screened 185 area youth in 2023! Those exhibiting any sight challenges during this process are referred to local optometrists for further, more in-depth exams.

In addition, the Charles City Lions have a collection box for used hearing aids and glasses, located at the Wilson-Lorber Lions Club Rose Garden at the corner of Main Street and Riverside Drive.

Having grown up in Charles City, it’s been a humbling experience to be a member of a club that has such a rich history of service to our community – a history we look forward to continue for the next century!

Thank you to the countless businesses, individuals and organizations that have supported this club through the years!

For more information on the Charles City Lions Club and upcoming events, I invite you to visit our website at https://charlescitylionsclub.org/.