Winthrop Lions Club celebrates 40 years

by Michael Mattison
It was a wonderful Tuesday evening as members of the Winthrop Lions Club were joined by about 40 others to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the local club.
The Winthrop Lions Club started on May 25, 1983, with its organizational meeting at the Winthrop Clinic. Charter Night was held October 1, 1983 at City Hall where they were served roast beef and chicken “The Zabel Special” which was served at the anniversary as well.
Dr. Dean Bergerson was a member of the Arlington Lions Club and was asked if he would help to start the organization in Winthrop. Bergerson met with Dean Conklin to discuss the idea and from there it took off. Bergerson said in his presentation that Winthrop was very receptive to having a club.
Three of the charter members gave speeches as well. Dave Schauer presented a history of the club while decorated members Scot Kuester and Tom McCarthy spoke.
They received their first female member in 1992.
The Lions Club has been very active and Schauer hit some of the highlights. They purchased a piano for City Hall, a Jaws of Life for the fire department, personal first aide kits for ambulance members, a defibrillator for the police department, benches for the parkm a training mat for the police and Welcome to Winthrop signs. They are currently working on getting a pavillion for the park.
The Lions began their omelette breakfast in 1987 and it still is held each year.

For more photos of the event, check out the June 14 issue of the Winthrop News.