(LEFT) Lion Dave Sobczak, owner of Sobczak Construction (left), presented Westfield Lions Club Board Chairman Rodney Benson with a ceremonial key to the Westfield Lions Community Center. (RIGHT) Lion Ron Mangus was named the Roy O. Hadley Lion of the Year. (Photos provided by Westfield Lions Club)
Club included building dedication for new community center
By JEFF LARRISON
Westfield Lions Club
On Oct. 4, the Westfield Lions held their 95th anniversary dinner and conducted a building dedication ceremony for their newly renovated community center. Chartered in October of 1930, the Westfield Lions are the longest running service club in Hamilton County and now have a community center that provides an affordable option for the public to rent for events.
Bob Benson is a longtime member of the Westfield Lions Club. (Photo provided by Westfield Lions Club)
The club began with 21 members attending their charter event in 1930 in the community room at the Westfield Library. Membership now stands at its highest count ever – 73 men and women who work to live up to Lions Clubs International’s motto, “We Serve.” As the club has grown over the years, the Lions have been able to expand their work and their influence in the community.
The Westfield Lions take pride in supporting the Westfield community and the wide-ranging local organizations that need its assistance, both with volunteers and donations. The Lions typically pour back over $50,000 per year into the community through donations to organizations like Open Doors Food Pantry, Heart & Soul Free Clinic, Westfield Youth Assistance Program, Westfield Education Foundation, scholarships for students, free eye exams and glasses for those in need, and the list goes on and on.
To help celebrate the club’s anniversary, Lions Clubs International sent International Director Ron Keller and his wife Kitty to serve as the keynote speaker. Club officers from all over central Indiana also attended the event. The dinner was prepared by the Westfield High School Foodies and the evening’s entertainment was provided by the Westfield High School Signature Sound Choir.
Lion Tracy Rogers introduces International Director Ron Keller and his wife Kitty. (Photo provided by Westfield Lions Club)
To wrap up the extensive and highly successful community center renovation project, Lion Dave Sobczak, owner of Sobczak Construction and the project manager for the renovations, presented Westfield Lions Club Board Chairman Rodney Benson with a ceremonial key to the building. Sobczak’s countless hours of work resulted in a community center/clubhouse that is arguably the best in Indiana.
Indiana 25-D District Governor Jim Dubeansky speaks to the crowd. (Photo provided by Westfield Lions Club)
After a great evening of fellowship, food, and entertainment, the Lions presented their annual Roy O. Hadley Lion of the Year Award. Ron Mangus was this year’s recipient for his work as a club officer, his critical role on the club’s poker tournament committee and his consistent presence volunteering at numerous events.
To find out more about the Westfield Lions, or how to rent their community center, go to westfieldlions.org.
