Terry Austin speaks to Lions

The El Dorado Springs Lions Club, the town’s the oldest Civic Club, recently met at Pappy’s Home Style Restaurant for their regular meeting. Joining them at their meeting were Lions, Jerry and Judy Young, rebuilding Lions from the Springfield Host Club and Terry Austin, our speaker for the evening and founder of Community Diaper Outreach, a non-profit program collecting and distributing diapers where and when needed. As she explained the development, operation and growth process of her non-profit, Terry reminded the Lions that, “what worked ‘then’ (in the ‘60s) may not work ‘now’.” She noted that she was familiar some things the Lions of El Dorado Springs do, or used to do, but, “that was then.” She then offered encouraging options to help them “update” their efforts for re-growth.

The Lions began serving this community in 1962, and have enjoyed providing many lasting amenities, such as four picnic tables, a fountain and Shelter House in the City Park, and building and lighting the Helicopter Landing pad at Cedar County Memorial Hospital. In 1989, the Lions were donated a tract of land, and have maintained the five-acre John and Dorothy Mitchell Park free to the public. That same year, the Lions constructed a classroom in their building for the El Dorado Pre-School, and have maintained a harmonious relationship for 40 years. More recently, Lions have constructed numerous wheelchair ramps for handicapped citizens of our community. Their “Pet” project, however, is their annual Shop-With-A-Lion event; taking underprivileged children shopping for a better Christmas. Funds for all these projects are provided by the community supporting the Lions at their concession trailer during the Annual Picnic, and their twice-yearly breakfasts: Pancakes and Sausage or Biscuits and Gravy.  To learn more about, or to become a part of this, the oldest service organization in town, just call or text Lion “Rosy” at 417-876-7036, send an e-mail to <RosyLion_One@yahoo.com> or drop by the Lions Club any First or Third Tuesday at 7:00 p. m.

Article by Lion James W. Rosbrugh, club secretary. Photo courtesy of Lion Jerry Young.