On May 10th, the Dubuque Noon Lions Club will celebrate their 85th anniversary. The original club was chartered in 1922. R. P. Roedell was elected the President of this new organization. There were 19 members signing the charter. President Roedell said in a statement issued shortly after being honored with the presidency of the club: “Lions clubs are non-political, non-sectarian organizations, composed of representative business and professional men who fuel an interest in the welfare and progress of their city and community.”

Today Mr. Roedell’s remarks are still relevant; however, the membership rules have changed and now include women members. Lions International which was formed in Chicago in 1917, is the largest worldwide service organization with over l.4 million members.

Presently, the Dubuque Noon Lions has over 50 members. Some of these members have been in this club for over 50 years while others are new serving in their first year of membership.

The 2007-08 officers are President Jeff Klopfenstein, Secretary Clem Steele, lst Vice President Gene Noonan, 2nd Vice President Rick Kizer and Past President Jim Trannel. President Jeff Klopfenstein stated the club’s major fundraising effort has been the food stand at the annual Dubuque County Fair. The funds raised are used primarily to serve the visually impaired. Over 2500 preschoolers have been screened in the past three years with the outreach program, Coming to Your Senses. Eye exams, eye glasses, hearing aids and white canes have been provided by the Dubuque Noon Lions Club. Each year for the past 12 years, a $1000 donation has been given to a worthy youth organization. The Lion motto is “WE SERVE” and that is what the Dubuque Noon
Lions have done for 85 years and will continue to do in the future.

You are invited to join the Dubuque Noon Lions! If you are interested, please call Jeff Klopfenstein at 588-4319. Meetings are held each Wednesday at noon at the Sunshine Restaurant (3rd & White).