Commission honors Clinton Lions Club’s 85th year
A crowd in signature yellow vests joined the Anderson County Commission and Mayor Terry Frank as they declared Nov. 5 as Clinton Lions Club Day, in horon of the club’s 85thanniversary.
Frank read a proclamation resolution giving details of the club’s history and thanking the club for going “above and beyond to serve others,” during the commission’s Oct. 20 meeting.
The club was organized July 2, 1940, and chartered that Sept. 10.
It is one of 250 Lions Clubs in Tennessee.
The club supports vision screening for students in Anderson County Schools and some daycares. It sponsors the monthly Anderson County Veterans Appreciation Breakfast.
Other projects supported include Learning Ally in Oak Ridge, Operation Kid Sight Outreach, Tennessee School for the Blind, Tennessee School for the Deaf, East Tennessee Lions Eye Bank, Leader Dogs for the Blind, diabetes awareness and childhood cancer research.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, which curtailed a lot of community events and activities, the Clinton Lions Club never stopped serving,” the resolution stated.
“The members simply pivoted and focused on providing gift cards to Food City and donations to fire departments and food pantries as well as providing meals for shut-in residents of our community,” it said.
“May their efforts continue for many years to come,” Frank said.
Gwen Cole, the club’s president, addressed the commission.
The day was also her 79th birthday.
“We’re honored to be here and honored to accept this,” she said.
The club’s 85th anniversary celebration took place at the Museum of Appalachia.