Letter: Williams Lions to start Leo Club for area youth

To the editor:

Last year the Williams Lions Club celebrated our 70th year. We have been instrumental in developing many popular attractions in the community including the Rodeo Grounds, a pool which has since gone, the Williams Ski area, Cureton Park Little League Fields, and the Tots Park. Some of our annual events are the Flags for First Graders Program, the Lighted Christmas Tree on the Hill, and for 70 years Toys for (Tots) Kids and let us not forget our mission of helping to eliminate preventable blindness.

This spring the 49th issue of the Williams Community Birthday Calendar will be available. Contact Lion Denis Kirkley for purchase or to be included (928) 814-2166.

2017 will be the Centennial for Lions Clubs International. Our Motto is "We Serve." Lions have already started celebrating 100 years of service through more service. We love Williams and to further serve Williams youth our Centennial Project is to bring back the LEO Club. Several of our community leaders and businessmen were LEOS back in the 1970's.

LEO Clubs are civic clubs for youths 13-18 years old. Membership provides leadership and training, experience of new people, places and things and opportunity for learning and to use their skills for community service. They will be responsible for creating their own projects which can encompass their own areas of interest and, of course, their own fundraisers. Members will also assist the Williams Lions Club with projects and fundraisers such as the Annual Fall Health Fair and the Mountain Man Run on Labor Day.

One of the objectives of Lions is to foster world peace. There are over 5,000 Leo Clubs in 143 countries. Opportunities abound for learning and sharing with other LEOs and LEO Clubs in state, national and international projects and activities. In this day of media and instant sharing, we even have a 'selfie' page. Local kids have told me they are looking for new things to do. This can provide a safe outlet for new experiences. It's also great for job and college applications.

Our first organizational meeting for parents and students is scheduled for Friday, April I5 from 11-noon in the Williams City Council Chambers. Membership is open to all local youth 13-18 years old. Meetings will be held outside of school hours (home schoolers are welcome) and will be determined by the members. Members will also elect club officers.

I would also like to invite any parent or interested community member to attend our Lions meeting (first and third Tuesday, 6:45 a.m. at Grand Canyon Coffee & Café). Yes, I know it's early but we're done by 7:30 a.m. so you can get to school or work. We may even treat you to breakfast and the Tail Twister is not allowed to fine visitors. Have some fun and join us.

Where there's a need, there's a Lion.

Patty Williams

President, Williams Lions Club

(928) 853-4974