Somerset starts new Lions Club

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Somerset Lions Club was enrolled into Lions Club International during a charter banquet dinner held on Oct. 17 at River’s Edge Supper Club in Somerset.

“Twenty-five local men and women began signing up as charter members back in May of 2009,” according to Dan Gaeu of the Hudson Lions Club. “I feel we have the people in place to make this an outstanding club.”

Gaeu and Ron Duffe have been very active in recruiting and guiding the new members.

The charter members include David Bracht, Doug Briggs, Missi Fazekas, Ted Germain, Mark Hein, Scott Hovet, Jeffrey Johnson, Jeff Kulibert, Rick Lange, Shawn Madden, Gregg Miller, Brad Nemec, Bartt Palmer, Bill Powers, Christopher Rud, Art Rutscher, Ed Schachtner, Norma Scott, Lisa Sicard, Ryan Sicard, Eric Solum, Brian Smith, Lisa Thompson and Shari Walters.

Club officers include Doug Briggs, president; Bartt Palmer, first vice president; Shari Walters, secretary; Rick Lange, treasurer; Ryan Sicard, membership chair; Eric Solum, tail twister; Art Rutscher, lion tamer; Christopher Rud, two year director; and David Bracht, one year director.

The primary draw for members is the majority of donated hours and raised money stays in the Somerset community.

“We see no lack of opportunities to provide service time and financial assistance to local groups,” said Briggs.

Lions Club International provides aid for people world-wide with both sight and hearing disorders. In 1925, Helen Keller challenged Lions at the International Lion Convention to become “her knights of the blind.” This challenge inspired the contributions Lions Club International has made on behalf of the sight-impaired.

Several fund raisers have already been completed and collection containers for old eye glasses, hearing aids and cell phones are located at both Econo Foods and the post office in Somerset. Those wanting more information about the Somerset Lions Club can visit http://lionwap.org/eclub/sites/SomersetWi.

Tags: lions club, communities, somerset