History taken from program for 40th Anniversary Celebration in 1990 prepared by Lion Marty Molinari.
1950 - 1990
It was October, 1950 when Churchville was visited by a Special Representative of Lions Clubs International, Archie Hosburgh. Archie’s job was to recruit locals to start up Lions Clubs in their respective communities, thus joining the world's largest service organization. One of Archie's first stops was at the hardware shop where Fran Ehrmentraut and Ben Daycock were working and who, of course, would welcome any excuse to stop and chat.
That discussion produced a list of prospective businessmen and neighbors who might be interested in the spirit of Lionism. Archie had to be a super salesman, because he convinced enough of that group that such a Club could succeed. Since the motto of Lions International is “WE SERVE," the sense of community bond and service tied their individual energies into one. And so, with the Gates Lions Club as its sponsor, the Churchville Lions Club was chartered in November, 1950 with Gordon Johnson chosen as the Club's first president. With 29 charter members, Charter Night was held on January 23, 1951. The dues were $12.00 a year.
While there were many skeptics who thought the Club did not have a chance to succeed, history has shown them to be wrong. As with any organization, there is always a central core of individuals who possess enough dedication, enthusiasm, and desire to sustain the entire group. That charter roster contained many such individuals who started the many traditions we have today: Les Bater, Don Berle, Ben Daycock, Fran Ehrmentraut, Hy Fults, Gordon Johnson, Ralph Kendall, Leo Kruze, Leo Pancoast, El Wolfrom, Bob Zorn and Leo Zuch. They all became active Lions, took positions of leadership, and encouraged enough of their friends and neighbors to join the Club. Later, men like Carl Gartz, John Turner, Tom Hammel, Bob Zimmerman, Jim and Bob Ludwig, Glen Bater, Charlie and Ed Sadden, and Jim Rieflin extended themselves for the betterment of their community.
Lions are best known for their avid participation in programs to aid the blind and visually impaired. The Churchville Lions Club has actively supported the Leader Dog program over the years as well as the Batavia School for the Blind. In fact, when New York State was going to close that facility years back, Churchville Lions wrote letters to their elected officials and still help to keep the school in operation with their donations. The Club collects used eyeglasses as well as providing eye examinations for needy neighbors. The Club annually donates to the Riga Free Library and has purchased braille writers, large-print editions, and Books-On-Tape. The Club has historically provided leadership and support for the Journey For Sight.
For over 30 years, charter member Fran Ehrmentraut was co-chairman of the Club's medical loan closet. Crutches, canes, wheelchairs, hospital beds and all kinds of medical equipment were loaned out from Ehrmentraut’s Hardware. ln 1980, because of the need for additional space, the "closet" was moved to Lion Tim McElligott's garage. The club constantly upgrades the medical equipment with new purchases and gladly accepts used items from the community.
The Churchville Lions Club also actively supports the Empire State Speech and Hearing Clinic. The clinic offers a unique camping experience for the communicatively handicapped. Each spring a contingent of Churchville Lions has traveled to the camp near Ithaca to build new lodging, repair and paint existing facilities and do whatever tasks need to be done.
When the flood hit Elmira in 1972, many Churchville Lions went to the aid of their fellow New Yorkers. Over the years, the Churchville Lions “Contractors Crew” has become very adept at building ramps for the handicapped whether it be at the Library or at a residence. The Club has been instrumental in the construction of two pavilions (the Olmstead pavilion at Sprucewood Nature Center and the pavilion at the Town Recreation Center) as well as the storage shed and viewing platform at Sprucewood. Churchville Lions have been sighted painting houses and barns when the need has arisen. Past president Jack Muchler sums it up this way: "Our function is to be there to help our Riga friends and neighbors when they need assistance and to foster a strong feeling of community. Service to one's neighbor gives real meaning and purpose to Iife."
A majority of Churchville Lion activity is channeled in support of our children and the young. Past President Bob Strohmeyer echoes the sentiments of all Lions: "Our youth are our future, and we must endeavor to direct them toward becoming responsible young citizens. We can only do it through our encouragement and through our example."
ln this endeavor, Churchville Lions provide substantial monetary support to the Churchville-Chili Schools as well as the Churchville Youth Association. Over the years, the Club has sponsored pee-wee hockey in Brockport and little league baseball teams, and many Lions are active in Scouting. The Club has annually held the very popular Halloween parade and party to show our commitment to providing clean, safe fun for all kids. One of the bright spots of our winter season is the annual ice skating races where medals and prizes are earned in very competitive races for all age groups. Recently, to honor Past President and long-time co-chairman of the skating party, the Neil Stewart Memorial Race was started. This race is only open to members of the Churchville Lions Club, and the winner's name is engraved on a plaque.
To further demonstrate our complete involvement with our youth, since 1985 the Club has invested heavily in the Lions Quest Program. The Club has also worked very closely with other local organizations like CCARASA to deal with the drug and substance abuses that can plague our community.
To carry out these meaningful service programs requires a significant dollar expense each year. Funding has been obtained through a variety of events. For over 30 years, a community birthday/anniversary calendar sale has been held each September. Also, for about 30 years, the first weekend in May has seen Churchville Lions selling light bulbs door to door. Other fund-raising events have included chicken barbecues, armchair horse races, clambakes, euchre tournaments, and raffles too numerous to remember.
The Churchville Lions Club prides itself on being a club focused on the entire family. Regular ladies' nights provide dinners out and socialization. Our annual Fall Sports Night was started in 1980 and provides our children the opportunity to see and hear local sports personalities like Joe Altobelli and current Red Wing Baseball or Rochester American Hockey players. Picnics and parties of all kinds have strengthened that original bond of community.
And so, from that simple beginning four decades ago, the Churchville Lions Club has indeed come a long way. So many men of very diverse backgrounds and professions have stepped forward in service to their fellow man. It is with deep pride and thanks that we now honor each and every one of them. Their dedication has firmly established the Churchville Lions Club as one of the premier dubs in our District. It is also with great pride that in this, the Club's 40th year, we loudly applaud the Club's first District Governor, John Rabideau, for his tireless efforts in promoting Lionism. District Governor and past President John, a Churchville Lion for 17 years, says: “We must keep helping others -- it's as simple as that. Although we've come this far and touched so many lives, we can do so much more."
Lion Marty Molinari
