It’s official: West Concord has a Lions Club

The “newest Lions Club in the whole world” became official Sunday night as the West Concord Community Lions Club received its Charter and inducted the first members at Charter Night at the West Concord Historical Society.
The evening included a social hour, buffet catered by Omar’s Café and the program.
More than 20 charter members were inducted into the organization, the club received its charter and officers were installed.
The idea of a new Lions group was first publicized last summer and over the course of a couple months, a core group of interested people was put together. The Dodge Center Lions Club served as the sponsoring club.
Bruce Beck, past international director of Lions International, was the guest speaker and assisted with the program along with Dale Lipke, the District governor.
Beck was the speaker for the evening welcoming the West Concord members to the international service group. Those being inducted, he said, make up the newest group of Lions in an international organization that includes 1.4 million members worldwide.
“We’re all in this together,” he said. “You’re not jumping into this alone. I’m here to show support and welcome you to the Lions family.”
As a Lion, he said, the members will make friends from all over the world, share good times, have fun and make the world a better place through the service projects of the organization.
“I’ve got a good feeling about the West Concord Lions Club,” Beck said. “You’re going to rock this town.”
Installed as officers of the new group were Mary Gillard, president; Kristen Bachman, vice president; Wendy Naze, secretary and Nicole Erickson, treasurer.
Charter members of the club are Neal Bachman, Kristen Bachman, Katie Badenhorst, Petrus Badenhorst, Amanda Braithwaite, Rick Braithwaite, Steve Boe, Ray Courson, Nicole Erickson, Patricia Gerbozy, Mary Gillard, Beth Glarner, Scott Glarner, Elaine Hanenberger, Colton Larson, Jeff McCool, Wendy Naze, Mike Naze, Christina Peterson, Norman Peterson, Raelene Radtke and Curt Rapp.
The Charter Night was also attended by members of the sponsoring Dodge Center Lions Club as well as Lions from neighboring clubs in Kasson-Mantorville, Zumbrota and Pine Island.