Lions Club Contributes to Stow's 'Community'

The commitment to making your community a better place is a value that is shared across educational levels, economic backgrounds and religions. It transcends gender, age and ability. 

That commitment by our community members is one of the many things that I believe makes Stow such an outstanding city. And I believe that the people, events and things about Stow most worth celebrating are those that strive to improve the lives of our fellow community members. 

My grandfather was a coal miner in western Pennsylvania. He did not graduate from high school. He, my great uncles and other male relatives went down into the mines every day to the dark, dangerous and dirty work of coal mining. They did this work so their families could have a better life and I am so very proud to say that part of my family were miners — a profession not appreciated nearly enough. 

Even though he had a very hard job, little education and even less money, my grandfather knew a lot about the commitment to making his community a better place. He was on the team that taught mine safety to other miners and helped prepare them for the inevitable tragedies that occurred in the mines. He was a volunteer protective agent for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and worked with hunters during hunting season to ensure safety and enforce the law.  My grandfather was a tireless volunteer for his town’s EMS service and answered hundreds of emergency calls over the years. He also volunteered his time well into retirement with the Senior Citizens Center, often taking care of people younger than he was. 

But the thing I remember most about my grandfather’s commitment to his community was his work with the Lions Club. My sister and I had the honor of announcing him as the 1979 “Lions Man of the Year” — an event that I will always remember. 

The Lions Clubs work internationally to improve opportunities for people with vision impairments and provide needed services, as well as other service projects. I know my grandfather would be proud of the Stow Lions Club and all its efforts to help our community.

This past weekend, I purchased flowers from the Stow Lions Club at their annual Mother’s Day flower sale. The club has other fundraisers during the year, including the Race for Sight, PawFest and other events. Our Stow Lions Club uses their fundraisers to assist with many projects that aid people in need — they are a group of phenomenal community members.  

Here is just a sampling of the projects supported by our local Lions Club:

1.  Pilot dogs for individuals with visual impairments. The club’s most recent service dog, Charlie, just went to his new home earlier this year.
2. Collection of gently used eyeglasses that are re-purposed for individuals who do not have insurance or funds to purchase prescription eyeglasses. The Lions club also sponsors eye exams for people in need. Glasses can be donated at the or and SMF school building.
3. Eye care education in the Stow-Munroe Falls Schools. 
4. College scholarships for three graduating students, annually.
5. Stolion Awards that recognize SMF students who go above and beyond what is expected of them in effort, character and achievement.
6. Partnership with the Red Cross to . The next scheduled blood drive will be in July at .
7. Holiday food baskets for local families in need.
8. The Lions also have given grants for Stow’s Safety Town and S.O.A.R. playground, along with an annual collection of gifts for Toys for Tots.

The Stow Lions Club definitely works to make Stow a better community. I appreciate the time, energy and talents volunteered for our community by this group of dedicated people.  I know my grandfather would agree — we are lucky to have all of you and your commitment to Stow. 

Have a wonderful week, everyone!