Small victories are a big deal for Garrison service club

This June marks the 58th Anniversary of the Garrison Lions Club. No, it's not what is considered by most to be a 'big” anniversary, but in Garrison, every anniversary of this small eight-member club in a town of 350-plus people is considered a 'big one.”

Each year that the club continues to move forward is a milestone and is celebrated. This June two new members are set to join the Garrison Lions, sending membership into double digits. Eight members becoming 10 is a very big deal for this club. As membership in small town service clubs struggles across the state, Garrison is experiencing a resurgence of interest in their community, and so a 58th Anniversary is definitely worth celebrating. No need to wait until the 'big” 60th in 2017, small victories need to be observed and enjoyed now.

The eight members represent a wide range of careers including agriculture, insurance and theatre, as well as a range of ages. There are five male members and three female. The Garrison Lions were one of the first clubs in their 'zone” to invite women to join. Regularly meeting on the fourth Monday evening of each month, the recent gathering in May was filled with laughter, conversation about fundraisers, decisions on how to spend every dollar raised, and excitement that a community member in her 20s was seriously considering joining the club. Youth is the one demographic not represented in this active club.

At a recent meeting, the Treasurer's report was read and approved and discussion began on how to spend the funds. Donations to Lions' organizations including Leader Dogs, the Iowa and International Lions Foundations, District 9NE Diabetes and Sight First were all approved for contributions.

Closer to home, the Garrison Library, Fire Department, First Responders as well as the Vinton-Shellsburg Prom Committee and Camp Courageous were also allocated funds in addition to four scholarships awarded to graduating Vinton-Shellsburg students.

The purchasing, refurbishing and planting of eight flower barrels across town on May 16 and plans for a food and refreshment stand in support of Garrison's Fun Day scheduled for Sat., July 11 were also topics of discussion. A theatre ticket fundraiser in conjunction with the Iowa Theatre Artists Company in Amana was scheduled for Aug. 29 and the annual pizza fundraiser in November was also discussed.

Every dollar raised helps the club help the community. Monday, June 22 will mark the Garrison Lions' annual picnic with invitations going out to members' spouses and retired club members. It will be held in the community shelter house that was funded and built by Garrison Lions of a much earlier generation. There also will be an induction ceremony of two new members.

It will be a big celebration for a small club, and one that will be filled with family and fellowship enjoyed by members of a very important and much-needed service club found in just one small town in Iowa.

' Meg Merckens (aka Meg Johnson) has been a member of the Garrison Lions Club since 1991. She lived in Garrison 18 years and moved away in 1996. She currently lives in South Amana but continues her membership in the Garrison club and commutes to monthly meetings. She is the Artistic Director at the Iowa Theatre Artists Company in Amana. Comments: itac@southslope.net