The Harvard Press has launched a series of articles spotlighting local organizations. Each article features a Q&A with a representative of a local organization. The idea is to inform readers about what organizations are in town, what they do, and how to get involved. If you would like your organization to be featured, please contact the editor at editor@harvardpress.com or 978-456-3700.
This week we’re featuring the Harvard Lions Club.
Q&A with Bob Kinnee, president
Organization name: Harvard Lions Club
How would you describe the group?
Chefs Chris Basille, Gary Clements, and Paul Kudlich take a break from cooking at the Lions Club food booth at last October’s flea market. (Photos by Lisa Aciukewicz)
We’re just ‘regular’ men and women of varying ages, interests, and backgrounds. There are no particular membership requirements, secret handshakes, or initiation rituals. We all share a sense of personal fulfillment from helping others, and enjoy the camaraderie of working together to put on fundraisers such as the Fall Festival and enjoying all the other social opportunities and good times that come with being a Harvard Lion.
Most members are still busy with their careers and so must pick and choose the activities that fit their interests and schedule; they can put in as much or as little time as they have available. There’s a fit for everyone and demands on no one.
What is the purpose or mission of the group?
Like the other 45,000 chartered Lions clubs, our motto and mission is, “We serve!” This includes raising funds for charities that support the vision and hearing impaired, disabled and terminally ill children, disabled veterans, victims of natural disasters, and many others. We also serve our local community by helping families experiencing hardships, youth development programs, special education needs, town emergency services, senior citizens, and many other town organizations and programs. We also serve the community through service projects, such as screening school children for sight and hearing deficits (utilizing the Lions’ “Sight Mobile”).
What would you most like people to know about the group?
We’re more than a service organization; we’re also very much a social club. Becoming a Harvard Lion is a great way to not only help others and give back to the community but also to meet new people, enjoy the camaraderie and fun of planning and executing events with other members and participating along with your spouse or significant other in our many social gatherings. It is this dual emphasis on service and having fun—always enjoying ourselves regardless of the task at hand—that is so special and attractive about our club. As more and more have come to know us, we’re very proud our membership has nearly doubled to 61 in just the past couple of years.
Are there activities planned for this year?
Fireworks explode over the the craft tents during last September’s Lions Club Fall Festival.
Our teams are already having fun working on this year’s Fall Festival (Sept. 15–16) and we will once again cosponsor the Battle of the Bands (Sept. 14) for the youth of our community.
We’re also getting ready to once again provide food service at the July 4 town celebration featuring the expanded menu introduced last year. This summer we will also be the food provider at the Fruitlands’ outdoor concert series as well as at Carlson’s Peach Festival and in the fall at the town Flea Market in October. We will also continue our recent tradition of supporting the town Halloween celebration by providing free hot dogs, popcorn, and other treats!
When was the group formed?
The Harvard Lion’s club was chartered by Lions Clubs International way back in 1957. So we’ve been a part of the Harvard community for quite a while.
Is there a history to the group? What brought the group together?
A group of Harvard residents wanted to do more to help the needy and support their community while at the same time establish something of a “club-like” atmosphere that would be personally enjoyable for members.
Some of the early charter members had experience with Lion Clubs in other geographic areas and thought that would be a good model to follow…and so the Harvard Lions were established. While our charter members are long gone, we still have many members with more than 20 and even 30 years of service; our longest-serving member is going on 49 years. Together with all of our new members we have a very healthy membership mix that preserves our valued legacies while also giving rise to new ideas and programs.
Are there memorable moments or events that you would like others in town to know about?
Several immediately come to mind: The recent addition of our 60th current member was quite a milestone. (We’re now at 61!) The ability to donate $50,000 in each of the past two years made us feel really good! Our Fall Festival event that keeps growing by leaps and bounds exceeded all expectations this past year. (Thank you, Harvard!) Last, but not least, recognizing Bill Hazel with the Lions lifetime membership award for all that he has done as a Harvard Lion for more than 30 years, not to mention the exceptional generosity of him and his wife Nancy, which makes the Fall Festival even possible.
Who may join?
The Lions Club mascot makes an appearance at the Fall Festival.
Adults 18 and older are all welcome. While some may think we are a men’s-only club, that is far from the case. We have many women in our club and are always looking for more. We also have husband/wife members and, again, would love to have more. While all but three of our existing members live in Harvard, that is not a requirement; those from neighboring towns are also welcome.
Who might be most interested in your group?
Any man or woman (or couple) who is interested in becoming a bit more involved in the community and/or in giving more meaning to their lives by helping others…or perhaps it’s an interest in meeting new people, having more social opportunities, and enjoying the camaraderie of working on fun events. This is also a great organization for anyone who doesn’t have a lot of time to commit and doesn’t want to get involved over their heads. As a Harvard Lion, how much time you give is entirely up to you.
When and where does the group meet?
Between September and May we meet the second and fourth Thursday of each month for a social reception, dinner, and business meeting at the Old School House Pub & Restaurant in Hudson. In addition, specific event teams have their own meetings (always part-social, part-business, as is the Lions way) and the entire club, along with spouses, gathers for various social events throughout the year
Who are contacts for the group for general information and/or membership?
Feel free to contact any of our club officers or other members listed in the membership section of our website, or simply contact me at 456-6946 or rkinnee@charter.net. Anyone who is interested in learning more about our club is cordially invited to be our guest at one of our regular dinner meetings where you can get a feel for the club firsthand. There is absolutely no obligation.
Does the group have a website?
We encourage everyone to check us out at www.harvardlions.org.
