Members of the Clifford and District Lions Club welcomed their newest member, Lois Zettler, to the club during a Lions induction ceremony on April 2.
Lions District Governor Al Leach, of Mount Forest, instructed sponsor Lion Fay Binkley to blindfold Lois Zettler. “I have asked you to spend a few moments in darkness. This symbolizes the life of the blind and is a reminder to serve our neighbors who are blind, stricken, and handicapped.”
As the purple Lions Club International candle was lit, Leach said the Lions Club started in 1917 and has grown to be the largest service organization in the world. The local district has 1,296 members in 46 clubs, with Lioness clubs in five communities.
The motto We Serve pairs with the club’s principle of "unselfish service."
Nine years after its founding, Helen Keller asked permission to speak at the international convention and asked the club to pick up her crusade. Since then, work with the blind is a major project of Lions Clubs.
As Zettler’s blindfold was removed, Leach said "hopefully, you will never have to spend any moments in darkness beyond those you have just experienced."
A yellow candle was lit, representing the charter of the Clifford club. Lions stand for liberty, intelligence, and the nations safety. Leach outlined rewards of membership, including community service, leadership, and an opportunity to express to others the goodwill in your heart.
Zettler agreed to abide by the Lions Code of Ethics, attend meetings regularly, contribute her fair share towards the financial support of the club, accept such assignments as are given her, and contribute her share to the programs of her Club, District, and Lions Clubs International.
She was presented with a pin, certificate, and membership kit and was congratulated by members of the Club including her husband, Garry Zettler, Fay Binkley, Ivan Campbell, Ruth Wolfe, Sheldon Wolfe, Judy Worsley, Allan Manning, and guests Donna Leach and Sheila Campbell.
