Category: Community

Greendale Lions exist to serve the community, here’s how we do it.

A Service Journey

Spring is turning into summer in Greendale! During this time of renewal (and also despite COVID-19), the Lions Club was able to help out its community on many different levels: to assist in times of crisis, to extend a helping hand, and to re-imagine itself so as to better serve the community and beyond.

Time of Crisis
This March, a suggestion from a community member launched the Lions Club into action. The plea was to assist in replenishing the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry shelves as they were having a difficult time getting enough donations from their parishioners. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardship and food insecurities for many more families than this food pantry normally served, and with the Easter holiday coming up, the need was growing. Within one day, the Lions Club President, pitched the idea for a food drive, gained approval from the Greendale Lions Board and rallied local community organizers to advertise. Immediately, club members volunteered to collect donations on Saturday-Sunday, April 4-5. During the weekend food drive, Lions members collected a tremendous amount of food (including hams, children’s Easter candy packages and butcher shop gift cards) along with just over $5,000 in money/gift cards, all while practicing “social distancing” and safe sanitization.

Janet Kloser, spokesperson for the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry, spoke of her gratitude for the effort. “We greatly appreciate each person’s and organization’s participation and generosity. Thanks to everyone!” she says. “The amount of donations – in food, money, boxes, space and promotions – is very humbling. We will be able to serve so many people, and no doubt our numbers will continue to go up over the next months,”Kloser adds.

A second event that showed “club and community” coming together during COVID-19 was the “Passport to 4.” The Lions Club greatly appreciates all the times the local restaurants stepped up to support its festivals, events and other Greendale fundraisers, so they felt it was the time for the Greendale community to return the favor.

For six weeks, the Lions were able to “serve” the community in a different way: urging Village residents to “support local” and patronize these restaurants to help them through this difficult time. The promotion offered a weekly drawing to win a $25 restaurant gift card by visiting four participating Greendale restaurants and entering the contest by providing the receipts. Success for both Village businesses and residents!

Extending a Helping Hand
With one door closing, another opens. This was the case when the Greendale School District discontinued being the Chartered Organization for Pack 505 and Troop 506 in Greendale.
As Lions Clubs and scouting organizations share common goals Greendale Lions Club: A Service Journey and foster the same ideals, it was an easy decision for the Lions Club to become the new Chartered Organization. It will be a great partnership: the scouts will be able to assist at Lions’ events to gain volunteer hours and the Lions will be able to offer opportunities for the scouts to get involved with community service, Eagle Scout projects and career skills.

A Solid Foundation
Service has always been the foundation of the Lions, and the Greendale Lions Club serves well. To further
promote making a real difference that people can see and feel, the Greendale Lions Foundation was created this spring. It’s existence is simple: to support the service, mission and goals of the Greendale Lions Club through
charitable giving to Greendale and the extended community. While the Lions Club will still continue to lend a helping
hand by sponsoring local community events, the Foundation now exists to take these efforts to a whole new level. Solely responsible for providing donations and scholarships to those who need the assistance, the Foundation will
continue to extend the compassionate giving of the Greendale Lions. There are many programs, groups and individuals that have benefited from the generosity of the Greendale Lions Club in the past – and the new Foundation will continue this history of giving. Please consider making a difference alongside the
Greendale Lions Club – donations to the Greendale Lions Foundation are always accepted and greatly appreciated, with 100% of these donations directly assisting those in need. The Greendale Lions Foundation
is a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit corporation, registered with the State of Wisconsin.

The Lions Of Summer

By Sue Bunker, President-Elect, Greendale Lions Club
from “LIFE IN THE VILLAGE“, SUMMER 2021, page 32

When the weather warms up, the Lions come out to play! A large component of the Greendale Lions Club service to the community involves providing entertainment, food and fun for the Village and visitors through the form of summer festivals. Not only does the Club host some of the festivals themselves, but they also partner with other village organizations and businesses to hold events that offer enjoyment for the residents. The second (and hugely important) service these festivals provide is the return of event profits to local, regional and national causes/groups/programs supported by the Greendale Lions Club. Visit greendalelions.org to see the many organizations that benefit from the Lions’ donations.

Be sure to mark your calendars for these upcoming Lions’ summer events:

• July 1-4, 2021: Family 4th Fest hosts popular bands, a craft bar, food and games to help celebrate our Independence Day. (see ad below). Then, the month of August brings a busy time for the Greendale Lions Club.

• August 12-15, 2021: Village Days Festival allows another venue not only for “bands, bars and bites,” but also the traditional Rummage On The Green and the annual Pancake Breakfast (held since 1960). See ad on page 37.

• August 21, 2021: GTO Car Show is a newer tradition that has made Greendale its home. While visitors enjoy viewing the many cars on display, the Lions provide their signature food and beverage choices for the crowd.

• August 27-28, 2021: J&J Construction “Thank You” Party J&J Contractors I is a growing Greendale business – and for the second year in a row they are holding a celebration to say “thank you” to their clients and to the Village it calls home. The Greendale Lions Club is proud to be their partner of choice to serve the food and drinks.

As the Greendale Lions Club continues to serve the community and beyond, a heartfelt “thank you” is sent to the outgoing Board of Directors. The newly elected Board is set to take office on July 1. Congratulations to them as they continue the tradition of Lionism: “We Serve.”

Greendale Lions Are Always Answering The Call!

By Pam Jankowiak, Greendale Lions Club

from “LIFE IN THE VILLAGE“, SPRING 2022, pg. 32

The Greendale Lions Club is here to serve – both socially and financially. We have answered many calls to serve the community and beyond over the past few months. Lions Club members are always rising to the occasion to help as needed!

In October 2021, the Greendale Lions answered the call from the Greendale Panther Athletic Booster Club to help staff the concessions stand during two high school football playoff games. We joyfully served up hot chocolate, pretzels, and popcorn – freeing up Booster Club parents to watch the game. It was great to volunteer at the very location of the athletic field scoreboard that the Greendale Lions co-funded several years ago.

In November and December, the Greendale Lions answered the call by sponsoring and staffing various firepits during the annual Tree Lighting and Dickens of a Village events in downtown Greendale, keeping thousands of fingers and toes toasty warm during these popular, winter gatherings.

The Greendale Lions also answered the call to help serve at the various Red Cross Blood Drives sponsored by the Village of Greendale. The next two scheduled Blood Drives are March 22 from 1 to 6 p.m., and April 28 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., both at the Hose Tower. Visit redcrossblood.org to schedule your appointment and for additional information.

This past January, the Greendale Lions answered the call to help the Greendale Health Department distribute N95 masks. Several Lions showed up in the frigid cold to help with the pop-up style drive-through distribution at Greendale High School – and were warmed with the thanks and gratitude from recipients.

The Greendale Lions answered the call to serve by providing financial support to area organizations, such as the Greendale Historical Society, Greendale High School Robotics Club, Greendale Youth Football, Greendale Panther Athletic Booster Club, Greendale High School Band, Reading Buddies Program and Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. The club is also proud to financially support various Lions-sponsored organizations each year.

Finally, the Greendale Lions Club is synonymous with serving the community by hosting great family-friendly festivals with fabulous entertainment. Be sure to mark your calendars for these two upcoming summer events:

• Greendale Lions Family 4th Fest 2022 (June 30-July 4) with food, drinks, fun, midway games/rides and musical headliners including The Now, Cherry Pie, Rebel Grace and Mount Olive.

• Greendale Village Days 2022 (August 11-14) with more fun, refreshments and musical headliners including The Toys, Hairbangers Ball, and Bella Cain.

As you can see, we are a busy, active service club of 70+ members strong. And we always have room for more! If you enjoy socializing, serving, and making a difference in the community – consider joining the Greendale Lions Club. Find more information at GreendaleLions.org. See another photo on pg. 36 of “Life In The Village”.

Bricks, Anyone? Own a Piece of Greendale!

By Sue Bunker, Greendale Lions Club Board Member

from “LIFE IN THE VILLAGE“, SPRING 2021, page 33

The structure in Gazebo Park on Broad Street signifies our “historic downtown.” It is a gathering place, a photo opportunity and a landmark for local residents. Beyond these visual cues, though, it also is a symbol of a vibrant, local club.

Desiring a distinctive place to congregate in the Village, the Greendale Lions Club was the sponsor for the initial building of the Gazebo – raising funds, designing the structure and securing the labor force (including volunteers). In the end, they produced a structure that has not only become an integral part of the Village of Greendale, but also continues to last as a memorial for events, Lions Club members and the families of Greendale. How? The foundation of the Gazebo is a tapestry of bricks that tell their own story of the history of Greendale.

As part of the initial fundraising for the Gazebo, the Lions Club developed the idea of selling bricks so the community could take part in contributing to the Village’s new gathering spot. Advertised as a way to memorialize a family, an individual, a company or a special group of people, residents purchased bricks so their names and/or personalized messages could be part of the base of the Gazebo. The response was overwhelming and the Lions Club sold enough bricks to complete the Gazebo floor. Today, these bricks form a solid foundation on which bands play, weddings take place and prom pictures are taken.

After these initial bricks were sold and installed, the Lions discovered that there was still an interest from many people. With no need to raise funds any longer and not having any space left for bricks on the floor of the Gazebo, the Club had to determine a way to satisfy all of these requests. Exercising their creative spirit, the idea of having bricked paths leading to the Gazebo was decided upon as the solution. The paths were implemented and for many years after the initial fundraising effort, many bricks continued to be sold and installed.

Taking a stroll around the Gazebo, on the paths and (most recently) around the water “bubbler” shows how a community has kept an old tradition alive as the bricks have become more creative in their presentation and wording. Also, the purchasers have become more varied beyond individuals and families. Companies, groups and high school classes now blend with the more familiar names scattered about Gazebo Park. It has been more then 25 years since the Gazebo was constructed (it was dedicated on 8/13/1995). Unfortunately, time can dim the memory of a localized effort that gave residents a sense of ownership in “their” Village. The ability to purchase bricks never stopped, it just landed “under the radar” as a quiet option available. The Lions Club wants to resurrect the idea that owning a piece of the Village of Greendale will always hold meaning for many residents.

Did you know that the tradition of purchasing bricks at the Gazebo still continues today? For only $35, anyone can imprint a name in the history of Greendale. Consider creating a lasting imprint for yourself, your family, a special someone, group or company that will broaden the rich tapestry already in place.

BUY A GAZEBO ENGRAVED BRICK! The Greendale Lions Club is accepting donations for engraved bricks to be placed in the path in front of the gazebo. Brick requests received during the year and before December 1 are installed the following spring. Single bricks will be engraved with names (no message) for a donation of $35. Two or more bricks will be engraved for a donation of $30 each. Applications will be accepted only if corresponding payment is made online for the proper amount. This opportunity has been made even easier: visit the Greendale Lions Club website (greendalelions.org), scroll down to the bottom of the home page and click on “Purchase a Gazebo Brick” on the “How Do I?…” page.

Visit greendalelions.org

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Bricks are now $40 each.

The Greendale Lions Club answers the community’s needs!

Greendale, WI, USA

“WE SERVE” is the foundation of Lions commitment and the Greendale Lions Club epitomized this motto during the COVID-19 crisis.

On March 27, 2020, a suggestion from a community member launched the Lions Club into action.  The plea was to assist in replenishing the food pantry shelves of a local church as they were having a difficult time in getting enough donations from their parishioners.  The COVID-19 pandemic has caused hardship and food insecurities for many more families than this food pantry normally served and with the Easter holiday coming up, the need may grow even more.

Within one day, the Lions Club President, pitched the idea for a Food Drive, gained approval from the Greendale Lions Board and rallied local community organizers to advertise.  Immediately, the club members volunteered to collect the donations on Saturday and Sunday April 4th and 5th, 2020. Within hours of the announcement, village businesses and residents showered the Lions Club with contributions: collection boxes, gift cards and specialty food items to name a few.  Even before the Food Drive took place, there was over $2,000 collected in online monetary donations!

During the weekend Food Drive, Lions members continued to collect food and money all while practicing “social distancing” and safe sanitization.  The outpouring of donations from the local community continued at a rapid pace and on the Monday after the Food Drive, the Greendale Lions Club was able to present the St. Alphonsus Parish Food Pantry with a momentous amount of food (including hams, children’s Easter candy packages and butcher shop gift cards) along with just over $5,000 in money and gift cards.  Incredible!

Janet Kloser, spokesperson for the St. Alphonsus Food Pantry, spoke of her gratitude for the effort: “We greatly appreciate each person’s and organization’s participation and great generosity!   Thanks to everyone! The amount of donations, in food, money, boxes, space, and promotions is very humbling. We will be able to serve so many people, and no doubt our numbers will continue to go up over the next months.”

This Food Drive showed “club and community” successfully coming together to eliminate a need during unprecedented times.  The Greendale Lions are in the process of discussing organizing a second Food Drive soon and continuing the effort going forward.

A word of thanks

“My goodness, let me say on behalf of the food pantry team and clients, we are just overwhelmed and grateful for these amazing results!!   

We greatly appreciate each person’s and organization’s participation and great generosity!   Thanks to everyone!   The amount of donations, in food, money, boxes, space, and promotions is very humbling.  We will be able to serve so many people, and no doubt our numbers will continue to go up over the next months.”

– Janet Kloser, Ellen Krueger, and Cathie Wilke

Pancakes, Pancakes, Pancakes! Greendale Lions Serve Them Up for 60 Years To Raise Money For Scholarships and More

For 60 years, the tradition of the Greendale Pancake Breakfast has been a part of the fabric of the Village. The money raised at these events has always been utilized for various causes over the years, but the  ultimate outcome of this “all-you-can- eat” meal was the ability to bring the  entire community together for food, fun and fellowship.

Being chartered in 1955, the Greendale Lions Club was desired to extend “Lionism” into the community. The original members put their heads together to determine how they could participate in local activities and raise money for Lions’ causes, all while serving the community.

Successful participation in Fourth of July celebrations (dunking booth included), sponsored dances and sports  nights brought in money for Eye Clinics, scholarships and the construction of the Youth Building.  While the first major undertaking for the Greendale Lions Club was to assist in the erection of the addition to the Memorial Youth Building, the first Pancake Breakfast was held to promote this project and raise funds. Saturday June 4, 1960, was selected and the function was held on the Youth Building grounds. Following the event, the newsletter minutes stated: “Pancakes Make Dough” An estimated $200 (about $1,700 today) profit was made available for the Youth Building as a result of the great turnout at the first annual pancake event.

Because of this great success, the Lions were prompted to follow up with a “Benefit Pancake Event” on Saturday June 2, 1962. This happening was advertised as an all-day pancake “feed” featuring “all-you-can-eat” pancakes, sausages and beverages from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the multipurpose room at Greendale High School. Contests and prizes were available all day, too.

The success of these inaugural events prompted the Greendale Lions to repeat the Pancake Breakfast each year – and it still continues today. Over the years, the event morphed from a summertime happening to become an Easter event – complete with an Easter Egg Hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny. What hasn’t changed is the fact that the profits are earmarked for scholarships.

Most recently, the event was ex- tended to include a partnership with  the Greendale High School Marching Band. As this collaboration brings more volunteers to work during the Pancake Breakfast, it also has allowed the event to morph once again: it now includes a vendor fair AND it takes place twice a year – both at Easter and now in December for the holidays. With both groups contributing to the event, profits are able to be shared between them. The Marching Band raises money for their needs (e.g., uniforms, competitions, trips), and the Greendale Lions continue to raise money for their scholarship fund.

The past and present “all-you-can-eat” Pancake Breakfasts of the Greendale Lions have had an immeasurable impact weaving them into the fabric of the community, allowing them to serve members of the Village and offering future leaders the opportunity to receive scholarships for their education.

Greendale Lions Support Community with Family 4th Fest and Village Days

With festival season fast approaching, the Greendale Lions Club has been gearing  up to stage a number of community- driven events to help raise money for  various local charitable organizations, as well as to help our Greendale High School Marching Band get to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif., next year. Did you know that profits earned from the annual Family 4th and Village Days festivals make up the vast majority of money the Lions Club collects each year to put back into our community? Your attendance and support of these family-friendly events is much appreciated, and yet, it takes much more to stage these festivals. It takes many, many volunteers in the planning phases, as well as the execution of these events, with both the Family 4th Fest and Village Days lasting four full days.

The Lions have had a presence at both the 4th of July event and Village Days extending back decades. About four years ago, Lions’ member Rich Busalacchi had a vision to create a bigger 4th of July festival for Greendale.  He put together a group of Lions and created the Family 4th Fest. The committee also decided to increase the Lions’ participation at Village Days.

While the Greendale Lions Club has continued to grow, more volunteers are still needed. Partnering with the Greendale High School Marching Band and the Greendale Youth Football League has helped to identify and secure new and much appreciated volunteer time and energy.

Over the last three years, both organizations have volunteered side by side helping the Greendale Lions Club put on a powerhouse festival with proceeds given back to both organizations. It’s a great community builder! And the Lions are so grateful for this increase in support. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Lion, please contact Membership Chair Shelly Stansbury at (414) 394-4931.

The growth of these festivals has allowed the Lions to step up their efforts in giving back to the community. Scholarships have been given to graduating high school seniors, donations have made to purchase instruments for the band, and financial  support has been made toward the band’s trip to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Coming up – a trip to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena!

In addition, the Lions Club has partnered with the School District to support its Healthy Snack Initiative (see article in February issue of Life in the Village), and helped to sponsor a new scoreboard. Monies have also been donated to the Police Department’s K-9 unit, and the Park and Recreation Department’s Auction/Dinner. Plus, the Greendale Lions Club gives back to other initiatives through the Lions Clubs International organization. All of this is possible because of the success of Family 4th Fest and Village Days!

This year’s Family 4th Fest will kick off on Wednesday, July 3, starting at 4 p.m. and running until 11 p.m. Please note the new location by the Historic Hose Tower off Parking Street. There will be four full days of live musical entertainment with a variety of today’s hottest bands (see complete list in ad on pg. 2). Don’t miss the wine and beer tent, carnival rides and festival games for the kids.

A special treat awaits guests on Thursday morning, July 4, as we welcome the parade and a performance by the UW Badger Band and “Echoes of Wisconsin.” Then enjoy another full day of great music and food before the evening’s finale, with fireworks that start at dusk.

Friday night never disappoints with the famous Lions Fish Fry. The kitchen opens at 4 p.m. – and then enjoy more great music. Saturday festivities will again start at 4 p.m. For a more detailed listing of events, please visit the Lions Club website at greendalelions.org or see the ad on pg. 2.

Happy 81st Birthday, Greendale!
The Greendale Lions’ entertainment/activities for Village Days will be held Thursday-Saturday, August 8-10 back at Gazebo Park on Broad Street (see related article on pg. 28). This year the Village of Greendale Parade will be replaced with end-of-day fireworks (at dusk) at Brinkman Field. You can catch some great entertainment and go onto Broad Street to watch the fireworks. Live entertainment will continue immediately following the fireworks.

Enjoy three full days of live music and craft wine and beer tents. Special opportunities include a Friday night Fish Fry, a Saturday morning Pancake Breakfast, and a Rummage on the Green. And don’t worry about the parking – a special shuttle will be running from the Greendale High School parking lot to make it much more convenient to attend the festival.

The Village of Greendale is well known for its festivals, and this year will be no exception. Join your family, friends and neighbors and come on down to Historic Downtown Greendale to enjoy these special summer events. Because of the community’s continued support, Family 4th Fest and Village Days generate much-needed and appreciated funding to give back to vital community programs. The Greendale Lions thank you so much for your patronage. For more information, please visit greendalefest.org. See you at the festivities!