Editor:

Four years ago, the Rhinelander Lions Club chartered a Leo Club in the Rhinelander area. A Leo Club is a youth community service club based at the high school, middle school and charter school and some parochial schools. Students ages 12 and above who are in the sixth through 12th grades are eligible to join and participate in the activities of the Leo Club. There are no dues or membership fees. The club members generally meet once per month at either the high school or middle school. The students decide what kind of projects or activities or fundraiser they wish to perform (with the assistance of Leo advisors and parents).

The next meeting is on Monday, Sept. 24, at 3:30 p.m., at James Williams Middle School. Transportation after the meeting will be provided if needed. The meetings last from 45 minutes to an hour. All hours the students spend at meetings and on projects are activities count toward the volunteer hours many need per school requirements.

Many projects and activities are fun events and not all work. Over the four years students have held several bake sales at Trig’s, had cyber bowling for students and families at Hodag Lanes, built a float for the July 4 parade, traveled to the Wisconsin Lions Camp to see students who are hearing impaired, blind, cognitively disabled or diabetic, did roadside clean-up for the WPS, assisted the Lions at the Home Not Alone Dinner on Christmas day, helped at the Art Fair on the Courthouse Lawn food booth in June and at the February Lions Fisheree, and many other projects and activities.

The club events are fun, social and also assist members of the community with financial help such as the Northwoods Alliance on Temporary Housing and others.

Any students or parents who want more information about the Leo Club can contact Lion Harry Helwig at (715) 360-2549, or email helras@charter.net, or contact Lion Jill Zwiers at (715) 362-6799 or Lion Mel Hook at (715) 479-5803. The Leo Club President also has membership applications and information about Leo clubs.

Lion Harry Helwig, Rhinelander
Rhinelander Leo Club Advisor