Lions thank community, members for club's success
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 3 years, 5 months AGO
The Sandpoint Lions dedicated the 2022 Fourth of July fireworks show to longtime member Larry Hoover, who passed away in August 2021.
(Courtesy photo)
Della Kenworthy and Judy Dabrowski are honored by the Sandpoint Lions for their many years of service.
Tom Dabrowski was honored by the Sandpoint Lions recently for his many years of service.
Nancy Lewis was recently honored by the Sandpoint Lions recently for her many years of service.
Carol Visgar was recently honored by the Sandpoint Lions recently for her many years of service.
Frank Visgar was honored recently by the Sandpoint Lions recently for his many years of service.
Without the support of the community — and its members — the Sandpoint Lions Club would not be able to do what they do.
That support is why the club is able to help others, put on the annual Fourth of July celebration and hold the annual Toys for Tots drive every Christmas.
"We want to thank the community for their support for the past 69 years," Lions president Janice Rader said. "Through the craziest of times, our community has been an example of love and support for our small yet mighty club."
That's why, Rader said the club wanted to dedicate the 2022 Fourth of July fireworks show to longtime member Larry Hoover, who passed in August of 2021.
"His favorite event while volunteering was our Fourth of July celebration," Rader said. "Larry is greatly missed by his family and friends."
Rader said the club also wanted to honor a number of other Lions, who are stepping down to spend more time with their families.
Among there are Della Kenworthy, Nancy Lewis, Tom and Judy Dabrowski, and Frank and Carol Visger.
Kenworthy joined the Sandpoint Lions in June 2001, and devoted the past 20 years to helping our community through her service with the Sandpoint Lions Club. She was one of the first women allowed to join the Lions Club, Rader said.
"Della is known in our community as the Toys For Tots lady," Rader said. "Making sure children in Bonner County had an amazing Christmas is her passion."
Like Kenworthy, Lewis was another longtime member who dedicated years to the club and the community. From pitching in on projects and volunteers efforts to serving in various offices in the club, Lewis did a lot for the Lions since joining the club in August 2003.
"Nancy served as the club secretary — our glue that held the club together — for a majority of her membership," Rader said.
The contributions of Tom and Judy Dabrowski, who joined in December 2009 and November 2009, respectively, like the others are too numerous to list, Rader said.
The duo have been active volunteers for the past 12 years and will be missed, she said. They have held various offices in the club, including Judy Dabrowski serving as chairperson of the 2022 Fourth of July celebration.
"They have been an integral part of the Sandpoint Lions Club as volunteers and past presidents with their commitment to serving our community," Rader said.
The Visars, who joined in December 2015, have been active members of the Lions for the past seven years. Frank Visgar is a past president of the club and Carol Visgar has served as the club's membership chairperson.
"Their service to our community is greatly appreciated," Rader said.
