Frank Kirar, a member of the Oak Lawn Lions Club, reminds residents that the organization serves the community in a variety of ways.
Kirar, an Oak Lawn resident since 1968, said that the club is one of 70 in the state. The District 1A chapter serves most of Cook County, he said.
“We support the police and firefighters and all the school districts,” Kirar said during the Oak Lawn Village Board meeting Tuesday morning. “We help the people who are in need in our community.”
Kirar also mentioned that the Oak Lawn Lions Club is active with Community High School District 218, which includes Richards High School. He added that they helped to create the Leo Club at Richards, which is a junior lions club that began 54 years ago.
“It was the first Leo Club in Illinois,” Kirar said.
The Oak Lawn Lions will sponsor the 15th annual Helen Keller 5K Run/Walk beginning at Richards High School, 10601 S. Central Ave., and continuing through the Wolfe Wildlife Refuge Center and back.
The event will take place Sunday, April 27. Registration begins that day at 7:30 a.m. and the run and walk will start at 9:30 a.m. Medals will be awarded to the certified runners in various categories.
Kirar said that the Oak Lawn Lions Club was chartered in 1939 and was the first organization established in the village. Through the Oak Lawn Lions Club, the Oak Lawn Park District was formed in 1944.
Oak Lawn Lions provides hearing tests and hearing aids for the deaf and hearing impaired, and holds free exams and gives out glasses for those in need. Kirar said the organization supports Oak Lawn activities, such as the Camp Lions for blind and deaf children, Christmas baskets for those in need, and Advocate Children’s Hospital.
The organization also sponsors the annual William “Bill” Strickfaden Memorial Miniature Golf Outing, Candy Days, bowling and golf outing events, local food pantries, and the Feed6 food project with local schools.
Kirar said Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer is a longtime member of the club. The mayor acknowledged that he is a member and supports everything that the Oak Lawn Lions stand for.
“I will make sure that the board knows about this and will spread the word,” Vorderer said about the annual 5K run and walk.
Oak Lawn Lions meet at 6:30 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Johnson-Phelps VFW Post 5220, 9514 S. 52nd Ave. More information about the annual walk and run event can be obtained by calling Kirar at 708-636-2165 or Chris at 708-785-5726.
In another item approved as part of the consent agenda, St. Germaine’s Germazing 5K Run/Walk and Kids Dash will take place Saturday, April 12, on the school grounds, 9735 S. Kolin Ave. The 14th annual event will benefit St. Germaine School. Forms and more information are available at germazinggrace@hotmail.com.
During the meeting, a resolution was approved that will allow Madelyn Kean to be appointed to the Arts & Events Commission.