Local Lions Celebrate 100 Years With a Roar

District, international representatives congratulate McKeesport club on milestone

By Jason Togyer
The Tube City Almanac
February 21, 2022
Posted in: McKeesport and Region News

Dorothy Kuharski, left, and Carol Lasch, right, of the White Oak Lions Club present a 100th anniversary banner to Joe Clemente, president of the McKeesport Lions Club. (Tube City Almanac photo)

More than 250 people gathered at the Palisades Ballroom on Saturday night to wish the McKeesport Lions Club a happy 100th anniversary — and cheer on its work.

Invited guests included city, county and state officials, as well as representatives of Lions Clubs from throughout Western Pennsylvania. Entertainment was provided by the rock group Dancing Queen.

“A 100th anniversary is an awesome thing,” said Larry Edwards of Altoona, a member of the board of directors of Lions Clubs International. “Not many organizations last for 100 years.”

MaryAnn Belles of Monroeville, governor of Lions International District 14B, said the McKeesport club is one of the most active in the region. Founded in February 1922, the club is the fourth-oldest in District 14B and its creation was sponsored by the Pittsburgh Lions Club.

The first president was Hunter J. Lohman, a McKeesport businessman who also created the city’s first radio station, WIK.

“We love our community, we’re proud of McKeesport, and we like serving the community,” said Dan Carr, McKeesport Lions Club director, who was recruited to join the club 20 years ago by the late Charles Casturo. “Lions like to say, ‘Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.’”

Larry Edwards, a member of the board of directors of Lions Club International, presents a certificate of appreciation for “Service from the Heart” to Kim Carr of the McKeesport Lions Club. (Tube City Almanac photo)

Internationally, Lions Clubs are probably best known for their charitable work on behalf of people with vision impairments. Locally, the McKeesport Lions Club has for decades sponsored work at Renziehausen Park, including construction of the bandshell in 1952, building two picnic shelters and donating several benches.

The club also sponsors the summer outdoor concert series at Renzie.

This summer, the McKeesport Lions expect to dedicate a cooling-off fountain for kids, shaped like a lion’s head, Carr said.

Joe Clemente, McKeesport Lions Club president, was sponsored for membership by the late Duane Turnbull.

Retired after a 40-year career with U.S. Airways, Clemente, who also serves as a city constable, said he enjoys the companionship of his fellow Lions as they work on projects.

“They are great people, and it’s a lot of fun working on things like the summer concerts,” he said. “Joining the Lions Club is a great opportunity for good friendship — and you’re also able to do good things for great people.”

State Sen. Jim Brewster, Allegheny County Councilman Bob Macey, McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko and State Rep. Austin Davis presented the McKeesport Lions Club with official proclamations congratulating its 100th anniversary. (Tube City Almanac photo)

“Whether it’s the concerts in the park, the Easter egg hunt or the ribfest — these events do not take place without the McKeesport Lions Club,” McKeesport Mayor Michael Cherepko said. “When we talk about ‘Working together for a better McKeesport,’ that’s an invitation that the Lions Club has taken to heart. They’re trying to make McKeesport a better place, which in turn means a better Mon Valley and a better region.”

Recruiting new members to carry forward the group’s work remains a priority, Carr said. The club has about 40 to 50 active members who regularly participate in activities.

“Everyone is hurting for members,” he said. “Fortunately, the members we have are all good members, and we have a lot of members who may not make it to every meeting, but they show up when we need them.”

The club meets at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at the McKees Point Marina, except during the summers, when meetings are moved to Renzie Park during the concerts.

(All photos: © Tube City Almanac)

Originally published February 21, 2022.

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