SERVICE PROJECTS (some photo stories may require Windows XP)
	Lions Island
	In the 1960's, the City of Longview granted permission to the Pioneer Lions to clear an island in Lake Sacajawea (One of the city's parks). After clearing much of the unwanted growth, they discovered that many valuable trees and shrubs were still growing. With care and attention, they flourished again. Thousands of bulbs and seeds have been planted, and walking paths established on the island. A permanent bridge was built connecting the island to the shore, allowing citizens to walk among the flowers and shrubs. During the Christmas season, trees and shrubs are lighted with tens of thousands of lights, providing a spectacular sight that is enjoyed by walkers and joggers, as well as those driving through the area. Members of the Pioneer Lions continue to maintain and further develop the island. Click to See Lions Island Photo Story

			Kids Races   No project is more rewarding for the Longview Pioneer Lions than the running of the annual “Kids’ Races” in front of R. A. Long High School on the Fourth of July. It is rewarding because of the tradition of the event. Lion John Claypool remembers that as a young boy he and his neighborhood friends would practice races such as the wheelbarrow and three legged for a week before the event and, as a result, win enough candy to last two weeks.
	He remembers Lions like George Bracket, Oscar Lemiere, Howard Williams, Joe Johnson, Ron Hickey, Steve Harvey and others, manning the lines and acting as judges. The candy bars could add up quickly with 3 given for first place, 2 for second and 1 for third place. The Kids’ Races is rewarding from the standpoint that at a very early age many of the young people in our community have a positive exposure to Lions which is great fun in friendly competition with a sweet reward for success. This association may be a small reason that Lions are part of the largest service organization in our area. Getting the Pioneer Lions name out to the community in this manner is very rewarding. And while it may be the least important part of the Kids’ Races, it is always rewarding to give back to the community through this service, both the candy that the kids enjoy so much, which is a small matter, and the whole experience of our Lions club hosting a small town race event which is really what the Fourth of July and America is all about. The Pioneer Lions are proud of this event and Lions like John Claypool, who participated in the 1950’s, saw his sons race in so many events in the 1970’s and 80’s, is now looking forward to his grandson’s participation in the coming years, the third generation of his family to enjoy the Longview Pioneer Lions “Kids’ Races”. Click here to see a Photo Story
	Handicap Access Ramps Since the mid 80's the Pioneer Lions have been installing, free of charge, access ramps to the homes of handicaped folks unable to provide it themselves. To date, under the leadership of Lion Bob Brasaemle, the Pioneer Lions have built and installed some 66 wheel chair ramps. Each ramp is custom made to meet the needs of the client and the property. Some are as short as 8 feet, while others are 60 feet.
	Academic Recognition Each spring the Pioneer Lions host a special luncheon where some of the leading students in various departments of the local high schools and community college are      recognized and honored. In addition to special recognition at the luncheon, each student receives a modest scholarship which is intended to defray some of the expenses in continuing further study.

 

Memorial Benches

This project provides for the preparation and installation of sturdy and comfortable benches in the city's public parks, where residents may rest while on an outing. These benches are built as memorials to Lions who have played a significant role in club activities through the years. Their names are inscribed on the backrest of each bench.

 

	Walk and Knock The continuing successful Walk and Knock project is supported by a number of service clubs and other community organizations. Food is collected during a one day inter-organization drive, and stored for distribution to the community's citizens who are in need and without adequate income. The Pioneer Lions and club Walk and Knock coordinator P.K.L. Greg Firth continued to carry their share of the load by bringing in ten thousand pounds of food for 1995, an increase of two thousand pounds over the previous year. Click here to see a Photo Story

 

Library Memorial When a member of the Pioneer Lions Club dies, a book is purchased and donated to the Longview Public Library. A commemorative page identifies the Lion in whose memory the volume has been given. An attempt is made to find a subject in which the Lion was interested, and then an appropriate book is selected.