HELPING OUR OWN

SERVICE

by Ann Marie Kennon photos courtesy of Seth Herbeck / Facebook

A Club Like No Other

THE LIBERTY HILL LIONS WANT YOU!

We have all heard the expression, “Live Here, Give Here.” For nearly 30 years, the Liberty Hill Lions Club has been doing just that; supporting many great causes, helping organizations and individuals, and enriching lives in Liberty Hill and surrounding communities.

The club’s simple mission, and the mission of Lions International is simply, “We serve.” Since 1917, Lions clubs, which now number nearly 48,000, with 1.4 million members in 200 countries and geographical areas, have been meeting ever-increasing needs of the global community.

MEET THE PRESIDENT

Seth Herbeck (photo right) is a perfect embodiment of that mission. As a small business owner, he joined the club to commit time and talent to helping the local community. After only three months as a member, his energy and enthusiasm for the people the club serves and the projects they promote got him elected President.

“I had heard of Lions in a general sense,” Seth says. “Like Elks Lodges and the like. But when I learned about the mission, and the great causes they promote, I was blown away by what a great organization it truly is. I had to ask myself why everyone doesn’t do this.”

WHAT LIONS DO

While each Lions club has its own service focus, there are five global causes of particular interest; diabetes, vision, hunger, environment, and childhood cancer. Each was voted on by members and is supported by the association and foundation.

Seth says the origins of the Lions Club focus on vision and eye health go back more than 100 years, when chapters in the mid-west began collecting glasses for children who were struggling to read. “Glasses donations are still a large part of our mission. We collect previously worn pairs that are recycled and distributed internationally, typically to 3rd world countries. There are several drop locations in Liberty Hill. We also work with the schools to provide new eye glasses to grade school children whose families are unable to afford them.”

For other causes, the Club raises money via a few signature events. They partner with the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation for the Rip Roarin’ Ride cycling trip in the Fall, and the route takes riders from downtown through the Hill Country. Unfortunately, they had to postpone the 2020 event; Seth hopes to reschedule in Spring 2021.

Flags Over Liberty Hill offers residents and businesses the opportunity to have flags delivered for all patriotic annual holidays; Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, etc. Seth explains; “For a fee, owners don’t have to do anything; we deliver and do the setup. I think the view across the city adds so much to those special days.”

DROP YOUR “PREVIOUSLY WORN” GLASSES AT THE LIBERTY HILL LIBRARY • 355 TX-332 LOOP OR LIBERTY HILL EYE ASSOCIATES • LIVE OAK PLAZA 14370 TX-29

Past District Governor and Zone Chair Frank Kinald speaks at the September meeting. (Facebook)

If you’re hungry, keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates. He is eager for the city to cut the ribbon on the new community center so they can announce the next quarterly, and very popular Fish Fry.

“I am restless for us to get back to normal operations and have more community fundraisers. When the time comes, we will be hitting social media and getting the word out.”

In the summer, members donate their time and treasure to the Texas Lions Camp in Kerrville. For six weeks, volunteers and specialists host childen with special needs and physical challenges, to help them recognize the abilities they have. “Every week we have different mix of young people, and we love showing them they can be active and productive members of the community. It’s all about the focus on them and having a good time while strengthening their confidence.”

They also raise funds and award several $1,000 scholarships to Liberty Hill seniors every year; and, at holiday time, the club adopts a local family in need and helps them craft a Christmas celebration. “Depending on their need, we work to provide help with bills and extra money for gifts and a holiday feast.” BE A LION

The Club is open to everyone in the community over 18 years of age. Seth says, “We are not linked to any particular social philosophy, other than serving others. That’s what makes Lions Club so special; it’s just people. We see a need in the community, then jump in and help.”

The club meets every 3rd Thursday at Lions Foundation Park, and meetings have the reputation of being efficient and quite social. Seth says 2020 has re-energized them to grow membership. “We are looking to have some new blood and great energy when things open up again. The great thing is that while we’re part of an international vision, we have a wonderfully big impact at the local level. For just one hour a month, it is great to be able to give back to

THE LIBERTY HILL LIONS CLUB MEETS 3RD THURSDAYS AT 6PM

AT LIONS FOUNDATION PARK, LOOP 332.

TALK TO A LIONS CLUB MEMBER OR EMAIL LARRY NICHOLSON LARRYNICK1943@GMAIL.COM FOR AN INVITATION TO APPLY.

such noble and positive causes.”