Since 1917, Lions have served the world's population through hard work and commitment to make a difference in the lives of people everywhere. With 1,405,294 members serving in more than 44,500 clubs in over 185 countries and geographical areas, Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization. Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired.

Harwinton Lions Club

During the spring of 1961 Hurlbut Clark invited several of Harwinton’s business and professional men to his home on “Center Hill” to consider forming a Harwinton Lions Club under the sponsorship of the Litchfield Lions.  Hurlbut eventually went on to serve as the club’s first president.  It was an idea whose time had come because in 1961 there was not a single non-political or non-secular service club in town to help support the many worthy causes.

Once organized, the local Lions went right to work raising funds by conducting annual house tours, pancake breakfasts, food booths during Harwinton Fair and by organizing and sponsoring the very successful home shows.  When the small numbers of attendees at the annual Memorial Day services was brought to attention by a Veteran named Edward Thierry, the Lions Club initiated and organized the Memorial Day parades that continue to bring large gatherings  to the Center Green for participation in the services of remembrance.

The Lions took on the cost of moving the one room First District School a considerable distance along the highway to a new site so it could be restored by the Historical Society.  The club purchased Harwinton’s first ambulance to replace the old Cadillac hearse that had been serving the town.  Two of the Lions, Frank Rondano and Lloyd T. Shanley Jr. even flew out to the factory in Indiana to drive the new emergency vehicle home for presentation to the Harwinton Ambulance Association.

There were many other projects undertaken such as building a pavilion in the recreation area, annually distributing holiday baskets to those in need, helping support the Scouts, youth sports, eye research, college scholarships and other worthy organizations and community needs.

More recently, the club has taken on two new fundraisers. The Golf Tournament will be held at Fairview Farms for the seventh year on August 14^th and is committed to sponsoring a Fidelco Dog.  The club will be presenting the third Concert for Sight, a highly successful outdoor concert to be held at the Harwinton Fairgrounds on July 8th.

The club has honored several members by presenting them with Melvin Jones Fellowships.  They are Walter Bell, David French, the late John Audia, David Neri, Bruce Mosher, Francis Rossbach, Andrew Kasznay, Jr., and the late Frank Rondano and Lloyd T. Shanley,Jr., both charter members.

Special celebrations were held for the 25^th Anniversay and the 40^th Anniversary. Fortunately there are many celebrations yet to come as the Harwinton Lions move forward and continue to serve.