The West Penn Township Lions Club recently held its 75th annual Charter Celebration.

The group was organized and submitted their Charter Application to Lions Club International on Jan. 5, 1948.

To celebrate their 75th anniversary of serving the community, Lion members and Lion dignitaries, along with elected officials and guests met at the Bowmanstown Fire Company on July 30.

The event included many historical documents including the club’s charter that was signed by Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions Clubs International.

Past International Director Robert Miller hosted the event, while Past District Governor and current club secretary Robert Neumoyer provided a history of things the club had accomplished during its years of service. The first project the club performed was putting electricity into all of the one-room school houses in the township.

Elected officials also attended the club’s event to congratulate the group. This included state Sen. David Argall, state Rep. and Lion Jamie Barton, Schuylkill County Administrator and Lions Past District Gov. Gary Bender, and West Penn Township Supervisor Timothy Houser.

The club also received a plaque from Charlie Zimmerman, Past District Governor of the Pine Grove Lions Club.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Past International Director Scott Storms of Connecticut. Entertainment was provided by the Coal Cracker Chorus.

Two West Penn Township Lions, Club President Karissa Brothers and Director Stacey Lechleitner, received Melvin Jones Fellowships.