Chartered on Jan. 23, 1951, the club has been a steady supporter of the borough and surrounding communities, and continues to uphold the Lions Club’s mission across the board.

This was emphasized in speeches and information provided by Club President Robert Nestlerode and Membership Officer Bob Kozlowski.

In his message, Nestlerode welcomed Past International Director Cindy Gregg and State Representative Joe Hamm (R-84), thanking them and the Lions members from near and far that attended Thursday night’s dinner.

He noted the club was chartered in 1951 with Bob Dice serving as its first president. At the time, the club — consisting of 35 members — met at the Allegheny House Restaurant at its skating rink.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS Four members of the Jersey Shore Lions Club received the Highest Award in Lionism from Past International Director Cindy Gregg during the club’s 75th Anniversary celebration on Thursday night. They are, from left, Past District Governor Jim Douty, Alan Koons, Daniel Simmons and Craig Packer.

“The early fund raisers included canoe races, car raffle, bike rodeo and Little League Booth construction,” Nestlerode said.

Later, during his presentation, Kozlowski noted that maintaining the booth at the Little League field across the street from Jersey Shore Middle School has been one of the club’s longest running projects.

Nestlerode said, today, the club’s membership holds monthly chicken barbeque sales, hosts an annual 5K fun run/walk race and has a food booth at the annual Jersey Shore Town Meeting in July.

Kozlowski pointed out the club, which typically raises about $25,000 each year for its scholarships, programs and more, has actually raised nearly $35,000 in its 2025-2026 year.

Nestlerode’s speech ended with touching on the efforts the Lions Club makes to help its community. This includes taking part in the National Night Out event in August, the Tiadaghton Elm Festival, Jersey Shore Memorial Day Service and walking in the Town Meeting parade.

HUNTER SMITH/THE EXPRESS State Representative Joe Hamm (R-84th) offers his congratulations to the Jersey Shore Lions Club, noting his work with the organization during his time as borough manager for roughly a decade prior to serving in his current capacity. He presented Club President Robert Nestlerode with a citation from the House of Representatives congratulating the club for its years of service.

“We are proud to have served the citizens of Jersey Shore and surrounding communities for the past 75 years and we look forward to continuing to serve in the future,” he said.

During Kozlowski’s brief history of the club, he noted in 2000 it had a budget of $8,700 which has since grown leaps and bounds.

The Jersey Shore Lions also helped support and put together the National Canoe and Kayaking races that take place annually, he said.

In its 75 years, the club was honored to have three district governors — Russell Thompson, Ray Hill and Jim Douty.

“I guess every 25 years we get to have a district governor,” he joked.

Kozlowski also emphasized the club isn’t slowing down.

“We are a growing club. At our last meeting we had three potential members attend, and I believe they all will be joining,” he said.

Also speaking Thursday night was Gregg and Hamm.

Gregg thanked the Jersey Shore Lions Club for its continued dedication to its causes: from helping their local community, championing vaccination efforts worldwide, participating in its glasses program and more.

“The Lions turn local service into global impact,” she said.

She compared the Lions Club to a symphony, with each of its members providing an important part of the harmony creating change and offering support to those in need both near and far.

“The Jersey Shore Lions are the orchestra working hard to make beautiful music together,” she said.

District Governor Leona Houseknecht, from the Allenwood Area Lions Club, thanked the Jersey Shore club for its services and shined a spotlight on some of its longest serving members.

Danny Miller received a certificate for 35 years of service to the club.

Don Smith received a certificate for 45 years of service to the club.

Joel Hart and William Rummings received a certificate for 60 years of service to the club, just 15 years shy of its charter.

The club also received a citation from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, presented by Hamm.

Hamm noted, prior to serving in the House, he served as Jersey Shore Borough manager for eight years.

“Jim Douty was with me for those years,” he noted.

With the fourth largest district in the state, Hamm said he was happy and honored to be back in Jersey Shore once again for such a milestone.

“The Jersey Shore Lions Club has done remarkable work here,” he said. He further commended the individuals who were honored for their decades of dedication by Houseknecht.

Following his remarks, Hamm presented Nestlerode with the citation.

Prior to handing out awards, Douty led the group through a solemn moment, honoring Lions members who passed over the years.

After reading the Necrology, Douty read each member’s name allowed, to the sound of a bell ringing.

Awards were presented by Gregg and Nestlerode beginning with the Highest Award in Lionism.

Four club members received this award. They were Douty, Alan Koons, Daniel Simmons and Craig Packer.

Next, Gregg presented these awards to Nestlerode and Kenneth Walker.

Finally, Gregg and Nestlerode presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award — named after the Lions Club International’s founder — to Kenneth Dougherty and Danny Miller.

It was noted by Gregg prior to the presentation that “it’s not just an award, it’s an honor. The highest honor.”

Each individual received a plaque or certificate along with a pin to commemorate their dedication to the Jersey Shore Lions Club during its first 75 years.

It was noted by Nestlerode the club intended to present the Lions of the Year Award, however the individual could not attend the dinner.