The Becker Lions celebrated their 50th year of serving the community last Thursday with an event at Snuffy’s Landing.  

Over the past several years, the Lions have donated over $100,000 to the City of Becker to create this wonderful park on the Mississippi River.

For nourishment, there was a hog roast with all the fixings for the guests who showed up in support of the organization. The pork was expertly tended to by Lion Steve Rosa.

Lion Emma Cook read a brief history of the Lions Club, including the names of all the charter members of the group.  She talked about the current members’ partnership with the City of Becker to upgrade Snuffy’s Landing.  Cook’s speech included many highlights that showed a love for the Becker community.

Long-time Lion Kurt Anderson spoke about the club, detailing some of the history of the Lions.  Anderson mentioned Becker Mayor Mark Kolbinger’s father, who was a charter member of the Lions and was also the Mayor of Becker for a time back in the 1970’s.  Mayor Mark proclaimed Sept. 25 as “Lions Appreciated Day” in Becker.

Anderson also helped conduct the fishing pier dedication to long-time Lion Jim Hazeltine, whose two children were in attendance. Anderson unveiled the granite slab commemorating Jim’s service to the Lions and the Becker community.

Several charter members — including Gary Cox, Bud Stimmler, Lonny Seeley and Arne Cox — were in attendance and some were wearing the original vests from when the organization was birthed.