The Woodburn Community Center was open for business on Sunday afternoon, April 22 when organizations from around the area gathered together to showcase what they do to make the community a better place. The leader in charge of getting the groups together was the Lion Club.
The Woodburn Lions Club was founded on May 6, 1938 for the betterment of the community and it has certainly done that through the years. The club is constantly working on new projects and over the last 10 years has donated over $75,000 to various community projects and organizations. As they look to the future they would like to recruit new members of the community to carry on this modest goal.
Dennie Miesle, Club president, stated that all of the funds raised has been from selling donuts at area events. He said in the last year alone they sold 3662 dozen donuts. On this Sunday, he was giving tours of the donut trailer where all of these are produced. Inside it looks like a little food making assembly line starting with the products, mixing station, and then to the fryer where the donut machine (been used for over 50 years) presses the dough directly into the hot oil. The donuts are flipped over halfway through the frying process and then to the drainer, cooled and then adding the sugar. All are then ready for sale.
Even though this event was put on by the Lions Club, other organizations were there helping out too.
Vickie Hadley was there with the Community Food Bank. People were asked to bring canned goods for the event, and by the time they were done, a good collection had accumulated. Vickie said they can always use more donations for the Community Food Bank.
Tonya Thompson started the Clothing Bank over 10 years ago, working out of her garage, and about 1 year ago had been asked to have a permanent home in the Phoenix Manor. The Clothing Bank is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and the 3rd Saturday of the month from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon. The whole community is invited to participate to make this better. Tonya had said she saw the need when she worked at a preschool. Kids would come in the school with no hats, gloves and sometimes not even a coat. From that point on she made it her mission to make sure that people had access to good, clean clothes. You may find out more information by calling 260-255-0075.
The Woodburn Volunteer Fire Department was also on sight with information and helping people with basic health information.
Woodburn Summerfest is coming up! On June 22-23, Summerfest will take place at the Woodburn Park with a whole slew of new events coming up. Some old popular events are also scheduled, such has Trivia Night on Friday at June 22. Be sure to watch for more info in the West Bend News as the date gets closer!
The Allen County Public Library was on hand helping people to sign up for their new library cards! Genie Bishop, Woodburn branch manager, talked about their recent events and what you can do at the library. She said they average about 100 patrons a day that come through the branch. ACPL had all kinds of interesting knick knacks for the kids.
The Woodburn Historical Society was there with Gloria Gerig on hand to show the history of the community. The organization has a lot of archives and loves to help people understand the history of the businesses and organizations of Woodburn.
There were other groups there too and all provide great service to the Woodburn Community. Mayor Joe Kelsey met with the West Bend News and explained new projects they are getting ready to take place in the city. Look for this news in an upcoming issue of the West Bend News coming soon.
The Lions Club did a great job of hosting this event at the Community Center and really helped people understand much of what the community offers. For more information on the Lions call 260-632-0063
