Andy Lamp says it was a given that he would become a Lion.
When that time came in 2017, three generations of Lamp men were there to welcome him into the Alpena Lions Club: his father, Bernie Lamp III; his grandfather, Bernie Lamp Jr.; and his great grandfather, Bernie Lamp Sr., a charter member, was there in spirit.
“Dad would be proud—very proud—that there’s a fourth-generation in the Alpena Lions,” says his grandfather, Bernie Jr. “I think it’s really neat myself.”
I am proud of Andy as he carries on our family legacy of community service.
The Alpena Lions, who also have two three-generation families (the Murches and the Zellers) among their members, conduct their club meetings over lunch on Tuesdays. The club sells fruit and mints as fundraisers. They build a Fourth of July float and take part in White Cane Days. They collect and recycle about 2,000 eyeglasses a year, support the Michigan Donor Registry and maintain “Lions Trail,” a section of a bike and hiking path that the Lions took on about 20 years ago.
It was on this trail where Andy Lamp got a memorable Lions’ dose of physical labor, and the Lions came to appreciate the power of youth. “He’s young and strong. He helped us haul the logs,” recalls his father.
From the moment Andy officially joined Lions he says he’s been working on “infusing some youth into the club.”
His father adds, “I am proud of Andy as he carries on our family legacy of community service.”
Get the full story in LION Magazine and read how multigenerational Lions families and clubs are delivering lasting change to their communities.
Multigenerational memberships mean that you’ll always have the diversity of skills and experience to serve your community. Learn how you can invite young members and prepare them to become the next generation of Lions.
Joan Cary is the assistant editor of LION Magazine.
