The Whitehall Lions Club’s 2016-17 fiscal year began July 1.

Many activities are scheduled, including supporting the Center for Vision Loss, collecting old eyeglasses and hearing aids, providing eye exams and glasses for those who qualify, providing trophies and scholarship money to high school students and supporting both the Whitehall Township Public Library and the Whitehall Food Bank.

In order to continue its mission and support these activities, the Whitehall Lions have numerous fundraisers. Whitehall residents and businesses have received the club’s 41st annual sweepstakes drawing ticket in the mail. The deadline to return the ticket is Sept. 19.

Chartered in 1951, the Lions Club will celebrate its 65th year of serving others. The club sponsors two Leo Clubs: the Whitehall-Coplay Middle School Leo Club and the Whitehall High School Leo Club. The Whitehall High School Leo Club has the distinction of being the oldest continuous Leo Club in the world. The club will continue to sponsor the Whitehall High School senior sports recognition night.

On Sept. 25, the club will be holding a duck race in conjunction with Whitehall Township’s Stroll on the Parkway at the Ironton Rail Trail. All proceeds will benefit the Whitehall Township Public Library for the purchase of a closed-circuit TV for the visually impaired.

Speakers are scheduled for the Lions Club’s regular monthly meetings.

In the spring, the club will have a fundraiser basket social.

The 2016-17 club officers are president, Patty Vahey; first vice president, Beth Karoly; second vice president, Tom Lindeman; secretary, Bob Hauck; treasurer, Craig Merkel; financial secretary, Tom Lindeman; and Den Scraps, Judy Ott.

The club meets 6 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at Fellowship Community. Recruiting new members is an ongoing activity.

For information on any of the activities or questions about the Lions, contact Joe Ebner at 610-432-8407 or Judy Ott at 610-262-7598.