Plath?s 56 years with Rogers City Lions earns him lifetime membership

For his years of unwavering dedication to the blind, a commitment spanning more than five-and-a-half decades, Moe Plath of Rogers City has been honored with a Lions Club lifetime membership pin. District Governor Bob Prous from Grayling was on hand Monday to make the presentation along with Franklin Vogelheim, the man who sponsored Plath, recruiting him in 1947.

Plath becomes the sixth current member to receive the honor. He joins Mike Eustice, Ray Alanen, Don Hampton, Howard Hoffman, and Bob Urlaub. The Lions Club is a worldwide organization which strives to improve the lives of the blind or those with poor eyesight.

VOGELHEIM CALLED Plath a ?money maker? because he was always involved in fundraisers for the club, whether it was organizing a Bingo night or turtle races, donating items from his business, or selling white canes, brooms, or light bulbs. ?I?ve lived a good life,? Plath repeated several times when he went up to receive his certificate from Prous. Plath has served the Lions for 56 years, was on the board for 40 years, had perfect attendance for 25 years and ?still found time to raise five children,? Prous said during the presentation.

On hand for the event were two of Plath?s sons, Jamie and Jeff. Even with special guests in attendance, Moe still didn?t realize he was to be honored. It?s another milestone for the Lions Club, which celebrated its 60th year in Rogers City earlier this year, and has a strong base membership.

On a night with the District Governor on hand, the Rogers City Lions received an application from local businessman Kenny Lutz and a congratulatory letter from the International Association, because the Rogers City club met its recruiting goals in 2003.

THE SITUATION in Rogers City is not one shared at some other northern Michigan clubs, which are folding. Prous said 82 members were lost in July, August, and September, and clubs in West Branch, Pellston, Ossineke and Kalkaska have discontinued operation. The Ossineke club h

ad seven members listed but only two members were attending meetings. Ten years ago Kalkaska had two clubs, a noon and an evening club, before deciding to fold last week.

?I need clubs like yours,? Prous told Lion members and guests Monday at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Prous said he is actively working on re-establishing the organizations in West Branch and Kalkaska. ?We have to be positive,? he said. There is no reason we shouldn?t have clubs in those towns.? Ads have been placed in local newspapers and Prous said he will go door-to-door to get the civic organization up and running again in those communities.

IN OTHER NEWS, the Rogers City Lions fulfilled a five-year commitment and will be sending Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester a check for $1,500, which will assist in a building project. Prous encouraged club members to visit the new facility and while there ask for a tour. Lion Jeff Farmer reported on the garbage bag sales which went extremely well. More than 400 rolls were sold last Friday in less than three hours, with more orders to be filled. More garbage bags are being ordered to meet the demand. The net gain was $1,200 for the Lions.

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