According to Bob Spotts, active member of the New Holland Lions Club since May of 1954, the club was chartered by the Lancaster Lions Club in 1925, after a group of about 25 New Hollanders gathered for the purpose of starting a club. That group chose to become part of Lions Clubs International.

On June 1, the New Holland Lions Club members gathered with Lions district governor Deb Keeports and past district governor Bill Grager for a special ceremony to celebrate 100 years of the club's community involvement. In a celebration held in the Steve Loewen Community Room at the New Holland Area Historical Society (NHAHS), the group shared historical memorabilia and hors d'oeuvres and toured the historical society museum. New Holland Mayor Tim Bender and Rep. Keith Greiner were honored guests at the event.

A larger celebration that will be open to the ELANCO community will be held at the New Holland Community Memorial Park in the 400 block of Jackson Street, New Holland, on Friday, June 20, beginning at 6 p.m. "We will do a candy drop from the Garden Spot Fire Rescue (GSFR) ladder truck," said New Holland Lions Club president Dustin Spencer. "We will have our hot ham and cheese sandwiches (for purchase) at a discounted price." Spencer noted that hot dogs and beverages will be sold as well. All food items will be available while supplies last. "We will have some of our historical mementos (for attendees to see)," Spencer added. Spencer also stated that representatives and equipment from New Holland Ambulance will be present at the event. He explained that the New Holland Lions Club purchased the first four ambulances for the organization, which was established in 1945. Spencer added that the Lions actually ran the ambulance company until the New Holland Ambulance Association was formed. Spencer noted that more celebratory events are planned to observe the club's centennial year.

New Holland Lions Club secretary James Bronson reported that club membership service time far exceeds the years the group has been together. "We have a combined 347 years of service within our current membership," he stated.

In addition to helping to bring ambulance service to the New Holland area, the Lions have supported and continue to support a number of local organizations, including GSFR, NHAHS, the ELANCO Area Library, local Scouting organizations, the CrossNet Food and Nutrition Center, the Garden Spot High School band, and Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center.

The group also donates to Lions Club International causes that benefit the blind and those with limited vision through VisionCorps and Leader Dogs for the Blind.

Current New Holland Lions Club members are Frank Black, Bronson, Mitch Dissinger, James Ertzgard, Gerry Felpel, Ryan Figgins, John Freimuth, Steve Gaedy, Bob Johnson, treasurer J.B. Martin Jr., James Rayfield, John Schonour, Mary Schonour, Dennis Scritchfield, Spencer, Bob Spotts, Denise Wolff, and Rick Wolff.

The New Holland Lions Club is always looking for new members. The club meets the second Tuesday of each month at Yoder's Restaurant, 14 S. Tower Road, New Holland, at 6 p.m. According to Bronson, new members are always welcome. Readers who would like more information about the New Holland Lions may call 717-355-0230.