A few members of the Paradise Township Lions Club have been with the organization for several decades. John King has a 55-year pin, and Skip Lichty has been with the Lions more than 45 years.

With the organization celebrating 93 years of supporting the Paradise community, Paradise Lions Club member Ron Ernst felt it was important to share a few of the highlights of the group's history. Over the years, Lions' efforts have included providing students with safe passage to school, scholarships toward further education, and athletic fields and parks, as well as starting the Pequea Valley High School 4-H Club. Both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have benefited from Lions' support.

The Paradise Memorial Park was created by the club on land purchased in 1947. At one time, Lions Club members took care of all the maintenance at the park, which eventually came to include baseball fields, tennis courts, and a walking trail. In 1980, a community building was added, and in 1981, the park was transferred to Paradise Township as a gift. Recent club contributions to the park have included updating the kitchen in the community center, which the Lions helped outfit with air conditioning, and donating to the purchase of new playground equipment.

In 2005, the Lions began admitting female members, with Gail Stoltzfoos, Marie Glass, Mary Alice High, Joy Koshuta, Dale Browman, Jeane Menges, and Karen Shue among the first to join the Paradise Club. The club now includes more than 30 members from the local community.

The Lions have long been known for working to aid the visually impaired. Fundraisers by the Paradise Club have included antique car shows organized by Jim Stoner and J. Ron Burkholder. Later, John Koshuta and Bill Menges were the forces behind the For Sight Golf Scramble. The Dinner in the Dark program, which benefits VisionCorps, has also been a hallmark of local Lions history.

Lions also aided victims of Hurricane Katrina and held an annual picnic for hospitalized veterans in partnership with the American Legion.

Since the eight local men who formed the club first met in 1928, the motto "We Serve" has remained a constant focus for the Lions. Recent fundraisers have included a soup and sandwich event and a shredding day that collected about 2,000 pounds of paper.

Currently, the group meets twice a month at the community building in Paradise Memorial Park, 6 London Vale Road, Gordonville, on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Those who are interested in serving alongside the Lions may call 717-278-8046 for more information.