New Maple Grove Lions member Teresa Tolle wanted to join the club, she said, because it gave her a way to give back to her community. Tolle spent Thursday evening serving salad at the Maple Grove Lions citywide picnic.

The club hosted the picnic at the Lions Picnic Pavilion at the Maple Grove Community Center on July 26. Other food items at the picnic included brats, burgers, chips, water, and pop. An individual meal cost $6.

"I like doing community service," said long-time member Jan Cariveau. "It gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling."

Cariveau has been a Maple Grove Lions member for 25 years and just recently finished serving a term as District Governor. She said that it would take several hours to describe all the charitable projects in which the club is involved, but she noted a few, such as providing glasses, hearing aids, and holiday food baskets. 

The Lions Picnic Pavilion, nearby playground, water fountain, and garden area are also among the projects the group has funded.

While being a Maple Grove Lions member can be hard work, it's also a lot of fun, Tolle added.

"It's for people of all ages," she said.

About 50 people attended the picnic, which was down from the 200 who attended last year, said Ken Kumpula, president of the Maple Grove Lions.

Next week the Maple Grove Lions will present the Maple Grove Music Fest at Town Green. 

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