Lions International recognizes outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones. This Fellowship Award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. These qualities in-clude exemplary service and dedication by a Lion to their club, their community and to Lions overall Lion Judy Cole personifies this Lionism model because of her exemplary service to the Dunkirk Fredonia Lions Club and the community for which she serves.

Cole joined the Dunkirk Fredonia Lions Club in 2009. She has served as vice president and currently serves as president of the club. Her drive and commitment to the Club’s service activities is commendable.

Judy and her husband, Greg Cole, both of Silver Creek, are responsible for the Dunkirk Fredonia Lions Club food stand at the Chautauqua County Fair. The fair stand represents the major fundraising drive for the Dunkirk Fredonia Lions Club. This Cole family commitment lasts for the entire fair week during which you will see Lion Judy opening, staffing, coordinating signups and food ordering activities. She even finds the time to cook and serve the food along with her husband, Greg, and two of their children, Trevor and Emily. Trevor just received his Eagle Scout Badge at a March ceremony in Silver Creek. One of his badge achievements was the restoration of the Fair Stand which needed a major facelift. Both Judy and Greg are proud parents of Trevor’s 40 badges, his recognition by Assemblyman Andy Goodell and the entire Boy Scout community.

Cole left her teaching career to become pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Dunkirk. As minister of the church she also directs activities at its Willow Mission. Willow Mission is an outreach to the poor, needy, disenfranchised and homeless in the Dunkirk-Fredonia area. Cole was transformed by a mission that grew into ministry. Cole affirmed that her congregation wanted to “…offer love without judgment for those coming in for help.”

Like the apostle Peter, Pastor Cole has stepped out of the comfort of the boat and into the challenging waters. One basement room of the church stores boxes and packages of donated foods from local and regional sources. Another room is an inviting food pantry. Still another stores toys, dishware, and other miscellaneous items. In the top floor of the church, donated clothing and shoes are organized into areas for women, men, and children to find clean, low-cost items.

“Most individuals … are looking for food and clothing help,” Judy Cole said. “Some are also looking for household goods and furniture assistance. Others are looking for laundry/shower services, transportation help, cash assistance, or help in navigating the social service system.”

Cole is also active with the Dunkirk Fredonia Lions Club Breakfast with Santa for local families. The Winter Jacket outreach for the community is another one of her commitments. Last December, needy children not only received a brand new winter jacket but also mittens, hats and socks. Each lucky child also received a book and a pillowcase. Both of these activities were coordinated with the Literacy Volunteers Bookstore and the Northern Chautauqua Quilters Compan-ions.

The Lions Club White Cane Drive will be held on May 6,7,8 at Tops and Wall- Mart and Judy and Greg Cole will be volunteering their time for this fundraising drive. Lion Judy Cole represents the best in Lionism and community activism.

We’re a community and need to connect people who want to change the world together. The Lions motto is “We Serve.” The Dunkirk Fredonia Lions Club programs include vision screening; eye glass and hearing aid financial help; a medical loan closet; scholarship for four local seniors; youth, community and environmental outreach; and many other programs such as Guiding Dogs and Camp Badger.

Call Pastor Cole at 366-2230 if you would like to help out with her church’s missionary outreach. Willow Mission is located in the Dunkirk First UMC, 601 Washington Ave. Dunkirk, New York. Call Sally Olow at 366-6645 if you would like to volunteer or donate items for one of the Dunkirk Fredonia Lions Club projects.