In a surprise presentation in February, Jim Patenaude of the Oconto Falls Lions was awarded the Birch-Sturm Fellowship plaque from District Governor Peter Andre.
Andre presented the award and congratulated the club on its many positive efforts in the community.
The Birch-Sturm Fellowship was created in 1990 by the Wisconsin Lions Foundation to honor individuals who exemplify undying dedication and commitment to the Lions organization. The fellowship is named after Wisconsin’s only Lions international presidents, Frank V. Birch and Clarence L. Sturm, who were great supporters of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.
Patenaude joined the Oconto Falls Lions in November 1995 and was sponsored by Richard Delvaux. He worked his way through the officer ranks and served as club president from 2001-2002. He served as club treasurer for 11 years and stepped down in 2013.
The annual rose sale was a fundraiser he initiated and continues to chair. He also was the spark behind bringing Frank’s Christmas Show to the Falls Area Performing Arts Center.
Patenaude was the driving force behind resurrecting the operation of the tubing hill at River Island. He did a lot of research, led the fund drive to get a new rope, got the hill inspected and licensed for operation, organized the training of supervisors, and coordinated the volunteer schedule when it opened.
As a result of reopening of the hill, the club got a number of new members.
He has organized social events, an important part of club membership, and got many projects off the ground.
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