About

History

Our Story: A History of the Calhan Lions Club

The Calhan Lions Club was officially founded on September 27, 1939, making it one of the longstanding pillars of service in the Eastern Plains of Colorado.

From its earliest days, the Club has rooted itself deeply in the Calhan community — a town known for its big skies, wide open roads, and friendly spirit. With no stoplights and no pretense, neighbors here rely on each other, and that’s where the Lions have always stepped in.

Over the decades, Calhan Lions have grown in both mission and impact. Some key moments and milestones:

Several Club members have gone on to lead at the district level, including five District Governors: John “Nap” Pieper (1985-86), Monty Whitney (2007-08), Bob Selle (2011-12), Sharon Agun (2019-20), and Maria Herndon (2024-25).
The community projects have expanded to meet needs as they arise: providing school supplies and clothing through KidSpree, hosting seasonal highway cleanups, supporting the Colorado Lions Camp, and honoring students via the Student of the Month and scholarships.
Despite being in a rural area, the Club has kept a consistent presence: annual celebrations (Easter Egg Hunt, Trunk or Treat, or Christmas events), civic beautification, and educational support (Flags for First Graders programs, etc.). Building hope.

Today, we still gather every first Tuesday of the month at Swink Hall on the El Paso County Fairgrounds, carrying forward over 80 years of tradition, friendship, and service.

Who we are

The Calhan Lions Club is made up of everyday people who share one simple goal: serving our community. Our members include teachers, ranchers, small business owners, parents, retirees, and young professionals. Each person brings their own skills, energy, and heart to the table, and together we make a real impact in Calhan and beyond.

Do you need experience to join?
Not at all! You don’t need to be an expert in fundraising, public speaking, or community service to become a Lion. If you have a desire to give back, a willingness to learn, and a heart for helping others, you’ll fit right in.

How do you join?
It’s simple. Start by attending a meeting or one of our events to get a feel for what we do. From there, you can fill out a short application and connect with one of our sponsoring members. Once approved, you’ll be officially welcomed as a Lion and part of a worldwide network of service.

At the Calhan Lions Club, membership isn’t about titles or resumes—it’s about rolling up your sleeves, sharing laughs, and making a difference side by side.