More than 1,000 breakfasts were served from 6 to 10:45 a.m., and the large gathering of old and new friends never ceases to amaze me.

I’m not certain of the first year that this tradition was started, but I believe it has been at least 45 years. Some years, the celebration was at the Tracy Municipal Airport, but the majority of feasts have been at Lincoln Park.

Each year, some 40 Lions turn out at 5 a.m. to set up the pancake van and, with the help of electricity and water provided by Tracy Unified School District Superintendent Jim Franco, we have the stoves lit and ready to go by 5:30.

Most Lions give their time for the community in many ways. We have five other pancake breakfasts each year to provide money for the Little League, youth soccer and youth softball.

The camaraderie of the group allows it to provide about $90,000 a year for community service. Much of that money goes to TUSD programs at West and Tracy high schools, and I’m sure we will add John C. Kimball High when it’s completed.

The Lions are a hardworking group. Members tell me that they labor not for recognition, but to help those who need help.

Many of these members have been doing this for a very long time — several members, despite injuries and old age, continue to provide the Tracy community with time and effort.

I salute my fellow Lions for their interest in helping the community and invite all men in the Tracy area to visit us Thursdays at Hometown Buffet, 3200 Naglee Road, at 6:45 a.m.

Be our guest, and we will welcome you to consider being a Lion yourself and join in our endeavors.

Tom Hawkins is a longtime member of the Tracy Breakfast Lions.

Soroptimist officers named

On June 19, new officers for Sorop-timist Interna-tional of Tracy were named by Lauren Ogbourne, governor. New officers are Manjit Sidhu, president second term; Dale Mizuno, vice president second term; Uttara Makker, secretary; Veronica Ferrando, treasurer; Mary Grove and Sandy Zepeda, one-year board members; and Sherry Mason, two-year board member.

• Club Notes is open to members of any club in Tracy. Send e-mail to tpourtown@tracypress.com.