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Juniata County Progress 2022 The Sentinel

The Fayette Area Lions Den has served the fitness and recreation needs of the area for 20 years, and continues to grow.

Sentinel photo by MIKE GOSS

20 YEARS AND GROWING Lions Den excels as a resource for community with its support

BY BRIAN CARSON

Sentinel correspondent

news@lewistownsentinel.com MCALISTERVILLE — The Fayette Area Lions Den celebrates its 20th year of operation this year, serving the community through various fitness, well-being and activities programs. The Lions Den is a charitable, non-profit organization founded and operated by the Fayette Area Lions Club. The Lions Den is a community resource funded by membership, participation fees and donations. Executive Director Karen Leister credits the community support for the success and staying power of the Lions Den. “Community support through

donations and volunteers is everything. The indoor soccer and field hockey, as well as summer camps, have always been a constant here. However, the backing of the community is by far the No. 1 reason we are still here,” she said. “We could not do what we do without the continued support of local individuals, families, and businesses that have provided financial support for us over the years.” Leister began working at the Lions Den five years ago and rose quickly through the organization. “I started working at the Lions Den in 2017 as a part-time front desk employee. In 2019, I became the assistant to the director. In August 2020, I was asked to step

into the role and was officially promoted to executive director in August 2021,” Leister said. “I did not grow up in this area, but the Lions Den has become an essential part of my life over the last several years. I take the successes and failures personally and do my best to help the Den continue to thrive and succeed,” she said. “I very much appreciate all the community members and businesses, as well as the Board of Directors, for supporting me in my role as the Executive Director of the Den.” The Lions Den provides numerous benefits to the community, one of the main ones being the long history and stability of the club itself. “It’s a great place to stay or get

active and healthy for both the young and old alike. Because we have been able to remain in the community for so long, the members feel assured that they will have a place to come to participate in healthy exercises, classes, weightlifting, indoor sports, etc.,” Leister said. The Den is always creating new offerings and classes ranging from weight training to yoga and everything in between. There are programs for every age and fitness level. “Last year in 2021, we received a donation of updated equipment (treadmills, ellipticals, recumbent bikes, Stairmasters) ... thank you to Paul Meshyock and Club LaMaison for their generosity,” Leister said. “The Den now

offers personal training packages to help you begin or continue your fitness journey. Most of our aerobics classes have returned since COVID, including the recent addition of a yoga class, several Zumba classes throughout each week, and currently, a Tai Chi class is being held here for the seniors through the Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging. We will upgrade and repair the ceiling/insulation in the arena; this project is slated for July 2023.” Running a business is not without difficulties. For Leister, the Lions Den is no different, especially now with the current economic conditions. See Den / Page D6

THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR FANS AND DRIVERS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! Located 2 miles S of US Rt. 322 just off of PA Rt. 75 in Port Royal. Pit Entrance on 4th St., • General Admission on 6th & 8th St.