Gerald Curran

About Gerald: Born Dec. 15, 1930. He and his wife, Judith, live in Crete Township and have two children and two grandchildren.

Attended Bradley University and earned a bachelor's degree in education from Elmhurst College. Served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1950 to 1954. Crete Township supervisor; was Crete Township trustee for 22 years. Member of Crete United Methodist Church.

Accomplishments: Gerald Curran serves his community as a member of Crete Lions Club. He joined the service organization in 1977 and is currently Leader Dog chairman, treasurer of the recycling program and a recycling committee board member. The Lions Club Recycling Center at 1215 Douglas Lane was chartered in 1944 to aid the war effort and has continued since. To date the facility has recycled more than 57 million pounds of material. Curran was the driving force behind the club raising more than $22,000 for the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., and being the leading money donator in District 1B, giving more than $28,000 to Leader Dog for the Blind Program. He was named a Melvin Jones Fellow in 1994, the highest honor conferred by Lions Club International Foundation and the following year received the Super Lion Award for his service to the blind and deaf and the Directors Award from Lions District 1B for exceptional leadership and devoted service. Crete Lions Club supports

local groups, civic organizations and awards annual scholarships. "It helps so many people," he said. "I don't think there are too many service organizations in the world that have a service project going six days a week, 340 days a year. Crete Lions Club is a great group." Curran is a charter member of Angels on Assignment and a certified Quest teacher.

Personal hero: "Joe Crawford, former principal at the middle school and a member of Crete Kiwanis Club. I admire him because he was a strict disciplinarian but very fair."

Advice: "Declining membership in service organizations affects all aspects of community life."

How to get involved: Contact a Lions Club in your town to inquire about membership or club activities.

People might be surprised to know: "Americans over 60 years of age continue to lead the pack as volunteers."

- SUE BERO, TIMES CORRESPONDENT

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