Advertisement

"This is a way for us to get together and socialize," said Joe Wenzlick, owner of Thorne's Pendleton Shop in downtown Lapeer.

Wenzlick, who has been a member of Kiwanis for 10 years, said the group considered playing another Kiwanis group, but they thought it would be more fun to challenge another service club in Lapeer.

Wenzlick's wife, Mary Jo, is secretary for the Rotary Club, and will also be playing in the softball game.

"It's a battle of the service clubs, as well as a battle of the households," she commented.

"Most of the people know each other, so it will be lots of fun," said Pat Sparrow, Rotary member and vice president of commercial lending at Independent Bank in Lapeer. "It will be a blast. Of course the Rotary Club will win. There's no doubt in my mind. With age comes experience and better strategic capabilities."

Steve Starking, owner of Lapeer Gold and Diamond, said he thought it would be fun to challenge the Rotary Club because two members of Kiwanis have spouse's in Rotary, and it would make for an interesting game. "We're going to enjoy wearing the championship banner they bring us after we win," he said.

Starking, who originally joined Kiwanis in 1994 but has been involved with the club since 1977, said he's hoping to somehow turn the game into a fundraising event that will benefit the community.

"Both service clubs are excellent community members," Starking said. "They both do good things for the community."

The Kiwanis Club of Lapeer, which has served the community for more than 60 years, allows men and women to become personally involved in making their community a better place to live. There are currently an estimated 45 members involved in the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer.

The Rotary Club of Lapeer unites business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service while building goodwill and peace in the world.

Wenzlick is hoping the softball game will allow the two clubs to come up with different ways to help the community, and maybe even participate in joint projects together.

"Lapeer is a great community and there's a lot of different service clubs that focus on different things," said Wenzlick. "Hopefully this helps us all come together to better the community that we live in."

If enough people attend the game, Wenzlick said a 50/50 drawing may take place. "We just want people to come and watch and have fun," he said.

Rowden Park is located across from Lapeer Regional Medical Center. For more information, contact Wenzlick at (810) 664-8212.