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

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.

“Operating any business has its struggles, even more so I believe for a non-profit, but with good financial management and a conscientious staff and board of directors, and … the ongoing support of the community, we have been able to overcome adversities,” she said.

Leister looks forward to the future and what will unfold for the Lions Den after two decades of serving the community. She knows none of it will be possible without local community involvement.

“With continued community support from individuals and local businesses, as well as grants, we hope to continue to maintain throughout the recent and ongoing struggles that everyone faces, which is the inflation costs for utilities and other goods and services,” Leister said. “We are always trying to develop new ways to bring activities in that will attract more memberships and guests to our facility.”

Memberships are available for individuals and families with special rates for students, seniors, veterans and first responders. Memberships are available by the month, quarterly, semiannually and for a full year.

Also offered are day passes, 10-visit passes, individual classes for nonmembers and access to the indoor track only.

The center also hosts indoor soccer and field hockey leagues. Soccer leagues are offered for a wide variety of age groups, beginning for children as young as age 5 all the way through adult leagues. Field hockey leagues begin with kindergarten and early grade school and again advance to adult competition.

League play for fall begins Nov. 6. Sessions run six weeks plus a week of playoffs.

Other upcoming activities at the Lions Den include the center’s fifth annual Trunk or Treat at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 28; the “You Are Our Sunshine” 5K run/mile walk at 9 a.m. Oct. 29 (registration at 8:15); and a fitness introduction that runs from Oct. 17-31 for $20.

The Lions Den is open Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

The McAlisterville Senior Center at the Lions Den for those 60 and older meets from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, call (717) 436-3300 or visit the Lions Den website at www.fayettelionsden.org.