Submitted Photo Dale Niewoehner, a Lions Club member, presents Kathy Kirchofner with an award recognizing her 30 years of dedication to the Rugby Lions Club.

Kathy Kirchofner, a longtime Lions Club member, was recognized for her 30 years of dedication to the club and the town of Rugby on June 4, during the opening night of the Lions Club’s Music in the Park.

Kirchofner has been a part of the Music in the Park event since its inception. Bringing her knowledge of music and her love for giving back, she has helped create a memorable event that residents of Rugby look forward to each year.

“I first joined the Rugby Lions Club in 1995 after moving to Rugby with my husband,” Kirchofner said. “I was working at the hospital as an RN here in Rugby, teaching prenatal classes for about 15 years and also delivering babies.”

Keeping busy, Kirchofner also taught classes for the local school district.

She has always kept herself involved — holding numerous jobs, raising three children, attending school events and volunteering with the Lions Club.

“I didn’t grow up in Rugby, but my husband and kids did so I felt like I should give back to the community. It’s just the type of person I am,” she said. “When Mark Carlson, one of the Lions Club members at the time, asked me to lead the (Music in the Park) event, we had just met — but he knew I liked music.”

“Carlson wanted to bring music to our community for free, give out free ice cream, and just create a family-friendly event. He was always such an advocate of doing more and more for our community,” Kirchofner said. “So they gave me a budget, and I started to reach out to artists in the local area. Then they would recommend others, and so on.”

The program continued to grow over the years, creating new friendships and forming lasting relationships with artists throughout the region. In the past 30 years, the Rugby Lions Club has hosted a variety of musicians, including tribute bands, international acts and well-known local performers.

“As the program grew, the club became more involved by scooping ice cream each week. Each summer, every member of the club gets a chance to serve ice cream at Music in the Park,” Kirchofner said.

Members of the community have come to recognize the bright gold vests the Lions Club members wear when volunteering.

“I think it’s important for people to know that the Lions Club is here, helping and caring about the community,” she said.

“Music is in my heart, and I want to give back. I think music is something that brings everyone together — people will even bring their lawn chairs and blankets to the event,” Kirchofner said.

“This year’s Music in the Park final show will be on Aug. 20, with the Simon and Garfunkel tribute band led by Sean Altman and Jack Skuller,” she said. “We’ll also have the well-loved local band Too Old to Stand opening, as well as a hamburger picnic to end the summer music program.”

“I am so thankful for the Lions Club. They have been so kind and supportive of this program over the years, and I look forward to continuing to bring music to our small town each summer,” Kirchofner said.