Jim Turin Memorial Italian Dinner
Each year the Mt. Hood Lions Club hosts the Jim Turin Memorial Italian Dinner, a community tradition that brings neighbors together for a warm meal and a great cause. This beloved event honors longtime Lion and community leader Jim Turin, whose spirit of service and love for bringing people together continues to inspire our club today.
The evening is centered around a classic Italian dinner featuring hearty spaghetti with homemade sauce, Italian sausage, fresh salad, bread, and dessert. Lions Club members prepare and serve the meal themselves, creating a welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere where friends, families, and neighbors gather to enjoy good food and good company.
More than just a meal, the dinner is an opportunity for the community to connect. Volunteers work side-by-side in the kitchen, members greet guests at the door, and the dining hall fills with conversation and laughter. For many residents of the mountain community, the Italian Dinner has become a cherished annual gathering that reflects the spirit of service and fellowship the Lions Club is known for.
Proceeds from the dinner help fund the Mt. Hood Lions Club Scholarship Program, supporting local students as they pursue higher education. Through the generosity of those who attend and contribute, the event helps the Lions Club continue its mission of strengthening the community and investing in the next generation.
By sharing a meal together, we honor Jim Turin’s legacy of leadership, generosity, and community spirit—values that remain at the heart of the Mt. Hood Lions Club.
About Jim Turin
James “Jim” Carl Turin was a longtime member and past president of the Mt. Hood Lions Club whose life reflected a deep commitment to community, service, and bringing people together. A Korean War veteran, Jim served in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant from 1953 to 1955 before returning to Oregon to pursue a career in education. He taught biology and coached athletics at several schools, including Sandy High School, where he was known for his dedication to students and his ability to inspire those around him. Later in life, Jim became a successful local entrepreneur, founding several businesses including Jim Turin and Sons, Mt. Hood Rock, and Mt. Hood Asphalt. Despite his many professional accomplishments, Jim always remained deeply rooted in the Mount Hood community and committed countless hours to civic service.
Within the Mt. Hood Lions Club, Jim served as president for two terms and was an active member for decades, earning his 50-year Lions membership pin shortly before his passing. He was known for his generosity, leadership, and for creating opportunities for the club to support local families and students. Jim also had a strong Italian heritage and was famous among friends and fellow Lions for cooking large meals—especially his spaghetti—which became a staple at gatherings and community events. Today, the Mt. Hood Lions Club honors his legacy through the annual Jim Turin Memorial Spaghetti Dinner, an event that celebrates his spirit of fellowship while raising funds for local scholarships and community programs.
Mt. Hood Lions Club - We Serve.
