The Salisbury Lions Club celebrated their 80th Charter Night Sept. 11 at the Country Club of Salisbury.
Dr. Lacy Presnell Jr., past international director, was the speaker, and he challenged the Lions to think of the most meaningful moment they have had as Lions and hold on to that moment as they go forward with their mission.
Presnell called Lions the “World’s Greatest Doers.” North Carolina has more than 1,300 visually impaired people working in seven to eight workshops, and Lions have helped make that possible.
There were several awards presented at the celebration. Nineteen members received Perfect Attendance Awards. Wendy McCullough, president for 2011-2012, was awarded the President of a Club of Excellence award; Jerry Austin, secretary from 2002-2012, was awarded the Secretary Award.
The Jack Stickley Award was presented to Dick Smith. Smith has been a member since 2003 and oversees requests for eyeglasses and exams for the needy.
Susan Morris was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship. Susan has been a member since 1999 and is very active in organizing the annual golf tournament.
Jack Kepley was given a William L. Woolard Partnership. Jack has been a member of Salisbury Lions since 1962 – for 50 years. He is a past president; a Melvin Jones Fellow; and a Jack Stickley recipient.
The Salisbury Lions Club meets every Wednesday at Ryan’s from 12:30-1:30. The Salisbury Lions Club was organized Sept. 11, 1932, by Melvin Jones, with 24 charter members.
From the beginning, the Salisbury Lions have been active in assisting the blind and visually impaired. They have provided hundreds of eyeglasses for the needy and sponsor the North Carolina Vision Van to screen school age children for vision problems.
The Salisbury club has had eight district governors; the cabinet secretary-treasurer; two presidents of the North Carolina Lions Foundation; one president of the N.C. Eye Bank; and three state White Cane chairmen.
One of its members served five years as secretary-treasurer for the State Council of Governors. Salisbury members also have served as region, zone, and committee chairmen. Presently, the office of zone president and zone secretary-treasurer are held by Salisbury Lions.
Over the years, the local Lions have raised several hundred thousand dollars to support its charitable work. Its main fund-raising activities are Candy Days at Wal-Mart; Broom Sales, furnished by the blind; and an annual golf tournament.
Being a Lion gives the satisfaction of helping those in need. Lion Bob Loeblein stated “Lions are people doing good – and having a good time doing it.”