VERGENNES — On Wednesday, June 18, the Vergennes Lions Club wrapped up their fiscal year with several awards and a change in leadership.
President Shanon Atkins thanked the entire club for their support throughout her year as head of the organization, and she pointed out a few special people. Lions Debbie Brace and Barry Aldinger were given Certificates of Appreciation for their hard work on last year’s auction and for assuming co-chairmanship of this year’s auction. Brace was also thanked for her hard work on the Memorial Day vehicle auction, in addition to Lions Mark Delisle, Tom Brigan and Bruce Bushey.
Lions Gary Russell and Dick LaBerge were given Certificates of Appreciation for their hard work whenever there is a cooking job.
Lions Club Past International Director Tom Broughton, from the Middlebury Lions, was present to present Lion Kitty Oxholm with a Melvin Jones Award recognizing her work in the club and in the community. She is the former mayor, former chair of Bixby Library, an educator, etc., and currently chair of the board for Counseling Service of Addison County. It is through such awards that Lions Club International Foundation is able to be the first on the scene for major disasters around the world, and to take on challenges such as preventable sight issues and currently trying to deal with the outbreak of measles in conjunction with the Gates Foundation.
Vergennes Lions Club members (and former district governors) Larry Simino, Larry Myott and Bruce Bushey shared the responsibility of swearing in the new slate of officers and directors.
At the end of the meeting, President Atkins turned the gavel over to Lion Tim Cowan who will be president for the 2014-15 year. This is the 60th year of the Vergennes Lions and President Cowan mentioned various upcoming dates of events for the members to make note.
He particularly mentioned the annual charity auction on Wednesday, July 23, and asked all members to begin solicitation of items from businesses and to keep in mind that each member is asked to donate something for the auction. Lion Barry Aldinger (877-3725) and Lion Debbie Brace (475-2434) are the contacts for donations.
He also mentioned that these same two Lions are also busy selling raffle tickets ($10 each) to the Aug. 15 Boston Red Sox vs. Houston Astros baseball game where the winner will enjoy four prime box seats (value of $540).