VERGENNES — At the last Vergennes Lions Club meeting, Past International Director Tom Broughton of the Middlebury Lions was presented a plaque, made by Mike Daniels, recognizing the many years of help to the Vergennes Lions. In presenting the award, Vergennes member Gary Russell thanked Broughton for all he had done for Lions Clubs throughout the world. Broughton thanked the club for the many years of friendship and support.
Also during the meeting, Broughton presented Vergennes member Barry Aldinger with the Melvin Jones Award, given in honor and memory of Lions Clubs International founder, Melvin Jones, and is the highest honor given by Lions Club International Foundation. It is the charitable arm of the organization and every dollar given goes into humanitarian causes, with over $70 million given out this year alone.
Aldinger received this honor as a way of thanking him for all he has done in the Vergennes community and in support of the club’s projects such as the auction, Memorial Day activities, building accessible ramps for people, etc.  Several members of Aldingers’s family were there to share the honor with him.
Near the close of the meeting, President Tim Cowan thanked the club for their support this past year, with special mention to Secretary Jen Brown and Treasurer Kathy Cannon. Cowan and Past District Governor Larry Myott then inducted the new slate of officers for the 2015-2016 Lions’ year. Incoming President Chuck Burkins mentioned some of the upcoming events, such as the Red Sox box ticket raffle and the annual Lions Club Charity Auction scheduled for Wednesday, July 22. He asked that all members should be collecting items from area businesses, picking up neighbors donations, and making personal donations to help make this year’s auction the best ever. Co-chairs Jim McClay and Lynn Hier stressed the importance of this annual fundraiser.
At the end of the meeting, Cowan was given a standing ovation for his leadership this past year.