A TRADITION OF SERVICE FOR 75 YEARS

Local Lions Club Celebrates Significant Milestone

By Jim Minutelli, West Milford Lions Club Communications

WEST MILFORD, WV - A good deal has changed over the past 75 years.  In 1946, Harry Truman was President; Clarence Meadows was governor of WV; nobody had heard of the internet, but 80% of all Americans owned a radio; Tupperware was first sold in the US; Frank Sinatra releases his first studio album, and the West Milford Lions Club was chartered.

With William Ward as its first president, the Club started a legacy of service to the community that lasts today, and they recently thanked and honored those charter members for their foresight and dedication to service that started on October 14, 1946.

The West Milford Lions Club celebrated its 75^th anniversary with dinner and an awards ceremony on October 25, 2021.

Guests and members were introduced and welcomed by President Jeff Barnhart to open the celebration and dinner was served by the Bluebird Store.  Members from a variety of local clubs and WV & PA Lions leadership were in attendance.  Speakers & awards presenters included Past International Director (PID) Steve Glass from the Harrison County Hope Lions Club and International Director Larry Edwards, from Altoona, PA. 

In his keynote address, Lion Edwards shared the importance of continuing the service projects of the club and how engaging members in new ways is important in keeping everyone active and involved.  Various awards were also presented.

Two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, signed by LCI President Douglas Alexander, were presented to Past District Governor (PDG) Dave Nicholson & Lion Janice Nicholson for their continued and on-going service to the local Lions Club, District and LCI.

The WV Lions Club Leonard Jarrett award was conveyed to West Milford Lions Hilda Clutter, Jeff Barnhart and Todd Somers.  Lion Leonard Jarrett is recognized by the Lions of West Virginia as the founder of the West Virginia Lions Sight Foundation. Thirty-five years ago the foundation established the award & plaque, and it is the highest honor given by the W.Va. Lions Sight Conservation Foundation.  Lion Hilda also received a service pin for the recruitment of nine members.

And, finally, Melvin Jones Fellowships were bestowed on Lion Roy Hughes, Lion Bruce Clutter, and Lion Jim Minutelli, allfrom the West Milford Club.  The Melvin Jones Fellowship is presented to individuals as a way to show a commitment to the humanitarian work of LCI Foundation.

Lions Clubs International recognizes outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones. This Fellowship Award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. New MJFs receive a pin, commemorative plaque and a letter from the LCIF Chairperson.

The West Milford Lions Club serves the local community in a variety of ways, including scholarships to seniors at South Harrison High School; donations to the West Milford Volunteer Fire Department; Christmas food baskets in conjunction with the West Milford Elementary School and area churches, donations to Lions Club International (LCI), Adopt-a-Highway, and  other local service projects.  Service projects and fundraisers include annual broom and mop sales; yearly bean dinners; pancake breakfasts; chicken BBQ fundraisers; community block parties; a yearly car show; parking management for local high school football games; gun raffles and other events, as needed.

If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a Lion, please get in contact with a local Lions Club member.  I’ll bet you know one.