Awards and Recognition
Melvin Jones Fellowship
Lions International recognizes outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones. The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, presented by the Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. The recipients of this award are model Lions because of their exemplary service to their club and the community which it serves.
The NYA West Carver Lions Club is proud to have withing our membership a number of individuals who have received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. The recipients are:
2022 - Mona Bruers
2021 - Pat Clark
2020 - LaVonne Kroells
2016 - Dar Mondor
2014 - Tricia Mackenthun
2013 - Kristen Karels
2008 - Marilyn Kimble
2007 - Jackie Kluver
2007 - Anne Keller
2007 - Mary Spille
2005 - LaVonne Kroells
2005 - Rita Fahey
2003 - Mary Spille
2000 - Jane Hoen
1998 - Miriam Brelje
1994 - Cathleen Williams
Helen Keller Sight Award
In 1925, Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness. As a tribute to this inspirational woman, Minnesota Lions created the Helen Keller Award. The award is an excellent way to honor an exceptional Lion, Lioness, non-Lion individual, business or organization. Recipients are typically persons or groups who have distinguished themselves on behalf of sight and who see and care for the needs of those less fortunate than themselves.
The following NYA West Carver Lions Members have been the recipient of this distinguished award:
2020 - Bill Hart
2018 - Mona Bruers
2016 - Miriam Brelje
2015 - Cathleen Williams
2014 - LaVonne Kroells
2013 - Jennie Lundgren
2007 - Pat Clark
2005 - Lois Irvin
2003 - Dar Mondor
2002 - Carol Allen
1998 - Mary Spille
Hearing Research Fellowship Award
The Hearing Research Fellow is given to a club member, Lions Club or Lions District in recognition of their oustanding support and committment to the Lions Multiple District 5M Hearing Foundation. The following NYA West Carver Lions have been recognized with this honor:
2020 - Lisa Klaers
2016 - Mona Bruers
2014 - Mary Nicholson
2013 - Kaarin Foede
2008 - Karen Hallquist
2007 - Mary Richter
2004 - Cathleen Williams
Dream Catcher Award
The Dream Catcher Award is given through the Minnesota Lions Diabetes Foundation. Clubs are able to present one member with Dream Catcher Award when the club has accumulated $1,000 or more in donations to any diabetes project, hold a special diabetes fundraiser, or sponsor a Lions Diabetes Community Education Program or Glucose Screening.
The following NYA West Carver Lions have been awarded the Dream Catcher Award:
2016 - Carrol Oraskovich
2014 - Mary Balzum
2013 - Pat Clark
2008 - Beverly Boehne
2008 - Judy Cass
- Cathleen Williams
Zone Lion of the Year
2020 - Cathleen Williams
2018 - Mona Bruers
2017 - Kaarin Foede
2008 - Dar Mondor
2006 - Pat Clark
2003 - Angie Brau
2000 - LaVonne Kroells
1998 - Rita Fahey
Can-Do-Canine's Top Dog Award
This award honors a Lion who has contributed to the NYA West Carver Lions Club in a significant way and contributed service to the community as a whole. The Lion who receives this award is persistent, dedicated, honest and has a kind spirit.
The NYA West Carver Lions have awarded the following individuals with the Can-Do-Canine Top Dog Award:
2020 - Mary Nicholson
2018 - Bonnie Wigfield
2015 - Bill Hart
2014 - Judy Cass
2014 - Laura Ruder
Founder's Tribute
The Founder's Tribute is an award a club can give to an individual or event sponsor for his or her consummate service, dedication and committment to Lionism and Leader Dogs for the Blind. The club becomes eligible to present this award after a cumulative donation to Leader Dogs for the Blind in one of the following amounts ($500) Bronze, ($1,000) Silver or Gold ($2,500).
The Founder's Tribute has been presented to the following NYA West Carver Club Members:
2016 - Dianne Rain
2015 - Judy Maas
2014 - Nancy Swiggum
2013 - Barb Kartak
Perfect Attendance
26 Years - LaVonne Kroells, Mary Spille, Cathleen Williams, Dar Mondor
15 Years - Pat Clark
13 Years - Karen Hallquist
6 Years - Mary Balzum, Laura Ruder
4 Years - Mary Nicholson, Judy Maas, Tricia Mackenthun
3 Years - Dianne Rain, Nancy Swiggum
2 Years - Mona Bruers, Bill Hart, Carrol Oraskovich, Bobbie Lembcke
