Published: July 10, 2009 04:56 pm      

Lions install new officers

The Gainesville Lions Club held its annual 2009-2010 Officers Installation Banquet on June 16, 2009 at the First State Bank Conference Center.

The meal was catered by Miss Olivia's Restaurant and the servers were the local 4-H Club members with supervisor Phyllis Griffin, in attendance.

International Director Beverly Stebbins, from the Arlington did the installation of the newly elected officers which included President Dean Mendenhal; First Vice President Wayne Dodson and Secretary/Treasurer Kanita Maxwell.

Each elected officer accepted their duties as officers for the upcoming year.

International Director Stebbins, is a member of the Arlington Texas Lions Club and has been a Lion member since 1992, she has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chairperson, region chsirperson, vice district governor and district governor. She has also served as a presenter at the Texas Lions Leadership Forum and as a moderator at last year's USA/Canada Forum.

When it comes to meeting challenges, Lions say, the response is simple, “we serve”.

In 205 countries, in hospitals and senior centers, in regions battered by natural disaster, in schools and in eyeglass recycling centers, Lions are at work, helping, leading, planning and supporting. Because there are local organizations as well, Lions can serve the unique needs of differing communities.

And, according to Lions International web site, “because we're global, we can address challenges that go beyond borders.”

The web site said Lions want everyone to see a better tomorrow. That's why the entire organization supports sight programs and services including vision screenings, eye banks and eyeglass recycling. Local Lions Clubs also provide eye care services to those at risk of losing their sight. And the members raise donations through campaigns like SightFirst and Campaign SightFirst II.

Lions, according to the web site, believe everyone deserves a healthy life. From providing health programs that focus on hearing loss to supporting efforts to control and prevent diabetes, members are working to improve the health of children and adults around the world.

Lions, according to the International, empower the next generation. Whether it's providing volunteer and leadership experiences in a Leo club or sharing a message of peace through our Peace Poster contest, our youth programs invest in the future by reaching out to young people.

Lions Club members serve local communities – and protect the planet. From performing hands-on service projects to providing emergency assistance, Lions community and environment programs improve members’ communities – and protect the environment.