President Jean Smith opened the June 20 meeting of the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions with the singing of "America" and the Pledge of Allegiance. It was the 35th annual charter-observance meeting and was held at the Mahoning Valley Ambulance Building.

Burdell Steigerwalt, who gave the invocation, thanked God for his guidance and help. A moment of silence was held for deceased members.Smith led the Lions' toast: "Not above you, not beneath you, but with you."Larry Engle presented a plaque and a $300 scholarship to graduated students. Each was asked to name their parents and tell future plans.Tyler Merkel attended Carbon County Technical Institute. His parents are Michael and Monica Kunkle. He hopes to become a signal operator on Norfolk Southern Railroad.Derek Ahner's parents are Chris and Donna Ahner. He is also from CCTI. He plans to join the workforce and then study architecture in college.Recipients who were not in attendance are Jordyn Homyak from Lehighton High School and Andrew McReynolds from Palmerton High School. Homyak is the daughter of Toni and Andrew Homyak and will be studying criminal justice at the University of Albany.The Rev. Bob Argot, a past district governor, was visiting with his wife Adele, He installed the new officers. The lion tamer is Henry Altemose and tail twister is Duane Hawk. Burdell Steigerwalt will continue as chaplain. On the board of directors are Ronald Engle, Joseph Herzog, Delano Swartz, Linda Swartz, Roger Smith, Keith Billig, Richard Beers and Lois Strohl.The membership committee is considered critical to the club, said Argot. Members contact club members who do not show up for meetings or events and invite new people to join. Committee members are Larry Engle, chair; Emma Moyer and Viola Steigerwalt.Also named were Earl Reabold, president; William Ravert, first vice president; Raymond Nunemacher, second vice president; Michael Hein, third vice president; Edward Steigerwalt, secretary; Kathy Nunemacher, assistant secretary and Wayne Engle Sr., treasurer.President Jean Smith passed the gavel to newly installed president Earl Reabold. She said he should "use this in the best interests of the club."Emma Moyer joined 17 previous members of the Melvin Jones Fellowship as she was named to that honor. She received a pin and plaque from Argot.The honor is named for Melvin Jones who founded Lions Club International in 1917. The foundation helps meet humanitarian needs around the world and in the United States.Argot told Moyer that Lions Club International can expand its program with people like her. Moyer's name will be added to a long list at the Lions' headquarters in Chicago. Members of the Lions Club walked past and individually congratulated her.Burdell Steigerwalt gave her a gift from the club and said, "It is an honor and a privilege on behalf of the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club to give you this gift in honor of your husband. Our prayers go with you and may Lions always be an important part of your life."President Smith said it's been an honor and a privilege working with the club. She learned a lot and got a good education in setting up tarps. "Earl, Good luck to you as president."Hawk presented a gift bag to Argot. Chief among the items was a miniature BMW, "something he always wanted."Argot said it was a pleasure to be with the "wonderful" club again.The meeting closed as Smith asked everyone to join singing "America the Beautiful."