The annual Lions 14U District Convention for Lions from Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Schuylkill counties was held recently at The Inn at Pocono Manor.

"We're here to learn about Lionism, having fun, fellowship and seeing displays," said Lizanne McElwee, Lions District 14U governor, as she opened the annual convention.The sessions focused on Learning about Lionism, with a rotating slide show of various clubs' service produced by Lion Ron Dietz, Tri-Valley/Valley View, and various displays, including the Northeastern PA Eye Bank and an Identity Theft seminar led by David P. Shallcross, Senior Public Protection Community Liaison through the Office of Attorney General."The association is evolving all the time and is going to change all the time," said William McKinney, international director. "Everyone can be a leader. You have to be developed as a leader. Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other."He challenged each club to show a net gain of membership for the year, since overall membership is a problem everywhere.Twenty-six Lions who have died were recognized at the opening service, each one remembered by name, a recollection of their service, a sounding of a bell and a rose for their families.On Saturday, Lions now serving were honored.Receiving the fourth highest honor bestowed by Lions International, The Presidential Certificate, were: Patricia Hawk, Franklin Township Lions; Joan Hufnagle, West Penn Lions; Diane DeLoy, Pocono Lions; and Sue Anthony, Lehighton Lioness Lions.The Melvin Jones award was presented to Dave Hawk of Franklin Township Lions and Paula Hoffman of Weatherly Lions.Progressive Melvin Jones went to: Dave Leon, Stroudsburg Lions; Don McConnell, Pocono Lions; and Sandy Gallagher, Jim Thorpe Lions.The PA Counselors award was presented to Larry Williams of Nesquehoning Lions, and George Barthelenghi, Pocono Lions Club.Second Vice District Governor Ken Mims, Milford Lions, received a PA Fellows award as did Sharon Kimmel, Tri-Valley/Valley View Lions and Robert Silliman, Palmerton Lions.The District Governor's Award was presented to: Nancy Johnson, Tobyhanna-Newfoundland Lions; Richard Angstadt, Minersville Lions; past district governor Angie Mims, Milford Lions; Charlie Zimmerman, Pine Grove; and Karl Jones, Cressona.The Governor's Certificate was presented to Marie Barth, West Penn Lioness; Marianne Dwyer, Mahoning Lions; Mildred Nicholson, Mahoning Lions; PDG Judy Dudley, West Penn Lions; Douglas Kock, Porter Tower Lions; and Palmer Geist, Tri-Valley/Valley View Lions.The District Peace Poster winner Corra Chincola from Weatherly was introduced. Her poster was available for viewing.A first-time ever Beacon Lodge Carl Shoemaker Fellowship Award, named after the founder of Beacon Lodge, a camp for those who are physically challenged, was presented to past district governor Jim McElwee, Orwigsburg Lions, by District 14U.Palmer Geist, Tri-Valley/Valley View, was recognized for his years of support of Beacon Lodge.McElwee received the Joseph Wrobleski award.The district election was held, and officers for 2014-2015 are: Sharon Kimmel, Tri-Valley/Valley View Lions, District Governor; 1st Vice District Governor, Ken Mims, Milford Lions; and 2nd Vice District Governor, Larry Williams, Nesquehoning Lions.A basket giveaway was organized by Mildred Nicholson, Mahoning Township Lions; Joan Hufnagle, West Penn Lions, and Marianne Dwyer, Mahoning Lions.