The Rev. John Hazel was named as a Melvin Jones Fellow at the May 16 meeting of the Palmerton Area Lions Club. He joins 17 club members who were previously so honored.

Robert Neumoyer, past district governor, said the Lions have a lot of reasons to be proud. Lions Clubs International Foundation is helping people down south and in Japan.The Melvin Jones Fellows were first named in 1973. It is an honor named after the founder of Lions International and can go to either a member or a nonmember because there are a lot of deserving people.Neumoyer said his interest began in a store in Fogelsville that he used to visit. "They would buy corn from me."The storeowner, Bob, had been bartering, according to his wife. He would take things he didn't want but people walked out with what they needed. If only Bob could see what this accomplished, he said.He attended the man's funeral because of the good he did during Neumoyer's youth."We're remembered not by words but deeds and services provided," he said.He called the Rev. Hazel to accept the 2011 Melvin Jones plaque."I greatly appreciate it. Thank you for all your service. I couldn't do it without you," said Hazel of his fellow club members. He is president of the club and has been active in its activities for years.In the secretary's report Bob Silliman said there were over 600 registered for the 5K run. Both Lower Towamensing and Towamensing fire police helped. Of note, he mentioned two men who were pushing strollers with twins up a hill during the race.The health fair went well with services provided to 72 people. There was a good turnout of volunteers.The theme for this year's Carbon County Fair is "Going hog wild at the barnyard boogie."A survey of club members found there were more points of satisfaction than otherwise. The only two negative comments were that more discussion was needed before votes and people should pay more attention to speakers.Neumoyer said it was compact in here (Fireline Hotel) but he has seen nothing but smiles. That is what Lions is about - having fun. What makes an Excellence Club? he asked, answering his own question: being service minded, good communication, strong membership, involvement and effective leaders.What can we do as a club that helps? You know people are hungry. Help with a food drive.Does your community know about Lions? You need a web site, newsletter, posters and an advertising chair. Communicate with members of the community. Work for a higher membership. A past international president said, "With more heads, hands and hearts, the more successful you will be." At least one new member is required to gain the title of an Excellence Club.Hazel said the nice thing about Palmerton Lions is that people are willing to step up.The Blue Mountain Community Center where the first-Monday-of-the-month meetings are held will no longer be available. Until a new location is found the first meeting of the month will also be at the Fireline Hotel but without dinner being served.