Scholarships and honors were presented at the Charter Night banquet of the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club on June 18 at the Mahoning Valley Country Club. At the same time, new officers were named.

Lion Burdell Steigerwalt gave the invocation saying "Once again it is charter night, a night when we bestow on our members the honors they are due. We hope and pray for them. For all our blessings we say thank you."President Earl Reabold introduced guests: Past District Governor Bob Argot with his wife Adele, new member Carol Snyder, and scholarship winners. He thanked Nancy Herzog for making the programs.Ed Steigerwalt said the International Lions Foundation had a tree planting program. Local clubs were asked to plant one tree for each member for a total of 1.5 million. Bowmanstown-Parryville planted 150 trees for their 55 members.Heather Nunnemacher said nationally 9.7 million were planted well beyond the goal of 1.5 million. The trees will absorb carbon dioxide while putting oxygen into the air. It's my club, my community she said. Lions International is the world's biggest family. Lions can do what others believe impossible. We make it possible."I hope to see many of you at the International Convention," said Nunnemacher."Happy Birthday" was sung to Jean Smith.James Snyder sponsored Carol Snyder as a new member. All new members require a sponsor. Past District Governor Bob Argot said, "You'll be part of a great organization. Will you do whatever you can to help the club? Will you support the international club?" She answered both questions in the affirmative.Lyle Augustine helped Larry Engle present scholarships. Michael Sander of Palmerton Area High School received one and was told his grandfather was a charter member of the club. He will be going to Wilkes University. Sander received his Eagle Scout award in March. Accompanying him was his grandmother Lucille Sander.Nicholas Mantz has played tennis and golf at Lehighton Area High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and is going to the United States Naval Academy. His parents are Dave and Judy.Codi Sigley of Carbon Career and Technical Institute played soccer with Palmerton. His parents are Candy and Mike. His mother accepted his award in his absence.Jesse Schneck, a Lehighton student at CCTI, was vice president of his class, a member of the Technical National Honor Society, and will be joining the Navy or Air Force. He is a certified precision machinist. He received his Eagle Scout rank in June.As new officers were named, Argot asked each: "Do you promise to do this to the best of your ability?"The lion tamer, who sets up for the meeting, is Henry Altemose. Duane Hawk was named tail twister. He injects some humor into the proceedings.William Ravert is the new president who will be helped by first vice president Raymond Nunnemacher, second vice president Emma Moyer and third vice president Henry Altemose. Argot told Ravert he has been promoted from first vice president. His job is to be sure all functions are carried out and to preside over meetings.Treasurer Wayne Engle Sr. keeps track of finances. The secretary and his assistant keep records. They are respectively Edward Steigerwalt and Kathy Nunnemacher. The chaplain, as he has been for many years, is Burdell Steigerwalt. His job is to provide a prayer at each meeting and provide extra guidance as needed.Then Argot turned to the club members and said, "You have a responsibility. The officers can't do it by themselves. They need you to be cooperative. Will you help them?" The answer was a resounding "yes."The Melvin Jones Fellowship goes to someone who provided superior service or donated $1,000 to the International Foundation. Presently the measles initiative is a large part of the Melvin Jones Fellowship work.A plaque and pin were presented to Raymond Nunnemacher on behalf of the Lions Club International Foundation.The gavel was passed to William Ravert who said he is proud to be a member of the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions. It is one of the most active clubs. Nancy, I hope you will be my right hand man as you were for previous presidents. He said the secretary knows more about the club than the president does.He congratulated the scholarship award winners and Melvin Jones Fellow. Thank you for having confidence in me, he concluded.Giving the benediction, Steigerwalt said, "You've been with us this evening for our prayer, our need. Now stay with us as we journey home."