The Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club held a Christmas Party Dec. 5 at the Bowmanstown Fire Company. Five volunteers were honored for their contributions to the work of the Lions. They are Donna Beers, Albina Engle, Phyllis Christ, and, not present, Sandra Serfass and Suann Kleintop. Earl Reabold, second vice president, made the presentations.

President Duane Hawk thanked club members for being hard workers "without which we couldn't complete our projects that help the community."All women attending will given glass pink birds of hope - 10 percent of the cost went to fight cancer. The men received mugs filled with chocolates.Hawk noted that Reabold and Quint Snyder headed the committee to organize the party. Nancy Hertzog was acknowledged for providing the programs. The only business to be conducted was to authorize the purchase of a Christmas tree which the Lions provide for the monument in town.District Governor Bob Neumoyer inducted new member Mike Hein into the club. He was sponsored by Larry Engle.Neumoyer began by saying the club must have a lot of clout since they scheduled their Christmas party and had snow to create atmosphere.He said in 1925 Helen Keller attended a Lions convention and the Lions became Knights of the Blind, which is still their most important ongoing project. Membership in Lions is a privilege by which a group of men and women band together to do what an individual is unable to do. There are 1.35 million Lions in 205 countries with 45,000 clubs. Lions are expected to participate in all functions of the clubSponsor Engle pinned the Lions pin on Hein's lapel "over his heart." The first award to be earned is the Proud Lion for which there are five requirements. The sponsor serves as a mentor during this time.Donna Parsons brought a blend of country and Christmas music to entertain beginning with "I Never Promised You a Rose Garden." The audience was invited to sing along when they knew a song.Parsons said she is honored to sing for the Lions summer picnics and enjoyed being at the party.She said she was a fan of Connie Smith and considered her "phenomenal."Her mother said, "I'm a fan of you."Neumoyer said he was glad to see the shopping cart in the hallway. It is a new project to try to see if Lions can make a difference feeding the hungry. They will also get pink piggy banks to save money toward the project.He said an 87-year-old woman in a nursing home was just inducted into Lions. Anyone is eligible who wishes to help others. He rapped the remainder of his message -"Come on Lions, pitch right in. The new year is coming so set your plans and lets start right away."With the audience standing in a circle Christmas gifts were passed to the left and right according to the mention of the direction in a story.Burdell Steigerwalt gave the benediction and everyone joined in singing "Joy to the World."For information about Lions go to

www.lci.org.