Jean Smith was named "Lion of the Year" by the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club.

The award was presented during the club's Christmas banquet held at the Mahoning Valley Country Club.Lions Club President William Ravert made the presentation.He introduced Smith, stating she is someone who "is always there; a dedicated Lion. She's always there to support the Lions."Ravert also gave the welcome remarks.As Duane Hawk gave the invocation he asked God's help to "Make us worthy of your cause."A moment of silence was held for the families of those who lost members.Duane and Lisa Hawk packed the Christmas bags found at each seat.The Hummingbird Award was an award presented for the first time this year for someone who went above and beyond in the effort to aid wildlife preservation. Richard Beers was the recipient.Ravert asked him if he remembered what he did at the Community Festival in Palmerton.He then told the story how a little bird landed on a woman's head at the festival, then flew into the Lions' stand. He caught it in a cup but it came back and had to be removed again. His prize was a birdcage in case he needs someplace else to put birds.Earl Reabold was to get the President's Award at the Charter Night but it wasn't ready. He was the previous president and finally received his award at the dinner."Earl Reabold has been very helpful to me. Without each and every one of you our club would not be what it is," said Ravert.District Governor Angela Mims, who was attending with her husband Ken, inducted new members Jennifer and Louis Lobasso in a candlelit ceremony. Their sponsor was Ed Steigerwalt, but Jim Snyder was given the job of pinning the Lions' pins on their shirts."On behalf of the club it is my pleasure to welcome you to this ceremony. I am glad you joined both here and the International. Lions is a service organization banded together to do things you cannot do alone," said Mims.She presented the Pa. Foundation Award certificate to Wayne Engle.Ravert called on members of the Ralph G. Smith family to come forward to accept a memorial in his name. It was a Bible in a wooden case. Present were: Linda and Tim DeSouza, Donna and Ray Snyder and Kelly and Connie Smith.