The Franklin Township Lions Club recently hosted the District 14-U's cabinet meeting at the Phifer Ice Dam in Franklin Township.

The event included a visit from the Lions International director, presentation of awards, and the banner exchange between the outgoing and the incoming district governors.Speaker Cynthia B. Gregg of Bells Vernon, Lions International director, talked about Lions International President Barry Palmer focusing on Dr. Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream," speech and how District 14U had followed its dream by accomplishing so many outstanding service projects, including cleaning up communities, helping supply food to those in need, replacing torn flags, and helping with blood drives and voter registration."You have definitely proven that 14-U stands for the ultimate district," Gregg said."Just as we have looked at our past year, this is also a time to look forward to new leaders in your district."She reminded club members that they need to support, mentor and encourage those new leaders to do their best.In the words of Helen Walton, of the famous Wal-Mart family, "It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived," she said.District Governor Lizanne McElwee gave gifts to her cabinet members and Gregg presented several recognitions to those Lions who have gone "above and beyond" in their service.Past Council Chair and Western Pocono Lions Club member Chris Sweeney was presented with a Lions International President's Certificate of Recognition, the fourth highest honor one can receive from Lions International, as well as President Palmer's pin.Rich Angstadt, Minersville Lions Club, who served as zone chair for two zones this past year, was presented a Leadership medal, the third highest Lions International recognition, and the International President's pin.David Hawk, Franklin Township Lions Club, also received an International President's Certificate of Recognition and pin.Madeline Ligenza was recognized as Lioness of the Year and a student from Delaware Valley was recognized as Leo of the Year.Alicia Silliman, Lehighton Area Lioness Lions Club, who served as cabinet secretary, was honored with the Joseph Wroblesky Award.The next year of District 14-U service and outreach was symbolized by the District Governor banner being presented by McElwee to incoming District Governor Sharon Kimmel of TriValley/Valley View Lions Club.The formal change of leadership took place at the Lions International Convention held in Toronto, Canada early last month.