It was a triple header for the Western Pocono Lioness Club at a recent meeting.

One of their own, Lioness Club Vice President Nancy Beck of Brodheadsville, was surprised with the District 14-U Lioness of the Year award presented by Lioness Marie Barth with 14-U District Gov. Sharon Kimmel in attendance.It was not until Lioness liaison Marie Barth of New Ringgold shared that she was there to recognize a member of the club who "has served as vice president the last two years," that Beck realized she was the District's Lioness star for the year.Barth continued to enumerate the many activities and volunteer times and efforts Beck had given for her to be chosen.Beck's volunteering included in club President Ruth Smith's nomination "scheduling all of the speakers and the refreshments for each meeting, and also the events for our 'Fun Bunch.'""When she served as Tail Twister, she kept us all entertained and educated."Nancy is always signed up for raffle ticket sales, and is in charge for ticket sales and seating at our fashion show for the last four years," Barth said."As a member of the finance committee she oversees the charity disbursements to the community."Nancy has participated in every event we have had and is in charge of all the crafts for our children's events including: Patriotic Coloring Contest, Easter Egg Event, and Kookies and Krafts with Kriss Kringle."She is on the West End Fair Committee, and is one of the witches for Halloween at the Park where we represent the club."Beck not only received the plaque recognizing her selection, but from fellow Lioness received "kind words and beautiful roses," during the festive occasion which marked her award as well as a picture of the African lioness photographed by future Lioness Club member Linda Worthington.The honoree later summed up that award by reminding her Lioness "sisters" that she treasures the friendships of "so many wonderful ladies" and that "we know an award only lasts for a moment, but our friendships last a lifetime."Smith said of Beck's District recognition, "It is wonderful that she has been acknowledged by District 14U but we have known for years that she is our Lioness of the Year all the time."The opening event of that Lioness meeting had its own star, a screech owl named Flame.Flame is part of the lessons that can be learned from Pocono Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Center in Stroudsburg as she rode on the arm of Eric Uhler, who spoke about the "hospital for wildlife" he and his wife head.Among his stories was that of an 8-pound bear brought to them, which they nurtured, and others which have been adopted by a mother bear, being placed with mama bear when she is still asleep and the babies are covered with Vicks so they all smell alike. And because "bears can't count" the adoption can happen.Uhler shared how they are trying to buy the property on which the Wildlife Center is located in Stroudsburg, but that $300,000 must be raised.They are doing many events to raise those funds, including birthday parties, Halloween parties and even a wedding.Before he and Flame could go home, the Western Pocono Lioness Club presented Uhler with a check.The third part of the special night was getting a full roster of officers for the coming program year.With encouragement from Kimmel about the value of the club to the district and the community, "you're needed," and explanations by the current officers and how they handled their duties, the slate was filled with the upcoming officers including a duo of top leaders, Georganna Wilken and Cynthia Waters.Others who will lead the club to continued service to community and the world are: Gail Malocheski, secretary; Ruth Hebron, treasurer; Karoline Korman, Tail Twister; Nicole Davies, Lion Tamer; and board members Yvonne Pagano, Joan Hoffman and Cynthia Camlet.These officers were installed at the club's June 23 meeting.