Larry Williams, first vice district governor, attended the Dec. 12 meeting of the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club held at the Mahoning Valley Country Club.

Lion Earl Reabold, master of ceremonies, gave the welcome and introduced guests. A moment of silence was held in memory of Keith Billig and Edward Steigerwalt, who passed away during the past year.Wanda Green was noted as an exceptional volunteer and was to join the Lions.Williams said, "On behalf of the officers and members of the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions, I am sincerely pleased to have you join. We are proud that you accept membership in the Lions and Lions International."Lions International began in 1917 in Chicago when some businessmen believed men should expand their horizons to the world at large. Since then Lions' members volunteer time and talents giving special attention to the blind and visually impaired," he said.Lions have been known as Knights of the Blind since 1925 when Helen Keller asked them to take up the issue. They have worked tirelessly for the community and Lions International. There are 1.4 million members in 45,000 clubs and have brought unparalleled service to clubs worldwide by honing leadership and organizational skills.Green's sponsor for membership was Emma Moyer, who pinned the Lions pin, given by Williams, on her clothing."Wear it with pride. Members will make you feel welcome," Moyer said.All members lined up to welcome her with a handshake. She received a certificate of membership.Williams also gave Moyer a pin for the 100th anniversary of Lions in honor of her sponsorship.Member Richard Beers said they had successful years but not without the volunteers. Sometimes one stands out above the rest. The West End Fair is the biggest fundraiser, and Joan Altemose put her hand to whatever needed doing. She received an award for that effort.Another fundraiser is putting up tarps for weddings and outdoor parties. Ronnie Engle got the Goldenrod Award for helping with this project. He was always ready to hammer in stakes (rods) and pull them out again. He received the award from Richard Beers.Attendance awards were given which take account of not only meeting attendance but of attendance at special functions.The Lions of the Year award went to someone who was chairman of the membership control committee, chairman of the Relay for Life, controls the community block shoots, and is chairman of the weather control so the tarps and their rental would be ready when needed, and chairman of argument control.He is vice president of the Carbon County Fair Committee and head of security, and chairman of the Palmerton Festival committee.He is recognized for his outstanding service and dedication. Williams asked Joe Herzog to come forward as the Lion of the Year, an honor he was receiving for the fourth time.He calls himself a "jack of all trades."William Ravert presented a Bible to Jean and Brian Billig. He said it was his pleasure to present the Bible in honor of their husband and father Keith Billig.Chaplain Burdell Steigerwalt also presented a Bible to Viola Steigerwalt and her daughters Carol Snyder and Kathy Nunnemacher to honor Edward Steigerwalt. He told her that if she doesn't think something is right she should open the Bible and say a prayer.Members and guests of the Lions held a Christmas gift exchange and then were entertained by the band, At the Hop.