The Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club held its 45th annual charter observance recently at the Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company Hall.

After a dinner prepared by the “kitchen crew” of the fire company, Toastmaster Lion Earl Reabold welcomed all in attendance, and introduced honored guests District Gov. Gary Bender and his wife, Lion Melissa.

2021 Scholastic Achievement Award recipients were Cayci Reichard, Palmerton Area High School; Landin Locke, Carbon Career & Technical Institute (carpentry); and Abigail Buffington, Lehighton Area High School.

Each recipient received a plaque, along with a monetary award of $300. Buffington was unable to attend, but will receive her award at a future meeting.

Bender installed the following officers for the 2021-2022 Lion Year:

• President, Loraine K. Neal; First Vice President, Jean F. Smith; Second Vice President, Lyle A. Augustine Jr., Third Vice President, Scott L. Fenstermaker; Secretary, Ruth Mary Augustine; Treasurer, William H. Ravert; Assistant Treasurer, Lyle Augustine Jr., Lion Tamer, Ronald M. Engle; Tail Twister, Earl C. Reabold; and Chaplain, Kathy J. Nunemacher.

• Board of Directors (one-year term): Joseph L. Herzog, William H. Ravert, Richard C. Beers, Henry F. Altemose, Jean F. Reabold.

• Board of Directors (three-year term): Scott L. Fenstermaker, Carole J. Beck, Ronald M. Engle, Norman A. Engle Jr., Earl C. Reabold.

• Membership Committee (three-year term) - Nancy M. Herzog, Chairperson; Larry D. Engle, Vice Chairperson; Albina M. Engle, Member.

Bender also presented the following prestigious awards:

• Lions Club International Foundation - Melvin Jones Fellowship, Lion Lyle A. Augustine, Jr.

• Lions of Pennsylvania Foundation Fellowship, Lion Ronald M. Engle.

President Loraine Neal highlighted the club’s activities during the past year, and listed local charities and organizations that have benefited from money realized by the club’s fundraising activities.

Neal also noted that the club was awarded a grant that is specified for refurbishing and repair of the Bowmanstown Monument.

Bender thanked the club for its continued efforts in Lionism, and wished them continued success in all of its endeavors.

He once again stressed his “theme” for the past year: “The Power of One: one smile can start a friendship, one word can end a fight, one look can save a relationship, one person can change your life, one act of kindness will spark another” - and asked each of us to be the one.