GRAVETTE -- Members of the Gravette Lions Club met at the In Zone Restaurant Tuesday, June 20, for a special fourth anniversary celebration and new officer installation ceremony.
After a short business meeting, the announcement was made that the In Zone would be closing at the end of the week and a discussion was held about choosing a new site for club meetings. Members decided to hold their next regular club meeting on Wednesday, July 5, at 12 noon at the pavilion in Old Town Park. Other meeting locations will be investigated in the interval.
Tail twister Cela Gaytan conducted a brief quiz called "Who Am I?" Each member was asked to answer a few questions, including their favorite color, favorite song, favorite movie, hobby and the person, living or dead, they would most like to have lunch with. Kurt Maddox was the winner, correctly identifying all members in attendance by their answers.
Jeff Davis, outgoing president, presented his annual report, recapping projects members had pursued and meetings attended. He said he was proud of what the club had accomplished in the past year, noting several awards earned by the group and favorable publicity on the local, district and state level. He emphasized particularly the need to focus on fundraising because, he said, eye care is the club's main focus and he never wanted the club to have to say "No" to anyone needing an eye exam or a new pair of eyeglasses.
Susan Holland, outgoing vice-president, made some comments on the installation and the club's positive future under the new slate of officers and shared some thoughts from Lion Jimmy Carter's book Living Faith. She then conducted the installation ceremony for 2017-2018 officers, Bill Mattler, president; Jeff Davis, secretary-treasurer; and Cela Gaytan, tail twister, Lion tamer and director. Vice-president Tim Horton was not present and will be installed at a later date.
New president Mattler made some brief remarks. He said he was looking forward to the next year and, with the help of his fellow officers and club members, hoped to have another successful year. He too encouraged members to bring him ideas for fundraising projects.
Davis presented a few awards at the end of the meeting. Ken Foxx received a Silver Centennial Award for sponsoring a new member who had remained a member for at least a year and a day. Mattler said that both Ken Foxx and Susan Holland had earned Gold Centennial Awards for sponsoring new members who had remained members for at least two years and a day.
Davis presented the President's Award certificate to Lion Nancy Cudmore and the In Zone Restaurant for outstanding service and hospitality in providing the club a meeting place for the past two years. Susan Holland received the Lion of the Year award pin and certificate for exemplary service to club and community in the 2016-17 year.
At the close of the meeting, members enjoyed sharing a birthday cookie with the message "4 years of Service in Gravette" inscribed in blue icing. Davis recognized Kurt Maddox and Ken Foxx, two charter members of the club who were present.
The next regular meeting of the club will be a change from the usual first Tuesday date. The meeting will be postponed one day and held at 12 noon on Wednesday, July 5, in the new pavilion at Old Town Park. New members and guests are always welcome.
Community on 06/28/2017