By NANCY KARRICK
Special to Atmore News
The Atmore Lions Club held its last meeting of 2023 on December 20 in the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall. The meeting was also the occasion of a festive Christmas dinner where members filled their plates with Salisbury steak with grilled onions and gravy, baked potato, cold slaw, rolls, and chocolate pudding layered dessert.
Guests recognized were Buck and Mary Bess Powell, Joe Brown, and Catherine Rotch.
President Renee Hardy presided and asked Lion Kevin Garrett to give the invocation.
Several important orders of business were on the agenda.
Lion Renee announced the first presentation would be the announcement of the Lion of the Year, then proceeded to start describing the selected member’s contributions during the year. Most members were unsure of the recipient until it was mentioned that she headed up the Christmas parade float group. Congratulations to Lion Joyce Petty, the Atmore Lions Club Lion of the Year. A well deserving choice.
The next recognition was the highest award a local club can give to any Lion, the Melvin Jones Fellow award for humanitarian services to Lions Clubs International Foundation. During his long tenure as an Atmore Lion, this member could be counted on to always be at Lions functions and service opportunities. His leadership and participation were at the top level. The recipient of this prestigious award was Melvin “Buck” Powell. Again, a well-deserving and popular Lion receiving the award named after Lions founder Melvin Jones.