Special to Atmore News
The Atmore Lions Club held its first meeting of the month on November 6, at the Atmore Community Hospital’s Mayson Auditorium. President Lion Joyce Petty led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag and Lion Dr. Kevin Garrett said the blessing. Guests Misty De la Cruz, Addison Long, WKRG’s Bill Riales and photographer Nicholas Johnson were introduced as guests.
President Petty asked the group to be seated, and she and Lion Renee Hardy proceeded to explain Lions Club International Foundation, and the Melvin Jones Fellowship which is presented by the local club. After reading a citation, the award was presented to Lion Nancy Karrick. As a surprise, on hand to celebrate with the honoree were her daughter Nancy Erwin and granddaughter Ann Colleen Erwin from Mobile.
About the award: “Lions Clubs International recognizes outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones. This Fellowship Award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism.”
Following lunch, Lion Joyce Petty gave a recap of what the club has done in the last year, including giving $24,000 to groups in Atmore and the surrounding communities as well as state and international Lions projects. Lion Gregg Akins reported that $450 worth of mops and brooms were sold at Williams Station Day, and Lion Kenny Smith noted that 990 pounds of food and donations of $370 were collected at the recent food drive.
There was a brief discussion on the Christmas parade entry and location to work on it. Volunteers were solicited to help with the Alabama Lions Sight Eye Exams which will be held at the hospital on November 22 from 9 to 1. Lion Patty Davis reported that the Atmore club had sent in a nomination for Past International President Frank Moore, from Alabama, for the Lions Hall of Fame.
Lion Kenny Smith introduced Addison Long, executive director of the Atmore Chamber of Commerce as the program for the day. Long gave a recap of past programs during the year as well as new ones which are planned.
The next meeting will be held on November 20.