Published: July 02, 2009 10:24 am      

Davis-Counts installed as new Lions president

The McAlester Lions Club recently celebrated its 91st anniversary and installed officers for 2009 – 2010 during a banquet held at Pete’s Place. The officers were installed by Lion, Tom Crowl. Special awards were given by program chair Deb Nortunen and President Connie Davis-Counts with Lion David Lerblance serving as the master of ceremonies.

The officers for 2009 – 2010 are Connie Davis-Counts, president; Kristy Balch, first vice-president; Randy Walters, second vice-president; Emily Mouser, secretary/treasurer; Lance Woodliff, tail twister; Melinda Nix and Jerry Grubbs, one year directors; and Jeff Massengale, membership chairman.

President Davis-Counts recognized Lion David Lerblance as the Lion of the Year for Exceptional Service and Dedication to the club.

During the past year, the McAlester Lions Club has provided 72 pairs of eyeglasses for needy individuals, contributed funds to a local citizen with a debilitating eye disease, sponsored multiple sports teams at the Boys & Girls Club, supported the local Boy Scouts, and donated to the Lions Boys Ranch in Perkins. In addition to the above, the club collected funds for the Oklahoma Lions Service Foundation. The club also collected 396 used pairs of eyeglasses, 42 cell phones, and 39 toner cartridges for recycling.

The McAlester Lions Club major fundraiser each year continues to support the Club’s mission of “We Serve.” Plans are already underway for the annual Halloween Carnival to be held in October.

The McAlester Lions Club was formed on June 13, 1918 with 30 members in attendance and received its charter as the 34th club of that organization. Today, Lions Club International is the world’s largest service organization, having more than 45,000 clubs with a membership of more than 1.4 million. Anyone interested in visiting our club is invited to one of our luncheon meetings on any Wednesday at 12 p.m. at The Meeting Place at 104 E. Choctaw Ave.