The Bellefontaine Lions Club celebrated its 70th anniversary April 29 with a charter night banquet at the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center. The club was founded July 2, 1947, with 20 members.
Club members Andy Collings and Mick Lile were presented Melvin Jones Fellowships. The awards, named after the founder of Lions International, is the highest award a Lion can receive and is given for outstanding humanitarian service.
Bellefontaine Lions Club members Andy Colling, left, and Mick Lile were presented Melvin Jones Fellowship awards for outstanding humanitarian service during the Saturday night anniversary banquet. (PHOTO SUBMITTED)
Jerry Smith, past international director and a member of the Wauseon Lions Club since 1984, was the guest speaker. The retired teacher and school superintendent updated the group on the duties, functions and activities that took place during his time as a director. He also highlighted the Bellefontaine club’s community activities and the impact the group has made in the community over the past 70 years.
A total of 51 members and guests attended the event, led by Mike Coder, president of the club, which convenes at 6:30 p.m. the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at the Homecoming Resaurant in Bellefontaine.
Larry Robinaugh and his sister, Marilyn Molton, both members of the club, were recognized as children of the late LeRoy Robinaugh, a charter member of the club.
Club focuses continue to serve the community and help to meet needs in the areas of vision care, diabetes awareness, youth activities and environmental concerns.