The Decatur County Lions Club held its Annual Awards Banquet in a beautiful indoor/outdoor setting on the evening of Saturday, July 14.

Past District Governor Cotton Hester presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship to Club President Charlie Laing.  This award, which is named for the founder of Lions Clubs International (LCI), is the highest and most prestigious honor a Lion can receive.  Lion Charlie became a charter member of the Decatur County Lions Club on October 1, 2012. Through his dedication and leadership, he truly personifies the organization’s motto:  “We Serve”.

Club President Laing presented the Lion of the Year award to Jackie Taylor for his tireless work in promoting Lionism. 

He is instrumental in establishing new clubs, recruiting new members and working at all levels of LCI.

Club Secretary Carol Lewis announced the recipients of the 100% Attendance Awards:  Betty Hester, Cotton Hester, Charlie Laing, Grace Laing, Carol Lewis, Chuck Lewis, Hardy Powell and Jack Taylor.

Past District Governor and member of the Calvary Lions Club Arthur Tatum installed the club officers for the FY 2018/2019 term.  They are:  President Charlie Laing, Vice President Sheri Allen, Secretary Carol Lewis, Treasurer Chuck Lewis, Chaplain Cotton Hester, Lion Tamer Hardy Powell, Tail Twister Cotton Hester, Membership/Club Marketing/Communications Chairperson Jackie Taylor, Club Service Chairperson Grace Laing and Directors Keith Lyle, Jimmy Elkins and Debbie Elkins.

President Laing recapped the club’s activities over the past year.  Through its major fundraiser, Boston Butt Smokers and Sales on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Friday before Memorial Day, the club makes annual designated contributions to organizations including Family Connection, Georgia Lions Camp, Lions Club International Foundation, Southeast Guide Dog, Bainbridge-Decatur County Humane Society, and the Salvation Army.  In the Buford’s Bears project, named in honor of the late Lion Buford White, teddy bears and other cuddly critters are donated to the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Bainbridge Public Safety and other emergency responders to help ease the stress of children victims of  traumatic situations. 

The Decatur County Lions Club looks forward to another successful year of growth and service.