Members of the Minden Lions Club were recognized for years of service during the club’s November 14 meeting, where Lions Club District 8L Governor Raymond Cecil served as guest speaker.
Cecil commended the club for its strong turnout, noting that the Minden Lions Club is one of the oldest in Louisiana and the oldest within District 8L. He presented membership recognition certificates from Lions Club International to members marking milestone years of service.
Honorees included:
10 years: Rick Buckner, Logan McConathy
15 years: Ty Pendergrass, Tracy Campbell, Steve Cropper, Kary Bryce, Clay Johnson
20 years: Sam Bethea, Hugh Wood, Kyle Robertson
25 years: Carl Thompson
35 years: Ray Spurlock
40 years: Michael W. Wise
50 years: Ricky Darst
Cecil also discussed district initiatives, including his goals to add three new clubs and 100 new members to District 8L. He said a recently formed virtual Lions Club has grown beyond expectations. “They set their sights on you guys, because you were the largest club in our district. They passed you up, and then they set their sights on the New Orleans American Filipino Club and passed that bunch up. Right now in District 8L, we’ve added 111 members in that club,” he said. Cecil noted that other clubs are also increasing membership, adding, “District 8L is on the map; we’re on people’s thoughts across the nation.”
Cecil emphasized the value of expanding membership, saying, “More people to do more service.”
The Minden Lions Club remains active in community outreach, including providing children’s vision screenings. This year, members screened 1,123 children, with 27% referred for further evaluation.
The 103rd Annual Lions State Convention will be held at the Cypress Bend Resort in Many, LA.
Club leaders said they continue to welcome new members as they work to grow service efforts in the community.
The Lions Club meets each Thursday at noon at the American Legion Memorial Home, 119 W. Pine Street.