On Thursday, June 21 the Jackson Lions Club held it's 86th Installation Dinner and Awards Presentation. On hand for the festivities were 70 Lions, spouses and guests. The dinner was fantastic as usual. Proprietors Bart and Mara Gillman provided us all with a great buffet meal of salads, chicken, prime rib, pasta, bread and strawberry shortcake for dessert.

Outgoing Lion President Beau Gillman presided over the evening to end his year long reign over the club. This years Helen Keller awards were presented by PDG Gene Weatherby. Outgoing President Beau presented several Lions with individual awards. The podium was then turned over to Lion Lon Hamburger to induct the incoming officers and board members. As usual the ceremony was conducted with humor and held in very short duration.

Below is a list of award recipients. There are three recipients that were unable to attend the dinner and their names have been withheld until their presentations are made. Congratulations to all of the award recipients.

At this point the gavel was handed over by outgoing Lion President Beau to incoming Lion President Jon Luy. As is standard club policy Lion President Jon had no more control over the crowd than did Lion Beau during his reign or as any other past president has had for that matter.

2011/2012 Jackson Lions Club Award Recipients:

     Lion Fran Vaira- Distinguished Service Award for 40 years of service

     Lion Art McClellan- Chairperson of the Year

     Lion John Ambrose- Lion of the Year

     Lion Norm Totten- Ear of the Lion

      Lion Robert Zwieg- Helen Keller Award

     Lion Gene Davidenas- Helen Keller Award

     Lion Larry Waller- Helen Keller Award

     Lion Pat Holland- Presidential Appreciation Award

     Lion Adam Delange- Presidential Appreciation Award

     Lion Bob Rogers- Presidential Appreciation Award

 Outgoing Jackson Lions Club President Beau Gillman handing over the gavel to incoming Jackson Lions Club President Jon Luy.

Outgoing Jackson Lions Club President Beau Gillman congratulating special award recipient Fran Vaira who was also celebrating his 88th birthday.