New officers for the Lions Club of Logan were installed June 20. Photo/J.D. Charles
The date of the dinner was not overlooked as outgoing President Roger Perry asked his better half to lead the group in a rousing rendition of "The West Virginia Hills."
"Since it is West Virginia Day, we should sing a West Virginia song," noted the musically oriented Odis Ratcliff.
Perry had some good news for the members. Former Logan Lion Lee McDermott, who has moved to Virginia and discovered some health problems, is doing better.
"He is out of the hospital and he misses the Logan Lions Club and the PIECES coalition," Perry said adding that everyone in the club was happy that former President Edna McCloud was out of the hospital and doing better.
Edna McCloud was honored with the Ray Gore Award for her disinguished leadership. Perry said McCloud had been an important member of the club from her first day and had done her part to make Logan a better place.
"We all know the work Lion Edna has done," Perry said noting that McCloud was always depended upon for club projects and activities.
Glen Ables received the Ralph Queen Award for his own part as the club's sergeant at arms. Members of the club had some good natured fun at Ables expense noting that he was wearing long pants, an unusual thing for Ables in the summer or winter.
Legendary West Virginia Lion Scott Neely, who has served in leadership positions at the local, state and national levels swore in the new members and inducted this year's officers.
Neely, a former top official with the West Virginia State Police noted that when he was stationed with the WVSP that he came to Logan often and always looked forward to visiting the club, which has a strong reputation for quality across the Mountain State. Neely noted the club had produced one of the best Lions in the state in its past president Arnold Walker.
"My duty here today is to install your officers and two new members," Neely said.
Odis Ratcliff, who had sponsored William Carrere and Harold McMillen brought both men before Neely who explained the origins of the Lions Club and it's services to the public worldwide to them and how it made a difference in people's lives all over the world.
"You are the newest members of the Logan Lions Club and I can assure you gentlemen that it is a great Lions Club," Neely said.
Neely also swore in officers:
•Glen Ables as the club's Tail Twister. "The last time I stood before you, you scared me," quipped Ables, referring to when Neely was his boss at the WVSP headquarters.
•Steven Stone as the Lion Tamer.
•Tom Acquire as the treasurer.
•Bev Roark as the club secretary.
•Ken Nunley as President.
President Nunley said the club was happy to have Neely and his wife Betty back as guests, noting that Betty Neely had been Scott's strong right arm on the Lions International Board of Directors. Nunley presented the Neelys with a check for the Lions Sight Foundation. "We appreciate you being here and we want you to come back often," Nunley added.
Neely said the Logan Lions had excelled at raising funds for the Sight Foundation.
Nunley who has authored several comedy books shared some quips with the club members and their guests.
"This was a tough officer's election," Nunley joked. "We had a lot of people vying for this position and a lot of smoke filled meetings.
Speaking seriously, Nunley noted that every copy of the meeting's schedule included a new member application and he asked every member present to try to recruit a new member for the club this year.
"We do a lot of good for a lot of people," Nunley said, explaining that in July he and Glen Ables would take 8,000 pairs of eyeglasses to Virginia where they will be refurbished for those who need them. Nunley said in the next year he wants more training for new members so they can get involved in leadership for the club.
"Now, let's have a good year this year and a lot of fun," Nunley said.
There were many door prizes distributed throughout the evening as well.
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