Manassas Host Lions 65th Annual Installation of Officers

The Manassas Host Lions kicked off their new 2012-2013 year Thursday
night at the Baker-Post Community Room with their 65th annual Installation of Officers.

Outgoing President John Hartt was the master of ceremonies, with founding member and former Lions International Director John Gregory administering the oath of office to President Rob Williams, First Vice President Chris Branigan, Second Vice President Sheryl Bass, Third Vice President Rick Merlo, Secretary Keith Garrett and Treasurer Robert Bass.

Board of Directors—Margaret Garrett, Chester Smith, Chuck Soderberg, Matt McLaughlin, and John Beere—were also sworn in by Lion John Gregory.

Awards were presented to the following Lions for outstanding commitment and achievement in 2011-2012 were: John Beere, Chris Branigan, Margaret Garrett, Chester Smith, Chuck Soderberg, and Rick Merlo as Lion of the Year.

The highlight of the evening was outgoing President John Hartt receiving the Melvin Jones Fellowship award; named for the founder of the Lions Club, the Melvin Jones Fellowship is the highest award in Lionism. Emanuele “Manny” Fontana received the club’s Lifetime Award for 30 years of dedicated service to Lionism.

Manassas City Manager John Budesky was the guest speaker, treating members and guests to an inside look at the workings of our local government, including an assessment of some of the strengths of our community as well as our challenges. The Lions were also proud to present Kyle White with
a scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Mr. White is a 2012 graduate of Osbourn High School and is planning to attend Old Dominion University in the Fall to study business.

Lions Clubs International is the largest service organization in the world, with over 1.35 Million members in 206 countries. The Lions motto is We Serve; Manassas Host Lions serves our local community through various projects including sight and hearing evaluations, scholarships for youth, eyeglass
collection and disbursement, tree planting projects, and much more.

Please visit the club website at www.manassashostlions.org for more information.

Editor's note: Photos and information submitted by John Beere.