Union County Lions Club again takes First Place

L to R: District Governor 18-D Lion Ken Thurmond and Ken Castle, President of Union County Lions Club 2006- 2007.

It is the second consecutive year for the Union County Lions Club to receive top honors in the large club category in 18-D at the recent Georgia Lions Annual State Convention held at the beautiful Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga.

Lion Ken Castle, ut-going President of the Lions Club, was all smiles upon receiving the coveted plaque as this was his second consecutive year serving as president of Union County Lions Club. Lion Ken also received a personal award, that of a Melvin Jones Fellow Award, which is the highest award that a club can give someone at the international level. This was a well kept secret from Lion Ken until the moment of presentation.

Union County Lions Club was the recipient of another honor; that of second place in State for the Laurel Ridge- Monroe Award. This is an award for the Lions Club having the best record of citizenship and patriotism activities, part of which must show evidence of honoring the American Flag. Union County Lions submitted their 2006 July 4th Event (as the Lion year runs from July first through June 30th of each year). Along with the application was sent the write up from the news media.

Front L to R: Lions Louise Little and Betty Gurr. Back row L to R: Lions Lisa Little, Gene Little, Ann Castle, Ken Castle proudly showing his Melvin Jones Fellow Award plaque and Lion Arthur Gurr.

Accolades continued on the State level as Union County Lions Clubs received third place in the State for contributions made to White Cane, which by the way, you, the public here in Union County, were a major part with your generous donations. Also the club received numerous certificates of acknowledge and appreciation from Georgia Lions Lighthouse, Georgia Lions Camp for Blind, Leader Dog, Childrens Eye Care Center and Recording for Blind & Dyslexic. Then, there was a special certificate for Union County Lion Les Myers for sponsoring five new members in the Union County Lions Club for the Lions year of 2006/2007. This will be presented to him at the club's annual awards night as he was not at the convention.

Blairsville/Union County - be proud of your Union County Lions Club and remember the Lions Motto: We Serve.