Surprise Awards at 49th Change Over Dinner

If there is one thing we all love to see, it has to be the surprised look on some ones face when an award is being handed out. All the indicators were there that could have quite easilly been attributed to a number of members till I personally felt that it was now obvious who was the recipient of the Australian Lions Foundation James D Richardson award. Lion John Matic was stunned, and just a little tearful to say the least, and I must say that no more fitting person would you find to receive it. John is noted for being a mentor to other Lions filling positions that he has served in. He is always available for projects that he can work on. Around town he is known as the Mint King of Burnie for without his cajolling of the membership our sales wouldn't be a high as they are. and last but not least his organisational skills in the collection with two other Lions of recycled spectacles, then forwarding them on to be graded for distribution to third world countries.
Congratulations go to Lion John Matic the "Lord of Grandview" from your fellow Lions members.

The second award was new one from the Tasmanian Lions Foundation. This was awarded to Lion Mark Fishwick who is a relatively new member. Lion Mark has a history of community work throught the years. He was an Apexian where he rose to be National President and a signatory to the Memorandum of Understanding between Apex and Lions Clubs International in Perth, WA. in 2002 where Apexians on reaching retiring age could transfer to a Lions Club and still maintain their collective years of service of both organisations.
Mark has demonstrated leadership skills and chaired the successfull project for the past three years of "The Night On The Terrace" on New Year's Eve. Additional to this he has also served on the club's board of directors for at least four years.
Lion Mark like Lion John Matic, you have more than earned your Award. Congratulations from the membership of the City of Burnie Lions Club.

Now how about the Wilfred Campbell Fellowship Award and the Groobing Award. both of these are in house awards and have been in place for many years. Most of the recipients have gone on to become presidents of the club which isn't surprising.
This year the Wilfred Campbell Fellowship Award went to Lion Gloria Deal who amongst other things produces the Bulletin with a bit of help, and with the transfer of Lion Geoff Starik to another club, took on the role of Tail Twister. This coming year sees Lion Gloria filling three roles on the Board of Directors. Bulletin editor with help, Tail Twister, and 2nd Vice President. Our social butterfly and rising star has managed to extract funds from some very deep and tight pockets, and just loves collecting five cent pieces to keep our Treasurer unhappy.

Now we come to the Groobing Award. The recipient of this is also a relatively new member like Lion Gloria Deal but has managed to make her mark on the fabric of the City of Burnie Lions Club. Lion Melissa Bell (a full time working mother of an energetic little boy), has managed to do in one fell swoop, sell a mountain of Christmas cakes last year. Where humanly possible she fronts up at any catering projects, selling Christmas Trees, and this year has become the Assistant Treasurer of the club.

Ladies, we just love you.