[by Lion Cheryl Wyatt]
On Tuesday, May 15 we held our annual Youth Recognition Night at the Damascus United Methodist Church. This event was co-chaired by Lions Alice Denell and Cheryl Wyatt. Members and guests were graciously greeted at the door by Lion Tammy Hertel. A friendly welcome was also provided by King Lion Vicki Dotterer. Following the welcome our local Boy Scout Troop #445 performed the Presentation of the Colors and Pledge to the American flag.
Thomas James, a pianist and Damascus High School student, provided us with music before and during the dinner hour. Giving Frank Sinatra some competition, Lion George Hibbard sang our National Anthem. Lion John Washington gave our Lions Toast followed by Damascus High School’s Leo of the Year, Jaylen Barber, giving the Leos Toast before dinner. The invocation was given by Lion Ken Phillips. The Damascus United Methodist Women provided all of our members and our club’s dinner guests with a scrumptious meal Thank you to Lion Joy Schwab for arranging to make sure we had enough to eat.
Grant money was provided to a variety of Damascus and Clarksburg Boys and Girls Scout Troops, Clarksburg Helping Hands, along with our local elementary, middle, and high schools. Lions Barbara Barry, Bob Snapp, Charlie Stone and Mike Thornett helped to hand out the money. Thank you Lion Mike for writing out all those checks with Lion Alice’s guidance. Everyone was thrilled to receive money for their grant requests and commented on how generous our club was to the community. Lion Marcia Holpuch was a great help in getting our entertainment, having a local troop perform the Presentation of the Colors and Pledge to the American Flag, along with starting a new tradition for this night by saying goodbye to the old and hello to the new Rocky Hill Middle School Leo Officers sponsored by Lion Mary Kroll.
Lions Mary Frances Gosnell and Alice Denell did double duty not only helping with the evening events but going over to Damascus High School to provide a variety of scholarships and awards. Thank you to all the members that attended the dinner and supported our Youth Recognition Night.