The Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club held its annual Christmas Dinner on Dec. 16 at the Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company Hall.

The program opened with a welcome by President Lion Scott Fenstermaker, the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of “America,” the Lion’s Toast, the invocation and a moment of silence in memory of deceased members.

After a dinner prepared and served by the “kitchen crew” of the Bowmanstown Volunteer Fire Company, Lion Lyle Augustine Jr. introduced the invited guests: Joan Altemose, and Earl Smale and Connie Smale, and noted that two invited guests — Fran Gullian and Kim Zoba — were unable to attend due to prior commitments.

These individuals are nonmembers of the club, but have helped throughout the year at the concession stands at the Carbon County Lion/Lioness Fair, the West End Fair, the Palmerton Community Festival and during the monthly block shoots from October through April.

Club members thanked them for volunteering their time to assist the Lions in their fundraising efforts, as profits of the activities are donated to various local community groups and service organizations.

Everyone in attendance participated in several holiday-themed games, and a gift exchange game based on a special version of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas.” After the benediction, the assembly joined in singing “Joy To The World.”

The Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club is always accepting new members. Anyone interested in becoming a Lion can call Loraine Neal at 610-597-1875. People don’t have to be a resident of Bowmanstown or Parryville to join.

Award presented

Lion Cheryl Ravert explained that the Lion of the Year Award is in recognition of a member’s “outstanding service, loyalty and devotion to Lionism.”

The 2024 recipient, determined by a vote of the club members, is Lyle Augustine Jr., in recognition of his dedication and service as club treasurer, an active contributor to several club committees, his assistance at the concession stands and block shoots, and his willingness to volunteer untold hours to improving the club and insuring it can provide needed services and funds to organizations and individuals in the service area.

New member

Past President Loraine Neal performed the “New Member Induction Ceremony,” recognizing Linda K. Billig as a member of the Bowmanstown-Parryville Lions Club. Her sponsor, Jean Smith, presented her with her official Lions Clubs International pin, membership card and new member packet. All members present then individually welcomed her to the club.