Suburban residents were among Aurora Lions Club 2024-2025 officers and directors installed Thursday, June 20.
Open to the public for the first time, the event was held at Aurora Country Club in Aurora.
Co-presidents installed were Randy Brown, membership chair and Susan Koepke, past president and co-service chair; Jay Short, first vice president and co-service chair; Tom Muth, second vice president; Joe Beary, treasurer; Bobby Menendez, secretary; Arvid Meyer, past president, and Becky Dunnigan, marketing chair.
Directors installed were Michele Needham, Dick Schindel, and Tom Voigt.
Donna Kearney, Lions District 1-J southeast Zone 2 chairwoman and member, Naperville Lions Club, officiated at the installation.
Kearney concluded by surprising Aurora Lions marketing committee member, Al Benson, with the District 1-J Golden Lion award. Kearney presented a certificate and pin that honored Benson for “superior efforts for your club and District 1-J.”
Kearney said, “The best part about being a zone chair is to recognize and congratulate the efforts of Lions in the Southeast Region. I have the esteemed honor to present to a very deserving Lion, the District 1J Golden Lion Award.
“This award is given to Lions that work tirelessly to further Lionism, both within their own club and for Lions Clubs International. They are not an officer or a director, but they are as committed. Two may be awarded in a Region – one per zone, in a year. The Lion may only receive the award once.
“The Southeast Zone 1 2024 award winner is a beacon, shining a light on the great work that you do as members of the Aurora Lions Club.
“They tirelessly work to promote, inform and publicize both day to day happenings and special events. When I read their press releases, I feel that I was there.
“I truly believe the herald is an unsung hero who brings people together and makes the Aurora Lions Club the well and widely known champion of service in the community. Congratulations Lion Al Benson, the 2024 Southeast Region Golden Lion!”
Guests included Elbert L. Hearon, director, Aurora University graduate business programs and Anthony Touhy, an student who will be among two AU interns assisting Aurora Lions in the Fall.
The event concluded with entertainment by Steve Chezaday of Chezaday Magic Productions.
The Aurora Lions Club serves children and adults with free eye exams, eyeglasses and hearing examinations. Services are provided at no cost to those individuals who cannot afford this type of service.
In addition, grants and donations are provided to other organizations for research and education to assist low vision and hearing-impaired individuals.
—Al Benson