Lyons Lions Club Installs Officers, Bestows Awards at Annual Meeting

In a recent annual meeting, the Lions Lyons Club installed new officers, welcomed new members and bestowed awards to outstanding Lions. Installed as new officers for the 2021-2022 term were: Larry Griggers, LCIF Coordinator – Immediate Past President; Nickie Muzafarov, Director; Tina Lindsey, Director; Jimmy Alexander, Lion Tamer; Debbie Griggers, Secretary; Mark Findley, President; Willis NeSmith, Tail Twister; Wesley Walker, Membership Chairman; Joseph Akins, Director; and Christian Burton, Director. Others who will serve as new officers but were not present for the installation were Lucretia Nobles, First Vice President; Barry Waller, Second Vice President; and Darriel Nobles, Treasurer.

An induction of new members ceremony was held to officially welcome the following new members into the club: Helen Harris, Michelle Dixon, David Biddle, Alfred Cason, and Robin Watson. The Hardy Thomas Faithful Service Award was presented to Lion Johnny Griggers for his continued willingness over four decades to volunteer for leadership roles and to actively take on service projects of the Lyons Lions Club.

The award is in honor of Thomas Hardy who was a Lion for over 50 years and worked tirelessly for the Club until a few weeks prior to his passing away in January.

While Griggers has served the Club for almost 40 years, he took on a major project this past year by spearheading the Downtown Lyons Flag Project. New flags and poles were purchased and Lions Club flags were added to the displays to acknowledge the Club’s involvement in the project.

The Club’s outgoing President, Larry Griggers, presented the Lion of the Year award to Joseph Akins. Akin served as the chair of the Hunger Committee this past year and oversaw the delivery of several thousand bottles of water to local schools during the Covid crisis. In addition, Akin has headed several food distribution events and secured donated food for the Backpack Buddies program.

LION OF THE YEAR — Outgoing President of the Lyons Lions Club Larry Griggers, left, presented the Lion of the Year award to Joseph Akins who served as chair of the Hunger Committee, has headed several food distribution events, and secured donated food for the Backpack Buddies program.

SERVICE AWARD — The Hardy Thomas Faithful Service Award was presented to Lion Johnny Griggers for his four decades of volunteerism and leadership. Above, outgoing President of the Lyons Lions Club Larry Griggers, right, presented the award to Griggers.