At the 96th Multiple District 22 Convention held in Ocean City from May 7-10, Lions, Lionesses and LEOs from Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia chose their leaders for Lions year 2018-2019. The Lions of District 22W consisting of Carroll, Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett counties, chose Lion Gerry Beachy, a member of the Grantsville Lions Club, to be district governor for the upcoming year. He will attend the Lions Clubs International Convention June 29-July 3 in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he will be installed by incoming International President Lion Dr. Gudrun Bjort Yngvadottir, of Gardabaer, Iceland. Elected to the office of 1st Vice District Governor was Lion Evan Gillett, of the Roaring Run Lions Club. Lion Richard Crunkilton, of the Westminster Lions Club, was elected to the office of 2nd Vice District Governor. District Governor-Elect Beachy has selected Lion Charlie Croft, of the LaVale Lions Club, to be cabinet secretary; and Lion Susan Favorite, of the Thurmont Lions Club, to be cabinet treasurer. The new officers will assume office on July 1; a “Change of Banner” celebration meeting will be held July 28, when retiring District Governor Bonura will symbolically turn over the reins to District Governor Beachy.
Lions Clubs International Director Sam H. Lindsey Jr. presented awards to District 22W Lions for outstanding service and accomplishments over the past year. Lion Barbara Brimigion, who served as cabinet secretary this year, was presented the International Presidential Award Medal. Lioness Vicki Marr, of the Hagerstown Lioness Club, received the International Leadership Award Medal. Lion Gary Buchman, of the Freedom District Lions Club, now serving as district treasurer, and Past District Governor Andrew DeMario Sr., of the Lineboro-Manchester Lions Club, were presented International President Certificates of Appreciation.
Lions who were inducted into the District 22W Honor Roll were: Floyd Freyman, Westminster Lions Club; Louis “Mike” Nassar, North Branch Lions Club; Phyllis Thompson, Myersville Lions Club; and Lois Conrad, Williamsport Lions Club. District Governor Bonura awarded District Governor’s Commendation Medals in recognition of exemplary service to Lionism to Lions Bob Coursey and Susan Coursey, of the Westminster Lions Club; and Lion Gary Buchman, of the Freedom District Lions Club.
Lions Clubs International, the largest service organization in the world, is closing out a three-year celebration of its 100th anniversary July 31.