The Les Cheneaux Lions Club recently chose two members to receive the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. Recipients are Gene Collins (left) and Harry Stockfisch. The awards were announced at the Lions Club June 24 meeting.

The Les Cheneaux Lions Club honored a number of Lions Club members June 9.

Gene Collins and Harry Stockfisch received the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, a recognition of commitment to humanitarian work. The fellowship is the foundation's highest honor and represents humanitarian qualities such as generosity, compassion, and concern for the less fortunate. Melvin Jones Fellows receive a lapel pin and a personalized wall plaque in honor of their commitment to helping others. The fellowship originated in 1973, the fellowship is named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones.

Mr. Stockfisch has been involved with the International SightFirst program from the beginning, helping to raise money for blindness and eye diseases throughout the world, and has served as an officer of the club. He has headed the Lions Club calendar project for many years. He has also been involved in community theater productions.

Les Cheneaux Lions Club members Phil Milan, (standing) and Bruce Patrick (seated) were honored June 9. Lion Bob St. Peter (right) awarded service pins to Mr. Patrick for 60 years of service, and Mr. Milan for 25 years.

Mr. Collins is also a longtime member of the Les Cheneaux club, and for the past several years has served as the treasurer. He is active in the community and serves on the committee with the recreation program which the Lions Club is helping to fund, and to build the ball diamonds.

Herb Melcher, Judy Izzard, and Dale Streichert were honored for their many years of community service to the Boy Scouts. Mr. Streichert and Mr. Melcher have both been through the ranks in leadership from Cub Scouts. Mr. Streichert is an Eagle Scout and has received the Silver Beaver award for outstanding work in the scouting program in the local, district, and council levels. Mr. Streighert and Mr. Melcher have each been in scouting for more than 35 years as adults. Ms. Izzard has been in the scouting program as an adult in leadership and district capacity for more than 15 years. They have each been given the district award of merit for their contributions to the program.

On June 9, Les Cheneaux Lions Club honored a number of Lions Club members. Honorees are (from left) Herb Melcher, Judy Izzard, and Dale Streichert for their many years of community service to the Boy Scouts. (Photographs courtesy of Carol Martin)

Bob Tooley was named "Lion of the Year." Mr. Tooley has been an active member of the club, and has served as an officer and on the board of directors on several occasions. He also takes care of the trash bags and mints, which are sold in local establishments. He travels at his own expense to Escanaba and Mount Pleasant for supplies. He keeps the places stocked with the product, picks up the money, and keeps track of the program.

Bruce Patrick and Phil Milan were presented service pins by Bob St. Peter from Dafter Lions Club for many years of service. Mr. Patrick has been involved with the Lions Club for 60 years, and Mr. Milan for 25 years.