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Lions McFarland, Ganss reach milestone |
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Wednesday, 08 October 2008 |
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By Jennifer Gentile
Daily Times Leader
The West Point Lions Club celebrated a milestone anniversary Tuesday for two of its members.
Harold McFarland, 85, and Bob Ganss, 81, both joined the club in 1958.
Several club officials were present during the club’s regular meeting to congratulate them on their 50 years of membership.
Ganss read aloud several notes and letters of congratulation addressed to McFarland. One, from Past District Governor Billy B. Thames, said “Congratulations on 50 years of service to the West Point Lions Club.”
“We are so proud of your contribution to Lionism in Mississippi,” it continued. “It was a real pleasure to serve as district governor with you in 1982-83. You have always been a very dependable friend and Lion.”
Another letter from Bill Russell, a longtime Lion’s Club member based in North Carolina, said, “Congratulations on being a Lion for 50 years; I’ve been a Lion for 45 years. I have known you many years, we have traded many pins over the years.”
Howard Jenkins, past Lions Club International director, presented the honorees with commendations from Lions Club International President Al Brandel.
“Heroic deeds set caring people apart from others,” the certificates said. “You are herby commended for distinguishing yourself as an everyday hero by creating miracles through service.”
The organization, according to its Web site, now counts approximately 1.3 million people as members and is present in 202 counties and geographic areas. The Lions are perhaps best known for their services to the blind and vision impaired, as well as their efforts toward sight preservation like eyeglass recycling.
However, clubs like those in West Point also offer youth programs, provide scholarships, conduct vision and health screenings and perform other services in the community.
McFarland and Ganss both said they joined the club because they were invited and stayed because they enjoyed it.
“I was a newcomer to West Point at that time,” Ganss recalled. During his time with the club, he said, “I have made friends all over the world.”
During his stint in the U.S. Marine Corps, McFarland was involved in several amphibious landings, the last being at Iwo Jima.
Afterward, he said, “I got married, went back to school.”
He earned a degree in electrical engineering and worked for the Tennessee Valley Authority for about 30 years.
As a Lions Club member, he said, “I just enjoyed the things that we did” — like providing glasses for children and adults.
McFarland and Ganss were also personally congratulated Tuesday by David Barham, executive administrator with the Lions Club state office, and past District Governor Armando de la Cruz.
“We’re happy to celebrate with you today,” de la Cruz said.
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Last Updated ( Thursday, 09 October 2008 )
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