LION OF THE YEAR

2011 – Lion Ted Allen

 By Dr. Dan Ikemiyashiro - 2010 Lion of the Year

Lion Ted has been a member of the Breakfast Lions since 1990. He was sponsored by Lion ???  He has served his club well as a member of the Board of Directors, Treasurer, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice Presidents, and as President. He is a Harry Aslan Fellow and currently serves on the Lions District 4-A1 California Lions Camp Board of Directors and is its treasurer. Lion Ted is also our Medic Alert Chairman and has made quite an effort to coordinate that program with our local school district. He is always there to volunteer with our cooking projects or to be available where needed.




2010 – Lion Dr. Dan Ikemiyashiro

 By Lion Kent Floro - 2009 Lion of the Year

Dr. Dan Ikemiyashiro was sponsored by Past District and International Director of Lions Clubs, Pat Quigley, and joined the Merced Breakfast Lions Club in 2001. Dr. Dan has been a director, vice president and was elected President in 2005-2006 year. During his term in office, he earned the Harry J. Aslan Fellowship Award, sponsored by the District 4 Student Speakers Association. Dr. Dan is a great lion, always helpful during any of our numerous fund raisers – especially, the Cioppino Dinner, the Rigatoni Bowl, and the Firework Booth.

On meeting days, he will always greet you, shake your hand, and make you feel that you are the only person who matters. You could also say, “He has a great bed side manner”.


2009 – Lion Kent Floro



 By Lion Maria Vega - 2008 Lion of the Year

I am honored to announce the winner of this year's "Lion of the Year" award, is KENT FLORO.

This lion is a valued member to our club. This lion was not born in California, but born to the "Cornhusker State." He was born a very good baby who slept through the whole night. He grew up liking mash potatoes and gravy, but never dared feed him beets! This lion was almost the perfect child. Until one day, he thought he was Tarzan. He would swing freely from curtain to curtain at high school gyms. Till one day he got caught. He then pursued the life of a watermelon raider along with his football career. This lion is also an avid sports fan.

Each year at the officer installation dinner, our club recognizes a member of our Lions family with the award "Lion of the Year." One to two months prior to tonight's gathering, the three immediate past recipients meet to discuss and pick a deserving member. Important factors in the selection are a recipient's commitment to Lionism, their participation in our projects throughout the year, and their other contributions that make us a better club.

This year's winner of Lion of the Year has been a member of the club for over fourteen years. In those years, this Lion has held a number of key leadership positions within the club, including President, multiple vice president terms, and board member. This Lion, in addition to regularly attending our meetings, can be counted on each week to engage our group with his entertaining and humorous comments (I.e. the sports report). He also can be counted on to be a regular participant in club fundraising events. Furthermore, this Lion has provided invaluable logistics help for our club's events countless times over the years- by providing such things as printed materials, a P.A. system, a meeting room for our monthly board meetings, storage for our barbecue trailer, and a substitute home for our meetings when the college was closed. His commitment to Lionism, its values, and his community have been admirable.

Congratulations, Kent!!



2008 – Lion Maria Vega

 
by Lion Charlene Armstrong - 2007 Lion of the Year


The Selection of the 'Lion of the Year"is a very difficult process. I asked for selection criteria from several members detailing how prior winners were chosen.

The Criteria included the following:
1. Its purpose is to honor an individual who had contributed to the Merced Breakfast Lions Club in a significant way, and to the community as a whole.
2. Persistence, dedication, honesty and kindness of spirit.
3. The Lion of the Year Award is not a popularity contest.

This year's recipient and her husband Andy, participated in almost every club project. And she would often bring along her high school aged children to help out when they were available.

A part of Lion World is a Pride, and as a member of the Pride, I am pleased to present the Lion of the Year Award to Lion Maria Vega.

Thank You. You make this Pride proud.
 

2007 – Lion Charlene Armstrong

Lion Charlene was recognized at our annual installation dinner in July as “Lion of the Year 2007” for her many contributions to the club’s success. Charlene is the Chairperson of the Youth Exchange Program- contributing many hours as a host family, securing other host families, and also organizing and participating in the many activities and trips she plans for our international guests. In addition, she has taken a lead role at many of the club’s fundraising luncheons and dinners- helping tremendously with the decorations, serving, and meal preparations.

Thanks, Charlene, for your unselfish volunteerism.

 

2006 Allen Sietsema 1994 Rose Ann Bresslor 1982 Alfred Alvarez 1969 Ted Smith
2005 Dave Silveira 1993 Tom Ferrari* 1981 Ken Curtis* 1968 Howard Nutcher*
2004 Ken Harrison 1992 Louie Mondo 1980 Walt Grandy* 1967 Al Gregory
2003 Bob Ransom 1991 Mickey Vitato 1979 Bob Ransom 1966 John Mathena
2002 Don Weber 1990 Vince Peraino 1978 Mike Selleck 1965 Bob Howerton
2001 Tom Ferrari* 1989 Pat Quigley 1977 Bob Faretta 1964 Les Yoshida*
2000 Bill Hawkins 1988 Stan Mollart 1976 Bob Crawford 1963 Bill Koenig*
1999 Ray Wenham 1987 Jerry McCleneghan 1975 Craig Smith 1962 Jack Kimberling*
1998 Mark Seivert 1986 Walt Dancy 1974 Don St Louis*    
1997 Steve Teranishi 1985 Linc Clendenin 1973 Vern Taylor*    
1996 Ralph Johnson 1984 Gene Blankenship 1972 Reid Scholfield*    
1995 Dave Silveira 1983 Bob Crawford 1971 Jim Zirnhelt*    
 
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