Pearisburg Lions Club Celebrates Their 75^th Year

In November 1932, the Pearisburg Lions Club was chartered. While there are no living charter members, Lion Alex Witten fondly remembers being a busboy at his families’ Savoy Hotel on our charter night. Lion Alex states, “I had the honor of helping to serve the Charter meal and can remember most of the names of the charter members.”

There may be a few people who remember when the Town of Pearisburg could not pay the Town’s debts. In 1934, the Town of Pearisburg got into trouble with the Appalachian Power Company for failing to pay the town’s electric bill. The problem lasted for some time.

In order to get the Town of Pearisburg out of the dark, the Pearisburg Lions Club agreed to take over the operation and management of Pearisburg until such time the town was no longer in debt and they returned it to the strong Town it had previously been. The Pearisburg Lions Club Officers filled various high level Town leadership positions most notably Lion Everette and Lion Web Mason divided the duties of Mayor and Treasurer. The town’s population was 668.

Being the longest serving community organization, the Pearisburg Lions Club is still a vital part of Giles County and the Town of Pearisburg. During the years, they have had many outreach programs that benefit Eastern Giles County. They invite children from Eastern and Macy to participate in their annual Christmas Shopping Tour. They provide presents for 50 children and their families based on names provided by the schools. Food baskets are provided to each family.

Many of citizens participate in Lions Club Festival Around Town fund raiser. Pearisburg Lions Club members sell barbeque, hot dogs and hamburgers to raise money for Club projects which provides funds for eyeglasses and exams for citizens who qualify for this service. Each year approximately thirty to forty (30-40) residents of Pearisburg and the Eastern district are approved for eye exams and glasses. Eye Screening of School Students is provided annually and more than 400 children receive sight screening each year in Eastern Giles County.

Some other Pearisburg Lions Club community outreach projects include: Highway Cleanup along one mile of Highway 100 south of Pearisburg; Christmas Parade where members participate in distributing candy; Broom & Bulb sale where members traditionally sell bulbs and brooms as a fund raiser for sight programs; Scout Troop and Cub Pack; Eyeglass and Hearing Aid collection; Boys State Convention; Little League Sports – the Lions donate funds in support of football, basketball and cheerleader teams; and College Scholarship – each year the James H. Mongel scholarship is awarded to one or two Giles High School senior planning to attend Virginia Tech.

The Pearisburg Lions Club is extremely proud to have Lions Club International Director – Lion Wayne Davis and his wife Lion Marge Davis participate in the 75^th Anniversary Celebration of the Pearisburg Lions Club. Lion Wayne was elected to his position at our July 2007 International Convention in Chicago, Il.

Lions Club International President’s “Challenge To Change” Program will be the basis for Lion Wayne’s key note presentation and will deal with building membership and related issues.

The Pearisburg Lions are also honored to have Immediate Past District Governor William H. “Bill” Brammer and his wife Mary Ellen. Also in attendance will be Melvin L “Bud” Chambless the current Vice District Governor of District 24E.

The 75^th Anniversary Celebration will be held on Saturday Night August 11, 2007 beginning at 5:30 PM. Mayor Barbara Stafford (Lioness) will be in attendance and will present a proclamation honoring the many years of service to the community of the Pearisburg Lions Club.

International Director – Lion Wayne Davis and wife Lion Marge

Immediate Past District Governor – Lion Bill Brammer and wife Lion Mary Ellen

Vice District Governor – Lion Bud Chambless

President – Lynn Hayes

Immediate Past President – Peter Imhof
Bio and picture of Lions Club International Director – Lion Wayne Davis

Wayne E. Davis

Wayne E. Davis from Stephens City, Virginia, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 90th International Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, USA, July 2-6, 2007.

Director Davis is a retired elementary school principal.

A member of the Winchester-Shawnee Lions Club and a Lion since 1974, Director Davis has held many offices within the association, including club president, district governor and council chairperson. In addition, he served as membership chairperson, leadership development chairperson and Campaign SightFirst II sector coordinator appointee for his multiple district. He also chartered the first three nontraditional Children First Lions clubs and the first Lioness club to bridge to a Lioness Lions club.

In recognition of his service to the association, Director Davis has received numerous awards, including two 100% Club President’s Awards, two Club Lion of the Year Awards, the 100% District Governor’s Award, the Lions of Virginia Humanitarian Award, a Multiple District Resolution from the Council of Governors, the Key of State Award, three International President’s Awards, a Certified Guiding Lion Medal, the International Leadership Award, two International Extension Awards and two International President’s Certificates of Appreciation. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Director Davis is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including the Frederick County Retired Teachers Association and the Virginia Retired Teachers Association. In the past he served as president of the Shenandoah Valley Elementary School Principals Association and was a member of the Virginia Association of Elementary School Principals and of the National Association of Elementary School Principals. He is also the recipient of the Masonic Home Builders Community Award.

Director Davis and his wife, Marjorie, also a Lion and Melvin Jones Fellow, have one son.