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Havre Lions present Woods with the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award

Press Release

The Havre Lions Club has bestowed upon one of its members, Bill Woods of Rudyard, the highest honor available in Lions Clubs International, the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

Melvin Jones was the founder of Lions Clubs International. "What if these men," Melvin Jones asked, "who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Thus, at his invitation, delegates from men's clubs met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born.

As recognition of outstanding work, a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award may be presented to individuals who have contributed time, energy and service that furthers the Lions' Motto, "We Serve." This award is the highest order of recognition that a club member can earn.

For Lionistic year 2017-2018 the Havre Lions Club presented Woods the MJF award.

Lion Bill Woods has been a Lion for 53 years. He joined Culbertson Lions Club in 1964 and was a high school teacher there.

He transferred his membership to Havre Lions Club in 1985. Woods has served Lions in formal offices including president, zone chairman, regional chairman, Montana Low Vision Board and various other Lion offices. As a Lion, he has served on numerous club committees as chairman, co-chairman or as a participating member. Included are Ladies Night, Lions Conventions (District 37C and Multiple District 37), Senior Citizens, Agriculture, Lions Campground & Parks, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Recycling Eyeglasses (thousands of pairs) and the Havre Lions Club's Hi-Line Youth Vision Screening program.

Woods and his wife, Sharon, live in Rudyard where he has been a farmer since 1985.

The award is by the Lions Clubs International Foundation a charitable arm of Lions Clubs International. LCIF serves local communities - states, the U.S. and as well the entire World community, through humanitarian service, major disaster relief and vocational assistance programs. 

With Havre Lions Club donations to LCIF over the years, the club has the opportunity to give this award to a deserved club member. For year 2017-2018 Havre Lions Club nominated Woods for this award by LCIF. Since 1973, when this award began by LCIF, the Havre Lions Club has presented 21 such awards. The club has 11 MJF recipients who are still active Lions. 

International Lions Clubs worldwide will be celebrating its Centennial in 2017-2018. What better way to ring in the Lions Centennial than by celebrating the man who started it all? The Havre Lions Club, 46,000 Lion clubs, countries and geographic areas in every corner of the globe, hope to carry Melvin Jones's legacy in the years ahead to improve the lives of people around the world.

 

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