The new faces of San Marcos Lions Club

Many things have changed since the San Marcos Lions Club’s inception 77 years ago. Their main funding operation turned to the river in the 70s with the San Marcos Lions Club Tube Rental and River Shuttle. In 1987, women became a part of the international organization, and now are considered the fastest-growing membership segment by Lions Club International. And in more recent years, women have taken on leadership positions in clubs worldwide.

Tuesday evening at Independence Hall in Kissing Tree, the San Marcos Lions Club awarded the dedication of their members and installed their officers for 2018-19 year.

Lions Club International Foundation Coordinator Sylvia Muzzy holds a plaque awarding her the title of Lion of the Year as Don Arledge speaks about her accomplishments.

Past President Don Arlege opened the ceremony with naming the years awardees. The first he named was the Lion of the Year Award, which went to Sylvia Muzzy, for her service and commitment.

“She deserves this and I’ll tell you why, she came in her first year and she became the Lions Club International Foundation Coordinator right away,”Arlege said. “She really did come in and go right to work right away and she has done that ever since.”

Mitch Hoffman and Larkin Smith were the named the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award recipients by the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in recognition of their commitment to serving the world community. Named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones, the fellowship is one of the Foundation's highest recognitions, honoring the commitment to humanitarian service.

“Melvin Jones was the founder of the Lion club,” Arlege said. “He was the man that made Lions Club what it is and every year our club feels that it is very important to recognize those Lions that are so important to our club and have done so much.”

Melvin Jones Fellowship Award recipient First Vice District Governor-Elect Larkin Smith  stands with speaker Don Arledge and fellow award recipient Marketing and Communications Director Mitch Hoffman.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship is a recognition presented to those who donate $ l,000 to Lions Clubs International Foundation or to people for whom a donation was made by others. It is the backbone of LCIF, providing 75 percent of the Foundation's revenue.

The Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International.

Established in 1968, LCIF is committed to providing humanitarian services to those in need, including providing disaster relief, saving sight, supporting youth and combating disability.

There are more than 331,000 Melvin Jones Fellows worldwide who provide more than 75 percent of the Foundation's revenue.

Following the awards, Lions Club First Vice District Governor-Elect Larkin Smith installed each member of the club’s 2018-19 elected officers.

Marcus Montondon was named lion tamer; a position that is responsible for club property such as memorabilia, flags and the president’s gavel.

Nancy Smith was named secretary; she will serve as the president’s right hand and serve as the liaison between the San Marcos Lions Club and Lions Club International.

Joe Kenworthy was elected treasurer, serving as the custodian of all the club’s funds.

Mitch Hoffman was named the clubs marketing and communications director. He will oversee planning, developing and implementing all of the clubs marketing strategies and communications and, along with the president, will serve as chief spokesperson for the club.

Rowe Ray, Brian Olson, Bob Mooney, Sara Lee Underwood-Myers, Tom Conley and John Schramm were named to the San Marcos Lions Club Board of Directors. As such, they will assist in formulating and executing the policies of the club as well as oversee all new business considered by the club.

Mike Jones, John Bilodeau and Muzzy were named the vice presidents of the club, to oversee the committees that the president will assign them. Muzzy was also named the Lions Club International Foundation coordinator for the 2018-19 year.

Newly installed Lions Club President Samantha Armbruster playfully wields her official gavel as First Vice District Governor-Elect Larkin Smith finishes her official swearing-in.

And lastly, Samantha Armbruster was named San Marcos Lions Club president, the second woman to ever hold the position in the club’s 77 years of operation – the first elected was immediate Past President Debbie Smith.

Armbruster ended the installation ceremony with a speech about the importance of pride in community and breaking through barriers.

“I want to say thank you for what this club has already given me, which is reassurance in that feeling uncomfortable really does pay off,” Armbruster said.

Armbruster used the moment to share a story from her childhood about breaking the barrier of racism to keep a friendship, even though it meant putting herself in an uncomfortable position.

“It was the first time that I had to make the decision that I belong – it was up to me to decide that, and it really set a tone for me to decide. And that has continued, where if I feel uncomfortable, if I push through it will pay off,” Armbruster said.

“And that took me to my first Lions Club meeting – I showed up and nobody looked like me and I was not prepared,” Armbruster said. “But after some meetings and some service projects and some relentless teasing from Don Arlege, and a lot of laughter, I feel whole-heartedly today that this is my pride and that I belong here and it has absolutely paid off and I’m so glad that I get to serve this club; because this club is a magnet for people that want to serve their community.”

The San Marcos Lions club meets every Friday at noon at the San Marcos Activity Center. For more information, go to the San Marcos Lions club website.

At the close of the ceremony Past President Debbie Smith accepts a Presidents Award plaque from incoming President Samantha Armbruster in recognition of her service.