AUSTINTOWN Lions, Lioness clubs celebrate anniversary

Both clubs also installed officers at the event.
YOUNGSTOWN -- The Austintown Lions Club observed its 25th anniversary June 17 at a celebration at Chrystal's Restaurant.
Installation of officers for the Lions and the Lioness clubs also took place with Bill Kurta presiding.
Installing officer was Verna Williams of the Braceville Lions Club, deputy district governor-elect. Past district governor Paul Mertrovich of the Calcutta Lions Club was keynote speaker.
Robert Melcher was installed as president of the Lions organization, and his associate officers are Bill Sywy, first vice president; Frank Fabrizio, second vice president; Larry Jensen, third vice president and Lioness liaison; Don Hoelzel, secretary; Gary Cronenwett, treasurer; Jim Donnan, tail twister; John Janca, lion tamer; Brad Martin, membership chairman; Ed Lewis and John Susany, two-year directors; and Jack Kochansky and Bob Whited, one-year directors. Bill Kurta is immediate past president.
Melcher and his wife, Gene, have one two children. He is retired from the Trumbull County Board of Developmental Disabilities, where he was an administrator.
Those inducted into leadership of the Lioness club were Lori Stone, president; Joyce Gunter, vice president; Lou Skerkavich, secretary; and Eleanor Jensen, treasurer.
Stone is a chief master sergeant at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station. She has two daughters.
Awards
The evening also included recognition of charter members present and the presentation of the Melvin Jones Fellowships by Dwain Hawkins of the New Waterford Lions Club to John Susany, Lou Skerkavich and Louise Stovall. The award is in recognition of humanitarian service and is the highest honor a Lion or Lioness can receive.