RUSK LIONS CLUB
Members attend annual installation banquet, enjoy Mexican food
BY BILLY WATSON

The Rusk Lions Club met June 28 for the installation of new officers. The Mexican dinner was catered by Fran Birmingham.

Ike Daniel offered the invocation; Jim Cromwell led the pledges to the flags and Tim Timmons led the singing.

David Middleton of Alto was installing officer.

Installed were Vic Whadford, president; Jeff Johnson, vice-president; Dan West, second vice-president; Teri Brown, third vice-president; Bobby Burch, secretary; Ann Brown, treasurer; Jerry Hassell, third year director; James Campbell, second year director; Amy Derrington, first year director; Mr. Daniel, membership chairman; Rev. David O'Neal, lion tamer; Tim Timmons, tail twister; Jim Richings, song leader; Rev. David O'Neal , chaplain; Jim Cromwell resident agent; Jerry Hassell, pianist; and Billy Watson, reporter.

Installation of new member, Matt Eckerd, was performed by Alicia Oliver.

Musical entertainment was presented by Marvin and Wanda Robinson. She played the piano and he sang "America" by Samuel Ward and lyrics by Katherine Nebates, and "God Bless America" by Irvin Berlin.

He also did a religious song "The Cross is My Statue of Liberty." Awards and raffle prizes were gathered by Ms. Burch and presented by Mr. Whadford with foreign exchange student Loraine Richards drawing the tickets.

Many gifts and prizes were donated by merchants and individuals.

Plaques and awards were presented by Ms. Burch. Ms. Derrington was named the Lion of the Year.

The club is a 100 percent member of Lions Club International; certified for eye screening services; sponsored the Rusk High School Leo Club; awarded funds toward four college scholarships for RHS students; hosted the annual chili supper; chartered Rusk Cub Scout Pack 405; sponsored two Texas Lions Campers; sponsored two foreign exchange students; sponsored Relay for Life Team Overdrive; purchased eye glasses for 14 Rusk ISD students; co-sponsored Christmas grocery raffle; co-sponsored first Lions/Cubs Derby Days; placed four Lions Club signs on local highways; participated in White Cane Day; made donations to Rusk Chamber of Commerce Dream Tree, Rusk VFW and United Fund of Cherokee County.