The Greenville Lions Club celebrated the achievements of the past year and looked forward to the challenges of a new club year this week.

The occasion was the Lions Annual Banquet Tuesday night, June 27. The event, catered by Nannie's, was held at the Boys and Girls Club.

Outgoing Lion President Hubert Little expressed his appreciation to his fellow Lions and their guests for another year of successful projects.

&#8220We raised some $6,800 from our Annual Radio Day. This and our Ugliest Man Contest have made us famous throughout the county. Our winner this year, Billy Foster, felt it was an honor and really enjoyed serving,” Little said.

Little also noted the success of the Lions 2nd Annual Memorial Day Celebration, which featured a keynote address by decorated Korean War veteran and former Montgomery mayor, Emory Folmar. The addition of the Veterans' Walk of Honor was a fitting and touching tribute, Little said.

&#8220When you looked at the faces of some of those veterans, you saw tears in their eyes. It is so important for them to know they are appreciated.”

The Greenville Lions also made donations in the past club year to several worthy causes, including Camp Seale Harris, Alabama Sight, Southeastern Guide Dogs, LCIF and Alabama All-Star Baseball.

&#8220We have also gained several new members, which is a big plus. It takes a team effort, and as long as we work as a team, we will be able to accomplish anything,” Little said.

The outgoing president pointed out there were some 340 years of combined service from Lions Club members.

Some of those serving longest include Frank Hickman, 27 years; Frank Crowe, 37 years; Gene Hardin, 55 years; Hubert Little, 30 years; McDonald Russell, 18 years; Bob Glasscock, 20 years and Ricky Cargile, 20 years.

Special certificates of appreciation were presented to Lions Bob Glasscock and Herbert Morton for their contributions to the club.

Ricky Cargile was named Lion of the Year by Little.

&#8220Ricky not only handles the secretarial duties of the club; he also attends many district meetings and works hard on all the projects. To me, he has contributed a tremendous amount and we appreciate it,” Little said.

New Lions include Mike Looney, Bill McCrary, Wes Hines, Julie Swann and Paul Ott.

Incoming Lions President Doyle Sasser told his audience he was ready to &#8220hit the ground running.”

&#8220We want to bring in some younger folks, get some family activities going and perhaps some joint memberships,” Sasser said.

&#8220I'll do my best to make you proud. I appreciate my fellow officers and look forward to a great year.”

The Greenville Lions Club meets each Monday at noon at the Boys and Girls Club.