Heights Lions Laud MJ Fellows

By Michael Bromka

Carlsbad Heights Lion Tom Dugger has garnered a prestigious (and pricey) Melvin Jones Fellowship, voted this spring by seven of his peers.

The Lions’ worldwide motto is “We Serve.” All conscientious Lions try to exemplify this assertion. Among such dutiful volunteers, a resplendent few attain the badge of Melvin Jones Fellow.

Heights Lions outgoing President Bill Deringer, at our annual awards dinner, enumerated Tom Dugger’s recent service.

“Of our 11 building projects this year, Tom led nine and took part in 10. For three doorways, he built handrails. He assembled one metal ramp. He designed and directed us in building six new ramps.”

Outgoing Treasurer Jay Francis added, “Tom takes the call and address, drives out to measure and photograph, on the computer lays out dimensions, buys lumber to cart home, pre-builds 2 ”X4” units, schedules and contacts volunteers, tows pavers, lumber, tools, and units to the worksite, and directs our labor.”

Officially sworn in at our dinner was a longtime service star, yet only a recent member. Wanda Deringer has managed CHL bookkeeping for decades to support (and double-check) her husband, Bill. Lately, doing the greater share of their driving as a couple, Wanda knew she would be attending every Lions meeting. Sign up and take part! At our dinner, she was inducted and tasked as the incoming Treasurer. We enjoyed seeing husband, Bill, swear in wife, Wanda.

Incoming President Rhonda Jones lauded Bill himself. She only agreed to wear the heavy mantle because she knew (as incoming Secretary) Bill would have her back.

At dinner, we all witnessed the final official evening of this year’s Lions District 40 Governor Frankie Davis. D-40 comprises all of New Mexico plus part of SE Arizona. Frankie swore in CHL Board members Mike Dodson and Lynn Able, the aforementioned incoming officers, plus the new triumvirate of Vice Presidents Lázara Reyes, Justin Thompson, and Jay Francis. They’ll oversee our biggest three annual events—Christmas Island, Spaghetti Fest, and Lions Carnival.

Revenues raised by these vital campaigns pay for our returning adult SENMC scholarships, eye exams plus new glasses for indigent adults, and funding we pass on for volunteer efforts of Abundant Harvest Food Pantry, Backpacks for Hunger, Battered Family Shelter, Boys and Girls Club, Christmas Anonymous, Community Kitchen, Desert Willow Wildlife Rehab, Eddy County Search and Rescue, Hope Center, Inspired by Science, Jonah’s House, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Low Vision Support Group, SE NM Vets T., and United Way 211.

Back in 1917, the original Lion and founder, Melvin Jones, was a thriving businessman in Chicago, IL. Attaining his own financial security, he wrangled other successful magnates to join forces as Lions. They resolved to serve the community needs of working locals who needed a hand up. Lions grew nationwide, then worldwide. We now serve in 205 countries and number 1.36 million Lions.

In order to award the Melvin Jones Fellowship to Tom Dugger, Heights Lions donated $1,000 to LCIF, Lions Club International Foundation. Much LCIF money goes to infrastructural projects in developing countries. There are also LCIF projects within the U.S.A. In Eddy County, in recent decades, LCIF built a facility at Washington Ranch for cooking, dining, and meetings.

Traditionally, Heights Lions aim each $1,000 Melvin Jones Fellowship toward the praise of a proven leader. Nearly all current CHL MJ Fellows have served as past presidents. This year, however, prior Fellows voted to recognize one exceptional Everyman, Lion Bernie Sanchez.

At nearly all meetings, in ticket sales, litter pickups, fundraising, Spaghetti Fest, Lions Carnival, and ramp builds, Bernie’s ever in the thick of it. Carrying lumber, running a chop saw, or sanding handrails, Bernie serves. Entering local corporate offices in search of funding, Bernie cuts such a distinctive figure that generous benefactors promptly pull out their checkbooks.

In addition to ramp foreman, Tom Dugger, therefore, CHL MJ Fellows honored Bernie Sanchez as a Melvin Jones Fellow.

As icing on his cake, our entire Heights Lions Club membership also elected Bernie Sanchez Lion of the Year!