FORT THOMAS — Dominik Budzynkski traveled all the way from La Grange, Ill., on Saturday to volunteer with the largest social service organization in the world.
Budzynski was inducted into the Brookfield-La Grange Park Lions Club as part of the annual Celebration of Lionism at the Melvin Jones Memorial in Fort Thomas on Saturday.
“I wanted to come out here and see the view for the first time, and this was a great opportunity to get inducted with everybody around,” Budzynski said.
– David Bell Photo/Gila Valley Central
More than 100 members of clubs from the United States, Mexico and Canada were on-hand for the the ceremony that honors the founder of Lions Clubs, Melvin Jones, who was born in Fort Thomas in 1879.
“It’s important that we remember what we’re here for: that’s to rededicate ourselves to that common goal of that activity of let’s ask others to participate and become one, and serve our communities,” said Ken Leja, council chair for Lions Multi-District 21, which oversees Arizona and California.
Other speakers included Doug Harvey and Joe Montag with the Melvin Jones International Memorial board; Maryjane Barjose, district governor for Arizona Dist. 21-North; and Richard Stevenson, district governor for Arizona Dist. 21-South, which includes the Safford and Morenci clubs.
Also honored was Safford Club’s Marion Hastings, who serves as the president of the Melvin Jones International Memorial board. He was named the newest Melvin Jones Fellow for dedication to humanitarian services.
“I am so honored to be here today; I am so honored to be standing here close to the birthplace of Melvin Jones,” Hastings said.
The Melvin Jones Memorial, a 50-foot spire and adjoining museum, was designed and erected in 1965 under the direction of Safford Lions Club members Roger David and Bill Lewis.
Lions Clubs International focuses of five causes: diabetes prevention, vision, hunger, the environment and fighting childhood cancer. The Safford Lions Club addresses the goals in a number of ways, including accepting donations of unwanted eyeglasses, distribution of produce through Health Department gleanings and the monthly Produce on Wheels Without Waste, vision screening of area elementary school students, and fund-raising by grilling hot dogs and hamburgers at various community events.
