The Hon. James Charley - Judge, James Donohue, Fredric Longenecker, Joseph Mento, James Terry, Joseph Ursini, Donald Bireley, Susan Hillenbrand, Michael Millard, Robert Test, The Hon. James Gerlach - US Congress - Pennsylvania, Robert Carpenter, Linda Cummings, Michael McShane, Bradley Smith, Lawrence Turnbull, Richard Yontz, The Hon. Curt Schroder - PA State Representative, Ann Foanio, Nick Winkler
Club Members - Officers
President Mark Kenworthey
Past President Mike Bem
1st Vice President Herb Mays
2nd Vice President Marty Elliott
Secretary Dave Graham
Treasurer Ben Valocchi
Membership Mary Ciarlone
Tail Twister Don Greenleaf
Lion Tamer Danielle Weber
On June 7, 1917, 33 year old Melvin Jones, a sole owner of his own insurance agency, organized a meeting to start (what is now know as) Lions Club International. Only 11 years later, Downingtown chartered a club on June 28, 1928.
In the July/August Lion magazine, our new International President, Eberhard J. Wirfs, presents his mission for Lions around the world. “Move to Grow”. Move to Grow has been what the 14P’s Downingtown Club has made as their number one initiative for today and the future. President Wirfs has stated “he will be a president who honors tradition but also one who starts some new ones.” He further states; “To say we need members is not a reason. We need to say, we need you. Without you we can’t get the results we want.” As President of the Downingtown Club, I have adopted that philosophy.
The Downingtown Club can’t agree more with our President and that is why we have waged a campaign to increase membership and acknowledge our past members who have given so much to our community. Since the beginning of the year, we have inducted 7 new members. These members came in to the Downingtown Club ready to work and eager to lend their youth and energy to help make us the premier club for 14P. President Wirfs also stated, “we need to let people know who we are and what we do. So I ask all Lions, please come out of our den and increase our image.”
The Downingtown Club has taken that one step further in our mission to not only increase membership but to honor past members who gave so much to our community. At our October 1, 2009 meeting, we had our visitation from District Governor James Dallessandro who saw firsthand the passion, strength and total dedication the Downingtown Club possesses. District Governor was busy inducting four new members, presiding at our regular meeting, honoring four of our 69 past presidents and presenting a Melvin Jones award to one of our past presidents. This was a great night full of lionism, love and laughter. Joining the District Governor was Zone Chairman Dave Brant.
Four new members on October 1st, Jim Charley, Ann Foanio, Nick Winkler and Paula DeFusco.
Past Presidents present and honored, Dr. Anthony Ricci (61-62), Warren Strawsnyder (63-64), David Swindin (79-80) and Andrew Harden (98-03).
Recipient of the Melvin Jones Award, Past President Andrew Harden (1998 – 2003)
Secretary Dave Graham, 2nd VP Marty Elliott, President Mark Kenworthey, Treasurer Ben Valocchi and 1st VP Herb Mays
150th anniversary celebration of Downingtown Parade. (back seat left to right Pres. Mark Kenworthey, Don Greenleaf, Past Pres. Mike Bem. Front Seat Brad Smith)