Lions recognized for service

AMENIA — The Amenia Lions Club assembled for its annual installation dinner on Friday, June 10.Lion Larry Havens presided over the evening’s festivities as president, and service pins were bestowed to those in attendance. In addition, Havens highlighted each member’s value and contribution to the club. A plaque of appreciation was awarded to Lion Alan Gamble for his dedicated service as treasurer for the last 17 years.Lion Lori Hale presented this year’s Citizen of the Year award to Thomas Downey III. He is known in the Harlem Valley for many things, but most notably, baseball. Downey’s skill as a player and leadership as a coach has led to many championships over the years. For years, he has turned his “Love of the Game” into a “Field of Dreams” for all age groups in Amenia. He organized volunteers, spearheaded fundraising efforts and was instrumental in the development and maintenance of the fields and programs in Amenia. This work was completed many times in conjunction with the Amenia Lions over the years. When he retired from the Dutchess County Highway Department this past fall, his fellow employees presented him with an engraved park bench that he donated to the Amenia Park.Havens announced his selection for this year’s Lion of the Year, which was presented to Ken Hale. “Ken is always there, whether it’s greeting the fish delivery man and organizing the fishing derby, watching over beans and flipping chicken at the barbecue, cooking for the 300 Club dinner, working at the golf tournament and much more. Now he is taking on the treasurer’s responsibility. We are fortunate that he doesn’t know the meaning of the word no,” said the president.New officers for 2012-13 were then installed by Vice District Governor Wilfred Roehe and Lion Larry turned over the club gavel to incoming president William Anstett prior to bringing the evening’s activities to a close.