PORTLAND – An Evening with International Association of Lions Clubs Past President Jimmy Ross, to benefit the Lions Clubs International Foundation, was held on Feb. 23 at the Holiday Inn West for presentation of the Melvin Jones Fellowship awards.

The New England Lions Council awarded Melvin Jones plaques and pins to 60 individuals throughout New England Lions Clubs in recognition of their commitment to humanitarian work.

Tony Arruda, a past president of the Stratton-Eustis Lions Club, was a recipient of a Melvin Jones Fellowship. Arruda, an active member of the Stratton-Eustis Lions Club for more than 10 years, is zone chairman for the Stratton-Eustis, Farmington, New Portland and Wilton clubs.

Arruda said, “I am honored and surprised to be a recipient this year. I look forward to continuing to serve the community.”

Since the Stratton-Eustis Club’s chartering in 1954, Arruda is their first Melvin Jones Fellowship recipient.

Members continue to work on a variety of projects in the community, including Polar Blast, Family Fun Days, the Stratton-Eustis Halloween Party and the Seniors Christmas dinner and party.

Proceeds from their fundraising events also provide two annual college scholarships and contribute to other community and individual needs.

The club has just completed this year’s membership drive, with nine new members joining, and it now has 25 members. They meet on the first and third Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Eustis town offices.

For more information or to get involved with the club, contact Lions President Bruce Marcoux at 246-5874. For more information about Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.