STRATTON – An evening with International Association of Lions Clubs Past President Mahendra Amarasuriya to benefit the Lions Clubs International Foundation was held on Feb. 22 for presentations of the Melvin Jones Fellowship awards at the Groton Inn, Groton, Conn.

The New England Lions Council awarded plaques and pins to 69 recipients from clubs in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and Connecticut in recognition of their commitment to humanitarian work.

The Stratton-Eustis Lions Club was eligible for two awards and chose President Bruce Marcoux and Treasurer Philip Lawrence as recipients.

Marcoux has been an active member of the Lions for five years and president for two.

Lawrence has been active with the Lions for 11 years, treasurer for 10 years and in charge of the fundraising collection of bottles and cans for 10.

Marcoux said, “I am truly honored to be a recipient this year. I look forward to continuing to serve our community and Lions programs throughout the world.”

The two are the club’s second and third Melvin Jones Fellowship recipients since the Stratton-Eustis club was chartered in 1954.

The club continues 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 provide two annual college scholarships and contribute to other community and individual needs in addition to supporting Lions international humanitarian efforts.

The club has just completed this year’s membership drive, with five prospective new members. The group meets on the first and third Monday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Eustis Town Office. They also sponsor the Western Mountains Leos youth club, which meets at Mt. Abram High School.

For more information or to get involved with the Stratton-Eustis Lions or Leos clubs, call Marcoux at 246-5874. For more information about the Lions Clubs International, visit www.lionsclubs.org.