The Durant Lions Club recently celebrated 103 years of community service at the Choctaw Cultural Center. Fifty-one-year member Lion David Kelly started the banquet with prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Lion Mark Swearengin then lead the Lions in song with “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” followed by “America the Beautiful.”
Current President Layne Heitz welcomed the members and their guests, and gave a brief summary of an outstanding year capped off by the Draggin’ Main Car Show in June that was organized by the Blast from the Past Car Club and the Durant Lions Club. Of special mention were car club president and fellow Lion Lynn Smith, as well as Lion Amanda Current. Heitz noted that the turnout by the membership was exceptional, especially factoring in how hot it was the day of the show.
Lion Brian Bond was mentioned as the Toys for Tots Chairman, with another outstanding year and record fund raising. Members of the local motorcycle club were a big part of it, and several are to be recognized at an upcoming Lions Club meeting.
Heitz also noted that new members were a big part of the success this year along with the always reliable long-time members.
Vice President Gary Bull was named the Lion Officer of the Year, and it was noted that despite his hectic schedule as a hospital administrator, he had worked and helped organize every project the local chapter participated in this year and filled in for the president as needed.
Amanda Current was named Lion of the Year, the chapter’s most significant award. This goes to the individual who has worked the hardest to promote the Lions Club in every way possible and served as an example at every project and meeting.
“The fact that this award is going to one of our newer members is a testament to the hard work and dedication she’s put toward the Lions Club,” President Heitz said. “Amanda has been an inspiration to all of our members as well as the people in the community we serve. We could not do what we do without members like her and others who keep us heading in the right direction.”
Certificates of achievement were then awarded to the following Lions: Lynn Smith, Melynda Keeling, Brian Bond, Daylin Hash, Heidi Hicks and Cindy Caldwell. Heitz noted all of their significant contributions throughout the year.
The Rector Swearengin Memorial Citizen of the Year Award was then presented by Lion Mark Swearengin, who read highlights of the significant accomplishments of Rector during his life.
Swearengin noted this particular recipient was of special importance to his family, as it was his brother Matt Swearengin who was being recognized for his work with local stories and features in the newspaper.
“I can tell you that Matt isn’t in the newspaper business for the money,” Mark said. “He’s in it because it’s in his blood, and he has a passion for this type of work. While many newspapers are content to regurgitate UPI stories and national news, Matt goes out of his way to cover local events of all kinds, and that’s a rare thing to see in today’s times of fractured social media coverage.”
Matt thanked the Lions Club and then gave a brief talk about why he’s passionate about the newspaper business, as well as writing and photography.
“I’ve never been an office person,” Matt said. “I like to be out and about instead of being tied down in one place. This gives me the opportunity to do that, and hopefully have a positive impact on people in the community, whether it’s civic clubs like the Lions, or kids in various school and sporting events.”
He said that even though he knew he was being recognized, he had no idea that the award had been named in memory of his grandfather.
“This makes it even more special, and although I was familiar with Rector’s civic work, to hear about so many of his accomplishments in one reading puts it all in perspective,” Matt said. “He truly was one of a kind.”
Lion Daylin Hash then installed the local officers in what is believed to be a firsttime occurrence in the 103year history of the Durant Lions Club, with all officers being retained for the same position except for one.
Lion Mark Swearengin said that he could remember at least three times in the last 30 years when a president had served 18 months, but never 2 full consecutive years. Senior members David Kelly and Paul Buntz agreed.
“We are extremely lucky to have a slate of officers who are all willing to continue for another term,” Kelly said. “This year has gone so smoothly for us we see no reason to make a change, and we thank them all for their hard work.”
