Barbara Ellington, Lifestyle Editor

Little Shani-Kay Lawson was the lucky winner of the raffle at the Lions Club of Mandeville's installation ceremony on June 17. She is rather shy, but collects her prize from Dale Greaves-Smith.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17, was special in the life of the Lions Club of Mandeville. It was the annual installation ceremony and the new administration was out to enjoy it to its fullest. For new president Mrs. Gay Royal, it was a memorable occasion when all her friends and family came out to support her big moment.

The average service club meeting is a long drawn out affair and the installation ceremony is twice that magnitude. However, Saturday's affair had its high moments. These included the beautiful background music by Seymour Heron, the lavish buffet and the opportunity to browse through the art exhibition mounted on the walls of the venue. And, believe it or not, loud roars from lions after new members were inducted followed by the corresponding roars from the young cubs. It was a funny scene ­ established, well-dressed adults behaving like jungle beasts!

Outgoing president gave highlights of her year in office and reported that the very popular calendar event 'Men Who Cook' this year brought in $1.2 million. "Part proceeds will be used to purchase a piece of equipment for the Mandeville Hospital and the rest will be used to support charities in the parish," she said.

A special presentation was made by Vice-President Bingroy Elliot to The Gleaner's Lifestyle Editor, Barbara Ellington, for recruiting three of the prominent business-men who participated in this year's Men Who Cook fund-raiser.

WATCHING THE CLUB GROW

In her first speech as president, Mrs. Royal praised the selflessness of ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things. She praised the work of Lions Club's worldwide, particularly in the field of cataract eye surgeries and the global fight against sight loss.

"It is my passion to see the club grow and I want us to continue the focus on health care, youth education, safety in schools, community development, and I am charging each member to recruit at least one new member for our club," she said. The new president, who looked picture perfect in a sage two-piece outfit, said it was an exciting time to be president and she would take on the challenge to improve the society, "be bold, be energetic and passionate about what we do."