Wagner named Manila Lions Club president

Following the Manila Lion installation ceremony, outgoing Lion President Wendell Poteet passes the gavel to incoming President Donnie Wagner. (Town Crier photo/Revis Blaylock) [Click to enlarge]

Poteet expressed his appreciation for the support he had received throughout the year.

"I've enjoyed being your president this year," he said. "We have had a successful year meeting several goals. We had a successful pancake super, chili cook-off, and car show. I am looking forward to more and better things in the coming years. Our goal is to build up our club membership. We welcome men and women who would like to be part of the Lions Club. Our motto is to serve. We are also very happy with the new Leo Club chartered this year with 37 members. Let's continue to encourage them. We look forward to working with these young men and women. We are here for them."

Poteet recognized the president of the Leo Club, Luke McLaughlin, sponsor, Dwight Booth, and other attending Leo members, Jerry Jaco, Tracey Reinhart and Nick Byrd.

Pat Snodgrass of Jonesboro, former District Governor, was the guest speaker and presided over the installation of the new officers.

Donnie Wagner is the incoming president. Other officers installed were Danny Robbins, secretary; Wayne Shedd, treasurer; Thomas Jaco, tail twister; Clell Castleman, Lion tamer; and LeRoy Douglas, second vice president.

Snodgrass expressed his appreciation to be part of the installation ceremony.

"I enjoyed serving as District Governor," Snodgrass said. "It gave me the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful people. Being a Lion is special to me. Lions serve their community first and then reach out to the state and international programs. Lions have helped save people's sight. Our goal is to serve our community and our fellowman."

Snodgrass encouraged members to support their new officers and their Club.

"Your community respects you and I am glad to be part of the installation ceremony," he said. "We are 1.4 million strong. We are only strong if we are all together pulling on the same rope."

He spoke to the Leo members about the Leo International meetings available. He encouraged them to set goals.

President Poteet handed the gavel to incoming President Wagner who closed the meeting thanking everyone for their support.

"I'm going to have big shoes to fill," Wagner said. "Wendell did a good job and we appreciate him and his leadership."

Wagner also expressed his appreciation to the Leo Club.

Leo President McLaughlin is the grandson of Lion President Wagner.

"I am looking forward to working with all of the young people," Wagner said. "I think we will be good for them and they will be good for us."

The Manila Lions Club meet every Wednesday at noon at the Manila Depot Center. Lion Thomas Jaco and Lion LeRoy Douglas will give a report on their recent visit to the Lions College of the Blind in Little Rock at the meeting on July 2.