By Beth David, Editor
Donna Durrigan pins the Melvin Jones pin on her husband, Randy Durrigan Submitted
The Fairhaven Lions can keep a secret, or so it seems. Members honored Randy Durrigan with the Melvin Jones award at the club’s breakfast on Sunday, 8/27.
Mr. Durrigan, 73, lost most of his sight after a bout with shingles in 2004, but continued to serve his community. Today, he serves the blind in the local area.
“Lions Clubs world-wide recognize outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones,” the club wrote in a statement. “This award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideals consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism.”
Lions District 33S Governor Deb Grassi presents the Melvin Jones award to Mr, Durrigan. Submitted.
Mr. Durrigan was named the Standard-Times Fairhaven Man of the Year in 2016 and is active volunteering for veterans, including blind veterans. He was Fairhaven’s wire inspector for many years.
The Fairhaven Lions Club also received two rewards of its own recently, for being the “Best Small Club in Massachusetts” from Lions International; and the “Outstanding Club in Multiple District 33S” from the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund for the club’s support of the district.
The Fairhaven Lions Club donated $6,553.17 to MRLEF.
Fairhaven Lions Club president Bill Moniz accepts the “Best Small Club” award from Sharon Audette, past district governor of Mass. Lions District 33S. Submitted.
“We truly have to thank everyone who has donated to our cause at the Homecoming Fair, Spaghetti Dinners, everywhere we show up in the Community, and our Donation Jars at many local locations,” said the Fairhaven Lions Club in a statement. “All proceeds do go to the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund.”
The fund has helped to establish three major research centers in Boston: the Howe Laboratory at Mass. Eye & Ear, the Mass. Lions Eye Research Laboratory at Boston University Medical Center, and the Lions Laboratory for Genetic Research at Schepens Eye Research Institute.
Click here to download the entire 8/31/17 issue: 08-31-17 FirstDaySchool
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