Lions Clubs International recognizes outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named for its founder, Melvin Jones.
This award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism.
Recently local couple Gene and Arlys Schmidt of Zumbro Falls were the recipients of this prestige award.
Arlys is a charter member of the Zumbro Falls Lioness/Lions group which was started in 1984. A member for 40 years, she has held a variety of chapter positions, has participated in many Lions activities both on a
local level and the district level.
Gene has been a Lions member since 1983 starting with the Zumbro Falls Lions and now a member of the Mazeppa Lions. He also has held a variety of chapter positions and continues to serve others for the good of the community. For a combined total of 81 years, the Schmidt's exemplify what Lions is all about and carry out the Lions motto, "we serve."
