 | | Flora Ancona gives acceptance speech |
The San Pedro Lions Club once again made history last weekend as they inducted Lion Flora Ancona as the first woman president for their club. Outgoing President Lion Severo Guerrero also took the opportunity to induct twelve new members. The ceremony commemorated the 25th installation of the Board of Directors for the San Pedro Lions Club, marking a quarter of a century the club has been serving the community of San Pedro, the country of Belize and their worldwide organization. Numerous friends joined the members at the Lions Den to celebrate this special occasion for the Lions of San Pedro. Past District Governor Lion Edilberto Marin was the Master of Ceremonies for the official part of the program. Mr. Lucito Guerrero, Lay Minister of the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church led the gathering with a prayer and Lion Rosario Guerrero then gave the welcome address. Lion Dr. Chris Bennett, Zone Chairman of the Belize Lions did the honors of officially inducting the new members into the club. Dr. Bennett reminded the sponsors to keep the new members updated and informed about the club's meetings and happenings. He also commented that the group was invited to join because they had been observed to show devotion to the community and have the Lion's spirit. The twelve members that joined the Lionistic family of San Pedro are: Lenny Alamilla, Eileen Jamison, Melly Kumul, Shelly Huber, Luisa Garcia, Guadalupe "Lupe" Caserez, Noel Blanco, Dan Jamison, Jesus Castillo, Rudy Gonzalez, Milo Paz Jr. and Darrel Cloud. Lion Severo Guerrero then addressed the gathering, giving thanks to the members for their support during his term as president. Invited Guest Dr. Chris Bennett then explained his term plan of action emphasizing the importance of new membership. Lion Shaheed Ahmed, Deputy Zone Chairman officiated the installation of the Board of Directors for the year 2000-2001. Lion Ahmed read each of the duties of the chosen directors as a reminder of the important task they had spearheading the club. This was a historic moment since the Club is to be headed by a female president. Lion Flora Ancona was chosen for her tireless dedication for the past twenty-three years. Special mention was also given to Lion Abel Guerrero Sr. for his loyalty to the club as Treasurer for over ten years and to Lion Isela Graniel for being the first female secretary of the club. The new Board of Directors consists of the following: President - Flora Ancona; Immediate Past President - Severo Guerrero; 1st Vice President - Alex Eiley; 2nd Vice President - Jose Alamilla; 3rd Vice President - Felix Ayuso; Secretary - Isela Graniel; Treasurer - Abel Guerrero Sr.; Tail Twister - Nita Marin; Lion Tamer - Javier Graniel; Two-year Directors - Manuel Heredia and Francisco Verde; One- year Directors - Beto Marin and Natalia Muñoz; Attendance - Baldemar Graniel.
 | | New Lions Board of Directors 2000-2001 | Lion Flora gave an acceptance speech in which she asked for the support of all the members for a fruitful year. The Treasurer then gave a brief, but detailed, financial statement of the club. Invited guest speaker for this important occasion was well-known San Pedro personality and businessman, Mr. Gach Guerrero. Mr. Guerrero eloquently spoke of the importance of Lionism in San Pedro and the good work they have done serving the less fortunate in the community. He went on to offer suggestions on ways to attract new members during their membership drives and about re-instating the Leo Club. Before ending the official part of the evening, Lion Marin invited the gathering to join him in the traditional singing of the Lions theme song followed by the vote of thanks by Lion Carmen Eiley. The San Pedro Dance Company and members of The Dance Factory of Wisconsin, USA then entertained as a light dinner was served. In honor of the new members and Board of Directors a dance followed with Wil and the Caribbean Shells.
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