Dr Austin Prabhu Installed as I Vice Governor of Mother District

Media release

Chicago, 14 June 2011: District 1-A Mother District of Lionism held its Governors Installation and District Cabinet Awards Banquet in the Aviana Banquet Hall, Palos Hills with a colourful event.

 

The programme started with Wayne and Kathleen Messmer of Chicago Cubs fame singing patriotic song - God Bless America.  Jerry Novak welcomed dignitaries to the dais.  First Lady Gail Anton recited Pledge of Allegiance and Joan McMillan gave invocation.   Compere Ray Jachim introduced the District Governor who welcomed the gathering.

 

After dinner, it was the time for special awards.  Ray Jachim gave Lions of Illinois Foundation awards to Tina Gaddy, Andreas Brant and Ken Accola.  US Presidents Community Service Awards representative Dr Austin Prabhu awarded Frank Kirar President’s Life Time Community Service Award for his dedicated service to Lionism in District 1-A.

 

Mike Smigielski was awarded with International Presidents Award by International Director Dan O’Reilly.  Dan O’Reilly thanked all lions for their support and said that it was a great experience to travel around the US to promote Lionism and representing District 1-A, MD1 and Lions Clubs International.

 

 

Jerry Novak installed Foundation Trustee Ralph Koller and District Governor Steve Anton installed Second Vice District Governor Dave Hansen and First Vice District Governor Dr Austin Prabhu who is creating history in Mother District of Lionism by being the first person to become District Governor for the second time.

 

So far in the 94 years history of Lionism in District 1-A no person ran for District Governor for the second time.  Dr Austin thanked his wife Terry, family members and all the members of The Forest Kala Sampat Lions Club for their support.  Dennis McMillar installed incoming Governor Wes Salsbury for the year 2011-2012.

 

Governor Steve Anton awarded Melvin Jones Fellowship to Kathleen Messmer for her service to humanity.  Kathleen was really surprised to receive this award and was filled with tears of joy.  Steve also presented plaques to Cabinet Members for their service to the District.

 

Dr Austin Prabhu introduced his guest Past International Director Rosane Jahnke Vilatti from Brazil who is visiting Chicago.  In her speech she thanked the Lions of District 1-A, her host Dr Austin and all hard working cabinet members.  The programme concluded with a benediction by Joan McMillan.