Murray Lions Club

For 29 years the Murray Lions Club has recognized the outstanding first responders from units that serve the Murray-Calloway County area, including four police agencies, a fire department, an EMS unit, and the jail.  Awardees are selected by the head of each agency.  The 2019 recipients and their supervisors are pictured, from left, Lieutenant Steve Lax and Assistant Chief Kevin Doyle, Murray Fire Department; Major Julie Robertson and Jailer Ken Claud, Calloway County Jail; Officer Shannon Puckett and Chief James Herring, Murray State University Police Department; Captain Brandon Passmore and Director Marty Barnett, Murray-Calloway County EMS; Deputy John Michael Hill and Sheriff Sam Steger, Calloway County Sheriff’s Department; Trooper Sarah Burgess and Captain Jerry Hardy, Kentucky State Police; Officer Justin Swope and Chief Jeff Liles, Murray Police Department.

Several members of the Murray Lions Club were recently awarded longevity chevrons by District Governor Kevin Bishop (far right). Shown from left are Lions Ken Claude (20 years), Rocky Long (10 years), and Ken Purcell (25 years). Not pictured but receiving awards are John Bunnell (55 years), Gene Wimberly (45 years), and Scott Turner (30 years).

Beth Birkner (center), president of the Murray State University Lions Club, was a scholarship recipient in the recent Ms. MSU Scholarship Pageant. Shown with her are Kevin Bishop (left), district governor of Kentucky Lions District K, and Jim Gray (right), past president of the Murray Lions Club.

At a recent meeting of the Murray Lions Club, new Murray State Director of Athletics, Kevin Saal brought his energy and vision for Racer athletics to members and guests in attendance. In his presentation he discussed his personal background and career path in athletic administration that eventually brought him to Murray State.

The presentation also included an in depth overview of the athletic department and the importance of athletics in increasing Murray State’s exposure for prospective students nationwide; citing the enormous exposure basketball and Murray State star Ja Morant have created this year.

Saal also discussed the importance of master facility plan and core values for athletics to help improve the total experience for the student-athlete at Murray State. He also discussed ideas to enhance the experience for fans at Racer sporting events. Shown below with Kevin Saal (left) is former Murray mayor and Lions member Jack Rose (middle) and Lions past president, Paul McCreary (right).

Calloway County Judge Executive Kenny Imes (right) was the features speaker at a recent meeting of the Murray Lions Club. Imes gave a report of current projects in the county, including several relating to roads, followed by a question and answer session. Shown with Imes is Lions past president Rowina Wilburn (left).

David Madison, region chair for District 43K of Lions Club International (left), and Vicki Madison, cabinet secretary for District 43K (center), were honored guests at a recent meeting of the Murray Lions Club.  Shown with the Madison’s is Lions Club President Vicky Crafton (right).

Chuck Williams, assistant coordinator for Murray-Calloway County Special Olympics, was the featured speaker at a recent meeting of the Murray Lions Club. Williams gave an update on fund raising efforts for Special Olympics, including the upcoming Polar Plunge which is their largest fund raising event of the year.  Shown with Williams is Lions Club President Vicky Crafton (right).

At a recent meeting  the Murray Lions Club welcomed three new members. Shown above is Lion Rowina Wilburn placing pins on the left Jane Slayden, middle is JoAnn Slayden and right is Mallory Harris. Welcome to our newest Lions! #WeServe

Colin FitzGerald, financial advisor for Edward Jones, was the featured speaker at a recent meeting of the Murray Lions Club. FitzGerald talked about the investment implications of the recent downturn on Wall Street and how it affects ordinary investors with retirement accounts. Shown with FitzGerald is Lions Club President Vicky Crafton (left).

Dr.  Bob Jackson (right), interim Murray State University president, was the featured speaker at a recent Murray Lions Club meeting.  Jackson described the state of the university, including such issues as enrollment/student recruitment, state funding, and contracting out food services. Lions were interested to learn that with the new MSU food service contract there would be both a Chick-fil-A and a Steak ‘n Shake on the campus.  Shown with Dr. Jackson is Paul McCreary, former Lions Club president.

At a recent Murray Lions Club meeting Gerald Washington, Executive Director of the Murray Calloway County United Way spoke to the Club about the strategic planning initiatives currently under way at the local United Way to better address serving the needs of the Murray Calloway County community. He also addressed the impact new local and Federal tax laws are having on the United Way and all non-profits in their individual fundraising initiatives.

Mr. Washington urged all Lions to take a quick 5 minute survey to help identify the needs of the community and help form the United Way’s strategic mission to better serve our community. Everyone is urged to take the quick community survey by clicking the link below:

https://bit.ly/communityvoicemcc

Pictured above are Gerald Washington (left) and Paul McCreary, Lions 1st Vice President and Murray Calloway County United Way board member.