FORMOSA – Six members of the Formosa Lions Club were presented with Ontario 2022 Volunteer Service Awards on Feb. 9 for their commitment to volunteerism.
Past District A-9 Lions Governor Jennifer Batte made the presentations because of the time and service the recipients have given to make a difference in the community of Formosa. The following Lions received awards for their time with the Formosa Lions. They all have their own talents and over the years belonged to many committees, and the Formosa Lions are indeed grateful for their expertise. They each received two awards on behalf of the province of Ontario – one signed by the Premier of Ontario Doug Ford, and one signed by Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.
Lion Mike Hallahan, charter president and Melvin Jones Fellow, received a 45-year Ontario Volunteer Service Award. During those years, Hallahan served as secretary for 14 years. He was dedicated to the Formosa School and involved the Formosa Lions in school happenings such as the Peace Poster Contest, Canada Pride Day and Santa’s visits.
Lion Carl Zettel served as club president twice, treasurer three times, and took a turn as secretary. He is a charter member and also received a 45-year Ontario Volunteer Service Award. Zettel is noted for his organizational skills and his ability to meet with the municipality. He was instrumental in the building of the Formosa Recreation Complex and pad in 1978, as well as the new covered outdoor facility just built this past year.
Lion Joe Benninger, also a charter member, served as president and three years as secretary. He also received a 45-year award. He is noted for his electrical knowledge and can usually be found where the action is, whether that be the park, the rec. centre or his workshop.
Another charter member Lion Bill Borho, Formosa’s first Melvin Jones Fellow. Borho served as president and also received a 45-year award. He was successful in organizing, with the province, the building of the Formosa Valleyview Terrace Senior Apartments. Lion Bill can usually be found with his carpentry tools, or a shovel or often wearing an apron as he barbecues or cooks for Lions’ functions.
When women were welcomed into the Lions, their Lioness years were recognized. Lion Joan Borho was a charter member of the Formosa Lioness Club and joined the Lions in 1998. She was presented with a 35-year Ontario Volunteer Service Award. She served as Lioness President, District A-9 Lioness President, two terms as Formosa Lions President and five times as Lion Treasurer. Lion Joan is probably most noted for her love of words and records. She has submitted articles for local newspapers for all of those years. She has written five books, two of them highlighting the history and happenings in community and the Formosa organizations.
Lion Frank Jacobi, who, compared to the five Lions already mentioned is a fairly new Lions member, having joined five years ago. He has served as club president and is very active on the District A-9 executive. He is currently Zone Chair, Election Coordinator and Data Administrator. Lion Frank received a five-year Ontario Volunteer Service Award.
