Pictured, left to right, are Lions, Jim Rowlatt, Melvin Jones Fellowship Award winner Tom Allen, and Gregg Carlson.
Melvin Jones was the founder of Lions Clubs International. "What if these men," Melvin Jones asked, "who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Thus, at his invitation, delegates from men's clubs met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born.
As recognition of outstanding work, a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award may be presented to individuals who have contributed time, energy and service that furthers the Lions' Motto, "We Serve". This award is the highest order of recognition that a club member can earn.
For Lionistic year 2018-2019 The Havre Lions Club recently presented Lion, Tom Allen a Melvin Jones Fellowship award.
Lion Tom Allen has been a Lion for 29 years. He joined the Havre Lions Club in December 1989 and he has served in 4 Lions Clubs (Havre, Bozeman, Chester, Fort Benton and Havre again).
Lion Tom has served Lions in formal offices including Director, Lion Twister, Lion Tamer, President, and as Zone Chairman or as a participating member. Included are Attitude Adjustment, Pig Roasts at Ladies Nights, Pins, Pronto Pups, Membership, Agriculture, Father-Sons-Daughter Nights, Budget, Youth Vision Screening and numerous LIONS Conventions (37-C, Multiple District 37 and the new District 37 serving most Lions clubs in Montana.
Since 1989, he has been an Ag Research Technician for 11 years, finished his Master Degree in Agronomy, has been a County Extension Agent in Liberty and Chouteau Counties and now Tom is farm Manager at Northern Agricultural Research Center at Fort Assiniboine south of Havre. Tom and his wife, Maranna, live in Big Sandy.
International Lions Club worldwide celebrated it's Centennial in 2017-2018. Melvin Jones was founder of Lions in 1917. Today, there are about 46,000 Lions Clubs in numerous countries and geographic area in every corner of the globe. These organizations hope to carry Melvin Jones's legacy in the years ahead to improve the lives of people around the world.
