WAITSBURG-It was a full house in the Lions Memorial Building as the Waitsburg Lions Club wrapped up its year with the annual Ladies Night dinner, award ceremony and induction of new officers.

Following a thank you dinner of oysters and hamburgers, special awards were presented to Olson Brothers Exhaust Systems for its outstanding business partnership with the Waitsburg Lions, Kevin House was named Lion of the Year and Ken Cole Jr. received the distinguished Melvin Jones Award.

Outgoing president Ross Hamann introduced the Distinguished Business Partnership Award winners, beginning with Olson Brothers Exhaust owners, Bob and Larry Olson, who grew up in Waitsburg. Hamann said the unique award was being presented to the Olson brothers for more than three decades community service and supporting the Waitsburg Lions by acting as a Walla Walla sales agent for rib and salmon feed tickets.

"They have sold hundreds of tickets, which has to be an imposition when you're trying to run a business," Hamann said.

The Olson's, who launched their exhaust and muffler business more than 37 years ago, closed their Isaacs Street shop in April.

Hamann next introduced the Lion of the Year, which is selected by the current president, allowing for a "unique perspective." Hamann described the winner's attributes:

"This person doesn't ask for anything in return and demonstrates the values of this club and the motto "We Serve." They take on numerous responsibilities and most members have no idea what this person does. When we need volunteers for tasks, he takes them on and gets them done. He works with a constant smile. He never complains. He ensures all club business is handled, and he handles hundreds of transactions. He is commonly the last member to turn out the lights at our events and meetings because he's always there for us in the community. He may drive a vintage Nissan but he is the 6.6 liter Duramax diesel of this club because he goes and goes!" in introduction of Lion of the Year Kevin House.

Lastly, Hamann introduced Ken Cole Jr. as recipient of the highest form of recognition in Lionism, the Melvin Jones Award. The award, which is not awarded annually, but only as deserved, is decided by previous Melvin Jones Award recipients.

Former recipients are: Wayne Peterson (2003), Bill Thompson (2005), Glynn Davis (2006), Bob Patton (2007), John Payne (2008), Tom Baker (2013), Terry Jacoy (2014), Guy McCaw and J.E. McCaw (2015), Ken Miller (2016), Dan Cole (2017) and Dan McKinley (2018).

"I'm not even going to call this an award; this is more of an honor. This type of recognition is extra-special when someone has dedicated so much of their time and their lives to what we do here in Lions," Hamann said.

"He's been a dedicated Lions member since 1996. He's been past-president, multiple rounds as a board member, he has served on almost every committee whether it's turkeys, chili-cookoff, softball tourney, rib feed, salmon feed and many more. He's done everything from delivering tons of ice on his very back, helping break up softball fights. He truly does care about this town, this community, this club and everything it stands for.

He was very instrumental in the construction and spearheaded the building of this very building. And we sit in here today. And more recently, over the last 10 years, he's coordinated and leads the cooking of a bazillion of ribs and salmon filets, gobbled up by thousands of people across this region," Hamann said.

An emotional Cole offered thanks. "I don't know that I actually have this coming. This club means a lot to me over the years, along with everyone here. Thank you very much."

In acts of official business, the Lions newest member, Ryan Mason, was inducted into the club and the new slate of officers was installed.

Officers for the coming year are: President John Alleman, First Vice President Mark Pickel, Second Vice President Jerry Baker, Third Vice President Kenny Dimak, Secretary Jesse Smit, Treasurer Kevin House and Tail Twister Ross Hamann.

Incoming board of directors include: Ken Cole, Jr., Louie Gagnon, Howard Smith, Jr. and Jake Long.

Dena Martin

Ross Hamann (l) installs incoming Lions officers and board members. Treasurer Kevin House, Secretary Jesse Smit, Third Vice President Kenny Dimak, President John Alleman, and incoming board members Ken Cole, Jr. Louie Gagnon and Jake Long. Not shown: First Vice President Mark Pickel, board member Howard Smith, Jr.

New president John Alleman adjourned the meeting.