Lions Carol Mosser and Bob Gundlach of the Columbia Northeast Lions Club pose with International Director Gene Spiess (center) after receiving the Certificates of Appreciation. On Thursday, June 9, the Blythewood Lions Club held a special joint meeting at the Blythewood Community Center with the Columbia Northeast Lions Club. Both clubs have inducted officers as a joint ceremony for the past eight years.

As a special addition, International Director Gene Spiess from Spartanburg, S.C. attended and handled the official inductions. Along with the officer inductions International Director Gene Spiess presented special certificates of appreciation from International President Sid Scruggs.

These certificates are presented to lions who have gone beyond the normal club work and expanded their service to Lions in their district and state. The certificates were presented to Lion Kimberlee Keener and Lion Bob Cox of the Blythewood Lions Club and Lion Carol Mosser and Lion Bob Gundlach of the Columbia Northeast Lions Club.

Lions Kimberlee Keener and Bob Cox of the Blythewood Lions Club join International Director Gene Spiess for a celebration picture after the presentation of their certificates. Also during the special evening Lion Rhett Hair, Blythewood Club president, presented award plaques to Lion Margaret Gardner for her many years of service as the club's Tail Twister and Lion Robert Moak for his years of service as the Lion Tamer.

The Columbia Northeast Lions Club sponsored the Charter of the Blythewood Lions Club in December 2000. A special bond was formed and continues to grow between the two clubs.