Volunteer receives Melvin Jones Fellowship Award from Raymond Lions Club

Caryl Gilman, a tireless volunteer in the Raymond-Casco area, was presented with the Lions Club International’s Melvin Jones Fellowship Award during a recent Raymond Lions Club meeting.

Raymond Lions Club President Laurie Wallace,
left, presents the Melvin Jones Fellowship
Award to Caryl Gilman, a volunteer in the
Raymond-Casco area. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Gilman, who has served as secretary for the Raymond Lions Club for quite a few years, is active in many Raymond and Casco organizations, including not only the Raymond Lions Club, but also the Raymond Food Pantry, the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing, and the Raymond Village Church.

During tax season, Gilman volunteers to help prepare taxes at no charge for senior residents needing tax guidance and assistance.

Lions Clubs across the world recognize outstanding individuals by bestowing on them an award that is named after the club’s founder, Melvin Jones. This award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of the club.

According to Raymond Lions Club President Laurie Wallace the award shows that Gilman has gone above and beyond in serving both the local club and the community in general.

"The Raymond Lions Club is honored to have Caryl as its secretary and as a very active, engaged member of the club,” Wallace said. “Lions Club International’s mission is to empower Lions clubs, volunteers, and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian services and grants that impact lives locally and globally, and encourage peace and international understanding.”

The club was formed in 1995 and is an active group of service minded men and women who want to make Raymond a better place to live by serving the community in a variety of ways. It is a part of the world's largest, and most active service club organization, Lions Club International.

Along with the more than 1.4 million members, they work with their fellow Lions in more than 170 countries and geographical areas to seek out and help the needy in their own communities, their
country, and the world, Wallace said.

The club meets monthly and is active in many worthwhile community service projects in the Raymond and Casco areas.

For further information about the Raymond Lions Club, or to join, call Wallace at 207-655-2222. <