January 13, 2026

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The Hanover Lions club was honored to welcome 14-C District Governor Doug Nace, 1st Vice District Governor Patti Wurzbacher, and her partner in service, Lion Wayne Wurzbacher, at our first membership meeting for 2026 on Tuesday, January 13. Governor Nace explained the theme for his 2025 -2026 term of office, “Driving Innovations.”  

 

Governor Nace stressed the importance of expanding the scope of our membership to include all eligible ages and the value of sharing personal stories about the club’s community impact. He encouraged all Lions members to “talk from the heart” when we speak about the service the Hanover Lions provides to our community. 

 

Governor Nace shared a story about a 2012 Zone Project he was involved in for the community. His story illustrates the lasting effects of Lions’ service on a young lady with a brain tumor during that year’s Christmas holiday. His message can be summed up as follows: the true impact of service may not be immediately visible, but it reminds us that our service is meaningful.  Governor Nace complimented the Hanover Lions on how well it utilizes Facebook, and the content of our website to spread the word to our community. Promoting the club is a combination of contributions from our PR Team of Ann Snyder(chair), PDG Lisa Griffe (Facebook), Dan McKinney (photographer), and John Zinn (Website),

 

A surprise to all present was learning that our club received the Lions Club 5-Star Excellence Award! This is an award that recognizes top performing clubs. The Hanover Lions Club is the only club in District 14-C to receive this distinction! DG Nace indicated that this was “due to the efforts of the members promoting the club, growing the club, an abundance of community service, strong leadership, and ongoing contributions to LCIF during the 2024-2025 club year; ultimately meeting the challenge and exceeded it!”   Immediate Past Club President John Zinn will be receiving the International President's Certificate of Appreciation! This is a prestigious award given by Lions Clubs International to highlight an individual’s distinguished achievements and exceptional leadership. 

 

In addition, DG Nace distributed Service Awards to members present for their years of dedication: Jon Schmeyer (40 years), Todd Boller (35 years), PDG John Griffie (30 years), and Roy Neigh (15 years). Additional service awards will be presented, in the near future, to members who were absent from the meeting. 

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Congratulations to all members for their ongoing commitment to serving the community and the club!   The Hanover Lions Club is here to Serve!

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