The Ville Platte Lions Club held their annual installation of officers and ladies night Saturday night at the Lions Den meeting hall. Outgoing Club President Paul Ardoin conducted the meeting. Special guests former District Governors Russell LeBlanc and Ethel Robin. Also in attendance was Normal Dugeall, the Lions Club District Cub Sight Chairman.

    Glen M. Fontenot was selected as Lion of the Year and was also given a special award for recruiting new members.

    Special recognition was given to Lions Perry Meche and Darin Bordelon. Meche was chosen by his employer, Mercy Regional Medical Center as its employee of the year and competed among 49 other nominees company wide at Lifepoint Hospital’s annual meeting. Bordelon was nominated as Ville Platte Business of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.

    Club Secretary John Floyd Soileau was given a community service award for 25 years of community service.

    Lion Charles Manuel was honored with a special award from the Lions Club International.

    Lion Leroy Olivier was given a special plaque for his years of service and was given a new club designation, a priviliged member. Olivier was in attendance aloing with his wife and family for the event. He has been a member since 1982.

    Past District Governor Russell LeBlanc installed the following new officers and board members:

President-Mike Ardoin; Immediate Past President and First Vice President-Paul Ardoin;

Secretary-Floyd Soileau; Treasurer-Sammy LaFleur; Lion Tamer-Ken Johnson; Tail Twister-David Matthew; Membership Chairman and one Year Board Member -Charles Manuel and Two Year Board Member-Michael Dess Fontenot.