Lions Club Installs New President, Board at Hawaiian-Themed Ceremony

Donning some flavorful Hawaiian attire, the San Bruno Lions Club held its 69^th annual installation ceremony Sunday to honor its outgoing president and welcome its new leadership.

The installation, which took place at the Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco, had a snazzy tropical paradise theme and included Hawaiian dancers and Hawaiian leis draped around the necks of those in attendance.

As part of the ceremony, outgoing President Tom Lara passed the gavel to Charles “Smitty” Smith, who will serve as president for the upcoming year.

Smith, a resident of Millbrae, will be the 69^th president of San Bruno club, which started in 1943. Smith was formerly president of the Millbrae Lions Club before transferring to the San Bruno chapter. He is also responsible for organizing three Leo clubs in San Bruno—at , and —which are geared toward volunteer opportunities for youths.

Every year, the outgoing president usually presents his board of directors with tokens of appreciation, and this year Lara did so in the form of certificates acknowledging the board members' accomplishments and dedication throughout the past year.

The outgoing president also usually gives a going away speech before installing the new president, and Lara's speech mainly focused on appreciation.

"I thanked everyone and those who wanted me to be president and thought I'd be a good president," Lara said. "I thanked them all, and I thanked my wife for staying with me and working with me throughout the year. Then I gave her a big bouquet of flowers."

Former Lions Club Governor Ray Rosenthal was on hand to swear in Smith and his newly appointed board of directors.

Also at Sunday’s ceremony, Lara honored City Councilman and Lions Club member Ken Ibarra with the Lion of the Year award.

“I based it on the work he did with the Lions Club and the work he did with me,” Lara said Monday. “Him and I worked together, we took care of the fire victims and we worked really hard on that. He was very instrumental in doing that and distributing checks to the people.”

“He was an outstanding member and did some outstanding work for the community,” Lara added.

The Lions Club also recognized club members Dr. Stephen Kelly, who donated eye exams to those in need throughout the year, and Tom Fernandez, who chaired the club’s golf tournament in September 2010.