Story Courtesy Bobby “Flash” Melton
Dennis Blackwell of the Bruceton Lions Club received the Lions International Mission 1.5 Retention of Attendance Award during the Fall Rally of Tennessee District 12L, held Saturday, September 27 at Lakeshore Camp and Retreat in Eva, Tennessee.
District Governor Sam Jones of Camden presented the award and congratulated Blackwell, a longtime member of the Bruceton club who serves as treasurer for District 12L.
Blackwell is a retired teacher from the Hollow Rock–Bruceton Special School District.
Lions International’s “Mission 1.5” aims to grow membership to 1.5 million by July 1, 2027. Instead of attendance rules, it focuses on keeping members through engagement, mentorship, and flexible participation.
The rally brought together Lions Clubs from across West Tennessee.
Guest speaker Larry Dobson, a former student of Blackwell’s and director of Hope Center Ministries of Camden, also spoke about the mission of Hope Center.
