Founded on Sept. 11, 1932, the Salisbury Lions Club conducted its 87th annual charter celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 11 at the Harold B. Jarrett Legion Post.

Many members gave testimonials with respect to the impact of the club locally, statewide, and beyond over the years.

In addition, awards were presented. Twelve members were recognized for perfect attendance during the past year.

Bob Loeblein was recognized as immediate past president and recipient of the Beacon of Hope Award.
The William Woolard Award was presented to Harry Garwood.
Jack Kepley received the Ambassador Award.
The Melvin Jones award was presented posthumously to Roger Costic.

Of particular interest was the award winners’ enthusiasm on behalf of the Salisbury Club’s SPOT camera program. The SPOT camera is a fairly new tool for vision screening. Commonly referred to as “refractive screening,” it allows Lions members to screen children from 6 months old and up.

It is accomplished through the use of a special camera that is self-contained and portable. The subject has only to look into the lens of the camera from a distance of about 5 feet. The camera senses when the parameters for screening are met and automatically screens the subject. The results appear on the built in screen of the camera in a few seconds. The results are compared with Optical Industry Standards on an internal computer and a recommendation is made for further testing by an ophthalmologist.

Those needing further study are given a printout of the refractive results to take to their ophthalmologist. Since purchasing the camera, the club has screened more than 1000 Rowan children.

The Salisbury Lion’s Club meets at noon on Wednesdays at the Harold B. Jarrett Legion Post, 1024 Lincolnton Road. See www.facebook.com/SalisburyNCLions/ to learn more.