The Auburn Noon Lions Club recently installed its new officers for the coming year at the Truitt Building in downtown Auburn.

The outgoing officers were recognized for their contribution during the last year, and several awards and recognition were also made.

Jim Kleinbeck of Auburn, (pictured) the theater operation coordinator at the Auburn Avenue Theater, was installed as the 2012-2013 president; Ron Bohlman, 1st vice-president; Joshua Hosford, 2nd vice-president; Martin Harris, 3rd vice-president; Tom Burrill, treasurer; Jessie Clark and Bob Johnson, co-secretary; one-year directors Eric Robertson, Randall Smith and Dr. Vicki Wickham; two-year directors Linda Butler, Shirley March and Gloria Taylor; and Heidi Harris, immediate past president.

Other officers include Allen Geiszler, Bud Dyer, Yolanda Trout, Ed and Linda Butler, Patrick Taylor and Joe Bartkowski.

Robertson was presented the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, named after the Lions Club International founder, by past recipient Darrel Gordon. The award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of the Lions.

Outgoing club president Heidi Harris presented the Lion of the Year Award to Geiszler, who was recognition for his significant contribution to the advancement of the club’s goals and objectives. Geislzer, the club’s “Lion Tamer,” coordinates meetings and property, serves on the Chuckwagon Barbeque Committee and is active in many club activities.

Harris awarded John Partridge, a local insurance agent and Auburn City Councilmember, the President’s Choice Award for his years of service and development of the club’s main mission – helping the blind and sight impaired. Partridge has chaired the White Cane Days campaign and has coordinated the local grants for eye surgeries.