Clanton Lions Club member Charles Ellison was named Lion of the Year Tuesday night at the annual Ladies Night event.

Ladies Night is when each of the club’s members invites his significant other to enjoy a meal and the presentation of many awards, as well as the naming of incoming officers for the following year.

“He’s always been the first to raise his hand,” Steve Mims, former Lions Club president and representative of the Lion of the Year committee, said of Ellison.

Outgoing president Jim Norton turned over the club’s top office to Dr. Steve Forrest, who in turn commended Norton, as well as fellow officers Hollis Jackson, Britt Culpepper and Richard Davis.

Forrest has served for 18 years as a Lion.

“I’m predicting a great year for the club where we can grow and prosper,” he said after the meeting.

Also recognized were several Lions who had perfect attendance, among them Dan Mims, currently serving his 50th year. Also in attendance was Herb Salter, a veteran of 50-plus years.

Incoming officers for 2009-2010 were also named. These included president, Dr. Steve Forrest; first vice president, Tony Hughes; second vice president, Tommy Patterson; third vice president, Britt Culpepper; secretary, Tom Powers; treasurer, Ray Price; tail twister, Cecil Williams; lion tamer, Richard Davis; membership chairman, Bob Stone; directors, Wayne Caton, Ken Patterson, H.C. Johnson and Hollis Jackson.