With a couple of special presentations on Thursday night, July 14, the Escalon Lions Club recognized members for going above and beyond.

Mike Powers received an Abdul Award and Ed Alves received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Club President Tom Machado welcomed members and guests to the club’s annual summer picnic, which was staged at the Hogan-Ennis Park Pavilion. Prior to eating, Machado presented the honors.

Powers was up first, presented with the Abdul Award recognizing his donation to the Lions Project for Canine Companions.

The Abdul Award, officials said, was named after the first dog to go into service through the Canine Companions program, a black Labrador. Through the program dogs are trained to be assistance dogs for individuals with disabilities.

Next, Machado said the club wanted to recognize longtime Lions Club member Ed Alves for his work on behalf of the Escalon community through the years. Currently serving as Mayor and a longtime member of the City Council, as well as his years of service in the Lions, Machado said Alves was very deserving of the recognition.

The Lions Club purchased a brick, inscribed to salute Alves for his “life time of service” to the community. The brick paver will be placed at the Escalon Historical Society’s fire station monument on Main Street in his honor. That way, said Machado, Alves receives the recognition, the Club supports the Historical Society’s ongoing fundraiser by purchasing the brick, and it will be placed there with the already installed pavers for generations of Escalonians to come to see.

Those in attendance also received 75-year anniversary pins to signify the Lions Club charter in Escalon. Then all joined in the summer evening picnic dinner, with tri-tip, chicken and hot dogs offered along with a variety of side dishes, beverages and desserts.