Tim Prevost named 2015 Lion of the Year

Tim Prevost, outgoing president of the Rayne Lions Club, was named the recipient of the 2015 Lion of the Year Award during the club’s installation banquet Thursday, June 18.
In announcing and presenting the award, John Quebodeaux, committee chair, commended Prevost for assuming the leadership role and “mentoring young lions.”
In accepting the award, a thankful Prevost remarked, “I look forward to more service.”
Roy Credeur, Sr. was the recipient of another major Lions Club award when he was named the club’s recipient of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. The local club’s contribution of $1,000, accumulated over several years, to the Lions Foundation is named for the founder of international service organization. Danny Theall, vice district governor, was on hand to present the fellowship award.
Incoming District Governor Richard Sockrider conducted the installation of 2015 officers and directors.
Elected to lead the club in the coming year was President Craig Houston. Other club officials are Luke Beslin, first vice president; Gerard Credeur, second vice president; Michael Guidry,third vice president; John Quebodeaux, secretary; Roy Credeur, Sr., treasurer; Horace Thibodeaux, tail twister, Kevin Pugh, Mitch Batton, membership director; Tim Prevost, immediate past president; and John Jude Beslin, Simon Richard and Troy Kibodeaux, directors.
In his remarks to the club members, Mayor Chuck Robichaux commended Lions for their community service, and praised the “awesome city workers” for whom he credited Assessor Jim “Jimbo” Petitjean during his 18 years as Rayne’s mayor.
Robichaux also spoke of the successful effort he and the City Council achieved in bringing a Sterling Dodge/Jeep dealership to Rayne. The dealership, he noted, will become the first car dealership to locate in Rayne in the past 40 years.
The mayor also revealed his efforts to bring two restaurant franchises to the city.
Of the city, Robichaux said, “We have to grow to survive,” adding, “Rayne is going places.”
Perfect attendance certificates were present by President Prevost to Carol Menard, 48 years; Horace Thibodeaux, 34 years; Rodney Soileaux, 20 years; Roy J. Credeur, Sr., 17 years; Luke Beslin and Troy Kibodeaux, 13 years; Michael Guidry, 7 years; Reinhart Kondert, 4 years; John Jude Beslin and John Quebodeaux, 3 years; Craig Houston, two years; and Tim Prevost and Linda Credeur, 1 year.
Certificates and plaques were also presented to outgoing officers and committee chairmen.
Assessor Petitjean served as evening’s master of ceremonies.Father Kendal Faulk gave the invocation.

By Paul Kedinger
Managing Editor
Rayne Acadian-Tribune