CHESTERTOWN — In recognition of his humanitarian service, Dwight Wilmot of the Chestertown Lions Club has been named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
Named for the founder of Lions Clubs International, the fellowship is one of the foundation’s highest honors.
As a Melvin Jones Fellow, Wilmot joins the growing network of individuals — there are more than 331,000 Melvin Jones Fellows worldwide — who are committed to improving the quality of life for people locally and in communities around the world.
His projects in the past few years have included volunteering for Kent Association of Riding Therapy; chairing/coordinating the Home Ports booth; food stops for the Lions Club-sponsored Bay to Bay bike ride; parking at the Kent County Fair; rebuilding of the Wilmer Park gazebo and volunteering during installation of the playground there; and co-chairing the annual Halloween parade in Chestertown.
He also has served on a needs assessment committee, which surveyed local groups and nonprofits to assess their need for service assistance or funds and has chaired the Lions Club’s service committees for two years, helping to coordinate the various club projects and activities.
“Dwight has worked tirelessly … remains focused under pressure and maintains his consistent can-do attitude. He is the clear choice for this year’s Melvin Jones Fellow award,” said Chestertown Lions Club President Paul McDonald.
According to a news release, Wilmot gained his strong work ethic and stamina growing up on a dairy farm in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania.
After earning a degree in chemical engineering from Penn State, he worked in the industry for 44 years before retiring in late 2019.
He has lived in Chestertown since 1990, first working locally and then out of state while commuting.
In addition to his volunteer activities with the Lions Club, Wilmot has been involved with the Boy Scouts for many years and has been a coach in the youth soccer league.
“I enjoy working with other Lions on these various projects and assignments, as I have always held that you should do something to give back to your community,” Wilmot said. “I’ve met a lot of people in the community through the Lions,” he added.
The Lions Clubs International Foundation is the charitable arm of Lions Clubs International.
Established in 1968, LCIF is committed to providing humanitarian services to those in need, including disaster relief, saving eyesight, supporting youth and combating disability.
The news release states: “The Chestertown Lions Club strives to promote the principles of good government and good citizenship; take an active interest in the civic, cultural, social and moral welfare of the community; encourage service-minded people to serve their community without personal financial reward; and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works and private endeavors.”
For more information, see www.Chestertownlions.org.
