The Union County Lions Club awarded Riley Cole, Gavin Graves and Joy Turner $300 each from the Mark Martin Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Union County elementary music teacher Mark Martin, who passed away on May 16, 2015. Mark taught general music at Big Ridge, Sharps Chapel and Luttrell Elementary schools and assisted with band at the middle and high school.

The Union County chapter of the Lions Club was chartered in October 2008 and has been serving our community well year after year. Not sure what the Lions Club is or what it does? It is a club composed of members of the community who embrace the motto “We Serve” in a variety of ways. Local Lions Club programs include vision conservation, hearing and speech conservation, diabetes awareness, youth outreach, international relations, environmental issues, and much more.

The annual Lions Club fundraiser was a successful worship service, despite the looming fear of COVID-19 (coronavirus) having cases in Tennessee. The Primitive Quartet headlined, supported by local bands County Line and Won in Hymn, and an audience of roughly 500. Being described as a “good show with a good spirit” the Primitive Quartet looks forward to the second Saturday in March each year and performing in Union County in support of the local Lions Club and their efforts to provide vision and hearing assistance to those in need.

If you or someone you know needs vision care and can't afford it, the Union County Lions Club is ready to help. The Lions Club Vision Van will come to Union County High School Saturday, Sept. 29, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., to provide eye exams or glasses to those in need. Hearing needs may also be addressed during this time, and services are by appointment only.