Jeff Harkness

It is a pleasure and an honor to serve as the 100th President of the Lufkin Host Lion’s Club’s.  I started with the Lufkin Host Lion’s Club 19 years ago when my father, Lion Jim Harkness, asked me to attend a meeting with him. I had been with the Lufkin Evening Lions Club and it was very small in membership compared to the Lufkin Host Club. It was a great experience and I have been enjoying the association with other members ever since that first meeting.

I have made hundreds of good friends over the years through the Lions Club and all because we get together for the common goal of helping our Community. We inherited a great club from those that came before us and paved the way in the early years of projects such as the Z&OO Railroad Train and the Angelina Benefit Rodeo, "The Greatest Show on Dirt".

Our year, 2020, has been tough on several of the community clubs and Lions Clubs in other areas because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Lufkin Host Lions Club has had some affect from the pandemic, although we are still a very strong club and the community service, we provide to our area is still strong with our support.

Train has become a vital part of the service to our community as well. It began as a dream of one of our members and has turned into a major fundraiser for the club. Children see the train at the zoo and it immediately puts a smile on their face. To see and hear how many memories are made while riding the train and knowing that we make that possible, is an amazing feeling of pride and joy. With that comes responsibility, as well.