They're colleagues and cohorts. They share common beliefs and a common bond. They back up their beliefs with actions, and they consistently go above and beyond.

Ken McCombs and Jarrett Falduts are a coalition, or brother Lions.

"Jarrett is a very outgoing person," said McCombs. "He takes his friendships very seriously. He looks you in the eye when he talks to you, he listens and asks follow-up questions. He's very giving, and he's always looking for ways to help other people."

During separate ceremonies this summer, both Falduts and McCombs were presented with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award by the Bareville, Leola, Leacock Lions Club. Named for founder Melvin Jones, who established Lions Clubs International in Chicago in 1917, the award is presented to past club presidents who exemplify the dedication, altruism and respect associated with being a Lion.

"They do this as a surprise, and I was very excited," said McCombs. "I was very honored to be recognized for this award. I appreciate the recognition for the hard work that I put into the club. I could say the same for Jarrett as well. He was very happy."

During his Bareville, Leola, Leacock Lions Club presidency from 2023 to 2025, McCombs employed a variety of fundraising methods to help pay for the eye surgery of a local individual. Falduts, a Reynolds Middle School math teacher who served as president from 2021 to 2022, was instrumental in establishing the Conestoga Valley Leo Club, a youth service organization sponsored by the Bareville, Leola, Leacock Lions Club.

"I do it for the satisfaction of helping others," said McCombs, a resident of Leola. "We want to serve our community. I really enjoy helping others; that's the drive."

The Bareville, Leola, Leacock Lions Club meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday and the fourth Monday of every month at the Leola War Memorial Building, 54 W. Main St., Leola. Of the club's 25 current members, who are between the ages of 50 and 78, nearly half have been recognized with the Melvin Jones Fellowship award.

"They're a bunch of guys who enjoy helping others," said McCombs. "We raise money and donate it. We really do enjoy fundraising and helping local and international chapters. We're business owners and regular workers. We do things together, even outside of the Lions Club. We have really good fellowship. We're guys who want to help the community."

The Bareville, Leola, Leacock Lions Club, which actively supports and assists local police departments, fire companies and ambulance associations, sponsors the Lampeter Police Department's Officer of the Year award. The club recently helped the New Holland Lions Club make and serve ham sandwiches at the New Holland Farmers Fair, and twice a year it conducts its two-day White Cane fundraiser at Oregon Dairy.

From 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 16, 2027, the Bareville, Leola, Leacock Lions Club will host a community event at Leola Community Park, 23 E. Main St., Leola, commemorating the 100th anniversary of its founding. The celebration will feature a 5K run, music, food and games.

For additional information, go to http://www.leolalions.org.