As Lions International prepares for its 100th anniversary next summer, the international board of directors was called to order in Nashville Thursday (10/13/2016) by Murfreesboro's Bob Corlew. The former Rutherford County Chancery Court chancelor and attorney is international president of the 46-thousand Lions Clubs around the world and represents a membership of 1.4-million persons.

During Thursday's opening session, another Tennessee native was honored. Past International President Austin Jennings from Woodbury was honored when Governor Bill Haslam presented him with the "Certificate of Goodwill".

In addition, a Senate Joint Resolution presented by State Senators Beavers, Ketron and Tracy, along with State Representatives Pody and Weaver honored the thirty-six directors from around the world and the more than 100 staff membets from the Lions headquarters in Chicago.

On Monday morning (10/17/2016) International President Corlew, who is a member of the Murfreesboro Noon Lions Club, is hosting the visiting directors with an eye-screening at First United Methodist Church on West Thompson Lane. These worldwide members will help with the screening tests.

The visiting Lions will also get a taste of Tennessee with tours of the Bell Meade Plantation, County Music Hall of Fame, Wildhorse Saloon and to Lynchburg for a tour of the Jack Daniel Distillery and Miss Mary Bobo's restaurant.

Lions International is best known for its work to prevent blindness, restore eyesight, and improve eye health and eye care to hundreds of millions of persons worldwide.