The Sequim Valley Lions Club has named Laura Maroney as "2008-2009 Lion of the Year" for her contributions to the club’s eyeglasses and hearing aids program.

Immediate Past President Arndt Lorenzen presented Maroney the award at a recent meeting.

"Many of our clients have expressed their appreciation of Laura’s efforts by sending thank you notes to our club," Lorenzen said.

"I was blown away," she said about receiving the award.

"It was awesome to be recognized on something that I’m passionate about."

Maroney has coordinated the club’s eyeglasses program for five years since joining the club.

She works with referrals from the local schools and the general public to help those who need vision tests, prescription glasses and hearing aids.

"On average, we probably help 10 to 25 people receive refurbished hearing aids from Lions’ hearing bank in Seattle," she said.

The Lions also partner with Walmart to provide discounted eye exams. Maroney said the club also helps people with costs of needed surgeries if they cannot pay the full amount.

Maroney was involved with the Lions in Seattle before moving to Sequim full time in 2004.

She was an optician and then office manager for Seattle Eye Care prior to moving to Sequim.

"I want to encourage people to volunteer with organizations like the Lions," she said.

"The Lions club isn’t alone. There are a lot of clubs struggling for membership."

When asked what she intends to do next with the Lions, Maroney said, "I’ll keep doing what I’m doing."

The Sequim Valley Lions Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays at the Sequim Senior Activity Center, 921 E. Hammond St., Sequim.