WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition has received the Melvin Jones Fellowship award. Gene Cassidy was named the MJF award recipient last Friday at the Brooks Building, in West Springfield. The Lions Club International Foundation recognizes one individual every year for their commitment to the foundation. The MJF plaque was presented by members of the Agawam Lions Club as well as the president. The mission of Lions Clubs is to strengthen the communities they serve. Local News Headlines Pentagon secrets leaker Jack Teixeira sentenced to 15 years in prison by a federal judge Gene Cassidy receives Melvin Jones Fellowship award Lawmakers continue to debate how to run emergency shelter system End-of-season dates announced for Springfield golf courses WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.