Belton Lions Club

BLC Meeting Recap – June 22, 2023

Call to Order by Lion President-Elect Keith Cook – Great Job officiating the meeting, on behalf of Mike Matthews!  Thank You!

Members Present: Gene Ellis, Mac Hickerson, Christa Strang, John Corsi, Jon Fontenot, Mary Shockley, Karen Stagner, David Leigh, James Harrison, Dwayne Williams, Reese Davis, Keith Cook, Sam Listi
Guest: Chris Brown, Belton IT; Adam Russell, Texas Ranger (guest of Reese Davis)
Song: by Lion Danny Dossman
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Dwayne Williams
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Reese Davis
Prayer: Lion David Leigh
Joke: Lion James Harrison, Toothbrush – Teethbrush … had to be there …
Plate Spin: Lion Mac Hickerson … never ending spinnnnnnnnn
Exercise: Lion James Harrison

Announcements:

Board Meeting Update –
–  Jon Fontenot is getting the Club set up to receive credit card payments for the Foundation public fundraiser account – fundraisers only.
–  Keith Cook and Brett Beamesderfer are looking into starting a LEO Club with the Principal at Belton Middle School.
–  Ann Carpenter reached out with an invitation to participate in the Back to School with God event, July 29^th at Yettie Polk Park.  James Harrison has acquired the Temple-Belton Lady Lions for the eye screening.  We need to check availability for the PD Command Vehicle again this year.  Belton Lions will, again, help with serving the hot dogs.
– The Board approved an expense Budget of up to $10K for the Picnic in the Park / Wacky Open and Cardboard Boat Race – based on projected income/expense submitted by James Harrison. Thanks and Great Job in planning!
– According to LCI Club metrics, our Club has donated $9,850 of our $12,095 funds raised during the 2022-2023 year.

Haley Cox and Dr. William B. Long Memorial Scholarships – Todd Schiller … he is tentatively planning on Thursday July 20^th for the presentations.

Lions on the Leon Wacky Boat Race, October 7th – Danny Dossman – Captain Dossman will not be back from the IBR until early morning Monday, July 3^rd.  We need to load the boat on Chris & Jennah’s trailer on Monday – volunteers needed to help.  Volunteers to walk in the Parade (so far) are: Mary, Jennah, Keith, Danny, Karen, Emily, Reese – please volunteer to participate – in Pirate Costume!

Picnic in the Park, October 7th – James Harrison – next planning meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 12^th, 1pm, Chamber.   James needs committee volunteers; and he needs someone to create the event poster for Picnic in the Park / Wacky Open and Cardboard Boat Race.  Please volunteer to help. James is going to be out some between now and the end of September – so, please make every effort to attend the meeting on the 12^th and help with the planning. 

Dues Invoices will be distributed at the meeting on June 29^th.

Program:  Gene Ellis presented a delightfully entertaining Program on the 149^th Kentucky Derby – horses, specialty drinks, derby food, races, Run for the Roses, Churchill Downs, and so much more.  Plan NOW if you want to go to the 150^th Kentucky Derby in 2024!

Future Program Assignments:
June 29 – John Corsi – Randy Pittenger – Belton 4^th of July Celebration Activities
July 6 – Billy Conway
July 13 – Sam Listi – Matt Bates update on Heritage Park and check presentation
July 20 – Reese Davis – the Program will be Scholarship presentations
July 27 – Brett Beamesderfer
August 3 – Karen Stagner
August 10 – Mike Matthews
August 17 – David Shaw
August 24 – James Harrison

Keeping on the Front Burner:
Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
Friends of Belton Lions – James Harrison coordinating
85^th Anniversary of the Belton Lions Club – James Harrison is planning a Celebration. James explained that Belton Lions Club first met in 1938; then Chartered in 1939.
Judy Garrett, Belton CVB, extended an offer for the Belton Lions to, again, host our Plate Spinning Contest; and sell the Tasting Tickets, at Belton Bacon, Blues and Brews on Saturday, September 30^th (which is the week before the Picnic and Boat Race). After discussion, it was agreed that the Club would participate and hold the fundraiser.
Bell County Senior Expo – September 26^th – Kimberly Cables, Belton Journal is requesting volunteers for the 8am-1pm event.  Sign-up sheet passed – Jennah, Cree & Karen have signed up so far.  Our BLC logo has been added to the Senior Expo header online.
2024 Fundraiser Cruise – Carnival Jubilee – January 13-20, 2024 – now posted on facebook and on our website

BLC Meeting Recap – June 29, 2023 – last meeting of the 2022-2023 LCI Year!

Call to Order by Lion Mike Matthews
Members Present: Mike Matthews, Mac Hickerson, Wayne Carpenter, Christa Strang, Jon Fontenot, mary Shockley, Karen Stagner, Billy Conway, Keith Cook, Cree Childs, Dwayne Williams, Reese Davis, Jennah Gliha, David Tuma, Rob Potts
Guest: Mack Latimer, Associate Member; Randy Pittenger, Speaker
Song: by Lion Jennah Gliha
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Jon Fontenot
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Keith Cook
Prayer: Lion Wayne Carpenter
Joke: Lion Jennah Gliha – Chris dreamed about a muffler and woke up exhausted
Plate Spin: Lion Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion Mike Matthews

Announcements:

Flag Program – the final 12 unpaid participants were mailed invoices on Wednesday, June 21^st; requesting that payment be received by Wednesday, June 28^th – payments have been received by all but 5 participants.
Haley Cox and Dr. William B. Long Memorial Scholarships – Todd Schiller … he is tentatively planning on Thursday July 20^th for the presentations.

Back to School with God Event, July 29^th, Yettie Polk Park, 9am-1pm. Temple-Belton Lady Lions will do the eye screenings.  Belton Lions will help with “serving” the hot dogs, chips & drinks.  Wear your BLC t-shirt.

Bell County Senior Expo – September 26^th – Kimberly Cables, Belton Journal is requesting volunteers for the 8am-1pm event.  Sign-up sheet passed – Jennah, Cree & Karen have signed up so far.  Our BLC logo has been added to the Senior Expo header online.  Sign-up to volunteer if you can – see Secretary.  Wear your BLC t-shirt.

Bacon, Blues & Brews Plate Spinning Contest, Saturday, September 30^th, Downtown Belton – make plans to help sell People’s Choice Tickets – the Club is in search of our BLC table covers, last used at the same event last year.

Lions on the Leon Wacky Boat Race, October 7th – Danny Dossman – Captain Dossman will be back sometime Sunday, July 2^nd.  We need to load the boat on Chris & Jennah’s trailer on Monday – PLUS, we need to have a Parade Volunteers meeting on Monday, July 3^rd.  Volunteers to walk in the 4^th of July Parade (so far) are: Mary, Jennah, Keith, Danny, Karen, Emily, Reese – please volunteer to participate – in Pirate Costume!

Picnic in the Park, October 7th – planning meeting is scheduled for July 12^th, 1pm, Belton Chamber – please attend and share your ideas as we brainstorm and continue planning the event!

State Eye Exam Certification – Karen from Linda Vaughn – next class if July 8^th in Buffalo.

Program:  John Corsi and the Club invited Belton Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Randy Pittenger who spoke about the upcoming 4^th of July Celebration activities; Texas Rangers celebrating 200 years; Hot Dog eating contest – Jon Fontenot is the celebrity contestant; Stick Horse Stampede; Military Appreciation; Red, White and Blue Car Show; Festival on Nolan Creek; Carnival at Liberty Park, PRCA Rodeo and Fort Cavazos Tanks.  Great Presentation! Thank You!

Future Program Assignments:
June 29 – John Corsi – Randy Pittenger – Belton 4^th of July Celebration Activities
July 6 – Billy Conway – John Moseley, Commander of Central Texas Organized Crime Task Force
July 13 – Sam Listi – Matt Bates update on Heritage Park and check presentation
July 20 – Reese Davis – Scholarship presentations; and a Program
July 27 – Brett Beamesderfer
August 3 – James Harrison – State of the Club
August 10 – Mike Matthews
August 17 – David Shaw
August 24 – Karen Stagner – tentatively Representative Hugh D. Shine – Legislative Update

Keeping on the Front Burner:
Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
Friends of Belton Lions – James Harrison coordinating
85^th Anniversary of the Belton Lions Club – James Harrison is planning a Celebration. James explained that Belton Lions Club first met in 1938; then Chartered in 1939.
2024 Fundraiser Cruise – Carnival Jubilee – January 13-20, 2024 – now posted on facebook and on our website

BLC Meeting Recap – June 15, 2023
Call to Order by Lion Mike Matthews

Members Present: Mike Matthews, Keith Cook, Mac Hickerson, Christa Strang, Cree Childs, John Corsi, Fon Fontenot, Brett Beamesderfer, Sam Listi, Karen Stagner, James Harrison, Jennah Gliha, Gene Ellis
Guest: Mack Lattimer (Affiliate Member); Chris Gregg (guest of Jennah Gliha); Jennifer Bailey (speaker)
Song: by Lion Jennah Gliha
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Jon Fontenot
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Keith Cook
Prayer: Lion Gene Ellis
Joke: Lion James Harrison – cross a centipede with a parrot = walkie talkie
Plate Spin: Lion Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion James Harrison

Installation of 2023-2024 Club Officers: officiated by Chief Gene Ellis – Thank You! Congratulations!

Announcements:

Lion of the Year was presented to Lion Jon Fontenot!

Lion President Elect Keith Cook presented Lion President Mike Matthews with a presidential commemorative plaque.

Haley Cox and Dr. William B. Long Memorial Scholarships – Todd Schiller … he is tentatively planning on Thursday July 20^th for the presentations.

Lions on the Leon Wacky Boat Race, October 7th – Danny Dossman – the Black Pearl flagship is about 90% ready for the Belton 4^th of July Parade.  Volunteers to walk in the Parade (so far) are: Mary, Jennah & Chris, Keith, Danny, Karen, Emily,  – please volunteer to participate – in Pirate Costume!

Picnic in the Park, October 7th – James Harrison – next planning meeting is tentatively scheduled for July 10^th.

Program:  Keith Cook – Program Speaker: Jennifer Bailey, Executive Director of Communication for B.I.S.D. – Jennifer Bailey showcased the recent State of the District Celebration Student Showcases – Penguin Project, Incubator Project, Academics, Career & Technical Education, Athletics and Fine Arts; focusing on the Journey of a Graduate – Perseverance, Adaptability, Collaboration, Communication, Critical Thinking and Empathy.  Thank You!

Future Program Assignments:
June 22 – Gene Ellis – soon to be announced
June 29 – Sam Listi – Matt Bates update on Heritage Park and check presentation
July 6 – Billy Conway
July 13 – John Corsi
July 20 – Reese Davis – tentatively planning Scholarship presentations
July 27 – Brett Beamesderfer
August 3 – Karen Stagner
August 10 – Mike Matthews
August 17 – David Shaw
August 24 – James Harrison

Keeping on the Front Burner:
Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
Friends of Belton Lions – James Harrison coordinating
85^th Anniversary of the Belton Lions Club – James Harrison is planning a Celebration. James explained that Belton Lions Club first met in 1938; then Chartered in 1939.
Judy Garrett, Belton CVB, extended an offer for the Belton Lions to, again, host our Plate Spinning Contest; and sell the Tasting Tickets, at Belton Bacon, Blues and Brews on Saturday, September 30^th (which is the week before the Picnic and Boat Race). After discussion, it was agreed that the Club would participate and hold the fundraiser.
Bell County Senior Expo – September 26^th – Kimberly Cables, Belton Journal is requesting volunteers for the 8am-1pm event.  Sign-up sheet passed – Jennah, Cree & Karen have signed up so far.  Our BLC logo has been added to the Senior Expo header online.
2024 Fundraiser Cruise – Carnival Jubilee – January 13-20, 2024 – now posted on facebook and on our website

Call to Order by Lion President Mike Matthews, at 12:55pm

Members Present: John Corsi, Jennah Gliha, Jon Fontenot, Karen Stagner, Keith Cook, James Harrison, Mac Hickerson, Mike Matthews
Absent: Danny Dossman, Veronica Logan

Treasurer Report –
            General Account: $3,582.44 (6/8/2023)
Foundation Account: $38,293.94 (5/25/2023)

– Jon Fontenot will check into getting a current statement from Edward Jones.  The Board will be updated on the savings account twice a year; instead of monthly.

– The Board discussed looking into investing in CD’s – Jon will look into it and report at the next Board Mtg.

New Business:

– New Officer Duties – handout

– Keith Cook presented the Board with a Letter/Application he received for the Club to apply for an LCI Club Excellence Award.  After discussion, the Board agreed to submit an application. Secretary will fill it out and present to the President for signature and submission.

– Keith Cook passed on a question from Brett Beamesderfer regarding a desire to start a LEO Club.  He wants to start the LEO Club at Belton Middle School and the School Principal would like it as well.  Keith Cook and Brett Beamesderfer will coordinate the start-up – Junior Level Leadership Program – $100 per year.  Keith Cook will look further into it and report back – motion to move forward by James Harrison; 2^nd by Jon Fontenot; passed. LEO – Leadership, Experience, Opportunity 

– Karen Stagner received a text from Ann Carpenter asking the Club to participate in this year’s Back to School with God event, July 29th at Yettie Polk Park.  James Harrison will check with Temple-Belton Lady Lions about providing the eye screening.  If Lady Lions are available, Karen Stagner will get with Chief Ellis for the availability of the Police Department Command Unit again.  We help with the hot dogs; and we could put up our canopy tent.

– Karen will send out an email to Club members to locate the table covers and get them back together with the canopy and weights.  They were last used at Belton Bacon, Blues and Brews.

Old Business:

– Flag Program: $3,895 or $4,350 has been paid for 2023 – 143 Flags out in the Program; adding another new order this week.  Christa Strang and Jennah Gliha will take forms to their respective neighborhoods to get new program participants. 

– Credit Cards – at the May BOD, Jon Fontenot reporting that the bank charges roughly $40/month; plus rental on the machine. The Board discussed that we should get set up to accept credit cards into the Foundation account for fundraisers; and that it would not be cost effective for the Club to also set this up for member dues, etc. in the General account.  Motion by James Harrison; 2^nd by Karen Stagner to get set up with the Foundation Account; passed.

– Picnic in the Park / Wacky Boat Race Expenses – James Harrison provided with a suggested/preliminary rough draft budget for the Picnic in the Park / Wacky Boat Race event. (attached).  During the discussion, Jennah volunteered to get with David Shaw about the possibility of having a Corvette Club come out.  Not included the presented budget version would be the Wacky Boat Entries People’s Choice tickets.  James asked Keith about possibly getting the BISD printing shop to help us with posters – we would pay for the materials and supplies – Keith Cook will look into it.  James Harrison will get with Jennah Gliha and John Corsi about their connections to get Cover Bands.  James requested additional help on his Committee; and needs someone to create the Event poster – please contact James if you can help.

City of Nolanville has contacted Sam Listi that they are planning to enter a boat … and a challenge.

James Harrison explained that the presented budget is fluid – if we don’t get as much for sponsors, we will cut down on the expenses.

Jon Fontenot motioned to approve expenses up to $10K; then if expenses meet that mark, James will come back to the Board for a Budget Adjustment; 2^nd by Karen Stagner; approved.

– 4^th of July Belton Parade – Parade Entry application turned in and debit card payment made 6/12/23.

Holding to a Later Date:
– Banner Stand and Specialty Products – John Corsi and Jon Fontenot – this was tabled at the January Board Meeting – left tabled.
– Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating – plans are progressing.  Tabled until after Picnic in the Park.
– Friends of Belton Lions

Meeting Closed at 1:35pm

Club Metrics Reported to LCI – does not include 2023 Stampede
People Served: 873
Service Activities Completed: 13
Volunteer Hours: 287 (includes hrs for Service Activities only)
Funds Donated: $9,850
Funds Raised: $12,095 (includes member pledge payments for Marek-Smith wall)

BLC Meeting Recap – June 8, 2023
Call to Order by Lion Mike Matthews

Members Present: Mac Hickerson, Brett Beamesderfer, Jon Fontenot, Danny Dossman, Karen Stagner, Mary Shockley, James Harrison, Dwayne Williams, Jennah Gliha, David Tuma, Sam Listi, Gene Ellis, Keith Cook, Cree Childs, John Corsi, Wayne Carpenter

Song: by Lion Cree Childs
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Jon Fontenot
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Keith Cook
Prayer: Lion Sam Listi
Joke: Lion Jennah Gliha – Bears w/o bees … ears
Plate Spin: Lion Mac Hickerson

Anna Beamesderfer created a hand-crafted personalized and framed plaque to present to the Club for Auction.  Thank You!  The plaque went to Lion David Tuma for $75.00. Thank You!

Jon Fontenot reported that, this week, he sent off 110 pairs of glasses to Texas Lions Eyeglass Program.

PDG Randy Sepulvado passed away Sunday May 28^th – Visitation will be Fri 6/9 evening @ Harper-Talasek Funeral Home (time pending but near 5:30-7:30pm). Funeral Sat 6/10, 11:00am, Temple Bible Church. Belton Lions James Harrison and Karen Stagner will attend the funeral on behalf of the Club.  In lieu of flowers, it is requested that remembrances be made in the form of contributions to (designated charities to follow) 

2024 Fundraiser Cruise – Carnival Jubilee – January 13-20, 2024 – now posted on facebook and on our website – Thank you from Club Secretary to Wayne Carpenter for the reminder.  Seven (7) cabins have already been booked.

2023-2024 New Club Officers: Installation planned June 15^th for all Board Officers – with “Joint” Board Meeting after lunch – NEXT WEEK 

Picnic in the Park, October 7th – James Harrison – next planning meeting will be scheduled after the Board meeting on June 15^th.

Lions on the Leon Wacky Boat Race, October 7th – Danny Dossman – the Black Pearl flagship is about 90% ready for the Belton 4^th of July Parade.  Volunteers to walk in the Parade (so far) are: Jennah & Chris, Keith, Danny, Karen – please volunteer to participate – in Pirate Costume!

Haley Cox and Dr. William B. Long Memorial Scholarships – Todd Schiller … we have received 9 applications for the William Long Scholarship and 7 for the Halley Cox Scholarship – committee should finish up this week – he is tentatively planning on Thursday July 20^th for the presentations.

Bell County Senior Expo – September 26^th – Kimberly Cables, Belton Journal is requesting volunteers for the 8am-1pm event.  Sign-up sheet passed – Jennah, Cree & Karen have signed up so far.  Our BLC logo has been added to the Senior Expo header online.

Program:  Wayne Carpenter invited Mike Anderson – with a program on Texas History focusing on local interest. Mike provided a glimpse into the history of the Gordon & Ellen Shanklin House from 1860 to today; and a walk through the history of the local gristmills – complete with a very detailed miniature example – soft drink style. Thank You!

Future Program Assignments:
June 15 – Keith Cook – Program Speaker: Jennifer Bailey, Executive Director of Communication for B.I.S.D. – plus Installation of Officers – Joint Board Meeting after
June 22 – Gene Ellis
June 29 – Sam Listi
July 6 – Billy Conway
July 13 – John Corsi
July 20 – Reese Davis – plus, tentatively planning Scholarship presentations
July 27 – Brett Beamesderfer
August 3 – Karen Stagner
August 10 – Mike Matthews
August 17 – David Shaw
August 24 – James Harrison

Keeping on the Front Burner:
Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
Friends of Belton Lions – James Harrison coordinating
85^th Anniversary of the Belton Lions Club – James Harrison is planning a Celebration. James explained that Belton Lions Club first met in 1938; then Chartered in 1939.
Judy Garrett, Belton CVB, extended an offer for the Belton Lions to, again, host our Plate Spinning Contest; and sell the Tasting Tickets, at Belton Bacon, Blues and Brews on Saturday, September 30^th (which is the week before the Picnic and Boat Race). After discussion, it was agreed that the Club would participate and hold the fundraiser.

BLC Meeting Recap – June 1, 2023
Call to Order by Lion Mike Matthews

Members Present: Mike Matthews, Mac Hickerson, Christa Strang, John Corsi, Wayne Carpenter, Jon Fontenot, Danny Dossman, Karen Stagner, Cree Childs, Billy Conway, Dwayne Williams, Mark Bellomy, Jennah Gliha, Keith Cook, David Tuma, Matt Gunter
Guest: Matt Gunter (speaker)
Song: by Lion Mark Bellomy
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Jon Fontenot
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Keith Cook
Prayer: Lion Wayne Carpenter
Joke: Lion Dossman: Horse – tripped and I can’t giddy-up
Plate Spin: Lion Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion John Corsi

Announcements:

PDG Randy Sepulvado passed away Sunday May 28^th – as soon as we get the arrangement information, we will request a delegation from our Club to attend. 

2024 Fundraiser Cruise – Carnival Jubilee – January 13-20, 2024 – now posted on facebook and on our website.

2023-2024 New Club Officers
Installation planned June 15^th for all Board Officers – with “Joint” Board Meeting after lunch

Picnic in the Park, October 7th – James Harrison – update next week from meeting Friday, May 26^th at the Belton Chamber

Lions on the Leon Wacky Boat Race, October 7th – Danny Dossman – our boat is almost finished.  Thank you to Danny Dossman for concept, materials, construction and labor.  Thank you to David Tuma for the 30 gallon barrels – the boat should accommodate 1,875 lbs.

Haley Cox and Dr. William B. Long Memorial Scholarships – Todd Schiller email update – … we have received 9 applications for the William Long Scholarship and 7 for the Halley Cox Scholarship.

Eyeglass Collection Box – Jon Fontenot emptied the box of 50+ pair of glasses and is shipping them off to the Lions Eye Center.

Program:  David Tuma invited Matt Gunter as our Guest Speaker.  Matt provided a memory lane timeline history of the MK&T and Katy Depot creation and renovation in the downtown area.  A Grand Opening Celebration is planned to take place on September 16^th.  Thank You!

Future Program Assignments:
June 8 – Wayne Carpenter – Mike Anderson with a program on Texas History focusing on local interest.
June 15 – Keith Cook – Installation of Officers – Joint Board Meeting
June 22 – Gene Ellis
June 29 – Sam Listi

Keeping on the Front Burner:
Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
Friends of Belton Lions – James Harrison coordinating
85^th Anniversary of the Belton Lions Club – James Harrison is planning a Celebration. James explained that Belton Lions Club first met in 1938; then Chartered in 1939.
Bell County Senior Expo – September 26^th – Kimberly Cables, Belton Journal is requesting volunteers for the 8am-1pm event.  Sign-up sheet will be passed in September.  Our BLC logo has been added to the Senior Expo header online.
Judy Garrett, Belton CVB, extended an offer for the Belton Lions to, again, host our Plate Spinning Contest; and sell the Tasting Tickets, at Belton Bacon, Blues and Brews on Saturday, September 30^th (which is the week before the Picnic and Boat Race). After discussion, it was agreed that the Club would participate and hold the fundraiser.