Belton Lions Club

BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday, January 25, 2024
Call to Order by Lion President Keith Cook
“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB!”

Members Present: Mary Shockley, Jon Fontenot, Mike Matthews, Brett Beamesderfer, Danny Dossman, Karen Stagner, Billy Conway, Sam Listi, Jennifer Bailey, Cri Childs, David Tuma, Mac Hickerson, Wayne Carpenter, David Leigh
Guest: “Nick” Valentine (speaker), Carla Beamesderfer (guest of Brett), Hiram Munoz (general guest), Rafael Salas (general guest)
Song: by Lion: Christa Strang
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Bree Vlam
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Billy Conway
Prayer: Lion Wayne Carpenter
Joke: Lion Leigh – Boomerang that doesn’t come back? Guest Carla – Why do ducks have feathers?
Plate Spin: Lion Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion Mike Matthews
Birthdays: January – Steve Smith, At-Large (1/21)

– Board Meeting Recap:

  The Board briefly discussed updates on:
Banking / Plate Spinning Contest Winner / Charter Night / Stampede Bike Ride/ Wacky Boat Race / Membership
Milestone Awards / Specialty Products and Banner Stand / Club Excellence Award for 2023-24
There were no motions or voting at the January Board Meeting

   Club Metrics: 1,770 people served / 13 Service Activities Completed, 849 Volunteer Hours, $7,500 Funds Donated, $2,900 Funds Raised

Announcements:

– MD2-X3 Mid-Winter Cabinet Meeting – Saturday, January 27, McGregor, Texas – Karen, Keith & Mary going
– Reminder: Chief Ellis Retirement Celebration – February 1, 3pm Cadence Bank Club – see you there.
– Bell County Public Health – their Community Health Division is requesting that we participate in an on-line 10-minute health needs assessment.  Secretary Stagner will email the assessment survey to members.
– Charter Night – James Harrison will schedule a Committee Meeting next week.
– Wacky Boat Race – Danny Dossman will schedule a Committee Meeting early in February.
– Stampede – Sponsor Forms are available / We are now listed on the WheelBrothers Calendar / There now is another ride on June 8^th – Fire Ant Tour out of Gatesville.
– LEO Club Update – They are planning Service Projects for the students to get involved in the Community; and are open to suggestions for service opportunities.
– Lion David Leigh gave an update on his recent health issue – we’re glad he’s doing better.

Program: Lion Cri Childs has invited “Nick” Valentine to talk about Operation Phantom Support – an organization dedicated to assisting Active Duty, Veterans, and First Responders – and their families – who need a little help – through programs and services.  Thank You!

Future Programs:
February 1 – Karen Stagner – Chief Gene Ellis, bringing incoming Chief Larry Berg
February 8 – John Corsi
February 15 – Reese Davis
February 22 – Brett Beamesderfer
February 29 – Mike Matthews
March 7 – David Shaw
March 14 – Christa Strang
March 21 – James Harrison

Thank Guests for Coming!
Remember, where there is a need, there is a Lion!

Keeping on the Front Burner:
– Texas Lions Camp – we have a camper for the July 23^rd Weekend.
– Stampede Date Update from Meeting (Brett Beamesderfer, Reese Davis, Jennah Gliha, Bree Vlam, Veronica Logan, Christa Strang, Karen Stagner, John Corsi) – Date changed to June 8^th.
– Charter Celebration – (James Harrison, Cri Childs, David Leigh, Rob Potts, Mark Bellomy, John Fontenot) 85^th Anniversary of the Belton Lions Club – Belton Lions Club first met in 1938; Chartered April 21st 1939. Celebration scheduled for Friday, May 3^rd in the evening.  Lion Harrison advised that we have two sponsoring underwriters; and are urging others to sponsor; members and guests will be sponsored.  He plans to invite District Dignitaries to join us as our guests.
– Plate Spinning Winner Presentation
– Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
– Friends of Belton Lions – James Harrison coordinating
– James Harrison announced that Temple Founders Club member, Mr. Hightower, would like our Club to consider partnering with them for their annual Follies fundraiser event.

Call to Order by Lion President Keith Cook @ 11:55am

Members Present: Keith Cook, Jon Fontenot, Karen Stagner, Danny Dossman, Mike Matthews, John Corsi
Absent: Jennah Gliha, Christa Strang, Mark Bellomy, Mac Hickerson, James Harrison, Reece Davis

Membership Report – Karen Stagner – Invoices for 2nd Quarter 2023-2024 have been issued.

Old Business:

– Plate Spinning Contest – Jon Fontenot will reach out again to the winner; giving him the option to join us for lunch to get his plate and cutting board; or we can make arrangements to deliver it to him and get photos; or he can stop by the Fire Station to pick them up.

– Stampede Bike Ride – June 8^th – Brett Beamesderfer is going by King on the Mountain Bike Shop on Friday to finalize so we can get the website set up and open for Registration; and get the Ride posted on Wheel Brothers.

– Wacky Boat Race – Date will probably be same time of year, maybe same weekend as 2023.  Danny Dossman will schedule a Kick-off planning meeting in February. It was suggested that we get Schools to Challenge each other.

– Membership Milestone Awards –The Board agreed that Milestones will be in five (5) year increments; starting at 10 year membership.  –John Corsi and Jennah Gliha – still working.

– Banner Stand and/or Specialty Products – Danny Dossman has built a banner stand – we will need to get an information banner for it – to be used at Boat Race, Bike Ride, Fall Festival and other events.  Karen Stagner has found 78”x33” retractable banner stand for roughly $200 with case – she will present it at the next Board Meeting. John Corsi suggested that we use the one Danny is making for our lunch meetings.  Specialty Products: We found Lions squeeze toys; and the previous BLC giant coloring book (given to Lea and Lorna to look into at the District and State level).  Fall Festival give-aways were about 50 of each item. We will revisit this at next meeting.

New Business: 

Danny Dossman expressed “Thanks and Appreciation” to the Club Treasurer and Secretary for their time and dedication.

Club Excellence Award – Secretary Stagner will apply for this year. 

Club Metrics: 1,770 people served / 13 Service Activities Completed, 849 Volunteer Hours, $7,500 Funds Donated, $2,900 Funds Raised 

Holding to a Later Date:
– District Cabinet Meetings – January 27, McGregor / April 26-27
– David Shaw – Deployment bags are requested for our Adopted Unit – tabled until Lion Shaw is able to provide details.
– Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating – plans are progressing.  Tabled until after Picnic in the Park.
– LEO – Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity

Meeting Closed at 1:04pm … record breaking Board Meeting

BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday, January 18, 2024
Call to Order by Lion President Keith Cook
“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB!”

Members Present: Mike Matthews, Jon Fontenot, Danny Dossman, Karen Stagner, David Leigh, Todd Schiller, Keith Cook, David Tuma, Billy Conway, Sam Listi, Jennifer Bailey, John Corsi

Guest: Jennifer Ramirez, BISD Penguin Project Program Coordinator/Executive Director of Special Programs (speaker); Sara Windham, BISD Director of Special Programs (guest of Todd Schiller)
Song: by Jennifer Ramirez
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Jon Fontenot
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Billy Conway
Prayer: Lion David Leigh
Joke: Lion Dossman – Koala – a Bear? – no Koalafications! / Lion Leigh – Frankenstein’s New Years Resolution – Make new Friends!
Plate Spin: Lion Todd Schiller – outstanding!
Exercise: Lion Mike Matthews
Birthdays: January – Steve Smith, At-Large (1/21)

Announcements:
– 1^st 2024 BLC Board Meeting will be TODAY after lunch
– MD2-X3 Mid-Winter Cabinet Meeting – Saturday, January 27, McGregor, Texas – Karen, Keith & Mary going
– Reminder: Chief Ellis Retirement Celebration – February 1, 3pm Cadence Bank Club – see you there.

Program: Lion Jennifer Bailey invited Jennifer Ramirez to give us an update on the Penguin Project.  Within one year, the program has tripled.  Their next production will be in April 2024 – Finding Nemo Jr.  This is an amazing program – an inclusive opportunity, for students of all ages, with special needs – paired with partnering mentor students – to express themselves through theater – acting, singing, dancing – props, costumes and so much more.  We are so fortunate that B.I.S.D. has a heart for loving the Special Needs Community.  Thank You!

Future Programs:
January 25 – Cri Childs
February 1 – Karen Stagner – Chief Gene Ellis, bringing incoming Chief Larry Berg
February 8 – John Corsi
February 15 – Reese Davis
February 22 – Brett Beamesderfer
February 29 – Mike Matthews
March 7 – David Shaw
March 14 – Christa Strang
March 21 – James Harrison

Thank Guests for Coming!
Remember, where there is a need, there is a Lion!

Keeping on the Front Burner:
– Texas Lions Camp online applications are open NOW – we have a camper for the July 23^rd Weekend.
– Stampede Date Update from Meeting (Brett Beamesderfer, Reese Davis, Jennah Gliha, Bree Vlam, Veronica Logan, Christa Strang, Karen Stagner, John Corsi) – Date changed to June 8^th.
– Charter Celebration – (James Harrison, Cri Childs, David Leigh, Rob Potts, Mark Bellomy, John Fontenot) 85^th Anniversary of the Belton Lions Club – Belton Lions Club first met in 1938; Chartered April 21st 1939. Celebration scheduled for Friday, May 3^rd in the evening.  Lion Harrison advised that we have two sponsoring underwriters; and are urging others to sponsor; members and guests will be sponsored.  He plans to invite District Dignitaries to join us as our guests. Next planning meeting will be scheduled after the Fundraiser Cruise.
– Plate Spinning Winner Presentation
– Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
– Friends of Belton Lions – James Harrison coordinating
– James Harrison announced that Temple Founders Club member, Mr. Hightower, would like our Club to consider partnering with them for their annual Follies fundraiser event.

BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday, January 11, 2024
Call to Order by Lion President Keith Cook
“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB!”

Members Present: Christa Strang, Brett Beamesderfer, Karen Stagner, Jennah Gliha, Bree Vlam, Jon Fontenot, James Harrison, Keith Cook, Gene Ellis, Sam Listi, Mac Hickerson, Billy Conway, Cree Childs
Guest: Clarence Enochs (speaker), Paul Strang & Dave Carr (guests of Christa Strang)
Song: by Lion Christa Strang
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Brett Beamesderfer
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Jon Fontenot
Prayer: Lion Gene Ellis
Joke: Lion Dossman – Bad Joke of the Day – Hollywod Actor & Agent  / Lion Childs – Switzerland – Big “+”
Plate Spin: Lion Mac Hickerson – record breaking spin
Exercise: Lion James Harrison
Birthdays: January – Steve Smith, At-Large (1/21)

Announcements:

– Lion Lou Griffin is doing better after his surgery; he has knee surgery on the 22^nd; hopes to be back with us soon.
– Lion Reese Davis will be out for the next few weeks, he has surgery is scheduled for January 26^th.
– We received a Thank You letter through HOCTIL from Ronald McDonald House for the Christmas Goodie bags that were donated after the HOCTIL Christmas with Santa.
– 1^st 2024 BLC Board Meeting will be on January 18^th
– Texas Lions Camp online applications are open NOW – we have a camper for the July 23^rd Weekend.
– Stampede Date Update from Meeting (Brett Beamesderfer, Reese Davis, Jennah Gliha, Bree Vlam, Veronica Logan, Christa Strang, Karen Stagner, John Corsi) – Date changed to June 8^th.
– Charter Celebration – (James Harrison, Cri Childs, David Leigh, Rob Potts, Mark Bellomy, John Fontenot) 85^th Anniversary of the Belton Lions Club – Belton Lions Club first met in 1938; Chartered April 21st 1939. Celebration scheduled for Friday, May 3^rd in the evening.  Lion Harrison advised that we have two sponsoring underwriters; and are urging others to sponsor; members and guests will be sponsored.  He plans to invite District Dignitaries to join us as our guests. Next planning meeting will be scheduled after the Fundraiser Cruise.
– 2024 Fundraiser Cruise – Carnival Jubilee – January 13-20, 2024 – Have FUN!
– MD2-X3 Mid-Winter Cabinet Meeting – Saturday, January 27, McGregor, Texas – RSVP by January 19^th
– Chief Ellis Retirement Celebration – February 1, 3pm Cadence Bank Club – see you there.

Program: Lion Bree Vlam has invited Clarence Enochs, with the National Mounted Warfare Foundation

Future Programs:
January 18 – Jennifer Bailey (Penguin Project Update) – plus Board Meeting
January 25 – Cri Childs
February 1 – Karen Stagner – Chief Gene Ellis, bringing incoming Chief Larry Berg
February 8 – John Corsi
February 15 – Reese Davis
February 22 – Brett Beamesderfer
February 29 – Mike Matthews
March 7 – David Shaw
March 14 – Christa Strang
March 21 – James Harrison

Thank Guests for Coming!
Remember, where there is a need, there is a Lion!

Keeping on the Front Burner:
Plate Spinning Winner Presentation
Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
Friends of Belton Lions – James Harrison coordinating
James Harrison announced that Temple Founders Club member, Mr. Hightower, would like our Club to consider partnering with them for their annual Follies fundraiser event.

Members Present: Mike Matthews, Jon Fontenot, Brett Beamesderfer, Danny Dossman, Karen Stagner, Billy Conway, James Harrison, Wayne Carpenter, Sam Listi, Jennah Gliha, Mac Hickerson, Veronica Logan, Dwayne Williams

Guest: PDG Lawrence Sanchez (speaker) and wife, Sylvia; Joseph Logan (guest of Veronica Logan)
Song: by Lion Jennah Gliha
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Brett Beamesderfer
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Billy Conway
Prayer: Lion Keith Cook
Joke: Guest Joseph Logan … Quiet Tennis … without racket
Plate Spin: Lion Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion James Harrison
Birthdays: January – Steve Smith, At-Large (1/21)

Announcements:

– HOCTIL Pictures with Santa Recap – Thank you to Mike Matthews, Bree Vlam, Jennah Gliha, Christa Strang, Keith Cook and Karen Stagner for the set-up and tear-down; to everyone who contributed cookies; to the City of Belton for the use of Harris Center; and to Belton Parks and Recreation … and, of course, Santa & Mrs Clause.
– 1^st 2024 BLC Board Meeting will be on January 18^th
– Texas Lions Camp online applications are open NOW – our Club is planning to have two Campers this year.
– 2^nd Quarter (Oct. thru Dec.) Dues Invoices emailed on Tuesday – 1^st to pay today – Lion Dwayne Williams
– Flag Program renewal invoices emailed this week – received out first payment today – Lion Sam Listi
– Stampede Date may need to be changed – (Brett Beamesderfer, Reese Davis, Jennah Gliha, Bree Vlam, Veronica Logan, Christa Strang, Karen Stagner, John Corsi) – Committee Meeting Scheduled for 11:30am, Thursday, January 11^th, before lunch
– Charter Celebration – (James Harrison, Cri Childs, David Leigh, Rob Potts, Mark Bellomy, John Fontenot) 85^th Anniversary of the Belton Lions Club – Belton Lions Club first met in 1938; Chartered April 21st 1939. Celebration scheduled for Friday, May 3^rd in the evening.  Lion Harrison advised that we have two sponsoring underwriters; and are urging others to sponsor; members and guests will be sponsored.  He plans to invite District Dignitaries to join us as our guests.
– 2024 Fundraiser Cruise – Carnival Jubilee – January 13-20, 2024 – Have FUN!
– MD2-X3 Mid-Winter Cabinet Meeting – Saturday, January 27, McGregor, Texas – RSVP by January 19^th
– Chief Ellis Retirement Celebration – February 1, 3pm Cadence Bank Club – see you there.

Program: PDG Lawrence Sanchez, Texas Lions Museum – handout attached – The Lions of Texas passed a resolution designating the Texas Lions Museum as an official state project of the Texas Lions on May 18, 2017. The Museum officially opened at the Council of Governors meeting in August 2024.  Thank you!

Future Programs:
January 11 – Bree Vlam
January 18 – Jennifer Bailey (Penguin Project Update) – plus Board Meeting
January 25 – Cri Childs
February 1 – Karen Stagner
February 8 – John Corsi
February 15 – Reese Davis
February 22 – Brett Beamesderfer
February 29 – Mike Matthews
March 7 – David Shaw
March 14 – Christa Strang
March 21 – James Harrison

Thank Guests for Coming!
Remember, where there is a need, there is a Lion!

Keeping on the Front Burner:
Plate Spinning Winner Presentation
Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
Friends of Belton Lions – James Harrison coordinating
James Harrison announced that Temple Founders Club member, Mr. Hightower, would like our Club to consider partnering with them for their annual Follies fundraiser event.
Texas Lions Museum