Belton Lions Club

BLC BOARD Meeting Recap – April 24th, 2025 (delayed from April 17^th)

Call to Order by Lion President Jennah Gliha at 1:10pm
Members Present: Jon Fontenot, Danny Dossman, Karen Stagner, Larry Berg, John Corsi, Jennah Gliha
Absent: Todd Schiller, Mike Matthews, Keith Cook, David Shaw

Membership Report – Karen Stagner –
Total Active Members – 37

Treasurer Report –

   General Account – $ 8,073.53
Foundation Account – $ 38,133.62
Edward Jones – $ 23,861.41
Raymond James (Gunter) – $ 11,824.48

Business:

– Flag Program – Memorial Day is May 26^th – next Board Meeting unpaid will need to be picked up or depleted.
Final Renewal reminder will be sent during the week of May 4^th.

– Lions Field, Smith Street and W. 5^th Avenue – Jon Fontenot reminded the Board that our Club is a sponsor of the Baseball Field; the Park could use some updates; he is asking the Club to expand the sponsorship to an annual or other Support.  First suggestion would be $500 per year; Jon will get with Parks and Rec to explore other options of Support and will provide more information.  This item will be tabled until Jon has met with Parks & Rec.

– Fundraiser Cruise –Doniece Gray, Your Travel Agent – 2026 Fundraiser Cruise.  Doniece presented two (2) options for a 7 night Caribbean Cruise from Galveston onboard the Regal Princess.  One is February 22-March 1, 2026 with an overnight in Cozumel; then on to Roatan (Mahogany Bay); The other is March 1-8, 2026 visiting ports of Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan.  Thank you James for putting this together – After discussion, the Board agreed on the March 1-8 date.  Karen will contact Your Travel Agent.

– Central Counties Services (MHMR) Heal/loss Initiative – Randy Dixon has asked to speak to the Club – he says he is not asking for money – only to inform the community of the people needs and goals of this project.

After discussion, we will contact Randy Dixon to see if he is available to speak to us on Thursday, May 22^nd.

– By Laws & Constitution – Secretary of State returned our submission. 1. $5.00 fee; and 2. P.O. Box is not accepted.  Karen will resubmit today with BLC $5 check; and we will use Cen-Tex Automotive street address.

– Raymond James/Gunter Account – needs officer minutes, and email/phone for signers on account.  New officers on the account will be Jennah Gliha and Karen Stagner

– Leadership Belton has asked if we have decided to donate.

$5,000 diamond sponsor, Branding opportunity: Your company’s name or logo printed on the court
·       Ribbon cutting this spring and press release recognition / Video/photos for social media
$2,500 gold sponsor, New park bench, similar to the photos, with engraved plaque to honor your donation for years to come
·     Ribbon cutting and press release recognition / Video/photos for social media
$1,000 silver sponsor
·         Landscaping markers with name / Ribbon cutting and press release recognition / Video/photos for social media
$500 bronze sponsor
·         Donation will support the resurfacing, new goals and planting of trees and shrubs to beautify our park
·         Ribbon cutting and press release recognition / Video/photos for social media

After discussion, the Board agreed that we are already supporting Heritage Park and already plan to update Lions Field; so, we will need to pass this year on Leadership Belton as the Club.  However, several member businesses are considering the “Branding Opportunity”.  Karen will contact them and let them know. 

Holding to a Later Date:

– Membership Milestone Awards – Will we be presenting these at Christmas?  The Board agreed that Milestones will be in five (5) year increments; starting at 10 year membership. – John Corsi and Jennah Gliha.  Secretary has provided a Report of each member’s length of membership. – No discussion at this meeting

– Update on Cadence Bank – CD and other – on hold
– Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
– LEO – Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity

– Tara Cotton (Belton) email to Lions International – daughter needs behind the ear hearing aids for bone conduction – insurance won’t cover the cost – pending family fundraising efforts to supplement any donations – to be updated in 2025.

– Lions on the Leon AAR Meeting – is there an update from Belton City Council about a beer & wine permit in Heritage Park?  The 5K run did not make the Cen-Tex Race Series.

– International Peace Poster Contest – kit purchased for 2025-2026. Keith Cook will oversee the Club’s participation in the Contest – to be distributed during 2025-2026 school year.

– Texas Lions Camp Visit – June 13^th, arrive by 2pm to tour Camp and Museum with PID Sam Lindsey. It was motioned (March) by Hames Harrison; 2^nd by Larry Berg; for the Club to pay for up to four (4) rooms at Y.O. Ranch for the visit.  After discussion – approved by majority. Confirmation Numbers received / room assignments will be submitted week of April 14^th.

Submitted by Belton Lions Club Secretary Karen Stagner

BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday, April 24th, 2025
Call to Order by Lion President Jennah Gliha

“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB!”

Members Present: Sam Listi, Jon Fontenot, Danny Dossman, Jennah Gliha, Billy Conway, Karen Stagner, Larry Berg, Luke Potts, David Shaw, John Corsi, Mary Shockley

Guest: Monty & Tammie Van Horn (Fire Ant Tour); Rita Williams (LEGENDS Plate Spinning winner)
Song: by Lion John Corsi
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Luke Potts
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Larry Berg
Prayer: Lion Sam Listi
Joke: Lion Luke Potts, Where does a Pirate go to get a Hook …. 2^nd hand store ….

Plate Spin: Legends of the Chisholm Trail Plate Spin Winner – Rita Williams

Exercise: Lion Jon Fontenot

April Birthdays: David Tuma (4/3) and Gene Ellis (4/6)

General Announcements:

– Legends on the Chisholm Trail Plate Spinning Winner presentation to Rita Williams, Spin Time: 15.84

– Penguin Project – Shrek, Jr. – Show times are: Friday, May 2 at 7PM; Saturday, May 3 at 7PM; Sunday, May 4 at 2PM – link to get tickets, google: www.beltonpenguinproject.ludus.com

– Reminder: Tree Dedication Ceremony, Friday, May 2^nd, 10am, Heritage Park – honoring Lion Danny Dossman as Beltonian of the Year.

– Texas Lions Camp Visit & Tour – June 13 & 14 – we have Keith (333590), Karen & Susie Marek (333591), Jennah, Chris (333589) going so far.  Keith is reaching out to the BISD Delta+ Administration to invite two of them to join us. Does anyone else want to go with us? We have a room (333589) that we are holding.

– Passing around Thank you note for signatures … plan to print with signatures.

Program: STAMPEDE … lots of handouts …

45 Registered Participants – same as where we were last year at this time.

T-Shirts have been ordered – projected/anticipated amount – gold softstyle shirt / deep purple ink

Sponsor sign ordered – we are shy of what we collected in 2024

Bib Raffle Completed – 32 bib raffle items donated

Ride Packets are filled with Swag – 120 count – t-shirts/bibs/labels to be added Tuesday, May 6th

Direction Arrow signs have been ordered and in-hand

H-Stands have been marked with STAMPEDE and bundled in packs of 10

Go over TimeLine and Action Items (attached)
Future Programs:

May 1 – Mary Shockley – Michael Seiler, Bull Riding

May 8 – David Shaw – final STAMEDE planning meeting.

May 15 – David Tuma – Board Meeting After

May 22 – tentative – Randy Dixon, Central Counties Services (MHMR)

May 29 – Dwayne Williams

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

Keeping on the Front Burner (do not need to go over these at lunch meeting)

– The Club plans to participate in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.  Keith Cook will take Lead during the 2025-26 school year.

– Lions Field @ Smith and West 5^th could use some updates – Jon Fontenot will get with Parks & Rec to explore options – we’ll have more info at next month’s Board meeting.

– The William Long and Halley Cox Memorial Scholarship Applications are in.  Todd Schiller and Keith Cook will be reviewing them soon. Thank You!

– Lions on the Leon – update from Monday’s meeting – 2025 will be entirely Riverside.  Danny is working on the 5K route through the neighborhood (Belton Parks & Rec is working with us).  The 5K route will be a combination of trail and streets.  We need to decide if we are going to put an entry into the Belton 4^th of July Parade.

Members Present: Todd Schiller, David Leigh, John Corsi, Mike Matthews, Wayne Carpenter, Karen Stagner, Mary Shockley, Billy Conway, Rob Potts, Luke Potts, Mac Hickerson, James Harrison

Guest: Doniece Gray, Your Travel Agent (speaker)
Song: by Lion David Leigh
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Billy Conway
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Mary Shockley
Prayer: Lion Wayne Carpenter
Joke: Lion … oops … didn’t write it down …
Plate Spin: World Renowned Plate Spinner Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion James Harrison
April Birthdays: David Tuma (4/3) and Gene Ellis (4/6)

General Announcements:

REMINDER – Board Meeting POSTPONED to April 24th … and … THANK YOU to the five (5) people who delivered Easter Baskets – Wayne Carpenter, Keith Cook, John Corsi, Rob Potts, Mike Matthews.

– Plate Spinning Winner to be awarded on Thursday, April 24^th, Rita Williams, Time: 15.84

– The William Long and Halley Cox Memorial Scholarship Applications are in.  Todd Schiller and Keith Cook will be reviewing them soon. Thank You!

– STAMPEDE: Update from Monday’s meeting … Signs & T-Shirts will be ordered Friday, April 25^th. Karen will be out of town April 26^th thru Sat. May 3^rd. Packet Stuffing will be Tuesday, May 6^th, location TBD – if not done prior. May 7,8,&9 – we will need volunteers to help mark the route and put out the 126 signs. Thank you note will be passed around for signatures on April 24^th … plan to print with signatures. April 24^th lunch meeting will be STAMPEDE planning and logistics.

– Lions on the Leon – update from Monday’s meeting – 2025 will be entirely Riverside.  Danny is working on the 5K route through the neighborhood (Belton Parks & Rec is working with us).  The 5K route will be a combination of trail and streets.  We need to decide if we are going to put an entry into the Belton 4^th of July Parade.

– Penguin Project – Shrek, Jr. – Show times are: Friday, May 2 at 7PM; Saturday, May 3 at 7PM; Sunday, May 4 at 2PM – please mark your calendar, get your tickets and plan to attend.

– Texas Lions Camp Visit & Tour – June 13 & 14 – we have Keith, Karen, Jennah, Chris & Susie Marek going so far.  Keith is reaching out to the BISD Delta+ Administration to invite two of them to join us. Does anyone else want to go with us? We currently have four (4) rooms at Inn of the Hills with a rate of $99.00 night.

Program: James Harrison invited Doniece Gray, Your Travel Agent, to talk with us about a 2026 Fundraiser Cruise.  Doniece presented two (2) options for a 7 night Caribbean Cruise from Galveston onboard the Regal Princess.  One is February 22-March 1, 2026 with an overnight in Cozumel; then on to Roatan (Mahogany Bay); The other is March 1-8, 2026 visiting ports of Cozumel, Costa Maya and Roatan.  Thank you James for putting this together – the Board will make the decision next week.

Future Programs:

April 24 – STAMPEDE Logistics & Plate Spinning Presentation
May 1 – Mary Shockley
May 8 – David Shaw – final STAMEDE planning meeting.
May 15 – David Tuma – Board Meeting After
May 22 – open
May 29 – Dwayne Williams

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

Keeping on the Front Burner

– The Club plans to participate in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.  Keith Cook will take Lead during the 2025-26 school year.

– Lions Field @ Smith and West 5^th could use some updates – Jon Fontenot will get with Parks & Rec to explore options – we’ll have more info at next month’s Board meeting.

BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday, April 10th, 2025
Call to Order by Lion President-Jennah Gliha

“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB!”

Members Present: Jennah Gliha, John Corsi, Mike Matthews, Danny Dossman, Billy Conway, Wayne Capenter, Mac Hickerson, Rob Potts, Luke Potts, Sam Listi, Keith Cook, Dwayne Williams, Larry Berg

Guest: Chris Gregg, Sue Harrison, PID Sam Lindsey & Stacy Phillips (speakers)
Song: by Lion John Corsi
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Mike Matthews
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Luke Potts
Prayer: Lion Rob Potts
Joke: Lion Danny Dossman – chicken playing basketball – fowl play

Plate Spin: World Renowned Plate Spinner Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion James Harrison

April Birthdays: David Tuma (4/3) and Gene Ellis (4/6)

General Announcements:

REMINDER – Board Meeting next week, April 17^th

– STAMPEDE: Please reach out to your Suppliers and Vendors to get sponsors – Level Opportunities: $50, $75, $150, $250, $500, $750. Letters and forms are available to give to prospective sponsor/supporters.

May 7,8,&9 – we will need volunteers to help mark the route and put out the 100+ signs.

Next Stampede Planning meeting – Monday, April 14^th 6pm, Danny’s home.

– Reminder: BISD hosting Region 12 Special Olympics, April 17^th – Board Meeting day, plus Easter Basket Delivery.  Here is the link for volunteer sign-up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CAAA92AA0F9C25-55890173-special – you may want to volunteer early AM or afternoon – or both.

– Easter Food Baskets for the Special Needs families – Delivery is scheduled for after lunch on Thursday, April 17^th.  Please deliver your goods on or before then. (list attached)

– Reminder – next week, April 17^th is BOARD meeting.

– Texas Lions Camp Visit & Tour – June 13 & 14 – we have Keith, Karen, Jennah, Chris & Susie Marek going so far.  Keith is reaching out to the BISD Delta+ Administration to invite two of them to join us.

– It’s time to start planning our Lions on the Leon participation in the Belton 4^th of July Parade.

Program: James Harrison has coordinated our 86^th Anniversary Celebration – Thank You!  We have CAKE!

Past International Director Sam Lindsey spoke about Lions history, Lions Projects and Texas Lions Camp. He and DG-elect Stacy Phillips presented LCI Presidential Awards to Lion(s) Mac Hickerson and Rob Potts for their 50 years of Lionism; and an award of Appreciation from the International President to Lion Karen Stagner.

Future Programs:

April 17 – Doniece Gray, Your Travel Agency – Board Meeting after; plus … Easter Basket Delivery- same day at Region 12 Special Olympics too.

April 24 – Brett Beamesderfer – he will let us know soon who he is bringing

May 1 – Mary Shockley

May 8 – David Shaw – final STAMEDE planning meeting.

May 15 – David Tuma – Board Meeting After

May 22 – Nick Valentine

May 29 – Dwayne Williams

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

Keeping on the Front Burner (do not need to go over these at lunch meeting)

– The Club plans to participate in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.  Keith Cook will take Lead during the 2025-26 school year.

– Lions Field @ Smith and West 5^th could use some updates – Jon Fontenot will get with Parks & Rec to explore options – we’ll have more info at next month’s Board meeting.

Leah Hodges – Leadership Belton Class of 2025 – help beautify Miller Heights Park – The Class of 2025 is currently raising money to contribute to the resurfacing of the basketball court, adding dog waste stations around the park, and adding a new park bench.  They are seeking donations and sponsors. Checks can be made out to the Belton Chamber of Commerce. The topic will be added to the next Board Meeting.

BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday, April 3rd, 2025
Call to Order by Lion President-Jennah Gliha

“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB!”   

Members Present: Jennah Gliha, Keith Cook, Jon Fontenot, Karen Stagner, Wayne Carpenter, Danny Dossman, Mike Matthews, Karen Stagner, Mary Shockley, Mac Hickerson, Rob Potts, James Harrison, Dwayne Williams, Sam Listi
Guest: Matt Bates (speaker)
Song: by Lion Keith Cook
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Jon Fontenot
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Dwayne Williams
Prayer: Lion Sam Listi
Joke: Lion Danny Dossman – Cataract Doctor Jim … …. …. ….
Plate Spin: World Renowned Plate Spinner Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion James Harrison

April Birthdays: David Tuma (4/3) and Gene Ellis (4/6) 

General Announcements: 

– STAMPEDE: Please reach out to your Suppliers and Vendors to get sponsors – Level Opportunities: $50, $75, $150, $250, $500, $750. Letters and forms are available to give to prospective sponsor/supporters. 

– Reminder: BISD hosting Region 12 Special Olympics, April 17^th – Board Meeting day, plus Easter Basket Delivery.  Here is the link for volunteer sign-up. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4CAAA92AA0F9C25-55890173-special – you may want to volunteer early AM or afternoon – or both. 

– Easter Food Baskets for the Special Needs families – the sign-up sheet is FULL – Thank You!  Delivery is scheduled for after lunch on Thursday, April 17^th.  Please deliver your goods on or before then. (.pdf attached)

– Legends on the Chisholm Trail, – Fantastic event … we raised over $900.00.

Program: Rob Potts invited Matt Bates to update the Club on the City’s purchase of Miller Heights Elementary. Thank you for sharing the proposed strategic plan for the school. It looks like a bright future for the facility and for the neighborhood.

Future Programs:
April 10 – James Harrison BLC 86^th Anniversary is April 15^th – James has invited PID Sam Lindsey and other Lion dignitaries to help us celebrate our 86^th.
April 17 – Doniece Gray, Your Travel Agency – Board Meeting after; plus … Easter Basket Delivery- same day at Region 12 Special Olympics too.
April 24 – Brett Beamesderfer – he will let us know soon who he is bringing
May 1 – Mary Shockley
May 8 – David Shaw – final STAMEDE planning meeting.
May 15 – David Tuma – Board Meeting After
May 22 – Nick Valentine
May 29 – Dwayne Williams 

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

Keeping on the Front Burner 

– The Club plans to participate in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest.  Keith Cook will take Lead during the 2025-26 school year.
– Lions Field @ Smith and West 5^th could use some updates – Jon Fontenot will get with Parks & Rec to explore options – we’ll have more info at next month’s Board meeting.
– Leah – Hodges – Leadership Belton Class of 2025 – help beautify Miller Heights Park – The Class of 2025 is currently raising money to contribute to the resurfacing of the basketball court, adding dog waste stations around the park, and adding a new park bench.  They are seeking donations and sponsors. Checks can be made out to the Belton Chamber of Commerce. The topic will be added to the next Board Meeting. Website link to explain a little more about the project. https://leadershipbelton.my.canva.site/
– June 13th – Texas Lions Camp Visit – Jennah, Chris, Karen, Susie, Keith – inviting 2 Delta + Program administrators.