Belton Lions Club

BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday July 24th, 2025
Call to Order by Lion President Jon Fontenot
“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB! 
Lion Members Present: Jon Fontenot, Karen Stagner, Mary Shockley, Rob Potts, Billy Conway, Clinton Bailey, Danny Dossman, David Leigh, David Tuma, Todd Schiller, Jennifer Ramirez, John Corsi, Jennah Gliha & Chris, Luke Potts, Mac Hickerson & Lisa, Wayne Carpenter
Lion At-Large Members:
Guests: Brian (guest of Clinton Bailey), Sheriff Bill Cooke (speaker)
Song: Lion John Corsi
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Clinton Bailey
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Keith Cook
Prayer: Lion Wayne Carpenter
Joke: Lion Danny Dossman – coffee – that’s all I remember
Plate Spin: World Renowned Plate Spinner Lion Mac HickersonExercise: Chris Gregg, training exercise

July Lion Birthdays: Keith Cook (7/6), Jennah Gliha (7/15), and James Harrison (7/3o)  

Lion Tail-Twister Danny Dossman reminded members to use “Lion” when addressing members. He is allowing a brief grace period; then, for each infraction, a fine will be applied.  Trivia: Why does the Lion logo have two Lion heads?  Who founded the Lions International?  What year was it founded? 

WELCOME our Newest Member: Past President Lion Keith Cook inducted our newest member Lion Jennifer Ramirez – sponsored by Lion Todd Schiller.  Welcome Lion Jennifer!

Board Meeting Recap
– LIONS on the LEON – Sponsor handout – challenge each member to bring back at least one sponsor at ANY level. (attached)
– LIONS on the LEON Captain “D” 5K Dash for “Sight” – ordering personalized sunglasses
– LIONS on the LEON Picnic in the Park –
            – Instead of renting inflatables; we are planning an old fashioned CARNIVAL
            – Leon River Band is not available on October 4^th; we need to find a band or DJ – soon.
– Girl Scout Troop 8121 Silver Award Project – The Board agreed to sponsor the Hammock Garden for $456. at the Belton Early Childhood School (BECS) Outdoor Learning Center Project. Instead, we will sponsor the actual garden – same price; Hammock Garden was already sponsored. 
Announcements
– Back to School with God, Saturday, July 19^th, Recap – Thank you Lion Mike for storing the leftover food supplies – we will use them (concessions) for LIONS on the LEON Picnic in the Park. Fantastic community and Lions Club partnerships – Temple Belton Ladies Lions, Temple Founder Lions, Girl Scout Troops 8121 & 8226, plus more.
– BLC Committee Assignments – Sign-up Sheet. (attached)
– MD 2-X3 Cabinet Meeting, August 9^th,
7:45a-1p, Harris Center, hosted by Temple Belton Ladies Lions, we need to support our District Ladies Lions in our backyard – need lots of BLC attendees. Sign-up Sheet – Club will pay registrations.
– LEO Club – the Club has been asked to join with Temple Breakfast Lions to support their existing LEO Club – this is a liaison commitment request; not monetary.  We need a member to volunteer to be our Club liaison with Dr. Ponder and Dorree Collins.  Please consider volunteering to meet with Dr. Ponder and Dorree to get more information– who’s up for it?

Program: Lion Billy Conway invited Bell County Sheriff Bill Cooke. We were honored to hear a few light-hearted personal stories; and an update on Jail(s), Sheriff’s Office, and budget. Thank You! Future Programs:
July 31 – Sam Listi (city) – also Heritage check presentation
August 7 – John Corsi
August 14 – Jennah Gliha
August 21* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Jon Fontenot)
August 28 – David Leigh
September 4 – Mike Matthews
September 11 – James Harrison
September 18* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Rob Potts)
September 25   
Meeting Close – Where there’s a NEED … there’s a LION!  
Keep on the Front Burner/Mark Your Calendar:
– BLC Fundraiser Cruise – March 1-8, 2026 from Galveston onboard the Regal Princess – with stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan – includes all port charges, round trip transportation to the pier in Galveston and a breakfast on the charter bus.  Your Travel Agent, 254-939-731, yourtravelagent@hot.rr.com 
– Bell County Senior Expo, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 8am-1pm, Cadence Bank Center – Entertainment hosts; Speaker hosts; Greeters; & Emcee. Sign-up Sheet is FULL. Thank you!
– Temple Founders suggestion regarding Kerrville needs (email); and Lion Chief Jon Fontenot will be keeping us updated in the weeks to come.
– Our Club will be selling the People’s Choice tickets and our Plate Spinning Contest at Belton, Bacon, Blues and Brews, September 27
– October 4th, LIONS on the LEON, Captain “D” Dash for Sight, 8:30am; Picnic in the Park, 10a-1p; Wacky Open & Cardboard Boat Race, People’s Choice Judging starts at 11am, race heats start at 1pm.
– October 10 & 11, Belton Polka on the Square, Save the Date – at this time, we’re unaware if we will be serving or helping.
– October 11 & 12, Rescue Magazine Pet Adoption Extravaganza, 10am-5pm – Save the Date – possibly lending the Black Pearl again.
– October 18^th, District Cabinet Meeting, hosted by Harker Heights Lions
– November 1st, 2-4pm, CTCS, 14 Annual Fall Festival for families of children with special needs
– November 20 – Thanksgiving Basket Delivery
– December 11 – Christmas Basket Delivery (note – earlier date)
– December 18, (set up at 1pm), 5-8pm, Harris Center, Pictures with Santa for families of children with special needs.
– January 31^st, District Mid-Winter Conference (Lorena), hosted by the Robinson Lions Club
– April 11^th, District Convention, hosted by the Palestine Lions Club
– Lions Field @Smith and West 5^th could use some updates. Jon Fontenot will get Parks & Rec to explore options – tabled until we have more information.
– The Club plans to participate in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Keith Cook will take the lead during the 2025-26 school year.
– 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

BLC BOARD Meeting, Thursday, July 17, 2025

– Membership Report – 38 Active Members – invoices out for 2024-2025 4^th Quarter

Business

Meeting closed at 2pm

Submitted by Lion Secretary Karen Stagner

BLC OPEN Meeting Recap – Thursday July 17th, 2025

Announcements

– Back to School with God, Saturday, July 19^th, 9am-Noon, Yettie Polk Park – Lion Lea Batey will coordinate eye-screeners and equipment. Belton PD will supply EOC Vehicle for screeners.  We will be cooking, wrapping & serving 750 hot dogs – Girl Scouts are coming out to help. Logistics of supplies pick-up and delivery.

– BLC Committee Assignments – Sign-up Sheet.

– MD 2-X3 Cabinet Meeting, August 9^th,  7:45a-1p, Harris Center, hosted by Temple Belton Ladies Lions, we need to support our District Ladies Lions in our backyard – need lots of BLC attendees. Sign-up Sheet – Club will pay registrations.

– Bell County Senior Expo, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 8am-1pm, Cadence Bank Center – Entertainment hosts; Speaker hosts; Greeters; & Emcee. Sign-up Sheet is FULL. Thank you!

– LEO Club – the Club has been asked to join with Temple Breakfast Lions to support their existing LEO Club – this is a liaison commitment request; not monetary.  We need a member to volunteer to be our Club representative with Dr. Ponder and Dorree Collins.  Please consider volunteering to meet with Dr. Ponder and Dorree to get more information– who’s up for it?

– BLC Fundraiser Cruise – March 1-8, 2026 from Galveston onboard the Regal Princess – with stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan – includes all port charges, round trip transportation to the pier in Galveston and a breakfast on the charter bus.  Your Travel Agent, 254-939-0731, yourtravelagent@hot.rr.com

No formal program or invited speaker – Getting to know each other activity 

Future Programs:

July 24 – Billy Conway – Sheriff Bill Cooke
July 31 – Sam Listi (city) – maybe Heritage check presentation
August 7 – John Corsi
August 14 – Jennah Gliha
August 21* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Jon Fontenot)
August 28 – David Leigh
September 4 – Mike Matthews
September 11 – James Harrison
September 18* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Rob Potts)
September 25

Meeting Close – Where there’s a NEED … there’s a LION!

BLC Meeting Order – Thursday July 10th, 2025
Call to Order by Lion President Jon Fontenot

“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB!

Lion Members Present: NOTE: lost my notes – if I left anyone out, please let me know.

Jennah Gliha and Chris Gregg, Mike Matthews, John Corsi, Jon Fontenot, Danny Dossman, Karen Stagner, Billy Conway, Wayne Carpenter, Dwayne Williams, Sam Listi, Keith Cook, Larry Berg, Mac Hickerson and Lisa English, Todd Schiller, and Jennifer Ramirez (joined today)

Lion At-Large Members:

Guests: Charisse Bennett & Roxanne Sanders (Speakers) Lisa English (Mac’s sidekick)

Song: Lion John Corsi

Pledge to US Flag: Lion Wayne Carpenter

Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Mike Matthews

Prayer: Lion Larry Berg

Joke: Lion Jennifer Ramirez – a real DAD joke from her Dad – what did the “O” say to the “8” … I love your “belt”!

Plate Spin: World Renowned Plate Spinner Lion Mac Hickerson

Exercise: Lion Billy Conway

July Lion Birthdays: Keith Cook (7/6), Jennah Gliha (7/15), James Harrison (7/30)  

General Business and Announcements 

– 4^th of July Parade Recap a HUGH Thank You to everyone!

– BLC Committee Assignments – Sign-up Sheet will be passed at next meeting.

– Back to School with God, Saturday, July 19^th, 9am-Noon, Yettie Polk Park – Lion Lea Batey will coordinate eye-screeners and equipment. Belton PD will supply EOC Vehicle for screeners.  We will be cooking, wrapping & serving 750 hot dogs – need lots of volunteers.  Sign-up Sheet attached. (shopping list to HEB tomorrow – ordering r/w/b RTICs today)

Maybe give 5K and Boat Race promo with each hot dog – printing 350 color copies / 2 per page – hold due to webpage error.

– MD 2-X3 Cabinet Meeting, August 9^th,  7:45a-1p, Harris Center, hosted by Temple Belton Ladies Lions, we need to support our District Ladies Lions in our backyard – need lots of BLC attendees. Sign-up Sheet attached – Club will pay registrations.

– Bell County Senior Expo, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 8am-1pm, Cadence Bank Center – Need Entertainment hosts; Speaker hosts; Greeters; & Emcee. Sign-up Sheet attached.

– LEO Club – the Club has been asked to join with Temple Breakfast Lions to support their existing LEO Club – this is a liaison commitment request; not monetary.  We need a member to volunteer to be our Club representative with Dr. Ponder and Doree Collins.  Please consider volunteering to meet with Dr. Ponder and Doree to get more information– who’s up for it?

– Temple Founders suggestion regarding Kerrville needs (email); and Lion Chief Jon Fontenot will be keeping us updated in the weeks to come.

– Board Meeting next week 

Program: Thank you to, Lion Chief Larry Berg, for inviting Charisse Bennett and Roxanne Sanders with Belton Police Foundation to tell us about Belton Police Foundation Projects, Services and Fundraisers. Also, congratulations to, Charisse Bennett, for being awarded the, Belton Police Department Chief’s Award 2025 

Future Programs:

July 17* – Open Board Meeting Date & get to know each other (was Wayne Carpenter)
July 24 – Billy Conway
July 31 – Sam Listi (city) – maybe Heritage check presentation
August 7 – John Corsi
August 14 – Jennah Gliha
August 21* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Jon Fontenot)
August 28 – David Leigh
September 4 – James Harrison
September 11 – Mike Matthews
September 18* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Rob Potts)
September 25

Meeting Close – Where there’s a NEED … there’s a LION!

Keep on the Front Burner/Mark Your Calendar:

– Our Club will be selling the People’s Choice tickets and our Plate Spinning Contest at Belton, Bacon, Blues and Brews, September 27

– Captain “D” Dash for Sight 5K Run/Walk, October 4th – combination of Trail and Streets (across the Park and through the neighborhood).  Preliminary Map Layout submitted to Parks and Rec. Once approved, we will kick-start our promo

– October 10 & 11, Belton Polka on the Square, Save the Date – at this time, we’re unaware if we will be serving or helping.

– October 11 & 12, Rescue Magazine Pet Adoption Extravaganza, 10am-5pm – Save the Date – possibly lending the Black Pearl again.

– DATE TBD (possibly Oct. 12), 2-4pm, CTCS, 14 Annual Fall Festival for families of children with special needs

– November 20 – Thanksgiving Basket Delivery

– December 11 – Christmas Basket Delivery (note – earlier date)

– December 18, (set up at 1pm), 5-8pm, Harris Center, Pictures with Santa for families of children with special needs.

– BLC Fundraiser Cruise – March 1-8, 2026 from Galveston onboard the Regal Princess – with stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan – includes all port charges, round trip transportation to the pier in Galveston and a breakfast on the charter bus.  Your Travel Agent, 254-939-0731, yourtravelagent@hot.rr.com

– Lions Field @Smith and West 5^th could use some updates. Jon Fontenot will get Parks & Rec to explore options – tabled until we have more information.

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

BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday July 3rd, 2025 – New Lions Year as of July 1, 2025
Call to Order by Lion President Jon Fontenot
“If it’s Thursday … its LIONS CLUB!

Lion Members Present: Jon Fontenot, Billy Conway, Mary Shockley, Sam Listi, Keith Cook, Jennah Gliha & Chris, Mac Hickerson & Debbie, Larry Berg, Karen Stagner, Danny Dossman
Lion At-Large Members:
Guests: Chris Brown, Belton IT (guest of Sam Listi), Mariel Kacal, Kiera Dzenowski, Molly Kacel (Speakers)
Song: Lion Jennah Gliha
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Billy Conway
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Mary Shockley
Prayer: Lion Keith Cook
Joke: Lion Danny Dossman … What did the Colonists wear to the Boston Tea Party? … T-Shirts
Plate Spin: World Renowned Plate Spinner Lion Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion Chris Gregg – gotta love Chair Aerobics!

July Lion Birthdays: Keith Cook (7/6), Jennah Gliha (7/15), James Harrison (7/30)  

General Business and Announcements 

– Announcement from Past President Jennah & Chris – It’s a GIRL!

– Joint Service Project,  June 27^th, update by Lion Sam Listi – huge thanks to Lion Deb Swift-Alejandro (Temple Founders President) for inviting Belton Lions to help serve dinner to BS&W Mclane’s cancer kids, as they returned from their Camp Dreamcatcher week.  Lions SERVE!  Lion Listi read Thank You card from Founders President Deb.
– Stampede P&L Update – $5,283.07 net income – great job!  Thanks to ALL!
– BLC Committee Sign Up – sheet to pass at next meeting.
– Back to School with God, Saturday, July 19^th, 9am-Noon, Yettie Polk Park – Lion Lea Batey will coordinate eye-screeners and equipment. Belton PD will supply Command Vehicle for screeners.  We will be cooking, wrapping & serving 700 hot dogs – need lots of volunteers.  Sign-up Sheet passing.
– MD 2-X3 Cabinet Meeting, 7:45a-1p, Harris Center, hosted by Temple Belton Ladies Lions, we need to support our District Ladies Lions in our backyard – need lots of BLC attendees. Sign-up sheet passing
– Bell County Senior Expo, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 8am-1pm, Cadence Bank Center – Need Entertainment hosts; Speaker hosts; Greeters; & Emcee. Sign-up passing at next meeting.
– 2024-2025 BLC Service Metrics – Our Club served 11,099 People; 432 Volunteers served 3,568 hours; raised $14,203.00; and of those raised funds, gave $13,147.00 back to the Belton Community. Fantastic Service Belton Lions; under the Leadership of Past President Jennah Gliha! 

DUAL Program:  

Belton Early Childhood School (BECS) Outdoor Learning Center – Keira Dzenowski, Abigail Johnson (not able to attend) & Mariel Kacal, Scout Troop 8121 – Girl Scout Silver Award Project. (Handout attached) BECS (Belton Early Childhood School) Outdoor Learning Center. The space will foster students’ creativity, growth, and love of nature, offering a safe and educational environment for learning beyond the classroom. They are recruiting fosters and volunteers. The Board will discuss at next Board meeting (July 17^th). Their goal is to have it complete before School starts.

Belton 4^th of July Parade (Friday, July 4^th, 9am) – last minute details – Lion Danny Dossman Captain “D” Plans to attempt to join the ship once he finishes the Parade as Beltonian of the Year. Requested volunteers today at 3pm, Danny’s to finish up preparations and decorate.     After the Parade, Pearl will return to Danny’s until we take it to storage, 3pm Monday – need         volunteer help.

Future Programs:

July 10 – Larry Berg – Charisse Bennett, Roxanne Sanders, Belton Police Foundation
July 17* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Wayne Carpenter)
July 24 – Billy Conway
July 31 – Sam Listi (city) – maybe Heritage check presentation
August 7 – John Corsi
August 14 – Jennah Gliha
August 21* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Jon Fontenot)
August 28 – David Leigh
September 4 – James Harrison
September 11 – Mike Matthews
September 18* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Rob Potts
September 25

Meeting Close – Where there’s a NEED … there’s a LION!

Keep on the Front Burner/Mark Your Calendar:

– Our Club will be selling the People’s Choice tickets and our Plate Spinning Contest at Belton, Bacon, Blues and Brews, September 27
– Captain “D” Dash for Sight 5K Run/Walk, October 4th – combination of Trail and Streets (across the Park and through the neighborhood).  Preliminary Map Layout submitted to Parks and Rec. Once approved, we will kick-start our promo
– October 10^th & 11^th, Belton Polka on the Square, Save the Date – at this time, we’re unaware if we will be serving or helping.
– October 11 & 12, Rescue Magazine Pet Adoption Extravaganza, 10am-5pm – Save the Date – possibly lending the Black Pearl again.
– DATE TBD (possibly Oct. 12), 2-4pm, CTCS, 14^th Annual Fall Festival for families of children with special needs
– November 20^th – Thanksgiving Basket Delivery
– December 11th – Christmas Basket Delivery
– December 18^th, (set up at 1pm), 5-8pm, Harris Center, Pictures with Santa for families of children with special needs.
– BLC Fundraiser Cruise – March 1-8, 2026 from Galveston onboard the Regal Princess – with stops in Cozumel, Costa Maya, and Roatan – includes all port charges, round trip transportation to the pier in Galveston and a breakfast on the charter bus.  Your Travel Agent, 254-939-0731, yourtravelagent@hot.rr.com
– Lions Field @Smith and West 5^th could use some updates. Jon Fontenot will get Parks & Rec to explore options – tabled until we have more information.
– The Club plans to participate in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Keith Cook will take the lead during the 2025-26 school year.

Girl Scout Project 2025_20250705_0001