BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday June 4, 2026
Call to Order by Lion President Jon Fontenot
“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB!
Lion Members Present: Keith Cook, Debra Sue Oden (joined today), Pam Blair, Karen Stagner, Mary Shockley, Billy Conway, Rob Potts, James Harrison, Sam Listi, David Tuma, Larry Berg, Jon Fontenot
Lion At-Large Members: Chris Gregg
Affiliate Member:
Guests: Josh Mann, Belton High School Football Coach, Kiandre Johnson (Keith Cook’s mentee)
Song: Lion Mary Shockley
Pledge to US Flag: Lion David Tuma
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Billy Conway
Prayer: Lion Keith Cook
Joke: Lion James Harrison – his daughter asked him what music group he liked … Led Zeplin; she said “who?” … James said he liked them too!
Plate Spin: Lion President-elect Larry Berg
Exercise: Lion James Harrison – great workout!
June Lion Birthdays: Mary Shockley (6/3), Cri Childs (6/21)
Regular Business
– Committee Groups for 2026-2027 – sign up sheet – we need the committee for Backpack Project and for Captain “D” Dash for “Sight” now. Committee meeting for 4th of July Parade needs to be scheduled very soon – only 5 weeks away. These sign-ups are to volunteer to be on the planning and decision Committees.
– Gatesville Fire Ant Tour – Lions Billy Conway & Karen Stagner will man our Rest Stop (Sag Station) in their Ride. Saturday, June 13th. Others welcome to join in – contact Karen.
– The Club will participate in the Belton 4th of July Parade with a walking & driving entry. – Thank you Lion George Bunker for taking the Lead. New banner purchased. It was suggested that our mascot ride on Lion Danny’s spider bike. Lion Mary Shockley has also offered her Volkswagen convertible for other Lions to ride. “Celebrating 250 Years of America!”– Mandatory Parade Safety Meeting: Saturday, June 20th, 10-11am; or June 24th, 6-7pm. Deadline to submit parade application is June 17, 2026. Lion George Bunker is Team Leader; Committee: Lions Mary Shockley & Danny Dossman, Club President(s), Secretary & Treasurer.
– 1st District Cabinet Meeting of the new Lion Year – July 18th, Coryell Museum and Historical Center, Gatesville. Sign-up sheet passing. This is a great way to meet other Central Texas Lions and share ideas for projects and fundraising. Lions Karen Stagner & Pam Blair are signed up. Club covers registration fee.
– Back to School with God Backpack Project, July 18th, Yettie Polk Park – working with Pastor Patrick Russell, Mount Zion UMC. President Jon Fontenot is Team Leader; Committee: Mary Shockley, Debra Sue Oden, Chris Gregg, Keith Cook, Club President(s), Secretary & Treasurer.
District Vision Chair has been contacted for eye screeners. H-E-B has been contacted regarding the 750 hot dogs, chips, etc. Girl Scout Troops 8121 & 8226 have been contacted.
– Captain “D” Dash for “Sight”, October 3rd, Route totally within Heritage Park established; we have contracted and paid deposit to have a timed run to attract more runners – we’re looking for underwriters for the Timing ($1.400), for Award Medals ($600), and for T-Shirts ($750). Preliminary and variable P&L approved. Lion Pam Blair will coordinate sponsorships. Lions Karen Stagner and Danny Dossman will Team Lead; Committee: Pam Blair, Billy Conway, Club President(s) and Treasurer. Registration is open – One runner has already signed up.
Program: – Mike Matthews /Keith Cook invited Josh Mann, Belton High School Football Coach and Campus Coordinator. Coach Mann joins Belton after 18 years as head football coach and campus coordinator at Rouse High School, where he opened the campus in 2008 and built one of Central Texas’ most successful athletic programs. Coach Mann brings a strong commitment to culture, character and competitive excellence. He is dedicated to building on the proud traditions of Belton High School and strengthening the Tiger Athletic Department through leadership, relationships, and high expectations. Thank you and Welcome to Belton!
Future Programs:
June 11 – James Harrison – Jennifer Weir – Cadence/Huntington Center Marketing Director
June 18 – 4th of July – Chamber Presentation – Randy Pittenger (Board Mtg after)
June 25 – Pam Blair – District Governor-elect Kim Giles – BLC Officer Installation
July 2 – Luke Potts
July 9 – Jennifer Ramirez
July 16 – $5,000 Heritage Park Check Presentation – pending (Board Mtg after)
July 23 – Scholarship(s) Presentation – pending
July 30 – Clint Bailey
Meeting Close – Where there’s a NEED … there’s a LION!
Keep on the Front Burner/Mark Your Calendar:
– 2026-2027 Slate of Belton Lions Club Officers –
President – Larry Berg
1st Vice President –Kevin Hisel
2nd Vice President –Pam Blair
Secretary – Karen Stagner
Treasurer – Rebecca Hutton
Tail Twister – Danny Dossman
Historian – James Harrison
Term starts July 1st, 2026 / Installation of Officers will be on June 25th.
– Texas Lions Camp – we have a family going to Family Camp – Session 9, July 22-24, 2026. Salazar Family of Four (4). Thank you Lion Keith Cook for coordinating this. PID Sam Lindsey will provide a Camp Tour at 2pm on Friday, July 24th. Six (6) Rooms at Super 8 have been reserved.
– Vision Screening – District anticipates roughly 16 referrals in the Belton area each year. We currently budget for 10 exams and glasses. At this time, we have seven pending exams with America’s Best. The Board will monitor and adjust accordingly.
– USA/Canada Leadership Forum, September 3-5, Memphis, Tennessee
– LCICON (International) 2030 will be in San Antonio, Texas; hosted by Texas Lions
– Follow MD 2×3 Facebook Page for more info and pictures
– Lions Field @Smith and West 5th could use some updates. Jon Fontenot will get Parks & Rec to explore options – tabled until we have more information.
– Belton Lions Wall at Heritage Park – James Harrison coordinating
