BLC Meeting Recap – Thursday August 21st, 2025
Call to Order by Lion President Jon Fontenot
“If it’s Thursday … it’s LIONS CLUB!
Lion Members Present: Larry Bert, Mike Matthews, John Corsi, David Leigh, Luke Potts, Jon Fontenot, Karen Stagner, Billy Conway, Jennifer Ramirez, Sam Listi, Wayne Carpenter, James Harrison, Mac Hickerson & Betty, Keith Cook, Karen Stagner
Lion At-Large Members:
Guests:
Song: Lion(s) John Corsi & David Leigh
Pledge to US Flag: Lion Billy Conway
Pledge to Texas Flag: Lion Keith Cook
Prayer: Lion Sam Listi
Joke: Lion Jennifer Ramirez – sorry Jennifer – I forgot to write it down & my memory is terrible
Plate Spin: World Renowned Plate Spinner Lion Mac Hickerson
Exercise: Lion James Harrison
August Lion Birthdays: Mike Matthews (8/3), Malinda Golden (8/23)
Announcements
– There will NOT be a BLC Lunch Meeting on Thursday, August 28th.
– Vision Screening Training Classes, Saturday, August 23rd, 9am, Killeen Lions Den, 5100 Trimmier Rd., Lion(s) Karen, Jennah and Chris have registered.
– LIONS on the LEON (6 weeks out) – Handout – lots of needs listed on the handout – please READ. (let us know where you can help reduce these needs) – Sponsor handout – challenge each member to bring back at least one sponsor at ANY level. We NEED sponsorships to offset cost to hold the event – printing, signs, prizes & awards, carnival games & prizes.
– Need business flyers and/or coupons; and stuff for Swag Bags (75) and also need gift cards for Bib Raffle (10).
– Silent/Bucket Auction – we have five (5) baskets so far – need more
– Volunteer Sign Up by area/category/time will be available 1st week of September – like STAMPEDE – it’s all hands on deck – and kids, and spouses, and cousins – lots of new areas this year where volunteers will be needed
– NOTE: Captain “D” 5K Dash for “Sight” will most likely be part of the Cen-Tex Race Series in 2026 – tentatively approved.
– Belton U Event for Belton Employees, Bawcom Center, Thursday, August 28th. (handout) … promote the Wacky Boat Race, Picnic in the Park, 5K too – as well as Club Membership. Lion Karen Stagner planning to attend and will take/provide all of the necessary supplies. Anyone Joining?
– BLC Committee Assignments – Sign-up Sheet Review– Thank you for Volunteering – Team Leader Assigned (handout)
Program: Here’s the NEWS! What’s Happening!
Future Programs:
August 28 – CANCELED – attending Belton U
September 4 – Mike Matthews
September 11 – James Harrison
September 18* – Open Board Meeting Date (was Rob Potts)
September 25 – Brendan Brown
Meeting Close – Where there’s a NEED … there’s a LION!
Keep on the Front Burner/Mark Your Calendar:- 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– Lion President Jon volunteered to meet with them to get more information. Karen has reached out the Lisle Meeker for possible dates, locations and times – TBD
– 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!
– 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 18th, 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 31st, District Mid-Winter Conference (Lorena), hosted by the Robinson Lions Club
– April 11th, District Convention, hosted by the Palestine Lions Club
– 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.
– 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