Lions of Belle Fourche

Attending to attendance!

2012-02-09T21:41:00.000-08:00

These Lions were recognized for perfect attendance during the past year. Shown l-r are: Rich Drabek, Del Neumeister, Rik Bartels, Leo Orme, Chuck Livingston, Brian Kline, and Larry Miller. Lion Swede Wennberg was not available for this photo. Of special note (and you'll be hearing more about this!) are the 45 Years of perfect attendance by Lion Chuck Livingston! (Photo credit: Lion Robert Morris, Esq.)

SDLF launches new Preschool Vision Screening program

2012-01-26T15:07:00.000-08:00

There are more than 59,000 children under age 5 in SouthDakota, and South Dakota Lions are launching a statewide program to provide vision screening for more than 13,000 preschoolers.
The program will use new technology devices to quickly and easily detect vision issues ranging from near and far-sightedness to astigmatisms and eye misalignment.

The goal is to detect vision disorders in children before they reach six years of age, helping to bolster their capacity to learn, adapt, and develop throughout childhood.

Lions plans to purchase eight devices to be strategically placed across the state so that every club will have access to screening equipment. Details, of course, need to be worked out, but the screenings will be provided by trained personnel.

The South Dakota Lions Foundations is asking every Lion in the state -- and their clubs -- to commit their support for the Lions of South Dakota Preschool Vision Screening Program initiative.

The Preschool Vision Screening program will launch this coming spring and summer. We'll keep you posted as the initiative unfolds!

District Governor Mitchell visits Belle Fourche Lions

2011-11-12T22:30:00.001-08:00

While the Belle Fourche Lions Club has demonstrated its deepinvolvement in helping solve community problems and enhance the quality of lifein our community, Lions International continues to leave a big footprint aroundthe entire world.

District 5SW Governor Wanda Mitchell
of Custer with President Brian Kline

And Lions have never shied away from challenges, especiallywhen the stakes are so high.

District Governor Wanda Mitchell of Custer outlined a relatively new Lions International initiative to the Belle Fourche club this week(11/10/11) at their regular meeting at The Mulligan in the Belle Fourche Country Club. Lions International has teamed up with the Bill GatesFoundation and will be working to help eradicate measles in developing countries aroundthe globe.

“Every day, 200 children die from measles in Third World countries. I find that almost unbelievable,” said Mitchell.

“Even children who survive the disease end up withblindness, so we’re hoping that – with the combined resources of the Bill GatesFoundations and Lions International Foundation – we can eradicate measles in Third World countries.”

District Governor Mitchell also told of the enormouspositive response to President Tam’s initiative to have Lions plant one milliontrees around the world. While that goalhas already be surpassed, district 5SW has established a goal of planting500 trees -- most likely concentrating on the Pierre and Fort Pierre areas, whichlost an enormous number of trees in recent flooding.

The next Lions meeting will be December 8th, and plans are already underway for a Lions Christmas Party on Friday, December 16th at Mulligan's.

Of special note during the November 10th meeting was presentation of awardsfor the annual Peace Poster contest sponsored by Lions. This year, First Place went to Marcella Tyrell, and Second Place wasawarded to Caden Kinter. Both are 6th Graders at the Belle Fourche Middle School. Marcella was awarded $50, and her entry will be sent to the Lion's district Peace Poster competition. Caden received $25 for his poster entry.

Winners of the 2011-12 Belle Fourche Lions Club Peace Poster contest are shown after receiving
their awards Thursday evening (11/10/11). Left-to-right are Marcella Tyrell, who received First
Prize; her mother, Shandra Klienhan; LeAnn Steffen is standing behind her son, Caden, who was
awarded Second Prize. At right is Middle School teacher and contest supervisor Kristy Messner.

Belle Fourche Lions celebrate 75 years

2011-11-02T17:32:00.000-07:00

Although 75 years have elapsed since the Belle Fourche LionsClub was chartered in October of 1936, the club has carried on its tradition ofservice throughout the community.

More than 70 folks packed The Mulligan at the Belle Fourche Country ClubSaturday evening (10/29/11) for a dinner gathering to celebrate their 75 yearsof service. Lion Bob Morris servedas Master of Ceremonies. NumerousLion leaders from outside the community joined in the festivities, includingDistrict Governor Wanda Mitchell of Custer.

Keynote speaker for the event was a past InternationalDirector of Lions Clubs, Randy Heitmann of Cambridge, Nebraska.

“It is apparent that your club is a mainstay in thecommunity,” Heitmann told the gathering.

“When anything needs to be done in the community, it appearsthat the first thing they do is ask the Belle Fourche Lions Club. And it’s obvious to me that it alwaysgets done.”

Club president Brian Kline provided a brief glimpse of keyLions projects over the years, ranging from sponsoring a mobile health van andsupplying eyeglasses for needy residents to community projects likeconstruction of park shelters and restoration of the Johnny Spauldingcabin. Most recently, the clubhelped build a community disc golf course along the Belle Fourche Riverwaterfront. And Lions are alwayson hand to help with the All-Car Rally and the Black Hills Roundup.

Last spring, the club was presented the Belle FourcheChamber of Commerce Community Pride Awardfor 2011.

As part of the 75^th anniversary celebration, Lion Randy Heitmann (far left) presented Certificates of Appreciation from International PresidentWing-Kun Tam to four Belle Fourche Lions for their work on behalf ofLions. Recipients are shown holding their certificates in the photo above. Left-to-right are Lions Tom Nary, Bob Schnaible, Larry Miller, and Gerald Keil. Club president Brian Kline is at right.

You'll find a few photos from this very special event in our 75th Anniversary Gallery. We've also assembled a short video, and you'll find a link to it in the column to the right.

Peace Poster winners to be honored November 10th

2011-10-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

Belle Fourche Lions will honor 2011 winners of the Lions Club Peace Poster contest at the club meeting on Thursday, November 10th.

Judges Mick Harrison (center), Belle Fourche artist, and Linda Rothermel (right) inspect the work of Kristy Messner's (left) Middle School students. Harrison, Rothermel, and Messner have received certificates of appreciation from Lions for their work with the contest through the years.

(Thanks to Lion Bill Kunerth for photo and information!)

Belle Fourche Lions celebrate 75 years

2011-10-19T19:55:00.000-07:00

by Bill Kunerth

Lions Rich Drabek and Ron Ensz proudly hold the
Belle Fourche Lions charter document from 1936.

On October 10, 1936, at the Club Cafe, 24 Belle Fourche men became charter members of Belle Fourche Lions Club No. 003404 of the International Lions organization. Charter President was A.R. Powell, druggist; Charter Secretary was O. J. Buxton, service station owner. Other members whose names are etched in Belle Fourche history were Dr. R. M Buck, veterinarian; Lem Overpeck, attorney; Otha Frost, funeral director; Mike Heinbaugh, newspaper editor; Dr. D. A. Lind, dentist; Rueben Schmidt, druggist; Dr. Sion Sherrill, physician, and Seth Smith jeweler. Sponsoring the new club was the Rapid City Lions Club 00346 which is still in operation. Since then, the Belle Fourche Lions have sponsored five clubs in the Black Hills area: Spearfish, Sturgis, Buffalo, Piedmont Valley, and the Northern Lights Lions Club of Belle Fourche.

On Saturday, October 29, Belle Fourche Lions will celebrate the 75^th anniversary of their club at The Mulligan at the Belle Fourche Country Club, with a dinner at 7 p.m., preceded by a social hour from 6 to 7 p.m. The public is invited and must make reservations with Brian Kline, 892-6836, bkline@rishmore.com by Thursday, Oct. 20 Tickets are $20 per person.

Lion Randy Heitmann

Guest speaker will be Randy Heitmann of Cambridge, NE, past Lions international director. Lion Heitmann has held several other major positions in Lions from club president to USA/Canada district governor. He is also recipient of the International President’s Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows. Heitmann is owner of a taxation and accounting service and is active in health, business, and church affairs in his community.

Brian Kline, president of the Belle Fourche Lions, allows that “A lot of water has passed under the bridge since the club’s founding but we’re proud to have continued to uphold the Lion motto, “We Serve.” The club received the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce Community Pride award for 2011 at the Chamber’s 100^th anniversary celebration last spring.

Kline said that through the years, the Lions have been involved in an impressive number of public service projects, as well as fund raising activities. These include: Constructing ten picnic shelters, a rest room facility in Hermann Park, helping build a Habitat for Humanity home and Bowman Hall in the Park, cleaning the trash on a two-mile section of Highway 34, and working on the housing project for homeless women veterans in Belle Fourche.

"Master Chef" Lion Tom Nary at work

The club also sponsors the annual Lions Peace Poster contests, has performed blood pressure and other tests from the mobile Lions health van, supplied glasses for needy residents and sold white canes to provide financial assistance to the sight impaired. The Lions moved the Johnny Spaulding cabin to Belle Fourche, built a new porch on it, and helped construct a disc golf course along the Belle Fourche River waterfront. Fund-raising projects that help finance these projects have included selling candy, light bulbs, and Christmas coloring books. The club also provides food at the All-Car rally, ushers at the Black Hills Roundup, and holds pancake feeds.

Several Belle Fourche Lions have held leadership positions at the district and state levels and have been honored for the service. Charles Bruggeman and Tony Schmaltz were presidents of the South Dakota Lions Foundation. Burton Penfold, George Freemole, Dale Gillette, Henry Kahler, Rich Drabek (Presho Lions Club), and Charles Livingston were district governors. Drabek and Livingston have both been named to the South Dakota Lions Hall of Fame. Livingston, Drabek, Lee Voyles, and Al Shaw are Melvin Jones Fellows.

Club President Kline said, “We are proud to have been associated with an organization which has served Belle Fourche for 75 years and we have confidence it will do so for another 75. We hope many Belle Fourche residents will celebrate with us on October 29.”

Lions learn about Northern Hills Training Center

2011-10-13T23:05:00.000-07:00

The Northern Hills Training Center in Spearfish has been providing services for adults with developmental disabilities for some 35 years now.

Chris Davis, who handles public relations for NHTC, shared a bit of history and details of those services this week (10/13/11) with members of the Belle Fourche Lions during a meeting at the Belle Fourche Country Club. .

"We started by serving six people back in 1976. Today, we serve 130 persons," said Davis.

Discussions about creating such a facility in this region date back to 1973, when a group of citizens met to discuss creation of a workshop for the developmentally disabled in the northern Black Hills. According to New Directions, the quarterly newsletter published by NHTC, the first residence was acquired in 1976. Since then, they've added six more residences and also have people living independently or with their families.

"To serve our 130 persons, we have a staff of some 150 people," said Davis, noting that their range of services fall under four categories: residential, vocational services, medical services, and services coordination. Many of the people served by NHTC are able to pursue employment in the community, including many retail and manufacturing facilities in Spearfish and Belle Fourche.

Northern Hills Training Center is a nonprofit organization that provides vocational and independent living services to "empower adults with disabilities, encouraging all to strive for their ultimate potential in all aspects of their lives." You can find out more about NHTC by visiting their web site at www.nhtc.org.

We learned that while many of the residents at NHTC receive government support, the center relies upon donors to help NHTC achieve their goals. Persons wishing to consider a gift can go to www.giveblackhills.org.

We particularly liked the statement prominently displayed on the banner of all New Directions newsletters published by NHTC: Our goal is to help others reach theirs.

Mark your calendars....and RSVP!

2011-09-28T13:41:00.000-07:00

Kline takes helm of Belle Fourche Lions Club

2011-09-09T18:30:00.000-07:00

Former District Governor Ken Gifford was in town this week to help both the Belle Fourche Lions Club and the Northern Lights Lions Club with their installation of officers and directors. It was the first fall meeting for Lions, which has taken a brief summer respite from regular meetings -- although club projects have continued full force.

While some of the installed officers and directors remain the same, there's a new president as Brian Kline (at right in the photo) assumed those chores from outgoing president Ron Ensz.

It'll be a big year for the Belle Fourche club, as they begin preparations to celebrate 75 years of service to the community. Lion president Kline announced that the 75th anniversary supper is scheduled for October 29th at the country club, and that Lions Ensz, Cooper and Keil have agreed to serve on a committee that that they say is "focused on food"!

Speaker for the celebratory event will be Lion Randy Heitman from Nebraska, a Past International Director for Lions. Invitations will be going out soon for the gathering, and all members have been encouraged to mark their calendars for this very special date: Saturday, October 29th. And you can watch this web site for details as they become available.

The Belle Fourche club voted unanimously to continue participation in the Lions Peace Poster Contest, which offers 11, 12, and 13-year-old students an opportunity to tap their talents in developing posters with a message. This year, the worldwide theme is "Children Know Peace." More than four million children from nearly 100 countries have participated in the contest in years gone by. 2011-12 will offer yet another opportunity for Belle Fourche students to express their visions of peace.

These Lions were installed as new officers and directors for the Belle Fourche Lions Club during ceremonies Thursday (9/8/11) at the Belle Fourche Country Club. Shown (left-to-right) are: Rich Drabek, Treasurer; Rick Bartels, 1st Vice-President; former District Governor Ken Gifford of Rapid City, who conducted the ceremonies; Ron Ensz, outgoing President; John Cooper, Tail Twister; Gerald Keil, Lion Tamer; Brian Kline, President; Tom Hood, 2-Year Director; and Del Neumeister, Secretary.

Lion Bill Kunerth received an award for his diligent work in recruiting new members. We captured that presentation on film (okay, a microchip!) and it's included in our Lion's Photo Gallery, along with a collection of photos from other Lions-related activities.

Members were reminded of the Fall Rally at the Ramkota in Pierre on Friday and Saturday, October 30th and September 1st.

GoodSearch & GoodShop team up with SD Lions Foundation

2011-08-31T00:05:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of quick and easy ways that ALL Lions canhelp raise money for the Lions Foundation of South Dakota.

First, simply download the GoodSearch tool bar and select the Lions Foundation of South Dakota as the charity for which you can raise money without even breaking a sweat! Just lift your fingers, type, and search the web. How easy is that? To learn more, and download the search tool bar, simply go to www.goodsearch.com.

You’ll find a boat load of information aboutthis program, which can go a long way to helping South Dakota Lions fortify resources inorder to better accomplish our mission. Plus, you’ll learn about GoodShop, a companion project that helps ourfoundation earn a donation every time you shop on line!

Here is an interesting statistic shared byBarbara Armango of the Lions Foundation office in Sioux Falls: if two people perform two web searches usingGoodSearch every day for a year, it would generate $730 for the foundation.

“Think about it, we are 2000-plus members strong. Just think what we can do!"

"And if you make purchases on GoodShop, participatingcompanies will give a percentage of your purchase to our foundation,” saysArmango. Great firms like Amazon,Target, Gap, Best Buy, eBay, Barnes & Noble, Toys R Us, and hundreds more areparticipating in this endeavor.

GoodSearch is powered by Yahoo, and they’ll donate about a penny to our cause each timeyou search.

Andsome 1,300 merchants participate in the GoodShop program, donating apercentage of each purchase to our Lions Foundation of South Dakota.

Visitwww.goodsearch.com and www.goodshop.com to learn more.

2011-06-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Smokey the Bear stops by for a visit as Lions serve brats and burgers during the 24th Annual All Car Rally on June 18, 2011. Lions Mike Reade' (left) and Leo Orme assure Smokey that they're adhering to all Herrmann Park rules. See more photos in our Lion's Club Gallery.

A pride of Lions who can be proud!

2011-05-27T08:48:00.000-07:00

Not ones to rest on their laurels after the club received the 2011 Community Pride Award from the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce just last month, these club members went right back to work!

Despite threatening storms -- and a few raindrops falling from the sky -- these Lions took to the roadside Thursday (5/26/11) to pick up trash along U.S. 34 west of the Country Club. It's part of a continuing project spearheaded by the Lions and led by Lion Harry Haivala.

Kudos to Lions (left-to-right) Brian Kline, Del Neumeister, Harry Haivala, Gerald Keil, Ron Ensz, Bob Tipton, Chuck Livingston, Eric Beals, and Bob Schniable. After completing their task Thursday, they were recognized for their good work during the regular Lions meeting at the Country Club.

It was the final spring meeting for the club, which takes a respite from regular meeting during a summer recess.

But that doesn't mean projects stop! In fact, the coming couple of months will be busy with All Car Rally weekend in mid-June. Lions will again be serving burgers and brats at Scott Peterson Motors on Friday evening (6/17/11). More brats and burgers -- plus mini-donuts -- will be sold at Herrmann Park on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Then on July 2, 3, and 4, Lions will be ushering at the Black Hills Roundup, another event that has become a highly popular event for Lions who've participated. Members who volunteer will get free admission to the rodeo and meet a lot of "fun and interesting" people (to quote Lion president Ron Ensz) from all over the United State and even other countries.

Lions roared their appreciation to Lion Ensz, who presided at his final meeting. Well done, Lion president Ron!

Trump entertains Lions with a bit of history

2011-05-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Belle Fourche attorney Michael Trump last night (5/12/11) gave Lions a lively history lesson about old Deadwood, drawing upon research he did for his 157-page book Raiding Deadwood’s Bad Lands: Its Illegal History of Prostitution and Gambling.

When Deadwood was chosen as the only city in the United States to be designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1964, prostitution was still legal -- and would remain so for another 16 years.

Trump opined that Deadwood was one of the last gold rush mining towns established in the Black Hills, and that by 1876 many other communities were already getting organized, families were moving in and law and order was being implemented. So the purveyors of prostitution and gambling found new opportunities in the emerging settlement along Deadwood Gulch.

"You had people coming in to Deadwood that literally had made a career out of running a vice of some sort, and by the time they got to Deadwood, they were very experienced," said Trump.

Trump passed around a copy of his, which chronicles the long history of the red light district before and after prohibition. It's an Adams Museum & House publication.

Author Trump's father was a president at Black Hills State University, where Trump earned a bachelor's degree in history. During his time here, he visited Deadwood and was startled to see a building placard denoting the existence of legalized prostitution until 1980.

As he pursued a master's degree at the University of Wyoming, he was not enamored by thesis topics suggested by his major professor. That's when he presented his idea of the 1980 brothel raids in Deadwood.

“I’ll never forget how his eyes lit up; he loved contemporary history stories, and he was completely sold on that idea.”

If Trump's professor was intrigued by the topic, so were the assembled Lions, as he told the story about how well-known television and movie actor Woody Harrelson's father, Charles, had been charged in the 1979 killing of a federal judge in San Antonio, Texas. Although a link was apparently never fully documented, a Deadwood brothel was believed to be a site where investigators were seeking evidence related to that case. The elder Harrelson was later convicted of the crime and sent to prison. He died in a Colorado prison in 2007.

In a short business session following Trump’s presentation, Belle Fourche Lions reaffirmed their focus on “Sight and Sound” projects that relate to the long-standing mission of Lions clubs. The club has expanded its scope of community service projects over the years, but declined to back away from any of the many worthwhile initiatives in which members have been involved – ranging from building park shelters to roadside trash pick-up.

Club Treasurer Rich Drabek was again honored for his continuing good work in promoting Lion membership. He was presented with news pins and certificates documenting his “Membership Excellence” by bringing two new members into the club last year. You'll find the full-sized photo of this presentation and a wide variety of other club photos in our Lions Gallery.

Chairman Harry Haivala announced that volunteers are needed for a Highway 34 trash clean-up on Thursday, May 26, just prior to our regular Lions meeting. Volunteers will gather at the Country Club at 5 o’clock and then re-convene later for our final meeting.

Belle Fourche Lions Club will mark its 75^th anniversary next October, and it was agreed that the club will host a major event that month – inviting spouses and Lions members from surrounding communities to join us as we celebrate 75 years of service to the community!

Disc golf course nears completion

2011-05-03T15:42:00.000-07:00

Another important enhancement is nearly complete along the Riverwalk in Belle Fourche, and several Lions Club members joined other volunteers and city workers today (5/3/11) to make it happen.

Concrete pads were poured and holes set for a new disc golf course along the river near the Chamber of Commerce offices.

Lions Leo Orme, Rich Drabek, Mike Reade’ and Ron Ensz – armed with rakes, shovels and trowels – were part of the work force that showed up on what turned out to be a splendid spring morning. It wasn’t a day too early, since some forecasters are predicting rain in the next few days.

According to Susan Peterson, one of the committee folks involved with the project, there’ve been lots of volunteers who’ve been working hard to further develop and enhance areas along the nearly five miles of walkways throughout the community.

Kudos to Lions Leo Orme, Rich Drabek, Ron Ensz,
and Mike Reade' for their good work on the new
disc golf course along the Belle Fourche River..

The nine hole course should be complete in about two weeks.

“We’re hoping to have a ribbon cutting around June 18^th, along with a disc golf tournament,” Peterson told us.

She acknowledged that many businesses, organizations, and individuals have been involved with the project – but she specifically recognized Pioneer Bank & Trust and the Clarkson family for their support.

City workers were a big part of the Tuesday work project, and Rapid City engineer Scott Caeser provided technical guidance on the installation of the new course. We snapped several photos of the work party, and you'll find them displayed in our Lions Gallery.

Hats off to Lions and others who’ve contributed time, talent and financing to another worthwhile community project.

Lions cop Chamber of Commerce award

2011-04-19T07:07:00.000-07:00

"For presenting Belle Fourche as an attractive, well-rounded community, and for your efforts in maintaining the physical appearance through landscaping and restoration..."

The Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce presented their 2011 Community Pride award to the Lions Club. President Ron Ensz (left) receives the award on behalf of the club from Chamber president Rich Drabek at the 100th Anniversary Chamber of Commerce Banquet on April 8th.

Roar, Lions, Roar!

They came for the "flapjacks"

2011-03-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

Despite the recent snowfall.......and the cloudy, dreary weather.......there was a great turnout yesterday (3/27/11) for the Lions Breakfast at the Belle Fourche Moose Lodge.

Lion Bob Schnaible turns some flapjacks.

"It was a record crowd for our pancake feeds, and we greatly appreciate the community support," said Lion president Ron Ensz.

"It will help us finance several of our many projects."

Although the event started at a snail's pace, activity picked up quickly and by 9:30 a.m. a hefty stream of people were coming through the doors in search of the famous Lion pancakes. Another throng of folks found their way to the Moose Lodge following church.

Lions treasurer Rich Drabek estimates that some 275 people showed up for the event, which is a major fundraiser for the club. Take a peek in our Lions Pancake Gallery to see a few of the photos we snapped..

Many thanks to all Lions who turned out to work this event -- and to the many good folks who showed up to enjoy the food and support Lions projects throughout the community.

District Governor Burkhead visits Belle Fourche

2011-03-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

It was a busy meeting this week (3/24/11) as Lions District 5-SW Governor Larry Burkhead of Rapid City stopped by for a visit -- and to present some awards. It was DG Burhead's third visit to our club.

Lions Del Neumeister (left) and John Cooper (right)
flank DG Larry Burhead, who presented awards.

Lion Del Neumeister was presented with two awards. First, he was honored with a Multiple District 5 "Rookie Lion Award," followed by the "Proud Lion Award," involving a variety of activities demonstrating his positive promotion of Lionism during a six-month period. Then Lion John Cooper took a short respite from his Tail Twister duties to receive a "Rookie Lion Supporter" certificate. Congratulations Lions Del and John! We have a couple of other photos from this event in our Lions Gallery.

With spring -- and hopefully better weather -- upon us, there was discussion about a timetable for next steps in our project to assist with development of the new Frisbee Course near U.S. Highway 85 just west of the bridge. Mid-to-late April will find Lion workers helping pour round concrete pads for the course. Because of Good Friday and other conflicts, a specific date has not been set.

All members were reminded that the Pancake Breakfast is this coming Sunday at the Moose Lodge. A sign-up sheet was passed around for the "early" and "late" shifts, and a few more tickets were distributed. Serving on Sunday will begin at 8:00 a.m. and continue until 1:00 p.m.

Lion Leo Orme topped off the evening with a grand presentation on the Barns of Lawrence county, narrating a video the helps tell the story of many classic barns in this area. It was an abbreviated but updated version of a program he gave last year at the Spearfish Area Historical Society.

Northern Lights Lions sign charter!

2011-03-11T01:21:00.000-08:00

Thirteen of the charter members of the Northern Lights Lions Club of Belle Fourche were on hand last night (3/10/11) to participate in the signing of their charter, which was originally approved on November 16, 2009.

The Belle Fourche Lions Club sponsored the new group and welcomed members of the new club last night -- offering congratulations on their achievement. It was a festive evening for members of both clubs. First to sign the document was Northern Lights president Bev Banks (at right), followed by 12 other charter members who were in attendance for this special occasion..

In part, the new charter document reads, "Know Ye that the International Association of Lions clubs has granted, and by these presents does grant to the Members whose names are hereunto affixed and to all regularly elected officers and their successors, this Charter fully consitituting them a Local Club, under the name and title of The Lions Club of Belle Fourche Northern Lights sponsored by Belle Fourche...."

In the photo at left, Belle Fourche Lions president Ron Ensz joins Northern Lights president Bev Banks in showing off the new charter.

Lion Rich Drabek, who was instrumental in helping shepherd both clubs through the process of forming the new group, took a moment to acknowledge the early achievement of the fledgling club.

"The Northern Lights club has challenged themselves to take on a new project every month," noted Drabek, who led the applause for this newest club in the northern Black Hills region.

In the photograph below, members of the new club proudly gathered around their newly-signed charter. We were delighted to be able to share this special evening with them. Congratulations and Well Done to our "sisters" from Northern Lights!

February 24th Lions meeting is a busy one!

2011-02-27T18:21:00.000-08:00

Belle Fourche Lions received a quick primer on the are of book publishing this week (2/24/11). Rural Belle Fourche author Mary Buchholz shared the step-by-step process by which she and Jordan Wilms of the Tri-State Museum collaborated on their 2008 book entitled Belle Fourche.

Published by Arcadia Publishing of Charleston, South Carolina, the book contains more than 200 historic photographs.

Buchholtz is working on another book that deals with the history of Harding County.

Lions are meeting at Mulligans. That's a new name for gathering spot at the Belle Fourche Country Club. The facility has been remodeled, offering a more spacious site for meetings.

An "old friend" has rejoined us for our meetings -- the framed document that chartered our club back on October 21, 1936. Of course, that was a while back, before many -- if not most -- of our club members were born! Although faded by time, it contains the signatures of our charter members.

Treasurer Rich Drabek (left) and club president Ron Ensz admire the document, which returns to a prominent position on the wall of our meeting site. Members are encouraged to take a closer look at this document at a future meeting.

Ron Ensz distributed the attractively-printed tickets for our forthcoming pancake breakfast, which is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, March 27th at the Moose Lodge. Members are encouraged to sell as many as possible, since this is a major fundraiser for us, allowing us to continue pursuit of many projects. Contact Lion Ron if you don't yet have your tickets, or if you need more!

Recognition was given to the six Lions who helped with a project designed to better accommodate Belle Fourche High School senior Dylan Norris. The 16-year-old lad was seriously injured in a dirt bike accident last summer. High school students have built a handicapped-accessible ramp for Dylan, and Lions last week completed some painting for the project. Three cheers for the fellow Lions who turned out to help on this project. They are pictured below.

Let's have a Roar for these Lions! Standing lef-to-right are Leo Orme, Brian Kline, Rich Drabek,
and Tim Cleveland. Seated are Gerald Keil, Ron Ensz, and Robert Schnaible.

Lions return to Country Club for meetings

2011-02-07T15:45:00.000-08:00

In an e-mail to members today (2/7/11), Lions Club president Ron Ensz announced that our meeting this week (2/10/11) will be back at the Belle Fourche Country Club.

Lion Ensz reports that the facility is under new management, and they are looking forward to hosting our twice-a-month meetings. We noted in recent proceedings that the Belle Fourche city council approved the transfer of a liquor license from the Belle Fourche Country Club, Inc. to L.B. Moser, LLC, doing business as "The Mulligan."

For those of us with lagging memories, the Belle Fourche Country Club is located at 10941 South Dakota Highway 34.

Join us for a big Lions "roar" as we return to our old den. Social at 6:00 p.m., meeting at 7:00 p.m.

New dimensions for the Black Hills School of Woodworking

2011-01-28T00:48:00.000-08:00

Meg English

When Watertown native Meg English sat down to break bread with the Belle Fourche Lions Club this week (1/27/11), she was on a mission. Her talk to the Lions was billed as background about the Black Hills School of Woodworking, but it ended up being quite a bit more.

She shared some exquisite wood products that had been built at the school, which is located in the old Belle Fourche City Hall and is operated by her and her husband, John. Born in Limerick, Ireland, John English was trained as a cabinetmaker here in South Dakota and has become a renowned writer for most major woodworking magazines and was editor of Woodworker’s Journal. He’s been building furniture for some 30 years.

But Meg English unveiled a bit of information that may have surprised a few old timers and newcomers alike – there’s a new school in town.

The Arts and Learning Center of the Black Hills goes beyond the many facets of the woodworking school, which already offers a bevy of topics in furniture design and building, including two lathe classes that will be offered in February. The expanded offerings include writing workshops, photography, ACT preparation, tutoring, and more.

But beyond the creativity and educational activities they’re nurturing in the old City Hall building, English touted the uniqueness of Belle Fourche.

“Most people don’t seem to realize what a treasure this is,” she said of Belle Fourche, seeming to encourage Lions to roar forward and participate in something of a renaissance for downtown Belle, perhaps building a bit on the historic roots of the old west town.

Lions Rik Bartels (left) and Ron Ensz (right)
help Meg English display items crafted at the Black Hills
School of Woodworking in Belle Fourche

There’s certainly an appreciation for history at the new Arts & Learning Center of the Black Hills. Not only is it located in a Depression-era sandstone building, but it’s chosen the name Gallery 97 for the gallery where products from art furniture and stained glass to bronzes and fine art are exhibited. Definitely rooted in history!

You'll find more information about both of these enterprises by visiting their new web site at www.artsandlearningcenter.com.

This January meeting of the Belle Fourche Lions also finalized key elements for the Lions Annual Pancake Breakfast, which has been set for Sunday, March 27^th at the Moose Lodge. Lion Bob Schnaible reported that the “all you can eat” event will get underway at 8:00 a.m. and continue until 1:00 p.m., offering hungry customers delicious hotcakes, sausage, orange juice and coffee. All members are encouraged to mark their calendars and spread the word.

See a few additional photos from this latest meeting in our Lions Gallery.

Belle Fourche Lions gather for first 2011 meeting

2011-01-13T22:54:00.000-08:00

Lion Vicky Glatt

Visitors from the Spearfish Queen City Lions Club dropped in for the January 13th meeting of the Belle Fourche Lions Club at the Branding Iron -- the first official meeting for the Belle Fourche group for 2011. Members were pleased to welcome Lion Vicky Glatt, vice-president of the Spearfish group, and Lion Cynda Wessel.

They shared information about plans for their wine tasting fundraiser scheduled for next month in Spearfish. The event will take place on February 12th at the Snapper's building in Spearfish City Park. Of course, Lions Glatt and Wessel also sold a few tickets while in Belle Fourche. They said awards will be presented for the best vintners and home brew entries for the tasting. We suspect that more information about the event may be found very soon on their Queen City Lions web site.

Lion Gerald Keil calls upon guest Lion Cynda Wessel from
the Queen City Lions Club to assist with the 50-50 drawing.

Belle Fourche Lions president Ron Ensz gave kudos to Lions Gerald Keil and Bob Morris for their fine work through the holiday for Lions events -- especially the great job they did for the December Christmas party.

Apart from routine business of approving the minutes and the financial report, the group also gave approval to supporting the upcoming Belle Fourche Middle School Science Fair with a financial donation. The club has supported the fair in past years.

President Ensz reminded club members that the South Dakota Lions State Convention is just around the corner, and this year it's being held at The Lodge at Deadwood Friday, January 21 and Saturday, January 22. Check out the South Dakota Lions Foundation web sight for further information.

An early heads up was given regarding the fact that the Belle Fourche Lions Club will be celebrating its 75th anniversary next November. Obviously we'll be hearing more about that in the weeks and months ahead!

A Lions holiday gathering

2010-12-11T00:04:00.000-08:00

It was a festive time for members of the Northern Lights Lions Club and the Belle Fourche Lions Club as they gathered at the Branding Iron Friday night (12/10/10) for their annual Christmas Party. Despite some nasty weather, there was a good turnout of Lions and spouses. Lions Bob Morris and Gerald Keil coordinated the event, which included a gift swapping session that provided plenty of good fun. Thanks to Belle Butte Title, Day Morris Law Firm and Gerald Keil for providing the appetizers and champagne! We've posted a few photos of this event in the Lions Gallery.

Lions lend a hand

2010-11-15T08:51:00.000-08:00

Several Lions Club members recently (November 2010) helped side one of the main buildings in the facility for homeless women veterans which is being built north of Belle Fourche on Water Tower Road.

Belle Fourche Lions Club members first heard about the project some weeks ago, when new member Tom Hood talked about it with several members.

Lion Joyce Drabek at work

Shown here is Northern Lights Lions Club member Joyce Drabek, helping with the project. To see a few more photos about this topic – and other Lions activities – visit our Lions Gallery.

Earlier newspaper stories reported that the veterans’ housing and training complex is being organized by a group called “Community Volunteers in Service of our Neighborhood (C-VISN)." Ross Sudez is spearheading the project, which seeks to have the city annex property where the facility is located in order to obtain city services.

The project is expected to provide shelter and training for as many as 28 rural females who return from military service without marketable job skills.

Lions Shaw and Kunerth tell about Honor Flight

2010-10-28T22:55:00.000-07:00

Belle Fourche Lions Club members Al Shaw and Bill Kunerth – both veterans of World War II – were among the 117 South Dakota veterans who went to Washington, D.C. late last month as part of the Honor Flight program. Last night (10/28/10) they told Lions members about that experience, and - with a bit of prodding – a bit about their military service.

President Ron Ensz (at left) with fellow Lions who are
World War II veterans -- Bill Kunerth and Al Shaw.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Kunerth told his fellow Lions about Honor Flight. “It was kind of nice to be appreciated.”

Shaw said the entire trip “restored my feeling of existing patriotism and made all of us very proud.”

Honor Flight is a non-profit initiative to honor World War II veterans by transporting them to Washington, D.C. “to visit and reflect at their memorials.” The vets make the trip free of charge. More than 700 South Dakota veterans have made the trip, but several more hundred are awaiting their opportunity. While in the Capitol, veterans visit the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and many other memorials and landmarks. Their trips are paid for by individual and corporate donors.

It’s a busy two days.

Shaw gave details of the trip, beginning with an orientation meeting at the Rapid City American Legion Club, followed by their flight to Dulles Airport outside Washington, DC, and their whirlwind tour of sites ranging from the World War II Memorial and Arlington Cemetery, to the Iwo Jima Memorial and the National Air and Space Museum. We've posted a few photos from their journey in our Lions Photo Gallery.

“I could’ve spent all day there,” said Shaw, making special note of the Enola Gay, the WWII vintage B-29 Superfortress that carried the atomic bomb that leveled Hiroshima, Japan during the war.

Kunerth was impressed with all the memorials.

“The Vietnam Memorial had lots of emotion surrounding it, and the World War II Memorial was the most informative. But the one that impressed me the most was the Korean War Memorial.”

In his book, The Greatest Generation, fellow South Dakota Tom Brokaw described how so many World War II veterans came back from the war and got on with their lives – seldom talking about their experiences.

And so it was with Lions Kunerth and Shaw, who offered little about their war-time experiences. Kunerth allowed only that his Army division saw action on the Siegfried Line in Germany and that it was “pretty tough.” Shaw was a turret gunner on a B-24 Super Fortress flying missions from an airbase near Ipswich, England. He flew 31 missions, surpassing the short life expectancy generally recognized for that hazardous job.

Our thanks to Lions Al Shaw and Bill Kunerth for their presentation – and especially for their service to our country during World War II. Thank you!

Lions Kunerth and Drabek cited

2010-10-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

During the October 14th meeting of the Belle Fourche Lions Club, two members were recognized for recent honors bestowed upon them.

Shown here are Lions Bill Kunerth (left) and Rich Drabek.

Lion Kunerth was among a group of World War Two veterans selected to be flown back to Washington, D.C. in late September (2010). Lion Al Shaw (not shown here) was also on the trip. They enjoyed a remarkable reception in Rapid City and made the trek to D.C. via the "Honor Flight" program. The group was able to visit the World War Two Memorial, as well as several other memorials. Kunerth said he was most impressed with the Korean War Memorial.

Thanks to Lion Kunerth, we're able to include a few photos from this event in our Lion's Photo Gallery.

Lion Rich Drabek was recently tapped to receive the International President's Leadership Award. It's the latest in a long line of honors and awards earned by Lion Drabek. Congratulations to both these Lions for jobs well done!

Lion President Ron Ensz shared a letter from Lion Wanda McCormick of Rapid City, District Leader Dog Chairperson for 2010-2011, which outlined the Leader Dog School program begun in 1939. Its facility near Rochester, Michigan, allows any blind person who wants to increase his or her mobility and freedom an opportunity to apply to the school and be awarded a dog guide. Through the generosity of Lions and others, there is no cost for the blind person to attend the school and obtain a Leader Dog. The cost for the training of one guide dog is $38,000. The current "Wild for Lions" campaign will allow Lions to reach more of the 10 million people in the United States who are visually impaired and in need of assistance. Lion McCormick has set a district goal of 100% participation in Leader Dog. Our Belle Fourche Club voted to send $50 to support the initiative.

Lion Rich Drabek noted that M.J. Knobe, Executive Director of the South Dakota Lions Foundation will be in Belle Fourche next Tuesday morning (10/19/10) to visit with local Lions about Lions Foundation activities and opportunities. A scheduling conflict prohibited her attending our meeting last Thursday, but she's agreed to meet as many Lions as we can muster at 8 a.m. Tuesday at Hardees. A member of the downtown Sioux Falls Lions Club, Lion Knobe also serves as president of the North America Conference of Lions Foundations (NACLF), which provides eduction and training for Lions Foundations and Eye Banks. So join us for coffee/breakfast this Tuesday morning and learn more about opportunities with the South Dakota Lions Foundation, as shared by Executive Director M.J. Knobe (shown at right). You may also want to take a "test drive" on the web site of the South Dakota Lions Foundation.

A reminder that the 2011 South Dakota Lions State Convention is scheduled for January 21-22 at The Lodge at Deadwood, located on the north edge of town. There's a registration form in the October edition of South Dakota Lion. Remember, registration fees go up after December 31st!

New meeting location for October

2010-10-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

Lions President Ron Ensz has contacted members of the Belle Fourche Lions to let them know that the Belle Fourche Country Club is closed "until sometime next year."

Lion Ensz says, "Our next two meetings, Thursday, October 14th and Thursday, October 28th, will be at the Branding Iron Steakhouse and Saloon one mile souith of the junction of Highways 34 and 85."

The meeting will be in the private Social Club Room, which is on the west side of the building and has its own entrance.

Lions meet Thursday -- begin new year

2010-09-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

The first Lions meeting of the 2010-2011 year is set for this Thursday evening (9/9/10) at the Belle Fourche Country Club. The session will begin at 7:00 p.m.

President Ron Ensz will recap events and activities of the summer and lead a discussion on expected projects and activities for this fall. He is also working on putting together various committees for the coming year. All Lions are urged to attend.

President Ensz, along with Lions Bill Kunerth and Larry Miller, attended Tuesday morning (9/7/10) coffee at the Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce. Kunerth and Miller were on hand to help promote the new season of concerts sponsored by the Center of the Nation Concert Association. (Tail Twisters: Please fine Lion Bill Kunerth for this shameless promotion!)

June 19th, 2010 - Herrmann Park

2010-07-20T21:55:00.000-07:00

Visit our Lions Gallery for more photos!

Morris tells of mentoring program

2010-05-14T14:01:00.000-07:00

It was a homecoming of sorts for Lion Bob Morris.

An attorney in Belle Fourche since graduating from the University of South Dakota Law School in 1988, Morris has been on the road much of the past year as president of the State Bar of South Dakota. But last Thursday night, May 13th, he returned to Belle Fourche to tell the Lions Club about the Young Lawyer Mentor Coin Project.

Morris, shown here with Northern Lights Lions Club member Joyce Drabek, is particularly fond of the Mentor Coin Project, which is based on the military challenge coin.

“We’ve all had mentors – in every line of work,” said Morris, who grew up in White, South Dakota, graduating from Deubrook High School in 1975 and then serving a four-year stint in the Air Force before enrolling at USD.

Morris recounted the inception of the military challenge coin in World War I. The story tells of an American Lieutenant who ordered solid bronze medallions for his squad. They were embossed with the squadron emblem. Later in the war, that Lieutenant was captured by a German patrol. He escaped – only to again be captured by allied forces who thought he was a spy, since he was not in uniform. However, the young Lieutenant produced the unit coin, which confirmed that he was an American pilot. It saved his life.

Lion Morris shared a part of his own story, about how a law professor at USD in Vermillion became his mentor and was a friend for nearly a quarter of a century. While he didn’t mention professor John Hagemann by name, Morris spoke passionately about the influence that Hagemann (shown at left) had upon his life and his career. A native of Wisconsin, Hagemann joined USD law faculty as librarian of the McKusick Law Library in 1968 and went on to a distinguished career at the school. He died December 13, 2009.

Read Morris’ own story about Hagemann as his mentor, which was included in the January 2010 newsletter of the State Bar of South Dakota. It’s well worth the read. A professional liability insurance provider, ALPS, awarded a $2,000 grant to the mentor project to help cover the costs of minting the first 500 bronze coins and 20 one-ounce silver coins.

There are no rigid guidelines about the mentoring process in the Mentor Coin Project, but Morris says there are about 50 or so suggestions for different ways that the mentoring relationships can be developed. But the project doesn’t allow “vertical” mentoring by a senior partner in a firm.

The State Bar of South Dakota began the Mentor Coin Project last October (2009) with a goal of developing relationships that allow lawyers to learn from each other. The Young Lawyers group hosts “Mentorship Get Togethers” around South Dakota; those gatherings provide opportunities for lawyers to begin establishing a relationship with their counterparts. Morris shared the story of how he was able to present a mentor coin to his mentor -- John Hagemann -- shortly before Hagemann's death. It was a poignant moment.

Following Lion Morris’ presentation, Lion Harry Haivala reminded members that the Lions Highway 34 cleanup scheduled for this week has been postponed. Mother Nature has given us a bit too much moisture in the last few days, so the project is now scheduled for Thursday, May 27th. Workers should plan to gather at the Belle Fourche Country Club parking lot at 5:00 p.m.

For a few photos of this meeting – and others – visit our Lions Gallery.

New Lions join Belle Fourche club

2010-05-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

Several new members were recently initiated into the Belle Fourche Lions Club. Click on this photograph to see a larger image.

Lion John Cooper (back to the camera) conducted the ceremony. Initiates and their sponsors are shown and listed here left to right. Names of new members are in bold: Bull Kunerth, Duke Boston, Bob Tipton, Tim Bennett, Harry Haivala (behind Cooper), Rich Drabek, Dick Banks, Lonnie Keyser, Rev. Del Neumeister, Rick Walton. Not pictured are new members Wayne Linstad and Stephen Smith.

Come and get 'em!

2010-05-08T18:21:00.000-07:00

The Belle Fourche Lions Club held a pancake feed at the Moose Lodge on April 25th. At left, Lions Rick Walton, Lee Voyles, Gerald Keil and Bob Schnaible pause from their chores. Pancake feeds have long been a favorite event for Lions clubs across the country -- and the Belle Fourche Lions Club is no exception. Those flapjacks helped create lots of happy smiles -- and full tummies!

Below, at right, among the many partakers of the good stuff were Alyce Voyles and members of the Voyles family. At right is Lion Eric Beals.

We'll add information about the pancake feed once information is made available.

Local publication touted

2010-03-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

A high quality magazine is making a name for itself in the Black Hills region.

Beautiful Fork is a quarterly devotional magazine published under the auspices of the Belle Fourche United Methodist Church, and it features regional writers, photographers and artists who volunteer their time and talent to the project.

Two of those people are photographer/ assistant editor Paula Ensz (left) and publisher/editor Reva Potter (right) who visited the Belle Fourche Lions club Thursday (3/25/10) to share information about the publication. You can click on the image at right in order to see a larger version of this photo, and we've also added a few additional images to our Lion's Gallery.

Beautiful Fork is more than just the literal translation of Belle Fourche -- it’s an attractive publication designed as an outreach tool to hospitals, clinics, hospices, and individuals unable to participate in regular worship services. Graced with some beautiful photography, verses, book reviews, and inspirational narratives, material for each issue is generated through the ecumenical Retreat for Christian Writers.

In an effort to maintain its focus, the publication accepts no advertising; however, they do accept donations and other contributions. The magazine is largely dependent upon subscriptions. For more information – including subscription details – visit this Beautiful Fork page.

Heise tells about underground lab

2010-02-28T17:31:00.000-08:00

The Belle Fourche Lions Club last Thursday (2/25/10) was treated to an “in-depth” (pardon the pun) presentation about the Sanford Underground Laboratory.

Dr. Jaret Heise, science liaison director for the lab, shared up-to-the-minute information about the lab and some of the many projects that are underway and planned. Here, Dr. Heise shows Lion president Leo Orme (right) an outline of planned experiments in physics, geology, hydrology, and biology at the Lead facility.

He also discussed neutrino research and various aspects of the Deep Underground Science and Engineering Laboratory (DUSEL), which is a separate entity, but closely related to the precursor work underway at Sanford.

Nearly a full den of nearly 30 Lions showed up for the presentation at the Belle Fourche Country Club – one of the best turnouts this winter, according to Lion Bill Kunerth, who provided us with the above photo. Thanks, Bill!

The next Lions meeting will be at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, March 11th.

Northern Lights Lions are chartered!

2010-01-26T21:30:00.000-08:00

Some 100 Lions club members, spouses, and friends attended a Charter Banquet for the new Northern Hills Lions Club last Saturday night (1/23/10) at the Branding Iron in Belle Fourche.

At right are the officers who were installed for the newly-formed Lions club. In the front row (left-to-right): Joyce Drabek, Linda McElwain, Joan Manke, Marsha Osloond, and Kelly Walton. In the back row are: Mary Riley, Robin Carlson, Bev Banks, Kellie Pummel, Geri Drabek, and Dallas Connor.

Mayor Dave Schneider was on hand to welcome the group, which gathered to recognize the newest Lions Club in the area, comprised of Belle Fourche area ladies. They've already created a nice-looking web site. You'll find it at www.northernlightslions.com.

Lions District Governor Doug Sheller and his wife Donna attended the banquet, along with numerous Lions from other clubs around the region and across the state. Many of those clubs presented gifts to the fledgling club.

Bob Drabek of Rapid City, a former international officer of Lions International, was keynote speaker for the evening. District Governor Scheller provided a brief history of Lions clubs and their emphasis upon service to others. He then presented the formal charter to Northern Lights President Bev Banks.

Thanks to Lion Bill Kunerth for providing the photograph above. A larger version of this photo, along with other candid scenes from the Charter Banquet can be found in our Lions Gallery.

Peace Poster winners honored

2009-11-15T17:33:00.000-08:00

The Belle Fourche Lions Club has long supported the Peace Poster competition in Belle Fourche schools. It was a delight to host the 2009 winners at our November 12th meeting at the Belle Fourche Country Club.

Lion President Leo Orme presented the First Place prize to Adrian Erb of the Belle Fourche Middle School, shown here on the left with Lion President Leo. In addition to her certificate, Adrian’s fine work was rewarded with a $50 prize awarded by the club. As with most of the photos in this website, you can click on the image to see a larger version, or you may wish to visit our Photo Gallery for a collection of all recent photographs.

The Second Place prize was awarded to Tristan Barden of the Middle School. He was awarded $25.

Shown here are the winners of the Peace Poster Contest and some of their family members.

At extreme left is Kathy Messner of the Belle Fourche Middle School, adviser to the winning artists – First Place winner Adrian Erb (third from the left) and Second Place winner Tristan Barden (front row left). You may click on the photograph to see a larger image. Mrs. Messner, the winners, and their families were all dinner guests of the Belle Fourche Lions Club.

Northern Lights shine brightly!

2009-11-14T15:01:00.000-08:00

Some 22 Belle Fourche ladies have launched one of three new Lions Clubs in the Black Hills. Their application to charter the Northern Lights Lions Club was submitted November 7th, following an initial meeting on Tuesday, November 3rd at the Country Club.

Rich Drabek of the sponsoring Belle Fourche Lions Club and Lions District Governor Doug Scheller of Rapid City joined charter members of the Northern Lights Lions Club at their organizational meeting last Tuesday (11/10/09) for this group photo. Shown (left-to-right) are Rich Drabek, Dallas Connor, Doug Scheller, Sandra Wright, Joyce Drabek, Tracy Schellhammer, Samantha Drabek, Bev Banks, Rhonda Schmautz, Geri Drabek, Marsha Osloond, Kelly Walton, Teresa Schanzenbach, and Robin Carlson. Thanks to Lion Bill Kunerth for his photography. Click on the photo to see a larger image.

Persons joining the Northern Lights Lions Club before January 16th will be considered charter members.

During their meeting last week, the group elected Bev Banks as President of the new club. Others newly-elected officers are Dallas Conner, Secretary; Joyce Drabek, Treasurer; and Gene Drabek, Membership Chair.

Other officers will be selected at their next meeting, which is slated for 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 17th at the AmericInn. Members will also determine club dues and future meeting locations.

New Lions Club a Go!

2009-10-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

A second Lions Club is on the horizon for Belle Fourche!

Fourteen ladies from the community gathered last Thursday (10/22) at the Belle Fourche Country Club to hear Lions District Governor Doug Scheller and Vice District Governor Larry Burkhead – both of Rapid City – discuss the Lions organization and the many services offered by Lions across South Dakota and around the world. You'll find a few photos from the informational meeting in our Lions Gallery.

At least 20 members are required to launch a new club, and Lion Rich Drabek of the existing Belle Fourche club says that there are now 20 ladies who’ve signed up, and there are others who’ve expressed a desire to join the community’s second Lions Club.

The lady Lions Club first meeting is slated for 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 3rd, at the Country Club. It’ll be an organizational session to elect officers, establish a meeting schedule, and set dues levels.

Belle Fourche is likely one of the smaller communities in the state to have two Lions clubs. Although the new club will be autonomous, Lion Rich Drabek – Treasurer for the men's club – told the assembled ladies that there will be numerous opportunities where the two clubs might cooperate on a variety of projects. The existing club is sponsoring the new club and will provide continuing guidance and support for about two years.

Lions work to meet the needs of communities all across South Dakota – and the world! There are more than 1.3 million members in 205 countries. They all share a common core belief: our community is what we make it!

New Lions Club being organized

2009-10-16T11:11:00.000-07:00

The Belle Fourche Lions Club is hosting an informational meeting next Thursday (10/22) for the new Woman's Lions Club to be chartered in Belle Fourche.

The session is scheduled for 12 noon until 1:00 p.m., Thursday, October 22nd at the Belle Fourche Country Club. A free buffet lunch will be served to those in attendence.

District Governor Doug Scheller and 1st Vice District Governor Larry Burkhead have been invited and will outline the many benefits of belonging to the Lions organization and how Lions benefit the community. The new club is being sponsored by the Belle Fourche Lions Club.

The session will conclude before 1 o'clock, allowing attendees to return to work, if necessary.

Local Lions attend state convention

2009-09-22T00:13:00.000-07:00

Belle Fourche Lions have been active in our community since 1936, helping make Belle Fourche an even better place to live, work, and raise a family.

But our local organization is part of something bigger. We are one of more than 33,000 Lions Clubs around the world. We share the mission of our 1.3 million colleagues in more than 200 countries. The mission of Lions is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding.

We take pride in our local accomplishments, while we join forces with fellow Lions to make our world a better place. These Belle Fourche Lions recently (okay, this is admittedly a photo from the archives!) attended the South Dakota Lions Convention. We'll begin posting more current pictures and information as it's made available.

Shown in this shot, left to right, are Lions Al Shaw, Bill Kunerth, Rich Drabek, Gerald Keil, and Bob Morris.

The Belle Fourche Lions Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the Belle Fourche Country Club. While formal meetings are suspended during the summer months, mission-oriented projected continue.