Lions DG Vollmer lays out challenges.... and opportunities!

Twenty-eight Lions members and their guests gathered Thursday (Oct. 24) to hear District Governor (DG) Linda Vollmer give a multi-faceted report about some of Lion's accomplishments – but with a real focus on the challenges that lie ahead.

"Worldwide, 245 people die from measles every day...diabetes now afflicts some 400 million people...800 million people go to bed hungry every night...and 253 million are blind or visually impaired."

Lions, of course, have a broad range of initiatives that are working to correct these issues, but there's much to be done.

For example, DG Vollmer noted that it takes approximately two years to train a Leader Dog, and the cost is about $40,000!  Read more about DG Vollmer's presentation and other meeting topics in Lion Del's comprehensive Minutes of October 24 Meeting.

Also at this meeting two Lions were recognized for attendance achievements during 2018-19. 

Lion Larry Shoemaker (left) and Lion John Cooper (right) were both awarded pins by Lion President Kellen Willert for Perfect Attendance during the past year.  By the way, you'll find these photos and more in our Lions Photo Gallery.

As reported earlier on our website, vision screening at the Belle Fourche Middle School and South Park Elementary School last week (October 15-15, respectively) was a success.  It's always a success when our screeners are able to identify young people who are referred for further examination to determine the nature of potential problems – and then are enabled to pursue corrective action, if and when necessary.

In all, 420 students were screened, and 42 were referred for further exams.  Our thanks to Lion Joyce Drabek for coordinating this screening, and a huge shout-out to Lions John Cooper, Del and Sue Neumeister, Larry Shoemaker, and Frank Walton.  Thank you Lions for your continuing good work with this important initiative!

Last, but certainly not least, we're pleased to welcome new members to Belle Fourche Lions.  

Shown at right is new member Jason Oedekoven, who was sponsored by Lion Rick Walton (at left).  Lion President Kellen Willert, center, presented certificates to both of them. 

Welcome Lion Jason!

And another big "Welcome" is due new Lions Justin and Cassie Wendt, standing above at left.

They were sponsored by perhaps the longest-serving club member, Lion Chuck Livingston, standing at right.  Nearly two years ago, Lion Livingston was recognized for 50 Years of Perfect Attendance as a Lion.   Now....that's commitment....that's service.....and that's Lion Chuck!

Congratulations Lions Justin and Cassie!

Lions conduct vision screening for 420 youngsters

With assistance from our all-time favorite school nurse, Brandi VanSickle, the Belle Fourche Lions Club on Tuesday, October 15th, screened the vision of 210 students at the Middle School. These were Fifth and Seventh graders.  Lions Frank Walton, Larry Schoemaker, Del Neumeister and Sue Neumeister conducted the screening, which resulted in 21 referrals for further examinations.   And now for the spooky part (It is, after all, just a couple of weeks from Halloween!)

The next day, Wednesday, the Neumeister pride (that's Lion-speak for Lions Del and Sue) were joined by Lions John Cooper and organizer Lion Joyce Drabek as they went to South Park Elementary School and screened...(drum roll, please)...another 210 students with – you guessed it – another 21 referrals among these First and Third graders. 

Lions Del and Coop were among our volunteers!

That's 42 referrals altogether!  Belle Fourche Lions are proud to offer this service and to know that these young people are getting a head start on detecting any vision irregularities – and pursuing appropriate action to deal with any vision issues.

         ~ ~ ~ ~ LIONS SERVE! ~ ~ ~ ~ ~  

Vision screening is a core activity of Lions clubs; it goes directly to our mission, and it's extremely gratifying to know that we're making a real difference in the lives of these young people.

Our sincere thanks to the Lions listed above who made these screenings possible – and to the good folks in the Belle Fourche schools who make our screening tasks  a lot easier! 

Larry Shoemaker welcomed as newest Lion!

Larry Shoemaker (center) was welcomed as newest member of the Belle Fourche Lions Club during the club meeting on Thursday, March 22nd.   He is flanked by Lions John Cooper (left) and Melodey Zupan (right).  Lion "Coop" sponsored Shoemaker; Lion Zupan is Vice-President and presided over the meeting.  Welcome Lion Larry Shoemaker!

Lots of leaders...lots of information....lots of Lions fellowship!

It was a full agenda, with installation of officers, some decisions on key Lion projects, and a program presenter with a candid assessment of the Belle Fourche business climate.

District Secretary Neil Vollmer, accompanied by a contingent of other Lions from the Newell Lions Club, was on hand to lead the installation of officers for the coming year.  Leading the slate of new club leaders is Lion Joyce Drabek, who becomes the first woman to lead the Belle Fourche Lions Club.  Members of the Northern Lights Lions Club of Belle Fourche, comprised of Lady Lions, merged with the previously all-male club a couple of years ago.

Lion President Joyce leads an array of talented members from the Northern Lights club who have infused renewed vigor into the Belle Fourche Lions.  Their impact can be seen in the leadership positions of our club, as well as in the committee assignments.

Club leaders for the coming year include: Lion Joyce Drabek, president; Lion Willert, First VP; Lion Kline, Second VP; Lion Zupan, Third VP and Lion Tamer; Lion Rich Drabek, Treasurer; Lion Del Neumesiter, Secretary; Lion Sue Neumeister, Board Member; and Lion Cooper, Tail Twister.  To get a closer look at these club leaders, along with a few other snapshots from the evening, visit our Lions Gallery.

New Belle Fourche Chamber of Commerce director Gary Wood (shown at left) gave an assessment of the business climate in Belle Fourche, with some positive information about our community that is often overlooked -- such as the hefty number of manufacturing plants that call Belle Fourche home.

A full slate of business followed installation.  You can read all about it in the timely and comprehensive Minutes compiled by club secretary Lion Del Neumeister.  Click the "Minutes" tab at the top of this page.

Also lots of upcoming Lions events.  Check 'em out on the "Calendar" tab above or in the right-hand column.

Roar!!!

Another day of vision screening for Belle Fourche Lions!

Lions John Cooper and Lee Voyles (both seated) make final adjustments before vision screening got underway this week (December 9) at the Belle Fourche Middle School.  Lion Ken Gifford observes.  Some 70 middle school students were screened.  We're also told by Lion Melodey Zupan that Lions screened another 20 children or so at a Belle Fourche day care facility.  A tip of the hat to the several Lions members who have assisted in these screenings.  They go directly to the roots and purpose of Lionism:  We Serve!

(Thanks to Lion Melodey Zupan for the photo and information!)

150 students get their vision screened — more are scheduled!

The smiling faces of five South Park Elementary School students brighten up this happy photograph.  It was snapped early Thursday (November 12) as a team of Belle Fourche Lions visited the school to conduct a vision screening.  Some 150 students were screened.  Among those working at the screening were (behind the table, left-to-right):  Lions Melodey Zupan, Joyce Drabek, John Cooper, Rich Drabek, and Frank Walton.  School principal Jennifer Roberts is in the back at  right.  Thanks to these Lions for a job well done!  Another screening is set for  December 9th at the Middle School. (Thanks to school nurse Brandy Van Sickle for snapping this photo!)

During its November 24th meeting, Belle Fourche Lions also heard reports about the Christmas family project, the January Wellness Fair, and eyeglass collections.  Check out the Meeting Minutes prepared by Lion Secretary Del Neumeister!

Cubs assist Lions for successful Pancake Breakfast!

Lion John Cooper assists some early patrons during the annual Lions Pancake Breakfast

Cub Scouts from Belle Fourche Pack 19 assisted members of the Lions Club for another successful Pancake Breakfast at the Moose Lodge on Sunday, March 27, 2014.

"The work of the Cub Scouts in busing tables and assisting our Lions members was very helpful.  We're pleased with the way things turned out," said Pancake Breakfast Co-Chairman Ron Ensz.

"Unofficially, we had gross sales of around $2,000 with $1,200 in advance ticket sales.  I would estimate that we fed around 250 people."

The breakfast is an annual affair for Lions, helping to support their many community activities, ranging from Sight and Sound projects that aid persons with vision and hearing problems to youth scholarships, and helping families at  Christmas time.

"While we engage in other fundraising activities, this is probably our best-known and most popular one," said Ensz. "I'd estimate that we served about 50 people every hour."

About a dozen Lions members worked the event.  Co-Chairman are Lions Robert Schnaible and Ron Ensz.

The 2014 breakfast was a bit different, since Lions were joined by a group of Cub Scouts from Belle Fourche Pack 19.  Cubmaster Allan Schreir had approached Lions about having Cub Scouts assisting Lions by busing tables and providing other assistance.

It was a good fit, giving Lions some help -- but also providing some good mentoring and giving the youngsters a chance to learn the value of public service, something the Lions know about!

For a few snapshots of the event and our Cub assistants, visit our Belle Fourche Lions Gallery! Thanks to Ron Ensz for providing several of these photographs.

New officers and directors tapped during a busy Lions night

Marcie Urban provided some rather sobering  statistics
regarding obesity in our society -- including Belle Fourche!

 It was a busy night for the Belle Fourche Lions Club last night (4/11/13) as members gathered for their first April meeting.

Marcie Urban from the Belle Fourche Area Community Center (BFACC) presented a program on the Healthify Family Workshop, which is scheduled for Sunday, May 5, from 4:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m at BFACC.

After sharing some rather startling statistics about obesity in our society, she provided details about Healthify, which will offer some great ways for families and individuals to "healthify" their lives through a variety of techniques ranging from learning about portion distortion to ways to get families moving!  She underscored that there are no diets involved in the program -- and no hard-to-remember and hard-to-do workouts.

"Just lots of small ways to 'healthify' our lives," she said.   The event is a preliminary to the walking classes that are scheduled for May 7, 9, 14, 16, 21 and 23 from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.  Registrations are due by Monday, April 29.

Entry fee for the event is $1.00 per person

Lions club agreed to donate $218 to the BFACC to support "Healthify" in an effort to get more kids involved in the program.

Dallas Connor from the Post Prom Committee appeared before the group to request support for the Post Prom event.  Members agreed to donate $50.

Lion president Rick Bartels (left) recognizes long-time
member John Cooper for his work in promoting Lions

Another positive moment of the evening came when Lion John Cooper was awarded a "Key" pin for his good work in"opening the door to at least two individuals" to Lionism during the past year.

Several vacancies on the Lions Board were filled last night.  They included:  Lion Rick Walton as 3rd Vice President; Lion Rich Drabek as Treasurer; Lions Darren Messner and Robert Schnaible as 1st Year Directors; Lions Swede Wennberg and Chuck Livingston as 2nd Year Directors; and Lion John Cooper as Tail Twister.  Lions Rik Bartels continues as president of the club, and Del Neumeister remains as Treasurer.  Thanks to them all for their willingness to continue in positions of leadership for Belle Fourche Lions Club!   

You'll find the full slate of current Belle Fourche Lions Club Directors under the Officers/Directors tab at the top of this page.  Too, you can see full versions of these and other photographs of our many projects and activities in our Lions Gallery.

District Governor Wagner visits Belle Fourche

Lions 5SW District Governor Janice Wagner visited the Belle Fourche Lions Club on Thursday, October 11, and used the occasion to outline goals for Lions at both the district and international levels.  She also took a moment to congratulate two long-time Belle Fourche Lions members.  Shown left-to-right are club president Rik Bartels; District Governor Janice Wagner of Hot Springs; 30-year member John Cooper; and 45-year member Chuck Livingston.  To take a peek at other recent awards and activities, visit our Lions Gallery.

District Governor Burkhead visits Belle Fourche

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.

New Lions join Belle Fourche club

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

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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.