Lion "Chuck" Livingston (1930-2020)

Our long-time friend and fellow Belle Fourche Lion, Charles "Chuck" Livingston has passed away.  We received the sad news yesterday that "Lion Chuck" had died on Monday, March 9th. He was 89 years old.  Once we know specific arrangements for his funeral, we'll share them on this Belle Fourche Lions website.

Nearly three years ago, in early 2017, Lion Chuck was honored for 50 years of perfect attendance in Lions.  As we wrote on this website then, "That's no small accomplishment, and it's among many achievements that this low-key Lion leader has chalked up over the years.  Not just in Lions, but also within the community."

At that time, we assembled the following short video, providing more information about Chuck's life and his career of service in Lions – and throughout the community.

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!

Belle Fourche Lions are back into the fall schedule!

Between ushering at the Black Hills Roundup rodeo and providing burgers and refreshments at the All-Car Rally, the Belle Fourche Lions were a busy group this summer.  Among the familiar faces on task here setting up our club sign:  Lions Harry, Rich, Tom, Del and Chuck!  Thanks to Lion President Melodey Zupan for sharing this photo!  You can check all of our photos in our Lions Photo Gallery.  Of course, we're back to our fall schedule now, and our next meeting will be Thursday, October 11th!

Awards and hurricane relief highlight first fall meeting

Nearly two dozen Lions and their guests were on hand for the first fall meeting of the Belle Fourche Lions Club Thursday (9/14/17) at Grap's Burgers and Brews.  It was a busy time as the club honored several members and also conducted a considerable amount of business.

Leading the awards list were three Lions named recipients of the Melvin Jones Award.  They included Lions Rick Walton, Joyce Drabek, and Del Neumeister.  The award – named for the 1917 founder of Lions, International, Chicago businessman Melvin Jones – is one of the most prestigious given by Lions, which now has more than 1.5 million members in more that 200 countries.  

All three recipients have been active in a wide range of club programs.  Drabek and Walton are past presidents of the Belle Fourche club, and Neumeister has served as secretary for several years.  A quick perusal of the "Committees" tab at the top of this page will reveal the diversity and depth of club involvement by these three Lions.   Each received a plaque and pin, and a heartfelt round of applause for their good work.  Family members were on hand to celebrate their achievements, too. Check out our Lions Gallery for some snapshots of the event.

Acknowledging the achievements of other Lions was on the agenda as well.  Lion Frank Walton (pictured at right) was presented with the Lion of the Year award for 2016-17 by immediate past-president Joyce Drabek. 

Lions Robert Drabek (left) and Chuck Livingston
have each completed over 50 years as Lions! Past
president Joyce Drabek acknowledged their service.

And Lions Chuck Livingston and Robert Drabek were recognized for a total of more than 100 years of service in Lions.  

Elsewhere on this website, you'll see a short video profile of Lion Livingston, whose 50 years of service has been entirely with the Belle Fourche Lions Club – and marked by a perfect attendance record!

Perfect attendance pins for the past year  (2016-17) were presented to several Lions: Melodey Zupan, John Cooper, Joyce Drabek, Rich Drabek, Robert Drabek, Del Neumeister, Sue Neumeister, Frank Walton, Rick Walton, Deb Elliot, and Tom Nary.

Past President Joyce Drabek presented Excellence Awards to Lions Tom Nary and Larry Miller.

There was considerable discussion about ways the club might assist the many people adversely affected by hurricanes along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.  The club approved donating some $500 in two separate gifts to aid in relief operations.  Also approved was $150 to each eye clinic in Belle Fourche to support their work on behalf of Lions.

There was more, of course, and we invite you to scan through the draft minutes from our September 14th meeting to learn more.  The next meeting for the Belle Fourche Lions Club is scheduled for Grap's on Thursday, September 28th at 7:00 p.m. 

A profile of Lion Chuck Livingston – A Half-Century of Service

The Belle Fourche Lions Club has been fortunate to have several long-time, dedicated members.  Earlier this year, one of those veteran members – Lion Chuck Livingston – was recognized for perfect attendance over a 50-year period.

That's no small accomplishment, and it's among many achievements that this low-key Lion leader has chalked up over the years.  Not just in Lions, but also within the community.

We've assembled a short video profile of "Lion Chuck," providing a bit more information about his involvement in Lions – and the community.

 

Congratulations Lion Chuck! 50 Years a Lion... and counting!

It's hard to fathom the dedication and work that Lion Chuck Livingston has demonstrated during more than 50 years as a Lion!  It was another special moment during our club meeting this week (4/13/17) as Belle Fourche Lions Club President Joyce Drabek presented Lion Livingston with a congratulatory letter from Chancellor Bob Corlew, President of Lions Clubs International. 

"Congratulations on your 50th anniversary as a Lions club member.  And not only have you been a member for 50 years, you have also had perfect attendance.  That is incredible!" wrote President Corlew. All of Lion Livingston's colleagues echo that sentiment.  Congratulations, Lion Chuck.....and Well Done!

(To read President Corlew's letter to Lion Livingston, visit our Lions Photo Gallery)

Several attendance awards garnered by Belle Fourche members

Numerous Perfect Attendance awards were recently distributed to Belle Fourche Lions Club members.  On November 14th, long-time Lions Club members (left-to-right) Swede Wennberg, Chuck Livingston, and Bob Drabek were among the many recognized for their service by club president, Rik Bartels (wearing Lions vest).  Take a closer look and enjoy more photos and information about other recipients  in our Lions Gallery.

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.

Awards highlight Lions 2012-13 opening meeting

While there was lots of business on the table for our September 2012 meeting of the Belle Fourche Lions Club, a key moment was the recognition of two fellow Lions for their tenure in Lions, International.  In these photos, Lion President Rick Bartels presents certificates to two of our own.  At left:  Chuck Livingston was recognized for 45 years as a Lion -- and please note that he's had a perfect attendance through the years!  That, friends, is no small accomplishment!  At right, Lion Pat Deering is recognized for 15 years membership.  Our hats off to these gents!

Attending to attendance!

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.  Lions Swede Wennberg and Rick Walton were 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.)