What you may not know about SUGAR...

by Lion Del Neumeister - 5SW Diabetes Chairman

Lion Del Neumeister

Sugar.  To start with, each of us needs to know that when we are talking sugar, we are talking about several things.  Sugar is more than just what you sprinkle on your cereal in the morning or put in your coffee.  Sugar is created in your body when you eat certain things.  Some (this certainly doesn't include all) of the common things are pasta, bread and potatoes. When I eat these things, I know that eventually my blood sugar will go up.  So, what do we do?

Do we need to eliminate sugar from our diet completely?  Let me just say that not only is that unpleasant, I believe that it is impossible.  Sugar enters the body in many forms.  So, once again, what do we do?

If you want to control your diabetes rather than have your diabetes control you, I believe that the first thing you need to do is to know how your body reacts to food.  In order to do that, you must check your blood sugar and, in one way or another, record what you have consumed.  For me, this means keeping track of what I eat at meals and snacks as well.  Anything (you can skip water) that you put in you, eat or drink, should be kept track of.  I do this in my, twice daily, recording sheet I use.  You can use whatever works for you.

I believe that there are three things you will learn when you are diligent in your record keeping.  I believe you will discover there are foods that raise your blood sugar, foods that have no effect on your blood sugar and foods that lower your blood sugar.  Mind you, the last one (lowering) was discovered by me AFTER I knew which foods raised my blood sugar.

I know someone who has had diabetes for over 50 years.  This person eats nearly anything they want.  The reason is because after eating, testing occurs.  This person, over the years has LEARNED what will and won't raise their blood sugar – and what to do about it.

The most important things, I BELIEVE, we need to do is have regular conversations with our doctor.  Controlling diabetes means living life.  Let's do it.

Next month:  Let's Talk Exercise!

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! 

Our Lions Trash Team is #1!

Lions Rik Bartels, Tom Nary, Del Neumeister and Frank Walton were among our summertime  "Trash Team" that picked up litter and other trash along Highway 34 headed west of Belle Fourche toward the Wyoming border this summer.  Thanks fellow Lions.

Lions Rock!

Olson and Gubbrud are recipients of 2019 BF Lions scholarships

The two Belle Fourche High School seniors were honored when each was awarded a $500 scholarship from the Belle Fourche Lions Club.  Lion Del Neumeister made the presentations during ceremonies on Thursday, May 16th, 2019, at Belle Fourche High School.  Congratulations to these two seniors – and thank you Lion members for continuing to support young people in our community!

Neither cold....nor snow....keeps us from our Lion's den!

Despite a changing weather pattern that brought bitterly cold temperatures and (shudder) a brief burst of snow flurries to the Belle Fourche area, Lions turned out in fine number for our November 8 meeting at Grap's Burgers and Brews.  We counted 16 souls who braved the nasty elements in order to attend!

After a brief discussion about prospects for a Dog Park in Belle Fourche, no action was taken.

But a bit of new business generated considerable interest. Acknowledging that "Splash Parks" have become popular around the area – including one in Spearfish – members discussed the possibility of such a park for Belle Fourche.  One Lion described it as a very popular recreational activity for young people – basically a throwback to the simple childhood joy of "running through a sprinkler" – but on a grander scale.  No decisions were made, but Lion Willert agreed to do some checking with the city – and the possibility of a grant from the Greater Belle Fourche Foundation also arose.

Lion Joyce Drabek passed around a sign-up sheet for the vision screenings scheduled for next week. A morning screening session is set for 9 o'clock at South Park School, and there'll be an afternoon screening at Emmanuel Baptist Church starting at 2 o'clock.

President Zupan noted that the club had received a congratulatory note from the South Dakota Lions Foundation recognizing the occurrence of our Lion's Club 82nd anniversary.  We're also recipients of a new "Membership Satisfaction" patch sent to us for Lions International.  It'll soon be added to our club banner.

Following the meal, Lion Secretary Neumeister (at right in the photo) joined Lion President Zupan in displaying the recently received plaque recognizing the Belle Fourche Lions Club for having the "Best Website" in Multiple-Districts 5, which includes the states of North Dakota, South Dakota, and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan.  Sites are judged for quality of content and design.  Our thanks to Lion Secretary Del Neumeister.  Without his timely and comprehensive minutes of our meetings, this website would be woefully barren!

Members were reminded that – due to the Thanksgiving holiday – our next meeting will be Thursday, December 13th.  Happy Thanksgiving!

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!

Lions approve $1,200 to support three local projects

Lions belted out the Lion's Song, echoing through the halls of Grap's Burgers and Brews last night (1/25/18) perhaps inspiring members of the Belle Fourche Lions Club to get down to business during their final January meeting.  Of course, there was plenty of socializing before and during dinner, but we'd like to think that it was the melodious strains (and we're sure that's the right word) of the Lion's Song that motivated members to move swiftly through a full night of club business.

Guest Larry Shoemaker (left) with President Brian Kline

But not before welcoming Belle Fourche retiree Larry Shoemaker as a guest invited by Lion Frank Walton.  Larry's a retired trucker and a prospective member of Belle Fourche Lions, so we hope our singing doesn't scare him off.  You'll be hearing more about Larry.

On the business side of things, Lion Joyce Drabek reported on the latest vision screening at the Health Fair.  Twenty-six children were screened – with three referrals.  Members were reminded, too, that our annual Pancake Feed will be coming up on Sunday, March 25th.  Mark your calendars now!

True to the spirit of Lionism, members gave their approval for three projects in the community.  They include funds to support two $500 scholarships for Belle Fourche High School students; a $100 donation to Parents Who Care, an organization that – among others things – coordinates "After-Prom Activities"; and, finally, a $100 donation to the Middle School to fund two $50 awards for the Science Fair.

But wait, there's more!  Read about it in our award-winning Lions Minutes compiled by Lion Secretary Del Neumeister.  You can also enjoy archived photo "treasures" in our Lions Gallery.

Lion Rich Drabek is on the program agenda with a Lions Orientation at our meeting slated for Thursday, February 8th.  See you then!

Lions Del Neumeister and Brian Kline teamed up last night (11/10/17) to present a powerful program on the alarming growth of diabetes in this country – and around the world.   It was a small but engaged group of Lions that gathered to hear the presentation during our regular Lion's meeting at Grap's in Belle Fourche.

The impact on the disease is staggering:  422 million people around the world have diabetes, and it's estimated that by the year 2040, that figure will climb to 642 million.   Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in women.  Every seven seconds, a person dies from diabetes.  It's astounding to realize that half the people with the disease don't even know they have it.

The program gave Belle Fourche Lions a head start on the "Worldwide Week of Service on Diabetes" (November 13-19) initiated by Lions, International, which is urging Lions Clubs such as ours to support those affected by diabetes in our local communities.  Worldwide, Lions hopes to serve as many as 200 million people per year by 2021.

Awareness comes first, and Lions Del and Brian helped us take the first step in understanding just how pervasive and threatening diabetes is.

Each member talked about how diabetes has touched him or her.  Some of our members have the disease.  Others are borderline.  The disease has claimed the lives relatives and friends – and the projections are sobering, especially in a society where obesity is running rampant and diabetes is not far behind.  We CAN do something in Belle Fourche.

Members discussed a variety of possible awareness programs (this program being a start!)   We discussed way that Lions could help expand screening and testing for the disease.

"Some very good ideas came forth," according to Lion Neumeister.  Your ideas are needed, too!

We trust all Belle Fourche Lions – even those who are inactive – will join us in this effort to raise awareness, and to seek prevention, detection, and control of this disease.

We serve!

Please take the time to explore online information from Lions, International about diabetes!

Visit:  Lions Assault on Diabetes

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. 

District Governor Terry Peterson visits club -- outlines goals

Lions 5SW District Governor Terry Peterson visited the Belle Fourche Lions Club on Tuesday, November 8, presenting several members with a variety of awards.  Among them were two Presidential Service Awards -- one going to Lion Rick Walton, and they other presented to Lion Del Neumeister.  

District Governor (DG) Peterson also used the occasion to review his goals for the district as his term winds down. (Photo at left)

A member of the Rapid City Lions Club, Lion Peterson is a retired teacher, and he demonstrated his communications skills as he shared stories about his time as a classroom teacher --  and some of his experiences while visiting Lions clubs around the district during his term as District Governor.  By the time his term ends, he will have traveled over 23,000 miles!

This was a very busy meeting with lots of information and discussion -- and some action, too!  Among them was approval of a motion to change meeting days to the second Thursday and the fourth Tuesday of each month.  And there were other awards, too!  We urge you to check out details of activity from this meeting in the comprehensive minutes so diligently prepared by Lion Secretary Del Neumeister.  Just click on the "Minutes" tab at the top of this page.

You'll also find additional photos and information from the meeting in our Lions Gallery.

These Lions were honored for perfect attendance during the past year.  Seated (L-R) are Lions Rich Drabek, Joyce Drabek and Chuck Livingston.  Standing are Lions Del Neumeister, Melodey Zupan, Sue Neumeister, Leo Orme and Frank Walton.  Congratulations fellow Lions....and Well Done!

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!!!

Lion Neumeister honored for "opening door" for new members

Lion Del Neumeister (left), Belle Fourche Lions Club Secretary, received a Membership Pin for "successfully opening the door of Lionism to at least two individuals."  The pin was presented during the May 24, 2016 meeting of the club at The Stadium by president Leo Orme.  Congratulations and "Well Done, Lion Neumeister!"

Lions clean up along U.S. 34 and host Zone 2 meeting

Lions are proud of their heritage — and of their service to the community.

Trash beware!  Belle Fourche Lions along U.S. 34

So pardon our Lion "pride" (sorry for the pun) if we boast a little about what must surely have been a record turnout for the Highway 34 Clean-up yesterday afternoon (4/28/15) west of the Belle Fourche Country Club toward the Wyoming border.  While we keep lots of records, we don't have a precise count of Lion volunteers who showed up to pick up trash along both sides of the highway.  

Lion P.J. Sloan chairs this project, and he had lots of help yesterday.  We suspect there were about 15 Lions involved, and we couldn't have had a better day to be traipsing up and down the highway right-of-way.  All the debris was collected in heavy duty plastic bags and dumped at the State Highway shop adjacent to the golf course.  No count on that either, but the dumpster was full!

On the heels of that event, Lions members and guests squeezed in to the meeting room at The Stadium for our regularly-scheduled meeting.  And this was a special session, which included the Lions Zone 2 meeting chaired by Lion Del Neumeister, who gave a rundown on zone accomplishments and offered a few suggestions on ways of acquiring and retaining new members.

Lion Ken Wetz of Newell (standing) was among guests

We were pleased to be joined by members of the Newell Lions Club, led by their president Lion Carol McCarthy.  You'll see a few of their members depicted in our Lions Photo Gallery.

Lion Joyce Drabek reported that the club grossed some $2,860 from another successful Dodgeball Tournament and that we hope to net about $1,300 after all expenses are paid.  Some 10 teams participated in the event, and a tournament is already tentatively scheduled for March of 2016.

Among other items on the agenda at this meeting:  Belle Fourche Lions will be building another picnic shelter, and Saturday, May 16, has been set as a tentative day for construction work, with an alternate date one week later on Saturday, May 23; volunteers were again requested for the Vision Screening slated for tomorrow at the Belle Fourche Middle School;  and the club voted to provide meals for "Teen Camp" participants on Tuesday, July 14 — further details will be announced at a future meeting.

For a complete rundown of the meeting, you can read the minutes of this meeting — and all previous meetings for the past year or so — as compiled by Lion Secretary Del Neumeister.  Simply click on the MINUTES tab at the top of this page.

New member -- and new meeting dates for Belle Fourche Lions!

Lions Rick Walton and Sue Neumeister

Sue Neumeister may not have intended to help make a bit of history -- but she has.

The wife of local Pastor Del Neumeister, Sue has just become the newest member of the Belle Fourche Lions Club.  More significantly, she is the first-ever woman to join the club, which has consisted only of men since it was formed in 1936.

Neumeister was welcomed to membership in the club by President Rick Walton (photo at left) during the February 26th meeting at the Stadium Sports Grill.

And while she may be the only lady in this bastion of men, that won't be the case for very long.  Nearly a dozen members of the Northern Lights Lions Club -- formed by Belle Fourche women about five years ago -- are expected to join Belle Fourche Lions during their meeting on Tuesday, March 24th.  Their infusion into the club should give the club even more resources to provide services to the community.  They already have compiled a hefty list of accomplishments.

But Sue Neumeister is the first to break the gender tradition of the Belle Fourche Lions Club.

"My dad was a Lion for as far back as I can remember," said Neumeister, who is a native of Nebraska.  The family had lived in Avoca, Decatur,  and Weeping Water, among others communities, in eastern Nebraska.  

"I remember Lions collecting eyeglasses and having meetings, but I honestly don't remember much more.  I just remember dad was a Lion for a long time."

Husband Del is also a Lion, allowing Sue to gain even more knowledge about the Belle Fourche Lions Club and its activities.  Lion Del has been a member of the club since their family moved to Belle Fourche six years ago from Scotland, South Dakota.  They have six children and 10 grandchildren -- with another grandchild on the way. 

Starting in March -- on the 10th -- the Belle Fourche Lions Club will beginning meeting on Tuesday evenings rather than Thursday evenings.  All meetings will continue to take place at the Stadium Sports Grill, 818 5th Street on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, September through May.

South Dakota Lions Eye & Tissue Bank highlighted

Belle Fourche Lions club members -- joined by the Northern Lights Lions club -- learned a bit more about the South Dakota Lions Eye & Tissue Bank this week (12/11/14).

Alan Berdahl from the SD Eye & Tissue Bank

Lion Alan Berdahl, who is Community Outreach Coordinator for the Eye & Tissue Bank, provided a bit of history about the organization and focused on the importance of donors to the program.  They provide corneas and other tissues to citizens across South Dakota, the United States, and even the world. 

Located in Sioux Falls, the non-profit organization primarily serves southwest Minnesota, northern Nebraska, and all of South Dakota, but their reach is worldwide. They partner with hospitals, hospices, funeral homes, coroners, as well as EMS and law enforcement personnel.

To be a donor to the eye bank, you merely have to have it noted on your driver's license, but Berdahl recommended that you plan ahead and "get your family on board," which he said makes the process much easier.

Who can be a donor?  Almost "everyone" said Berdahl.  Eyesight or lack of it is irrelevant to cornea viability. "One donor can help hundreds of people," he said.  To learn more about eye and tissue donation, visit the South Dakota Lions Eye & Tissue Bank website.

New Belle Fourche Lions member Jeremy Biegert (left)
is welcomed by club president Rick Walton

In the final meeting for calendar 2014, there was lots of business conducted by Lions.  President Rick Walton reported that -- thanks to extra effort by new Lion Jeremy Biegert -- the posts for a new shelter next to Bowman Hall will soon be installed.

Lion Harry Haivala reported that the Lions "Christmas Family" has received their $250 gift care from Walmart for the purchase of food and other necessary items.

There was also recognition given to Lion Tim Cleveland for his 15 years of service and to Lion Brian Kline for receiving a "Sable" award from District Governor Arient-Rollman for his good work "behind the scene" as a Lion.  You'll find photos of Lions Cleveland, Kline, and others in our Lions Gallery.

President Rick Walton finalized the committee structures for the coming year.  You'll find a complete listing of assignments by clicking on the "Committees" tab at the top of this page.  And to get details about this meeting -- or any of our meetings for the past couple of years -- click on "Minutes."  A tip of the hat to Secretary Del Neumeister for his continuing diligence and promptness in generating minutes.  Our next meeting will be January 8, 2015.

And if you enjoy photographs, we have something of a "family album" of photographs from the December 11th meeting, as well as many meetings over the past several years.  You'll find them in our Lions Gallery.

Tickets now on sale……be a winner!

Lion Gerald Keil (at right) buys the first tickets to support the South Dakota Lions Foundation.  The tickets went on sale at the first fall meeting of the Belle Fourche Lions Club this week (9/12/13), and club Secretary Del Neumeister makes the transaction.  A drawing for eight cash prizes will be held in January, and the Grand Prize winner will rake in $2,000.  Second prize is $1,000 and 3rd Prize is $500.  Plus, there'll be five $100 cash prizes.  Tickets are $5 each; five tickets for $20, or -- the best deal:  TEN for $25.  

Lion Tail Twister Rick Walton was heard to say, "Lions are benevolent, Lions are dedicated, and Lions are smart!  That's why I bought ten tickets for just $25!"  Collected funds will support the the South Dakota Lions Foundation, which promotes early detection as an important step in helping to prevent the development of blindness, deafness, diabetes, and other serious conditions.  Want a ticket?  Contact Lion Larry Miller.

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.

What in the world happened at Lions this week?

Not much goes over the head of Lion Neumeister!  

Kudos to our reliable club secretary, Lion Del Neumeister, for his diligence in recording the events of Belle Fourche Lions Club meetings and then rocketing them to us for inclusion on the web site.

What in the world happened this week?  Click on the MINUTES tab above to find out!  Among other things -- mark your calendar for the Lions Pancake Feed on Sunday, March  24th.

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.)

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.