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!

Awards and diabetes program highlight November 10th meeting

It was an evening with many awards last night (11/10/15 as the Belle Fourche Lions Club recognized several members for their recruitment efforts, longevity and perfect attendance.  

And the club itself earned two significant awards, which will be displayed on the club flag.  They were the Service Challenge Award for two of the challenges and the 2014-2015 Year Round Growth Award.

Lion Rick Walton was presented the Excellence Pin for bringing in three new members.  And the two gents shown in this photo were also honored.  Lion Bob Schnaible (left) was recognized for 40 years of service, while Lion Lee Voyles (right) was honored for 35 years of service as a member of Lions.

Congratulations, and well done!

These are members who were honored for Perfect Attendance during the past year.  Shown left-to-right (seated):  Robert Drabek, Joyce Drabek, Ron Ensz and Rich Drabek; Honorees standing are: Chuck Livingston, Rick Walton, Brian Kline, Del Neumeister, Melodey Zupan, and Frank Walton. (Note:  You can get a close-up look at this photo -- and others -- in our Lions Gallery)

We were delighted to have the following guests from Newell with us: Lions Linda Vollmer, Neil Vollmer, Carol McCarthy, and Elaine Hewson.  Also, Lion Rick Walton introduced Rocky McGinnis, a potential new member. 

It was announced that volunteers are still needed for the Vision Screening at South Park Elementary School this Thursday (11/12/15).  Lion Zupan reported that she's purchased of $100 in hats and gloves for the screening.  

The club voted to submit an application to the Greater Belle Fourche Foundation for a grant to help build a shelter at the Recreation Center.

Lion Joyce Drabek reminded members to put January 9th on their calendars -- that's the date for the Wellness Fair at the Rec Center.

And  Lion Voyles encouraged members to pick up their raffle tickets to support the work of the South Dakota Lions Foundation.  They're $5 each, $20 for five, or $25 for ten tickets ( best deal!).

Lion Linda Vollmer from Newell presented an excellent program on diabetes.  The disease seems to be growing most rapidly among children -- but it's a disease that affects all ages.  Over 32 million people have diabetes, and it is #7 on the list of causes of death.

To learn more about Lion Vollmer's presentation -- and other meeting highlights -- we encourage you to read through the Minutes of the meeting.  They're always just a "click" away from the Minutes tab at the top of this page.

Our next Lions meeting will be Tuesday, November 24th.