Longtime Member Kenton Lions Club Receives Award; Club Also Awarded

DG Deb Crawford and Lion Bill Keller

Lion Bill Keller received a 40 year member Chevron award and the President’s Club Excellence pin at this week’s meeting of the Kenton Lions Club.

The club itself received the 2022-2023 Club Excellence banner patch.

The awards were presented by District Governor Deb Crawford.

Also at the meeting, Lion President Jason Vanbuskirk announced that 29-30 street banners have been sold, and they will replace the Veterans banners during the winter months.

He also reminded members about the Lions Christmas parade on Tuesday November 21.

Members will meet at 4 that afternoon behind the Kenton Middle School, and the parade will depart Oriental Street at 6:15, so the first groups will arrive downtown by 6:30, the official start time.

The parade will be held even if it happens to be raining at the time, and there is no rain date. 

Here are the complete minutes of the meeting:

The Kenton Lions club held its meeting on Wednesday, November 16th, 2023, at the Kenton Elks.

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Lion President Jason VanBuskirk with 23 members and 7 guests present. Lion President Jason Van Buskirk led with the pledge and the prayer.

The meeting was adjourned for a meal and called back to order by Lion President Jason Vanbuskirk for a Zone 6 meeting at 6:53 pm led by PDG/ZC Lion Bill Keller, who thanked the guests from area Lions Clubs for attending.

Lions Club International Foundation update was presented by PDG Barbara Plaugher. She spoke to the club about LCIF donations being used for disaster relief.

1st VDG Sue Davis gave an update on club compliance and the newsletter. She also gave an update on the convention held April 4th and 5th and the winter retreat over the MLKJR weekend in January.

Representatives from Ada, Arlington, and Bluffton gave updates on their clubs with membership, projects, and volunteer work.

Lion Bill Keller received a 40 year member Chevron award and the President’s Club Excellence pin.

The club received the 2022-2023 Club Excellence banner patch.

President Lion Jason Vanbuskirk gave the members and guests an update on membership, projects, events and fundraisers coming up.

The 50/50 raffle was won by Todd Oates and the Zone 6 meeting was adjourned by PDG/ZC Lion Bill Keller.

President Lion Jason called the regular meeting to order.

Communications: President Lion Jason read a letter from the Kenton Chamber of Business Alliance about the annual luncheon held Thursday, Dec. 7th, at 11:30 at the
Kenton Armory.

The Treasurer and Secretary reports were submitted to members. A motion was made by Lion Todd Oates to accept both reports from the November 1st meeting with a
2nd by Lion Joe Burgbacher. Motion passed.

Old business:

Lion Aaron Osborn informed the club that 29-30 street banners have been sold and those sold will replace the Veterans banners during the winter months.

Lion President Jason Van Buskirk gave an update on the Kenton Lions Christmas parade, Highlights in the discussion: Lions should meet at 4:00 PM behind the Kenton
middle school near the cafeteria on November 21st. An email will be sent out for members about the duties that will need to be filled to respond where they are able to
help. The Parade Line-up will be departing oriental street at 6:15 so the first groups will arrive downtown by 6:30. Members are reminded to bring flashlights and wear high visible clothing if they have some.

Lion Terry Burgbacher gave an update for the Christmas party held December 6, 2023.

After discussion led by Lion President Jason, it was decided to have the event at the Kenton Elks with Spouses. Details to follow through email.

Lion Terry Burgbacher reminded the members about Bowling with Santa, held at Hillcrest lanes bowling alley on December 16, 2023 from 2-5 P.M.

New business:

Lion Joe Burbacher made a motion to pay the Chamber dues of $150 and the motion was 2nd by Lion Dave Dulin. Motion Passed.

Lion Gary Whitmer asked members to consider volunteering at the Lake of Lights display this season. Volunteers are needed for the special event train nights on Dec.
9th and 16th from 5:30-6:30 pm and gate helpers are also needed from 6-9 pm nightly.

Two volunteers need to collect money and count cars on those evenings and the time spent results in a percentage of the revenue for the club.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:01 pm. Followed by the singing of the Lions Roar.

Submitted By: Lion Secretary Rick Collins