Kenton Lions Club Hosts HMH Senior Operations Director at May 9 Meeting

The Kenton Lions Club held its regular meeting on Wednesday May 9th, at the Kenton Elks. 

The meeting was called to order at 6:28 pm by Lion President Jason Van Buskirk with 20 members and Four guests present.   Lion President Jason led the pledge and the prayer. 

Tom Diltz, of Play for Purpose, shared information on an upcoming car show and fundraising event on June 22nd, to be held at the Hardin County Fairgrounds. 

Our guest speaker, Jim Whitaker,Senior Director of Operations at Hardin Memorial Hospital, presented his history and 30+ years in the healthcare field and changes and improvements to the Hardin Memorial Hospital. 

He highlighted the focus of the hospital on keeping healthcare local and accessible with local services, an Infusion Center (4 years established), the Stroke Network and E.R. response advancements and direct contact with heart surgeons and specialty clinics.  Renovations and updates were shared which includes, a $4 million investment in infrastructure and equipment, new windows, call light system, wellness center renovations, a full-time MRI unit under construction, updated beds, and safety technologies. 

For the E.R. Additional safety measures have been added that include an officer and metal detectors.  Specialty clinic upgrades and future surgical renovations are planned in the near future. 

Jim shared HMH Community Initiatives, like the Community Food Distribution, Held every 4th Tuesday and serves 300+ families/month.

Ongoing need for volunteers (Rotary, schools, banks).  Youth and Workforce Development Partnering with local colleges (Rhodes State, Marion Tech); promoting paid internships and sponsorships for healthcare education. 

Club Reports and Events:

• Secretary/Treasurer Report: Motion by Lion Tracy, 2nd by Lion Joe Burbacher. Motion Passed.
  
  
• Parade Planning (Lion Judd):
  
  
  • Parade lineup and logistics discussed
    
    
  • Volunteers needed by 9:00 AM
    
    
• Golf Outing – May 17th:
  
  
  • $100 per hole sponsorship
    
    
  • 5 teams registered
    
    
  • Volunteers arrive by 7:30 AM
    
    
  • Activities include Jello shots, shredded chicken (Mrs. Anderson), water (Lion Bill), buns (Lion Gary), and 50/50 raffle (Lion Tracy)
    
    
• Work Day – May 14th at 4:00 PM:
  
  
  • Tasks: Park cleanup and Welcome to Kenton, sign (s) refreshing
    
    
• Banner Switch and Coordination:
  
  
  • Jason coordinated with Roger Crowe
    
    
  • Event on May 20th at 6:00 AM (meet at 1879 Electric)
    
    
• Upcoming Leadership Meeting: June 4th at the park; potluck format, Lion Dave A. to provide smoked pork
  
  

Other Items:

• Brooms Sale: $15 each; motion to approve sale passed (proposed by Lion Todd, seconded by Lion Joe)
  
  
• 50/50 Drawing Winner: Lion Darrell (donated winnings back to the club)
  
  

Meeting Adjourned: 8:07 PM

Release submitted by Lion Rick Collins