Kenton Lions Club Recently Held Regular Meeting

The Kenton Lions Club held its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 16th at the Kenton Elks.  The meeting was called to order at 6:28 pm by Lion President Jason Van Buskirk with 18 members and one guest present.  

Lion President Jason led the pledge and the prayer.   The meeting was adjourned for a meal and called back to order by Lion President Jason at 6:50 pm.

Guest Speakers: 

Lion Brad Bailey and Mike Kasler provided members with a presentation on the TaylorCreek Distillery, a joint venture started by them in 2018.  Lion Brad started out by talking about the history of the family farm in Taylor Creek Township and how it was used to distill whiskey in the 1800’s. 

He shared photos of the improvements made to the property starting with a new bridge to cross Taylor Creek, a new pole barn to house the distilling equipment, and the repurposing of materials from an original barn to create a rackhouse (storage building) at the top of the hill. 

The repurposed building design and location is key to the aging of the whiskey, we learned. Lion Brad also told members the numerous state and federal tax laws and building regulations that had to be met for this type of business. 

Mike Kasler shared the process and ingredients needed to brew whiskey and vodka, and said there is no secret recipe for brewing whiskey, but the quality and/or types of grains put into it that make the product unique. 

He also told members about their well water, reverse osmosis system and safety precautions used in making whiskey. 

Finally, Lion Brad shared the process of selling their product and how the state of Ohio has a set price for whiskey and the amount of state taxes paid. 

The Secretary’s and Treasurers reports were shared with members.  Lion Todd Oates moved to accept both reports.   After a 2nd by Lion Dave Dulin, members voted.  Motion passed.In Old Business,Lion Kirk Cameron let members know that all banners have been paid for except one business.  

Lion President Jason let members know that the bucket truck is ready and we’ll be hanging banners soon.  Lion Joe Burbacher and Lion President Jason reminded members of a park work day in May. 

Lion Jason, let  members know that we have received $850 in hole sponsors for the May 17th Golf scramble and Lion Gary Whitmer will be heading out to the golf course to hang the sign with the QR code on it. 

Lion Todd informed members that Lion Cindy Keller will be delivering Vision Enhancing Color Kit to Sam Norris, Director of the MLJ library.

Lion Mark Willson let members know that the committee will be putting ideas together once they receive the trailer from Lion Dave Amweg. 

Lion Judd Robinson let members know the line-up The Memorial Day Parade and will start at the Armory and end at the Chapel in Grove Cemetery. He said there are activities planned at the cemetery and the Boy Scout Lake Park organized by Jennifer Ramge of the Chapel Revitalization Committee.  

In New Business Lion President Jason let members know that new officer installation will be at the first meeting in June at Pioneer Park.  Lion President Jason reported that the club received several awards at the District 13 OH-1 meeting April 5th:   the Club Service Award for reporting 50 or more service activities on the Lions Club International portal and the Humanitarian and Service award patches.

Special recognition was given to Lion President Jason Van Buskirk who received the Council of Governors award and Lion Judd Robinson was presented the Lions International President Certificate of Appreciation. Lion Kirk Cameron led discussion on having an electronic method for receiving payments and donations for club activities. 

He talked about fees related to several options and members discussed passing that on to the person who is paying electronically.  Lion Judd asked if Lions Club International recommends anything. 

No action was taken and will be discussed at the next meeting.   

Lion Brad made a motion to have a raffle at the July Eats on the Streets event in Kenton.  The amounts would be $1000, $500, $250 and tickets would be $20 each. 

After a 2nd by Lion Michael Hunt, Members voted.  Motion passed. 

The meeting was adjourned at 8:20 pm.

Followed by the singing of the Lions Roar. 

Submitted By: Lion Secretary Rick Collins.