Kenton Lions Club Recognizes 20-Year Member, Reviews Community Impact and Upcoming Events

The Kenton Lions Club held its regular meeting on Wednesday, January 7th, at the Kenton Elks.  The meeting was called to order at 6:29 pm by President Lion Brad Bailey with 23 members.  Lion President Brad Bailey led the pledge and Lion Alec Keller led the prayer.  The meeting was adjourned for a meal and called back to order at 6:58 pm.

Lion President Brad Bailey recognized Lion Jon Hartshorn for his 20 years of membership with the Lions Club. 

Lion Todd Oates moved to accept the Treasurer and Secretary Reports reports.  After a 2nd by Lion Joe Burgbacher, members voted.  Motion Passed. 

In Committee Reports, Lion Tracy Anderson reported that he is getting the liquor license paperwork completed for the Lions Golf Outing.  Lion Gary Whitmer reported that the club earned around 45 volunteer hours and thanked the Lions for their help working the gate and parking for special events at the Lake of Lights.  Lion President Brad reported on the Bowling with Santa event and thanked the Lions for their help.  For the Christmas Parade, Lion Judd Robinson reported that the club received great praise from city officials and added that the Kenton JROTC and Mounted Posse members were extremely helpful with crowd control functions. 

Lion Todd Oates let members know the date is set for the Lion’s Roar on March 14th and 15th and will be held at the Performing Arts Center at the new Kenton High/Middle School.  He reminded members to send skit ideas and be ready to sell patron tickets when they are ready.

Lion President Brad Bailey read Bill Keller’s service activities report for July – to December 2025.  Our club served 33,178 people with 174 volunteers, 857 volunteer hours, $21,440.38 total funds donated and $3,305.00 total funds raised. In New Business, Lion Todd Oates reported on donations to LCIF and local organizations.  He also shared that the Harding Community Foundation Grants can be submitted from Feb. 1st through Feb. 28th. 

After his report, members discussed the previous donations to Lions Club International Foundation, Ohio Lions Pediatric Cancer Foundation, North West Ohio Lions Eye Care Foundation, Angels of the Elderly, and Neighborhood Opportunity Center.  Members discussed and made motions for donations to several of the groups listed. 

Lion President Brad led discussion to have a Pancake Fundraiser in the coming months. 

After discussion amongst members, it was decided to wait until after the Lions Roar and possibly hold it in April.

Submitted by Lion Rick Collins