Recent Kenton Lions Club Meeting Highlights Volunteer Efforts, Fundraiser, and Community Projects

The Kenton Lions club held its regular meeting recently at the Kenton Elks, with 19 members, one potential member and 1 guest present.  Lion President Brad Bailey called the meeting to order at 7:01.

Guest Speaker for the evening was Dwight Brown, a board member with the Neighborhood Opportunity Center located at 115 E. Walnut Street. 

Dwight began his presentation with praise for the Kenton Lions for their recent work in the community.  He then talked about the history of the center, how it was started at a Robinson Ave. location with the donations of food and clothing.  Dwight shared that the Neighborhood Opportunity center receives food donations from area businesses, local churches, non-profit organizations and from local school can drives. 

The Hardin County Fair Board has donated sausage and the Center bought 55 Turkeys for Thanksgiving from Walmart last year with money donated.  He also added that the center is staffed entirely by volunteers and they help with sorting and weekly food distributions. 

Dwight noted that one volunteer drives the box truck to the West Ohio Food Bank in Lima, OH, every Wednesday to pick up food. 

The Center spent $11,000 in 2024 on food and the food boxes distributed weekly include meat, bread, milk, canned goods and pastries and will last families for 3 meals. 

Committee Reports

Playground Equipment Update – Lion Joe presented printouts of two pieces of equipment, a “rocket spinner” and Zig, Zag balance beam.  He is looking a local fabricator for an estimate and members discussed adding a “tether ball” to the park.  Lion Bill Keller has contacted the City about insurance for the “tether ball”, While Robin Jones is contacting parks and rec.  Lion Judd Robinson talked to a neighbor at the park about the Light Brightness and they said it’s not an issue for them.  He also said the merry-go-round is being pulled out for refurbishment.   Members are looking Shelter house building kits for home-improvement stores and local businesses.

Mints: Lion Jack said he collected 4 less rolls and still made a profit for the club. 

Roadside Clean-up, Lion Bill Keller, said a Sept. Date is to be determined and look for an email when the date and time are set.

Old Business:

Lion Mark Wilson reported on the “Lion in a Cage” which is now on a trailer ready to be pulled in a parade.  Thanks to Lion Daryl Flowers who donated steel and the jack for the trailer.  Lion Mark shared that major improvements are needed for the Lion in a cage if it is to be displayed in the weather for the annual Lake of Lights display.   To make the trailer and the Lion look like an old-fashioned Circus Wagon and withstand the weather, Lion Mark had two estimates of the materials needed. 

Fall Fundraiser: Chicken Dinner by Sweet Carolines: Lion President Brad Bailey led discussion of the dinner using Sweet Caroline’s in Lima.  After discussion on dates, Lion Joe Burbacher made a motion to have it on Friday, Oct. 3rd, before a KHS home football game.  After a 2nd By Lion Cindy Keller, members voted.  Motion Passed.

New Business:

New Member Joe Landsberg was introduced by Lion Bruce Oberlightner.  Joe has been involved with Table 1, The Plaza Inn, Little League Concessions, and  the Lamb Trailer.  After discussion, Lion Daryl moved to approve Joe’s membership into the Kenton Lion Club.  After a 2nd by Lion Kirk, Members voted.  Motion passed. 

The 50/50 was won by Lion Gary Whitmer and Donated back to the club.  The Meeting Adjourned at 8:28 PM, Followed by the Lions Roar.

Submitted by Lion Rick Collins