Club Notes

Kellogg Lions Club

The Kellogg Lions Club ended its 2013-2014 program year with a potluck dinner on Monday, May 12, at the Kellogg United Methodist Church with 17 Lions and four guests in attendance.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of “Lions of the Year” and the “Citizens of the Year” recognitions. Receiving “Lions of the Year” honors were Barry and Mary Flint. Residing in Ottumwa, Barry and Mary have been “long distance” members of the Kellogg Club. Barry is retired from the Kellogg Bank, and Mary is a retired nurse. In their retirement, they have found active volunteer involvement, including helping with Kellogg Lions projects. They have been known, several times, to leave home before 4 a.m. in order to arrive in Kellogg before 6 a.m. to help with the monthly pancake breakfasts. Their willingness to help is always accompanied by a pleasant smile and an infectious laugh.

The Kellogg United Methodist Women were recognized as “Citizens of the Year” for their commitment to service. They have prepared monthly suppers for Lions for a number of years, in addition to their work to promote and serve their church and community. Present to receive the award on behalf of the women of the church were Doris Altemeier, who serves as president of the local U.M.W., and Marcia Herweh.

During the 2013-2014 year, the Kellogg Lions Club celebrated its 60th anniversary, rang bells for the Salvation Army, hosted a meal for the area Lions Zone meeting, read to special needs students at Woodrow Wilson School, and hosted a dinner for nearly 80 people involved with the Eye Tissue Transport Program. Additionally, Kellogg Lions deliver Meals on Wheels, host the Kellogg blood drives, and serve on a number of community boards.

The major fundraising activity of the club is the hosting of monthly pancake breakfasts from November through May. This year, the seven breakfasts netted $4,445, to the benefit of the East Jasper County Food Pantry, Central Iowa Cyclists, the Kellogg Museum, the Kellogg Fire Department, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the Jasper County Hospice in addition to the following Lions Charities: Leader Dog, Lions Clubs International Foundation, Lions Emergency Reserve Fund and the Iowa Lions Foundation. The proceeds from the May pancake breakfast will be used by Kellogg Lions for emerging needs, as those are made known to the club.

New officers for the local club were installed at the May 12 meeting by Ray Hults, Lions Zone chairperson. Those elected to serve in 2014-2015 include Bob Price, president; Jeannie Boettcher and Janice Price, co-vice-presidents; Roger Gilbreath, membership chair; Marilyn Berthelsen, secretary; Stan Heidemann, treasurer; and Art Cooper, tail twister. The club will break from meeting during the summer, and the first meeting in the fall will be on Monday, Sept. 8. Prospective members are invited to speak with Roger Gilbreath at the Kellogg Bank.