Dinner Meeting – Sparta Lions Club January 25th, 2010 – 7:00 PM
Colonial Banquet Center, Sparta, Wisconsin

1. Lion President Chuck Schwarz called the Dinner meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The pledge of allegiance was recited in unison. Lion Brian Overturf said table grace.

2. Guest speaker for this meeting was called away at the last minute so we had to endure Lion Dick Laxton's wry sense of humor for what seemed like two hours but probably wasn't any more than 10 minutes. Anyway most everyone enjoyed the laughter and the camaraderie.

3. The tail-twister drawing featured Lions Schwarz, Winterton and Overturf winning some of Lion Zastrow's prized lion collection. Lion George Uting's number was pulled in the membership drawing. He wasn't in attendance and Lion Gajewsky's number was pulled in the consolation drawing. He won $24.00, and had Lion Uting been there he would have gotten $40.00.

4. The meeting adjourned at 7:49 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lion Sheldon Lamson, Secretary

Business Meeting – Sparta Lions Club February 8th, 2010 – 7:00 PM
Colonial Bowling Alley and Banquet Center, Sparta, WI 54656
I. Lion President Chuck Schwarz called the business meeting to order at 7:00 PM. . The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.

II. The Secretary’s Report was discussed and approved as written in the newsletter.

III. Treasurer’s report was handed out the report noted a new total of $105.85 in the Admin Account, $15,603.32 in the Donation Account and $2,826.87 in the Money Market Account. The report was approved as given.

IV. Old Business
A Bingo Schedule for January, Chairman Lion VanGeertruy, assistants are Lions Isensee. LoCaste, Buzz & Carole Jerome, Lawrence, & Page.
B. The District Convention will be at the Wintergreen Resort in Lake Delton on the 12th and 13th of February. If you haven't gotten your registration in, you can still register at the convention, although it will be more expensive.
C.
Committee Reports
1. Shelter Committee: Lion Bernett reported that the vacuum cleaner for the shelter had been purchased from the DO-IT center in Sparta. We should be able to keep the place a little cleaner now.
2. Youth Committee: Lion Gene Olson will have the Scholarship applications in the next month for this year Scholarship winners. There were some corrections discussed in the letter we send out with the scholarship. Lion Secretary will take care of this matter.
3. Budget Committee: Lion Schmidt reported we need more money in our Admin Account. The Budget was presented to the membership and there was a motion made and seconded to accept the budget as was presented. The motion carried. We should think about ways to raise money for our Administrative Account or we will have to raise our dues. Lets put our heads together and consider some alternatives. !
4. Bowling Committee: Lion Jerome reported on the State Bowling Tournament that we had just attended this last weekend. He also called for a meeting of the Bowling Committee after the Business Meeting to discuss the upcoming Scotch Doubles Bowling Tournament on March 20th. There will be a sign-up sheet going out with the Newsletter . Please fill it out and bring it to the dinner meeting or give it to Lion Buzz Jerome, Lamson or Sweet.
V. New Business
A. The Sparta Lions are hosting the District Convention and we need to get Committees in place to get the ball rolling, as this is a large undertaking. Lion Overturf volunteered to be the chairman but also needs a lot of help. Anyone interested in lending a hand contact Lion Brian at pvzoo2000@yahoo.com or 269-2478.
B. It was noted that our dues are again due for the 2010 year. They are still $55.00 and can be paid to Lion Secretary Lamson ASAP. You are not a member in good standing until you have paid your dues. You are not eligible to participate in any Club activities unless you have paid your dues first. We have collected about half of the dues. Bills will be sent out in the near future for those that haven't paid.
C. The final Zone Meeting of this Lionistic year will be on March 9th at the Norwalk Community Center, hosted by the Norwalk Lioness Club. Social hour is 6:00 to 7:00 with meeting to follow. Contact Lion Lamson if you will be going to this meeting. We have to have a count by Feb 27th.

VI. Meeting adjourned at 7:25

Respectfully Submitted,

Lion Sheldon Lamson

Sparta Lions Club Christmas Party!!
At the Colonial Banquet Center
December 14, 2009



This is our only meeting in December. There will be no regular business meeting.

Each member is reminded to bring from $3 to $6 worth of non-perishable food items for distribution to the local Food Pantry for the Christmas season!

Bring your spouse or significant other and join the fun!

If you sign up and can’t make it… or you can make it and didn’t sign up, Please call the Colonial by noon of the 14th to make a change! 269-1806

Dinner Meeting – Sparta Lions Club October 26th, 2009 – 7:00 PM
Colonial Banquet Center, Sparta, Wisconsin

1. Lion President Chuck Schwarz called the Dinner meeting to order at 7:00 PM. The pledge of allegiance was recited in unison.. Lion Tim Lawrence said table grace.
2. Guest speaker for the evening was Lion John Hanson, the Lions Foundation Director, who brought us up to date on the Foundation news. Also a guest of the Sparta Lions was District Governor Lion Kathy Friske and her partner in life Lion Jim Friske. She was there to induct 5 new members into the club. They are Lions Carole Jerome, Lion Sue VanGeertruy, Lion Carol Thomas, Lion Laurie Solberg, & Lion Sharon Gorshe. Lets all make them welcome and put them to work.
3. Lion John Hanson also presented the Silver badge to Lion Ed Solberg for our annual donation to the Foundation.
4. There was a moment of silence for Lion Vern Zastrow who has passed away recently. He will be sorely missed. There is tentatively scheduled a Memorial Service sometime in the spring.
5. The tail-twister drawing featured Lion Ron Lear's name being pulled in the membership drawing. He was not in attendance and Lion Dale Ritter won the consolation prize of $21.00 Dr. Degan & Joe Rivers won an aromatic candle. Congratulations to all who received door prizes and awards.
6. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

Respectfully Submitted,
Lion Sheldon Lamson, Secretary

Business Meeting – Sparta Lions Club November 9th, 2009 – 7:00 PM
Colonial Bowling Alley and Banquet Center, Sparta, WI 54656

I. Lion President Chuck Schwarz called the business meeting to order at 7:00 PM. . The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
II. The Secretary’s Report for the October meetings were discussed and approved as written.
III. Treasurer’s report was handed out; the report noted a new total of $1,372.56 in the Admin Account, $17,949.37 in the Donation Account and $2,819.75 in the Money Market Account. Lion Schmidt mentioned the need to change the name on the Wal-Mart Credit Card and that the limit had been dropped by Wal-Mart. No action was taken. The report was approved as given.
IV. Old Business
A. Bingo Schedule for December 3, Chairman Lion VanGeertruy, assistants are Lions Bolstad, Zimmerman, Geier, Kroeger, Overturf, and Lear.
B. Zone Meeting will be Tuesday, Nov 10th with Social Hour at 6:00 and dinner at 7:00.
C . Christmas Dinner Party will be on our normal Business Meeting on December 14th. There will be no Business Meeting in December.
Committee Reports
1. Programs Committee: Lion Laxton reported the speaker for the Dinner Meeting in November will be Gale Free from Monroe County Solid Waste. The program for December Dinner Meeting is yet to be determined.
2. Shelter Committee: Lion Bernett reported cooler sold to one of the Lions has not been picked up or paid for as of last night.
3. Bowling Committee: Lion Buzz Jerome noted that the Bangor Lions is having their annual Bowling Tournament on Dec. 5th and the Sparta group has room for 4 teams at 2:30. This year is a 9_pin Tap Tournament. The cost is $75.00 for a 5- man team. If you want to bowl in this event call Lion Buzz Jerome 269-4000 or Sheldon Lamson 269-0115 to register. The policy is to pay at the time of registration, so $15 is expected at registration. We need to have Lions who want to participate in this tournament to pay Lion Buzz by the Dinner meeting in November or he will open the last 5 spots up to the public.
4. Float Committee: Lion Loveland presented Lion Hottinger with a plaque form the Warrens Cranfest honoring our float with a first place. Lion Chuck pulled the float 5 times in parades this year. We hope this plaque is the first in many recognizable events in your Lions endeavors.
5. Community Projects: Lion Schmidt brought us up to date on the grant from Wal-Mart, stating that we are not eligible for this grant as this grant is for 401C3 club and we do not qualify. This project will have to go back to the Committee for rethinking or whatever happens when a plan falls apart.
6. Diabetes Committee has been busy as usual. Lion Rivers sought Lions to assist in passing out literature at Piggly Wiggly at their booth on November 21 & 22 and to answer questions on diabetes. Times are 5 to 9:00 P.M. on Friday and 9 to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday. Lion Drew will be entertaining the masses again this year on Saturday morning with his guitar and song.
7. Eye Transportation Chairman reported that November is our month to transport eyes, and we have made two runs so far this month.
V. New Business
A. The Cashton Lions club had their 60th Anniversary celebration on Saturday October 17th. And the Westby had their 50th Anniversary Celebration. There was a motion made and seconded to donate $50.00 in each of those clubs names to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation. The motion carried.
B. We received a check from Lion Frank Mlsna to forward to the Leader Dog Program for $500.00 in honor of his wife Beverly. The Club thanks you as I am sure Leader Dog will also thank you.
C. There was discussion from the floor to honor in some way the deceased members of the Sparta Lions Club past and present. This was turned over to the Calling and Sunshine Committee for further review.

VI. Meeting adjourned at 7:25

Respectfully Submitted
Lion Sheldon Lamson, Secretary

Dinner Meeting – Sparta Lions Club Sept, 2009 – 6:30 PM
Memorial Park Lions Shelter, Sparta, Wisconsin

1. Lion President didn't call the Dinner meeting to order at 6:30 PM. The meeting was very informal.

2. We all enjoyed the steaks furnished by the Lions Club. There were an unusually large number of steaks left over and were purchased by the members.

3. Meeting broke up at 7:52 P.M. as everyone was frozen.

Respectfully Submitted,
Sheldon Lamson
Lion Sheldon Lamson, Secretary
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Business Meeting – Sparta Lions Club October 112th, 2009 – 7:00 PM
Colonial Bowling Alley and Banquet Center, Sparta, WI 54656
I. Lion President Chuck Schwarz called the business meeting to order at 7:00 PM. . The Pledge of Allegiance was recited in unison.
II. The Secretary’s Report for the September meetings were discussed and approved as written.
III. Treasurer’s report was handed out, the report noted a new total of $2,020.77 in the Admin Account, $18,065.69 in the Donation Account and $2,817.36in the Money Market Account. The report was approved as given.
IV. Old Business
A Bingo Schedule for October 22nd, Chairman Lion VanGeertruy, assistants are Lions Jim & Gary Peterson, Isbell, Laxton, Bollig, & Dr. Degen.
B Remember the Cashton Lions 60th Anniversary on October 17th.
C Membership Chair attempted to contact Lion Tourdot once again about paying his dues. He was not able to get in touch with him. There was a motion made and seconded to drop him from the club for non-payment of dues. The motion carried. Lion secretary Lamson will write him a letter.
Committee Reports
1. Programs Committee: There was discussion to change the Workers Appreciation Dinner for next year. It was discussed that we have workers dinner at August meeting and the Awards night in September. It was also discussed to swap the business meeting and the dinner meeting in September. The Program Committee will get back to the membership at the next business meeting with their recommendation..
2. Shelter Committee: Lion Bernett reported the shelter is about winterized with just the meat for sale at the October Dinner meeting. The packages of chicken will be available for $3.00 each to the membership. If you can't be at the meeting make arrangements with Lion Hanke to get some chicken.
3. Membership Committee: Lion Pannkuk received 5 new membership Applications. He contacted his membership Committee and they recommended approval to the applications for Sue VanGeertruy, Carole Jerome, Laurie Solberg, Sharon Gorshe, and Carol Thomas. Our hope is to induct them into the club at the Dinner Meeting this month. Lets make them welcome and put them to work.



4. Bowling Committee: Lion Buzz Jerome reported that the Colonial is holding a Bowling Tournament to help fund the Butterfest Committee. Lion President Schwarz will get the tickets ready for the event. Lion Buzz Jerome also noted that the Bangor Lions is having their annual Bowling Tournament on Dec. 5th and the Sparta group has room for 4 teams at 2:30. This year is a 9_pin Tap Tournament. The cost is $75.00 for a 5- man team. If you want to bowl in this event call Lion Buzz Jerome 269-4000 or Sheldon Lamson 269-0115 to register. The policy is to pay at the time of registration, so $15 is expected at registration.
5. Community Projects Chairman, Lion Jim Peterson brought us up to date ojn the grant from Wal-Mart, stating that they were having trouble with the tax number, but we should be getting it before long.
6. Diabetes Committee has been busy as usual. Lion Rivers brought us up to date on the 1st annual Health Expo was held in Sparta and that Kathy Daus from St. Francis in LaCrosse will assist the Lions at Piggly Wiggly at their booth on November 21 & 22 to answer questions on Diabetes
7. Eye Transportation Chairman reported that November is our month to transport eyes, so be prepared.

V. New Business

1. The Cashton Lions club are having their 60th Anniversary celebration on Saturday October 17th. Social Hour begins at 6:00P.M. with dinner at 7:00at the Cashton Community Hall. The cost is $20 per person, which includes two, drink tickets.

VI. Meeting adjourned at 7:29

Respectfully Submitted,
Sheldon Lamson, Secretary

Lion Sheldon Lamson


Dinner Meeting October 26th is the spouse night, at the Colonial. Remember to call the 269-1806 if you need to make reservations (before 11 AM please). Also if you signed up and won’t be able to attend so you won’t be charged! We will be inducting new members at this meeting.

IF you have an email address and would like to help us save mailing costs, please email Lion Ed Solberg at: es21@aol.com. Thanks!