Our Meeting of March 10th, 2023

Todays Meeting

Our meeting was lightly attended on this very rainy Friday, with flash flood warnings popping up on our phones all morning, but those of us who were there had a good time. Lion President Tony led the meeting and called on Lion Roy to lead us in the flag salute, Lion Pat to lead us in singing My Country Tis of Thee, and our returning member, Lion Mark Olson, to do the invocation.

Guests

Our guests today were also our program, Joe Ross and Isabela from the Visalia Rawhide.

Announcements

Lion Leigh announced his annual Polar Plunge to benefit the Special Olympics of Nothern California would talk place on March 25th at the Lindsay Wellness Center. You can make a donation at TulareCountyPolarPlunge.org
Make sure to note Leigh’s name in the box or give a check or cash to Leigh at a club meeting.

   Murder Mystery Dinner to Take Place September 16th.
Theme: The 80s 

At our monthly board meeting on Wednesday, March 8th, we voted to go ahead with our first fundraiser since 2020 with another Murder Mystery Dinner at the Visalia Convention Center on Saturday, September 16th. This event is expected to raise about $20,000 for the club, but in order to do that, it will take the effort of all club members. We have started to organize a committee. Lion Lauri will be working on getting the committee together and needs people to volunteer for the committee.  Please contact her at laurimaguilar@gmail.com.

Our planned visitation with the Visalia Pride Club on Monday, March 6th, was canceled. Lions Allen, Craig, and Roy showed up only to find out the meeting had been canceled because of some power issues at St. Pauls’s Church.

Lion Allen announced the Vision Screening at the Tulare County Office of Educations STEAM Expo ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) on Saturday, March 4th.  Lions Allen, Tony, Rick, Karen, and Roy were on hand to help screen 94 kids and two Adults. We are hoping to make this an annual screening event.

Lion Pat had $5 to announce his barbershop group concert at the Neighborhood Church on April 29th at 2:00. Guests will include the Newfangled Four quartet from Sothern, California. Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for children, and $40 per family.

No fine badge: Lion Karen won that coveted prize today.

Secret Greater was Lion Pete, who nabbed Roar editor Lion Roy and one other member for not shaking his hand.

Happy Bucks 

Lion Pete was happy he was getting a free meal that evening because his wife and her two sisters were singing at Quail Park Shannon Ranch and getting free dinners for themselves and their spouses as payment for the music.

Lion Leigh was happy because he brought the Tulare County Special Olympics Athletes to the annual basketball tournament in Fresno last Saturday. They took home two of three first-place trophies.

Lion Mark Olson (welcome back Mark), who just rejoined the club, was happy he had just turned 62. (it’s good to have those younger members)

Lion Karen was happy they had recently got new heating and cooling units in their home after the heater had gone out.

Lion Steven was happy for his grandson, along with Pete’s grandson recently had a baseball game that got rained out, and both kids played well, but most of them ended up playing in the mud at the end.

Lion Karen was happy that she and Lion Rick were headed to spring training in Scottsdale, AZ, later this week.

Given the rain, Lion President Tony was happy for those of us who showed up today.

Lion Allen was happy that the Murder Mystery Dinner was going to take place.

Fines

Lion Leigh fined lion Allen for making fun of Lions Roys ability to hear; Lion Roy replied “what” 

Lion Pete draws for the white marble but comes up with something else. 

Drawings 

The $5 drawing went to Lion Roy, who donated it to the Leo Club. 

Lotto ticket: Lion Leigh

Our Program: Joe Ross with the Visalia Rawhide.

Joe Ross and Isabella from the Visalia Rawhide were our program today. The team is a single A Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks and thus are at the start of a process to bring players to the majors. The Rawhide has no control over what players they will get, nor when they leave. They are there to be conditioned for the bigs.

The team begins the season this year on the road April 6th at Lake Elsinore. Opening day at the ballpark is Tuesday, April 11th.  He noted that major league baseball took over all the minor league teams in 2020, whereas in the past, there were operated by each team independently. With that, many changes have occurred, one of them being that the players now have to live in housing approved by MLB and can not live with host families, as was the case previously. That has changed the dynamic of the experience for both the players and the Rawhide organization. The players are also given special diets, and he said when the dodgers organization came to town, they bring their own chief.

Free Add

Lion Karen won the free ad.

With Joe being with us today, Karen decided to advertise the Rawhide instead of that other team. 

1st Vice District Governor Christy Kroell draws for the marble.

Todays Meeting

Lion President Tony led our meeting today and called on lion Lion John Parker to lead us in saluting our flag, Lion Dee to lead us in singing God Bless America, and Lion Bob Line to do the invocation.

Our president, Lion Tony, won the no-fine badge today.

Guests 

We had many guests today, starting with our district governor Lion Falguni Patel, 1st vice district governor Lion Christy Kroell and her husband, past district governor Al Kroell, along with Past District governer David Beeman and his wife. Also, a past district governor, Lion Vicki Beeman. Our current zone chair Lion John Ward was with us, along with two Hanford Lions. A former member of our club, Mark Olson, was here today and back after a long absence was Lion John Parker. 

Announcements 

Lion Dee announced there would be a meeting to get the Leo club at La Sierra school organized Monday, March 6th, at noon at the school, located at 1735 E Houston Ave.

Lion Pat announced that the Mighty Oak Chorus, the singing group that Dee and himself are members of, would be having a concert at the Neighborhood Church in Visalia on April 29th at 2:00.

Lion Allen announced the Monday night visitation at the Visalia Pride club at St. Paul’s church, Center and Hall in Visalia. The meeting starts at 6:30, but Jon Ward said to arrive at 6:00 if you want to eat.

Happy Bucks 

Former member Mark Olson was happy to be back at club and plans to join again.

Lion Pat was $3 happy because his sister-in-law was back home after being in the hospital.

Lion John Parker was $20 happy to be back at club.

1st Vice district governor Christy Kroell was happy to be with us also.

PDG Lion Al Kroell was also happy to be with us today.

District Governor Falguni Patel was also happy to join us and give the program today. 

Lion Pete was happy because the SF Giants are undefeated this year. 

Lion Karen was $10 happy, one dolor for each of our guests and one for Mark and Lion John, who were with us after long absences. 

Lion Roy was happy for all the guests we had today and also for having sat next to Lion Tom Link the previous Saturday evening at the Ruth Woods open arms house fundraiser at the country club. 

Lion Tom Link was happy because he was headed to Moro Bay after the meeting today. 

Lion President Tony had a happy $5 for everyone here today. 

Fines

Lion Tom Link was fined for being late.

Lion Betty fined Lion Allen for elbowing her out of the way in the food line.

Lion Elaine fined herself $5 for having to leave early.

Lion Karen also fined herself for having to leave early.

Our club secretary, Lion Steve, was awarded his pin.

Drawings 

The $5 drawing went to Lion Steve. 

Lotto ticket: Lion Allen

The marble drawing went to Lion 1st  Vise District governor Christy Khroll won the drawing but did not win the white marble. 

Our district governor Lion Falguni Patel was our program today. She gave an inspiring speech about moving forward and getting things done as Lions for the communities we serve. 

The whole group at today’s meeting (except photographer Roy) with the district governor Falguni Patel

Lion Pete, who organized the speech contest with Lion Bard, awards our speaker, Eira Rodriquez, with a check for $100

Todays Meeting

Lion President Tony led our monthly evening meeting at Quail Park Shannon Ranch. He called on Lion Rick to lead us in the pledge, Lion Bob Line to lead us in singing God Bless America, and Lion Aaron to do the invocation.

Roar editor Lion Roy was our secret great today and was able to avoid a few members and garner some dollars for the club.

Guests

We had several guests today; Johnathan Ward was with us from the Pride club; our speaker, Eira Rodriquez, her dad Jose and her teacher Susan. Also, with us, Dave Pruit and Nancy Loliva, who were judging our speaker today.

Happy Bucks 

Lion Pete was $2 happy for Judges Dave Pruit and Nancy Loliva

Lion Rick was with us today, and as he noted, it had been a year since he had been able to attend a regular meeting, so he gave $50 happy dollars.

Lion Pat also had $50 happy bucks for Rick being able to attend.

Lion Johnathan from the pride club was happy to see the speaker today.

Lion Brad was happy to be the timer today.

Lion Roy was happy to see the speaker today and was able to relate to her move from the east coast to California when he was young. 

Lion President Tony was $6 happy today, one dollar for each one of our guests.

Lion Pat had a thank you buck for Lion Karen helping out and taking money, as he was a little late getting to the meeting tonight.

Lion Roy had a thank you buck for Lion Betty taking notes for the Roar at last week’s meeting.

Fines

Lion Roy fined Lion Bob Line for making a crack about still working at growing up. It reminds me of the license plate on my wife’s car, “growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.”

Lion Lauri draws for the white marble. 

Our program tonight was our annual Lions student speaker contest. We had only one participant, Eira Rodriquez, from El Diamonte High School. The topic was social media, and she gave a well-thought-out speech about the pros and cons of social in today’s world. Does it bring people together and push them apart? She was keenly aware of how it has helped her keep in touch with family and friends because she had moved to Visalia from the east coast a few years ago, and being on social media platforms allowed her to keep up with what was going on in her hometown. But she also talked about how social media has divided us:  people will say things on those platforms that they would never say face to face.

Being the only contestant, she won the contest and received a check for $100. She will now go on to the district level; we wish her luck.

Drawings 

$5, Lion President Tony’s wife Nancy won and donated it to the Leo club. 

Lotto: Lion Rick: We’ll see if he won back that $50 happy buck. 

Marble: Lion Lauri won the ability to draw, and she came close; it was a whitish marble, but not the winner. 

Lion Bob Line won the chance to draw for the white marble today, but that’s all it was: a chance. 

Guests

Porterville Breakfast club members Jim Chavez, Kathy Chavez, Del Pengilly, Jay Warnke & Mike Gutierrez were with us today.

Announcements 

Lion Allen announced that there were two winners of the Super Bowl pool for the club; Lion Tom Gaebe won one of the quarters, and Lion Karen won two quarters.

Auction Items

Lion Leigh Mosconi had been to Pismo and brought back some chocolate-covered pretzels that Karen won for $10, beating out Craig.

Happy Bucks 

Lion Dee was happy to see the Porterville Breakfast Lions club with us today.

Lion Leigh was happy to give his 10% donation from a lotto ticket he had won previously at the club; what made it especially to give that donation was the fact won one dollar. Now, the club will need to figure out how to put that 10¢ to good use. 

Lion Jamil was happy it was Friday, and Monday is a Holiday, making for a 3-day weekend.

Lion Karen was happy to donate $20 for her 10% winnings in the SB Pool.

Lion Tom Gaebe was happy about his SB Pool winnings.

Lion Pat was happy the quartet he sings with had a successful Valentine’s Day.

Lion Jay Warnke from Porterville was happy he was the oldest in the room at 88.  Lion Bod Line corrected him, letting all know that he was 89. Jay retracted and said the oldest in the Porterville Lions.

Lion Allen was happy his son moved back to the area after being gone for a while.

Lion Craig is happy to be remodeling the 2^nd oldest home in Visalia, it was built in 1872.

Lion President Tony was happy to have the Porterville group with us today and to meet Allen’s son for the first time.

Fines

Lion Allen fined Lion Betty for her comment that Allen’s son’s Mother must be a beautiful woman.

Lion Tom Link fined Lion Betty for leaving her red ticket on the table and not putting it in the drawing until he brought it to her.

Lion Dee fined Lion Tom Link for being on time, thus acting contrary to normal behavior patterns for Tom, and since he had not been fined in a while. As Tom said, for nothing.

Drawings 

Lion Pat won the no-fine badge. 

The Lotto ticket went to Lion Jamil.

The $5 drawing went to a member of the Porterville club, Mike Gutierrez. No mention was made if he donated it. 

A note of thanks to Lion Betty for taking notes and photos at today’s meeting so we could publish the Roar. 

Joel Glick and clients from The Creative Center in Visalia give our program today. 

Todays Meeting

With Lion President Tony presiding, Lion Pat led us in the pledge, Lion Bob Line led us in singing God Bless America, and Lion Pete the invocation. 

Lion Jamil won the no-fine badge today. 

Lion Roy was the secret greater and could only fine Bob and Bob, Lions Bob Line and Bob Bricker, for not shaking my hand. I will need to go back and take the online “making money as the secret greater” course again. 

Todays Program

Today’s guests were also our program; Joel Glick, along with clients Lura, Cortney, Chris, and Wyatt from The Creative Center were our program today. They took the stage early because they had to return early. The center has been in Visalia for 46 years, offering Adult daycare for people with disabilities. They have just recently purchased the property they have been at from the city, and along with that comes responsibilities like making sure the building conforms to ADA standards.  Joel had each of the four clients, Laura, Courtney, Chris, and Wyatt, talk about the center and how it helps them. It was a great program; we all enjoyed having them at the club today.

The Creative Center will have the Rock-N-Roll Brewfest fundraiser on April 15th from 11 AM-4 PM at 410 Race Ave. Visalia. Tickets are $50 each, and each ticket gets a beer. 

Announcements 

Lion Dee announced that the Leo Club at La Sierra academy is having its organizational meeting on Thursday, March 2, at noon at the school (1735 E Houston Ave). Anyone who would like to attend is welcome. 

Lion Pete announced that we have at least one student for the speaker contest that will be held at our monthly evening meeting on February 22 at Quail Park Shannon Ranch. Look for the email Lion Lauri sent out with info about dinner that evening and to RSVP. (they need to know a headcount) 

We discussed having a Murder Mystery Dinner at our board meeting last Wednesday, and at today’s meeting, we asked for a show of hands as to those who would be willing to help with that project. Enough people were interested that it appears that we will be doing one this year, but the info from the Mariott giving details as to costs was not completed. More investigation needs to be done before we get a firm date and give them a deposit. We shall keep you informed.

Lion Steve announced that next week we would have a visitation from the Porterville Breakfast Lions, and also, our speaker will be well know Visalia Historian Terry Ommen. He has spoken at our club many times over the years and is always a good program.

Happy Bucks 

Lion Roy had $5 happy Dollars that Lion Dennis had to give him at the board meeting on Wednesday night because he could be at the board meeting, and it ended early, so he did not have to leave the meeting early.

Lion Roy was happy that he and his wife were going to Laughlin next week.

Lion Jamil had a happy buck for today’s “wonderful program” from the Creative Center.

Lion Allen had a happy buck because Lions Jamil, Colin, and Tom Gaebe were here today.

Lion Tom Link was happy that Joel from the Creative center was here today, he has known him for many years, and he was also happy that he got four pars in his morning golf game.

Lion Bob Line was also happy that Joel was with us today; he has also known him for years and even recommended him for the Creative Center Job.

Lion Pete had a happy buck because his father-in-law, Lion Bob Line, seemingly knew half of everyone in Visalia, and by marrying his wife, Norma Kay, he now knows the other half.

Fines

Lion Dee fined Lion President Tony for getting Lions Tom and Pete mixed up.

Lion Allen fined Lion Dee for not supporting fellow Lions because Dee is always needling Allen about not winning the Lotto every week.

Lion Tom Link fined Lion Bob Line for using marijuana, something to do with a cream Bob is putting on his foot. Lion Bob claimed it was a “derivative” of cannabis. (that’s what I told my mom when I was in college, Bob, it’s a derivative mom, really it is) 

Lion Roy fined himself because he was not going to be at next week’s meeting, and will sadly miss Terry Ommen’s talk. 

     Lion Pete with his happy buck.

Drawings 

The $5 drawing went to Lion Colin, who donated it to the eye foundation.

Lotto ticket: Lion Bob Line

The marble drawing went to LionRoy, who picked a green marble and went home empty-handed.