Visalia Historian Terry Ommen talks to the club about the outlaw Black Bar, who was last sighted at the Visalia House Hotel on February 28, 1888. The Visalia House was at the site of the present-day Bank of America.  

Todays Meeting

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

Today’s only guest, our speaker and honorary member, was Visalia’s Historian, Terry Omman.

The no-fine badge went to Lion Leigh.

Secret greeter: Lion Dee. The only member not to shake his hand was Lion Bob Line.

Announcements

Today’s meeting was the first meeting of June, so we celebrated the birthdays of Lion Dee and Lion Pete.

Board meeting: This Friday, the 13th, 11:00 at Left of Center.

Melinda had $10 because she had won $100 from last week’s Lotto ticket.

June 26th, Installation dinner at the Visalia Country Club.

June 27th and July 4th. We will be dark, and there will be no regular meeting.

Lion Pat has a happy buck. 

Happy Bucks 

Lion Pat was happy that he had arranged to get his insulin needles from another source since the Rite Aid in Woodlake, like all Rite Aid stores, was closing soon.

Lion Roy was happy that his Grandson had graduated with honors from Farmersville Jr. High School, that he had ridden his Goldwing today, and that the Dodgers were still in first place.

Lion Pete was happy that even though he had a birthday this month, his age still starts with a six; he was also happy his grandson had graduated from the 6th grade, and the Giants were still above 500.

Lion Pat was happy his son-in-law did well with his second hernia surgery.

Lion Tom Link was happy he would not be at the club next week. He was going to the coast and would bring back with a bag of saltwater taffy.

Lion Leigh was happy he had a grandson who had just turned three.

Lion Melinda was happy that one grandson had his first haircut and another had just graduated from Texas Tech. Well, I assume that they are two different grandsons.

Lion president elect, Tom Gaebe, was happy that two twin granddaughters graduated from the 8th grade.

Lion Steve was happy that his grandson Tanner was on the Cal Ripken team, which won the championship and received huge rings. Steve had some brusing on his face and there was speculation that he had got in a fight, but he just fell.

Dee’s Trivia

For Lion Tom Link: What is unique about Mooney’s Grove Park? It is the oldest county park in California. Tom answered the end-of-the-trail statue.

For Lion Bob Line: How many students does the Visalia Unified School District serve?  32,000. Bob answered 30,000, so he was close.

For Lion Pete: What year did Visalia get the telegraph? The year was 1869, but Pete was close with 1860.

For Lion Tom Gaebe: What was the first county seat in Tulare County? It was Woodville.

For Lion Leigh: What year was the first million-dollar home sold in Visalia? 1917.

Lion Dee collecting triva dollers. 

Drawings 

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

Lotto ticket: Lion Tom Link. 

The marble drawing went to Lion Bob Line, who picked a nonwhite marble and won nothing but that nonwhite marble.

Lion Melinda won the free add this week. 

Before we get started, on this Memorial Day, let’s take a moment:

“May we never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.” 

Todays Meeting

Lion President Melinda was at the helm of our meeting for the first time in a couple of weeks, as she had been visiting with former club members Carol and Ed Jones in Texas. She thanked  Lion Dee and Lion Pete for standing in for her while she was gone. She then called on Lion Tony to lead us in saluting our flag, Lion Dee to lead us in singing My Country ’tis of Thee, and Lion Bob Line to do the invocation.

No fine badge went to Lion Steve.

Announcements

Friday, May 30th: Our adopted Houston School will be holding its annual attendance assembly. Lion Tom Link and President Melinda will attend. Anyone else who would like to attend will be at the school at 8:00 a.m. that day.

Lion Dee announced that former Lion Vicki Whitehouse is doing well, and we hope she returns to the club soon. We miss you, Miss Vickie.

Lion Allen announced that he had visited former Lion Kent Wooley at Westgate Gardens and had a pleasant visit, but was not sure Kent knew who he was. Keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Our president-elect, Lion Tom Gaebe, announced and took sign-ups for the annual installation dinner, which will be held on June 26th at 6:00 PM at the country club.

June 7th, Lions leadership training will be held at the Visalia Unified school district offices, 5000 W Cypress Ave. See Melinda for more details. 

Lion Tammer Dee collects a happy buck from Lion Pat. 

Auction Items 

Lion Melinda brought back a Magic Towel with a map of Texas from her visit with Ed and Carol Jones.  When you put this small 12″ square in water, it expands and becomes a towel. Lion Pat won it with a $12 bid.

Happy Bucks 

Lion Memlinda had a happy buck and hugs from former club members Lions Carol and Ed Jones, whom she visited in Texas recently. She noted that Lion Ed has lost all his hearing and will soon have Cochlear implants that hopefully restore his hearing. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to send a card wishing him well, their address is:  608 Sea Side Ln., McKinney, TX. 75072

Lion Pat was happy that Lion Pete took care of some paperwork for him. When he was leaving Pete’s office, he ran into an old friend and had a nice conversation.

Lion Pete was happy that his oldest grandson had played three instruments in the school orchestra. He was also happy that he and Claudia celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary last week.

Lion Bob Line was happy that he won $15 in last week’s Lotto and gave $2 to the club.

Lion Tony was happy that, after a couple of other attempts, he and his wife Nacny had finally made it to the Grand Canyon last week.

Lion Dee was $5 happy that we had several girls from San Jaqueen Valley College to speak to us today about dental hygiene.

Lion Pat gave $20 to the SJVC girls.

Lion Tony had $6 from Lion Brad Board, who had to leave early but left the money with Tony.

Lion Melinda was $20 happy to visit with former club members Lions Carol and Ed Jones in Texas.

Lion Roy was happy that the Dodgers were still in first place in the National League West, even after being swept by the Angels.

Fines

Lion Melinda fined Lion Tom Link for calling her Brenda earlier in the meeting. 

Lion Dee draws for the covited white marble but come up empty. 

Dee’s Trivia

This being Memorial Day weekend, Lion Dee came up with questions about the holiday.

To Lion Tom Link: How many federal holidays are there? Tom’s answer of 13 was incorrect; there are 10.

To Lion John: What village in New York is the birthplace of Memorial Day? John was unable to answer the correct town, which is Waterloo.

To Lion Allen: What other day is Memorial Day known as? It’s Decoration Day, but Allen didn’t come up with the answer.

To Lion Tom Link: What war was Memorial Day initially designed to honor? Tom was able to answer WWI correctly.

Lion Tony was asked when the Last Day in May became the official Memorial Day. It was 1971, but Tony did not know that.

To Lion Roy: At what location is a wreath placed in honor of all those who have given their lives for this country on Memorial Day? Roy answered correctly: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

No one could answer the last question: What flower is the official flower of Memorial Day?  It’s the Red Poppie.

Drawings 

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

Lotto ticket: Lion Melinda

Ah, things are good: Lion John wonne the free ad this week.

Speaker Norris Jernigan discusses his experiences in delivering the two atomic bombs on Japan during WWII.

Todays Meeting

Lion Pete was acting president today in Lion Melinda’s absence and decided to shoot from the hip, not selecting people ahead of time but calling on them from the lechrum. Lion Tom Link was called to lead us in saluting the flag, Lion Dee to lead us in singing God Bless America, and Lion Mark to do today’s invocation.

Announcements

Incoming president Lion Tom Gaebe announced that he has scheduled our installation dinner at the Visalia Country Club for Thursday, June 26th.

Lion Dee announced that the Breskfest Lions’ annual car show was last Saturday, the 17th, and six of our Leos helped out at the show. Also, 16 of the Leos will be going to Bearskin Meadows this week to help with the clean-up and get the place ready for the summer.

Lion Dee collects fines. 

Happy Bucks 

Our guest, Norris Jergian, was happy to be anywhere at his age (99 years old, turning 100 when he goes to Israel in early June)

Your roar editor, Lion Roy, was happy to see our guest, Norris, with us today, and he was happy that the Dodgers squeaked out a win the night before against the A’s (a 19- 2 nail-biter)

Lionel Tom Link was happy that Lion Bob Line invited him to have dinner with his family that evening, since his daughter was out of town.

Lion Mark was happy that Lion Pete was standing in for Melinda today and was also happy to have Norris with us.

Lion Pat had $5 to cover everything he could think of.

Lion Bob Line was happy that his four daughters, one of whom is Lion Pete’s wife Claudia, would have their annual concert at his home, Quail Park at Shannon Ranch.

Fines

Only one fine today, and that was Lion Pete, who fined himself for not selecting a secret greeter.

Dee’s Trivia

Lion Dee decided that today’s trivia topic would be WWII.

What was the date of the official singing of the Japanese serender:  September 2, 1045

What was the date of the first Atomic bomb test:  June 16th, 1945

Where did the test take place? The white sands test range in New Mexico is the site called Trinity.

The Plane that dropped the first Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima was named the Enola Gay, who was it named after?  Enola Gay Tibbs, the pilot’s mom.

What date was the Hiroshima bomb dropped?  August 6, 1945.

Our speaker today was Visalia resident Norris Jernigan,
Norris is said to be the last surviving member of the 509th Composite Group that dropped theThe
Atomic Bombs on Japan during WWII.

He was pretty impressive, at 99 years old, he talked fr over 30 minutes without notes.

Drawings 

The $5 drawing went to our guest, Norris who donated it to the Leo Club.

Lotto ticket: Lion Bob Line. 

The marble drawing went to Lion Bob Line, who picked a nonwhite marble, winning nothing but that nonwhite marble.

Lion Colin was floored when he found out he won the free ad. 

Todays Meeting

Lion Dee was our stand-in leader today and called on Lion Leigh to lead us in saluting our flag, Lion Bob Line to lead us in singing God Bless America, and Lion Pete to do the invocation.

Lion Dee then drew for the no-fine badge, which Lion Pete won.

Secret greeter: Lion Steve.

Announcements

With great sadness, the passing of fellow Lion Carri Dilts was announced. She was a long-time Lion who, for many years, traveled with other Lions, including her husband, Lion Bill, to Mexico to build schools.

Lion Tom Link announced that next week’s speaker will be Norris Jernigan, talking about his service during WWII. He was part of the 509th bomb group that dropped the bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end the war.

Lion Tony announced that Lion Aaron has some issues and had to go into the emergency room last week. Keep him and Lion Betty in your thoughts and prayers.

Lion Pat announced that his good friend, Frank Anley, fell off a ladder recently and was recovering.

Lion Colin showing off his orange pants. 

Happy Bucks 

Lion Mark was happy that he had recently installed running boards on his new Ram truck. He said that they made the truck look tough, Ram tough.

President-elect Tom Gaebe had a happy buck because Lion Karen had kept the club’s books up to date and looking good for the tax return that he filed for the club.

Lion Allen actually won some money from last week’s Loto ticket and gave the club 10% (that was $2 fokes)

Roar editor Lion Roy was happy to be back after being away for a couple of weeks, and was also $6 happy because he had recently purchased a Honda Goldwing motorcycle. (one dollar per cylinder)

Lion Leigh was happy because the Special Olympics track and field tournaments, which had 1,300 participants, were finished for the year.  He was also happy for the newly crowned Pope Leo.

Lion Tom Link was happy he had recently visited the Ronald Reagan Library, where the Dead Sea Scrolls were displayed.

Lion Pete was happy that his North Carolina granddaughter was interested in softball. He was also happy that the SF Giants were in third place in the National League West, and doing better than people expected.

Lion Karen was happy that her sister, who has brain cancer, just celebrated her 71st birthday with a party in the country.

Lion Tony noted that he will not attend the club meeting next week as he and his wife, Nancy, will be going to the Grand Canyon. Lion Karen had a story about her and her husband, Lion Rick, riding donkeys down into the canyon when some little snot-nosed kid scared the donkey Rick was on, and it started bucking.

Fines

In the biggest surprise of the day, Lion Tom Link was fined for being late. 

Lion Allen was upset because he had to pay $20 for a can of coffee. 

Lion Bob Line won the right to draw for the white marble but came up w/o it. 

Dee’s Trivia

Lion Pete stood in for Lion Dee today and had the following questions about the Visalia Fox Theatre. (Today’s speaker had to cancel, but was going to talk about the Fox)

For Lion Tom Gaebe: When did the fox open? Tom’s answer was close, but a few years off, as the Fox opened its doors in 1930.

For Lion Mark: What did the Fox cost to build in 1930? $225,000 was the answer. (Mark was about a hundred thousand too much.)

For Lion Tom Link: What was shown on Opening night at the Fox? A Mickey Mouse cartoon, A Laurel and Hardy comedy, a newsreel, and a Talking Western.

For Lion Bob Line: What was Visalia’s population in 1930?  The answer was 7,000.

For Lion Pat: What is the design theme of the fox: Temples in India and Asia.

Drawings 

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

Lotto ticket: Lion Tom Gaebe

The marble drawing went to Lion Bob Line, who picked a nonwhite marble, winning nothing but that nonwhite marble.

Lion Pat won the free add. (thankfully) 

Todays Meeting

Lion President Melinda led our meeting today, calling on Lion Karen to lead us in the flag salute, Lion Bob Line to lead us in singing My Country ’tis of Thee and Lion De to do the invocation.

No fine badge went to Lion John.

Announcements

Lion Melinda shared a text she received from Lion Betty, which gave details about Lion Aaron’s health. He has some kidney problems, but things are looking up: doctors have his kidney function up to 60-65%, but he still has to go to dialysis every Friday. Lion Betty is also doing better with her heart issues. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them, and we hope that they get well and are back at the club soon.

Lion Pat had a paid announcement about his and Dee’s barbershop group’s annual show on April 26th. More information is available here. 

Lion Allen announced that two vision screenings are coming up, one on April 24th and one on the 29th. Sign-ups were passed around.

Lion Tom Link announced that he had lunch last week with former Lion Bill Munce, and he was doing well after several health issues over the previous few years. 

Final reading of the slate of officers for 2025-2026: Lion Tony did the third and final reading of the new officers for the club for the 2025-2026 year that begins on July 1st. No one objected, and no one wanted to add their name to the ring, so it’s official:

Visalia Host Lions Officers for the 2025-2026 year.

President: Lion Tom Gaebe

1st Vice President: Lion Colin

Immediate past president: Lion Melinda

Secretary: Lion Melinda

Treasure: Lion Karen

One-year directors: Lion Tom Link and Lion Leigh Musconi

Two-year directors: Lion Roy Dressel and Lion Allen Ventling

Tail twister: Lion Roy

Head greeter: Lion Tony

Head Lion Tamer: Lion Dee

Lion Tony reads the slate of next years officers.

Auction Items

Lion Tom Link had visited the coast and, as expected, brought back a bag of Salt Water Taffy, which he auctioned off to Lion Karen for $5. Additionally, he had a bag of caramel corn that went to Roar editor Lion Roy for $10.

Lion Allen had a Hawaiian shirt that was sold to Lion Pat for $20. (Once again, no free Hawaiian shirt for Lion Bob Line. When will this slight end?)

Happy Bucks 

Lion Dee was happy that his visiting brother got to see his granddaughters play, Sharet’s Web. He was also excited to be performing in his 41st barbershop show on the 26th.

Lion John had $20 in Happy Bucks because he hadn’t been to a meeting in a while. He was also happy that his wife’s cancer was gone.

Lion Leigh was happy that he had completed 3/4 of the Special Olympics Track and Field season.

Lion Allen was happy that he had a lovely trip with his sons to Hawaii. he also noted that 250 years ago, Paul Revere had made his famous ride.

Lion Mark was happy to see Lions John and Pat with us today.

Fines

Lion Pat had a $5 preventive fine. 

Lion Dee fined Lion Allen for what he said was a denial about stealing the gavel before he left for Hawaii, a claim that Lion Allen vehemently denied. 

Lion Melinda fined Lion Tom Link for being late. 

Lion Dee’s Weekly Trivia

For Lion Bob Line, who has the most hits of any player in major league baseball, Bob said Willy Mays, the answer was Pete Rose at 4,256 

Lion Tony: What year was the first World Series played?  1903 was the answer. 

Lion Pat: Who was the first MLB player to have his number retired? Answer, Lou Gehrig. 

Lion Mark: What team has the most World Series wins?  Mark answered correctly as the New York Yankees. 

Lion Leigh: What is the distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate? Leigh got close with a guess of 60′, it’s 60’6″

Lion Roy: What year did Jackie Robinson break into the majors with the Brooklyn Dodgers? Roy’s guess of 1948 was close; it was 1947. 

The Gavel Travel: Staring Lion Allen

Lion Allen’s recent visit to Hawaii brought us back some interesting photos of what has been dubbed the Gavel Travels. 

And now, Allen on the beach with the gavel.

Drawings 

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

Lotto ticket: Lion Tony

The marble drawing went to Lion Mark, who picked a yellow marble, winning nothing but that yellow marble.

Lion Mark won the free add.