Todays Meeting

Lion President Tom once again led our meeting today and called on Lion Tony to lead the flag salute, Lion Pat to lead us in singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”, and Lion Tom Link to do the invocation. Lion Tony announced that our only guest today was Griffin from the Rawhide. He was also our speaker. 

Lion Allen won the No Fine Badge today.

Announcements

Lion Melinda announced the fundraising ideas that came up during the board meeting held before the regular meeting. 

 Lion Dee came up with this idea to get the local high school bands to perform in one of the local parks. We could charge $5 admission, have food trucks, and even have a duck race, where ducks are released into a pond or a small creek. Somebody sponsors the ducks, and they bet on who will win. 

We talked about having a food booth at the downtown car show next year. 

Lion Dee also talked about an idea involving pets and an event like the Dog Daze of summer that was put on by the SPCA several years ago. Bring in pet owners, have them dress up, and have a contest of the best-looking pet, the ugliest pet, etc. The pet that bites the most  –no, no, that’s not a good contest. 

One of the things that got set aside was Mulligan’s golf. We had talked about hosting a golf tournament at Mulligan’s on Main Street, which is a virtual golf course, but we concluded we could not make any money on it. The location wanted $2000 to rent it, and we didn’t feel that we could charge enough or have enough people to make a profit. 

Lion Dee also noted that we have decided to have a rawhide night at the baseball park, and he would set that up. The cost to go to that event would be $22. The date will be Thursday, June 11th. 

Lion Melinda did the last reading of the 26-27 officers, and it was now official.

Lion Bob with a happy buck. 

Happy Bucks 

– Bob was happy that his grandson, Andrew Riddle, played for LD.

– Lion Roy was happy that he was able to ride his motorcycle to the club meeting today, and was also happy that it was motorcycle awareness month, so signs on the freeway were noting “look twice for motorcycles”. Roy thought that was a good idea since he didn’t want to get hit.

– Lion D was happy that the San Francisco Giants pulled out a split in the series against the Dodgers. They won two games; the Dodgers won two, so no one had bragging rights.

– Lion Melinda was happy that her daughter had won the Woodlake Rodeo Queen, and Lion Melinda won $900 in a raffle at the Woodlake Rodeo, and donated $800 of it to help purchase chaps for the girls.

– Lion Allen was happy that he had spent some time in Southern California near the beach with his kids the past week. Though he said he traded the heat of the valley for the cold of the ocean.

Drawings 

Drawings:

– The $5 drawing today went to Lion Tom, who gave it to the Leo Club.

– Lion Tony won the lotto tickets today. We’ll see if he won the big bucks.

– The marble drawing went to Lion Tom Link, though he did not draw the white marble, and he went home with nothing. 

Thanks to Lion Mark for taking notes for the Roar today. 

Lion Steve said Go Dodgers,
(They sure did. Weekend series: Dodgers 31, Angels 3)

Our speaker today, Jill Caviezel, talks about the Valley Center for the Blind. 

Todays Meeting

Lion president Tom led our meeting today and called on Lion Tony to lead us in the pledge, Lion Dee to lead us in singing “God Bless America and Lion Bob Line to do the invocation. Lion Tony introduced our guests today, Joe Johnson and his wife, Jill Caviezel, who provided information about the Valley Center for the Blind. 

Announcements

Lion Pat announced that the Valley Life Charter School would present “The Music Man” this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and he encouraged all to attend.

Lion Bob Line announced that the rumors of his demise were greatly exaggerated.  He is alive and well. Apparently, someone thought that Bob Line had passed away and mentioned it on social media.

Lion Melinda read, for the second time, the Slate of Officers for the 26-27 year.

Lion Melinda was also the secret greeter today and had several people who did not shake her hand and earned the club some much-needed funds.

Our speaker today was Jill, from Valley Center for the Blind.

Happy Bucks 

Lion Melinda was happy because her granddaughter was crowned the Woodlake Rodeo Queen, but she was also sad because, on the same day her granddaughter found out she was going to be Rodeo Queen, her horse had to be put down.

Pat was happy because he knew where to get some horses for about half price.

Lion Allen was happy because he was going to Redondo Beach for a week to escape the valley heat.

Lion Brad was happy that his carpal tunnel surgery had gone well, and he was already healing, but he thought playing handball was not in the cards for a few days. 

Lion Karen was happy to see today’s speaker, Jill, with us today. 

Lyon Roy was happy because the Dodgers had won the Astros 12-2 the night before.

Lyon President Tom was happy because he had figured out how to set his plug-in hybrid to run solely on battery power to save him lots of money.

Fines

 Lyon President Tom fined Lyon Tom Link for attacking the goose on the golf game a couple of weeks ago, and Lyon Dee was going to report him to PETA.

Lyon Tom Gaebe fined Lyon Tom Link for being late.

Lyon Allen fined Lyon Brad for taking six weeks to get back to his son, Travis, with a quote for his insurance.

Lyon D also fined Lyon Brad because State Farm are crooks.

Lions Steve, Melinda, and Brad were all fined for not wearing their badges.

Trivia

Which president made Mother’s Day an official holiday? It was Woodrow Wilson.

What baby was the heaviest baby ever born?  Don’t know his name, but he was 22 pounds 8 oz. Ouch.

What animal is pregnant the longest?  That would be the elephant: two years.

Drawings 

The $5 drawing went to Lion D, who surprisingly gave it to the Leo Club.

Lotto tickets went to Lion Bob Line.

Marble drawing went to Karen, who was able to draw for the white marble, but did not pick that white marble, thus winning nothing.

Lion Tom won the free ad. 

Li0n Melinda announces the slate of officers for the 2026-2027 year. 

Todays Meeting

Lion President Tom led our meeting today and called on Lion Dee to sing “God Bless America.” He also called on Lion Rick to do the Pledge, and Lion Mark did the invocation. We drew for the no-fine badge, and Lucky Lion Steve won.

Today’s secret greeter was Pat Harrison: Tom Link, and Bob Line did not shake his hand 

Announcements

Lion Melinda announced that she was going over the members’ list to ensure it was accurate and passed it around for members to update their contact information. If your contact info has changed, just reply to the email where the Roar is sent from, and the changes will be made. 

Lion Melinda also announced that this past Wednesday, there was a past president’s meeting at Mountain Mike’s Pizza on Mooney, and new officers for the 26-27 year were proposed.

– President: Lion Colin Franey

– Past President: Lion Tom Gaby

– First Vice President: Lion Roy Dressel

 – Secretary: Lion Melinda Blankenship.

– Treasurer: Lion Karen McVey.

– Tail Twister will be Lion Dee Baughman.

– Lion Tamer will be Lion Amy Comi.

– Two-year directors: Lions Mark and Geoff.

– One-year directors: Lions Roy and Allen.

– Past president directors: Lions Tony and Pat.

Lyon Allen announced that a vision screening was held at Goshen Elementary School last Friday. Thirty-six kids were screened, and six were referred for having their eyes examined 

Auction items

There were no actual auction items today, but Lion Rick gave $10 because he had gone fishing at Mammoth Lakes, caught several large fish, but did not bring anything back to auction off. 

Lion Melinda announces the slate of officers for next year.

Happy Bucks 

– Lion Amy was happy that her parents had celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary this past week.

– Tom Link was happy that he survived an altercation with a goose at the Exeter golf course. He fell over backward, and the goose ended up on top of them. Lion Tom was thinking of suing the goose, but he found out the goose had no assets. 

– Lion Roy was happy to be back after three weeks of photo shoots. He was also happy to have ridden his motorcycle today.

– Lion Mark was happy that he talked to his daughters, and was happy that his son-in-law had run a half-marathon.

– Both Dee and Pat were happy to have had a great barbershop show this past week.

– Lion Pat was also $20 happy that Valley Life Charter was doing The Music Man. Those kids were in their barbershop show and did an excellent job.

– Lion Roy was also happy that Lion Rick had volunteered to take notes for The Roar this week. Thanks, Rick.

– Lion Karen fined Rick $5 (but paid that fine for him) because Rick had gone fishing for a few days, and she was stuck at home babysitting.

– Lion Pete was $20 happy because he was headed to his house in North Carolina for three weeks. He was going to do some work and watch his grandkids playing baseball.

– Lion Pat was also happy that Lion Amy had brought a friend to the barbershop show.

Dee’s Trivia

-Dee called on Lion Rick and asked him what presidents had died in the White House in the actual house itself. Rick did not know that the two who had died were William Henry Harrison and Zackery Taylor. 

– Dee then called on Tom Link and asked him who the first president to meet the Pope was. Tom did not know that it was Woodrow Wilson.

– Dee asked Pete what state capitals were named after presidents. How many state capitals were named after presidents? Pete’s guess was incorrect. It was four. Jackson, Mississippi, is named for Andrew Jackson (the 7th president) Jefferson City, Missouri: Named for Thomas Jefferson (3rd president) Lincoln, Nebraska: Named for Abraham Lincoln (16th president) Madison, Wisconsin: Named for James Madison (4th president)

Drawings 

– Lion Dee won the lotto tickets today.

Lion Tom Link won the $5 and gave it to the Leo Club.

– Lion Steve once again won the right to draw for the marble, but he picked a marble that was very close to white; very close is still not a winner.

– Today’s program: Today’s program featured Miss Tulare County, Elliana Hendrickson, and Miss Tulare County teen Jocelyn Sanderberger. Michelle French headed the group, and the girls talked about stuff.

Drawings 

– Lion Dee won the lotto tickets today.

Lion Tom Link won the $5 and gave it to the Leo Club.

– The free ad went to Lion Amy, and she wanted to advertise The Music Man at Valley Life Church.

– Lion Steve once again won the right to draw for the marble, but he picked a marble that was very close to white; very close is still not a winner.

– Today’s program: Today’s program featured Miss Tulare County, Elena Hernandez, and Miss Tulare County teen Jacqueline Schneider. Michelle French is the executive director of the group. 

Jacqueline Schneider, Miss Tulare County Teen

Lion Amy won the free ad today.

Todays Meeting

Lion President Tom led today’s meeting and called on Lion Pete to lead us in saluting our flag, Lion Bob Line to lead us in singing “God Bless America,” and Lion Dee to deliver the invocation.

Lion Dee won the no fine badge today.

Lion Tony announced Reggie Ellis from the Sun Gazette, who was also our speaker.

Lion Karen was our secret greeter today, and she noted that while Lion president Tom had asked her to be the secret greeter, he did not shake her hand, along with several other club members, so she did a great job on avoiding people.

Announcements

Lion President Tom announced that we have a date for our 100th-anniversary party.  July 18th at The Hyde (formerly the Lampe Liter). This was approved by the board at the end of the meeting, and we have lined up local historian Terry Oman for that evening.

Lion Dee going over trivia today. 

Happy Bucks 

Lion Karen had a happy buck because she had been in Arizona to watch some spring training games and didn’t bring anything back, so she gave $20.

Lion Dee was happy to get to play golf this past Monday in Exeter for the first time in a long time. He didn’t do well on the first two holes, but he settled down a little after that, and the rest of the course went well.

Lion Pete was happy to get home earlier in the week after finding out that his truck’s right-front tire was down to 13 PSI. Turns out he had a bolt in it, and he was happy because the tire shop was able to fix it, and he didn’t have to buy a new tire.

Lion Geoff was happy that, in a crowded field, he got a promotion at work.

Lion Link was happy to have played well last week in a tournament hosted by the cemetery district, and while his team did not win, he played with a scratch golfer who made par on almost every hole. He put $10 in because he missed last week’s meeting because of that golf outing.

Lion Roy was happy that the Dodgers won their first game and that it took only one game for the Giants to lose their undefeated record.

Lion Steve needed change, but didn’t realize why he needed it.

Fines

 Lion Tony fined himself because he had to leave early. 

Lion Link was fined for playing on his phone earlier in the meeting. 

Dee’s Trivia

For Lion Allen: What happened in Visalia on January 9th, 1857? His answer- a No Kings Rally was not correct; it was an earthquake.

For Elaine: What took place in Visalia in 1857: she was not able to answer correctly; it was the construction of Tulare County’s first Courthouse, School, and cemetery.

Lion Bob: In 1859, what was established? Lion President Tom quickly shouted out an answer, but his name is not Bob, so he had to pay a dollar. However, his Answer was correct, the first Newspaper was printed, known just as The Delta.

For Lion Roy: What was the highest temperature ever recorded, and what year? My guess of 117 and the year of 1913 was incorrect; the answer was  115 in three different years, none of which was 1913.

For Lion Pete: What was Visalia’s coldest temp and what year? His guess was 9 degrees and 1960. It was 15 degrees in 1913.

For Lion Betty: Greatest snowfall and when:  Her guess of 2 inches was correct, but her date was off; she said 1954 was not correct. Lion Roy came up with the specific date, January 26, 1999.

Drawings 

$5 drawing went to Lion Allen, who gave it to Lions Eye.

The Lotto tickets went to the Lion Roy, who forgot to take the ticket home.

The Marble went to Lion Betty; that’s a three-pete for her. But this week she won no money.

Our program today was Reggie Ellis, from the Sun Gazette newspaper.

Lion President Tom Won The Free Ad. 

Lion President Tom presents Lion Alvin with his new member paperwork and badge. 

Todays Meeting

Lion President Tom called on Lion Leigh to lead us in saluting the flag, Lion Dee to lead us in song, and Lion Bob to do the invocation.

Lion Tony introduced our guest today, Fabian Cisneros from FHCN, who was our speaker and drew the no-fine badge ticket; the badge recipient was Lion Tony.

Lion Alvin was the secret greeter and did a great job on his first time doing it. 

Announcements

Lion President Tom presented new Lion Alvin with his badge and paperwork for his new membership.

Lion Bob thanked the club for the nice sympathy card sent for the passing of his wife, Norma Kay. Her memorial will be on Monday, March 30th (her birthday) at The Presbyterian Church at 2:00.

Lion Alvin announced that the Valley Center for the Blind, where he works, was having their annual Beeper Egg Hunt the next day, Saturday the 21st.

Lion President Tom announced that the Board meeting that took place just before our regular meeting, and topics of discussion were where and when to have our club’s 100th anniversary party this summer, and some ideas for fundraisers, including a Pizza night at the Planning Mill Mall, where 25% of the proceeds from people who ID as coming for the Lions event would go to the club, and also a unique golf tournement, a simulated golf game at Mulligans Sports Bar & Golf Club, located in the old Visalia Plasyhouse Theater on Main St. 

Fabian M. Cisneros from Family Health Care Network

Happy Bucks 

Lion Betty was happy she won the marble drawing last week and gave the club 10%.

Lion Roy was happy to celebrate his 15th wedding anniversary on Thursday.

Lion Leigh was happy that last Saturday, he took his Special Olympics Basketball team to Fresno for a tournament, and they won several games.

Lion Pete was happy that spring training was almost over and the Giants were still undefeated in the regular season.

Lion Allen was happy that Fabian was here to talk to us today and noted that on April 23, we have a vision screening at Goshen Elementary School from 3:00-5:00, which is part of a health fair hosted by Family Health Care Network, where Fabian works. Lion Allen was also happy that baseball season was about to start.

Lion Brad was happy it’s been so warm outside, getting us used to the summer heat that will be here soon.

Lion Dee called out Lion Roy for not hearing him calling him with a happy buck; he was later fined for his instance. He did have a happy buck because he recently went to his two-year-old grandson’s birthday party and was amazed by the kid’s ability to tear into packages.

Lion Tom was happy that his new muscle car (a 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner) got a clean bill of health from the state. 

Fines

Lion Brad fined himself for having to leave early.

Lion Bob fined Lion Brad for insurance companies that are charging such high prices for freighters going through the Strait of Hormuz. Lion Brasd did say he wished he had the premiums for that insurance, but maybe not the payouts. 

Trivia

For Lion Roy, what is the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet? Roy had no idea, saying he didn’t even like Greek food, much less letters of the alphabet (do they have Greek alphabet soup?)  Lion Steve came to the rescue with the answer:  Delta.

For Lion Allen: How many dots on a pair of dice? He answered correctly:  42.

Drawings 

$5 drawing went to Lion Betty, who gave it to the Leos.

Lotto went to Lion Tony.

Marble drawing: Went to Lion Betty again this week, but, unlike the Dodgers in 2025,  she did not go back-to-back.  She picked a green marble.

Lion Bob says,  Go, Oaks.

Todays Meeting

Lion president Tom led the meeting, and after the flag salute, we sang the springtime song “Take Me Out to the Ball Game,” and Lion Link delivered the invocation.

The no-fine badge went to Lion Link today, but it was not worth much, as President Tom made an executive decision not to impose any fines due to the high cost of Gas.

Announcements

We had two guests today: our district’s Central Region chair, Lion John Ward, and our speaker, Wes Rowland of Cruise Experts.

Lion John Ward announced that the Zone student speaker contest was held last Monday, the 9th, and our girl, who won our club’s contest, was not the winner, a shock to many of us, including Lion Melinda, who was in attendance. The next contest will be the region contest on March 23rd at St. Paul’s church, at 5:30. If you show up, Lion John may just put you to work. Lion Melinda noted that he doesn’t even ask; he just hands the stuff to you.

Lion Allen noted that last Saturday, we had a vision screening at the TCOE office, where they screened 60 kids and referred 8 for further testing. Thanks to Allen for arranging this event, and to Lions Rick, Tom Link, Roy, and Geoff for helping out. Also, thanks to Lion John Ward and Visalia Pride for letting us use the vision screening machine.

Lion Tony announced that several items from past golf tournaments and the murder mystery dinner that were in our storage were on a back table; members could have them if they wanted. We will assume they will be at the next few meetings. 

Our guest speaker today, Wes Rowland from Cruise Experts

Happy Bucks 

 Lion Pete put in a happy $10; he was happy to be back from North Carolina. 

Lion Dee was happy to celebrate Lion Links 86th birthday and treated him to a birthday lunch at Colimas, and spared no expense, anything he wanted on the menu he could have: of course, Colimas paid for it, so Dee was only out the money he left as a tip. 

Lion President Tom noted that Lion Link should be happy because his cell phone went off and he had the No Fine badge. 

Lion Betty was happy because Lion Aaron is doing very well in his heart recovery. 

Lion Roy was happy he got to ride his Goldwing to the meeting today, a great day for a motorcycle ride, even if it was just down Highway 99. 

Lion Allen was happy that Lion John was here today. He also passed along a happy buck from his son, Travis, for Lion Brad, because his car insurance went down in price. 

Lion president Tom was happy to hear that Lion Aaron was doing so well, that his first tax deadline was on Monday, and that he would meet it. 

Fines

No fines today, by executive order.

Trivia

For Lion Pete, which US state borders only one other state? His answer of Maine was correct.

For Lion Brad: In 2015, which country started thanking people after they donated blood via text message? His answer, “Portugal,” was wrong; the correct answer was “Sweden.”

For Amy: What color are the arches at the McDonald’s in Sedona, Arizona? She answered Red, and that was wrong; they are turquoise.

For Lion Leigh: What is the driest place on Earth? His answer of Death Valley was wrong; it is Antarctica.

For Lion Tony: What is the only US State that doesn’t have a flag that is a rectangle? His guess of Hawaii was wrong; it’s Ohio.

Lion John: Of the cities in California, with a population of more than 500,000, the northernmost?  He guessed Sacramento was correct.

For Lion President Tom: What is the northernmost National Park? He didn’t know; it’s the Gates of the Arctic.

Drawings 

 $5 Drawing went to Lion L:eign who gave it to the Leos. 

Free Add: Lion Steve Dodgers

Lotto: Went to Lion Steve also. 

Marble: $49 went to Lion Betty, who picked the white marble. 

Lion Steve won the free ad this week. 

Lions members listen to President Tom. 

Todays Meeting

Lion President Tom led the meeting today and called on Lion Melinda to lead us in saluting our flag, Lion Pat to lead us in singing “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” and Lion Dee to deliver the invocation. We then drew for the no-fine badge, and, with great luck, it went to Lion Roy.

Our secret greeter was Lion Amy: only Lion Brad did not shake her hand. 

Announcements

Lion Melinda announced that the next rung of the student speaker contest at St. Paul’s church in Visalia will be on Monday, the 9th. The girl who won at our club has a very good chance of winning this one, as she was just so good. Also, in two weeks, Lion Melinda will attend the district meeting on Saturday, March 14th, in McFarland. Melinda will be leaving Visalia at 6:15, and anyone who would like to join her is welcome.

Last Saturday was the eye screening at the TCOE main offices on Mooney in Visalia. Lion Allen arranged it, and Lions Rick, Geoff, and Roy helped out. We screened 60 kids, and only 8 of them were referred for further testing.

On a sad note, Lion Tom Link announced that Lion Bob Line’s wife, Norma Kay, passed away on Friday and that her service will be held on March 30th at 2:00 at the Presbyterian church.

Lion Dee announced that the Leo Club will be our guests next week and asked everyone to attend.

Lion President Tom announced birthdays for March, Lion Mark, and Lion Steve. Only Steve was in attendance, and we sang happy birthday to him. 

Lola Hale of Diamond Cheer and Dance was our speaker today. 

Happy Bucks 

Lion President Tom was happy that when he sold his mother’s 2005 Cadillac, he found his Lions Badge when cleaning it out. He was also happy that Lion Colin was with us today.

Lion Pat was happy to see Charlie today. Actually, Charlie is a Road Runner.

Lion Karen was $5 happy because she will be in Arizona for the next two weeks watching some Spring Training games.

Lion Pat had another happy buck because we won’t have to hear about Lion Karen going to Arizona anymore.

Lion Geoff was also happy to be going to Arizona for Spring training.

Lion Brad had a happy buck because on February 13th, his daughter enjoyed Lon Pat singing at Redwood High School, even though she had to watch a video of it because when they came in to sing, the school was on lockdown. 

Fines

Lion Dee was concerned that those who were celebrating Lent did not eat lunch and only paid $5, which cost the club money.  He also fined Lion Link for stealing the water from Dee’s table and not bringing it back. Lion Roy paid his fine because his table was the beneficiary of Lion Links work. 

Lion president Tom fined Lion Brad for being late, and Lion Link for being on the front page of the Visalia Times-Delta this past week, where he was photographed at the TCOE groundbreaking at the new buildings being built behind the main office on Mooney Blvd.  Lion President Tom had one more fine for those who did not have their badge on. Lion Dee noted that officers needed to pay a fine because Lion Amy had not yet received her badge.

Trivia

For Lion Brad: What’s the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world? His answer, Jersulisum, was wrong; it’s Jericho.

For Lion Leigh: What’s the only US state that ends with three consecutive vowels? His answer was wrong; Lion Allen correctly identified it as Hawaii.

For Lion Amy: What is the most popular street name in the US? Her answer of Main St. was wrong; it’s 2nd Street.

Drawings 

$5 Drawing went to Lion Karen, who gave it to the Leo Club.

The Lotto Tickets went to Lion Dee

Marble drawing went to Lion Pat, who did not draw the coveted white marble.

Lion Geoff won the free ad today.

Todays Meeting

Lion President Tom led the meeting today and called on Lion Steve to lead us in saluting the flag, Lion Pat to lead us in singing “America the Beautiful,” and Lion Dee to do the invocation. Lion Tony announced our guest, George Watson, from the Central Valley Compassion Coalition, as our speaker.

Our guest, George Watson, drew the no-fine badge, drawing Lion Amy’s ticket. Lion Amy was then ushered to the front, so we could officially induct her into the club. Her sponsor, Lion Dee, was with her, and Lion President Tom did the ceremony.

Lion Karen was our secret greeter today, and the club made a good deal of money, though some grumbling was heard from more than one of us that we had shaken her hand.

Announcements

Lion Melinda announced that she had a whole bunch of thank-you notes from those to whom our club has recently donated, and she passed them around for everyone to read. Also, an announcement about the next eye screening scheduled for Saturday, March 7th, at the Tulare County Office of Education on Mooney Blvd. The event takes place from 10 AM to 2 PM and is part of the annual STEAM event.

Lion Dee announced that Lion Tom Link was recovering from a bout of pneumonia, which kept him in the hospital for a couple of days, but he is home and doing well.

Auction items

Auction item from Lion Karen: English toffee. It went to Lion Melinda, who stated that whoever had the highest bid would add $1 to it; it ended up being $10.

Lion Dee giving info about Lion Tom Link

Lion Amy is being officially inducted into the club. 

Happy Bucks 

Lion Amy was happy for the lovely induction ceremony and happy to be part of the group; she was also happy for her dad’s 85th birthday.

Lion Dee was happy to have Lion Amy with us.

Lion Karen was happy to have won the lotto tickets last week. She won $10 and gave 10% to the club. She was also happy to have Lion Amy in the club and happy that Lion Alvin was able to be with us this week.

Lion Melinda was happy to have Lion Amy with us and was always happy to have another lady in the club. She was also happy to have helped Lion Roy photograph the Special Olympics Basketball teams last Sunday in Tulare. It was one of the neatest experiences she has ever had.

Lion Geoff was happy that the Dodgers were in spring training and that he had a second interview for a promotion at work.

Lion Roy was happy to have photographed the Special Olympics last Sunday and to have gone on a motorcycle ride to Highway 198 west of Coalinga on Tuesday.

Lion president Tom was happy that Tax season was here, and happy to have Lion Amy with us.

Fines

Lion Pat had $5 to cover Lion Tom’s fine.

Trivia

For Lion Amy: What was the first US colony? She answered Ronaoke, which was wrong; it was Jamestown, VA.

Lion Rick: Who were the only two non-presidents to appear on us paper money? Rick got 50% with Alexander Hamilton, but couldn’t get the second, Benjerman Franklyn.

Lion Leigh: If someone asked for your “John Hancock,” what are they referring to? He correctly answered, your signature.

Lion Allen: When did the US officially get involved in WWI? His answer was 1918, which was wrong; Lion Alvin’s answer of 1921 was also wrong. The correct answer was 1917.

Lion Geoff: Who was the king of England was it during the American Revolution? He correctly answered King George III.

Lion Tony: True or False: Apply Pie was invented in the USA. He correctly answered False, but didn’t know where. After several answers, Lion Roy was correct with England.

Drawings 

$5 drawing went to Lion Tony, who gave it to the Eye Foundation.

Free Ad went to the Lion Geoff.

Lotto tickets went to Lion Leigh, who drew his own ticket.

The marble drawing went to Lion Pat, who drew a yellow marble and won nothing.

Lion Geoff won the free ad.

Lion Pete, who was in charge of the Student Speaker contest, outlined the rules. 

Todays Meeting

Lion president Tom began the meeting with a warning to be careful because it was Friday the 13th, adding that he had already lost his keys. He also cautioned us that, if we watch the Winter Olympics, we should not attempt any of the athletes’ actions in our living rooms. (No details were provided)

He asked Lion Betty to lead us in saluting the flag, Lion Pat to lead us in singing “America the Beautiful,” and Lion Bob to deliver the invocation before turning the meeting over to Lion Pete, who was in charge of the Student Speaker Contest. He read the contest rules and turned the lechurm over to contestant #1.

Three speakers addressed student mental health. All were good, with the winner, a girl from Redwood High School, being exceptional. We all agreed that this was one of the best contests we had seen in many years.

After the contest, we had lunch before continuing the meeting.

Lion Bob drew his own name and won the no fine badge.

The secret greeter was Lion Roy, who collected several dollars as he was not Mr. Big Popular.

Announcements

Lion president Tom thanked everyone who worked at the Super Bowl party at the Navigation Center the previous Sunday: Lions Melinda, Tony (his wife, Nancy), President Tom (his girlfriend, Mary Lue), and Amy.  Nancy, Lion Tony’s wife, is on the Board at C-Set, which operates the Navigation center, and also wanted to thank us. She noted that while attendance was lower than hoped, those who attended were very grateful for our presence.

Lion Allen announced the Super Bowl pool winners: Lion Melinda (first quarter), Lion Tom Gaebe (half time), Lion Allen (third quarter), and Lion Brad won the game’s final score. 

Happy birthday was sung to Lion Leigh, who was the only member present with a February birthday.

Auction items

Lion Leigh had a package of chocolates from his recent trip to Pismo, which he auctioned off to Lion Melinda for $20.

Lion Pete reads the rules of the speech contest.

Happy Bucks 

Lion Karen was happy to have won the first-quarter Visalia Prides Super Bowl Pool ($250) and gave us 10% ($25).

Lion Pat was pleased that his grandson (whom he is sponsoring with a personal trainer) and the football team he is on were able pick up the cheerleading squad, whereas the track team could not.

Lion President Tom had a happy buck for the work Lions Pete and Melinda had done for the speech contest.

Lion Bob won the Marble drawing last week and gave 10% ($13) to the club. 

Lion Roy was glad he did not take part in the football pool at Leo Costa’s gym. It was $100 per square, and the square he thought he would pick did not win.

Lion Mark had a happy buck for Pete, who did a great job leading the speech contest, plus a happy $5 for everyone who was here today.

Lion Tom Link was happy he was off to Moro Bay after our meeting.

Lion Pete had noted that Lion Tom Link had moved out of his neighborhood, and the IQ of the neighborhood had diminished substantially because of that. He also had $5 because he was going to his home in North Carolina for the next month. Lion Melinda asked what Lion Pete would do about the large amount of Halloween candy that is given out each year, now that Lion Tom was gone.

Lion Pat noted that neither Lion Bard nor Lion Dee was here because both were at a singing Valentine’s Day card that Dee was delivering to Lion Brad’s daughter at Redwood High School.

Lion Tom Link was pleased that time at his townhouse in Moro Bay was donated at the Christmas Tree Auction to C-Set, and that the auction raised a lot of money.

Lion Allen was happy that one of our guests for the speech contest remembered him from twenty-five years ago.

Fines

Lion president Tom noted that last week he absolved Lion Mark of a late fine, but this week there would be no absolution. Lion Mark was able to talk his way into the meeting during the speech contest, so he was fined.

Drawings 

The $5 drawing went to Lion Bob, who had hoped to keep the money, but then relented and gave it to the Eye Foundation.

Lion Pat won the drawing for the Lotto ticket. 

The marble drawing was won by Lion Allen, and he drew something other than the white marble.

Lion Pat won the free ad today and says go Eagles.