Brandon Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
The Brandon Lions Club met in a regular session on September 18, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, Brandon, South Dakota.

The speaker was Richard Crawford. He spoke about his life of being blind from age ten. He graduated from Wartburg College with a degree in business administration and education. Crawford was the Director of the Community Action for three years and spent 41 years in the investment business with Crawford, Holzrichter & Morrison, a private wealth management group in Sioux City, Iowa. He was never unemployed his entire life. He is married with one daughter, two sons and two grandchildren.

The brochures were discussed and distributed.

It was reported that Marmen Energy and Veterans Cemetery have agreed to be a speaker at the 2026 District Forum.

Annual Convention will be held on October 3rd & 4th in Watertown, SD. Two Lions will be attending the and were designated to be our voting delegation.

The District 5SE Cabinet met on September 6, 2025, The Cabinet agreed to apply for a grant to purchase a common popup banner for every club in the District.

Aluminum Can Project:
It was reported that on September 3, 2025 the Club sold 418 pounds of cans to TJN. We received $.60 per pound for a total of $250.80.

Plastic Bag Collections:.
It was reported that on September 9, 2025 the Club delivered 138 pounds of bags to Sioux Falls that were credited to Sioux Land Lions.

Eye Glasses Collection:
It was reported that on September 11, 2025, 79 pairs of glasses from Jones Family Eyecare and other sources to the District Office for processing.

One of the older members had accumulated, though his 45 years as a Lion, a 4" Lions medallion, a 1972 collectors pin and a small gold Lions statue. He presented them to the Secretary Treasurer in appreciation of his work.

Future Events:
District 5SE State Convention on October 3rd & 4th in Watertown, SD.

A Zone 7 meeting Lions at McCrossan Boys Ranch at 6:00 p.m. on October 6, 2025. District Governor, Reid Christopherson, will share this year's District goals. We will also hear from McCrossan Boys Ranches Executive Director, Brian Roegiers.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Meeting:
They did not have a meeting. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on October 27, 2025 at the Gulch Bar.

The next meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

AUGUST NEWSLETTER
The Brandon Lions Club met in a regular session on August 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, Brandon, South Dakota.

The speaker was Laura Johnson, a type one diabetic. She spoke about Camp Gilbert. Camp
Gilbert is an annual week long camp for kids from 8 to 18 years old with type one diabetes. This year they hosted about eighty kids. The camp was held at the Methodist Church Camp on Lake Poinsett.

The Brandon Lutheran Church has been rented to hold the April 11, 2026 Spring Forum and David Owen as agreed to be the noon banquet speaker.

Aluminum Can Project:
It was reported that on July 24, 2025. There were 472 pounds of cans sold to TJN. The Club received $.70 per pound for a total of $330.40.

A can sales date of Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Meet at 9:00 pm at the Sunshine Foods parking lot.

Plastic Bag Collections:
It was reported that on July 22 and August 1, 2025 fifteen bags that totaled 173 pounds to HyVee in Sioux Falls for shipping to NexTrex. Our new year to count collections will not begin until September 13, 2025. Lions Olson and Peiper worked 7.5 hours.

On August 15, 2025 seven bags that totaled 80.1 pounds to HyVee in Sioux Falls for shipping to NexTrex. Our new year to count collections will not begin until September 13, 2025. Lions Olson and Peiper worked 3.5 hours. The weighted pictures were sent to the Sioux Empire Lions Club to earn a bench for the Cleveland Elementary School.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update: August 25, 2025 Meeting:
The Garretson Lions Club Branch met on August 25, 2025 at the Gulch Bar in Garretson. The First Bank & Trust has decided on a bench color and a plaque will be ordered. Communications have been made with the Blue Dragon Academy to do an eye screenings for their day care kids. Members were reminded to get toy donations to Garrick for the silent auction at Garretson Sportsman Club. Collecting used eye glasses was discussed. The next meeting will be at 6:30 pm on September 22, 2025 at the Gulch Bar.

JULY NEWSLETTER
The Brandon Lions Club met in regular session on July 17, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, Brandon, South Dakota.

The speaker was Harry Buck, Mayor of the City of Brandon. He spoke about the current issues of the City.

Aluminum Can Project:
It was reported that cans will be sold on Thursday, July 24, 2025. Meet at 9:00 o’clock am at the can shed in the Sunshine Foods parking.

Plastic Bag Collections:
It was reported that on July 8, 2025 he delivered 174.4 pounds of bags to Sioux Falls that were credited to the Garretson Lions Club Branch. Their total reported to NexTrex is 1,151.2.8 pounds. Lions Peiper and Olson worked nine hours.

Eye Glass Collection:
There were four exams and glasses purchased from Jones Family Eyecare for a total of $935.00.

Eye Glasses Collection:
It was reported that on July 15, 2025 he dropped off 69 pair of glasses from Jones Family Eyecare to the District Office for processing.

Golf Course Ad Sign Project:
It was reported that as advertiser has not paid after two billings, so I their spot was sold to Performance Press. They were charged $75.00 for the balance of the golfing season. There were two new signs purchased, one replacement for Pizza Ranch and a new one for Performance Press. Both signs were purchased from Performance Press. Their fee for the signs was traded for their 2025 ad fee.

A check was written to the City for $487.50 for their share of the proceeds bringing the total profit to the Club at $1,462.50 for the 2025 golfing season.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update: June 23, 2025 Meeting: The Lions Eye Screening van was in the Jessie James Day parade and was very successful, they ran out of candy. It was also parked at the Zion Lutheran church. They had 28 screenings and 6 were referred. Three Lions worked the event. They are exploring displaying a silent auction at the local gun club shooting range as a fund raiser. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on July 28, 2025 at the Gulch Bar.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update: July 28, 2025 Meeting:The Blue Dragon Academy has requested eye screenings for their day care kids. Consent forms will be obtained from the District office before a date is set for the screening. Prodical for the Jessie James parade was discussed. Everyone agreed do things different next year. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on August 25, 2025 at the Gulch Bar.

JUNE NEWSLETTER
The Brandon Lions Club met in regular session on June 19, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, Brandon, South Dakota.

The speakers were a group from Buddies and Company: Kristin Knutson, Board Member; Sarah Andrea, Board Member and Andrew Knutson, employee. Buddies and Company is a non profit coffee shop business located at 1309 E. Cedar Street, Brandon, SD. They specialize in employment opportunities to those with special needs.

It was approved to make a donation of $250.00 to Buddies and Company.

It was approved to make a donation of $75.00 to the "Food to You" food distribution project to pay for the food.

Golf Course Ad Sign Project:
A 4x4 - 8' and a 1x8-8' cedar was purchased to replace a damaged pole and glued together two sign backers.

Three Lions re-stained the posts and sign backing at the Municipal Golf Course on June 10, 2025. Each worked 2 ½ hours. The signs were replaced the signs on June 12, 2025.

Eye Screening:
Celebration United Methodist Church in Brandon sponsored the Brandon's Big Celebration Carnival on May 23-25 in McHardy Park. The Club had the Lions Eye Screening Van at the event from 11:00 to 6:00 pm on Saturday. They screened 53 and referred 6.

Aluminum Can Project:
It was reported that on May 16, 2025, 403 pounds of cans to TJN. We received $0.70 per pound for a total of $282.10.

It was also reported that on June 18, 2025, 431 pounds of cans to TJN. We received $.70 per pound for a total of $301.70.

Plastic Bag Collections:
It was reported that on May 21, 2025 there were 163.1 pounds of bags were delivered to Sioux Falls that were credited to the Garretson Lions Club Branch. Their total reported to NexTrex is 817.2 pounds.

It was also reported that on June 19, 2025 there were 159.6 pounds of bags were delivered to Sioux Falls that were credited to the Garretson Lions Club Branch. Their total reported to NexTrex is 976.8 pounds.

On June 18, 2025 the Brandon Lions Club presented a bench to Sunshine Foods for supporting the “plastic grocery bag collection project”. The Club earned the bench from NexTrex Company for delivering 1,0000 pounds of bags for recycling.

The Club agreed to drop Lion Charles Engels because of his inability to attend meetings. Motion carried.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update: May 19, 2025 Meeting:
Jesse James Day is June 14, 2025. The Eye Screening Van will be in the parade and parked from noon to 3:00 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church. Officers for 20/25/26 to be the same as the current officers, were approved. Their year end is to collect 1,000 pounds of bags ends on October 26, 2025. They have 346 pounds to collect to reach the 1,000 pound goal. The next meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. on June 23, 2025 at the Gulch Bar.

MAY NEWSLETTER

The Brandon Lions Club met in regular session on May 15, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, Brandon, South Dakota.

A letter of thanks for the donation was read from Leader Dogs.

Lions President Beaird presented Lion Klutman with a 45 “Years of Service” chevron. Congratulations Lance!

Lions President Beaird presented Lion Peiper with a “Membership Advancement Key” for successfully opening the door of Lionism to five new members. Congratulation Alice!

Golf Course Ad Sign Project:

Lion Olson reported that invoices were sent and all but two advertisers remained to paid. The poles need to be re-stained.

Eye Screening:

Eye Screenings were performed on grades two, three and four at the four elementary schools in the Brandon Valley School District: A total of 1,083 kids were screened and 100 were referred. A total of 30 hours were worked.

Aluminum Can Project:

Sale of cans has been scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Plastic Bag Collections:

It was reported that total pounds collected has reached 1,013 pounds. A bench has been ordered and received. A plaque was discussed to be on the bench before it is presented to Sunshine Foods.

It was also reported that on May 5, 2025 he delivered 161.09 pounds of bags to Sioux Falls that were credited to the Garretson Lions Club Branch. Their total to date is 654.1 pounds.

Big Sioux Cleanup:

The Big Sioux Cleanup was held on Saturday from ten o’clock to noon on April 26, 2025. Lion Kuhnert participated.

Loyalty Day Parade:

Brandon Loyalty Day Parade was held on May 4, 2025. The Lions costume was worn and the "Lion" passed out token glasses along the route.

Brandon's Big Celebration Carnival:

Celebration United Methodist Church in Brandon is sponsoring the event and will be held May 23-25 in McHardy Park. The Club will have the Lions Eye Screening Van at the event from 11:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Future Events:

The Lions Zone 7 “Food to You Service” event will be held between 4:15 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on June 18, 2025. Meet in the lower level of Augustana Lutheran Church located at 235 N Prairie Avenue in Sioux Falls.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update: March Meeting:

They have place eye glasses collection boxes in Garretson. A plastic bag collection box has been placed at Front Line Ag. President Koob has been invited to answer questions about branch clubs this fall at the Annual Lions Convention in Watertown. The next meeting will be moved to May 19th to the VFW facility. It will include a bag collection campaign.

APRIL NEWSLETTER

The Brandon Lions Club met in regular session on April 24, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, Brandon, South Dakota.

Dues were discussed. Two Lions are in arrears for 2024/25. Will be discussed at the May meeting.

The program for the next meeting on May 15th will be a representatives from Buddies & Co at 1309 E Cedar.

The District 5E Spring Forum was held on April 11 and 12, 2025 at the Huron Crossroads Hotel. Our Club will be hosting 2025 Forum on April 10 and 11, 2026. Location needs were discussed. A member will be looking into using the Brandon Lutheran Church.

Quorums were discussed at the Forum. The following e-mail from Lion Tim Haight, PCC, Prince Albert Lions Club regarding a quorum.

There is no official ruling, that I have seen, regarding a quorum at the club level. However, I have used the following as a rule of thumb.

The meeting quorum is based on a majority, 50% + 1 of the regularly attending members. So, a club with 23 members, with only 15 members regularly attending the club meetings would have a quorum call of 8 members in good standing.

If, however, the club is dealing with a major issue, like a merger with another club; closing down; name change, I would seek out input and approval from all members in good standing. In this case the quorum call would be based on 23 members and need 12 members to pass.

Constitutional and Bylaw votes need to be based on the full membership. Constitution issues need a 66.3%+ 1 to pass. Bylaws need a 50% + 1 to pass.

The May meeting will be “Zoomed”.

A donation of $100.00 to Lions Leader Dogs was approved. If made by April 30, 2025 it will be matched. Motion carried.

Golf Course Ad Sign Project:

It was reported that invoices were sent out for the 2025 golfing season. Four advertisers were given reduced invoices because new signs were not received on a timely bases or signs were not displayed because of re-landscaping. The display poles need to me re-stained.

Eye Glass Collection:

It was reported that 25 pair of glasses from Jones Eyecare and were delivered to the Sioux Falls District office on April 14, 2025 for processing.

Aluminum Can Project:

On April 18, 2025 five Lions sold 413 pounds of cans to TJN. The Club received $0.70 per pound for a total of $289.10. Each worked 2 hours.

Plastic Bag Collections:.

It was reported that on March 24, 2025 there were 16 bags delivered to Hy-vee in Sioux Falls for a total of 150 pounds. Total collected and reported to date is 859 pounds.

It was reported that on April 18, 2025 he there were 14 bags to Hy-vee in Sioux Falls for a total of 153.4 pounds. Total pounds collected and reported to date is 1,013 pounds.

The Brandon Club has qualified for a bench for collecting over 1,000.00 pounds. One will be ordered and placed at Sunshine Foods.

Brandon's Big Celebration Carnival:

Celebration United Methodist Church in Brandon is sponsoring the event and will be held May 23-25 in McHardy Park. The Club agreed to have the Eye Screening Van at the event from 1:00 to 6:00 pm on Saturday.

Loyalty Day Parade:

Brandon Loyalty Day Parade will be held on May 4, 2025. Token glasses will be purchased with a budget of $100.00 to give out to the kids along the route.

Future Events:

Big Sioux Clean-up Saturday will be held from ten o’clock to noon on April 26, 2025.

The Dell Rapids Lions Club will hold their annual fund-raising breakfast on April 27, 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, SD.

Business-to-Business (B2B) Networking Event hosted in partnership with Brandon ACE Hardware on Thursday, at 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, May 1, 2025 at the Brandon Valley Area Chamber of Commerce Office at 306B S Splitrock Ave, Brandon, SD.

The Lions Zone 7 “Food to You Service” event will be held between 4:15 pm to 8:00 pm on June 18, 2025. Meet in the lower level of Augustana Lutheran Church located at 235 N Prairie Avenue in Sioux Falls.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update: March Meeting:

The Eye Screening Van as been reserved for Jessie James Days.

There are 247 days left in the bag collection cycle and 515 pounds are needed to reach the goal of 1,000 pounds. The Brandon Club has collected over 1,000 pounds of bags, so all that are collected until September 13th will be given to the Garretson Club. It is projected that the 1,000 pound goal should be met.

MARCH NEWSLETTER
The Brandon Lions Club met in regular session on March 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, Brandon, South Dakota.

A discussion was held on the Brandon's Big Celebration Carnival. This event is sponsored by Celebration United Methodist Church in Brandon and will be held May 23-25 in McHardy Park. This event will include a carnival with rides and attractions provided by Mac's Carnival and attractions, a wide variety of food trucks, a car show, and a worship service in the park. There is no entrance fee to the carnival, but purchased wrist bands are necessary to ride the rides. It was agreed to provide the Lions Sign Van on Saturday.

Brandon Loyalty Day Parade will be held on May 4, 2025. The parade is organized by the V.F.W. Three Rivers Post 4726 & Auxiliary. Lineup begins at 11:00 am at the Brandon Valley High School. The parade will begin at 1:00 pm, and will travel down Holly Boulevard to the VFW on Main Street. We need someone to wear the Lions costume.

President Lion Beaird presented Lion Sherry Stroh a twenty year Chevron Award. Congratulations Lion Stroh!

Plastic Bag Collection:.
Lions Olson reported that on March 14, 2025 he delivered 13 bags to Hy-vee in Sioux Falls for a total of 139.6 pounds of bags. Total collected to date is 709.6 pounds.

Aluminum Can Project:
On March 14, 2025 Lions Martin, Olson, Beaird and Stroh sold 498 pounds of cans to TJN. We received $0.75 per pound for a total of $373.50. Each worked 2 ½ hours.

Future Events:
The 5SE Spring forum will be held pm April 11 and 12, 2025 at the Huron Crossroads Hotel. Training will be offered to elected individuals as well as for those who are interested in the positions of; Lions Club President, Lions Club Treasurer, Lions Club Secretary and for Zone Chairperson.

The Dell Rapids Lions Club will hold there annual fund-raising breakfast on April 27, 2025 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Dell Rapids, SD.

Lions Zone 7 Food to You Service Event on June 18, 2025 between 4:15 pm - 08:00 pm. Location: Meet in lower level of Augustana Lutheran Church located at 235 N Prairie Avenue in Sioux Falls.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update: February Meeting:
There was a meeting but because of low attendance, no minutes were taken. Proposed dates for the Bingo Night at the Legion were discussed. They approved an eye glass drop-off location at First Bank & Trust. A plastic bag recycle project report was given. There are 247 days left in the cycle and 515 pounds are needed to reach goal the 1,000 pound goal. There are 4 bags at GNM awaiting drop-off.

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

The Brandon Lions Club met in regular session on February 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, Brandon, South Dakota.

A presentation on the Alliance Communications television app “All Streaming Now”.

Three Club members attended the Dell Rapids Lions Club meeting on February 6, 2025 at the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch.

Lions Kuhnert agreed to be Lions President and Lion Stroh agreed to be Vice President for 2025/2026. A complete slate of officers will be presented at the next meeting.

A discussion to hold our meeting over “Zoom” was discussed. This would allow the snow birds and members that have difficulty traveling can participate.

Aluminum Can Project:

On February 5, 2025 the Club sold 519 pounds of cans to TJN. We received $0.75 per pound for a total of $389.25. Each worked 2 hours.

Eye Glass Collection:

Eighty three pair of glasses were collected from Jones Eyecare and were delivered to the Sioux Falls District office for processing.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update: January Meeting:

There was a meeting but because of low attendance, no minutes were taken.

JANUARY NEWSLETTER

The Brandon Lions Club met in regular session on January 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch, Brandon, South Dakota.

Club members attended a “Dining in the Dark” marketing project that was held at 5:30 pm on January 9, 2025 at the El Riad, 510 S Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. Our Club made a donation of $450.00 for a table in support. The project raised approximately $1,500.00 for the Leader Dog program.

The Club agreed to purchase 20 raffle tickets to support Sight for Kids sponsored by Lions Clubs International Foundation for $200.00.

The Club approve to joint the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce for the 2025 calendar year for $175.00.

The Club approved the an LCIF update of the Lion Bi-laws and Constitution.

Plastic Bag Collection:

On December 26, 2024 there were 10 bags of plastic bags delivered to Hy-vee in Sioux Falls for a total of 118.6 pounds of bags. Our collected total to date is 473 pounds.

On January 15, 2025 there were 9 bags of plastic bags delivered to Hy-vee in Sioux Falls for a total of 96.6 pounds of bags. Our collected total to date is 570 pounds.

Aluminum Can Project:

On December 24, 2024 the Club sold 401 pounds of cans to TJN. We received $0.75 per pound for a total of $300.75.

Exam and Glasses:

The Club paid for five examinations and glasses for five needy individuals for a total of $940.00.

Future Club Events:

There is a visitation scheduled to the Dell Rapids Lions Club meeting at 6:30 pm on February 6, 2025 at the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update: December Meeting:

There was no December meeting held.

December Newsletter
The Brandon Lions Club met for our Christmas meeting on December 19, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at the Gruff Plates & Pours, 507 N Splitrock Boulevard, Brandon, SD.

Plastic Bag Collection:
On November 22, 2024 eleven bags were delivered to Hy-vee in Sioux Falls for a total of 89.4 pounds collected from Brandon and Garretson. The Brandon Club total accumulation is 277 pounds.

On December 9, 2024 nine bags were delivered to Hy-vee in Sioux Falls for a total of 77 pounds. The Clubs total accumulation is 354 pounds.

Aluminum Can Project:
On November 25, 2024 the Club sold 503 pounds of cans to TJN. We received $0.70 per pound for a total of $352.10.

Eye Glass Collection:
On December 9, 2024, 41 pair of glasses were collected from Jones Family Eyecare and 121 pair of glasses from Walmart and delivered to the Sioux Falls District office for processing.

Exam and Glasses:
The Club provided four exams and glasses at a cost of $940.00 in November.

Future Club Events:
A “Dining in the Dark” marketing project will be held on January 9, 2025 at 5:30 pm at the El Riad, 510 S Phillips Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57104. An internet meeting was held on November 12th to consider purchasing a table for six for $450.00 for the event. Proceeds will be donated to Leader Dogs for the Blind. A majority vote was received.

A visitation has been scheduled to visit the Dell Rapids Lions Club meeting at 6:30 pm on February 6, 2025 at the Dell Rapids Pizza Ranch..

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update:
The Garretson Lions Club Branch met on November 25, 2024. All enjoyed the Lions Eye Bank tour. Zone 7 Chairman Jackie Cerkowniak spoke about a District wide marketing program and the “Dining in the Dark” project. District 5SE Governor Lion Dennis Bohmont, from the Palace City Lions Club, Mitchell, SD, was the speaker. He spoke about some of the conventions, meetings and celebrations that Lions can participate. They discussed a fund raising bingo event for March.

November Newsletter

Zone 7 Chairman Jackie Cerkowniak spoke about a District wide marketing program and the “Dining in the Dark” project.

There was an internet meeting on October 24th to consider a donation to the Brandon Food Pantry for $360.00. The donation included a table for 8 to the Annual Fund Raising dinner to be held on November 22, 2024. Our next meeting was on the day before and we needed to take action before the meeting.

A District 5SE Committee meeting was held at the Sioux Falls Foundation office on November 16, 2024. At that meeting First Vice District Governor Lion Reid Christopherson ask if the Brandon Club would be willing to sponsor the 2026 Spring Forum. The Club agreed to sponsor the Forum.

The Club agreed to pay the registration fee for anyone attending the 2025 Spring Forum in Huron on April 12, 2026 at the Crossroads Huron Convention Center.

The program was a tour of the Dakota Lions Sight & Health at 4501 W. 61st. Street, Sioux Falls, SD. There were 18 attendees to include: Brandon Lions Club members; Optimist Club members and Garretson Lions Club Branch members. Wonderful tour with great attendance.

The Club earned the “Membership Satisfaction Award” from Lions International for our increase in membership. A 2024-2025 patch will be put on the banner.

Aluminum Can Project:

There were 436 pounds of cans collected and delivered to TJN on October 24, 2024. Four Lions worked a total of 6 hours. The Club received $0.70 per pound for a total of $305.20.

Plastic Bag Collection:

Two Lions worked a total of 4 hours to pick up 36.6 pound of bags on October 22. 2024 and delivered them to a distribution center in Sioux Falls.

Two Lions worked a total of 4 hours to pick up 60.5 pound of bags for the Brandon Club and 22.2 pounds for the Garretson Branch Club on October 24. 2024 and delivered them to a distribution center in Sioux Falls.

Eye Glass Collection:

There were 129 pair of glasses collected from various sources and were delivered to the Sioux Falls District office for processing.

Eye Screening:

Members or the Brandon Club and the Garretson Club Branch preformed an eye screening on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at the Garretson Elementary School. There were 266 kids tested and 29 kids refured. Four Lions worked a total of 18 hours.

October Newsletter

The speakers were Ron Van Egdom, owner of Heartland Appliance and Repair and Drew Hammer, Commercial Sales Manager, were the speakers. They talked about their five year desire to open a facility in Brandon and their approach to sales.

The President selected two Lions to find a place for the December (Christmas Party) meeting. Spouses and guests are welcome.

Four Lions attended a Chamber sponsored Open House for Ace Hardware on Thursday afternoon, September 26, 2024.

The Club had participants in the Chamber sponsored bus tour of Brandon on October 17, 2024.

Aluminum Can Project:

There were four Lions that worked 2 hours each to sell cans to TJN. The cans weighted 396 pounds at $0.50 a pound for a total of $198.00.

It has been scheduled to take cans to TJN at 1:00 o’clock am on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Meet at the Sunshine Food parking lot can shed.

Eye Glass Collection:

There were 66 pair of glasses collected from Jones Eyecare that were delivered them to the Sioux Falls District office for processing.

Plastic Bag Collection:

Groceries bags will be taken to Sioux Falls on October 24, 2024. Participants will meet at 10:00 am at Unit #1, 1921 N Walnut Avenue.

Future Club Events:

A tour of the Dakota Lions Sight and Health (Lions Eye Bank) is scheduled for November 21, 2024. The Club will meet at the Brandon Pizza Ranch for dinner at 6:00 p.m. and proceed to the Eye Bank for a 7:00 p.m. tour. The Garretson Lions Club Branch and the Brandon Optimist Club will be invited to attend. Spouses and friends are welcome.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update:

The Garretson Club met on September 23, 2024.

September Newsletter

District 5SE Governor Lion Dennis E. Bohmont, from the Palace City Lions Club, Mitchell, SD, was the speaker. He spoke about some of the conventions, meetings and celebrations that Lions can participate.

There was a discussion on dues for members that do not eat meals. It was moved to set the dues for a Member-at-Large at $100.00 a year which includes District, International and Club dues effective July 1, 2024. The Lions definition of a Member-at-Large from Lions International is: “A member of a club who is unable to regularly attend club meetings but desires to retain membership in the club”.

Aluminum Can Project:

It was reported that Lions Martin, Olson, Engels, Peiper and Klutman worked 2 hours each on Wednesday, August 21st to take cans to TJN. The cans weighed a total of 540 pounds at $0.50 a pound for a total sale of $270.00. The club has sold 46,338 pounds of cans since the project began in June of 2008 for total proceeds of $20,935.06.

Eye Glass Collection:

There were 43 pair of used glasses collected from Jones Eyecare and delivered to the Sioux Falls District office for processing.

There were also152 pair of glasses from the east side Walmart and delivered to the Sioux Falls District office for processing.

Golf Course Ad Project:

It was reported that $2,550.00 was collected for ad signs sold for the 2024 golfing season on the Brandon Municipal Golf Course. The Club shared the proceeds with the City and purchased four replacement signs. The total net income to the Brandon Lions Club was $1,836.50.

Plastic Bag Collection:

It was reported that the Club was registered with NexTek. NexTek, a Minneapolis company, receives the bags and converts them into artificial wood and produces park benches. The Club will receive a park bench, limited to one a year, for every one thousand pounds of bags collected. Nine 45 gallon bags were delivered to the NexTek pickup point in Sioux Falls for a total of 92 pounds. We have a long way to go!

Teacher Gift Cards:

There were only three new teachers in the elementary grades that were ordinally targeted for the project. Research showed six new teachers in the K-8 system that included:

Inspiration Elementary (1)

Robert Bennis Elementary (1)

Middle School (2)

Fred Assam Elementary Counselor (1)

Middle & High School (1) part-time teacher between two buildings.

The Club agreed to give gift cards of $50.00 each from Lewis Drug to the six new teachers in the K-8 system for a total expenditure of $300.00..

Future Club Events:

An open house for Ace Hardware will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm. They will have beverages and the grill going for snacks. Please wear your Lions vest.

The Chamber is sponsoring a bus tour of Brandon on October 17, 2024. Reservations can be made on the Chamber web site.

The owner of Heartland Appliance and Repair will be the speaker at the October 17, 2024 meeting.

August Newsletter

The speaker was Jeremy Risty from the Brandon Optimist Club. He spoke about some of their projects to include: Home Town Days, Safety Town and a Christmas Tree with request for gifts. Some of their fund raisers include: Coupon Mailers twice a year and bingo. Membership is also a challenge.

Lion Charles Engels volunteered to fill the office of Vice-President.

It was agreed to do the Teacher Gift Card project again. Parameters to include: first year teachers in grades K through 4; total expenditures of $1,000.00; maximum amount given to each teacher to be $50.00.

Funds are to be used for purchasing supplies in preparations for the new school year. Last time we did this project, gift cards were given from a supply house available to teachers. If this doesn’t work out, gift cards would be purchased from Brandon Lewis Drug. Lion Peiper agreed to contact and work with Lion Feldman on the project.

It was suggested that if a member did not eat at meeting that dues should only include the District and International dues. It was agreed that it would be discussed at the September meeting.

A tour of the Sioux Falls Eye Bank is scheduled for November 21, 2024. The Club will meet at the Brandon Pizza Ranch for dinner at 6:00 p.m. and proceed to the Eye Bank for a 7:00 p.m. tour. The Garretson Lions Club Branch and the Brandon Optimist Club will be invited to attend.

Aluminum Can Project:

Lion Martin set a date of Wednesday, August 21, 2024 to meet in the Sunshine parking lot at 9:00 a.m. to take cans to TJN.

Eye Glass Collection:

Lion Olson reported that 38 pair of glasses were collected from a friend and delivered to the Sioux Falls District office for processing.

Plastic Bag Collection:

On August 8th Lion Olson and Lion Klutman weighed and loaded 43 bags of plastic grocery bags with a total weight of 440.1 pounds and delivered them to the drop off site at the Hy-Vee on Sycamore to be forwarded to a recycler.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update:

There were no updates to report.

July Newsletter

Two Club members attended a Brandon Optimist meeting on Tuesday, July 16 at Tailgators. A short history was given of Lions International and the Brandon Lions Club. They were given information about current and past service project and current and past fund raising projects and how our funds are spent.

Rachael Neiman, Executive Director of the Brandon Area Chamber of Commerce, was the speaker. She spoke about the repeal of sales tax on food and events promoted by the Chamber throughout the year.

5SE Vice District Governor Lion Dennis Bohmont ask the Brandon and Garretson Lions Clubs to host a Cabinet Meeting. This meeting will be held at the Brandon Pizza Ranch at 11:00 a.m. on August 3, 2024

Aluminum Can Project:

Three Lions worked 1 1/2 hours each on Friday, July 12th to take cans to TJN. The cans weighed a total of 474 pounds at $0.50 a pound for a total sale of $237.00.

Eye Glass Collection:

There were 99 pair of glasses were collected from Jones Family Eyecare and delivered them to the Sioux Falls District office for processing.

Golf Course Ad Project:

It was reported that 17 of the 18 advertisers have paid for the 2024 golfing season. One hole remains to be sold.

Plastic Bag Collection:

To date there have been thirty 45 gallon bags of plastic grocery bags collected. There has been an addition collection box placed in Ace Hardware.

Garretson Lions Club Branch Update:

The First Bank & Trust has allowed a grocery bag collection box in their building.