Centerville Lions Archives

2003-2004 Lions News Stories

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Annual Picnic Held Inside...
 
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The Lions shared its booth with Dollars for Scholars
     Thirty five were in attendance at the Family Picnic, held at Rose Hamilton cafeteria Monday evening, June 28.  The club provided the chicken and drinks and there were many covered dishes and desserts making for a great meal.
     Following dinner, President Jud Costlow invited everyone to introduce themselves to the group.  Lion Charlie Killen was awarded a Membership Key for obtaining new members.
          The evening was spent playing Bingo with surprise gifts going to the winners. 
 
     Archway Days...
 
     The Centerville Lions Club shared its booth this year at the annual Archway Days in Centeville  with the Centerville-Abinton Community Dollars for Scholars, a program of ScholarshipAmerica.  Its purpose "is to expand access to educational opportunites by involving and assisting our community in the support of students and in the encouragement of educational achievement."
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The Lions shared its booth with Dollars for Scholars
     The Centerville Club sold "Big Coloring Books" and gave free water to passersby.
The Club also hosted the District 25F Vision Van.
     Click here for more pictures...
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Lions Allan Spencer & Phil Benedict checking out vision equipment
     The Centerville Lions Club shared its booth this year at the annual Archway Days in Centeville  with the Centerville-Abinton Community Dollars for Scholars, a program of ScholarshipAmerica.  Its purpose "is to expand access to educational opportunites by involving and assisting our community in the support of students and in the encouragement of educational achievement.."
Civic Theatre Talk...
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RCT Office Manager Becky Cooper
     Members of the Centerville Lions Club heard about Richmond Civic Theatre Monday evening, January 26.  Office Manager Becky Cooper said the theatre began as an idea in 1939, beginning with the recruitment of German immigrant Norbert Silbiger, who became director and remained in that position for many years.  Cooper said there has been a 25% increase in memberships recently.  And they've added classic movies to stem more interest in the Theatre.  They've also begun an outreach program to area schools. 
     Following the regular meeting, the board approved the expenditure of $500 to the Centerville Police Department for the purchase of bullet proof vests.  The vests, which cost $5,000,  are partially being paid for with a $2,500 government grant.
 
 
 
Lions Club Will Continue to Meet at Centerville Inn
     The Centerville Inn has been put on the market for sale.  However,   Lions learned Monday evening (Jan 12), they will continue to meet there.  It's expected prospective buyers will honor the Lions tradition of meeting there the second and fourth Mondays of each month.
     Lion Jeff Nickell reported 21 Christmas wreaths were sold during Christmas in Centerville in December, despite a cold, snowy evening.  Several cotton candies were also sold.
     A thank you note was read from Calvin Matteson, who was a past president of the club, thanking the club for help for Sherri Albert.
     At a brief board meeting following the regular meeting, Gary Locke of Centerville was approved as a new member.  He will be inducted during the Annual Awards Banquet on February 9.  His sponsor is Lion Jim Howell.  Cost for the Awards Night meal will be $9.50.
    The board approved a $100 donation for the Centerville Bulldogs Booster's Golf Scramble on April 24.  And $55 was approved for an ad in program  for the February 20 Antique Show at the Kuhlman Center sponsored by the Richmond Art Museum and Wayne County Historical Museum.
     
 
Lions Learn about Dunn Center...
    Susan Markley, from the Dunn Center in Richmond, presented the program for the January 12 meeting of the Centerville Lions Club.   Markley is Director of Marketing and Organizational Development for Dunn Center.
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Susan Markley
     Susan Markley, from the Dunn Center in Richmond, presented the program for the January 12 meeting of the Centerville Lions Club.   Markley is Director of Marketing and Organizational Development for Dunn Center.
    Operating since 1962, Dunn serves a five-county area.  Markley said their 450 employees serve between five and seven thousand persons.   Many of them are school children.
 
Awards Banquet Feb 9...
 
     The Annual Community Awards Banquet is coming up February 9.  It will be held at the Centerville High School Cafetorium beginning with a Social Hour with punch at 6 PM and with dinner at 6:30 PM served by the Centerville Inn.  Gary Locke will be inducted into the club.  The event is being planned by Lions Jim Howell, Mark Howell and Phil Stevenson.  Past honorees have been invited.  Last year's winners were: Richard Bodiker, Paul Elstro, Darrin Aughe, Brent and Valerie Biggs, Tom Berhalter and the KICS Program including Rick Barnett, Butch Evans and Dave Pamer.
 
Four honored at Awards Banquet...
 
     Four Centerville residents were honored for service to their community by the Centerville Lions Club Monday evening, February 9.  The awards were presented during the 18th annual Community Awards Banquet held at the Centerville High School Cafetorium.  Receiving awards were: Gretchen Banes, Wayne Duke, Donald McKinney and Dan Wandersee.
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l to r: Gretchen Banes, Wayne Duke, Donald McKinney and Dan Wandersee

     Gretchen Bane, wife of Monty Bane, was honored for her help with the Centerville schools and her active leadership in community sports.      
     Wayne Duke, son of Richard and Elsie Duke, was honored for his work with the community and his many hours of dedication to the schools.
     Don McKinney, former school teacher, author, farmer and pastor was honored for his many years of service to the Centerville community.
     Dan Wandersee, President of the Centerville Town Board, was honored for his service to Centerville and his help in improving the life in the community.
 
Entertainment Announced for Fish Fry...  
  
     Two groups and a pianist will be entertaining at the annual Fish Fry on June 11 and 12.  Beginning at 5 PM on Friday the Something Good singers will take to the stage.  They will be followed at 6 PM by the Sliced White Bread Brass Band.  They will play until 8 PM   Pianist Lowell Conley will provide music Saturday from 6 to 8 PM.
     Something Good, is a group of 8 gals who sing great popular music along with spiritual numbers too. Their leader is Janet Eby, and accompanied on keyboard by Janet Sakora.  They are from the Richmond/Eaton area.  Sliced White Bread Band is directed by Jim McKinney of Richmond and they are a brass band which plays many old time favorite songs.  There are 5 members in the group.  Lowell Conley has played keyboard for many years in this area and he enjoys playing all types of music for gatherings, weddings and receptions.  Lowell lives in Richmond.
 
 
Club Finalizes Plans for Fish Fry...

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Fish Fry co-chair Bob Hobson
     The Centerville Lions Club finalized plans for its annual Fish Fry on June 11 and 12 beneath the tent just west of the Centerville Municipal Building.  Set up day is Thursday, June 10, when the fish fryers, tables and chairs will transported from the storage garage at the Mansion House.  Tent raising will be at 5 PM.
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Lion Allan Spencer in charge of work assignments
     The menu this year includes green beans along with cole slaw, french fries as well as fish or hamburger/cheeseburger sandwiches.   Dessert including all kinds pies will be available for extra charge.
    Advance tickets are on sale for $5.50.  It will be $6.00 at the door.
    Serving will be 11 AM to 8 PM each day.
 
    In other business... during a special Board of Directors meeting, members approved joining Promote Centerville.  It's an organization that promotes events in Centerville.
 
Joint Meeting Held...
     A joint zone and region meeting of area Lions Club was held in conjunction with the Hagerstown Lions Club Tuesday evening, April 13. 
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Zone B Chair Duane Nickels
      Zone B Chair Duane Nickels from Liberty led a discussion of events and projects of area Lions Clubs attending.
     District Governor Ed Reier addressed the group on the upcoming State Convention and the Vision Van.  He also talked about Camp Woodsmoke.
     Centerville Lions Tom Berhalter,  Phil Benedict, Jim Resh and Bill Felker attended the meeting.  It was held at the McCullough Community Center.

The Hat Lady Laughs...
     Ardith Talbot, known as the Hat Lady, entertained the Ladies Night meeting of the Centerville Lions Club Monday evening, April 12.  The Lynn resident brought some of her 300 hats as she talked about the importance of laughter in our lives.
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      Born and reared in Nebraska, she taught school there and Iowa before migrating to Indiana.  In Indiana,  she owned a Christian book store and was editor and publisher of Friends United Press in Richmond for ten years. 
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     Now, among the "inspired retired," she said, "have a blast while you last.  Enjoy life to the fullest."  Using her hats throughout her presentation, Talbot reminded the crowd, "Yesterday is gone; you don't have a promise of tomorrow... not even five minutes from now.  This is the day the Lord has made; we should rejoice and be glad in it."  She said, "Everyone needs to laugh a little bit.  Laughter is humor... it is healing.  Give a dose of laughter freely."
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Ardith Talbot with Lion Tim Hill
 
Lion Max Farmer Dies...
     Lion Max E. Farmer of Richmond died Saturday, August 14, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.  He was 85.  Lion Farmer joined the Centerville Club last year.
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     Retired from farming and sales, he had been associated with the Wayne County Sheriff's Department.  He is survived by his son, Lion John "Jack" Farmer, four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a brother and a sister.  His wife, Ethel, preceded him in death.
     Funeral services were Thursday morning (August 19) at the Doan and Mills Funeral Home in Richmond.  Whitewater Masonic Lodge conducted a memorial service at 7 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.  The Wayne County Veterans Council conducted military graveside services at Lutherania Cemetery.
 
 
Tom Berhalter has Heart Attack...
      Immediate past president Tom Berhalter suffered a heart attack Sunday morning (July 25).  He was hospitalized at Reid Hospital, where he was recovering.  He was expected to be released later in the week.
Chamber President Mazzei addresses Club... 
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Chamber President Frank Mazzei
     Education, promotion of business and community, advocacy and the economy are the main focuses of the Richmond-Wayne County Chamber of Commerce.  Chamber president Frank Mazzei told members of the Centerville Lions Club at its meeting February 23 these five areas are being stressed this year.   
     Mazzei said the Chamber has formed a Learning Corporation to draw awareness to education.  In promoting business, the focus is on buying locally.  They've started a Young Adult Network as they promote the community, as well as publishing a community map and profile.  And the focus economically is on the life science initiative and how to connect existing businesses to it.
 
 
Board takes Action...
 
     The Board of Directors of the Centerville Lions Club met following the regular meeting on February 23 approving several items.  One was the sponsorship of a Centerville Youth League Team this summer.  Another was the donation of $100 for the Centerville High School Junior Class After Prom Party.  And they voted to charge $10 per person for the Ladies Night Dinner coming up on April 12.  
     A request to oversee the concessions at the Centerville Fireworks on July 4th was taken under study until more information becomes available.
 
Members hear about Camp Woodsmoke...
 
     Past District Governor Jack Buckland of Richmond spoke to the Centerville Lions Club Monday evening, March 8, about Camp Woodsmoke.  The 264 acre camp is located near Greensburg, Indiana.
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PDG Jack Buckland of Richmond
     Past District Governor Jack Buckland of Richmond spoke to the Centerville Lions Club Monday evening, March 8, about Camp Woodsmoke.  The 264 acre camp is located near Greensburg, Indiana.
    
Buckland showed a video of the camp with its cabins and storage buildings along with a mess hall and shelters.  Lions Clubs go there to work throughout the year.   The camp is used by numerous groups including the handicapped,
Boy Scouts, schools and Lions families.
     The Centerville club donated $50 to the camp.
 
Club allocates funds...
 
         The club voted March 8  to donate $75 to Meals on Wheels for Area 9 for the Centerville community.
       And  the club voted to pay $285 for additional insurance on  storage facility items for one year.
 
Board Action...
     The Board of Directors of the Centerville Lions Club gave authority to Lion Jeff Nickell to investigate the feasibility of the club sponsoring a golf scramble, sometime this Fall.  Nickell said it would be a good fund raiser for the club. Members also heard about other possible fund raisers.
      In other action during its April 26 meeting, the Board approved the sponsorship of former Leo Pam Farmer for the Wayne County Four-H Fair Queen... and the 25 dollars for the entry fee.  A $25 donation was approved for the Centerville Classic Car Club, which has a show during Archway Days in August. 
     Members were urged to support the Leo Club's Senior Citizens Dance, scheduled for May 15 at 6 PM in the High School Cafetorium.

Attendance Down...
    Attendance at the March 22 meeting hit a low for the year.  Only 18 members and a guest were able to make the meeting.
    Inezetta Stiver, Centerville's Historian, presented an interesting program, according to Assistant Secretary Don Kehoe.  She also had some material for members to take home.
    Lion Phil Benedict announced he has been trained as an operator of the District Lion Vision Van, which will be available to the public during the Fish Fry in June.  Benedict says others need to be trained, also.
    Following the regular meeting, the Board of Directors met for a short session.  They approved the expenditure of $50 to former Leo Pam Farmer for the cancer supporting Relay for Life Project.
    The Board also voted to cover the expenses of two Lions to the State Convention in Fort Wayne next month... with expenditures not to exceed $300 per Lion.
    The Board accepted a donation from Lion Joe Elstro of 20 gallons of diesel fuel for operation of the Vision Van generator while it is at the Fish Fry.
    And the Board accepted, with regret, the resignation of Lion Jay Martin.

Gary Locke Inducted...
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New Lion Gary Locke
     Our newest member is Gary Locke of Centerville.  Gary works for the town of Centerville as an electrical groundman and is a member of the fire department.  He was inducted into the club during the Community Awards Banquet on February 9.  With him were his wife, Debbie, and his sponsor, Lion Jim Howell.

Lion suffers Heart Attack... Another in the Hospital...
    After resting at home last week following a heart attack, Lion Jim Howell was able to join fellow Lions at the May 10 meeting.  His son, Lion Mark Howell, said his father was attending a Wayne County Health Board meeting at Reid Hospital Thursday morning, April 29, when he became ill.  Mark said he was at the right place at the right time.  Lion Jim will be taking it easy for awhile.  He returned home on Sunday, May 2.
    Meanwhile, Lion Charlie Killen was hospitalized last week.  Lion Killen learned he was diabetic and was undergoing treatment at Reid Hospital.
     Lions remembered both in prayer during the meeting.
 
 
Club Approves Golf Scramble and Officers-elect...
      A new fund raising project was approved by Centerville Lions Monday evening, May 10.  It's a Golf Scramble set for Saturday, September 18th at the Winding Branch Golf Club.   Lion Jeff Nickell, who is heading up the committee planning the scramble, says It begins with a shotgun start at 9 AM.  Cost will be $40 per person.  It's hoped at least 20 four-person teams will play.  Lunch will be served and is included in the entry fee.
    Lion Nickell said Lions Charles Hobbs, Phil Benedict and Bob Hobson have volunteered to serve on the committee.  (Click here for Entry Form)
 
    Officers and directors for the 2004-2005 year were elected.  They are:  President, Jud Costlow;  1st Vice President, Gary Locke;  2nd Vice President, Phil Golden;  Secretary, Jim Resh;  Assistant Secretary, Don Kehoe;  Treasurer, Phil Benedict;  Assistant Treasurer, Tim Hill;  Tail Twister, Bob Hobson;  Assistant Tail Twister, Jack Farmer;  Lion Tamer, Allan Spencer  and Assistant Lion Tamer, John Prall.
     Board of Directors:  Tom Berhalter and Bob Ramey, two years;  Charlie Hobbs and Charlie Killen, one year.
    Officers and directors will be installed by District Governor Carl Sharp at the June 14 meeting.

Scholarship Winners Announced...
     Two Centerville High School seniors have been awarded Centerville Lions Club scholarships.  They are Tierney Barnett and Bart Williams.
     Tierney Barnett will be majoring in elementary education at Franklin College.  The daughter of Rick and Rhonda Barnett, she was president of the Centerville Lions Leo Club.
     Bart Williams, also a member of the Leo Club, is planning on attending St. Francis College, where he will major in art.  He is the son of Tom and Dana Williams.
     Each scholarship is $350.

Lions Attend State Convention...

     Lion President Tom Berhalter and Lion Treasurer Phil Benedict attended the Indiana Lions State Convention in Fort Wayne April 16-18.  Benedict said District 25F had the largest attendance of any group in the state.  Connersville Lion Earl Whipple was voted in as Vice Chairman of District 25F.  Connersville Lions Club had 33 Lions at the convention to lend support to Whipple's candidacy. 

Centerville BKB Team Honored...
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Cheerleaders and basketball team
     The Centerville High School basketball team and cheerleaders along with their coaches were honored Monday evening (April 26) by the Centerville Lions Club.  The team advanced to the state finals in Class 2-A after winning their first sectional since 1944.  Head coach Ryan Chiddister said, "What really stood out to us was the fan support and community support;  it wasn't just the Centerville community, but all of Wayne County."  He said it was a lot of fun for his team to see the community rally around them.
 
 
Lions Return to Days of the Model T...
    Lion Jay Klehfoth took members of the Centerville Lions Club on a trip back in history Monday evening, May 10.  Following dinner at the Centerville Inn, members walked a half block to Lion Jay's garage where he presented a program on the Model T Ford.  Klehfoth is Editor/Business Manager for The Vintage Ford... the official publication of the Model T Ford Club of America.
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Lion Jay Klehfoth shows Lion Warren Gareiss his '27 Model T
     Lion Klehfoth showed a film called American Road narrated by Raymond Massey.  It traced the beginning of the automobile, from the time of the horse and buggy to the Model T Ford. Klehfoth then told about how Henry Ford developed his first car, founding of the Ford Motor Company with the beginning of  the assembly line, which reduced manufacturing costs and lowered the price of the car so the average person could afford one.  Klehfoth formerly worked for Ford.
 
 
Lions Loans Games to Easter Seals...
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     The Centerville Lions Club loaned five games to Easter Seals Wayne and Union Counties for its annual Activity Day for children with disabilities.  The May 8 event was held at the Kuhlman Center. 
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     Over 100 youth and chaperones attended the party which included an educational presentation about animals by the Cope Environmental Center, games including the Lions Club's basketball goal, ring toss, bean bags and golf.  This is the third year the club has loaned the games to Easter Seals.  The games are used by the club for its Halloween Party in October.

Officers and Directors Installed...
     District Governor Carl Sharp, Jr. of Liberty installed new officers and directors of the Centerville Lions Club at its regular meeting Monday evening, June 14.
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Berhalter, Sharp & Costlow
     Judson Costlow was presented wtih a large gavel as he was installed as the new president of the Centerville club.  Other officers installed included:  Gary Locke and Phil Golden, 1st and 2nd vice presidents;   Jim Resh and Don Kehoe, Secretary and Assistant Secretary;  Phil Benedict and Tim Hill, Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer;  Bob Hobson and Jack Farmer, Tail Twister and Assistant Tail Twister; and Allan Spencer and John Prall, Lion Tamer and Assistant Lion Tamer.
    Board of Directors installed were past president Tom Berhalter and Bob Ramsey, two years;  and Charlie Hobbs and Charlie Killen, one year.

Lions Member to Leave Town...
     Lion Dan Preston is changing jobs and will be leaving the Centerville Lions Club.  Dan Preston,  vice president of the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, has accepted a similiar post with the Bowling Green, Kentucky Area Chamber of Commerce. 
     Preston will be joining former EDC president Jim Hizer, who become president of the Bowling Green Chamber in May.  Preston resides in Centerville.
     Click here to see Palladium-Item story.
     Program Chair Lion Tim Hill presented Ardith Talbot with a Certificate of Appreciation following her entertaining and inspiring presentation.
     See more pictures of Ardith Taylor's hats...
    
 
Donations Approved...
     Several donations to area organizations were approved by the Board of Directors Monday evening, June 14.
     $350 to the Lions District 25F Vision Van completes the club's $700 pledge toward the new service.
     $50 each was approved for the Centerville United Methodist Mission Group and for the Lightning Bolts fast pitch baseball team.
     Treasurer Phil Benedict reported the club grossed $10,287 from the Fish Fry.  Net proceeds is expected to be around $8,700.  There are still some outstanding bills to be paid.