Costlow Conducts His First Meeting...

 

    The Board of Directors of the Centerville Lions Club held its first meeting of the new year at the offices of Centerville-Abington Community Schools Monday evening, August 9.  Lion President Judson Costlow named committee chairpersons.

     The board approved a $100 donation to the Leo Club for helping at the Fish Fry in June.  Treasurer Phil Benedict reported net earnings of $5,681 from the Fish Fry.

     The board will discuss next year's Fsh Fry at an upcoming regular meeting.

 

 

     The Centerville Lions Club held a board meeting following the regular meeting Monday evening, October 25. 

     The board approved the donation of $300 to the Centerville Library for the purchase of books.  They also approved the final $350 contribution toward the District 25F Vision Van, making a total of $1,000 the club has given to that project.

60th Anniversary Observed...

 

     The Centerville Lions Club celebrated its 60th Anniversary at the Centerville High School Cafetorium Monday evening, September 27..

     District 25F Governor Carl Sharp, Jr. spoke of the many things the Centerville Club has accomplished over the years.    Sharp then inducted a new member, Kevin Sparks.

     A group of  women from Eaton, Ohio called "Something Good"  entertained with their music.  A commemorative program was presented to each Lion attending.

     Click here to see speech by DG Carl Sharp, Jr.

     Click here to see photos of Anniversary Dinner.

 

First Golf Scramble a Success...

 

     There were eight games ranging from basketball, golf, ring toss and bean bag tosses to entertain the youngsters.  There was also the popular cake walk.

     The party is held as youngsters ended their beggar night activities around town.

     The Centerville Lions Club particpated in the Christmas in Centerville celebration Saturday, December 11.  The club had a booth selling Big Coloring Books and Christmas wreaths.  Members are took part in the evening parade.

 

      He said, "We will visit Oldenburg, the "Village of Spires."  In Auburn, we view the true classic cars - Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg.  The National Muzzle Loaders Shoot at Friendship resembles a Hollywood movie set.  Our stop at the Paramount Music Palace is accented by some fantastic sounds from the Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ.  We also visit Shakertown, Kentucky;  historic Centerville, Indiana; and view the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Indianapolis with art glass windows that are indescribable.

     "We arrive in magnificent Michigan by way of the Mackinac Bridge and travel by boat to a six-square mile chunk of rock anchored in Lake Huron named Mackinac Island.  Bicycling around the island, we visit the historic village, old Ft. Mackinac,the picture postcard bay and, finally, the world-famous "Grand Hotel."  The program ends as we walk along a shoreline of clear blue water and enjoy a panorama of brilliant sunsets."

     Blue's other slide presentations with sound are:  Of Sight and Sound; Land, Water and Sky; Stars and Stripes; and Places and Faces.

     The Christmas Ladies Night will be held at the Centerville High School Cafetorium beginning at 6:30 p.m.

 

     Five Centerville area citizens were presented with Community Awards during the 19th annual banquet Monday evening, February 14.  They were presented to:  Phil Benedict, Lions Club treasurer;  Ernie Mills, local funeral director;  Phil Stevenson, Centerville High School principal;  and Steve Sittloh, Centerville-Abington Community Schools board member.

     Lions Club president Judson Costlow presented a couple of special awards:  a Lions Club International certificate was presented to Secretary Jim Resh for 45 years of service and  a Lions Club certificate was announced for Allan Spencer for 42 years of service.  Secretary Jim Resh introduced all past winners in attendance and each of the 28  were recognized by the those attending.

     A biography of each service award winners was read and each received an engraved plaque.

     Around 100 persons attended the banquet at the Centerville High School cafetorium.  It was catered by the Palais Royal in Centerville.

    Click here to see pictures from the banquet.

 

 

   Click here for Palladium-Item story >>>

   Click here for obituary >>>

 

 

     Funeral services were Tuesday morning at the funeral home, with burial in Crown Hill Cemetery in Centerville.

     Lion Sharp is survived by a sister, Virginia Lamb of Econony; a brother-in-law, Willard Lamb of Centerville; and nieces and nephews.  His wife, Velma Lamb Sharp, died in June of 1996.

 

    Widows of deceased Lions were recognized. 

    Lion Bob Blue presented a three-screen slide show with music and comment called "Young at Heart."

    The next club meeting is January 10 when Centerville Town Council president Dan Wandersee will address members.

    For more go to the Members List.

 

 

New Members Attend...

 

 

 

     The Club approved a $100 sponsorship of Centerville High School honor student William J. Hall, Jr. to the Indiana University Honors Program in Foreign Languages.  A matching amount will go toward the $4,700 cost of the program.  He will spend June and July in Ciudad Real, Spain.  Hall is studying Spanish.

     The Club also approved a $75 ad to go on T-shirts of participants in the Centerville-Abington Basketball Camp this summer.

     Joe Larzen of the Old National Road Association was unable to be with us to present the program.

 

 

     Entertainment for the event will be pianist Tom Walker on Friday, June 3, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.  He will be followed by the Something Good Singers from 6 to 7 pm and Jim McKinney's Brass from 7 to 8 p.m.  On Saturday, June 4, Richmond Singing Fireman Brian Benedict will sing from 4:30 to 6 p.m. followed by pianist Lowell Conley.

     The menu for the Fish Fry includes, fish, hamburger, cheeseburger, green beans, french fries and slaw for $6.  Advance tickets are $5.50.  Homemade and Wick's pies will be $1.50 extra.

     The Fish Fry will run from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day.

 

 

     Attendees enjoyed playing Bingo following a short program.

     View photos of Family Carry-in.

 

 

     New officers are:  President - Phil Golden; 2st Vice President - Tim McConaha; 2nd Vice President - William Felker; 3rd Vice President - Kevin Sparks; Secretary - Jim Resh; Assistant Secretary - Courtney Amos;  Treasurer - Phil $ Benedict; Assistant Treasurer - Tim Hill; Tail Twister - Tom Berhalter; Assistant Tail Twister - Paul Elstro; Lion Tamer - Allan Spencer; Assistant Lion Tamer - Charles Roesch; two year board of director - Judson Costlow and Jeff Nickell.

     Lion Golden and several other officers were unable to attend the meeting and will be installed later.

 

 

     Costlow presented awards of appreciation to several Lions for their work on project and committees during the year.  They included Joe and Paul Elstro, Jeff Nickell, Phil Benedict, Bob Blue, Bill Felker, Gary Locke, Steve Orsborn, Bob Hobson, Tim Hill, Jim Howell, Jim Resh and Mark Howell.

     Other awards were presented:  Jim Howell, two membership extension award from Lions International;  Paul Elstro, one membership extension award;  and Carl Orsborn, a 25 year Chevron Award for membership.

     Attendance awards were presented to Lions:  Aughe, Benedict, Berhalter, Blue, Costlow, J. Elstro, P. Elstro, Felker, Golden, Gareiss, Hill, Hobbs, Hobson, J. Howell, Killen, Locke, Nickell, Prall, Resh, Roesch, Roberts, Spencer, Sparks and McConaha.

     During a board meeting following the regular meeting, Jake Taylor Hill was approved for membership.  A student at Ball State University and former Leo Club member, he is the son of Lion Tim Hill.

 

 

     Golf Scramble chair Jeff Nickell reported there are 20 four-person teams signed up for the September 18 Golf Scramble.

     Click here for more pictures...

 

 

Vision Van Screenings Impressive...

 

     Results of vision screenings done by the District 25F Vision Van have been released.  Tom Flack, State Program Director for Prevent Blindness Indiana, reports 4,554 persons including 2,051children were screened by Lions  from March to November. 

      Flack said the figures are "very impressive and shows the need for service."  He added, "Keep up the good work."

 

Librarian Discusses Library...

 

    Librarian Connie Gareiss of the Centerville and Center Township Public Library told members of the Centerville Lions Club Monday evening, October 11 that circulation has increased 10,500 to 35,500 since the library opened in the former Masonic Lodge Building in 1999.  She said there are 267 programs serving 3,500 people.

    Things in the planning stage include a Book Discussion Program... with the first book being "Secret Lives of Bees."  She said her newest endeavor is a Library Council for 4 to 6 year olds.

     Gareiss said the financial situation of the library is most distressing to her... with the budget being cut for the past four years.  She pointed to only $22,000 being earmarked for the purchase of books this year.

 

 

     He talked with Schwartz for some time about their Lions Club activities.  Some of their projects include selling pumpkins and holding a travelogue program for the community.  Resh said their Tail Twister is busy throughout the meeting.  Resh said, "I exchanged Centerville pins with them.  It's fun to visit different clubs and hear of new projects, also.  I hope to visit with them again when we return in the spring."  

     Resh and his wife, Sandra, were visiting their daughter, Julie, who recently took a position with the North Dakota Education Association.

 

 

     Lion McConaha is retired from United Parcel Service.  He lives with his wife, Wanda, on McConaha Road.

     He will officially be inducted into the club during the Christmas Ladies Night on December 13.

 

     He said the band will perform 47 times this year.  They are playing for "My Fair Lady" next week in Centerville.  He said he wants to bring home a State Championship Trophy from the State Fair and continue to improve the band.

 

Basketball Coaches Weigh In on Season...

 

     Lion Tom Berhalter opened the bidding at $5 last week.  Firewood, donated by Lion Bill Berry, was auctioned during the Centerville Lions Club meeting Monday evening, November 22.  As the bidding progressed, Lion Berhalter wound up with the wood for $37.50.  The proceeds go to the Lions Club, thanks to Lion Berry.

    During a board meeting following the regular meeting, the club voted to donate $25 to Christmas in Centerville to help subsidize horst drawn rides. 

     The board approved $100 for the Dollars for Scholars program.  The program has its goal $25,000 with $8,000 having been pledged so far.

 

 

       Lion Jeff Nickell said the other two events will bring extra people to town in search of something to eat.  Although parking may be more difficult, he said the benefits outweigh the negatives.  The club hopes to speed up the lines at the Fish Fry by using more efficient methods next year.

       The dates for the Fish Fry will be Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4.

 

Town Council President Speaks...

     Wandersee also said council has looked at the entire infrastructure of the town with an eye toward development along Centerville Road North to I-70.  With water and sewer projects on the drawing board, progress should be seen as early as this year.  And he said he expects several businesses including chain restaurants to locate at the interchange.  Warm Glow Candle is expected to expand.

 

 

     Dollars for Scholars is a fundraising committee formed to raise $25,000 for scholarships to local students desiring to continue their education after high school.  This committee group includes members of the Centerville-Abington community from educators to business owners and even students.  Dollars for Scholars meet once a month at the high school.
     In the ten months since this group formed it has raised $21,000 toward its goal.  As an alumni or friend of our local school community, you can make a difference!  Your generous contribution will help students achieve high levels of education.  Your contribution is tax deductible.  Those who donate $250 or more will receive a certificate to display in their office or home.
     February 1 through June 30, 2005 any donations received will be matched dollar for dollar!  So a contribution of any size is welcomed and important because it provides both financial support and encouragement to our Centerville-Abington students and will give Dollars for Scholars a chance to double your contribution.
     This years scholarships will be awarded at a dinner banquet at the High School on May 20, 2005.
     Please make your checks payable to:  Centerville-Abington Community Dollars for Scholars, 507 Willow Grove Road, Centerville, In  47330
     If you have any questions or wish to have additional information,  please feel free to contact Lion Tom Dickman at 765-935-4026 or email thomasappraiser@parallax.ws
 

Club Learns About Economic Development...

     Burns said one of the biggest disappointments was the failure to lure a WalMart Distribution Center with 700 jobs to the Gateway Industrial Park.  But he said they will use the experience in future endeavors.

     Burns, who is president of Burns Corporation of Hagerstown, said the county has gained 785 jobs in the past ten years, with 234-million dollars being invested in the last six years.  Burns says he feels good about the future of Wayne County.

Three Officers Attend Zone Meeting...

     All Club presidents gave a report of their club and what projects they do during the year.  Lion Jud gave a report on Centerville telling about the "Lion of the Week."

     Meanwhile, in Centerville, 2nd vice president Phil Golden conducted the regular Centerville Club meeting.  He was assisted by Bob Blue who acted as secretary and assistant treasurer Tim Hill.

 

Making Lions History...

 

     Spencer said the Centerville Lions Club averages about four persons per year who receive eye glasses through the Club.  That has cost the Club around $600.  He said the downside to the program is that the program is limited to eye doctors who have agreed to participate in the program.

 

Channel 8's Randy Ollis Gives Insight on Weather...

     Ollis, in an intertaining manner, told how serious weather news is...  that it's something everyone is interested in. 

     Ollis begins his broadcast day around 3:15... hitting the air at 5 a.m. on weekdays.  He sleeps in on Saturdays!

 

 

    He works out of Indianapolis where he lives with his wife, Ellen and two children.   After graduating from Indiana University with a masters degree in Criminology he worked as a Federal Probation Officer in Chicago and Las Vegas before entering the academy.  He was assigned work in the violent crimes area when he was sent to Indianapolis.  He said he is scheduled for reassignment next year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     Members placed tables and chairs beneath the tent so everything will be ready Friday morning.  Another crew will begin working three hours before serving time on Friday morning.

 

 

 

Last Charter Member Lowell Brooks Dies...

     Brooks was a teacher at Centerville High School from 1934 to 1972 where he served as basketball coach for 13 years... winning a sectional championship in 1944

     Survivors include his wife, Gladys, a daughter, two grandchildren and several great grandchildren.

     Funeral services will be Tuesday morning (June 7) at 10 o'clock at the Centerville Christian Church, with burial in Goshen Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home in Centerville.

     See Palladium-Item obituary...

 

 

     Many persons came back for the second day to get a taste of that delicious fish.

     Although it appears to be a very successful fish fry this year, it won't be known until the Club's next meeting on June 13 how much they made this year.  It's the Club's biggest money making endeavor of the year.  Proceeds fund the Club's various projects throughout the year.

 

 

     The 26th annual Centerville Lions Club Fish Fry got off to a good start Friday morning, June 3.  The weather was promising with the sun shining as the first customers arrived.

     The Fish Fry continues through Saturday, with serving from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Entertainment is being provided each evening.

 

     Lion Treasurer Phil Benedict says the Club should see a profit of around $7,000 from the recent Fish Fry.  The 26^th annual Fish Fry was held June 3^rd and 4^th this year, a week earlier than usual to coincide with the Historic National Road Yard Sale.  That compares with 2002 and more than the $5,700 realized last year.  The Club made $9,300 in 2003.  It's the Club's biggest money making endeavor of the year.  Proceeds fund the Club's various projects throughout the year.

     Members must decide if to continue with the earlier date or return to the second weekend of June for next year.