News : Lions Warren Coleman Award goes to Linus Winter, again

Julie Zimmer, Doris & Linus Winter & Frank Van Steenhuyse, who presented Linus the Coleman Award.

Lions gave $5K to Palace digital campaign; will be recognized Palace in this photo with 3D glasses.

The regular Wednesday meeting of the Vinton Lions Club was held at the Vinton Pizza Ranch. There were 46 members and one guest present. Newly elected president Julie Zimmer called the meeting to order. Member Dr. Alan Woodhouse gave a report on the success of the Lions Club food trailer that was set up at Party in the Park last weekend. Pat Lyons then offered the members an opportunity to attend the Old Creamery Theater Company performance on Friday, July 30th. He was able to negotiate a group rate on tickets and also chartered bus transportation to and from the Amana Colonies. Member Nathan Hesson announced the Vinton Unlimited Golf Tournament will be held on July 16th. The tourney is a 3 person best shot. President Zimmer then took the floor again, and she presented two requests for monetary aid for Junior Achievement, and Kid’s Sight vision screenings. The club voted unanimously to award $1,000 to the Kid’s Sight program, and $500 to Junior Achievement.

Upon completion of the business portion of the meeting, President Zimmer turned over the podium to Tail Twister Frank VanSteenhuyse who presented long time member Linus Winter with the Warren Coleman award.

Member Winter joined the Lions in 1981. Winter was instrumental in 1989 in allowing women to join the club. VanSteenhuyse noted that Linus Winter has served on a committee at either the local or state level ever since he joined the club in 1981. Linus and his wife Doris have attended meetings all over the country in their duties as Lions.

The Warren Coleman award is given to the Lions Club member who exemplifies the highest standards of Lionism and community volunteerism. This is the second time that Linus Winter has received this prestigious award during his time as a Lion. “This is very special to me, the award is nice, but the only reason I was able to do all these things is because of the support I’ve received from the Vinton Lions Club”, Winter told the club. “I am very pleased and happy to receive this award.”

Following the meeting, Palace Theatre manager Marcy Horst took a picture of the Lions Club members to be posted on the Palace screen after they reopen. The Vinton Lions Club donated $5,000 toward the Palace Theatre’s upgrade to a digital projection system. The Palace Theatre is set to reopen on Friday, July 2nd with “Shrek Forever” on the new digital screen.

The Vinton Lions Club is one of the largest and most active service organizations in the community. Meetings are held weekly at the Pizza Ranch at noon each Wednesday.