News : New President For Vinton Lion's Club

Incoming President Mike Timmermans hands outgoing President Phil Borlesky his gavel.

In a transition of power notable for its orderliness, the President and other offices of the Vinton Lion’s Club changed hands at Wednesday’s noon meeting at Pizza Ranch. “It has been my pleasure to serve this past year and I hope my pleasure wasn’t your pain,” said Phil Borlesky, outgoing President of the club.

As is required of outgoing Presidents, Phil shared some of the many accomplishments of Vinton’s Lions Club over the past year.

The Lions continued their tradition of helping park cars during football games and the cross country meet at Rodgers Park. The club provided free kids’ eye screenings, recycled used eye glasses, and generously supported the Leader Dog Program.

The local group participated in a lunch and reading session at Tilford Elementary School as well as a preschool “read-a-thon”. The decade-long tradition of supporting the local Boy Scout Troup 47 was continued, and the club presented three scholarships to graduating Vinton-Shellsburg students.

From their work in the Lions food trailer and the Honor Flight chili supper, the club again donated to Honor Flight, the school’s Backpack Buddies program, supported the Iowa Lions’ Foundation, and contributed to Vinton’s annual Walk for Cancer Event.

As one of the largest Lion’s clubs in Iowa, Vinton’s 93 year old club has 80 members.

Taking over the gavel for the next year, the new Lion’s President Mike Timmermans and the club have already scheduled the food trailer for Ragbrai’s visit to Vinton on the 23rd of July, and are preparing for Vinton’s 2nd annual scrap metal drive to be held in the fall.

If you would like to learn more about Vinton’s Lion’s Club and opportunities to be of service, or if you or your group would like to present at our weekly meeting, please contact us at vintonlions@gmail.com