News : Lions prepare to volunteer for Party in the Park; hear update on IBSSS

The Vinton Lions Club held their regular Wednesday meeting at the Pizza Ranch. There were 42 members present. It was a day that truly demonstrated the Lions' well-known spirit of volunteerism.

Club president Don Eells yielded the floor to several members who head up various aspects of the Party in the Park celebration. First, Jeff Petersen announced the need for volunteers to help with parking at Riverside Park from 3:30 to 6 pm on Saturday, June 26th. He also called for volunteers to represent the Lions Club in the competition “Minute to Win It” as part of the day’s entertainment.

Member Mike Elwick passed around a signup sheet for members to work in the Lions Club food trailer at Party in the Park. He said the trailer has been revamped to offer two serving windows instead of one, which will reduce the wait time for customers. Elwick called for 10 members per shift.

President Don Eells, who also represents Dollars for Scholars, stated the need for Lions Club members to take a turn as targets in the dunk tank at Party in the Park. Several nominees were presented to the membership, however, none of those members were in attendance to accept the nomination at this time. President Eells also introduced new Lions Club member Sara Larkin, wife of Brian, to the membership. He said this is the first time in the history of the Vinton Lions Club that both husband and wife have been members in the organization.

Lions Club member and State Representative Dawn Pettengill addressed the membership with an update based on her observation of the committee that will make recommendations regarding the fate of the Iowa Braille School. At this time the committee is considering four different recommendations that could be submitted to the Iowa Board of Regents in August. None of the recommendations considered by the committee would leave the Braille School in its current status.

Representative Pettengill announced a meeting will be held today, Thursday, June 17 at 10 am in Des Moines where comments from the public will be heard by the committee. The meeting will be held in the Des Moines Public Library from 10 to 11 am. She encouraged members of the public to attend the meeting and to voice their opinions to the committee.

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. If you would like more information on how to become a member, or just want to sample some amazing food, stop out to the Lions Club food trailer during Party in the Park June 24, 25, or 26th.