Highlights from Past Meetings and Events
It is a warm Wednesday afternoon in May, and a crowd has gathered in City Square Park for the annual Senior Picnic.
Those gathered are eagerly anticipating a pleasant afternoon in the park, filled with friends, music, and good food!
Dedicated Lions work to prepare a tasty meal for our area Seniors, while the
"official tasting committee" appears to be giving serious consideration to the latest batch of brats
Some Chaska Lions members and their children prepare to march in the River City Days parade (left). Meanwhile, friendly Lions (right) are always ready to serve you at the popular Lions Club Beer Booth located in City Square Park.
Lt: Proud recipients of awards for length of Lions Club membership on June 1, 2004, included (left to right): Gary Riba (25 years), Dale Diedrick (30 years), Dave Chase (30 years), and Mike Ramsland (40 years). Not pictured were Bill Murray (25 years) and Luke Melchert (35 years). Rt: The Chaska Lions Club hosted a Zone Meeting which was well attended by members of several area Lions Clubs. A fine meal was served, and much fun was had by all. The humor of that particular event kept everyone in stitches! Drawings were held for several fine prizes at evening’s end.
"Monty Hall" (who bore a strong resemblance to Lion Rick Nolan) stopped by our Christmas Party in 2006 and played a game of "Let's Make a Deal." In the photo to the left, Geoff Hansen pondered which gift to choose, while the host, the hostesses, and the friendly but rowdy crowd cheered him on. Later, Lion Geoff seemed happy with his choice!
Over the years, the Chaska Lions have presented the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award to several proud Chaska residents, including Lion Jim Walters, Lion Greg Boe, Lion Benita Scott, Tracy Swanson, Gary (not pictured) and Sandy Cooper, and Lion Kim Jordahl. The Melvin Jones Award, established in 1973 by Lions Club International, is the highest form of recognition for acknowledging dedication to humanitarian service within an individual's community. A person does not have to be a Lion to be recognized as a Melvin Jones Fellow, but they must be dedicated to their community.
(Left) Lion Luke Melchert is presented the Lions District 5M2 Governors "Service is the Key" Award Past District Governor Debra Wasserman. This coveted award is presented to Lions Club members who are outstanding in their levels of service and volunteerism within their local community. (Right) Chaska Lions Tim O'Hara and Bill Bultinck officially exchange the gavel, signaling the change to a new club President for the following year.
Lt: Students from Clover Ridge and Chaska Elementary School sang patriotic songs and heard from interesting and inspiring speakers during "Liberty Days" in Chaska. This event is sponsored in part by the Chaska Lions Club.
Among the speakers was Representative Mark Kennedy, a Lions Club member himself! Rt: Each meeting ends with a visit from the "Tail Twister" in an effort to raise a few more dollars to help our community. In this photograph from 2004, Tail Twister Bob Topinka (right) leaves Lion Jim Walters laughing (with a few less quarters in his pocket) as Lion Jim is "fined" for some sort of minor "infraction." As always, the fine is small but the benefit to our community is large!
Lt: Neither rain nor snow will stop the Lions Club! Chaska Lion Julie Koosman hands a check to two wet but willing volunteers for the Lions Club Journey for Sight program, after they ran through a rainstorm to pick up our club donation. Rt: Past Club President Tim O'Hara (left) and Past District Governor Mike Vos (right) presented the prestigious "Lion of the Year" award to Harold Ek (center) in 2007. Lion Harold was involved with the Chaska Lions for many years.
Lions Club members gather to celebrate the Holidays during our 2008 Christmas Party at Hazeltine Golf Club in Chaska
