THIS MATERIAL IS PRESENTED FOR USE BY NEW MEMBERS TO STUDY OR REVIEW IN THE PROCESS OF LEARNING MORE ABOUT THE HISTORY, PURPOSE, AND ACTIVITIES OF THE BATTLE LAKE LIONS CLUB.  IT ALSO IS PRESENTED FOR ANY MEMBER LION OR THE PUBLIC TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NATURE OF OUR CLUB.

Dear new Lion member:

Welcome to membership with 1.3 million Lions.  Lions is one of the most service oriented organizations in the world.   The motto "We Serve" means just that.  The Battle Lake Lions Club is the only service club in the Battle Lake area.  As such we work to fund Lions, charitable and community projects.  As a service rather than fraternal organization we are non-political and non-sectarian.  We work for the good of the community and those in need regardless of who they are.  Our heart lies most with those who cannot provide for themselves.

You, the member, are the focal point of our Club.  The Club is only as effective and successful as its members make it.  All fundraising and volunteer work is the result of the fact that fellow Lions are willing to donate their time and talent on behalf of others.   Given that standard there is no greater honor than to be offered membership in the Lions Club.  As a member it is a great privilege to propose a person for membership, as that person should represent the high ideals of Lionism.   New Lions are the result of a current Lion's willingness to recommend that person as a good candidate for Lions membership.  It is the duty of all Lions to seek out quality persons to become new Lions.

The Battle Lake Lions Club does not use charitable gambling as a source of funds.  The Club raises funds through hosting dinners and other food serving events and other donation collections such as White Cane Day.  This means that a member of the Club will be expected to volunteer time and talent to as many such projects as is possible for the member.  All funds raised by the Club from the public, by the International Constitution, must be given back to the community in donations.  In addition to fundraising, members are expected to the extent possible to volunteer for Club sponsored community service projects such as tree planting, Bloodmobile, highway cleanup, etc.

Welcome to the Battle Lake Lions Club.  We invite you to get involved and make use of its opportunities.  Use your club's web site to keep current at www.battlelakelions.org or contact the Club at bllions@hotmail.com .
 

Sincerely Membership co-chairs,
Norm Stolle
Dale Werner

Membership is by invitation only and is open to persons, male and female, of legal majority who have demonstrated high moral character, commitment to community betterment and are ready to accept the Lions Objects and the Lions Code of Ethics.

The Battle Lake Lions Club was chartered by the international association and thereby agreed to abide by the International Constitution and by-laws and the Lions Code of Ethics.  It has the same rights as any Lions club, proportionate to membership.

The club is governed by a board of directors which meets the first Monday of each month unless that day is a holiday, then meets the Tuesday or the following Monday.  It consists of:

President - The chief executive officer of the club who
a) presides at the monthly meeting of the Board and the Club
b) issues the call for regular and special Board and Club meetings
c) appoints Standing and Special Committees and cooperates with the Chairs thereof to effect regular functioning and reporting of such Committees
d) sees that regular elections are duly called, noticed and held
e) cooperates with and is an active member of the District Governor's Advisory Committee of the Zone in which the Club is located if the Governor so uses

Immediate Past President - Along with other Past Presidents officially greet members and their guests at Club meetings, represents the Club in welcoming all new service-minded applicants and serves as an experienced member of the Board.

Vice-Presidents - If the President is unable to perform the duties of that office for any reason, the Vice-President next in rank shall occupy that position and perform those duties with the same authority as the President.  Each Vice-President, under the direction of the President, oversees the functioning of such committees of the Club as designed by the President.  The Battle Lake Lions Club elects three vice-presidents - 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.  Each is on track to become president but must be so elected by the Club.  In case that one vice-president must withdraw, the next vice-president moves up to fill in.

Secretary - Under the supervision and direction of the President and Board of Directors, acts as liaison officer between the Club and the District and the Association.  The Secretary:
A. Submits regular monthly and other reports to the District Governor including the Monthly Membership Report on the forms provided containing information as required.
B. Cooperates with and is an active member of the District Governor's Advisory Committee of the Zone.
C. Has custody of and maintains general records of the club, including records of minutes of the Club and Board meetings, attendance, committee appointments, elections, classifications, addresses and telephone numbers of members, and members' club accounts.
D. Issues annual statements to each member for dues and other financial obligations owed the Club, collects and turns over to the Club Treasurer.
E. Keeps attendance of those who have attended Club meetings, are excused or have proof of makeup. This is done with a registration slip at your eating place.  It is very important that you fill it out and have it collected by the Tail Twisters because it records your attendance at a Club meeting.  The Secretary keeps record of your attendance for the 100% Attendance Awards.
F. Lions Clubs International bonds the position.

Treasurer -
a) Receives all monies and deposits the same in a bank approved by the Board of Directors.
b) Pays the Club's obligations on the authority of the Board.  All checks and vouchers are signed by the Treasurer and countersigned by another officer/s designated by the Board.
c) Has custody, keeps and maintains general records of Club receipts and disbursements.  The Activities Account is used for all fundraising receipts and disbursements to charity and community projects.  The General Account is used for receipt of dues and payment of dues to Lions International, 5M-9, and other Club expense such as meeting meals, postage, etc.
d) Prepares and submits an annual financial report for each of the Activities and General Accounts to the Board.  Reports at each Board and Club meeting the financial status of both accounts, and gives special reports when so directed.
e) Lions Clubs International bonds the position.

Lion Tamers - Have charge of and are responsible for the property and paraphernalia of the Club including flags, banners, gong, gavel, and songbooks.  They arrange these items for Club meetings and store them afterwards. Act as Sergeant-at-Arms at meetings, see that those present are properly seated, and distribute such items as necessary.  Give special attention to new members so that they become more acquainted with other members and the Club.

Tail Twisters - Promote harmony, good fellowship, life and enthusiasm in the meetings through appropriate stunts, games and the judicious imposition of fines on Club members.  There is no appeal from such a decision by a Tail Twister.  However they can not fine ($.25) a member more than twice during a meeting. They do not make change so bring quarters.  Infractions may be such as not knowing the correct answer to questions about Lions, failing to call another member Lion so-and-so at a meeting, or other activities meant only to be in fun.  Club meetings should have a lighter side to them, not just business.  The Tail Twister's main function is to "warm up the audience" and have fun.  They can be fined but only by unanimous vote by all members present including the Tail Twisters.

All monies collected from "fines" go into the General Account toward Club expenses.  Tail Twisters also collect $.25 along with the meeting registration slip that each member at the meeting should fill out before dinner. These monies are split - half is given to the member whose name is drawn at the meeting (must have been at the previous Club meeting) and the rest goes to the General Fund.

Assisting the Board are various administrative and activity committees appointed by the President.  You will receive/have received a list of all committees and their members.  A new list is given each year.  All levels of Lionism are on a fiscal FY year of July 1 - June 30.   The President appoints as many Club members as possible to a committee assignment.  New members are appointed, if possible, according to the choices indicated on the membership application. Every member is appointed to at least one committee.  If you have a preference you should make that request to the President.

Club History

The Club was chartered on August 22, 1956 and held its charter night on September 13, 1956.  The Fergus Falls Lions Club was the sponsoring club. There were 32 charter members of which Richard "Dick" Tamke is the remaining charter member.  Marcus Langemo was the first president and Bill Dowling the first secretary/treasurer.  The early meetings were held at the Country Inn (Old Brick Inn).

The original membership consisted of the following (*served as president):

February 16, 1980, the club filed Articles of Incorporation as Lions Club of Battle Lake, Minnesota as a not-for-profit Section 317 corporation under 1979 Minnesota State Revised Statutes. 

Some notable project accomplishments include the Lions Shelter, the tennis court and the bathhouse at Lions Park.  A semi-annual accomplishment over the years has been ditch cleaning for three miles of Highway 78 south of Battle Lake.  The Club also promotes the Red Cross Bloodmobile by helping to load and unload the supply truck, provides a lunch for the staff, helps in the phone calling program, and provides various treats for donors.  In 2000-2001 the Club accepted sponsorship of the Bloodmobile as a Club project which means that if the community cannot provide volunteers the Club will do so.  Each year the Club has raised thousands of dollars for Lions project funding, charitable donations, and community/school needs.

Club dues.
The Board of Directors sets the dues of the Club for any year when a change is needed.  Currently the dues are $110 and due each July 1 or as soon thereafter as possible.  These dues go first to pay dues to Lions International and to District 5M-9.  Most of the rest of the dues go to pay for nine (9) meals at the nine (9) Club meetings held from September through May.  Those three items take most of all of the dues charged.  The remaining administrative expenses such as newsletters, postage, mailings, etc. are paid from the miscellaneous income from donations to the Club, fines at meetings, etc.  All Club expenses must be paid from the General Fund.  Money from fundraisers to the public (Activities Fund) cannot be used for those purposes.

Club Meetings.
The Board meets once a month on the first Monday or the following Tuesday if Monday is a holiday unless published otherwise.  The Board normally meets at 6:30 p.m. at the Battle Lake City chambers. The Club meets on the third Monday from September through May at 6:30 p.m. at the Shoreline cafe.  That meeting includes a meal.  The February regular meeting is called Ladies Night and is held the Saturday following Valentine's Day when members and spouses/guest are invited to attend.  The business meeting is short and the agenda is an evening of fun.

It is important for you to attend every Club meeting as this is where the bonds of friendship are formed that contribute to the Club's success.  Important business takes place - votes on new projects, reports on committee actions, planning for future events, and fun.

Perfect Attendance.
You should aim for perfect attendance at Club meetings.  If you miss there are possible ways to makeup the meeting or obtain an excused absence.  Failure to maintain 100% attendance in any year will break the accumulative record and reset it back to 0.  The Club's rules follow.

Perfect Attendance awards shall be awarded on the basis of continuous attendance at regular club meetings.  Makeup or excused absences shall be according to Lions International policy but allowing a month before or after such absence for makeup.  To maintain perfect attendance it shall be the responsibility of the Lion member to inform the Secretary of the reason for absence and make such proof as necessary for makeup or excuse within the time limits.
Members who have earned previous attendance pins will be asked to return them when they earn a higher award so that the pins may be recycled.   Perfect attendance certificates shall be awarded for years one (1) through four (4) and pins year five (5) and each five (5) additional years.

Remember that your attendance at a Club meeting is proven by completing the green registration slip at the meeting and making sure that the Tail Twister collects it along with your $.25 for the drawing.  If you think that you should have credit for a meeting contact the Secretary ASAP to get it cleared up.

Length of Membership Chevrons.
Membership chevrons are "service stripes" to be attached to your Lions pin.  Credit for chevrons is granted by Lions International after the first ten (10) years of continuous years of membership in a Lions club.  Another chevron is awarded each five (5) years thereafter for of continuous years of membership in a Lions club.  The Club provides the chevrons for members.  The Club's rules follow.

The Club Secretary will keep record of the length of International membership for each member.  The Club at its expense shall award Lions International length of membership chevrons to each member who qualifies according to the rules established by Lions International.  Previously awarded chevrons shall be collected and recycled if available."

Club Newsletter.
The Club publishes a monthly newsletter.  It is mailed to each member along with the minutes of the previous Board and Club meeting.  You should read these carefully so as to become informed about the events and actions of the Club.  If you have questions about either you should contact the President, Secretary, or any of the members of the Board.

Club Web Site.
The Club maintains its web site at www.battlelakelions.org for your information.  It is up dated as often as possible.  The Club makes the newsletter available by pdf download and may make the minutes, lists, etc. available online at a later date.  Contact the Club at bllions@hotmail.com and your note will be forwarded to an appropriate officer.  If you have an email address, please send an email to the Club address.  You will be added to the list.  There are times when the Club needs to quickly get to the members and that is one way that we can do so.  The addresses are not sold or given to anyone not on the list and should not be used by anyone for non-Club purposes.

There are many other things to be learned about Lions and the Battle Lake Lions Club.  Ask your sponsor, any Club officer, or any member.  They will be happy to give you an answer or direct you to someone who can.  All of the members of the Club are here to help you become the best possible Lion.