Committees

The Star Lions Club met on Monday, August 27, at El Mariachi Loco.  Jerry Stevenson, Boise Bench Lion and Lions Sight and Hearing Trustee stopped in and gave a report of the numbers served by the Foundation, Eye Bank, and MSU in the past year.

A committee sign-up sheet was passed around.  Want to volunteer for a particular committee?  Contact President Larry or be sure to come to the next meeting on September 10th. 

It's a New Year

The Lions year begins with a bang  on July 1st.  New officers, first board meeting, flags for the 4th of July, planning for Star Hometown Celebration...

New officers for the year are: 
President:  Larry Clucas
VP:  Joe Jara
Secretary:  Jennifer Weeks
Treasurer:  Christina Flores
Lion Tamer:  Mini Victory
Tail Twister:  Bill Pollett
Membership Chair:  Kathy Donahue
Director:  Robert Wurster

First board meeting was held July 2nd.  Budget, potential new projects/fundraisers, membership, and programs were the topics.

On July 3rd, flags were placed on Veteran's graves and along State Street.  Happy Independence Day!

Lions in the Month of May

Star Lions put American flags along State Street through Star for the Memorial Day weekend.  Four times a year the flags go up-the second time being for Flag Day, June 14th;  the next date will be for Independence Day when the flags will stay up through Star Hometown Celebration.

Flags were also place on  Memorial Day on the graves of veterans at the Star Cemetery.  The two oldest veterans date from the Spanish American war.

Picking Up Litter

Twice a year, the Star Lions pick up litter along a 2 mile stretch of Highway 16 just east of town.  Saturday was the day for the spring clean-up and 20 bags of trash were picked up by seven Lions and 3 firefighters.  (Thanks Ernie, Kelly, and Dave!!)

Ever wonder what we find?  In addition to fast food wrappers and drink cups and cans, this year we found a hitch with ball, gloves, socks, a towel, golf balls, car parts, fishing hooks, someone's pay stub complete with SS# (don't worry, your identity is safe with us), and some dead birds.  We left the birds.

Patriotism Essay Awards

The Star Lions sponsored the Patriotism Essay Contest at the Star Elementary School.  The fifth grade classes participated.   The topic was "How Can I Best Serve my Country in Time of Need and Disaster?"  The essay contest is a Multiple District contest with students participating from E. Oregon and across Southwest Idaho in the first phase and from all of southern Idaho (District 39W and District 39E) in the second phase.

Winners were:

1st place:  Kendra Garrison
2nd place (tie):  Courtney Payne and Abby Eastridge
4th place: Lillian Holley

Winners were awarded a certificate and a silver medallion.  Teachers Mrs. Diffenbaugh, Mr. Hiroto, and Mrs. Smith were recognized with silver coins.

Kendra Garrison was also selected as the fifth grade winner for District 39W. 

Officer Election

The nominations meeting for Star Lions 2012-13 officers was held Monday, April 23rd.  The following people were nominated:

President:  Larry Clucas
VP:  Joe Jara
Secretary:  Jennifer Weeks
Treasurer:  Christina Flores
Lion Tamer:  Mini Victory
Tail Twister:  Bill Pollett
Membership Chair:  Kathy Donahue

Elections will be held May 14th.

Trees, Trees, Trees

It was a gorgeous day in Idaho City and Star Lions took full advantage of the sunshine in the great outdoors.  As part of Lions International President Tam's environmental initiative to plant a million trees (now at over 8 million worldwide) several Lions, along with friends and family members, headed north to Idaho City to plant trees. 

Eleven hundred trees to be exact.

Some were dibblers (hole diggers) and some were planters and some were tree carriers.  All were hungry after 2 1/2 hours on the hillside. 

Wine with the Lions

Tomorrow!  Join the Lions at Helina Marie's Wine Bar for fun, fellowship, fundraising, late brick orders, and, of course, wine!

Star Lions Visit Kuna Lions

Last Saturday night six Lions from Star went to Kuna for the Kuna Lions 45th Charter Party.  Several Kuna Lions attended our party in January.  We came home with lots of "horse bingo" and raffle prizes and had a good time visiting our friends in Kuna.

The charter parties weren't the first times the 2 clubs have gotten together.  We collaborated on a wheel chair ramp project and exchanged visits at club meetings, BBQ fundraisers, vision screenings, and other events.

Spring Banners Are Flying

A four-person work crew put up the spring banners along State Street on Saturday afternoon.  These banners will be flying until Memorial Day weekend, when American flags will replace them.

Star Lions Support the Strides Walk

The District 39W Strides:  Lions Walk for Diabetes Awareness was held Saturday, April 7th at Merrill Park in Eagle.  The walk was a 3K along the green belt to raise awareness for diabetes prevention.  Our own Robin Jara was the chair person for the event and Star led the way with the most Lions in attendance!  The walk raised about $200 for Camp Hodia.

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Star Police Chief Speaks at Meeting

At the Lions club meeting this evening, we got to hear from Star Police Chief John Laraway.  John lives in Kuna and was police chief there a few years ago.  He likes the small town atmosphere of Star.  He told us that most calls in the community were domestic disputes.  He expects an increase in juvenile crimes of vandalism or thefts when school is out and kids have nothing to do.


The club received a presidential membership award for increasing membership in 2010-2011 by more than 10 members.  Mini was presented with the pin since she sponsored the most new members last year.

Upcoming events announced at the meeting:

April 14-Kuna Charter Party
April 15-Brick purchase deadline
April 19-Wine with the Lions
April 21-Planting trees in Idaho City
April 21-Boise Vista and Special Olympics Charter Parties
April 28-Litter pick-up

Working the Concessions Booth

The Star Lions worked at a concessions stand at Taco Bell Arena for Saturday Night's Blake Shelton Concert.  What either sounds like an exciting night at the concert or a boring night working is actually neither.  It's a face-paced, long-time-on-your-feet evening of serving up drinks and snacks, working closely (the booth is rather narrow!) with your fellow Lions, laughing, joking, people watching, and earning some nice tips-with some music in the background!  And on a busy night like this one, bringing back a nice chunk of money for the Star Lions-money that goes to the community of Star!

Before the doors opened, we were ready to go!

Lions Volunteer for "A Starry Night"

The Star Lions volunteered their time to help the teachers at Star Elementary School raise money to improve the school for the kids at the Starry Night fundraiser on March 9th.   Several members served the food (lasagne, salad, bread sticks) which was catered by Louie's Italian Restaurant in Meridian.  The Lions also baked or solicited from friends and businesses about 30 desserts for the dessert auction.  A total of 14 Lions participated by either serving, making desserts for the auction, bidding on auction items, or attending the function!

Board Meeting Tomorrow

The Board of Directors meeting is Monday evening.  Have any comments, complaints, suggestions for the board?  Ideas for new service projects or fundraisers?  Want to be on the Board next year?  Contact President Dick or any other Board member-Larry, Kathy, Christina, Joe, Robin, or Robert.

February 27th Meeting

The second meeting in February was at El Mariachi Loco at noon.  It's always great to get together with friends for lunch!

Lions are reminded to sign up for concessions at Taco Bell Arena for March 10th (Blake Shelton) and March 24th (Kelly Clarkson).  Contact Christina.

We still need volunteers to make desserts for "Starry Night", Star Elementary School fundraiser.  Contact Kathy if you can bring a dessert for the silent auction.  Not a baker?  Can you help serve?  Or just buy a ticket to attend the dinner-only $10. 

Fiesta Fundraiser

Lions gathered with about 80 of their friends and neighbors to eat at El Mariachi Loco on February 21st.  The restaurant donated a portion of the evening's proceeds to the Brick Project. Donna and Robert took home the prizes for bringing the most guests.  Donna was friends with just about everyone who came in the door!  Way to go!

February 13th Meeting

The first February meeting was on Monday, February 13th.  We listened to an interesting presentation about Ride Idaho, a week long bicycle ride through scenic Idaho.  Brett Tinker organizes the event which raises money through entry fees and sponsorships for local charities.  Bill signed up to volunteer!  Del Oswald from Meridian Noon Lions was also there, talking about Bowling for Sight and Hunger on February 25th.

In club business, Kathy announced that Lions had been asked to bring desserts to the Starry Night fundraiser on March 9th for the Star Elementary School.  Mike volunteered to speak to local restaurants about the Braille/Large Print Menu program for the Idaho Commission for the Blind. 

Star Lions Celebrate with Charter Party

January 20th was the date of Star's charter party this year which was held at Heron River Clubhouse.  "Lions Are in It to Win It" was the theme with a tournament featuring games from the TV show "Minute to Win It".  Teams from Kuna, Boise Vista Lions, Boise Bench Lions, Boise Capital and Sunset Lions, and 2 teams from Star Lions competed.  Star Lions Mini, Joe, and Robert took home the first place prizes, gift cards to Sully's.

Food was catered by Qdoba with home made desserts.  VDG Ashley presented Dick with a membership key pin.  PID Gary presented Robin and Joe with Presidential Certificates of Appreciation.

January 9 Meeting

Lions met at the Star Fire Station for the first meeting of the new year.  Guest speaker Chuck Malloy from the Boise Bench Lions spoke about his battle with diabetes.  Mary with the Star Library talked about programs and activities at the Library.  Lion Curt Kelley, also from the Boise Bench Lions, gave information about Opening Eyes.

A Busy December

Star Lions kicked off the month of December with the Star Christmas Extravaganza.  They sponsored a cookie contest for elementary students, then served free cookies throughout the event.  Lions Dale and Nadine provided entertainment on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions served hot chocolate at the Christmas Tree Lighting.

Lions gathered for a Christmas party and gift exchange on December 12th.  On the 18th, they decorated 2 trailers with lights and went Christmas caroling around Star.

The next week it was time for Christmas shopping, as the Lions bought clothing and gifts for several of Star's needy families.