News : Vinton Lions Highlights of the Past 100 Years

Highest Lions honor given by organization in State of Iowa presented to: Alan Woodhouse, treasurer

Highest Lions honor given by Lions in State of Iowa presented to: Lion Lynn Montgomery, secretary

Tom Pingenot, T-J Gas for his years of commitment, support and friend of Vinton Lions Club

Several lawn games were set up like this giant Connect Four

Lions Club of Vinton, Iowa, organized July 5, 1921-only four years after first Lions club ever was formed. As such Vinton Lions Club is one of oldest in Iowa-and worldwide!

Vinton Lions Charter Night held Monday, October 17, 1921, with 30 charter members. Among them was F. E. (Francis) Palmer, 11th superintendent of Iowa School for the Blind. Four years later, Helen Keller gave Lions their primary mission, urging them to be "Knights of the Blind." Vinton Lions were already actively involved in working with students and staff at Vinton's Braille school. The club's first major project was giving Braille typewriter to each Braille School student on his or her graduation.

Early on and until its closing in 2012, Vinton Lions hosted an annual Christmas party-banquet for Braille School students and staff, at the Braille School.

Vinton Lions are part of the Iowa Kidsight network, offering digital camera eye screening to all area preschoolers at no charge.

In 1932 Vinton Lions became charter sponsors of Vinton's Boy Scout troop, a relationship that continues to this day. Starting in 1937, the club sponsored two more Scout troops at the Braille School. Later, the club purchased uniforms for members of the Braille School Girl Scout troop.

Among local Lions projects was the 1949 purchase of bonds supporting Vinton's then-new hospital, purchase in 1954 of Vinton schools' new electronic football scoreboard, and, over the years, presentation of scholarships totaling thousands of dollars given to Vinton-Shellsburg High School graduates. In 1956 Vinton Lions co-organized the Vinton Quarterback Club; from the 1960s began collecting used eyeglasses and, later, hearing aids for reuse.

Fifty years ago this year Vinton Lions built and opened the community's slo-pitch softball field. In 2007 the Iowa Parks & Recreation Associated gave its Award of Excellence to Vinton Lions for developing and maintaining that softball field. Vinton Lions are currently underwriting major field and facility improvements in time for this fall's tournaments.

In 2014 Vinton Lions became involved in the Reach Out and Read program at Vinton's Tilford Elementary School, interrupted this past year by Covid 19 restrictions.

Responding to the various community needs, Vinton Lions secured emergency major grant assistance through the Iowa Lions Foundation to assist victims of 2009 flood.

Through proceeds earned from Lions' food trailer and members' generosity, Vinton Lions are able to support high school graduates' scholarships, Vinton-Shellsburg School Athletic Boosters, Vinton Parks & Recreation programs, Vinton's Boy Scout troop, the Iowa and International Lions Foundations, Leader Dog program, the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight program for veterans, Diabetes Awareness program, Vinton-Shellsburg Schools' backpack program, Special Olympics,

the American Cancer Society, Dollars for Scholars, Camp Courageous, the Palace Theater, Junior Achievement, and more.

So, Happy 100th Birthday to the Lions Club of Vinton, Iowa. And may it continue to be vibrant and rich part of the Vinton community for another one hundred years and more!

Warren Coleman Award - Presented by Past District Governor Richard Congdon and Past International Director Mark Hintzmann (see pictures below):

Highest Lions honor that can be given by organization in State of Iowa presented to:

Lion Lynn Montgomery, Secretary

Lion Dr. Alan Woodhouse, Treasurer

Tom Pingenot, T-J Gas for his years of commitment, support and friend of Vinton Lions Club

Past District Governor Richard Congdon presented Lamplighter awards to Vinton Lions Club and to Robin Martin. The Lamplighter award presented for leadership and commitment of service.

Past District Governor Richard Congdon presented Outstanding Secretary award to Lynn Montgomery. Lynn has been secretary of Vinton Lions Club since 2013.

Visiting dignitaries were:

Past International Director Mark Hintzmann, Watertown, Wisconsin.

Past International Director Ardie Klemish, Anita, Iowa.

Past District Governor Doug Welton, New Hampton, Iowa

District Governor Stephen Becker, Cedar Falls, Iowa