Marcellus Lions Club Minutes – January 15, 2026

Marcellus Lions Club – Thursday, January 15, 2026, at 6pm
Patch and Remington

Present: President Estela Beaugrand, Vice President Marie Bresemen, Secretary Sarah Engstrom, George Gearhart, Mike, Sherry, Shannon and Aidan Durden, Tony Ruacho, Jimmy Shannon
Absent: Treasurer Joel Bartram, Allen and Pat Butchbaker, Stephanie Bender-Breseman, Bart Poulsen
Guests: Asia Hagan

Prayer, pledge, and meeting called to order at 6:02pm.

1. Treasurer’s Report, Reported by Sarah for Joel
a. Checking and Savings Balances will be emailed to the group.

b. CD and Signer updates – Still needs to be completed.

2. Secretary’s Report, Sarah
a. Senior Luncheon Recap – We served 34 guests and volunteers and received $35 in donations. The service has been reported on the Lions portal.

b. District Zone Meeting – Monday, Feb 9th, 2026, starting at 5:30pm at the Paw Paw Lions Club. Sarah will RSVP for those interested in going.

c. Michigan Lions Forum – February 27-28, 2026 in Kalamazoo. Registration is $60/person and by February 14th, 2026. Sarah can register those who are interested. In previous years, members paid their own registration fee.

d. State Convention – Event will be in May in Bellaire, MI at Shanty Creek. The International President is scheduled to speak this year. More information will be coming.

e. Lions of Michigan Foundation – A motion made by Tony supported by Estela to purchase the 10 tickets as a club for the Annual Sight and Hearing Sweepstakes at a cost of $100. 10 Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried.

3. President’s Report, Estela 
a. Pin presentation – Estela presented new members pins to those who hadn’t received them upon joining the club.

4. Officer’s Meeting Update, Estela/Sarah
Sarah and Estela discussed agenda items for tonight’s meeting.

5. On-Going Initiatives – Group
a. Community Involvement – Instead of setting up a booth during the Bluegill Frolic, we will offer volunteer services to the BGF committee (i.e. picking up trash, selling tickets, working beer tent, etc.)

b. Increasing Membership – Estela is pleased with our increase in membership.

c. Youth members/Leo – Tony spoke about involving more young community members in non-profit groups and that the board for Flyover Art are looking to create a youth council. Those who join their youth council may be interested in joining other groups.

d. Foster Children Bags – Sarah reported that the bags were assembled and dropped off to Tammy Curtis before Christmas break. Plan made to get a jumpstart on this project next year and get a general number of students at the beginning of the school year.

6. 2026 Scholarships – Group 
A motion made by Estela supported by Marie to offer 3 scholarships for $1,000/each to graduating seniors in the Marcellus Community School district. 10 Ayes, 0 Nays, motion carried. Sarah will get the application to the guidance counselor at MHS.

7. Trivia Night at Patch & Remington – Sarah /Group
Event is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026. Group arrives at 6:15pm and starts at 7pm. Cost will be a minimum $5 donation per person to play. First place and last place prizes were discussed and will be assembled at the next meeting. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

8. Fundraising Ideas – Estela/Group
a. Culver’s – A motion made by Estela and supported by Marie to contact Culver’s to see about coordinating an event for us where we work as servers and receive a percentage of sales during the timeframe.

b. Other ideas – Jimmy suggested an event with live music. Other ideas were Wine & Canvas or Cookies & Canvas, but we would need to find an artist to assist with those.

9. Next Meeting Planning, All
a. February Meeting – Joel – chili, Sherry – cornbread, Marie – Crackers & cheese, Estela – dessert, Tony – eating utensils, coffee & water.

10. Additional Items 
a. New Meeting Location – Discussed pros and cons of moving meeting back to Big Tony’s and decision was made to continue meeting at Patch & Remington.

b. Nonprofit Compliancy – Sarah Ayers, from Flyover Art, was going to speak at our meeting, but was unable. She provided a flyer with contact information and Sarah will contact her to set up an appointment.

Upcoming Events
District Wide Zone Meeting – Monday, February 9, 2026

Paw Paw Lions Club: Registration starts at 5:30pm

Next Regular Meeting – Thursday, February 19, 2026
Patch & Remington: Dinner at 5:30pm, Meeting at 6pm

Trivia Night – Saturday, February 21, 2026
Patch & Remington: Meet at 6:15pm, Event at 7pm

Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:22pm by Marie, supported by Tony and Jimmy. 10 Ayes, 0 Nays. Motion Carried.

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