Members of the 2024 Guthrie Center Lions Club. Front row: Shawna Nelson, Steve Smith, Joe Hanner, Kristen Crouthamel, Diane Flanery, Kelly Bast, Bill Sheeder, Mark Benton, George Hemmen and Darwin Hughes. Back row: Rex Schoonover, Chris Stipe, Dennis Flanery, Dwayne Seeck, Dale Behrends, Larry Brandt, Josh Rasmussen, Ed Wright, Roger Underwood, Gary Rees, Mike Underwood, Barry Monaghan and Kris Langgaard.
By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The Guthrie Center Lions celebrated on June 10 to recognize 100 years of service. The event was held at the Events Center at the Guthrie County Fairgrounds and honored many people and organizations.
The program for the evening was presided over by the club president, Joe Hanner, and included a welcome by Guthrie Center Mayor Mike Herbert, as well as recognition of Leo members, other clubs in attendance, past presidents and years of service awards. Mary Porter provided history on the club, and Ardie Klemish of Anita was the keynote speaker.
Chris Stipe was officially installed by Dawn Goodsell as a new member.
The Indianola Noon Lions Club, which was sponsored by the Guthrie Center Club, presented a $500 donation to the fundraising efforts for the evening.
Becky Wahl provided updates on the Little Charger Early Learning Center, which was the recipient of the funds raised during the program. Dennis Flanery presided over numerous fundraising efforts for the evening and shared the names of the winners of the contests.
The Guthrie Center Lions Club was founded on June 16, 1924, and was sponsored by the Audubon Lions Club. It was officially chartered during a dinner meeting held in the basement of the Presbyterian Church. The original charter listed 26 members with F.W. Vorhies installed as the first president.
The 100th Anniversary Committee included Kris Langgaard (chairman), Joe Hanner, Steve Smith, Dennis Flanery, Diane Flanery, Kristen Crouthamel and Rex Schoonover.
Officers and board members for 2023-2024 are Joe Hanner (president), Kris Langgaard (first vice president), Josh Rasmussen (second vice president), Kelly Bast (third vice president), Kristen Crouthamel (secretary), Mike Underwood (treasurer), Ed Wright (co-tail twister), Roger Underwood (co-tail twister), Gary Rees (lion tamer), Steve Smith (immediate past president and director), Barry Monaghan (director), Darwin Hughes (director) and Ed Wright (director).
The club has a longstanding tradition of supporting causes including youth programs, diabetes education and awareness, and sight conservation.
The Guthrie Center Lions meet the second Monday of each month at noon at either the Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church or First Christian Church. New members are welcome. Reach out to any Lion for more information or email guthriecenterlionsclub@gmail.com.
Board members and officers of the 2024 Guthrie Center Lions Club. Front row, Mike Underwood, Kristen Crouthamel, Joe Hanner, Kris Langgaard and Josh Rasmussen. Back row: Barry Monaghan, Steve Smith, Ed Wright and Darwin Hughes. Darwin Hughes was recognized for 55 years of service in the Guthrie Center Lions Club. John Akers, president of the Indianola Noon Lions Club, presented a plaque and a check for $500 to Joe Hanner in recognition of the club’s 100-year anniversary and to support the fundraising efforts. Dennis Flanery received a “Perfect Attendance” award from President Joe Hanner. Mike Underwood, Steve Smith, Rex Schoonover and Gary Rees received awards for years of service from President Joe Hanner. Chris Stipe and Mike Underwood Pat Subbert and Pat Clayton Brian Sauser, Josh Rasmussen, Tandem Eischeid and Kelsey Eischeid
