Welcome Newest Lions Member John Cowger
Here John Cowger is being welcomed to the Lions by Lion Brad Westrum, his Lions sponsor. Watching on is 1st District Governor Lion Kirk Tingum of the South Forks Lions. Tingum becomes the 5NE District Governor on July 1. We welcome John and look forward to many years of Lionism and getting the job done. “We Serve.”
Lion Greg McMahon Addresses Lions Club Members
Lion Greg, a newer member of the South Forks Lions recently gave the club a condensed version of his background. The club looks forward to Lion Greg helping keep the Lions a strong service organization in the Grand Forks region. Thanks for joining us Lion Greg!
Jonathan Holth Founder and Chief Executive Officer and Matt Bonzer Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer Address South Forks Lions
Jonathan and Matt covered a lot of ground during this presentation and for specific information about this new effort to support UND athletes please click on the button below and it will take you directly to the 1883 Collective web-page.
Ernie's Place - Providing Youth the Support They Need
Safari Berry and Kaye Seibel spoke to the South Forks Lions about Ernie’s Place. Ernie’s Place is a program of the Red River Valley Community Action Center. Ernie’s Place provides a home-like atmosphere for youth beginning their journey of independence. “Ernie’s Place seeks to fill a gap in social services provided to the community by providing a place for people who are coming out of the foster care system and may need help getting on their feet..” Safari reported that they had received tremendous support from the community in preparing the home for clients. The young folks that go to Ernie’s Place can expect a nice, clean, well-appointed home that is safe. For more information please click on the button below.
Thank You Notes from the Community to the South Forks Lions
The South Forks Lions continue to make a significant impact in Grand Forks and the surrounding community. We love what we do and appreciate hearing back from those we've supported. If you'd like to be part of this service effort please call the number at the end of this update.
South Forks Lions Celebrate Their 60th Anniversary
I fun celebration was held in honor of the South Forks Lions Clubs 60th Anniversary on June 17, 2024 at the North Dakota Vision Services building in Grand Forks. Approximately 70 Lions attended the event with several dignitaries such as 5NE District Governor Rick Stark. South Forks Lions own Kirk Tingum will become 5NE District Governor on July 1.
A nice buffet meal was enjoyed by all and congratulatory remarks were made by several Lions. A letter from former South Forks Lions member and former International Director Bill Biggs was read.
Another highlight for the evening was the presentation of the Melvin Jones Award recipients (see photo directly below - standing L to R: Jeff Larson, Joe Sowokinos, Kirk Tingum, Rex Huss, and Ross Jorgenson. Seated L to R: Bryon Novotny, Brad Westrum, Del Hager, James Laturnus and Pete Tunseth). Congratulations to all these recipients. For more information on the Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards please click the link directly below.
Vision Screenings Continue
This important club service activity recently completed vision screenings at the University Children's Center, Manvel Migrant School and the Grafton Migrant School program. This is a crucial service as the screenings can help find early vision issues for the young people screened and hopefully avert serious sight issues down the road. A special thank you goes out to all the Lions that participate in this needed service, led by Lion Del Hager and Tracy Wicken.
Coach Schweigert Talks Football with Lions
Coach “Bubba” is a regular guest speaker at the South Forks Lions. His brother Lowell was a long time dedicated Lion and is memorialized as part of the annual Lions on the Links event. Bubba, as usual, is looking forward to another challenging football season. On the positive side of things comes 7 home games. The challenge is that they play in what is regarded the most difficult FCS football conference – the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Coach also talked about the internal competition for the quarterback position that hasn’t really been up for grabs for years. Coach was asked how the transfer rule/portal impacts the program. Bubba says it is just another issue to deal with on a regular basis. A team may lose some key players but they also can pick up some needed help from the transfer portal. We thank Coach Schweigert for his time to speak with the Lions. Here’s to a great season Coach! For more information on the UND Football program please click the button below.
GF/EGF Chamber President Barry Wilfahrt Speaks to South Forks Lions
Chamber President Barry Wilfahrt was a recent guest of the South Forks Lions. President Wilfahrt spoke of the positive things happening in both Grand Forks and East Grand Forks. Both are seeing growth. Housing markets are active. Construction is very active. Some large projects are in the works that will bring new well paying jobs to the community. Dynamic economic sectors include the medical facilities, agricultural businesses, higher education, the hotel and food industries and many others make the community an exciting place to do business. For more information about Grand Forks and East Grand Forks, please click the button below.
Mike Hergert Recognized for a Great Year as President of the South Forks Lions
Bryon Novotny, the new Club President, presents departing President Mike Hergert with a plaque honoring his year of leadership. Lion Mike was instrumental in making sure Lions were aware of service opportunities as well as establishing a routine protocol to donate food and or cash to support the St. Joseph’s Food Cupboard. The South Forks Lions thank Mike for his leadership and steady steering of the club. Now we expect him to be even more involved as immediate past president. Thank you Mike!
Shawn Peterson Director of Juvenile Court Services Updates Lions on Drug Court
Shawn Peterson, Director of Juvenile Court Services for Grand Forks County, spoke at a recent South Forks Lions meeting. Shawn spoke of the many issues impacting the youth of the community. A major issue continues to be the problem use of alcohol and other drugs. To combat that ongoing issue the Juvenile Court established a Drug Court program that attempts to intervene with youth that may be headed down a negative path. Strict requirements of the program include appearing before the judge every week. The judge will review if the youth is complying with the conditions established for them, such as – school attendance, no drugs or alcohol (comply with testing), maintaining a job (as applicable), and counseling/therapy as recommended. Shawn notes that you can’t win with every young person but the program has seen much success. Shawn and his hard working staff are having a positive impact with the Drug Court program and the young people served. This is just another example of the effort that goes on behind the scenes to make our community a better place to live and raise a family. For more information please click on the button below.
Lions History
To learn more about the incredible history of the Lions click the link below.
"The older I get, the greater power I seem to have to change the world."... Susan B. Anthony
We Serve
If you are considering joining this service club and would like more information please contact us at the number below or feel free to email us. We will be in contact with you soon. Thank you.
President: Bryon Novotny
Website: https://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/grandforkssf/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthForksLions
Email: southforkslions@gmail.com
Telephone: 218-779-2266