Jennifer Puppe Discusses Foster Care Licensing with South Forks Lions Club
Jennifer Puppe is a licensed social worker (LSW) with the Northern Valley Human Service Zone (NVHSZ). Her responsibilities are to recruit and train people to become licensed foster parents. She covers the Northeast corner of the state. Jennifer emphasized the need for additional foster parents though the number of children entering care has been declining recently, particularly youth placed out-of-state. Ms. Puppe spoke of the process to become licensed which includes a home study, background check and other training requirements. Foster homes can be single parent or two parent families. She stressed foster parents receive ongoing training that helps prepare them for the types of issues they may encounter as foster parents. Workers generally visit the foster home and foster child at least 1 time per month to provide support to both. Foster homes are part of a statewide system that promotes keeping or reuniting families together. She mentioned various levels of foster care from home foster care to treatment facilities.
Please click on the button below for more information on becoming a foster parent and for more general information.
The South Forks Lions thank Jennifer Puppe for making the early morning trip to speak at their Tuesday, August 22 meeting.
Berger Speaks on GF School Board
Grand Forks School Board member Dave Berger recently spoke to the Grand Forks South Forks Lions Club. A lifelong citizen of Grand Forks Dave spoke about his vision and role as a Board member. Dave also spoke of the decision making process and the role of the board. The following 2 part video shares the presentation. The South Forks Lions thank Mr. Berger for his time and presentation.
Tim Belmore Accepts Donation and Speaks on Developments at UND
Please click on the video above to enjoy Tim's presentation to the South Forks Lions on all the athletic things happening at the University of North Dakota. See the story below for the check presentation video. The South Forks Lions thank Mr. Belmore for his time and presentation.
CVIC Staff Speak on Therapy Programs
Coiya Tompkins, CVIC President/CEO introduced Taylor Sorenson and Maranda Jacobson from the CVIC to discuss Restorative Services that are provided by CVIC staff. Ms. Jacobson has recently joined the staff as a Restorative Therapist. They discussed how the program works to create healthy relationships for men and women, particularly for those that have been involved in domestic violent situations. The program works with both men and women with the mens program running 27 sessions and the women's program running 20 sessions. These programs fall under the umbrella programming called "New Choices."
For more information about the program see the photos below and to learn more about CVIC and their entire services please click on the CVIC link button below the photos. The South Forks Lions thank Ms. Sorenson and Ms. Jacobson for sharing this important information with the South Forks Lions. The South Forks Lions recognize the important work performed by the CVIC.
Please click on the below "CVIC" button for more information.
E-Sports, What is It? Fenworks
Kaleb Dschaak, Cheif Executive Officer of Fenworks recently spoke to the Grand Forks South Forks Lions club. Mr. Dschaak spoke to the club about the relatively new activity in Grand Forks and really across the nation, E-sports. He spoke of how online gaming has become a major activity across the country. Fenworks takes the organized gaming a step further by making it not only a team sport but also focusing on how communication plays such an important role for team members. The team, much like any other team sport, practices, improves skills and is required to meet academic standards in order to participate. Not only is there online gaming as part of E-sports but also the fast growing Drone competions where team members race small drones. Lets just say that several Lions members attempted to fly the drones and it is abundantly clear that the E-sport athletes have nothing to fear.
Please use the Fenworks link below to go to their website to learn more about this fun and innovative new program in our community.
Donation to Schweigert Foundation
Tim Belmore of UND accepts an $11,000 check from the Grand Forks South Forks Lions at a recent club meeting. The money was raised from the 3rd annual Lions on the Links golf scramble held at Kings Walk Golf Course in Grand Forks. The money goes to the Lowell Schweigert Endowment fund, a fund specifically set up in recognition of former, now deceased member, Lowell Schweigert. The golf event has seen tremendous support, selling out quickly all 3 years. Approximately $30,000 has been contributed to the endowment from this event. The overall endowment has now grown to $90,000. Funds are used to support a UND football player. Lowell's brother, Kyle "Bubba" is UND's Head Football coach.
Tremendous Success - Thank You
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.
Children's Museum and Destination Park
Kim Woods of the Center for Exploration spoke to the South Forks Lions a few weeks back. She discussed the funding campaign going on to raise funds for a Children's Museum/Center for Exploration. She shared drawings of the proposed facility and also a brochure explaining what all will be included. Kim thanked Altru for the donation of the land near Choice Fitness. She described the facility as a beautiful space, multi-purpose type facility where private events could be held. Visitors will be able to enjoy snacks and drinks while enjoying both indoor and outdoor areas. She said they anticipate 8-12 full-time employees, part-time staff and of course volunteers will be very important.
Lions Conduct Vision Screening in Manvel and Grafton
On June 27th, Tracy Wicken, Pete Tunseth and Del Hager completed a vision screenings of 51 students in Manvel, ND and 16 students in Grafton, ND. The screening detects various vision irregularities leading to a referral for the school nurse to then work with the child's parents regarding further assessment. This screening included children ages 5-16. If you know of a school that could benefit from these screenings, which are free, contact the Lions for more information. For more information please view the video below by clicking on the play button. Also, more information is available by clicking on the button link below the video.
Get to Know New Lions Member Larry Hoffman
Recently the Grand Forks South Forks Lions Club got to know more about new member Larry Hoffman. Larry had the opportunity to speak to the club and and provide a little background information about professional and personal life. Larry was born in Valley City and attended high school there as well. Larry was active in sports and also the choir where he was a member with fellow Lion Fred Kitko. Larry attended Valley City State University.
- The following is a quick overview of other important areas:
- Joined Barnes County Sheriffs office as a Reserve Deputy, part-time jailor, transport officer
- Biggest event was the Gordon Kahl shooting
- Married to Diane Johnson
- Englestad Arena Security team
- Grand Forks Sheriff's department - patrol, civil, warrants, court room security, high risk cases
- Grand Forks County Correctional Center
- Was employed by Sheriff's - John Schroeder, Dan Hill (former South Forks Lion) and Bob Rost
- Was an investigator for many years
- Enjoys fishing whenever he has some spare time
- Enjoys gardening
- Currently works at Scheels
We thank Larry for sharing some background information on himself and for answering the numerous questions from club members. Welcome to the South Forks Lions Larry!
South Forks Lions Club Picnic Just Around the Corner
The annual South Forks Lions picnic is to be held on Tuesday, September 19th at the Lincoln Park picnic area. Members are encouraged to sign up if they haven't already done so. This is a great time to visit and get to know other Lions in a fun and informal environment. See you there.
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: Mike Hergert
Website: https://www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/grandforkssf/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SouthForksLions
Email: southforkslions@gmail.com
Telephone: 218-779-2266