​​​​Past Projects & Successes

   FOR A COMPLETE LISTING OF THE 2018 THROUGH 2022 TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB PROJECTS AND SUCCESSES, feel free to review or download the stories by clicking on the appropriate buttons below. NOTE: Although small in numbers, our club is a very busy organization. The 2018 stories are 31 pages in Legal Size; the 2019 stories are 71 pages in Letter Size; the 2020 stories are 36 Letter Size pages (and this in a year where our organization -- like all other organizations -- were impacted by the CoronaVirus and the restrictions placed on meetings and gatherings during most of the year), and the 2021 stories consist of 86 pages. Please keep these factors in mind if you decide to print the stories (you might want to print two-sided?). If you want to forward the stories to others by e-mail, they are also quite large - the smallest file download is in excess of 2.3 MB even after being compressed - so it may be wise to submit links to their download locations). NOTE: If you are interested in our Club's History since it's 1954 chartering, a comprehensive history of our organization is available to review or download from our "HISTORY" page. It is VERY LARGE, in excess of 250 pages and with a file size (compressed) exceeding 20 MB and to date ONLY includes the history through June of 2020 (however you may download the 2020 and 2021 histories in their entirety so as to make the History "complete").  NOTE ALSO: From our "HISTORY" page, lots of other files are available to review or download about our organization. Check them out!.

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2023 PROJECTS & SUCCESSES​

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FIRST MEETING OF 2023

      The Tollesboro Lions Club met Monday, January 9th, for their first meeting of 2023 with 16 members and 2 guests present. President Craig Stanfield opened the meeting with a moment of silence in deference to the recent loss of members Larry Tucker (passed away Nov. 27th) and Darrell Dixon (passed away Dec. 9th) and the father of member Shane Wallingford, Johnny Wallingford (passed away Dec. 23rd) who was a long-time supporter and who showed horses at the Tollesboro Lions Club many, many years. Following the moment of silence, Craig welcomed back members Ritchie Cunningham, Clinton Applegate and Denny Hornback, all of whom had experienced health issues recently. Craig then led the group in Prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by member Charles Kendall, after which the group broke for dinner. 
      Following dinner, Lion Craig read Thank You cards that had been mailed to the Club from the families of Larry Tucker and Darrell Dixon. The minutes from the November meeting and the December Christmas Party were then read by Secretary Phil Cropper; the minutes were approved as read. Treasurer Steve Pedersen mentioned some recent financial activity and made a report about continued statewide contributions to Eastern Kentucky flood victims. President Craig Stanfield mentioned that the Club had provided funeral throws in memory of Larry Tucker, Darrell Dixon, and Johnny Wallingford. He then announced donations to the Club from the Eyecare Group in memory of Larry Tucker, from Tony and Angela Sweeney in memory of Darrel Dixon, and $790 in donations for continued Eastern Kentucky flood victims that he was able to raise from the Mason County Men's Club and the Ringgold Lodge Independent Order of Odd Fellows (individuals who contributed to this included Barbara Boone and Larry Poe, Bill and Dorinda Leet, David and Carolyn Collins,  Mike and Vieda Stitt, Tony and Angela Sweeney, Gary and Jo Ann Bowers, and Craig and Beverly Stanfield). Craig also reported that he had submitted the events/projects of the Club from July 1, 2022 through the end of 2022 (first half fiscal year) to Lions Club International for consideration for the newly established Lions International Marketing Award. He also informed Fair Chairman Lee Thomas that the Bluegrass Mule and Pony Pullers Association had reached out for inclusion in this year's fair. 
     Next, under New Business, Phillip Bussell of Family Tradition Motorsports was introduced to the Club as he is considered for hosting this year's Demolition Derby event during the Fair. He is already conducting the event for Ewing, Germantown, and Carlisle. After discussions, questions and answers, the Club dismissed Mr. Bussell for private consultations. Based upon a recommendation by Fair Chairman Lee Thomas and member T. J. Palmer, and after consideration by the membership, a motion was made by Lion Clinton Applegate, seconded by Lion Charlie Kendall to approve Mr. Bussell's proposal for this year's fair Demolition Derby Event. The motion passed unanimously.
      Lion Steve Pedersen then suggested that a posthumous Melvin Jones Fellowship Award be ordered for recently departed member Darrell Dixon (the award had been ordered for Lion Larry Tucker back in September, but has yet to arrive for presentation), with the plan to present to Darrell's wife and family at a future meeting, to coincide with the presentation of the award to Larry Tucker's family. Seconded by Lion Charlie Kendall. These two members together have been members for a combined 100+ years. The motion passed unanimously. 
       Next, it was suggested that the Tollesboro Lions Club offer the use of their grounds for an event for 13 year old Mackenzie Forman, suffering from leukemia. A mud-sling event was hosted on her behalf last year, and due to some complications, another fund-raiser would be necessary. The Club approved the event under the same conditions as last year, said event to be held in March or April, with a firm date to be set soon. 

      Being no further business, the meeting adjourned.

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB HOSTS FEBRUARY MEETING

     The Tollesboro Lions Club met Monday, February 13, 2023 for their regularly scheduled meeting. With 17 members in attendance, President Craig Stanfield welcomed the group and asked Lion Steve Pedersen to lead the group in prayer, followed by Lion Charles Kendall leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the group broke to enjoy dinner. 
      After dinner, the business meeting began with Secretary Phil Cropper reading the minutes from the last meeting, followed by Treasurer Steve Pedersen providing the financial report. President Craig Stanfield then read to the group Thank You cards from the Neon Lions Club for providing food, clothing, and other products to those communities in Eastern Kentucky that had been devastated by flooding, as well as a Thank You card from the Family of Johnny Wallingford. While going over communications, the Club was asked to offer support to the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation. Lion Steve Pedersen suggested that we donate $1,000 to the KLEF to purchase Finis Davis Fellowships to posthumously present to Brenda Tucker and Loretta Hord Dison in memory of Larry Tucker and Darrel Dixon, two recently departed Lions Club members, who together had served the Club for 100 years (the Club had approved purchase of Melvin Jones Fellowships for each of these members the last meeting). This was seconded and approved unanimously. 
    Lion Jim Meadows reported that the 3-D Archery Tournament at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair would be Monday, July 17th, with a request to conduct an additional 3-D Archery Tournament at the Fairgrounds August 26th. This event was approved. 
       Lion Denny Hornback made a motion to paint the brick portions of the exterior of the Horse Show Ring (rather than covering it up each year, a savings of time and energy). This motion was seconded and passed unanimously. 
       Lion Craig Stanfield mentioned that Little League had asked to use the ballfield again this year, a motion made and seconded and passed unanimously. Lion Shane Wallingford mentioned that the ballfield needed a brick dust treatment and offered to pay half the cost if the Club would pay half. This was approved by the Club.
       Next, Craig reported that he had been approached about the possibility of conducting a Community Easter Egg Hunt on the fairgrounds, with a proposed date of April 1st. Tabby Tully and Carol Cunningham, wives of members of the Club, had offered to conduct the event, with Kyra Bane, Vanessa May and Becky Walker also offering assistance. This event was approved unanimously.
        Carol Cunningham asked the the Club approve the use of the grounds for the David Iery Foundation Log Jam Bluegrass Festival. This will be the fourth annual event which in the past had been conducted on a hill off Quicks Run Road. They have been having crowds of 250 to 500 persons attend, but thought that by locating the event at the Fairgrounds, that a larger crowd could be accommodated. They have their own event insurance, and the Club would not have to do anything. A motion was made and approved for this use of the fairgrounds.
     Lion Clinton Applegate brought up the need for the purchase and installation of a large fan for the Showring of the Livestock Barn. After discussion, it was decided that, although in favor of the purchase, it would be necessary to look into the cost of the installation; so this consideration was tabled for the next meeting with members offering to look into cost estimates.
      Next, Lion Steve Pedersen informed the group that he had just returned from Chicago where he had attended District Governor Training. 
      Next, he informed the group that it was time to replace the coolers and a deep freeze in the Concession Stand, and that these units would have to be replaced before the fair. He indicated that he had located a used two-door cooler and a motion was made to purchase the used cooler and a new large deep freezer for the Concession stand; motion seconded and approved.
       Next, Lion Steve Pedersen reported that he (as District Vice President) and Chuck Carlson had delivered food to Eastern Kentucky to support flood victims. They would be making an additional trip this week to provide non-perishable food items to Whitesburg and Jenkins. He also indicated that the state Lions Clubs, both districts 43-K and 43-Y were making donations of non-perishable food items for provision to Eastern Kentucky to offer further assistance to flood victims there. It was brought up that the public at large would probably contribute to such a food-drive if we could advertise and promote such, and provide for a place for canned and non-perishable items to be dropped off, to which Lion Jim Meadows offered the use of Rip's Farm Supply as a drop-off point. Lion Craig offered to write up an article to post in the newspaper, Carol Cunningham offered to prepare a handbill for Lion Lee Thomas to post on the Lion's Club website. 
      Next, Lion Lee Thomas brought it to the Club's attention that a Giving Box had been installed at the Tollesboro Volunteer Fire Department by a local church organization. He indicated that he had seen many persons taking advantage of this service in the community, and that there existed a need within the community to support this use for our local persons in need. He further expanded as to what a blessing the Food Pantry has been to local needy families (the food pantry is operated at the Tollesboro High School, owned by Lion Craig Stanfield, with the use of the building donated to the Lend-A-Helping-Hand Food Pantry).
       Lion Lee (who organizes the Club's Facebook page) then mentioned that the Tollesboro Elementary School would be offering lunch from the Fairgrounds tomorrow, and that they would be doing this once a month through May as a fund-raiser for the Tollesboro PTO. He then mentioned that he (as Fair Chairman) had traveled to Louisville to investigate additional events to add to the fair. This brought up considerable discussions on how to best utilize the fairgrounds to maximize the events that the group could host. 
        Following these discussions, President Stanfield invited new members Shane Wallingford and Zach Tully to approach the podium and he presented each with their new member packets and member certificates. 
        As no other business was brought before the board, the meeting adjourned. 

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SITE OF FUND-RAISER FOR TOLLESBORO ELEMENTARY PTO

     The Tollesboro Elementary School hosted a fund-raiser at the Tollesboro Lions Club for the benefit of the Tollesboro Elementary School PTO February 14, 2023. The event consisted of soup lunch (choice between chili or potato soup), served with peanut butter or pimento cheese sandwich, with dessert and drink all for $8, available from 10:30 am to 1::30 pm. Meals to those who could not afford them were offered for free.  

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TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB TO HOST COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT APRIL 1, 2023

      The Tollesboro Lions Club will be the site of a community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Organizers of the event include Kyra Bane, Vanessa May, Becky Walker, Carol Cunningham and Tabby Liles at noon. The event will divide children participants into two age groups. There is no charge for this event. For additional information, contact Kyra Bane 606-748-9336 or Tabby Liles 912-856-4687.

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB WILL OFFER BASEBALL DIAMOND FOR LITTLE LEAGUE

      At their February meeting, the Tollesboro Lions Club Park voted unanimously to again permit the use of the baseball diamond at the Fairgrounds to be used to support local Little League teams. The field was utilized last year and has been used for many years in the past, although interest had waned until recently. Also at the February meeting, the Tollesboro Lions Club approved the purchase of brick dust for use on the field, with 1/2 of the costs provided by Shane Wallingford/JSB Industries and hauling provided by Jim Meadows/Rip's Farm Center. 

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB MEMBERS ATTEND DISTRICT 43-Y QUARTERLY CABINET MEETING

     On Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Montgomery County Health & Civic Center in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, the Quarterly Cabinet Meeting of District 43-Y Kentucky Lions Clubs was conducted, meeting beginning at 10 AM. The Tollesboro Lions Club had two members in attendance, Steve Pedersen currently serving as First District Vice Governor, who attended in person; and Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield attending via ZOOM. There were 48 Lions Club members present live at the meeting, with an additional 11 attending via ZOOM, with numerous (at least 16) clubs represented throughout District 43-Y. 
     Tollesboro Lions Club member/First District Vice Governor Steve Pedersen called the meeting to order and welcomed the group (Steve chaired the meeting in the absence of the District Governor who could not appear in person due to health issues, but did attend by ZOOM). The meeting opened with Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of minutes from the last meeting and a Treasurer's Report. Past International Director Tom Matney gave a few brief remarks, followed by Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation presentation by Lions Carol Hollander and Past District Governor Mac Ferguson. This was followed by a presentation "Autopsy Of A Deceased Lions Club" discussing declining Lions Club numbers worldwide, a common thread among most Service Organizations but also affecting most Fraternal Organizations as well. This was followed by an election for nominations for International Director, with Past District Governor Lion Guy Hollander elected as District 43Y's candidate for the position. Following this election, the group broke for lunch.
     After lunch, the voting results were formally announced, followed by a presentation by Lion Carl Webster on "Building A Successful Lions Club" discussing success stories of the largest Lions Clubs in America and how they entice and then retain members. This was followed by a few items of business, after which the benediction was offered and the meeting adjourned. 
     The next cabinet meeting which will include district elections will be May 21st in Lexington.

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB MEMBERS ATTEND DISTRICT 43-Y QUARTERLY CABINET MEETING; 
TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB MEMBER HONORED

     On Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Montgomery County Health & Civic Center in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, the Quarterly Cabinet Meeting of District 43-Y Kentucky Lions Clubs was conducted, meeting beginning at 10 AM. The Tollesboro Lions Club had two members in attendance, Steve Pedersen currently serving as First District Vice Governor, who attended in person; and Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield attending via ZOOM. There were 48 Lions Club members present live at the meeting, with an additional 11 attending via ZOOM, with numerous (at least 16) clubs represented throughout District 43-Y. 
     Tollesboro Lions Club member/First District Vice Governor Steve Pedersen called the meeting to order and welcomed the group (Steve chaired the meeting in the absence of the District Governor who could not appear in person due to health issues, but did attend by ZOOM). The meeting opened with Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by approval of minutes from the last meeting and a Treasurer's Report. Past International Director Tom Matney gave a few brief remarks, followed by a Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation presentation by Lions Carol Hollander and Past District Governor Mac Ferguson. This was followed by a presentation "Autopsy Of A Deceased Lions Club", discussing declining Lions Club numbers worldwide, a common thread among most Service and Fraternal Organizations throughout the country. This was followed by an election for nominations for International Director, with Past District Governor Lion Guy Hollander elected as District 43Y's candidate for the position. Following this election, the group broke for lunch.
     After lunch, the voting results were formally announced, the International President's Certificate of Appreciation award was presented to Lion Steve Pedersen (First District Governor, Tollesboro Lions Club Treasurer) for disaster relief efforts to Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims by Past International Director Tom Matney. 
    Following the award presentation, a presentation by Lion Carl Webster on "Building A Successful Lions Club" discussing success stories of the largest Lions Clubs in America and how they entice and then retain members. This was followed by a few items of business, after which the benediction was offered and the meeting adjourned. 
     The next cabinet meeting which will include district elections will be May 21st in Lexington.

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB MEMBER HONORED AT LIONS CLUB DISTRICT 43-Y CABINET MEETING

       The International President's Certificate of Appreciation award was presented to Lion Steve Pedersen (First District Governor, Tollesboro Lions Club Treasurer) for participation in disaster relief efforts to Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims by Past International Director Tom Matney.  Steve has made many trips to Eastern Kentucky delivering items donated to the relief efforts, with the Tollesboro Lions Club contributing significant financial support to disaster relief efforts to Eastern Kentucky coupled with financial support provided by individuals, churches, organizations and businesses not just within the Tollesboro community, but with support offered by county, state, and even out of state partners providing contributions providing aid in the form of blankets, coats, food, clothing, dinners, gift cards, and even heaters and generators to those in need in Eastern Kentucky. The Tollesboro Lions Club is currently hosting a food drive that the public at large is encouraged to assist with; donations of non-perishable food items may be dropped off at Rip's Farm Center in Tollesboro for distribution to Eastern Kentucky. 

​TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SITE OF PTO FUND-RAISER

     The Tollesboro Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is having a fund-raiser dinner Tuesday, March 14, 2023 from the grounds of the Tollesboro Lions Club. The dinner consists of a chili dog, chips, cole-slaw, dessert and drink for JUST $8! It can be picked up from the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds from 10:30 to 1:30 PM. 

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB HAS MARCH MEETING

     The Tollesboro Lions Club met Monday, March 13, 2023 at the Tollesboro Lions Club Clubhouse at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds for their regular monthly meeting. Seventeen members were present. President Craig Stanfield called the meeting to order, with Lion Steve Pedersen leading the group in prayer and Lion Charles Kendall leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The group then broke for a wonderful meal prepared by Skeeter and Sonia Shaw.
      Following dinner, the business meeting began. In the Secretary's absence, President Stanfield read the press release from the February 14th meeting in lieu of the minutes, which was approved as read. Treasurer Steve Pedersen informed the group of the Club's finances and informed those who were not aware that the garage doors had been installed on the Pavilion (the south side, to cut down on wind and to make the Pavilion a more user-friendly/functional structure), at a cost of $15,000. Steve also informed the group that the Melvin Jones Fellowship awards had arrived  to be posthumously presented to the families of Larry Tucker and Darrell Dixon, and that the Finis Davis Fellowship awards should be in within the next 2 weeks; he suggested that the families of Larry Tucker and Darrell Dixon be invited to the next meeting for the presentation of these awards. Steve also reminded the members of the Food Drive for Eastern Kentucky Flood-Victims, AND informed the group that Lewis County's Elementary schools together gathered 1,000 canned goods for the Club to deliver to Eastern Kentucky and that 148 boxes had been setup for delivery to Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims residing in a camper/trailer park (these persons having lost everything in the catastrophic flood). He also mentioned that there was a fund-raiser at the Tollesboro Christian Church this weekend consisting of a dinner and live auction (to be conducted by the President Stanfield) for "Hotrod" Ruark who recently underwent open heart surgery. It was also mentioned that a dinner would be available for pickup at the Lions Club Fairgrounds Tuesday, March 14th to raise monies for the Tollesboro Elementary School PTO (this meal consists of a chili dog, chips, cole slaw, dessert and drink for just $8!!!). Steve also reminded the members of the Mud Sling Benefit for Makenzie Forman (13 year old Leukemia patient) and the Community Easter Egg Hunt, both scheduled for April 1st at the Fairgrounds. President Stanfield then added that there was also a Fund-Raising Auction to be conducted on the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds for Dwight Malone, a former member of the Tollesboro Lions Club, tentatively scheduled for the 15th of April, 2023.
       Under old business, two items were tabled due to absences of members who were tasked to obtain additional information, these business items being a large fan for the livestock building and the purchase of an AED unit for the Clubhouse. The upcoming Fair schedule was brought up, but it was decided that since this would take considerable discussion, to bring it up after new business.
      Under new business, Craig mentioned that the Club had qualified for the Club Excellence Award and that a patch had been sent to the Club from Lions Club International to place on our Club Banner. Craig also informed the Club that he had submitted an application for the Club to receive recognition for a new Marketing Award that Lions Club International had recently created. Craig also passed out Scholarship Applications. He then brought up for consideration a new member, Eric Bloomfield, sponsoring him, and who was immediately accepted into the Club as a member.  
     Next, the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair Schedule was then a hot topic, eliciting a lot of discussion as well as excitement, with Fair Chairman Lee Thomas presenting a full schedule of events including several new events. A reminder was also mentioned from last year following the fair about contacting the KDOT District 9 to see about placement of signage along the "AA" Hwy during the fair (warning of traffic slowing down and turning onto Lions Club Lane). The schedule was discussed for each day of the Fair, and was approved.
      Being no further business, a motion was made to adjourn, which passed. Beginning April, the Club will return to twice monthly meetings, the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7 pm, meaning the next two meetings of the Tollesboro Lions Club will be April 10th and April 24th.  

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB RECOGNIZED BY LIONS INTERNATIONAL

      The Tollesboro Lions Club was recently recognized by Lions International as a recipient of the 2021-2022 Lions Excellence Award. This recognition is awarded to Club's that, in addition to outstanding community service, also has not only maintained the numbers of members in the Club, but were able to gain additional membership (even harder following the Covid-19 Pandemic, which tended to keep persons at home more and less out-going, especially with regards to joining an organization and being around more people that many may have felt comfortable with), while at the same time expanding their programs and activities and increasing their presence in the community through service projects throughout these difficult times, thus leading to this recognition by Lions International. 

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TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB TO GIVE AWAY TREES FOR ARBOR DAY

       The Tollesboro Lions Club will give away trees to the public in recognition of Arbor Day. Arbor Day in Kentucky is officially April 7th, while nationally it is April 28th (this is to coincide with best dates to transplant trees by season/zone, which for Kentucky is April and May. However, this does not take into consideration "moon sign" variables to determine best tree planting dates by the phase of the moon: The New and First Quarter Moon Phases are generally considered the best moon phases in which to transplant; thus the latter part of the month of April is considered ideal if you want to rely on the Moon Phase Calendar for planting). 
     To obtain the trees, the Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield reached out to Michael Carter, Forest Ranger, and Suzy Knott, Forester, both of the KY Division of Forestry. We received a much better selection of tree varieties this year, filling requests made by members of the public last year and since, with the Division of Forestry providing us with Burr Oak, Black Walnut, Chinese Chestnut trees, and potentially Persimmon trees for the Club to give to the public in recognition of Arbor Day. In addition, as the Division of Forestry could not provide Paw Paw trees (another requested variety), Craig reached out to Sheri Crabtree, MSc, Horticulture Research and Extension Associate Academic Affairs, of the Kentucky State University. KSU is well known nationally for their Paw-Paw tree program (have you ever tried Paw-Paw ice cream? Or Paw-Paw wine?), and we may have a few Paw-Paw trees to give away as well. Altogether, between 150 and 220 trees will be available free to the public to plant locally, improving the environment (and depending upon the demand April 1st, more trees - potentially additional varieties - may be obtained for the April 15th event, particularly with regards to Black Walnuts)! 
     This marks the third time that the Tollesboro Lions Club has offered free trees in recognition of Arbor Day, having previously offered free trees in 2019 and last year (2022).
     The trees will be available at two upcoming events at the Tollesboro Lions Club, one before Kentucky's Arbor Day, and one after. Trees may be picked up at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds on April 1st at our Community Easter Egg Hunt/Mud Sling Benefit for Makenzie Forman. Additional trees will be available for pickup at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds on April 15th when we host a Benefit for Dwight Malone. 
     Tree planting is a project recommended by Lions Club International's "Initiative to Improve The Environment". While trees provide natural beauty to the areas in which they are planted, it is not just their inherent beauty that improves the environment. Oaks, walnuts and the Chinese Chestnut all produce nuts (acorns from oaks are one of the most beneficial nuts for providing energy to deer, squirrels, and other wildlife, especially during the winter months; walnuts and chestnuts may provide a food source to some animals, but ate suited to human consumption). Most tree varieties will grow to become large trees, generally in excess of 40 feet in height, often exceeding 100 feet, and leaves scattered throughout the height provide for shady canopies in which many birds nest and as necessary to the survival of many other plants and animals. This shade also acts to cool the earth, providing an important defense against global warming. Also, once trees mature, they sometimes become homes for different wildlife; And oaks, walnuts, and chestnut  are hardwood trees producing timber which we use for a variety of purposes (fuel, building materials, furniture, manufacture of paper, etc.). Persimmons and Paw-Paw trees provide fruits suited to human consumption as well as for wildlife. However, the most important benefit to the environment of all trees is their ability to clean air, taking in carbon dioxide from the air that we exhale and converting it through the process of photosynthesis to oxygen which we inhale.
     FUN TREE FACTS: The Mighty OAK (not any particular variety) is the Official National Tree. Kentucky's Official State Tree is the Tulip Poplar (however there was a time, from 1976 to 1994, that the Kentucky Coffee Tree was the Official Kentucky State Tree. A possible reason for it's replacement is that parts of the tree are toxic with instances known and proven where leaves, seeds, and seed pods falling from a Kentucky Coffee Tree into ponds have poisoned and killed cattle). 

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      Tollesboro Lions Club President receiving trees March 30th, 2023 from Michael Carter, Forest Ranger, of the Kentucky Division of Forestry for the April 1st, 2023 Tree Giveaway in Celebration of Arbor Day. These trees included Black Walnuts, Chinese Chestnuts, and Burr Oak (Paw Paw trees will also be available, provided by Kentucky State University). Additional trees will be arriving prior to the April 15th Arbor Day Giveaway (the Tollesboro Lions Club this year will be "book-ending" Arbor Day Tree Giveaways, giving away trees April 1st and April 15th, weekends prior to and immediately following the April 7th Official Kentucky Arbor Day designation (nationally, Arbor Day is April 28th) as the Club had events planned for both dates (April 1st and April 15th). Additional tree varieties may be available for April 15th.​

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB TO HOST COMMUNITY EASTER EGG HUNT APRIL 1, 2023

      The Tollesboro Lions Club will be the site of a community Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 1, 2023. Organizers of the event include Kyra Bane, Vanessa May, Becky Walker, Carol Cunningham and Tabby Liles at noon. The event will divide children participants into two age groups. There is no charge for this event. For additional information, contact Kyra Bane 606-748-9336 or Tabby Liles 912-856-4687.

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TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SITE OF BENEFIT FOR MACKENZIE FORMAN APRIL 1st, 2023
​Mackenzie is a 13 Year Old Leukemia Patient

APRIL 1ST EVENTS AT TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB VERY SUCCESSFUL!

     On Saturday, April 1, 2023, the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds was the site of multiple events. While the weather was sunny and warm, heavy rains had fallen overnight, leaving some mud puddles and dampness on the grounds. But the heavy winds the day of the event made for less than an ideal conditions for success. However, the "show must go on" and it did just that, and to great success regardless!!! The events included an Easter Egg Hunt, a Mud Sling, and a Tree Giveaway.
The Easter Egg Hunt was a SPECTACULAR SUCCESS with more than 110 kids participating and close to 300 in attendance including parents, grandparents, Lions Club members, organizers and friends. This was the first Community Easter Egg Hunt ever conducted at the Fairgrounds, so no one knew what to expect. Weather conditions were not ideal for outdoor events. So all we could do was set up the event and hope for the best. But as time neared for the event to start, families started arriving with children in tow, and they were not disappointed. The organizers had worked hard and had somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 plastic eggs hidden on the fairgrounds (each with a small prize inside, a piece of candy or a prize ticket!). The children were organized into 5 age groups with eggs set up in zones for each age group. An abundance of prizes was available, including a bicycle! A big round of applause to Tabby Liles, Carol Cunningham, Kyra Bane, Vanessa May and Becky Walker who did the hard work behind the scenes planning and organizing the event.
     The tree giveaway was also a very successful venture. 94 trees were offered free to the public to celebrate Arbor Day (Arbor Day in Kentucky is April 7th, although celebrated nationally on April 28th. The Tollesboro Lions Club will be giving away trees on two dates, coinciding with events at the Fairgrounds, April 1st and April 15th). The trees included 50 Black Walnuts, 10 Chinese Chestnuts, and 10 Burr Oak provided by the Kentucky Division of Forestry, plus there were 24 Paw-Paw trees provided by Kentucky State University. This event landed solely upon the shoulders of Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield who organized the event, and made the necessary contacts with the Kentucky Division of Forestry and Kentucky State University, arranging to acquire tree varieties that had been requested since last year's giveaway, coordinating the donation and delivery of the trees from the Kentucky Department of Forestry and picking up the trees donated by Kentucky State University, then promoting the event and giving the trees away. All the trees had found new homes BEFORE NOON, with a few late arrivals who were informed that the trees had already been given away but that MORE TREES WOULD BE AVAILABLE AT THE APRIL 15TH EVENT coming up in two weeks at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds (the April 15th event being a Tractor Poker Run, dinner, and a live auction, with the proceeds raised earmarked for Dwight Malone, a local farmer and electrician - as well as a former member of the Tollesboro Lions Club - who was recently diagnosed with Testicular Cancer).

     The Mud Sling event was a fund-raiser for Makenzie Forman, a 13 year old young lade who has leukemia. Lewis County's own music artist Nate Stone performed for the crowd prior to the event, picking chords on the guitar and vocals, singing a number of country hits. Unfortunately, the high winds did not permit him to perform in front of the crowd, as he had to take cover and perform from the announcer's booth and make use of a microphone and speaker system for the entertainment of the crowd.
Several fancy trucks (high octane/high horsepower/high performance engines, with big tires and nice paint jobs) were on site to show the crowd (and the competition) what their trucks would do. Eight classes showed up, 4/6 Cylinder, Hot Stock, Pro-Street, Pure Stock, Pro-Stock, Super-Stock, Diesel, and ATV. There were 27 entries total. The first class, the 4/6 cylinder had 4 entries. The winner was Cody Fryman, with Austin Gordman taking second, and with third going to J. J. Grayson. The second class was the Hot Stock, with 4 entries. Taking the win was Shawn Palmer, with David Senters finishing second, and Justin Howe taking third. The third class was the Pro-Street the largest class, with 6 entries. With the fastest time going to the first place winner, with David Sent Alex Bruce, with Kyle Walcott taking second and third going to Nick Wilson. Class 4, the Pure Stock class, had only 2 entries with Zac Bloomfield taking over Austin Nolder taking second. Class 5, the Pro-Stock class had 4 participants, with Jeremy Preston taking first, second going to Jerry Hoskins, and finishing third was Justin Tanner. Class 6, the Super-Stock Class had 3 entries, with Jason Hoskins taking first, Justin Tanner settling for second, and Troy Nolder ending up in third. Class 7 was the diesel class, with 2 entries with Hayden Smith the faster of the two taking first, edging out Aaron Denton settling for second. Class 8 was the ATV Class, with 3 entries in this class with Brandon Overbee taking first, with Josh Hazelbaker taking second, with Trenton Applegate in third.
Overall, the Mud Sling event was a great success, earning just under $6,400 for Makenzie and her family. Our Prayers go to her for a full and speedy recovery!

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SITE OF FUND-RAISER FOR DWIGHT MALONE

     The Tollesboro Lions Club will be sponsoring a benefit for Dwight Malone, local farmer and electrician, and former member of the Tollesboro Lions Club, who is undergoing treatment for testicular cancer, undergoing chemotherapy and facing surgery.

     The event will consist of a Tractor Poker Run, a dinner, and a live auction. Registration for the Tractor Poker Run will begin at the fairgrounds at 2:30 PM, with the Tractor Poker Run beginning at 3 pm.

     A dinner will be conducted April 15, 2023, beginning at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds at 4 pm, with live auction to follow. The auction will be conducted by Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield.

     Donations may be dropped off at Rip's Farm Center in Tollesboro or at Tire World in Maysville. For questions or additional information, contact Paula Faulkner (606) 564-8417 or Jennifer Meadows (606) 782-6417. 

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LEWIS COUNTY REPUBLICAN PARTY INVITES RYAN QUARLES (CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR) TO MAKE APPEARANCE AT THE TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB

      The Lewis County Republican Party has invited Ryan Quarles, current Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture and candidate for Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, to stop in Lewis County, Kentucky at the Tollesboro Lions Club. Commissioner Quarles will visit the Tollesboro Lions Club April 7th, at approximately 3 pm. While Lions Club are not permitted to endorse candidates for public office, the Club wants to acknowledge that the Tollesboro Lions Club was the recipient of a Kentucky Department of Agriculture Division of Fairs Grant in 2020 in the amount of $25,000 that was used to assist in making several improvements to the fairgrounds. The grant permitted the following improvements: Extension of electric services including placement of poles for extending wiring and installing LED lighting; construct and improve a roadway to improve access to some newly acquired grounds (a combination of blacktop and gravel); repaving of a portion of the walking track; and construction of an elevated announcer's booth at the Mud Sling/Demolition Derby event site. At the time of the notification, Commissioner Quarles specifically indicated that theTollesboro Lions Club Fair was given consideration due to how they have continued to make improvements to their fairgrounds on an annual basis, and that the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds was one of 7 fairgrounds that received Commissioner of Agriculture grant funds that year, with 24 fairs applying for grant funds. The Club therefore does appreciate Commissioner Quarles' consideration of the Club for grant funding and is happy that he will be on-site and able to view the fruits of the Club's labor that blossomed from the grant funding.

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SECOND ROUND OF ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY APRIL 15TH!

     The Tollesboro Lions Club has once again partnered with the Kentucky Division of Forestry and with Kentucky State University to provide trees to give-away to the public at large for Arbor Day. Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield contacted Michael Carter, Forest Ranger, and Suzy Knott, Forester (both of the KY Division of Forestry) and Sheri Crabtree (MSc, Horticulture Research and Extension Associate Academic Affairs) of Kentucky State University, both of whom were happy to provide trees for the Club to give away to the public. This year, we received a much better selection of tree varieties, filling requests made by members of the public last year and since, with the Division of Forestry providing us with Burr Oak, Black Walnut, Chinese Chestnut trees, and potentially Persimmon trees (as well as possibly White Pine) and with Kentucky State University providing Paw Paw trees (double the number of trees donated last year, with this year's trees being much larger than those provided last year!), for the Club to give to the public in recognition of Arbor Day. Trees were available April 1st at events conducted at the Tollesboro Lions Club and will be available on April 15th as well when the Tollesboro Lions Club will host a fund-raiser for Dwight Malone. This marks the third year that the Tollesboro Lions Club has offered free trees in recognition of Arbor Day, having previously offered free trees in 2019 and 2022. 
  The Tollesboro Lions Club participates in Arbor Day Tree Giveaways as tree planting is a project recommended by Lions Club International's "Initiative to Improve The Environment". While trees provide natural beauty to the areas in which they are planted, it is not just their inherent beauty that improves the environment. Oaks, walnuts and the Chinese Chestnut produce nuts; Paw Paws and Persimmons produce fruits. The nuts and fruits from these trees provide important food sources for wildlife, most of which are also suited to human consumption. Most tree varieties will grow to become large trees, generally in excess of 40 feet in height, often exceeding 100 feet, and leaves scattered throughout the height provide for shady canopies in which many birds nest and as necessary to the survival of many other plants and animals. This shade also acts to cool the earth, providing an important defense against global warming. Also, once trees mature, they sometimes become homes for different wildlife. Oaks, walnuts, and chestnuts are hardwood trees producing timber which we use for a variety of purposes (fuel, building materials, furniture, manufacture of paper, etc.). However, the most important benefit trees add to the environment is their ability to clean air, taking in carbon dioxide from the air that we exhale and converting it through the process of photosynthesis to oxygen which we inhale.  
     Arbor Day this year in Kentucky is celebrated April 7th, although nationally it is celebrated April 28th. The two events at the Tollesboro Lions Club (April 1st and April 15th) coincide with events being conducted at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds, thus permitting the Club to give away trees on the weekend preceding Arbor Day as well as the weekend following Arbor Day. The tree selection this year (assuming that Persimmon and White Pine will be available) will "check off all the boxes" of tree varieties requested for planting locally, as Burr Oak, Black Walnut, Chinese Chestnut, Persimmon, and Paw Paw requests had been made since last year, with the White Pine request made after this year's order had been placed. NOTE: If unable to attend the April 1st or April 15th events, or in order to reserve some trees prior to the event, or to see if there were any trees left over after the event, feel free to contact Craig Stanfield at 606-301-3350. ​​​

CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR VISITS TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB

     Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner and Candidate for Kentucky Governor Ryan Quarles visited Lewis County, Kentucky April 7th making an appearance at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds and at Rip's Farm Supply (which coincided with his Customer Appreciation Dinner!). Most of the people he met were at the Customer Appreciation Dinner, but he also appeared at the Tollesboro Lions Club where he was met by additional Lewis County residents, including a number of members of the Lewis County Fiscal Court and Courthouse personnel (County Attorney Benjamin Harrison, County Judge George Sparks, County Clerk Leslie Collier, Lewis County Property Valuation Administrator Kenny Ruckel, County Magistrate Mark Horsley, and more).

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB APRIL 10TH MEETING

     The Tollesboro Lions Club met at 7 pm., April 10th, 2023 at the Tollesboro Lions Clubhouse for their regular first April meeting. The meeting was well attended with 18 persons and 8 guests. President Craig Stanfield opened the meeting, welcoming guests, introducing new member Eric Bloomfield, then asking Lion Steve Pedersen to give the blessing, followed by Lion Charles Kendall leading the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. The group then broke for dinner. Following the meal, President Stanfield invited Loretta Dixon (the surviving spouse of Darrell Dixon) and Missy Dixon (Darrell's daughter), to the front of the room and presented them with the Finis Davis Fellowship and the Melvin Jones Fellowship posthumously in honor of Darrell Dixon, a 50 year member of the Club who passed away in Dec., 2022. Next, Craig invited Brenda Tucker (the surviving spouse of Larry Tucker), daughter Ann Marie Scott, her husband Shaun and their daughter Makenna, as well as Carolyn Hughes (the sister of Larry Tucker) and presented them the Finis Davis Fellowship and the Melvin Jones Fellowship, honoring Larry Tucker's 55 years of service to the Tollesboro Lions Club, Larry having passed away in Nov., 2022. Craig informed the families of the namesakes of the awards: Melvin Jones was the founder of Lions Clubs; Finis Davis Kentucky's only International Director, having served 1960-1961. The Tollesboro Lions Club contributed funds for disaster relief to Lions Club International Foundation for the Melvin Jones Fellowships, and for sight preservation to the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation for the Finis Davis Fellowships. Following the posthumous presentations of the awards, the business meeting began. The minutes from the March 13th meeting were read and approved. No Treasurer's report was presented. Under old business, brief discussions were made about the potential acquisition of a large fan for the agricultural livestock show barn and an AED unit purchase/training. Under New Business, the Club was informed about several recent events (Community Easter Egg Hunt; Arbor Day Tree Giveaway; Makenzie Forman benefit Mud Sling; Hot Rod Ruark benefit; Eastern Kentucky donations and deliveries; Tollesboro PTO benefits (Auntie Anne's Pretzels and a luncheon; the placement of garage doors on the south side of the Pavillion; and the recent visit to the Fairgrounds by Ryan Quarles, current Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture and Candidate for Kentucky Governor. Upcoming events were also mentioned: The Tractor Poker Run, Dinner, and Benefit Auction for Dwight Malone (as well as second round of Arbor Day Tree Giveaway) set for this weekend (April 15th); and the Spring Trade Days for the first weekend in May (May 4th through May 6th). The rapidly approaching 2023 Tollesboro Lions Club Fair (July 14-22, 2023) was briefly mentioned. It was also mentioned that Tollesboro Lions Club Scholarship applications needed to be turned in by next meeting; applications could be downloaded from the Tollesboro Lions Club website, www.tollesborolions.com. Lion John Redmond was named to the Scholarship Committee to fill the vacancy created by Larry Tucker's passing (he will serve alongside Secretary Lion Phil Cropper and fellow Lion Denny Hornback). Treasurer/First Vice District Governor Steve Pedersen announced that over $9,000 had been donated by various Lions Clubs and other organizations throughout Kentucky to purchase food to deliver to Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims. Enough food was purchased to arrange for boxes of food to serve 500 families, with a trailer load located on the grounds in an enclosed trailer that needed to be unloaded. A work-night was immediately arranged to follow the meeting to unload the trailer. An additional trailer load would be picked up for delivery and unloading in a few days, with plans to box and then deliver the food to Eastern Kentuckians to be scheduled in the near future. Under New Business: President Stanfield indicated that he was contacted by County Judge George Sparks asking the Club to consider paying $75 / month for mowing (this is consistent with what the Club paid towards mowing last year). A motion was made and seconded, which passed unanimously. Next, President Stanfield informed the members that he had been contacted by new Peoples Bank of Ohio Branch Manager Natalie Stitt about what needs the Club had, and informed her that the Club was in need of an Amish-type building for placement on the grounds as a "lost and found", "first-aid", and multi-purpose structure. He was asked to inquire as to the cost of such a building and if the Bank would arrange for payment of such a structure, could a sign be placed on the structure to promote the Bank. Craig obtained a quote for a 14' x 20' structure, single door, no windows, no porch, at a delivered cost of around $7,000. He informed the Club that the Bank would provide for said building in exchange of a sign placement for a period of 7 fairs. A motion was made to accept said building and permit sign placement on said structure (sign to be provided by the Bank) for a 7 year period. The motion was seconded, and approved unanimously. The Mud Sling Pit was being enlarged and it was determined that there would be a need to obtain 100 or more 6' concrete barriers to place alongside the wall. Cost of the concrete barriers was estimated to be between $35 and $40 each. A motion was made to approve the purchase of up to 125 concrete barriers, as needed, with a per barrier cost not to exceed $40. Motion was seconded and approved unanimously. President Stanfield then presented new member Eric Bloomfield with a new member packet and Lions Club lapel pin. Being no further business, the meeting adjourned. However, before departing, members went to the Floral Hall for the purpose of unloading the trailer load of various cans of food items purchased from donations for the purpose of donating said food to Eastern Kentucky Flood Victims.

IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO PAVILLION AT TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIRGROUNDS

     The Pavillion at the Tollesboro Lions Club was recently improved. The 12 bay structure had rollup garage doors installed (12 total) on the south side of the building. This will permit the south side to be shut off from rain, snow and wind (most of the weather that enters the building comes from the south). This is a much needed improvement. At an event last April, on a very cold day, sharp winds drove thru the south side of the building during an event, making for a very uncomfortable situation for those gathered inside. The event was a “Meet the Candidates” event, and included a dinner, announcer, and guest speakers, who were standing on the cold concrete and taking the brunt of the winds that whipped through the building. While tarps were put in place at that time along a small portion of the southern exterior, not enough tarps were obtained and those that were put in place were not large enough to cover the entire opening, thus the tarps only cut down some of the wind, but nowhere near all of the wind that whistled through the structure. Lions Club President Craig Stanfield was the Master of Ceremonies and it was due to the inhospitable conditions that he suggested that the improvement be made, even going so far as to obtain a bid for the renovation. However, Jim Meadows obtained a second bid, saving more than $3,000 on the installation costs, and the Club approved the improvement. The garage doors will show their usefulness very soon, as willl almost certainly be used during the the rapidly approaching Community Easter Egg Hunt to be conducted on the Fairgrounds April 1st.

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DIVISION OF FORESTRY DROPS OFF TREES FOR SECOND ROUND ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY!

     Michael Carter, Forest Ranger from the Kentucky Division of Forestry, dropped off additional trees for the April 15th second round Arbor Day Tree Giveaway. He dropped off 50 black walnuts, 10 Chinese Chestnuts, 10 Burr Oaks, and 50 White Pines. These trees will be available free to the public at the April 15th Dwight Malone Benefit Dinner & Auction. Feel free to stop by and pick up a few trees!

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APRIL 15TH TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB EVENT AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS!!!

On Saturday, April 15th, the Tollesboro Lions Club was full of activities! Kids were playing on the Playground; children were using the Ballfield; and the Tollesboro Lions Club hosted a number of events!!! First, the Tollesboro Lions Club gave away 120 more trees to celebrate Arbor Day (the Club had given away 94 trees April 1st; this makes 214 trees given away by the Club for Arbor Day in 2023!). These trees were distributed free to the Public! 190 trees were provided by the Kentucky Division of Forestry; 24 trees were provided by Kentucky State University. Next, the Dwight Malone Benefit began, starting with a Tractor Poker Run that extended through Tollesboro. Forty tractors participated, leaving the Fairgrounds and returning after making a trek through town at various locations to pick up a card, before returning to the Fairgrounds for an additional card. The winner was Jamie Tolle and he graciously donated back his winnings to support Dwight Malone. This part of the event was followed by a dinner. Tenderloin sandwiches, baked beans, chips, cookies, and more were served to a huge crowd who had gathered in the Pavillion. Lastly, the auction event occurred! The most valuable item donated was a whole beef with processing which was purchased for (considerably) more than the estimated value! Many items far exceeded their values, with some gift cards doubling their value! Items included two guns, two pedal tractors, weed-eaters, leaf blowers, chainsaw, several quilts, a bunch of pocket knives, coolers, gift cards, cakes and desserts, AND MORE!!! Over 200 items total!!! All in all a HUGE SUCCESS! The event was successful in raising over $52,000 to support Dwight Malone! 

APRIL 15TH MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF LIONS CLUB MEMBER'S CONTINUING DONATION TO LOCAL FOOD PANTRY

     April 15th was a busy day for Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield, giving away trees to the public for Arbor Day and conducting the auction for the Tollesboro Lions Club sponsored benefit for Dwight Malone. But April 15th also marked the 10th anniversary of Craig & Beverly Stanfield's purchase of the Tollesboro High School and thus the 10th anniversary of the donation of the use of the old Tollesboro High School for use by the Lend-A-Helping Hand Food Pantry and Clothing Bank. The Lend-A-Helping Hand Food Pantry gives food away each month to those in need, serving approximately 350 families each month on the third Friday of each month, serving nearly 500 families in November and approximately 450 families each December. In addition, during summer months, additional days are sometimes provided for food giveaways when excess food is available (the Lend-A-Helping Hand Food Pantry has also contributed food items to other Food Pantries when they have had excess items available). The Food Pantry also operates a clothing bank to provide clothing for victims of fire or other disaster, as well as providing the occasional bit of furniture for fire victims or other needy persons. The Food Pantry has been in operation at the Tollesboro High School for many years, dating back to a date when the Tollesboro Lions Club previously owned the property, and throughout the ownership of the property by the Tollesboro Christian School, with both organizations donating the use of the facility for the Food Pantry during their respective terms of ownership. The Food Pantry is further supported by Tollesboro Lions Club member Jim Meadows as owner of Rip's Farm Supply, who donates the use of his truck & trailer when returning empty from making deliveries of feed and other products to various locations, to further permit and provide for pickup of food items from God's Pantry, Kroger, and other suppliers, and delivering such items to the Pantry. The food pantry is supported by local churches and numerous other persons and organizations which provide additional aid to the Food Pantry, including significant hours each month of free labor used to unload and organize the donations, then boxing the food items, load them onto the recipient's vehicles in drive-thru fashion, and otherwise providing for inventory, ordering, monitoring, and other organizational needs of the Pantry.

ARBOR DAY TREE GIVEAWAY WELL RECEIVED

     The Tollesboro Lions Club gave away a total of 214 trees to the public for planting in honor of Arbor Day. The Club gave away 94 trees (50 Black Walnut, 10 Chinese Chestnut, 10 Bur Oak, and 24 Paw-Paw) on April 1st, and gave away 120 more trees (50 Black Walnut, 10 Chinese Chestnut, 10 Burr Oak, and 50 White Pine) on April 15th. The tree giveaway events were made to coincide with events conducted at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds on April 1st and April 15th, book-ending the weekend preceding and immediately following April 7th, the official Arbor Day Celebration for Kentucky (nationally, Arbor Day is celebrated April 28ththis year). These trees were distributed free to the Public! Of the 214 trees given away, 190 (bareroot) trees were provided by the Kentucky Division of Forestry and 24 trees (the Paw-Paw trees, container trees in soil) were provided by Kentucky State University.
       The Tollesboro Lions Club participates in Arbor Day Tree Giveaways as tree planting is a project recommended by Lions Club International's "Initiative to Improve The Environment". 2023 marks the third year that the Tollesboro Lions Club has offered free trees to the public in honor of Arbor Day, having previously given away trees in 2019 and 2022. This year's event's success was enhanced as the Tollesboro Lions Club just happened to have busy events at the fairgrounds the weekend immediately preceding and immediately following Kentucky's Arbor Day Celebrations, thus making the trees available to a larger group of persons who may not have been offered the opportunity to obtain free trees during past events.

YOUTH MAKE USE OF PLAYGROUND & BALLFIELD

     The Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds has seen an abundance of youth on the grounds taking advantage of the recent sunny and warm weather to use the Playground and the Baseball Field. Little Leaguers and their parents were en-masse at the grounds on Saturday, April 15th, with several additional parents and youth present on the Playground, with the Playground seeing significant use, both in the early afternoon and with youth making use of the facilities at the approach of dusk.

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FATHER & GRANDFATHER OF TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB MEMBERS PASSES

     Death struck close to the Tollesboro Lions Club yet again with the recent passing of Billy Applegate of Tollesboro. Billy was the father of longtime/recently deceased member Clinton Applegate and the grandfather of two current members of the Club, Travis and Trevor Applegate, Clinton's sons.

OBITUARY, BILLY GENE APPLEGATE

     Billy Gene Applegate, 86, of Tollesboro, passed away Saturday, April 15, 2023, at Saint Joseph East in Lexington. He was the widower of Donna Lou Tully Applegate.      

     He was born in Tollesboro on February 14, 1937, to the late William Belvin Applegate and Hildred Mason Applegate.    

      Billy was a farmer and a member of the Pine Valley Christian Church. He enjoyed turkey hunting.    

      He is survived by his son, Darrin Applegate; his daughter-in-law, Nickie Thomas Applegate; two grandchildren, Trevor Applegate and Travis Applegate; two siblings, Rena Thomas and Paul (Jenny) Applegate; along with many extended family members and friends.  

       In addition to Donna, his wife of 58 years, who passed away in November 2014, and his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Clinton Keith Applegate; and two of his siblings, Howard Applegate and Gary Ray Applegate.      

      Services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Pine Valley Christian Church, 3847 Ribolt Epworth Road, Tollesboro with Bro. Phil Cropper officiating.

     Visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service at Pine Valley Christian Church. Burial will follow at Pine Valley Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Travis Applegate, Trevor Applegate, Darrin Applegate, Frank Mawk, Jim Lightner, Brad Schultz, and Mike Thomas.    

     In place of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Billy to Pine Valley Christian Church ( P.O. Box 282, Tollesboro, KY 41189).      

     Boone-Nickell Funeral Home in Flemingsburg is caring for all arrangements for Billy.  Friends may offer online condolences at www.boonenickellfuneralhome.com.

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TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SECOND APRIL MEETING; OFFICERS ELECTED

     The Tollesboro Lions Club met Monday, April 24th at their Clubhouse at the Fairgrounds at 7 pm for their regularly scheduled April meeting, their second meeting of the month, and a business-filled meeting! 14 members were present. Just prior to the beginning of the meeting, Shirley Williams of Woodmen Life made an appearance to present the Club with a 5' x 8' US Flag after which she left for another meeting. At 7 pm, President Craig Stanfield opened the meeting, asking Lion Jim Meadows to offer Prayer, followed by Lion Denny Hornback leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance, after which the group broke for dinner.
     Following the meal, President Stanfield read the press release of the last meeting in lieu of the minutes in the absence of Secretary Phil Cropper. The press release was accepted, as read, as a true and accurate account of the last meeting.
     Treasurer Steve Pedersen then presented the group with the financial report, which was approved as read (NOTE: Treasurer reported that the garage doors installed on the Pavillion had been paid for, total cost $18,400).
     Under Old Business: Lion Shane Wallingford presented the group with a cost estimate to purchase a 12' fan for use in the Livestock Show Barn Arena (cost $4200 plus tax and shipping, plus installation). He also presented cost estimates for smaller fan units that could be placed in various locations as needed as an option, and as a non-permanent installation. While mulling over the options, and at one point considering tabling the issue for the next meeting, it was brought up that the 12' fan was an idea of now deceased member Clinton Applegate and that monies had been collected to pay part of the costs of said fan, and that Clinton's support and dedication to the event was significant. Lion Jim Meadows made a motion, which was quickly seconded by Zach Tully, to purchase and install the 12' fan, basically in homage to Clinton's desire and dedication to the event, and the motion was approved unanimously.
      The Club is in the process of improving the Mud Sling Track. Construction was discussed as the improvement will require considerable costs, as will require relocating an existing waterline and hydrant, upgrading electrical and lighting (including replacement of poles and purchase/installation of new light fixtures, as well as installation of a new electrical breaker box), erecting a new fence, backhoe/grader/excavator work to widen the pit, and purchase/transport/installation of concrete barriers.
      An upcoming event at the grounds will be a dinner and auction to support former Lion member Kenny Cooley who is suffering from various health issues. It was discussed that at the last auction event, a woman had fallen over the lip of the stage. It was discussed about painting the stage; however a better option was determined to be placement of a railing. Under discussion, President Stanfield stressed that the stage "lift" improved his sight visibility as auctioneer by slightly lifting him somewhat above the crowd. Someone suggested limiting the public from accessing the stage; however President Stanfield stated that the stage would need to be accessible by the public to permit the public to view items that were to be sold at the benefit auctions conducted in the Pavillion. It was suggested that removable "gates" or barriers (rather than hinged gates) could be placed centrally and on each end to permit opening to allow podium, public address systems, tables and chairs, musical/audio equipment, or other items to be placed on the stage. Lion Wallingford indicated that there was a sale on 3" pipe that could be used to fabricate a rail extending across the entire stage area similar to a handrail, and that removable gates could be placed within the handrail for accessibility. A motion was made by Lion Denny Hornback, seconded by Lion Charles Kendall to approve the installation, with the hope that the installation could be performed prior to the May 13th Kenny Cooley Benefit Event.
     Next, Lion Wallingford indicated that he had been in contact with the Athletic Director about utilizing student athletes on the grounds during the fair for parking in order to free up some of the members for events. It was also discussed that several members of the Amish Community had been assisting with parking and had experience in parking vehicles. It was also mentioned that the Fleming County Archery Club was interested in assisting in cleanup of the grounds and trash collection again this year. No motion was made, however it was suggested that these groups be kept in the loop and in consideration to assist in parking services.
     It was announced that Scholarship Applications were due next meeting and that the Scholarship Committee would be meeting to select Scholarship recipients at the next meeting (May 8th; Scholarship applications may be downloaded from the Lions Club website, www.tollesborolions.com). The Scholarship Committee is made up of Lions Phil Cropper, Denny Hornback, and John Redmond  .
       Lion Lee Thomas mentioned that the Tollesboro Elementary School PTO would be conducting two fund-raisers in May: A lunch would be available some day in May (date to be announced), and Auntie Annie's Pretzels would make another appearance on the Fairgrounds May 26th.
      The Spring Trade Days Event would be conducted on the Fairgrounds May 4th through 6th.
      Lion Pedersen mentioned that it would soon be time to nominate officers. President Stanfield asked for volunteers for a nominating committee; however Lion Denny Hornback made a motion, seconded by Lion David Hampton, to re-elect the officers to another term. It was then brought up that due to the passing of Lions Clinton Applegate and Darrell Dixon, as Clinton was First Vice President and Membership Chairperson, and as Darrell was Club Administrator. Nominations were made to move Second Vice President Lee Thomas to First Vice President and Third Vice President Jim Meadows to Second Vice President. Clinton's sons, Trevor and Travis Applegate were nominated to fill the unfilled positions opened by Clinton's passing, with Trevor nominated as Third Vice President, and Travis nominated as Membership Chairperson, with John Redmond nominated as Club Administrator. Lion Hornback accepted the changes to his motion, and Lion Hampton accepted the second of the nominations. With no further discussion, the motion was approved. 2023-2024 officers are as follows: President: Craig A. Stanfield; First Vice President: Lee Thomas; Second Vice President: Jim Meadows; Third Vice President: Trevor Applegate; Secretary: Phillip Cropper;  Treasurer: Steve Pedersen; Membership Chairperson: Travis Applegate; LCIF Coordinator: Steve Pedersen; Service Chairperson: Steven Pedersen; Marketing Communications Chairperson: Craig A. Stanfield; 2 Yr. Directors: Paul Hampton and Mike Setters; 1 Yr. Directors: Denny Hornback and Daymond Thomas; Tail Twister: Charlie Kendall; Lion Tamer: David Hampton; Immediate Past President: Craig Stanfield; Club Administrator: John Redmond.
     Being no further business, the meeting adjourned. 

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TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB ELECTS OFFICERS FOR 2023-2024 

     The Tollesboro Lions Club has elected the 2023-2024 officers. Officers serve from June 1st to May 31st. The Club opted to re-elect those officers currently in office, with a few changes due to recent passing of members Clinton Applegate, Larry Tucker, and Darrell Dixon. The new slate of officers is as follows: President: Craig A. Stanfield; First Vice President: Lee Thomas; Second Vice President: Jim Meadows; Third Vice President: Trevor Applegate; Secretary: Phillip Cropper;  Treasurer: Steve Pedersen; Membership Chairperson: Travis Applegate; LCIF Coordinator: Steve Pedersen; Service Chairperson: Steven Pedersen; Marketing Communications Chairperson: Craig A. Stanfield; 2 Yr. Directors: Paul Hampton and Mike Setters; 1 Yr. Directors: Denny Hornback and Daymond Thomas; Tail Twister: Charlie Kendall; Lion Tamer: David Hampton; Immediate Past President: Craig Stanfield; Club Administrator: John Redmond.

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB TRADE DAYS

Photo from a 2022 Trade Days Event.

​     The first 2023 Tollesboro Lions Club Trade Days Event will be May 4th through May 6th, 2023. The Trade Days Event is a Flea-Market type event that is conducted upon the grounds of the Tollesboro Lions Club along the "AA" Hwy frontage. It has grown substantially in popularity and attendance over the past several years, with an ever growing number of vendors and prospective purchasers attending. For additional information or to reserve your space, contact Richard "Skeeter" Shaw at (606) 798-6134. The Tollesboro Lions Club typically hosts 3 Trade Day Events annually.

​​​​​​TOLLESBORO PTO FUNDRAISER LUNCH AT THE FAIRGROUNDS!

     The Tollesboro Elementary School Parents-Teacher Organization (PTO) will host a fund-raising lunch at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds Wednesday May 10th, 2023. The meal will consist of a hamburger or tenderloin sandwich with the "fixins", plus baked beans, cheesy potatoes, drink, and dessert, ALL FOR JUST $10! Drop by and support this fine organization!

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TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB MOURNS PASSING OF PHILIP KONOPKA, LEWIS CO. EXTENSION AGENT    

      The Tollesboro Lions Club mourns the passing of Philip Konopka, the Lewis County Extension Agent, who was tragically killed in a multi-vehicle automobile accident in Carter County, KY, Wednesday, May, 3rd, 2023, in an accident in which he was not at fault, an innocent person driving on the highway.... Only God knows why.

       Philip was only 42 years of age, but was a special person and a well-respected figure by the Tollesboro Lions Club and especially visible during our annual Fair. His presence, dedication, and contributions each year during the Livestock Shows at the annual Tollesboro Lions Club Fair admirably supporting members of both 4-H and the Future Farmers of America had a significant impact upon the youth of Lewis County. His absence will be magnified this year with the recent passing of Clinton Applegate, who was also heavily involved in the Livestock Shows at the Annual Tollesboro Lions Club Fair. Philip was also instrumental and a driving force for the Tollesboro Lions Club in obtaining a grant for the playground equipment at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds/ Community Park. His smiling face and his slow (except when excited) high-pitched country drawl will be missed!  

      Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture and candidate for Governor of Kentucky Ryan Quarles (who had recently visited the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds) stated “Saddened by the tragic loss of my close friend and Lewis Co County Agent, Philip Konopka. We both grew up together in Scott County and we have been friends ever since. He touched the lives of many youth in 4-H and served rural Kentucky well. God Bless”.

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     The following story appeared online:
KSP Releases Name Of Fatality On AA Hwy

By Mary Jane Epling, the Daily Independent

     One man was killed Wednesday morning following a crash involving two pickup trucks and a tractor trailer.

     Kentucky State Police said Philip Richard Konopka, 42, of Grayson was killed just after 8 a.m. on Wednesday.

     Troopers say a pickup truck was traveling southbound on the AA Highway when it crossed the center lane headed toward a tractor trailer traveling southbound.
     Konopka was traveling behind the semi, according to KSP.  

     The driver of the semi-truck attempted to avoid collision, but the northbound pickup crashed into the side of the tractor trailer, causing the pickup to spin out of control — eventually crashing into Konopka’s truck.

     The AA was closed for several hours on Wednesday but has since reopened as of 4 p.m.

     The driver of the southbound pickup was flown to Cabell-Huntington Hospital and details of their condition are unknown.

     The driver of the tractor trailer sustained no injuries.

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Philip Richard Konopka (1980 – 2023) Philip Richard Konopka Obituary – Lewis County Herald

​     Philip Richard Konopka, 42, of Grayson, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, May 3, 2023.
     He was born in Maysville August 13, 1980, a son of Richard and Joyce Schweickart Konopka.
     Along with his parents, left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 16 years, Rebecca Grubb Konopka; one brother, Joshua (Amy) Konopka of Flemingsburg; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Charles and Sherry Grubb of South Shore; brother-in-law, Jeremy (Chloe) Grubb of South Shore; four nieces, Delaney Konopka, Zoey Nance, Emma Nance, and Reagan Grubb; and a nephew, Karson Konopka. Several other family members and friends also survive who will sadly miss him.
     He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Philip (Hallie) Schweickart and paternal grandparents, Michael (Elizabeth) Konopka.
     Philip has served as the Lewis County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources since March of 2005. He was a Kentucky Certified Crop Advisor and member of the Kentucky Forage and Grassland Council, Kentucky Cattlemen’s Association, and Kentucky Association of County Agriculture Agents (KACAA). He would have received his KACAA Distinguished Service Award this summer. Philip was a deacon and served as the secretary for the First Christian Church of Olive Hill.
     Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, May 8, 2023, at First Christian Church, 110 Caleb Powers Lane at Olive Hill, with Pastor Adam Foster officiating.
     Visitation will be at the church Sunday, May 7, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and after 11:00 a.m. Monday.
     Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at Maple Grove Cemetery, 77-171 Bridgeville Road at Germantown.
Morton-Hunt Family Funeral Home in South Shore is caring for arrangements. 
     In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to First Christian Church of Olive Hill or the organization of choice.

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TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SPRING TRADE DAYS VERY SUCCESSFUL!!!

     The first Trade Days Event at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds 2023 is just a memory now, but a great memory it will be! It was the largest turn-out in terms of number of vendors that the Club has yet to host, with people coming from near and far not only to display their wares, crafts, baked goods, antiques, guns, knives and more, but also to look over the merchandise offered for sale and purchase items to add to their own collections or take to their own homes, or just to get a great meal!
     There will be two more Trade Day Events at the Fairgrounds, the Summer Trade Days and the Fall Trade Day Events. Each will run from Thursday through Saturday. For dates, details, and to reserve a spot, contact Richard Skeeter Shaw at (606) 798-6134.

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

     The Tollesboro Lions Club will offer three (3) $500 scholarships to local students planning to enroll in higher education. Scholarship Applications must be completed and submitted to Philip N. Cropper by 5:00 PM., May 8, 2023. Scholarship applications may be downloaded by clicking on the following button:

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​TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SITE OF FUND-RAISER FOR KENNY COOLEY

     The Tollesboro Lions Club will be sponsoring a benefit for Kenny Cooley, a former member of the Tollesboro Lions Club, who is suffering from Stage 4 Stomach Cancer. 
     The event will take place Saturday, May 13th, at Noon at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds, and will consist of a lunch followed by a benefit auction at 1 pm. The auction will be conducted by Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield.
     Donations may be dropped off at Rip's Farm Center in Tollesboro. For questions or additional information, contact Carol Cunningham (606) 202-1883, Tara (606) 202-1979, Cass (606) 202-1338, or Lisa (606) 584-1687. 

​​​​​​​​​​TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB COLLECTING FOOD DONATIONS FOR EASTERN KENTUCKY FLOOD-VICTIMS

     The Tollesboro Lions Club will be making another trip to Eastern Kentucky to deliver food to Flood-Victims in the near future. Any individual or group who would like to donate to this worthy cause may donate to this project. Non-perishable food items donated for this project may be dropped off at Rip's Farm Center in Tollesboro during normal business hours. Persons wishing to donate money or who need items to be picked up, may contact Steve Pedersen, Club Treasurer, who will coordinate pickup (Steve may be reached at 606-301-1904). The Club recently purchased just over $2,100 worth of food products for flood victims in Whitesburg, the costs of which was provided by donations from Lions Club members. These items will be boxed and delivered to serve and benefit 36 families that have been displaced and currently living in campers in a camper park organized by FEMA.

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB ELECTS OFFICERS FOR 2023-2024 

     The Tollesboro Lions Club has elected the 2023-2024 officers. Officers serve from June 1st to May 31st. The Club opted to re-elect those officers currently in office, with a few changes due to recent passing of members Clinton Applegate, Larry Tucker, and Darrell Dixon. The new slate of officers is as follows: President: Craig A. Stanfield; First Vice President: Lee Thomas; Second Vice President: Jim Meadows; Third Vice President: Trevor Applegate; Secretary: Phillip Cropper;  Treasurer: Steve Pedersen; Membership Chairperson: Travis Applegate; LCIF Coordinator: Zach Truesdell; Service Chairperson: Steven Pedersen; Marketing Communications Chairperson: Craig A. Stanfield; 2 Yr. Directors: Paul Hampton and Mike Setters; 1 Yr. Directors: Denny Hornback and Daymond Thomas; Tail Twister: Charlie Kendall; Lion Tamer: David Hampton; Immediate Past President: Craig Stanfield; Club Administrator: John Redmond.

FIRST MAY MEETING OF THE TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB; SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS, UPCOMING EVENTS & MORE!

     The Tollesboro Lions Club met Monday, September 8th, at 7 pm. at the Tollesboro Lions Club Clubhouse for their first May meeting. There were 11 members present and one guest, the guest being Carol Cunningham who attended to her husband Ritchie, who is making remarkable recovery from the injuries suffered in a car accident, having improved to the point where he can now use a walker or cane rather than having to resort to a wheelchair. The meeting was called to order by President Craig Stanfield. Lion Steve Pedersen offered the benediction, who somberly offered blessings for the family of Philip Konopka, recently a fatality in a car accident, who - while not a member - contributed greatly to the Club not only during the annual fair but also helped the Club acquire the Playground Equipment on the fairgrounds. Following the prayer, Lion Charles Kendall led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. The group then broke for a great meal provided by Skeeter and Sonia Shaw. After the meal, the business meeting opened. As Secretary Phil Cropper was absent last meeting, Craig read the press release about the last meeting in lieu of the minutes; the press release was accepted as a true and accurate record of the evening events. No Treasurer's report was provided. President Stanfield mentioned once again the recent passing of Philip Konopka and his contributions to the Tollesboro Lions Club. He also stated that - for the benefit of those who had not seen first-hand the large gathering of persons present at the Trade Days Event - the great success that was visible by the large number of vendors and the equally impressive number of customers present to purchase items from vendors, this the largest and most successful Trade Days Event that the Club has hosted to date. He also announced (or alternatively reminded the group) of two upcoming events conducted on the Fairgrounds this week: 1). A fund-raiser consisting of a lunch available to the public at large offered by the Tollesboro Elementary School Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), consisting of a meal including either a cheeseburger or pork tenderloin sandwich, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, a drink and dessert for just $10 available Wednesday, May 10th from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. pm. 2). A fund-raising lunch and live auction event to be conducted at the Fairgrounds on Saturday May 13th for Kenny Cooley, a former Tollesboro Lions Club member suffering from Stage IV stomach cancer. The lunch will begin at noon; the auction will begin at 1:00 PM. Treasurer Steve Pedersen made a motion to make a donation to the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation for a Melvin Jones Fellowship to present posthumously to the family of Philip Konopka in appreciation for all his contributions to the Tollesboro Lions Club. Besides the obvious contributions to the Fair's Livestock Shows, he also assisted in the Floral Hall, and he was instrumental in the Lions Club obtaining the grant for the Playground Equipment installed on the Fairgrounds in 2018. This motion was quickly seconded and approved unanimously. Lion Jim Meadows mentioned that it was planned to install the railing approved at the last meeting in front of the stage inside the Pavillion this Friday, this installation prior to the fund-raiser for Kenny Cooley on Saturday. Lion Jim Meadows also mentioned that the Club needed to sell tickets for the Cow Bingo Event at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair and needed to start contacting Elite Sponsors for this year's fair. The Scholarship Committee (Phil Cropper, Denny Hornback, and John Redmond) announced that they had received 6 scholarship applications from students graduating this year from Mason and Lewis County High Schools. The Committee suggested making four scholarship awards of $400 each rather than three awards for $500 each; however a member of the Club who wished to remain anonymous offered to donate $1500 to match the $1500 offered and budgeted by the Club for a total of $3,000; thus the Club opted to award all 6 applicants with $500 scholarship awards. The six recipients and their parents will be invited to attend the first Tollesboro Lions Club meeting in August (August 14th) for the award presentation. The six recipients of 2023 Scholarship Awards will be: Jaclyn Cropper, Philip Bierly, Jason Parker Evans, Jaden Lewis, Sarah Paige Weddington, Mikayla Kielman.

   Being no further business to go before the Club, Tollesboro Lions Club Treasurer and Vice District Governor of District 43-Y Steve Pedersen made a short slide show presentation of Lions Club 43-Y's contributions to Eastern Kentucky following the devastating flooding events of July of last year affecting Breathitt, Floyd, Perry, Knott, Leslie, Pike and Magoffin Counties, and the communities of Hazard, Hindman, Jackson, Neon, Chavies, Pikeville, Whitesburg, Jeremiah and Booneville (including Lions Clubs in the communities of Hazard, Neon, Jackson, Whitesburg and Hindman). Tens of thousands of dollars poured in around the country and through Lions Club District 43-Y including from the Tollesboro Lions Club and Clubs, Schools, Churches, Corporations and Individuals in Lewis County and surrounding counties in the form of cash, gift cards, canned goods and non-perishable foods, coats, hats, gloves, portable heating stoves, tents, socks, Lp gas cylinders, generators, and more were donated and distributed to those Eastern Kentucky residents made homeless from the devastating floods which destroyed homes, businesses, infrastructure, roadways, railroads, bridges, schools, recreational areas, public buildings, Lions Club structures, courthouses, churches, and so much more. The Tollesboro Lions Club and other entities (Tollesboro Christian Church, Farm Bureau Insurance, Rip's Farm Center, individuals and more) made numerous trips to deliver goods and products to Eastern Kentucky including feeding over 3,700 persons warm dinners over 3 events, including feeding 1,500 persons a Thanksgiving meal. They also assisted in providing 500 boxes of 32 food items to 500 families in Eastern Kentucky and over 1400 coats and 2,000 pairs of socks to Eastern Kentucky residents. Being no further business to go before the Club, the meeting adjourned.

​      NOTE: There were additional scholarship applications which came in late, with President Stanfield notified that these scholarships were at the Lewis County High School and were intended to be submitted May 9th based upon last year's date of submission and a day AFTER the meeting of the Tollesboro Lions Club in which the scholarship recipients were selected. On this date, May 9th, an additional $500 was donated by Brenda Tucker specifically for an additional scholarship to be awarded in Memory of Larry Tucker, a 55 year member of the Tollesboro Lions Club, an Educator, Guidance Counselor and Coach as well as member of the Tollesboro Volunteer Fire Department, a Pastor, who also served on the Tollesboro Lions Club Scholarship Committee for decades up until his recent passing November 27, 2022. This will result in an additional Scholarship being awarded. Brenda specifically requested that the Tollesboro Lions Club Scholarship Committee select the student to be the recipient of this additional Scholarship. Adding this recipient to the six already chosen, will result in 7 scholarships being granted by the Tollesboro Lions Club for 2023 and resulting in scholarship funds of $3,500. This is only due to the additional support and donations of an anonymous donor and that of Brenda Tucker in Larry's memory. The Scholarship Committee will meet Wednesday, May 10th for purposes of choosing the 7th recipient. 

​​     The following statement will reflect the process that the Tollesboro Lions Club utilized to select 7 local students to receive Scholarship funds from the Club for 2023:
    The Tollesboro Lions Club submitted a newspaper article/press release informing the public that the Tollesboro Lions Club was offering graduates intending to further their education the opportunity to apply for our Scholarships. The newspaper article correctly stated that applications were due to be turned in by 5 pm., May 8th, 2023, this date being Monday and coinciding with the night of our Club's first meeting in May. It also indicated that the Scholarship Applications were available for download from the Tollesboro Lions Club website, www.tollesborolions.com (Note: Scholarship Applications downloaded from the website included the statement that applications were due to be turned in by 5 pm., May 8th, 2023. NOTE: This date/time was utilized so that applications would be turned in so that the Scholarship Committee could make the selections that evening, so that schools could be notified of the Tollesboro Lions Club Scholarship Recipients during Graduation and/or Awards Day events).
    Six students turned in Scholarship Applications that were available at Monday's meeting (it should be noted that of the 6 applications that were reviewed Monday evening, all had been received at least several days prior to Monday's deadline/meeting, with at least one received 2 or 3 weeks prior and one - from a grandchild of a member of the Tollesboro Lions Club - submitted possibly as early as November of 2022). The Scholarship Committee had selected 3 of the applicants to receive Scholarships, each in the amount of $500, fulfilling the $1,500 budgeted sum set aside by the Tollesboro Lions Club for said Scholarships. However when the Scholarship Committee announced to the Club the selections and the number of applications received, a generous ANONYMOUS member of the Club offered to match the budgeted funds in order that all six applicants would receive the full $500, thus doubling not only the number of students selected to receive Scholarships (6 rather than 3), but also the amount of dollars awarded ($3,000 rather than $1,500); this was significantly more (number of students as well as total dollars awarded) than the Tollesboro Lions Club had ever given away in the past for Scholarships (over the past 4 years: 2019, five $300 scholarships were provided; in 2020, three students received $300 each; in 2021, $300 each was provided to 3 students, with a 4th student receiving $150; and in 2022, 4 students were awarded $400 each). This was approved at the meeting of the Tollesboro Lions Club, thus members of the Tollesboro Lions Club knowing some of the recipients were able to notify some students Monday evening, and some were notified on Tuesday.
      On Tuesday afternoon, I (as Club President) was contacted and informed that there were 9 additional scholarship applications that had not been turned in, as they relied upon an application from last year that  erroneously stated that the date of last year's application - May 9th - was the date that applications were due (although in all fairness, this application stated that they were due May 9th, 2022 rather than 2023), a terrible and unfortunate oversight. 
      We could not go back and take away from those that had already been awarded (whether or not those students had been contacted officially or not), as the generous anonymous donor had donated under the impression that ALL the students who had submitted applications at that time had been approved to receive funds (basically we could not make changes as we had already committed far more than our budgeted funds). However, Brenda Tucker (the widow of a recently deceased member of the Tollesboro Lions Club), opted to provide $500 to the Tollesboro Lions Club to offer an additional Scholarship, this Scholarship to be awarded in Memory of Larry Tucker. Larry Tucker was a long-time resident of Tollesboro, a former teacher/educator, coach, guidance counselor, pastor, member of the Tollesboro Volunteer Fire Department, a Tollesboro Lions Club Citizen of the Year recipient, a former President of the Tollesboro Lions Club, and a member who served the Tollesboro Lions Club for 55 years (including being a part of the Scholarship Committee for decades). This generous donation permitted the Tollesboro Lions Club to offer one more $500 Scholarship, thus permitting the Tollesboro Lions Club to offer a total of $3,500 scholarship funds to 7 area graduates intending to further their education. This last Scholarship would be awarded to ONE of the 9 applicants whose application was received late and, as Brenda Tucker did not want to be involved in the selection process, she suggested that the Scholarship Committee (of which her deceased husband Larry Tucker had been a member for decades) make the selection.
     THEREFORE, as President, I called the members of the Scholarship Committee together and tasked them with selecting ONE MORE Scholarship recipient. They met at 4 pm. this evening at the Tollesboro Lions Club with the 9 additional applications to review from which to make the selection (I was not present at the Committee meeting and had no part of the decision process).
     Ultimately, the Scholarship Committee reported to me that they selected Mary Miller as the recipient of the Larry Tucker Memorial Scholarship from the Tollesboro Lions Club. She will join the 6 other students chosen to receive Tollesboro Lions Club Scholarships, two of whom were from Mason County High School, the other four from Lewis County High School (these six being chosen Monday evening prior to the receipt of the nine scholarship applications provided today and of whom we were only made aware of Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately, we cannot change the original recipients as some of them had been informed Monday evening or Tuesday morning AND as the only reason that the Club was provided the additional $1,500 in Scholarship funds was that a generous donor offered to match the budgeted Scholarship funds permitting us to give to all 6 of the original applicants, thinking that this fulfilled ALL of those students applying for our Scholarship funds). Please note the following: There were 15 Scholarship Applications submitted, from which 7 were chosen to receive Tollesboro Lions Club Scholarships; each scholarship award is in the amount of $500; the total committed by the Tollesboro Lions Club for Scholarships for 2023 is $3,500 (of which $2,000 came from private donations with the Club committing $1,500 of the total). The full list of Tollesboro Lions Club Scholarship Recipients for 2023 is as follows: From Lewis Co. High School: Jason Parker Evans, Jaden Lewis, Sarah Paige Weddington, Mikayla Kielman and Mary Miller. From Mason County High School: Jaclyn Cropper and Philip Bierly (total recipients: 7; each recipient to receive $500; total funds awarded $3,500).

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TOLLESBORO PTO FUND-RAISER A SUCCESS!

     The Tollesboro Elementary School Parents-Teacher Organization (PTO) hosted a fund-raising lunch at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds Wednesday May 10th, 2023. They served a meal that included either a hamburger or tenderloin sandwich with the "fixins", plus baked beans, cheesy potatoes, drink, and dessert, ALL FOR JUST $10! The meal was delicious and the group was busy, having to prepare several to go pre-orders while serving those who dropped by and drove thru, and was a genuine success, appreciated by the public at large and gaining additional support and funding for this fine organization!

​TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FUND-RAISER FOR KENNY COOLEY HUGE SUCCESS! 

   The Tollesboro Lions Club was the host of a fund-raising benefit for Kenny Cooley, a former member of the Tollesboro Lions Club, who is suffering from Stage 4 Stomach Cancer. 
     The event, which took place under the Pavilion at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds, Saturday, May 13th, began at Noon with a lunch consisting of pork tenderloin, baked beans, chips, dessert and drink, was followed by a live auction which began at 1 pm. The auction was conducted by Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield.
     Donations had been made by businesses and individuals and were dropped off at Rip's Farm Center in Tollesboro. Organizers of the event included Carol Cunningham, Tara Ginn, Cassidy Truesdell and Lisa Irwin.
     Numerous items were sold included desserts, weed-eater, pocket knife, gift certificates from local restaurants and businesses, and for beef, pork, and lots of other items, with at least one cake selling for $225 which was donated back, another sold for $200 which was donated back and then repurchased by the original purchaser for $100 and donated back again, and selling for more money the third time! The event was successful, raising over $13,000!!!

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Above, Left: Group of volunteers gathered together to prepare the meal. Middle, Tollesboro Lions Club members Steve Pedersen (holding auction item), and Craig Stanfield (auctioneer). Right: Auction volunteers (staff to right seated), with some auction items pictured.

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB SECOND MAY MEETING VERY PRODUCTIVE!

     The Tollesboro Lions Club met Monday, May 22nd, 2023 at the Tollesboro Lions Club Clubhouse on the grounds of the Tollesboro Lions Club Community Park for their regularly scheduled meeting. Fifteen members were present plus one guest. President Craig Stanfield opened the meeting requesting that Treasurer Steve Pedersen offer the blessing, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Lion Charles Kendall. President Stanfield then introduced guest Natalie Stitt representing the Peoples Bank of Ohio, asking her to lead the group to the wonderful meal provided by Skeeter and Sonia Shaw. 
      After the meal, Craig invited Natalie Stitt to introduce herself to the group and she made a check presentation for the Club to use to purchase a building to set on the grounds as a First Aid/Lost & Found/General Purpose structure. The building is to be a 14' x 20' structure to be placed rather centrally on the grounds. The Club had agreed to accept the building, to connect it to water, electric, and sewage, and to finish it out (insulate, wallboard, etc.) at one of the April meetings, and to permit placement of a sign on the structure for the Peoples Bank (of Ohio) acknowledging the donation. Natalie joined President Stanfield for a photograph and then she retired from the meeting before the business portion of the meeting began.

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Tollesboro Branch Manager of the Peoples Bank of Ohio Natalie Stitt presents Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig Stanfield a check to purchase a building to be placed on the Fairgrounds.

      The first item of business was the reading of the minutes from the last meeting (May 8th) by Secretary Phil Cropper. The minutes were approved as read. 
      President Stanfield then explained to the members present the process involved in the Club's granting of 7 Scholarships for graduating students of Mason and Lewis County High Schools for furthering their education. The Tollesboro Lions Club funded three $500 Scholarships; one Lions Club member who preferred to remain anonymous provided the funds for three additional $500 Scholarships; Brenda Tucker also provided $500 for an additional Scholarship in Memory of Larry Tucker, who served over 50 years in both the Tollesboro Lions Club and the Tollesboro Volunteer Fire Department and who was a teacher, guidance counselor and coach; this made for 7 scholarships for 2023. There was some confusion in the turn-in date of the Scholarships; the newspaper article and the minutes from the last meeting indicated that scholarship applications were due by 5 pm., May 8th (this so that the Scholarship Committee could meet at the regular meeting of the Tollesboro Lions Club to make their selections); this date/time was also on the applications available for download from the Tollesboro Lions Club website, www.tollesborolions.com. At the May 8th meeting, there were only 6 Scholarship applications turned in. Three students were chosen to receive the scholarships funded by the Club. However at that time, a member of the Club who wished to remain anonymous stated that he would like to see all six applicants receive the scholarship and generously agreed to donate $1500 to do just that; this ensured that all 6 recipients would receive $500 to further their education. However, the very next day (Tuesday, May 9th) President Stanfield was contacted by the Lewis County High School (after they were notified of the students who had been selected to receive Scholarships the night before) and he was informed that there were 9 additional scholarship applications that were intended to be turned in that evening, these relying on last year's due date and outdated copies of the Scholarship application that indicated that they were due May 9, 2022. The 6 recipients having already been selected and announced, left the Club in a quandary. However Brenda Tucker reached out and contacted President Stanfield to see if it was too late for her to offer funds for an additional scholarship in Larry's memory. Craig accepted her generous offer and it was then decided to accept the 9 applications and to arrange for the Scholarship Committee to meet and choose one more recipient, this recipient to be chosen from the 9 applications that were not received by Monday, May 8th. The Scholarship Committee then met Wednesday late afternoon and chose the 7th recipient, this being from the 9 applications that had not been turned in by May 8th. It was announced that each of the Scholarship recipients, as well as their parents, would be invited to attend the next Lions Club meeting and that the Club would provide dinner for the Scholarship recipients and their families. The 2023 Tollesboro Lions Club Scholarship recipients are Philip Bierly, Jaclyn Cropper (both of these students graduated from Mason County High School), Mikayla Kielman, Sarah Paige Weddington, Jaden Lewis, Jason Parker Evans and Mary Miller (these students graduating from Lewis County High School). President Stanfield and Secretary Cropper offered to contact the recipients and invite them and their parents to attend the next meeting (June 12th, 7 pm). Secretary Cropper then stated that of the Scholarship applicants, several had 4.0 or greater grade point averages. It was also announced that those students having received Tollesboro Lions Club Scholarships were announced at Award Day ceremonies and mentioned in Graduation Programs in both Mason and Lewis County High Schools. 
      Secretary Phil Cropper, in advance of the rapid approach of Memorial Day, read to the Club "Lincoln's Letter To Mrs. Bixby", a mother who had supposedly lost 5 sons in the Civil War. While the circumstances surrounding this letter (as well as the author) are somewhat controversial/subject to debate, the poignant message was on target and well received.
     Next, Treasurer Steve Pedersen presented the Treasurer's Report.
     Under Old Business, President Stanfield announced that the Tollesboro PTO Lunch Fund-Raiser May 10th was a success, as was the Kenny Cooley Benefit Auction & Lunch Event of May 13th. The upcoming Trade Days dates (June 15th thru 17th and Sept. 7 thru 9th) were announced. Treasurer Pedersen announced that the concrete berms being purchased for the expansion of the Mud Sling Pit were being picked up and delivered to Brown County Construction for eventual delivery to the Fairgrounds. 
      Under New Business, President Stanfield announced (and congratulated) Steve Pedersen for being elected as District Governor, District 43-Y, Kentucky Lions Club. Steve was elected to this position at the State Convention this past Saturday. Craig also announced that Steve had been selected to receive the International President's Award for Outstanding Service this past weekend. 
       As Fair Chairman Lee Thomas was absent, no additional 2023 Fair activities were discussed. The 2023 Tollesboro Lions Club Fair is rapidly approaching, July 14th through July 22nd.
       Next, Elite Sponsor collection paperwork was supplied to the Club members present at the meeting. It was stressed how important these sponsors are to the success of the Fair and members were encouraged to do their best to meet with and support Elite Sponsors. Members were also instructed to turn in sponsors as quickly as possible to arrange for the Elite Sponsor banners to be created timely prior to the Fair.
       Members were reminded that the next meeting, Scholarship recipients and their families would be in attendance, and urged members to attend.
       Being no further business, the meeting adjourned. However the Tollesboro Lions Club would like everyone to remember those members and supporters of the Tollesboro Lions Club whom have passed away recently during the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday: Members Larry Tucker, Darrell Dixon and Clinton Applegate and long-time supporters Johnny Wallingford, Billy Applegate and Philip Konopka. THEY WILL BE MISSED!!!

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In Memory of Lions Club members Larry Tucker, Darrell Dixon and Clinton Applegate and long-time supporters of the Tollesboro Lions Club Johnny Wallingford, Billy Applegate and Philip Konopka, all of whom have passed away since Nov., 2022. They will be missed!

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB MEMBER HONORED AND ADVANCES BY LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL & KENTUCKY LIONS

       Steve Pedersen, member and Treasurer of the Tollesboro Lions Club, was elected to the post of District Governor, Saturday, May 20th, at the State Convention of Kentucky Lions Clubs. Steve is currently serving as Vice District Governor but will take over full duties of District Governor July 1st. The first member of the Tollesboro Lions Club to serve as District Governor was Buddy Grant, who served in 1958-1959. Steve may be only the second member of the Tollesboro Lions Club to serve as District Governor (in the history of the Tollesboro Lions Club it was noted that in 1967 Ray Trumbo served as Deputy District Governor; the history did not go on to state that he had ever served as District Governor). Steve will begin his term July 1st.
        At Saturday's Governor's Banquet, Steve was presented with the International President's Award for Outstanding Service. The International Director Ernesto Tijerina pinned the medal on Steve accompanied by Past International Directors Thomas Matney and Shea Nickell. Only a very limited number of these awards are presented annually. Steve is the first recipient from the Tollesboro Lions Club to receive this acknowledgement since 1961 when then Past International Director Finis Davis presented Tollesboro Lions Club member Buddy Grant with the President's Award (Finis Davis is the only Kentuckian ever elected to serve as International President, serving as the 1960-1961 International President). The Tollesboro Lions Club would like to thank Steve for his service and congratulate him on his award, election as District Governor, and continued community service.

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 Above: The award/medal and the Proclamation presented to Steve Pedersen by the Lions Club International President.

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TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB MEMBER ELECTED TO POSITION OF ZONE CHAIRMAN

     Tollesboro Lions Club President Craig A. Stanfield was elected to the position of Zone Chairman. Craig's election will have him taking the position formerly occupied by Clinton Applegate, also of the Tollesboro Lions Club, who passed away earlier this year. His term will begin July 1st. Craig joined the Tollesboro Lions Club in 1990 and is finishing his 8th term as President of the Tollesboro Lions Club and was recently elected to serve a 9th term which will also begin July 1st. He is also simultaneously serving as the Tollesboro Lions Club's Marketing and Communications Chairman, a position he has held since 2018. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow and a Finis Davis Fellow. He is the Club's historian, and has written a comprehensive history of the Tollesboro Lions Club. He has written several grants on behalf of the Tollesboro Lions Club, most of which were successful in obtaining funding. By profession, he is a real estate broker and an auctioneer, and in the capacity of auctioneer he conducts the Club's benefit fund-raising auctions to aid local persons suffering from medical issues or other tragedies as well as performing as an auctioneer for other Lions Clubs, Fire Departments, Churches, Schools, and other non-profit organizations, all at no cost to the non-profit. He is also involved in many other organizations, serving on a number of commissions and boards.

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Above: Tollesboro Lions Club President and soon to be Zone Chairman, Craig A. Stanfield.

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB RECIPIENT OF FUNDS FROM PEOPLES BANK OF OHIO

     Members of the Tollesboro Lions Club met Wednesday, June 7th at the Peoples Bank of Ohio Tollesboro Branch Bank location on KY 10 with employees of the bank for a formal check presentation. The Peoples Bank presented the Tollesboro Lions Club with funds for purposes of placing a building on the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds. The building will be a 14' x 20' one story metal sided frame structure that will serve as a First Aid/Lost & Found and Multi-purpose structure during the fair and at other events conducted at the Fairgrounds and will be built by KOUNTRY KORNER BARNS, located on US 68, Robertson Co., Kentucky. On hand for the check presentation to represent Peoples Bank were Natalie Stitt (Branch Manager); Patrick Mason (Universal Banker/Loan Officer); Morgan Hackworth (Universal Banker) and Regan Pullin (Universal Banker). The Tollesboro Lions Club was represented by President Craig Stanfield and Treasurer/District Governor Elect Steve Pedersen.

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SERVING THE TOLLESBORO COMMUNITY SINCE 1954

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR DIAMOND ELITE SPONSORS 2022

       The Tollesboro Lions Club would like to acknowledge and thank our First DIAMOND LEVEL SPONSORS for making significant contributions to the Tollesboro Lions Club in support of the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair.

                     RIBOLT FABRICATION                                      MEADOWS EXCAVATING 

              PEOPLES BANK OF KENTUCKY                             FIRST GUARANTY BANK

         LEWIS COUNTY KENTUCKY FARM BUREAU                      R & S PALLET

       FANNIN TRUCKING/FANNIN TRUCK REPAIR                 RIP'S FARM CENTER

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR ELITE SPONSORS 2022

​The Tollesboro Lions Club would like to acknowledge and thank all of our ELITE SPONSORS for their continued support of the Tollesboro Lions Club and the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair.

606 Real Estate & Auction; A & B Farms/Linda Breeze; A. W. Graham Lumber; Advanced Diesel Performance;

Ag Pro Equipment; Al & Sue Jane Bane; Andrew Malone Livestock; Applegate Farms; Bane Farms;

Bane-Welker Case IH Georgetown; Benjamin Harrison/Lewis County Attorney; Best-1 Storage; Big A Tire Service;

Big Blue Outdoor; Bill Boggs State Farm Insurance; Medical Arts Pharmacy/Fred Toncray; Black's Welding;

Bluegrass Stockyards Maysville/Mt. Sterling; Boone Nickell Funeral Home; Bradley Schultz; Brown County Construction; Brown County Rental; Bruner Land Company/www.brunerland.com; Buffalo Trace Surveying/Travis McGlone;

Burton Fencing; C & D Electronics/The Shack; Carmeuse Lime; Central Farm Supply;

Charlie Thompson/Independent Excavating; Cheap's Chevrolet; Collier Distributing; Community Trust Bank;

Craig A. Stanfield Real Estate & Auction Services/Stanfield Auction Center; D & A Wholesale; Darrell & Loretta Dixon; Double AA Trucking; Double S Entertainment/JB's Grill; Craig A. Stanfield Lewis County Judge Executive/Vote Nov. 8; 

Family Medicine Associates of Flemingsburg; Fannin Trucking & Fannin Truck Repair;

Farm Credit Services of Mid-America; Farmers Mutual Insurance; Farmers Stockyards; Fleming Mason Energy; Flemingsburg Machining; Ginn's Sealing and Striping; H & S Excavating; Harmon's Concessions; Harris Farms;

Hawk Predator & Wildlife Control; Henderson's Fuel Station; Hinton Mills; Howington Dixie Cafe; Hunt For The Gospel;

In Memory of Mack & Lois Wright; In Memory of Pat & Jeree Ruark; Jackie's Deer Lures/Jeff Barbour & Family;

Jim's Car Wash; Johnny & Linda Wallingford; Johnny Bivens Lewis County Sheriff; Johnny Breeze & Sons Farms;

Johnny Osborne Magistrate Elect; JSB Industrial Solutions; Kenton Meadows Trucking/Excavating;

Kenny Ruckel/Lewis County Property Valuation Administrator;  Leslie Collier Lewis County Court Clerk Elect;

Lewis County Cattleman's Association; Livewire Printing/Winston Reeder; Mark & Kim Ripato;

Mark Horsley Magistrate Elect District 4; Marshall Hauling; Meadows Excavating; Meadows Used Cars;

Mike Ruggles Land Surveying; Mudlick Valley Cattle Company; Mullins Towing, LLC; NAPA of Maysville & Flemingsburg; On Target Archery; Peoples Bank of Kentucky; Peoples Bank Of Ohio; Petersville Church of God/Pastor Milt Stanfield; Pollitt Trucking, Inc.; Primary Plus; Quality Carpet; R & J Farming;  R & S Concrete/Joe Potter;

R & S Pallet; Relentless Transport; Resurrection Systems; Rex & Chris Elam Insurance; RGM Construction;

Ribolt Fabrication LLC; Rick Butler & Sons Logging; Rip's Farm Center; Roger & Glenda Ferguson;

Ron's IGA (Tollesboro/Maysville); Rose Farm Supply LLC; Sims Dairy Queen of Flemingsburg;

Southern States Flemingsburg; Southern States Maysville; Standard Quick Print & Office Supplies;

Stephanie Story, Lewis County Court Clerk; Stober Drives; Storage Plus/Tony Sweeney Appraisals;

Take It Personal Gifts/Tabby Liles; Temperature Solutions; Teresa Callahan Lewis County Circuit Court Clerk;

The Clark Family & Denny Hornback; Threads & Inks; Tire World; TNT Logging/Tom Fetters; Tollesboro Christian Church; Tollesboro Funeral Home; Top Notch Spray Foam/Zane Pope; Total Care Pharmacy; Trace Creek Construction;

TRAM Construction/Terry LeMaster; Tri-County Vet/Dr. Darin Stanfield, DVM; Truesdell Trucking; Tully Transport;

Tully's Backhoe & Rock Hauling Service; Tumbleweed Tex-Mex Restaurant; Turner Tractor Sales; Valor Oil;

Weaver Construction; Westway Feed Products; Woodmen Life Chaper 890; Yoder's Dinner Bell; Young Farm Machinery.     

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​UPCOMING EVENTS

​​2023 TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR JULY 14TH THROUGH JULY 22ND

​​     Make sure to put this on your calendar as this year looks to be an even better event-filled week than last year!!! Schedule will be posted when available, so check back often!!!

NOTE: CHECK OUT THE TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR AND HORSE SHOW PAGE FOR THIS YEAR'S SCHEDULE OF EVENTS!!!

​UPCOMING TRADE DAY EVENTS SCHEDULED AT TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB

      The Tollesboro Lions Club announces two upcoming Trade Day Events at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds. The Trade Days Event is a Flea-Market type event that is conducted upon the grounds of the Tollesboro Lions Club along the "AA" Hwy frontage. It has grown substantially in popularity and attendance over the past several years, with an ever growing number of vendors and prospective purchasers attending. The Spring Trade Days Event was held May 4th through 6th and was a rousing success, with the largest number of vendors to date, and well supported by buyers from near and far. The Summer Trade Days Event however, held Thursday June 15th through Saturday June 17th, produced an even greater number of participants, both vendors and customers!!! The third (and final such event for 2023) Tollesboro Lions Club Trade Day Event is the Fall Trade Day Event and will take place September 7th through Saturday, September 9th. For details, and to reserve a spot, contact Richard "Skeeter" Shaw at (606) 798-6134.​

COW BINGO EVENT TO BE HELD AT THE

2023 TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR

​     After being missing from the Fair for the past several years, the always popular "COW BINGO" will join the schedule of events this year! Tickets will be available for purchase beginning April 1st, and are just $10 for a chance to win $500!!! Tickets can be purchased at Rip's Farm Center, Craig Stanfield Real Estate, or from any Lions Club member! Buy your tickets today (get one for each member of the family, children, grandchildren, whoever is important to you!). You don't even have to be present to win!

THIS IS A FUN AND INEXPENSIVE WAY THAT YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT THE TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB!

​MECHANICAL BULL TO RETURN TO THE TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR

AFTER A LONG ABSENCE

      A mechanical bull has not made an appearance at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair for nearly 20 years (19 to be exact, as his last appearance was in 2004!). But he will make an appearance this year! Individuals can try their strength, balance, and LUCK to try to stay astride! And competitions: Brother against brother, friend against friend, challenge you buddies, friends, OR FOES, or THROW LUCK TO THE WIND AND CHALLENGE ANY AND EVERYONE!!

     This mechanical creature can be tamed to a gentle “rocking” ride, or cranked up to a wicked, fast buck with a hairpin turn left or right! 

     But if you fall off, this one ain't BODACIOUS! Unlike a real bull....: 1). This one won't chase you around the ring. 2). He won't crush you by falling on you or head-butting you. 3). and Most Importantly: THIS ONE WON'T STICK A HORN INTO YOU!!!

     Come on out and put your skills to to the test. Then challenge whomever you want to see who really has “top cowboy” potential!!​​

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MULE & PONY PULL TO MAKE RE-APPEARANCE AT THE TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR!

     After an absence of a few years, the Mule and Pony Pull will take place at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair again this year! An event that always draws interest, from the old as well as the young, watching how horses are trained to pull COMPETITIVELY for bragging rights (and I mean competitively: I have never seen any animal that truly wants to work like these gentle animals. I watched an event once where one horse didn't think the other was working to his fullest potential and the horse that hit the traces the hard reached over and bit the other horse to get him to start working harder! And the speed with which a team takes off when they hear that hook hit the coupler on the sled.... They know it's time to pull/take off.
And don't get your hand between the hook and the coupler or you will lose it or parts of it!).
As in the recent past, the event is overseen by the Bluegrass Pony and Mule Pullers Association, and as they have an event the night before, we expect a good showing! Make sure that you attend this event!

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DAVID IERY FOUNDATION LOG-JAM BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL TO BE AT THE TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB

      The 4th Annual David Iery Foundation Log-Jam Bluegrass Festival will be expanded to include two days of events and will be hosted this year at the Tollesboro Lions Club, Friday, August 18th and Saturday, August 19th, roughly noon to 10 pm each day, with breaks for dinner each day, and with 6 performers scheduled for each day of the event. While this is the fourth year of this event, this year brings several changes to the event. For the first time, the event has been to include 2 days (past events were always one-day affairs). It is also the first time that the event has been presented off the hill on "Quick's Run Mountain". And lastly, this is the first time the event has been held at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds.
     This year's line up includes (on Friday): The Spencer Boys; The Bluegrass Hillbillies; Elijah Boggs & Mountain Echoes; Lincoln Mash & Heather Alley; Seth Mulder & Midnight Run; and The Cowbillies. Saturday's lineup includes: The Willis Twins; Three Rivers Bluegrass; Laurel Riverline; Tommy Webb Band; Tony Holt & Wildwood Valley Boys; and Don Rigsby. For additional information, contact Myron Iery at 606-202-3753.

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​​​​IN MEMORY

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB LOSES
ANOTHER LONG-TERM MEMBER

    With great sadness, the Tollesboro Lions Club must now deal with the loss of another long-time member. CLINTON APPLEGATE passed away March 2, 2023, after having been diagnosed last year with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Clinton's passing is just months behind the recent passing of two other long-term members of the Tollesboro Lions Club, Larry Tucker and Darrell Dixon, who passed in late November and early December, 2022, respectively.
     Clinton was a Tollesboro native, a Tollesboro High School graduate, and a Tollesboro resident. Clinton joined the Tollesboro Lions Club in 1990 and was an active member, even after his diagnosis and being present (and bringing up an item of business!) at the most recent meeting of the Tollesboro Lions Club, conducted on Valentine's Day, February 14th. He was also the Club's First Vice President and Membership Chairperson at the time of his passing.
     During his nearly 33 years of service to the Tollesboro Lions Club, he has been the face of the Tollesboro Lions Club Tug Tractor Pulls (both during the Annual Fair and those individual events conducted at various times throughout the past 32 plus years), as well as the most visible member at the Livestock Shows each year at the Fair. As the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair does not offer a sale in addition to their livestock show, he was also active in supporting youth as a part of the Lewis County Livestock Boosters, present each year at the Germantown Fair at the Annual Show & Sale, spending monies from local groups and businesses so as to insure that Lewis County youth showing livestock received premium sales prices for their livestock. 
     As a Club Member, he has served 5 consecutive terms as Club President, has served several terms as the Fair Chairman and Co-Chairman, was the 2022 TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB FAIR PARADE GRAND MARSHALL. On a higher level, Clinton is the current Zone Chairman, serving his 3rd term in that capacity. 
     On Sunday, July 17th, 2022, following the Tollesboro Lions Club Parade, the Tollesboro Lions Club hosted a Community Rally for Clinton Applegate at the Tollesboro Lions Club. Put together under short notice after determining his diagnosis, but to take place as part of the Annual Fair, the Rally consisted of dinner and ice cream followed by a live auction. Without actively seeking donations from businesses, over 150 items were donated to the cause from individuals and businesses, showing Clinton how much he is loved and respected by the community, which resulted in the highest grossing benefit auction ever conducted on the grounds of the Tollesboro Lions Club (far exceeding by more than double that of any other benefit so conducted)! 
     Clinton was honored for his service to the Tollesboro Lions Club by the Club presenting him with the Melvin Jones Fellowship (an award named after the Founder of Lions Club International and the highest recognition offered by Lions Club International) and with the Finis Davis Fellowship (an award named after and to honor Kentucky's only International Lions Club President who served in 1960-1961, said honor the highest recognition offered by the Kentucky Lions Foundation). Clinton was also recently honored by the Buffalo Trace Area Development District (BTADD) as the most recent recipient of the BTADD/Lewis County Community Leadership Award. 
     Clinton's dedication to the Tollesboro Lions Club has been significant. He will always remain in our Hearts, our Thoughts, and our Prayers, and his passing leaves a heavy burden on the organization that will be felt. He will be missed.  

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CLINTON K. APPLEGATE 1957 - 2023 Obituary Boone-Nickell Funeral Home

   Friends, family, and the community of Tollesboro mourn the loss of Clinton Keith Applegate on Thursday, March 2, 2023. Clinton died peacefully at home after a courageous battle with ALS.
   Clinton was born in Maysville on October 23, 1957, a son of Billy Gene Applegate and the late Donna Lou Tully Applegate.
   He grew up in the Pine Valley community of Lewis County and graduated from Tollesboro High School. Clinton was a dairy, beef, and tobacco farmer, and fence builder. He was known to leave many young men in the dust in the tobacco patch come cutting time and on the softball field. He was always surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors, whether it was swimming at the family pond on Sunday afternoons in the summer or tubing down the hills of Pine Valley in the winter. He enjoyed his annual hunting trip out west.
   After marrying his high school sweetheart, Nickie Thomas in 1979 and becoming a father to Trevor Howard and Travis Hinton, he tried to instill his love of farming, hard work ethic, and generosity in his sons. Summers were spent touring the local dairy shows with his boys and cattle in tow, the end goal being a week’s vacation spent in the livestock barn at the Kentucky State Fair. He loved that week spent with friends and fellow dairy farmers. Another love of Clinton’s was the Tollesboro Lions Club. He was a Lions Club member for 33 years and held numerous positions including President and Fair Board Chairman. He spent many all-nighters working tractor pulls, sometimes not getting home until morning milking time. He was also a past president for the Lewis County

4-H Council.

   Clinton was a member of Tollesboro Christian Church and was blessed with a church family that loved him.

   Clinton leaves behind his farming partner and his brother, Darrin Applegate. He is also survived by his wife, Nickie Thomas Applegate; his two sons, Trevor Howard Applegate and Travis Hinton Applegate; and his father, Billy Gene Applegate.

   He was preceded in death by his mother, Donna Lou Tully Applegate.
   Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 6, 2023, at Tollesboro Christian Church with Bro. John Byard, Steve Pederson, and Bro. Phil Cropper officiating.
   Clinton will be laid to rest in Mount Carmel Cemetery.
   Pallbearers include Steve Pederson, Jim Lightner, Jim Meadows, Lee Thomas, Mark Conrad, and Frank Mawk. Honorary pallbearers include the members of the Tollesboro Lions Club.
   Visitation will after 10:00 a.m. Monday at Tollesboro Christian Church, 3684 West KY 10 at Tollesboro.
   In place of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Clinton to the Tollesboro Lions Club (PO Box 123, Tollesboro, KY 41189) and Tollesboro Christian Church.

   Boone-Nickell Funeral Home in Flemingsburg is caring for Clinton and his family.

​​​​​​​​​​TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB LOSES LONG-TERM MEMBER

       The Tollesboro Lions Club lost a long-time member Sunday, Nov. 27th, 2022 with the passing of Larry Tucker.
       Larry joined the Tollesboro Lions Club Oct. 1, 1967, an active member of the organization for 55 years. At the time of his passing, Larry was the Club’s longest serving active member (since the Tollesboro Lions Club’s chartering in 1954, only 4 members have served for 50+ years, with Larry’s tenure in the organization only surpassed by two members: Charter member Mack Wright, who at the time of his passing in 2015, had been a member for 61 years; and Don McCann, who at the time of his passing in 2019, had been a member for 60 years. Charter member Elmo Gillespie served the Tollesboro Lions Club for 50 years).
      While a member of the Tollesboro Lions Club, Larry served at least two terms (there are a number of years where the record as to whom served as President is incomplete and it is entirely possible that he served an additional term/terms during this period) as President of the Tollesboro Lions Club (1969-1970 and 1976-1977). Larry was also named the Tollesboro Lions Club Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1990. 
     Larry was a retired educator with the Lewis County School system, teaching English and serving as a guidance counselor and basketball coach. He also was well-known locally as a minister serving the Concord Christian Church for 44 years; served as the last Mayor of the City of Tollesboro; was a 50+ year member of the Tollesboro Volunteer Fire Department; and a long-time member/leader of the Woodmen Life Chapter 890.
    Larry was a respected and vital member of the Tollesboro Lions Club,  present at almost every meeting, a fixture at the gate collecting gate money throughout the fair each year, and a trusted advisor to the Club. He will be missed...

    Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 11918 Ky 57 at Tollesboro, with Bro. Phil Cropper officiating. Entombment will follow in Hillcrest Garden of Memories.
     Friends may visit after 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022, at Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
        NOTE: The Tollesboro Lions Club had voted at their Sept. 26th meeting to make a $1000 donation to the Lions Club International Foundation so as to make Larry Tucker a Melvin Jones Fellow; the award had been ordered but had not been presented to Larry prior to his passing. A posthumous presentation will be forthcoming.

​Larry Tucker 1942 - 2022

Obituary - Tollesboro Funeral Home

     Larry Gene Tucker, age 79, of Tollesboro, Kentucky, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, November 27, 2022 at his home after an extended illness. 
     He was born Friday, December 25, 1942, on Cabin Creek, Kentucky a son of the late Harold Edwin Tucker and Leona Mae Craycraft Tucker Lanthorn.
     Larry attended the Tollesboro Christian Church where he was encouraged to attend Milligan College to become a minister and he was the pastor of Concord Christian Church for 44 years. Larry was employed by the Lewis County Board of Education as a teacher and counselor and was a member of the Tollesboro Lions Club and Tollesboro Volunteer Fire Department serving more than 50 years in each organization. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watching sports, reading and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.
     Mr. Tucker is survived by his wife of 58 years, Brenda Willocks Tucker; three children, Scott (Melissa) Tucker of Madison, Indiana, Ann Marie (Shaun) Scott of Manchester, Ohio, and Michael (Andrea) Tucker of Louisville, Kentucky; five grandchildren, Brooke Tucker, Bethany Tucker, Makenna Scott, Jack Tucker, and Scarlett Tucker; one sister, Carolyn Hughes; one nephew Matthew (Mary) Hughes of Vanceburg, Kentucky and numerous other family and friends that will sadly miss him.

     Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 11918 Ky 57, Tollesboro, Kentucky with Brother Phil Cropper officiating. Entombment will follow in Hillcrest Garden of Memories.

     Friends may visit after 11 a.m. until the service hour, Saturday, December 3, 2022 at Tollesboro Funeral Home.

     Tollesboro Fire Department will serve as pallbearers. Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services is caring for all arrangements for Mr. Larry Gene Tucker. 

     In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Tollesboro Fire Department, Tollesboro Lions Club, or Concord Christian Church.

​​TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB LOSES ANOTHER LONG-TERM MEMBER

      The Tollesboro Lions Club was saddened to hear that Darrel Dixon, a long-time member of the Club, passed away Friday, December 9th, 2022. This is the second long-term member that the Club has lost in less than a two-week period (Lion Larry Tucker, a 55 year member of the organization, passed away November 27th).
     Darrel had been a member of the Tollesboro Lions Club for over 40 years, was Instrumental in sponsoring a number of the current members and was an involved member who - at the time of his passing - was a two year Administrator. However, he served the Club in several capacities, having served many terms alternating between the Lion Tamer and the Tail Twister, and also as a Club Director. Always ready to provide his opinion, seconding many motions in meetings over the years, and always ready to provide a comment for a good laugh: Darrel was a welcome member of the Club who will be missed by all.  

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​Obituary --- Tollesboro Funeral Home

​     Mr. Darrell Boyd Dixon, age 79, of Tollesboro, Kentucky passed away Friday, December 9, 2022 at the Maysville, Nursing and Rehabilitation Center surrounded by his loving family.
     He was born March 14, 1943, in Lewis County, Kentucky, to the late Esten (Eck) and Frances Tully Dixon.
     Darrell was a member of the Tollesboro Christian Church; a active member of the Tollesboro Lion’s Club for 50 years; an employee of Emerson Electric for 40 years; co-owner of the G & D Restaurant in Tollesboro for several years; a Head Start bus driver for the past 10 years. He really loved his Head Start children and gave most of them nicknames. Darrell was a seasoned traveler and an avid camper. He loved doing word searches and was a fierce Rook player. He enjoyed announcing races and watching all sports.
     In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Katrina Dixon; one brother in law, Norman Mineer.
     He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Loretta Hord Dixon; one son, Troy Dixon of Tollesboro, Kentucky; one daughter, Melissa Henderson and her husband, Shawn of Tollesboro, Kentucky; one stepdaughter, Kim Centers and her husband Joey of Berea, Kentucky; grandchildren, Hannah, Rachel and Sarah Henderson of Tollesboro, Kentucky, Jared Dixon and his wife Kelli, Taylor Dixon, Whitnee Broaddus (John) of Lexington, Kentucky, Bethanee Rogers and her husband, Andrew and Jayden Centers of Berea; five great-grandchildren, Preston, Blakeley and Sutton Dixon of Lexington, Kentucky, Lilee and Lainee Rogers of Berea; one sister, Joyce Mineer of Wallingford, Kentucky; the mother of his children, Kathleen Dixon, along with several nieces and nephew who will sadly miss him.
     Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 11918 KY 57, Tollesboro, Kentucky with Brother Rex McGinnis officiating. Burial will follow in the Ebenezer Cemetery in Lewis County.
     Friends may visit after 10 a.m., December 14, 2022 and until the service hour at the Tollesboro Funeral Home.
     Shawn Henderson, Jared Dixon, John Fetters, Jim Meadows, Mark Mineer and Jayden Centers will serve as pallbearers.
     Gerald Meadows, Kirby Wright, Steve Petersen, John Kilgore, Gary Breeze, Daymond Thomas and Gary Mason will serve as honorary pallbearers.
     Tollesboro Funeral Home and Cremation Services are caring for all arrangements for Mr. Darrell Dixon.
     In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Tollesboro Christian Church and Tollesboro Lion Club.

LONGTIME SUPPORTER & HORSE SHOW PARTICIPANT, FATHER OF LIONS CLUB MEMBER PASSES

     The Tollesboro Lions Club would like to offer their condolences to Shane Wallingford and family on the passing of his father, Johnny Wallingford, December 23rd, 2023. Johnny was a long-time supporter of the Tollesboro Lions Club and showed horses at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fair for many years. 

OBITUARY, JOHN C. "JOHNNY" WALLINGFORD​​

​     John Clinton Wallingford, age 79, of Cabin Creek Road, Tollesboro, Kentucky passed away peacefully on Friday, December 23, 2022, at his residence.
     John was born November 2, 1943, the last of eleven children to William Gaines and Mamie Martin Wallingford.

     John was a 38-year employee of Emerson Power Transmission in Maysville, Kentucky, He was a farmer and landowner who enjoyed the outdoors. His passions included showing walking horses, rabbit hunting, listening to bluegrass music and spending time with his friends and neighbors in search of a good time with plenty of laughter. His love and passion was pursuing his grandchildren's events, which defined the twilight of his life.

     He was preceded in death by his parents; his oldest son, Travis C. Wallingford; four brothers Charles, Walter, Leo and Kenneth Wallingford; six sisters Mary, Nannie, Edna, Ida, Alice, and JoAnn.

     John is survived by his wife of 58 years Linda A. Hughes Wallingford; one son Shane Kimberly Wallingford of Tollesboro, Kentucky; three grandchildren Seth, Bryce, and Jenna Wallingford of Tollesboro, Kentucky; John is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family who will sadly miss him.

     Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Thursday, December 29, 2022, at the Tollesboro Christian Church in Tollesboro, Kentucky with Brother Mike Rice and Brother Rex McGinnis officiating. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Garden of Memories Cemetery in Mason County, Kentucky.

     Friends may visit after 11 a.m. until the service hour on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Tollesboro Christian Church in Tollesboro, Kentucky.

     Harry Tully, Rob Johnson, Kevin Burton, Wesley Wallingford, Seth Wallingford and Bryce Wallingford will serve as Pallbearers. Marty Wallingford, Kelly Wallingford, Scotty Wallingford, Matthew Hughes, Mike Parker, Randy Parker, Terah Tracy and Jim Bill Tracy will serve as Honorary Pallbearers.

     Tollesboro Funeral Home in Tollesboro, Kentucky is caring for all arrangements for Mr. John C. Wallingford.

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​​​​​TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB PARTNERS

WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES TO PRODUCE HISTORICAL VIDEOS

     The Tollesboro Lions Club recently partnered with a number of local business to produce videos about several historic sites in Lewis and Fleming Counties, Kentucky. Three videos were produced, featuring "The Cabin Creek Covered Bridge" in Tollesboro, KY, "The Goddard Covered Bridge" in Fleming County, KY, and "Tollesboro and It's Connection To Horse-Racing's Lucille Markey". 
      The videos were produced by "History In Your Own Backyard", produced by Satolli Glassmyer with Susie Celek conducting the interviews. Craig Stanfield, President of the Tollesboro Lions Club led the organization of the production and contacted local businesses to arrange for the financial requirements to create the videos, and is a co-sponsor as well as narrator of two of the videos. Businesses that sponsored the project include PrimaryPlus (all locations); Hinton Mills (all locations); A. W. Graham Lumber, LLC of Fleming County; Craig A. Stanfield Real Estate & Auction Services; Rip's Farm Center, Inc.; L & L Auto Center; Bruner Land Company; Jackie's Deer Lures; and JSB Industrial Solutions.  
     The videos are posted on YouTube and available for the public at large to view (they will also be available to view from the Tollesboro Lions Club website, www.tollesborolions.com). To view the videos, type in the following URLs into your web-browser:

Local Historic Videos
    Cabin Creek Covered Bridge, Tollesboro, KY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTEEh2ShgLk
    Tollesboro, KY and It's Connection to Horse-Racing Royalty - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IbtwrfHe_w
     Goddard Covered Bridge, Fleming Co., KY -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QolHPiwzAZ4​​

WEBSITE HOSTED, SPONSORED, BUILT AND MAINTAINED BY CRAIG A. STANFIELD REAL ESTATE & AUCTION SERVICES

TOLLESBORO LIONS CLUB

     Located at the Tollesboro Lions Club Fairgrounds and Community Park, KY 10, KY 9 ("AA" Hwy), and the Lions Club Road, Tollesboro, Lewis County, Kentucky.

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