Lions Club Ladies and Volunteers dinner, awards, officers

WAITSBURG - Waitsburg Lions Club members held their annual Ladies and Volunteers night at the Lions building on June 3.

Lions club members prepared a delicious dinner, and the ladies won pots of flowers purchased from Nancy's Dream Garden.

After dinner, President Connor Talbott spoke of highlights of the club, and then he presented the Lion of the Year Award. 

"I am proud to be able to give Tom House and Seamus House the Lion of the Year award. These young community leaders have gone above and beyond over and over. When something needs to be done, or they see something we can improve on, they do not hesitate to jump into action to help our club and ultimately our community," said Talbott.

Club secretary Ross Hamann named Kevin House as the honoree of a Melvin Jones Fellowship, the highest recognition within Lions Club International. The club made a $1,000 donation to Lions Club International in House's name.

House was recognized for his over 20 years of dedicated humanitarian and community service to Waitsburg and the surrounding community. His commitment to the Lions Club and Waitsburg events and activities has enriched the community and inspired others.

The following 2025-2026 officers were introduced and sworn in:

President - Dale Roberts, 1st VP – Tom House, 2nd VP – Marty Dunn, 3rd VP – Brian Richards, Treasurer – Kevin House, Secretary – Ross Hamann, Tail Twister – John Alleman. Dave Tipton and Seamus House – 2nd-year board members, Drew Farley and Justin Stegall – 1st-year board members, Past President – Jim Romine.

The Waitsburg Lions Club has increased its membership from 45 in 2023 to 68 members, making it the third-largest club in Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. It has raised tens of thousands of dollars from its annual rib feed and salmon BBQ to support a multitude of needs, including youth programs, vision health, and community organizations.