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Ennis Lions Fire Up the Grill and the Spirit for Homecoming BBQ

Ennis Lions Fire Up the Grill and the Spirit for Homecoming BBQ

ENNIS – Friday of Homecoming Week was more than just a celebration of school spirit—it was a celebration of community, service, and sunshine after the storm.

The Ennis Lions Club joined forces with the Ennis School’s Lunch Ladies last Friday to serve up the beloved annual Homecoming BBQ. Together, they grilled over 400 hamburgers for students and staff, adding a hearty helping of fun to the day’s festivities.

The menu stuck to tradition—juicy burgers, chips, fresh fruit, and dessert—but the experience was anything but ordinary. Music pumped through the speakers, and as the clouds cleared and the sun made its appearance, students spilled outdoors to enjoy what turned into a near-perfect fall picnic.

“It started off a bit rainy, but by the time lunch was in full swing, the sun came out and it turned into the perfect Homecoming moment,” one teacher noted.

But this year’s BBQ wasn’t just about food and fun—it carried a deeper message. In recognition of Lions International’s Week of Service, which focused on Mental Health and Wellness, the Ennis Lions brought a unique and thoughtful twist to the event.

As students made their way through the lunch line, each one was handed a colorful sticker featuring uplifting, empowering messages like:

• “You are AWESOME!”
• “Keep Going!”
• “It’s okay to feel your feelings.”
• “Believe in Yourself.”
• “Positive Vibes Only.”

Each sticker was paired with a warm smile or a word of encouragement from a Lions member:  small tokens with a powerful impact.

“We wanted every student to feel seen, supported, and valued,” said Lion Corinna.  “Mental health matters, and sometimes all it takes is a few kind words to make a big difference.”

The feedback from students and staff was overwhelmingly positive. Many walked away not just full from lunch, but uplifted by the simple gestures of kindness and connection.

As the music played and students mingled in the sunshine, the Homecoming BBQ served as a perfect example of how local service can strengthen school culture and community ties.

The Ennis Lions extend their thanks to the school staff—especially the Lunch Ladies—for helping continue this tradition, and they look forward to making future events even more impactful.

By Ennis Lions

Ennis Lions Kick Off a New Year of Service

The Ennis Lions are proud to step into a new Lion year after a summer filled with service, projects, and community joy at our beloved Ennis Lions Park—often called the heart of downtown Ennis.

Summer in the Park

The park has been alive with activity:

• Families gathering for picnics under the pavilion.

• Children laughing and playing on the playgrounds.

• Friends enjoying the walking paths.

• Baseball and softball games filling the evenings.

• Our much-loved Father’s Day Fishing Derby drawing smiles once again.

• Weekly Farmer’s Markets bringing fresh produce and local goods to town.

Behind the scenes, the Lions have been busy with planning and building. Work continues on the Ennis Skatepark, in partnership with Dreamland Skateparks and Montana Pool Service, founded by Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament. Construction on the Dog Park is progressing steadily. Looking ahead, there are BIG plans for a major playground renovation.  Dedicated spaces for different age groups, equipment designed for children with special needs, a teen hang-out zone, pavilion patio upgrades, and even a few surprises yet to be unveiled.

Welcoming New Lions

At our recent meeting, we were delighted to welcome two new members:

• Corey Gibbs, sponsored by Lion Tony Treglia. Corey is eager to help at the park and bring his fundraising experience to the community.

• Joyce Pearson, sponsored by Lion Edie Stewart. Joyce is especially excited about youth programs and looks forward to giving back, with her grandsons being part of the Ennis community.

Upcoming Events

As the leaves change, the Lions turn their focus to fall traditions:

• 🎃 Halloween Carnival – October 31 at the Ennis Elementary Gymnasium. Local groups host carnival booths, raising funds for their own organizations while creating a fun night for kids. To get involved, call or text 406-601-8850.

• 🎲 Fall Bingo – October 31 in the Ennis School Lunchroom. This cherished annual event is one of the Lions’ largest fundraisers, supporting service projects year-round. We deeply appreciate the businesses and individuals who donate prizes to make Bingo a success.

Vision for Our Youth

This fall, the Ennis Lions will once again provide eye screenings in every school in Madison County—Harrison, Ennis, Alder, Sheridan, and Twin Bridges. These screenings help identify children who may need further evaluation from a vision specialist. For families facing financial challenges, the Ennis Lions and the Montana Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation have grant programs available to assist with vision and hearing needs.

The Ennis Lions are grateful to serve and to continue building a community where children, families, and neighbors can thrive. As we begin this new Lion year, we invite you to join us at the park, at our events, or even as a member. Together, we are making our community stronger, one project at a time.

By Ennis Lions

Ennis Lions Teach Flag History at Ennis Schools

In a heartwarming celebration of patriotism and community service, members of the Ennis Lions Club paid a special visit to the students of Ennis Schools this May to share the inspiring history of the American flag as well as proper protocol to honor the flag.

Led by Navy veterans Hondo Barr and his father Dick Barr, both Ennis Lions members, along with Lions Julie Bartos and Corinna Christensen, they presented an interactive and age-friendly Flag Day program to students in grades 1, 2, and 3. The presentation covered the origins of the flag, what it’s stars and stripes represent, and why June 14 is celebrated across the country as Flag Day.

“The students were incredibly engaged,” said Lion Julie. “They asked thoughtful questions and showed so much enthusiasm for learning about our country’s history.”

At one point in the presentation, the Lion Dick asked the students if they would want to come back to school on Flag Day, June 14, to celebrate again. The room erupted in laughter and a unanimous, “NO!”—a lighthearted reminder of the excitement that comes with summer break just around the corner.

In a touching gesture to commemorate the visit, each student and teacher received a small American flag mounted in a handcrafted wooden stand. The stands were made by the Ennis Lions themselves and featured the Lions Club emblem—offering a lasting symbol of the day’s fun and the values of pride, service, and community.

“It was more than just a history lesson,” said Lion Corinna. “It was a way to connect with our youth and pass along something meaningful they can take pride in.”

The Ennis Lions Club has long been a staple of civic life in Madison County, with a deep-rooted commitment to service, education, and patriotism. Their Flag Day initiative not only honored the nation’s symbol, but also reflected the spirit of the Lions’ motto: “We Serve.”

By Lion Corinna Christensen

By Ennis Lions

Project Pride_Glendive Lions present to First Graders

Glendive Lions bring Flags to 1^st Graders

As part of the Lions’ emphasis on youth and volunteering, Glendive Lions present flags to all Glendive 1^st graders each year.  Visiting Jefferson School on March 27^th, members of the Lions Club talked with all the 1^st graders assembled in one classroom.  The presentation consisted of three parts.  First, Lion Don Idso told about Lions and why they are considered volunteers.  Secondly, Lion Jess Johnson enlarged the concept of volunteering by telling the students that many things would not happen in Glendive were it not for volunteers.  Examples included the Dawson Co. Fair and murals painted on the walls around Glendive.  All volunteers seek to make their community better and are not paid to do this.  In the third part of the presentation, Lion Deb Anderson told students how to respect the flag and take care of it.  This included having students stand and recite the “Pledge of Allegiance.”

As a gift from the Glendive Lions, all the first graders received their own 12-inch American flag and flag stand.  They were also given a brochure entitled “Our Flag” to take home and read with their parents.  This brochure covers such subjects as displaying the flag correctly, care and respect for the flag, and flag facts.

The Glendive Lions are part of a world-wide organization called Lions International which supports eight causes:  youth, vision, hearing, cancer, diabetes, protecting the environment, hunger, and humanitarian issues.  Glendive Lions meet at 12:00 noon on the first and third Monday of each month at Yellowstone River Inn.  Known most widely for their Lions Camp at Makoshika, their brat booth at the fair, collecting used eye glasses, or the “Heart of a Lion” sculpture by the EPEC, they continue to explore new options for serving Glendive.  Lions live up to their motto “We Serve”.

By Melonie Beeler

Lion Bernie Oglietti Honored with Prestigious Melvin Jones Award

Ennis Lions Club Honors Lion Bernie Oglietti with Prestigious Melvin Jones Award

The Ennis Lions Club is proud to recognize Lion Bernie Oglietti for his outstanding dedication to service and leadership by presenting him with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. This esteemed recognition is the highest honor bestowed by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and is given to individuals who exemplify humanitarian service and an unwavering commitment to the community.

Lion Bernie joined the Ennis Lions Club in 2008, sponsored by Lion Ed Williams, owner of the Rainbow Valley Lodge. Since then, he has been an integral part of the club’s success, actively participating in countless service projects and fundraising initiatives. His impact on the club and the Ennis community has been truly remarkable.

One of Lion Bernie’s most significant contributions has been chairing the Science Fair Judging for the Ennis Lions Club. For many years, he has taken the lead in selecting and awarding the top student project, encouraging young minds to pursue their curiosity and academic excellence.

Beyond his commitment to youth education, Lion Bernie is also the visionary behind the club’s Poker Tournament Fundraiser. Founded as his passion project, the tournament has grown into one of the Ennis Lions’ most successful and enjoyable annual events, bringing together the community while raising substantial funds for local causes. His wife, Pat, has been a steadfast supporter in making the event a success. As Lion Bernie steps back from organizing the tournament, he passes the torch to Lions Tony and Michelle, who will continue the tradition he built.

In addition to his service with the Lions, Lion Bernie has contributed years of dedicated service on the Madison Valley Rural Fire Board and was an integral player in establishing Station #3 in the Varney area. His efforts have greatly enhanced emergency response capabilities and improved public safety for the local community.

In recognition of his many years of service, dedication, and leadership, the Ennis Lions Club is honored to present Lion Bernie with the Melvin Jones Fellowship. Named after the founder of Lions Clubs International, the Melvin Jones Fellowship is awarded to those who demonstrate the highest ideals of humanitarian service. It is a reflection of Lion Bernie’s unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others and strengthening the mission of the Lions.

The Ennis Lions Club extends its heartfelt gratitude to Lion Bernie for his years of hard work and congratulates him on this well-earned recognition. His legacy of service will continue to inspire Lions and community members alike for years to come.

By Ennis Lions