Club Info
Meeting Address
11700 Main St. Middletown, KY 40243
Mailing Address
Middletown Lions Club Secretary
C/O Historic Middletown Museum
11700 Main Street
Middletown KY 40243
Meeting information
Meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month from 6:30-7:30 PM. Meetings are held in the Middletown Community Center Lower Level Fellowship Hall. Park in the rear and enter the building down the stairs by the Lions Logo sign on the door. Take a left at the bottom of the stairs and you’re there. No parking on the back fence wall as they are reserved.
Eye Glasses (used in good condition) Between the 2 doors at the rear of the Community Center is a marked container for glasses. These glasses will be read and labeled for distribution to 3rd world countries.
Water Step recycle used or new shoes in a box on the level by the entrance to the Middletown Museum.
Habitat for Humanity Members assist with their services
House of Ruth Members collect plastic bags used in their store, and have served at their fund raising events.
Wayside Christian Mission We donate every 2 weeks coffee, filters, cups, sugar, sporks, napkins, creamer, along with clothing donated by our members. One can of coffee and creamer is also donated to the veterans floor.
EACM monthly monetary donations plus help with heat bills in the winter.
Food Drive Once a year we sponsor a food drive to help feed those less fortunate. Usually around October.
History:
Middletown Lions Club
A History 1976 to 2026
The Middletown Lions Club was chartered in 1976 with sponsorship from the St. Matthews Lions Club. Twenty-three charter members laid the foundation for what would become five decades of service to the Middletown community, the greater community, and people in need around the world.
Charter and Organization
The Middletown Lions Club was sponsored by the St. Matthews Lions Club and began with those 23 charter members. The club’s Charter Night and installation banquet were held at Big Springs Country Club.
Since its beginning, the club has supported vision programs, youth activities, scholarships, disaster relief, community festivals, and countless local charitable organizations. This history highlights the people, projects, and traditions that have shaped the club through the years. During the club’s early years, meetings were held at several locations, including the Jaycee Building, Humphries Country Kitchen, Dipperwell, Pro Bowl, Morrisons Cafeteria and later Denny’s.
The 1970s: A Strong Beginning (1976–1980)
Club Presidents
Ray Hartley 1976-1977 Brion Tinsley 1977-1978
Walt Lunte 1978-1979 Dave Porter 1979-1980
The new club received generous gifts from neighboring Lions clubs:
- Mt. Washington Lions Club – American flag
- Simpsonville Lions Club – Road sign
- Fern Creek Lions Club – Podium
- Louisville Downtown Lions Club – Name badges and carrying case
- St. Matthews Lions Club – Gong and gavel
- Pleasure Valley Lions Club – Club banner
- Shively Lions Club – Tail Twister bank
- Hodgenville Lions Club – Coasters
Iroquois, South Oldham, West End, Shively, and St. Matthews Lions Clubs gave monetary donations. These gifts helped provide the equipment and financial support needed to launch a successful new club.
Early Service and Fundraising
The club’s first fundraising project was Candy Day, during which members stood at Middletown street corners distributing candy in exchange for donations. The project raised $322 during its first year.
In 1977, the club participated in the inaugural Middletown Festival, selling bratwursts, brooms, mops, and plants. Members also observed Lions International Service Day by taking 41 children from Bellewood Children’s Home to a University of Louisville football game.
Additional early fundraising efforts included selling ricks of firewood and volunteering at the St. Matthews Potato Festival.
The Middletown Festival
In 1978, the Middletown Lions Club partnered with the Historic Middletown Museum to co-sponsor the Middletown Festival. Over the next decade, the festival became one of the community’s signature events and featured:
- Games
- Arts and crafts
- Food booths
- A parade
- A 5K run
- Auctions
- Hot air balloon races
- Kiddie rides
- Pony rides
The festival became one of the club’s most successful community service and fundraising projects.
Vision and Community Service
During the late 1970s, the club began volunteering at the Kentucky State Fair Lions Booth, collecting eye donor pledge cards for the Kentucky Lions Eye Bank. This marked the beginning of the club’s long-standing commitment to vision-related service.
Recognition
In 1979, the Middletown Lions Club received the District Governor’s Activity Award, recognizing the club’s outstanding service and accomplishments during its formative years.
The 1980s
Club Presidents
The presidents of the Middletown Lions Club during the 1980s were1980–1981:
H.D. Wilson 1980-1981 Bob Vonish 1981-1982
Terry Kennedy 1982-1983Rick Ross 1983–1984
Chuck Donahue 1984-1985 Kent Herold 1985-1986
Woody Marcum 1986-1987 Marty Mills 1987-1988
Perry Lyons 1988-1989 Ron Huggins 1989-1990
Community Growth and Service
The 1980s marked a decade of tremendous growth for the Middletown Lions Club and its community service efforts. The annual Middletown Festival continued to expand, and in 1984 the popular parade down Main Street was added. Throughout the decade, a portion of the festival proceeds was donated to Crusade for Children, totaling more than $13,000 during the 1980s.
The club broadened its service projects by hosting annual fishing trips and bowling outings for the visually impaired, as well as taking the children to Louisville Redbirds baseball games and University of Louisville football games. Members also sponsored numerous Middletown Recreation ball teams and continued supporting local youth programs.
In 1983, the club hosted a masquerade cruise aboard the Belle of Louisville, featuring entertainment by The Epics. A second Belle of Louisville cruise was later held due to its success.
The club also established eye pledge booths at Oxmoor Center and The Mall to promote the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation’s work. During this period, the first of five annual Hot Air Balloon Races was introduced. The balloon races were held from 1985 through 1989 and became one of the club’s signature fundraising events.
Expanding Community Support
The success of the balloon race enabled the club to increase its Eastern High School scholarship to $1,000 in 1985.
Another new tradition began when the club donated $500 each in January and February to the Neighborhood Visitor Program to help families pay utility bills during the winter months.
Additional community projects included:
- Parking cars for Eastern High School football games.
- Hanging seasonal banners along Main Street for the Middletown Women’s Club.
- Supporting the Middletown Library Fund.
- Continuing financial support for Middletown Recreation ball teams.
- Supporting the Neighborhood Visitors Program.
- Donating to the National Federation of the Blind.
- Assisting the Eastern High School Band.
The club also operated gum ball machines throughout the community, raising $906 to support its charitable activities.
In 1989, the Middletown Festival was discontinued and replaced with a community Art Fair.
Leadership Beyond the Club
During the 1980’s decade, several club members assumed important leadership roles within Lions organizations. Lion Terry Kennedy was elected a Trustee of the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation. Lion H.D. Wilson was appointed to the Holloran Trust Committee of the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation. His dedication to that responsibility continued for decades, and he remained Chairman of the committee through 2026.
A Historic Milestone
One of the most significant milestones in club history occurred in 1983, when the Middletown Lions Club welcomed its first female member. Until then, the club had been an all-male organization. Over the years, many outstanding women have joined the club, becoming dedicated leaders and active participants in its service to the community.
Celebrating Ten Years
The club celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a special event at Churchill Downs, commemorating its first decade of service and the remarkable growth it had achieved.
The 1990s
Club Presidents (1990–2000)
Jerry Miller 1990-1991 Ray Hartley 1993-1994 Glen Stuckel 1996-1997
Hal Sanders 1991-1992 Terry Kennedy 1994-1995 Marty Mills 1997-1998
H.D. Wilson 1992-1993 Perry Lyons 1994-1995 Barry Osburn 1998-1999
Walt Lunte 1999-2000
In 1990, the club held the final remnant of the original Middletown Festival—an Arts and Crafts Fair—which marked the end of an era for one of the club’s signature community events.
The 1990s were a decade of growth, community involvement, and new service opportunities for the Middletown Lions Club. The Kentucky Lions High Tech Fund, which provided computers for low-vision and blind students (with large print and speech capabilities), was adopted as a state project, and the Middletown Lions Club started this project and enthusiastically supported this important initiative.
Several new fundraising and community service projects were introduced during the decade. These included the Adopt-A-Highway program, the sale of Entertainment Books, participation in the Christmas Walk in Lake Forest, and an effort to conduct Bingo games. Although Bingo ultimately proved unsuccessful as a fundraiser, the club continued to seek new ways to serve the community and support its charitable activities.
A significant milestone occurred in September 1994, when the Middletown Lions Club officially completed its incorporation.
The following month, October 1994, the club began supporting the Juvenile Court Division Program with a monthly donation of $100. During that same year, the club hosted the first joint meeting of Middletown civic organizations. Representatives from the Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Optimist Club, Women’s Club, Chamber of Commerce, and the Middletown City Council gathered to discuss community issues and strengthen cooperation among local organizations.
One of the club’s proudest accomplishments came in February 1996, when it chartered a Leo Club at Eastern High School with 38 charter members. Lion Colonel David Schneider served as the Leo Club advisor while also leading the school’s JROTC program. The charter members were:
Claudius Adegbuyi, Brandon Bisig, Artista Bowman, Jacob Brown, Erin Burry, Elliot Clark, Rachel Coomes, Rebekah Dow, Tara Duriche, James Eisenmenger, Jason Faris, Mike Gerding, Nick Gerding, James Henning, Allen Howard, Jennifer Hoyer, Emily Huber, Donald Knights, Jacqueline Lawson, James Luckett, Richard Moore, Katie Mulloy, Matthew Oyler, Jayme Paley, Dawn Parks, Misty Pitman, Herbert Reese, Kirk Roberts, Karl Schock, Bobby Shanks, Jr., Kay Stewart, Assefa Stone, Robert Swartzlander, Sonja Trask, Gary Turpin, Denisse Webster, Jonathon Wesley, and Steven White.
During the years that followed, the Middletown Lions Club presented annual scholarships to graduating JROTC students at Eastern High School.
Throughout the decade, fellowship remained an important part of club life. Members and their families enjoyed many summer picnics at the home of Lion Perry Lyons, where his famous barbecued ribs became a favorite tradition. These gatherings strengthened friendships and helped build the close spirit of fellowship that characterized our club. Lion David Bruce Parks turned (walnut wood on a lathe) a new gavel for the club.
The club celebrated its 20th Anniversary with a special event at Owl Creek Country Club, commemorating two decades of service to the Middletown community.
The 1990s also featured a wide variety of additional service projects and fundraisers. Club members:
- Sold Entertainment Books.
- Conducted a flea market.
- Sponsored a Magic Show for children.
- Assisted with the Eastern Area Community Ministries auction.
- Supported Project Graduation at Eastern High School.
- Purchased a refrigerator for Family Place.
- Began serving food during Light Up Middletown.
- Parked cars for Eastern High School football games.
- Sponsored fishing trips for visually impaired individuals.
- Installed Christmas wreaths along Main Street.
- Awarded scholarships to Eastern High School students.
- Donated beds through Louisville Hospitality.
- Made contributions to Jewish Hospital.
- Participated in a Christmas Walk food collection for families in need.
As the club continued to grow, it met at several different locations throughout the decade, including the Optimist Women’s Club Building, the Kroger Deli, Cunningham’s, Rubino’s, and Morrison’s Cafeteria.
The 2000s Through Today
Club Presidents
Presidents during the 2000s:
Barry Osburn 2001-2002Klaus Mullinex 2014-2015
Glen Gogan 2002-2003Frank Ryan 2015-2016
Dick Gould 2003-2004Marty Stamper 2016-2017
Hal Thomas 2004-2005Larry Hammond 2017-2018
Hal Thomas 2005-2006Klaus Mullinex 2018-2019
Ken Weeding 2006-2007Nina Wolf 2019-2020
Chuck Donahue 2007-2008 Marty Mills 2020-2021
Perry Lyons 2008-2009Jenny Hammonds 2021-2022
Kay Mills 2009-2010Diana Polsgrove 2022-2023
Alyson Stamper 2010-2011 Dan Greenwell 2023-2024
Jim Shaw 2011-2012 Patrick McKinney 2024-2025
Marty Stamper 2012-2013Bob Tisch 2025-2026
Alyson Stamper 2013-2014Melinda Leonard 2026-2027
Lions Camp Crescendo
The Kentucky Lions have always supported camping opportunities for blind youth. In the early years, Trooper Island served as the site for these camps. When the Lions of Kentucky purchased Lions Camp Crescendo in 1996, the Middletown Lions Club pledged its support for the camp and its programs for blind youth, hearing-impaired youth, and other special-needs campers.
The club has faithfully supported the camp for nearly three decades, contributing approximately $200–$300 each month until the property was sold in 2025. Beyond financial support, Middletown Lions volunteered countless hours making repairs, serving as camp counselors, and holding leadership positions on the camp’s Board of Directors.
Although Camp Crescendo was sold in 2025, the Kentucky Blind Youth Camps continue, and the Middletown Lions remain committed to supporting these camps wherever they are held.
Bowling for Sight
Around 2003, Lion Dick Gould established the club’s annual Bowling for Sight fundraiser. The event became more than a successful fundraiser—it also provided an enjoyable opportunity for fellowship among club members and friends. Following Lion Dick’s passing, the tournament continued for many years in his honor.
International Recognition
During the 2004–2005 Lions year, Lion Kay Mills received a Lions International President’s Award in recognition of her outstanding service to the Middletown Lions Club, the Kentucky Lions, and the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, where she had served as a director since 1980.
Expanding Community Service
During this year the club continued to expand its community service projects. New projects included support for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (now Breakthrough T1D). Lions collected donations during Middletown Concerts in the Park, contributed from the club budget, and participated in diabetes annual awareness walks.
Additional projects included:
- Ringing bells for the Salvation Army.
- Assisting with the Eastern Area Community Ministries (EACM) Auction.
- Supporting House of Ruth through financial donations and food pantry collections.
- Sponsoring a school Poster Contest.
- Operating a booth at the Middletown Family Fun Festival.
- Participating in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
- Supporting VIPS (Visually Impaired Preschool Services).
- Organizing Cornhole tournaments.
The club also continued its long tradition of supporting:
- Project Graduation
- WHAS Crusade for Children
- Veterans to Washington through the VFW
- Alzheimer’s Association
- Children’s Organ Transplant Association
- American Council of the Blind Convention
- Kentucky Association of Blind Athletes
- Eagle Scout projects
- Meade County Lions Club charter donation
- Pitt Academy
- Jump Rope for Heart
- Moms’ Closet Now SPARC Hope
- YouthSpace
- Snack donations to Jordan Stamper’s military platoon
- Central High School HOSA
- Middletown Baptist Church Food Box Ministry
- Assistance with surgery expenses
- Transportation assistance for a single father
- Honor Flights
- Dare to Care Food Bank
Lions Golf Scramble
The Middletown Lions Golf Scramble began around 1975 as a day of golf for club members. Several early outings were held at French Lick before the event evolved into one of the club’s largest annual fundraisers.
During the 2000s, Lions Perry Lyons and Alyson Lyons Stamper devoted tremendous effort to growing the tournament, helping make it a major source of income for the club. The Golf Scramble continues to require the dedication and volunteer hours of the entire membership. In recent years, Lions Lynn Harrelson and Bob Tisch have served as tournament chairpersons.
Middletown Concerts in the Park
Since 2006, the club has prepared and served food during the City of Middletown’s Concerts in the Park series. The project has become an outstanding partnership between the city and the Lions Club.
Mayor Chapman has been a strong supporter of the Lions’ participation, helping ensure the partnership continues. The event requires many volunteer hours throughout the summer, and in recent years Lions Klaus Mullinex and Nina Wolf have chaired this successful project.
Light Up Middletown
The club has also prepared and served food during Light Up Middletown since the early 1990s. Although winter weather can present challenges, the event remains a favorite community tradition as children enjoy visiting Santa while families gather for food and fellowship.
District Governor
One of the greatest honors a Lion can receive is election as a District Governor. In 2004, Lion Marty Mills was elected District Governor and was officially installed at the Lions International Convention in Detroit/Windsor. Throughout his year of service, Lion Marty and Lion Kay Mills traveled across Kentucky visiting Lions Clubs, promoting Lionism, encouraging service, and strengthening clubs throughout the district.
The COVID-19 Pandemic
Like organizations across the nation, the Middletown Lions Club experienced an unprecedented slowdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many regular activities were suspended, the club continued serving the community.
Members gathered outside Middletown City Hall wearing masks to conduct a community food drive. Residents drove by and donated non-perishable food items for local families in need.
Although members could not celebrate together in person, they welcomed the New Year by meeting virtually on Zoom, raising a glass from their homes and toasting one another with hopes for healthier days ahead.
Additional Notes Through 2026
The Middletown Lions Club continues to expand its service to the community through a variety of projects that reflect the Lions motto, “We Serve.” We have also found a permanent meeting place in Middletown in the former Middletown Methodist Church site. We meet every second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Thursday evenings each month.
Vision Services
Lion Terry Kennedy has chaired our program to provide eye examinations and eyeglasses for those in need. Over the years, thousands of individuals have received the gift of better vision through this program. In addition, our used eyeglasses collection project has provided thousands of pairs of recycled glasses that have been distributed to people in developing countries throughout the world.
Kentucky School for the Blind
We continue to support the School for the Blind by participating in their Fall Festival, cooking and serving hamburgers and hotdogs. We have also helped with projects like “pumpkin carving” and we have helped with a December Holiday Event when we wrapped presents for the students.
Wayside Mission
The club began supporting Wayside Mission by providing coffee and sugar each month for its breakfast program, where three of our members volunteered twice each week until the COVID-19 pandemic. To further assist the mission, the club purchased an industrial-sized coffee maker and now regularly supplies coffee, sugar, cups, cream, stir sticks, salt, and pepper. These items continue to be delivered twice each month.
WaterStep
The Middletown Lions Club proudly supports WaterStep by collecting and delivering used shoes. These shoes are either distributed to people in need or repurposed, with the proceeds helping provide clean drinking water in disaster areas across the United States and in developing countries around the world. In addition, the club contributes $500 annually to support WaterStep’s mission.
Tunnel to Towers
The Lions support The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a non-profit organization that honors the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. This organization also honors our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country. We donate $500 per year.
Backside at Churchill Downs
As part of Kentucky Racing Health and Welfare (KRHF) biannual Backside Health Fair, members of the Middletown Lions Club have volunteered to support the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation in providing eye screening for the backside barn workers, their families and employees.The event is hosted by Churchill Downs in the Backside Chapel established by Pat Day in 2006. In recent years, we have reached out to non-member individuals who are bilingual, and our Lions Club has been blessed to get their support. The event is hosted by Churchill in the Backside Church established by Pat Day. On average, 40-50 workers are screened and those in need of continued vision care are referred to KRHW for ongoing services.
St. Mary’s Center (SMC Regina’s Center)
Our long-standing relationship with St. Mary’s Center working alongside co-founders Sister Regina and Mary Ann has been a rewarding experience to both our club and the individuals the center serves. We watched the organization grow from sharing space with us at the Middletown Community Center on Old Main Street to constructing its own facility. The club was pleased to provide a commercial freezer for the new building. Today, the facility is known as SMC Regina’s Center in honor of Sister Regina’s leadership and dedication.
One of our favorite annual traditions is taking the center’s day program participants to a Louisville Bats baseball game or a University of Louisville basketball game. These outings create lasting memories for everyone involved. The club also continues its financial support of the center and proudly sponsors an annual Easter Egg Hunt for the day students.
Lions Clubs International Foundation
Each year the club contributes $1,000 to the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). Through these donations, Lions are able to provide disaster relief and humanitarian assistance around the world. Kentucky communities have directly benefited from LCIF support following devastating floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters.
Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation
The club also makes an annual contribution to the Patron Fund of the Kentucky Lions Eye Foundation, helping provide sight-saving eye surgeries for individuals who otherwise could not afford them.
Additional Community Service
Throughout the years, the club has responded whenever needs have arisen. Among these efforts, members donated 2,000 bottles of water during the visit of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and contributed $500 to assist Hurricane Katrina evacuees., as well as donations tornado and flood victims in Kentucky.
Special Award to Distinguished Club Members
We congratulate the following members who are our club’s recipients of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. This is the highest honor bestowed by the Lions Clubs International (LCIF). It is presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional humanitarian service that embodies the core ideals of Lionism.
Chuck Donahue, Aly Stamper, Dick Gould, Col. Dave Schneider, Raymond Hartley, Klaus Mullinex, Terry Kennedy, Barry Osborn, Perry Lyons, Marty Stamper,
Marty Mills (progressive MJ),Hal Thomas, Kay Mills,
Jim Wright, Paul Pape, Jennifer Spurling, HD Wilson, &
Mary Chandler
Looking Ahead:
As we move forward, the Middletown Lions Club remains committed to seeking new opportunities to serve. Whether helping neighbors in our own community, supporting those across Kentucky and our country, or responding to needs around the world, we will continue to live out our motto: “We Serve.”
We wish to extend a special thank you to the City of Middletown for its ongoing support of the Middletown Lions Club!
Who We Serve
We are proud to support local businesses and charitable organizations, while also serving in various ministries, including: Suppling coffee, sugar, filters, cups, napkins, sporks, sugar, pepper, and salt at Wayside Christian Mission, Eye Screenings at State Fair & backside at Churchill Downs, shoes for Water Step, planting trees in Middletown, KY. & Much more
Members
We would list individual mug shots of each member but we wouldn’t want to scare any potential new members away.
Join
5 reasons why you should join at our next meeting
- You have a heart to serve others.
- You are looking to connect with a community of like minded business owners and professionals in Middletown.
- You are old and bored and need something to do.
- You are young and ambitious and need to showcase your skills.
- You have a heart to serve others. Did I mention that?