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Fellow Lions, Lionesses, Leos and friends of District 14-B,

Here’s hoping that everyone had a wonderful holiday season. As the New Year

is a time of making resolutions, we pledge to improve ourselves and to change

bad habits. The start of the New Year also means a new beginning, where we can

look at what we have done and change what we feel needs to be changed.

During my travels, I have told many Lions and friends that the best thing about being

a District Governor is making club visitations, meeting the many Lions of our district

and learning of the incredible services that our Lions Clubs are performing. I have

truly been amazed at all the good work that our clubs do, from awarding academic

and trade school scholarships to providing holiday food baskets, eyeglasses and eye

exams and even flood relief. District 14-B Lions Clubs perform much needed

services to their communities and exemplify our motto “WE SERVE”.

Now I’d like to tell you all about what I consider to be the worst thing about being a District Governor. That is

the fact that Lions Clubs International is completely unaware of much of the good that we do. Why is that you

might ask? It is because we don’t tell them, specifically, many club secretaries are not reporting the service that

their clubs do. When a secretary is installed, part of the oath that they take is to “submit reports as required by

the district and international association.” Many simply do not take this oath to heart.

Every month all District Governors receive from LCI a report called “Club Health Assessment.” This report does

not tell us what each club reports, it tells us how long it has been since LCI has received a report from each club.

When I look at the Membership Section, I see that of 34 clubs, 22 clubs are up-to-date, having reported in November.

6 clubs have not reported their membership in 1 or 2 months; not bad. Five Clubs have not reported in 4, 5 or 6

months; getting worse. One club has not reported membership in 25 months; that is over two years.

When I look at the Activity Section, which deals with service, it is much, much worse. Of 34 clubs, 10 clubs are

up-to-date, having reported service in November. Nine clubs reported in September or October; still not too bad.

Eleven of the other 15 clubs are spread between 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 months since reporting service. Four

clubs are showing as 24+ months since reporting any service, which basically means that they have never reported.

Nearly half of District 14-B Lions Clubs are not reporting Service. This is unacceptable.

Reporting service is vitally important to what we as Lions do. Lions Clubs International relies on these service

reports to justify to other foundations that it makes sense to partner with us to help those in need. These

foundations, such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundations, only have money. They do not have the workers

to get things done. That is where the Lions Clubs can help. Several years ago, the Bill and Melinda Gates

Foundation partnered with LCIF to provide measles vaccinations to about 60 million children.

District 14B ‘s Monthly Newsletter

January 2019

Continued on next page…

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At the very minimum, monthly meetings should be reported along with club administrative time. Our State Global

Service Coordinator, PDG Tom Gregg, tells us at every State Council Meeting that only about 30% of Lions Clubs

in Pennsylvania report their meetings and even fewer report the time it takes to keep up with meeting minutes,

preparing agendas, balancing check books, trips to the bank, writing and sending bulletins and other administrative

functions.

Lions Club Secretaries, please make a New Year’s Resolution to

report all your Lions Club’s Service! If you need help, you can

get it from PDG Harold Fletcher at 412-877-5273 or

pdgharold@zoominternet.net or, if you have one, your Club

Global Service Chair should also be able to report service.

In closing, I want to encourage all Lions to take an active part in

making sure that all of you club’s service is reported.

WE SERVE

District Governor

Lion Kirby Marchand

This message is directed primarily toward our clubs’ secretaries. As Past International Director Cael Battistone

used to tell our club when he was making his official visits as our District Governor, let the world know what

you’re doing! “If we don’t blow our own horn, nobody else will!” Believe it or not, those reports that we are

asking for are so very important. Filling out the Service Activities section on the MyLCI website is quite simple.

It records those activities in a permanent file at LCI. Someday when your club is celebrating an historic

anniversary, and you would like to know what your club has accomplished over those years, you can simply

request that information from LCI/ so many clubs are somewhat lax when in comes to keeping archives of their

club’s events.

Reporting membership each and every month regardless of whether there have been no changes is to your club’s

benefit. This report is the easiest and quickest report you will ever have to fill out! Simply log on to the MyLCI

website and under Membership, if there is no change, simply click on the NO CHANGE and you’re done!

The one club that DG Kirby mentioned for not reporting their membership for the past 25 months surely has had

some changes. If they have dropped any members in that period of time, the have been paying too much in dues

to LCI, the state and to the District. And if they have added any new members, those new members are not

receiving the LION magazine, the PRIDE magazine, or any other communications that LCI might send out

I have stated over and over and time and time again, I am here to help you if you are having any problems. I’m

just a click away on the internet and a phone call away.

PDG Harold Fletcher

DISTRICT ADMINISTRATOR’S COMMENTS

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Continued on next page…

Greetings to my fellow Lions, Lionesses, Leos and friends of District 14-B,

Happy New Year to All! I hope everyone enjoyed a festive winter holiday season

filled with precious moments spent with family and friends. This is the time of year

when we rejoice in reminiscing with our loved ones as we say farewell to one year

and we make resolutions to guide us into the new one. If you are anything like me

you have probably set goals such as aiming to eat healthier, spend less money or waste

less time on trivial matters. Sometimes I last just a month or so before the resolution fails! This year I have

chosen to find a new resolution or two to incorporate into my routine to find a balance in my daily life. I’d like

to share a list of some unusual resolutions that you may find interesting enough to try one out for yourself. Credit

for this list goes to Charlotte Hilton Anderson and it can be found at RD.com (Reader’s Digest).

Read a new book every month Do something that scares you Buy a new fruit or vegetable every time

you go grocery shopping Write a thank you card to someone from your past Read through your credit card

statement each month Meditate every day Sign up as a volunteer Watch one new documentary a month

Leave a nice comment on someone else’s social media every day Post a beautiful picture every day Take

a walk outdoors every day Celebrate a new holiday every month Smile at a stranger every day Sign up

for dance lessons Invite a new neighbor over for dinner Set a firm bedtime Sign up for a CSA–community

supported agriculture program Start a gratitude journal Call your best friend Plan a day trip

Maintain your car Visit the library Cook dinner at least once a week Pamper yourself a little Put

some money into savings each week

I have found that setting a resolution that is unrealistic is only going to set myself up for failure so I’ve tried to

change my approach and set smaller, more realistic resolutions. Even in my professional work I have found that

setting attainable goals allows me to achieve them in a smoother and more timely manner, which leaves me with

a feeling of satisfaction and leads me to head into my next task with a positive outlook.

Like myself, many clubs have set big goals for themselves, but many struggle to complete such large tasks because

they don’t know how to approach it. There is an old saying that preaches, “Eat the elephant one bite at a time”

when one is faced with completing a large task like this. However, I do not believe that to be the proper approach

to take.

In reality, one would never be able to eat the entire elephant before it would rot, leaving much of the valuable

nourishment to waste. Additionally, one would grow tiresome of eating the same meal day in, day out. Compare

this analogy to a project within one’s own club – if one person is left to handle a large responsibility the project

may very well be too overwhelming for them and just as the food spoiled so too could the success of the project.

And just as one would tire of the same meal, one may grow weary of doing the same task year after year. On the

other hand, if the entire village would offer their assistance, they would all reap the benefits of sharing the

elephant, and the task would be more manageable. The goal is still broken down into convenient chunks, but now,

by working together everyone can participate simultaneously, so that all of those chunks are completed at the

same time. So too, any significant club task may be best handled by working as a collective, or as the story goes,

by holding an “elephant party.”

Consider what goals you and your club would like to accomplish in 2019. Whether it be focused on service

projects, fundraisers or club building, be certain to set smaller, attainable goals, as success in realizing these goals

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will quickly lead you to accomplish larger ones. But also remember it takes a village to eat the elephant, so,

create, reinforce or reinvigorate committees to give your club the best opportunity to succeed.

I hope I’ve given you some inspiration for the coming year. In case you were wondering, my resolutions for 2019

are (1) be more organized with which my new planner, a holiday gift from my wonderful daughter, should help

immensely and (2) create and execute a cleaning

schedule for my house – let’s see if that one makes it

beyond January!

Best wishes to all for a prosperous and healthy 2019!

Together in friendship – We Serve!

1ST Vice District Governor

Lion Marni Latterman

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April 2018 17-Bethel Park Lioness

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Lions Christmas

Party at Plains Ga,

District 18-O

Governor Georgia

Taylor presented

President Jimmy

Carter with his

Chevron Pin for 65

years of service as a

Lions Club Member.

Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.)

39th President of the United States and Founder of

The Carter Center

Former U.S. President (and Past District

Governor) Jimmy Carter, an active Lions Clubs

member, said, "Fighting blinding diseases has

profound significance, not just for me as an

interested observer, but for the child who will never

go blind and for his parents and grandparents, who

now have hope their lives can improve. When

people receive Mectizan, it is often the only time

they experience such hope. The distribution of

more than 50 million treatments is an incredible

achievement."

Look Who Just Received His 65 Year Chevron!

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What a beautiful display of Christmas

Trees for the patients at Kane Regional

Center in McKeesport. Each year, the Mon

River Fleet sets aside funds to purchase

two Christmas Trees to brighten the

patients’ day by bringing in a touch of the

holiday spirit we all enjoy with our

families. One of the Trees is decorated in

red, white and blue in honor of the veterans

(left) who served our country. Merry

Christmas to our Kane patients!

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It is always heartwarming to carry the

annual Robinson Lions Club tradition

of bringing Christmas gifts to the

residents & patients at the Merakey

Allegheny Valley School Residential

Home located in Robinson

Township. Merakey is a leading

developmental, behavioral health, and

education non-profit provider offering

a breadth of integrated services to

individuals and communities across

the country, including those with

varying levels of physical and

developmental problems. It was our

pleasure to deliver holiday gifts again

this year.

From Robinson Lion’s Facebook page

Have you had your annual White Cane Day Drive? Are you planning one for next Spring? Either way when you

have it, or if you’ve already had it, please contact our District White Cane Day Chairman, Lion J.R. Wilson at

412-825-9070 H, 412-303-4268 C and let him know how much you collected and where you collected it.

Lions White Cane Tags (From Lions Clubs International)

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Lions everywhere have successfully engaged in White Cane Tag Day

fund raising campaigns. These white cane tags are given to contributors

during the campaign. Stick-on paper stickers. Contributors may put on

clothing, car, etc. Minimum 1000 stickers.

Price $24.95

WHITE CANE DAYS REPORTING

ROBINSON LIONS CLUB IS AT

ALLEGHENY VALLEY SCHOOL

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The Bethel Park Lions

celebrated the Season with the

fellowship of Lions and friends

last night at the Crown Plaza.

We never forget to serve our

mission of helping those in need

so we collected gifts for Adopt

a Family South Hills during our

annual party. The St John

Capistran Church choir, led by

Mr. Daniel Kovacic provided

beautiful “Music of the Season”

as entertainment!

BETHEL PARK LION’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

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Recently, PDG John Frombach and Club President

Mary Ann Belles met with Superintendent Dr.

Randal Lutz and Social Worker Amy Lewis to

present a check to the Baldwin Whitehall School

District for the Holiday Help Program. This fund

helps needy students and families with presents and

gift cards for the Holidays. Whitehall Community

Lions Club has been supporting the program for over

40 years. Submitted by

Lion Mary Ann Belles

President

On Wednesday, December 12, 2018 the Whitehall

Community Lions Club held their

Annual Christmas Party at the South Hills Country

Club. The Pittsburgh Brentwood Lions were invited

as well and attended. DG Kirby Marchand and his

wife Barb were in attendance as well. The club

members brought items to donate to the Cloverleaf

Food Bank and to Operation Safety Net. The

Baldwinaires entertained us with their beautiful

voices. PDG John Frombach presented a check to

Director Kris Tranter for their Music Fund.

Kris Tranter directing the “Baldwinaires”

WHITEHALL COMMUNITY LION’S CHRISTMAS PARTY

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The Lions of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties came out in celebrity style for the 25th Lions Diabetes Center

Anniversary Event on Friday, December 7th at the Rock Run Inn hosted by the Lions Diabetes Board and

sponsored by UPMC McKeesport. And what a celebration it was for all Lions whose pride showed for supporting

the first Lions Diabetes Center of its kind in the nation twenty-five years ago that is still going strong because of

the unique partnership between UPMC McKeesport, the Lions of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, Lions

Clubs International, and the McKeesport Hospital Foundation. There aren’t too many organizations that can

rejoice in such an undertaking!

It was an honor to have both current District Governors Kirby and his wife Barbara Marchand from 14-B and

Charles and his wife Wendy McCue from 14-E. Recognition was given for two governors who were instrumental

in laying the groundwork for the Center for Joe Donkin and the late Clarence (Skip) Thomas. Dr. Usman Ahmad,

the late diabetes medical director was remembered for his guidance and suggestions when the Diabetes Center

was formed. The current diabetes director, Dr. Sann Mon and her husband Thein Oo, were on hand for the

celebration. The Lions Board Chair PDG James Lewis and his wife Linda extended their gratitude to an exciting

committee comprised of Lions Dee Connor, PDG Mary Jane Keller, Lions David Long, Barb Rebovich, Chris

Tognarine, PDG Joe Donkin and Lions Board Vice Chair Michele Matuch. A good time was had by all! Happy

Holidays Lions!

Lion Chris Tognarine “all decked out!” Lion Michele Matuch emceeing the event.

Lions Diabetes Board of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties

25th Lions Diabetes Center Celebration

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Lions Diabetes Board of Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties

25th Lions Diabetes Center Celebration (page 2)

Lion Joe Julian and Ruby Thomas

John Williamson and his wife between Lion Chris

Raynak and his wife Mary

Carla and Delton Hall

DJ Group Ladies

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On Saturday, December 15, 2018, our club held

its annual Children’s Christmas Luncheon at

the Christ Lutheran Church in Millvale, PA

from 11:30-1:00. The Elfinwild Lions Club has

held this event for the past 7 years and we

average 23 children each year. We provided a

Santa and Mrs. Claus to hand out gifts to the

children. We also provide food for the

attendees. This year we had pizza, cookies and

a drink for everyone. Everyone was most

thankful for this event as some of these children

look forward to attending each year. They are

very polite and most appreciative of this event.

We as Lions are happy to provide these

children with the joy of the season.

Submitted by

Lion Lisa Sickles, Secretary

Elfinwild Lions Club

Lions Care For The Kids

This is Colby. He is the new face of the Lions of Pennsylvania's

"Care for the Kids" Campaign to raise $100,000 US dollars to

support Four Diamonds. Won't you donate to help Colby beat

his cancer. To donate online go to the following address and

make your donation. Please let them know what club you are

from. www.FourDiamonds.org/PaLions . Also, the Club

Challenge continues. The challenge is to have every club in

MD 14 donate $140 by May. If that happens, we will meet our

goal of $100,000. Has your club made a donation yet? For

more information, contact Lion Rich Wellins, our District

Childhood Cancer Chairman at 412-417-2506 C, 412-833-

8637 H or via email at rich.wellins@ddiworld.com.

ELFINWILD LIONS HOLD ITS ANNUAL CHRISTMAS

PARTY FOR LOCAL CHILDREN

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The Monroeville lions

club received the annual

Community Impact

Award for the year 2018

from the Monroeville

Area Chamber of

Commerce on Dec. 6,

2018.

The "ROCs" award is an

acronym for Recognizing

Organizations or

Companies that Shine. It

is designed to showcase

those organizations that

go beyond normal responsibilities to create a lasting and beneficial impact for local residents and businesses, one

that sets the standard for commitment to public service and a dedication to helping others.

Gratefully accepting the award on behalf of the club were King Lion Jeff Lukacsena and Secretary John Aiken.

Members Tom Leax and Chris Raynak also attended the celebration.

The club is proud of the fact that since the chartering of Monroeville Lions, contributions of over $300,0000 have

been made to local residents, national organizations, and international foundations.

MONROEVILLE LIONS RECEIVE COMMUNITY

IMPACT AWARD

PITTSBURGH LIONS CLUB HOSTS DISTRICT

GOVERNOR

Thank you to District Governor, Kirby Marchand for joining us today. During his visit he presented our

President Bill Lestitian with a 25 year service pin.

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The Bridgeville Greater Area Lions Club held our first White Cane

Safety Day last month at the Wal-Mart in Heidelberg Borough. The response

was tremendous. Thanks to Lions Frank, Bill, Dale, Sarah, Dan, Joe, Wes and

Yvonne. This will now be an annual event for the club.

GMT Award

Lions Wes Kerlin Jr. and Bill Wensyel

Mary C. McGinley Meyer,

Unkovic & Scott LLC

The Bridgeville Greater Area Lions are proud to announce our new guest

speaker coordinator, Lion Mike Crossey. This month Mike introduced us

to Mary C. McGinley of Meyer, Unkovic & Scott LLC. Ms. McGinley gave

a very informative talk on “Seniors Issues”. Mary is a member of the firm’s

Business Litigation and Tort Litigation Groups. In her practice, Ms.

McGinley has represented a broad range of corporations in a variety of

matters, including closely held corporations in shareholder disputes and

leading manufacturers in contractual disputes. She has also represented

individuals in estate litigation matters before the Orphans’ Court and in

employment restrictive covenant disputes in both state and federal

court. She has obtained favorable results for clients in jury and non-jury

trials.

FIRST WHITE CANE DAY A HUGE SUCCESS!

Presented by District Governor Kirby Marchand, Lion Dan

Hupp received the Global Membership Team recognition

certificate. The award is given to deserving GMT members who

go above and beyond to increase membership and new clubs in

their area. GMT serves to incentivize leaders and their actions

essential to the membership growth plan. GMT members who

receive a recognition certificate will also be recognized on the

LCI website. Submitted by

Lion Frank DeLuca

PR Chairman

District Governor Kirby and Lion Dan Hupp

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It been over six months since dozens of residential and

commercial properties devastated in a major flood in Bridgeville. Parts of Upper Saint Clair and Bethel Park were also affected. In

addition, bridges and retaining walls were destroyed when the

water spilled over the banks of McLaughlin Run.

The Bridgeville Greater Area Lions Club took immediate action

with two good size monetary donations.

Working with other Lions Clubs and local churches we have

received a LCIF grant of $10,600 to help purchase necessary

supplies and appliances for those impacted by this year’s

flooding. Twenty-five volunteers have provided 350 hours in support.

BRIDGEVILLE GREATER AREA LIONS STEP UP

WITH FLOOD RELIEF

(L to R) Lion Joe Meliton, Lion President Dale Livingston, Bridgeville Borough Manager Lori

Collins, Lion Laura Underhill and Lion Bill Wensyel

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On December 14th, members of the Pittsburgh Lions Club filled backpacks for area children in need. Thank you to everyone that provided donations for this project and to PDG Geoff Temple and District Governor, Kirby Marchand for assisting us today.

PITTSBURGH LIONS

CLUB FILLS BACKPACKS

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Central Elizabeth Township Lions Club held their annual Christmas food

boxes event on Sunday, December 16th. We were able to serve 60 families

in our community. The boxes were packed full of everything they would

need and all the fixings for a complete Christmas dinner. Our Leo club also

helped by loading up the boxes in the trucks and transporting them to sort

through them for pick up. We received a message on our Facebook page

after a family picked up their box. "I was wondering and stressing about

dinner. Deeply appreciated. Oh, my goodness! Just wanted to say thank you

for the beautiful Christmas dinner my granddaughter picked up

on Sunday! Merry Christmas and God Bless you all!" The families were so

appreciative and thankful that we were able to help them out again this

holiday season.

On December 12th, McKeesport Lions Club manned the red kettle for the

Salvation Army at McKeesport Giant Eagle. Left to right are Lions:

Shawn Potts, Tom Kearney, Donna Byrne, Marie Domingo, Colin Clarke.

Submitted by

Lion Annette James, Secretary

McKeesport Lions Club

CENTRAL ELIZABETH LIONS PROVIDE CHRISTMAS

DINNERS FOR LOCAL FAMILIES

McKEESPORT LIONS WERE “RINGING THE BELL”

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Bloomfield-Lawrenceville and Pittsburgh DeafBlind Lions Club had their Annual

Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 11th at the Pleasure Bar in Bloomfield. The

food was great and the fellowship spectacular. For the first time, the clubs collected

new unwrapped toys and books for children in need. St. John the Baptist Byzantine

Catholic Church (South Side) also contributed new unwrapped toys to support the

cause. 4 large bags were collected: 8 games, 7 stuffed toys, 22 toys and 5 books (a

total of 42 items) were donated to the Toys for Tots and the Brashear

Association. Both were appreciative for the gifts. Thank you to everyone who brought

toys and books. Want to thank King Lion Jamie Campau, Lions Barb Jarmell and Dee

Allen (BLLC) for all the time and effort needed to put on a successful party. Barb

Schimell won the ugly sweater contest.

Hope everyone had a great holiday and will have a wonderful and prosperous

New Year. Submitted by

Lion Barbara Rebovich, Secretary

Pgh. DeafBlind Lions Club

BLOOMFIELD-LAWRENCEVILLE LIONS AND THE

PITTSBURGH DEAFBLIND LIONS CLUB HOLD ANNUAL

HOLIDAY PARTY

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