full state magazine january 2016
DESCRIPTION
MD1 Lions of Illinois e-Magazine for the Month of January, 2016. Edited and published by Lion Austin for the Lions, Lionesses and Leos of the State of Illinois.TRANSCRIPT
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The Illinois Lion, Lioness, Leo
MD1 e-Magazine (Full) Vol. 3 - Issue 7, January 2016
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From Council Chair:
Fellow Lions, Lion Gail and I hope that each of you had a Joyful Holiday Season spent with family and friends and wish you the best for 2016. As we head into the second half of the Lion year there is plenty of work to be done. The Governors are working on completing their goals for the year and working towards increasing the membership in their districts. Believe it or not the Multiple District is beginning to turn the corner in membership. We just need to keep the push going forward and using the “Ask One” campaign can do that. One of the best ways to keep our numbers up is, once you get a new member in your club, is give that member something to do to make them feel useful. A Lion that is a part of the organization will stay a member if they feel needed. Give them a purpose to be there. It may seem early but really it is not. Our MD-1 Convention is only 5 months away, May 20-22, 2016. It will be held at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois and our guest speaker will be none other than Lions Clubs International First Vice President Bob Corlew and his wife Lion Dianne. Our Convention Chairperson this year is Lion Sharon Peska from District 1-D. Lion Sharon and the committee are working hard to bring you a convention with plenty of new and different ideas and a theme, “The Circus”, that will bring plenty of excitement. So make those plans early to attend this convention. As a tradition, January also is the time to start to publicize the fact that if you are interested in
holding a state committee chairman position or the Council Chairperson position, you need to send in your intentions to SST Michele Faires at the State Office so that she can compile the list and make the necessary interview times available to you for the convention. Thank you for your service, Lion Steve Anton Council Chairperson
Editorial: HERE COMES 2016!
It’s New Year again. 12 months of 2015 flown away like light feathers on the wide skies and the first
month of 2016 is already here. Happy New Year to you all wonderful Lions, Lionesses and Leos of MD1. New Year brings a reminder to all District Governors, State Chairs, Cabinet Members; Clubs Officers those six months are gone from their current Lionistic year and six more to go. All of us set goals this lionistic year and now is the time to shed some light and make it sure that we reach these goals set by us will fly with colors of success. A successful leader always reaches his or her goals by working hard in achieving them. It is like planting a tree; when we plant a tree, our goal is to see its growth and feel happy to see the flowers and fruits. Lion Leaders, where are we on our goals? Did we reach 50%? Are we going to reach our goals at this lionistic year at the end of June? Pretty soon all Districts will be holding their conventions, giving away awards and celebrating our success. It means we do not have six months to reach our goals as activities slow down and membership go down once we complete district conventions. District 1A chartered 2 new clubs this year with 73 new members; which district will give them a
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challenge in bringing new clubs? As all of us know, we need new clubs and that is the only way to bring up membership in our districts. We need all the lions, lionesses and leos we can use for our Centennial Celebration in 2017 in Chicago. Take this challenge and show the World of Lionism that you can do it with flying colors. Small note to First Vice District Governors: This is the time to prepare your cabinet for your Lionistic Year. Time to set Cabinet Meetings and other District Activities. Time to prepare District Directories so that they will be ready to distribute when you come back from Japan as District Governors. All clubs must reach these directories on time for their use; to know who are cabinet members, chairpersons, RC’s and ZC’s. It is time to order your District Governor’s pins or banners so that you can take some with you to Japan to give away fellow district governors. Good luck to you all. -Austin D’Souza, Editor [email protected]
Duffels For Dignity
The Spouses have been busy with the “Duffels for Dignity” project this past month. At the December Council Meeting they donated 25 wheeled duffel bags, along with socks,
travel kits and stuffed animals to a Lutheran Agency in the District 1-CS area. This agency was brought to the group’s attention by PDG Jani Mendenhall. Please see the attached pictures of this presentation. The next group scheduled to receive a donation will be CASA of McHenry County, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates for children. CASA was founded in 2005 and helps abused and neglected children in the court system. This is planned for some time in February. When called to
see if they could use a donation of duffel bags, they were extremely happy to be chosen as a recipient. This organization is located in District 1-J, and was discovered by First Lady Lion Pam Fowler. The spouse’s will also be selling greetings cards. So if you liked the Christmas cards you will love their Greeting Cards. For more information, contact Lion Pam Fowler. Thanks to the additional donations from the Lions from all over the state this project continues to prosper. The group is always looking for children to help. If you know of any groups/organizations in your area that may be a candidate please contact me so that it can be presented to the spouses for consideration. Any monetary donations can be written to District 1-J (Memo line Duffels for Dignity). Should you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the Spouse’s. On behalf of all of us, thank you for supporting this
project that is so very near dear to all of us. I leave with this New Year’s resolution…………….“Make New Year’s goals. Dig within, and discover what you would like to have happen in your life this year. This helps you do your part. It is an affirmation that you’re interested in fully living life in the year to come.” Sounds like the Lions Club…….doesn’t it? -Lion Gail
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Lions of Illinois 2016 State Convention Attention all MD-1 Lions:
2016 State Convention book ads are available for purchase. Any individual, organization, Lions Club or District can purchase a Convention book ad.
A full page ad is $50 and is approximately 3.75” x 10.5” in size.
A half page ad is $30 and is approximately 3.75” x 5.25” in size.
Ads should be saved in a “.jpg” file format and submitted electronically to the State Office. Facsimile or hard copy ads will not be accepted. Ads should be in a reproducible black/white or grayscale format. Grayscale is
recommended for photos.
Ads and payment must be received by the State Office by 5:00 pm April 22, 2016 to be included in the Convention book.
Payment for ads should be mailed with the form (below) to the State office at: Lions of Illinois, Inc., POB 127, Hopedale, IL 61747-0127.
Ads can be submitted via email to [email protected] or by saving the ad on a CD, DVD, or thumb drive and mailing it to the State Office.
If you have any questions regarding Convention book ads, please contact the State Office at 217-632-7775 or by email at [email protected].
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2016 State Convention Book Ad Form
Name: __________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
Contact Person (if club or organization:_________________________________________________
I wish to purchase (check one): Full Page Ad - $50 Half Page Ad - $30
Enclosed is my payment of $ ; Cash Check #
(Please mail ad and payment to: Lions of Illinois, Inc., POB 127, Hopedale, IL 61747-0127)
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Persons interested in the position of Chairperson of the Council of Governors for the 2016-2017 Lions year are being sought.
To be eligible, a candidate must be a Past District Governor, having served as an MD-1 Governor within the previous five Council years (2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016) or be a sitting Governor on the 2016-2017 Council. The Council Chairperson for 2016-2017 also must be from a District other than the current Chairperson’s District (District 1-A). More information regarding eligibility is available at www.LionsClubs.org.
The duties and responsibilities of the Council Chairperson are detailed in the Lions of Illinois Constitution and By-Laws and the Policy Manual, both of which are posted on the MD-1 website, www.illinoislionsMD1.org.
Candidates must send a letter of intent and a resume to the State Office to be received no later than March 31, 2016 in order to be considered for the position. The mailing and e-mail address for the State Office is listed below. Applicants will be advised by mail or e-mail of the time of their interview.
LIONS OF ILLINOIS, INC. POB 127 HOPEDALE, IL 61747-0127
Post Office Box 127 Hopedale, IL 61747-0127 Ph 217-632-7775 [email protected]
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IMPORTANT NOTICE
Applications for State Committee Chairpersons for the 2016-2017 Lions year are being accepted.
To be eligible to serve as a Chairperson of a State Committee, a candidate shall have served at least one year as a district appointee to the State Committee s/he seeks. This requirement may be waived by the District Governors Elect if no application is received with the appropriate requirements or if they are not in favor of any applicant.
Positions are for a one year term unless denoted otherwise. A brief description of the duties and responsibilities of each State Committee Chairperson may be found in the Lions of Illinois Policy Manual, which is posted on the MD-1 website, www.illinoislionsMD1.org, along with a list of the current State Committee Chairpersons.
Candidates must send a letter of intent specifying the State Committee Chairperson position being sought and a resume to the State Office, which is to be received no later than March 31, 2016 in order to be considered for the position. The mailing and e-mail address for the State Office is listed below. Applicants will be advised by mail, e-mail or telephone of the time and location of their interview.
Applications are being accepted for the following State Committee Chairperson positions:
Alert Lioness
Campaign & Liaison Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP)
Constitution & By-Laws Midwest Breakfast
Information Technology Publicity & Public Relations
International Convention State Convention
Leo & Youth Activities/Quest State Magazine
Applications also are being accepted to fill two (2) positions on the Finance Committee, each of which are for a three year term beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2019.
Please submit letters of intent and resumes to:
LIONS OF ILLINOIS, INC. POB 127 HOPEDALE, IL 61747-0127
Post Office Box 127 Hopedale, IL 61747-0127 Ph:217-632-7775 [email protected]
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ADERSHIP CORNER: This is the first in a series of articles based on Blueprint for Club Success (DA-STPBG EN 5/15).
This document is available to download from the
LCI website.
Every Lions Club wants to provide meaningful service to its community. However, getting everyone in a club moving in the same direction can, at times, be difficult. That
is why it is a good idea to regularly take a look at where the club has been, where the club is currently, and where it wants to go in the areas of membership, service, and leadership.
One tool provided by LCI to assist clubs is Blueprint for Club Success. This ten-page document is an easy read that is straight forward about ways clubs can plan for their success. As noted on page 2 of the Blueprint for Club Success: “This guide was designed to be a tool for a club, and its members. It provides a simple process for drawing up your own Blueprint for a Stronger Club with an emphasis on four core dimensions: club operations, service, leadership development and membership. Your club may choose to include additional aspects, but these four are essential as we strengthen our clubs. The steps include
Assessing your club’s status
Establishing your goals
Developing your blueprint
Putting your blueprint into action
In subsequent articles in the series, we will take a closer look at each of these steps as well as what the Blueprint for Success can do for your club! Jama Wahl, MD1 GLT Coordinator, 815-822-3014 or [email protected]
MEMBERSHIP CORNER:
Happy New Year!
No matter what you may think of the various situations around the world, 2016 is about to begin.
January 1st of every year marks the transition from one year to the next. Are you ready for that transition? I can see one area where you may not be ready. That would be the fact that 2016 is a presidential election year. The election itself may not be the cause of any trepidation. The idea that we will be inundated with way too many political ads on TV, the radio, in our newspapers and, yes, in our email inbox could cause some anxiety. Initially I asked: Are you ready for that transition? Changing from one year to the next is automatic and we have no control over it. There are many transitions in life. We get married and start a new life. We have children that bring about another change in our paths. These are some of the good transitions. There are also some sad transitions. Many of us have already experienced the passing of our parents. I believe that those parents would want us to concentrate on the future and not dwell in the past. That’s what we as Lions should do. It is very possible that your Lions Club has already undergone some transitions of its own, if not in the past; there probably will be some in the future. Either increases or decreases in membership to name only a few. Perhaps one change that could benefit your club and will benefit your community would be an increased emphasis on service projects. Even if your club doesn’t have a lot of money, you could send a few volunteers to help your local food pantry to organize their shelves. Ask those volunteers to wear their Lions vests so that people know who is helping. Are there other organizations in your area where you could provide similar assistance? Again, wear your vests. While you are helping other organizations, be sure to have someone take a photo or two. Send those
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photos, along with a brief story, to your local newspaper. That will let your community know that your club is there to help them. Building a ramp for a wheelchair bound neighbor can yield the same result. It provides very good PR. Be sure to post all such activities on your website and on Facebook. Writing checks for other worthwhile organizations and causes is a good thing. Performing valuable service that others know about can reap a lot of good feelings that could make recruiting new members a little easier. I would hope that most people would prefer to join an organization (your club) that is out there doing things rather than something that is a “mystery”. Think about it. Our motto is We Serve. The idea of service should be nothing new to us. Just make sure that people know that you are providing that service.
-Paul Gergolla, PDG MD-1 GMT Coordinator Phone: 630-858-8073 Email: [email protected]
State Alert Corner: Greetings Readers of 2016: We may be starting a new year with the start of 2016 but our Lions year is half over. Let’s not look at it as half over but we have
six more months to go. In December I asked the following question. If your area just had a terrible event and your Club has been approved for a $10,000.00 Alert grant from LCIF, how would your Club spend that money properly? I am sure you are asking yourself, if we spend money to help people, how could that be improper? Let’s look at a couple things. One of our first things we think about is the water supply has been disrupted and is now contaminated. We need to get bottled water there fast. You use half your grant and buy a truck load of water and have it brought to the town center. When it arrives, the driver is told to put it next to the other four trucks
of water. The thought was a great one but no one called to see if there was a need for the water. Another point to consider is the level of the disaster. Will the area qualify for aid from the different levels of Government? If you give financial help to individuals and then those individuals apply for help from the Government, they will not get as much because of our good gesture. It may seem easy to spend the money but it is not. We continue to talk about developing an Alert plan to physically helping out but we should also know how to spend the money. We also ask that as you work on your club Alert plan; keep your District Governor and Alert Chair informed. When you have a completed plan, Lions International would also like to know. They have a running list of clubs participating in this program and you receive an Alert patch for your banner. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or just ask questions. A question never asked remains one unanswered. Lion Jim Kiser State Alert Chair [email protected] 630-660-7944
ENGAGING YOUNGER LIONS: Whenever membership development is discussed, it seems that bringing in and keeping younger lions involved is a challenge for many clubs. To address this idea, at the recent MD1 Lions Leadership Forum, the topic of Engaging Young Lions was presented by a panel of Lions including Tony Holland and Mike and Kim Peavy. The following is a brief look at the ideas presented and shared. Clearly, younger lions are an untapped source for service. Please consider these ideas when you are engaging younger Lions! -Meeting structures need to work for those participating.
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-Add new projects to stimulate the club and the community -Manage the people who talk through the meeting and interrupt -Use the Tail Twister to stimulate FUN, not just give FINES -Use tools like YOUR CLUB YOUR WAY to determine what your members want in your club -Have meetings on a good night for everyone. Example: No meetings on Monday Night Football -Discuss the expectations for holding office. Consider having offices held for two years rather than one year -Allow kids at the meeting. Engage the CUB program -Meet with other groups in the community to determine community needs -Think outside of the box. Try something different like reaching out to the Farmers’ Market or local exercise classes. Be visible in your community -Use social media…not just email. Get out there on FaceBook, Twitter, etc. -Talk, share, and include all Lions at all meetings What will work for your club? Why not give it a try?
-Jama Wahl
Dear Lions,
No matter where you live, you have probably heard about the refugee situation in Europe. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes and make their way into Europe. They are leaving Syria, Kosovo, Afghanistan and several other countries, usually on foot and carrying what few possessions they still have. They are searching for a place to call home, where they can safely raise their families. Many of them are crowded into
camps, lacking adequate food, water and medical supplies. This is where Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Lions can help. LCIF has approved US$200,000 to help Lions address the needs of refugees in host countries. The Lions of Sweden and Turkey are already hard at work providing relief materials to refugees near the Greece/Turkey border. The Lions in the Istanbul, Turkey, region have received a grant for refugee assistance, with which they plan to establish a school for refugee children and support the nutrition and hygiene needs of 100 families for two months. Lions in Europe and the Middle East recently met to share stories, resources and ideas for helping the refugees. A steering committee comprised of Lions leaders in Europe was formed to help coordinate efforts. Please consider making
a donation to LCIF's disaster fund so Lions in the affected areas can help where help is needed most. If your District or Multiple District is interested in aiding refugees, you can contact LCIF to find out how to request funds for local relief projects through a pilot grant program. Thank you for your dedication to improving lives of people all over the world. Sincerely, -JoePreston, Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation
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Chili’s give-back program earns LIF 15% of sales when you enjoy their tasty meals this January, 21016
Anywhere in Illinois Enjoy a delicious meal at Chili's at their restaurants anywhere in Illinois and earn
Lions of Illinois Foundation 15% of your sale (excluding tax and gratuity)
For funding our Low Vision Screenings for youth. This promotion ends January 31,
2016 Participate as many times
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“One of the best hotels ever!” We just returned from our stay in Springfield. We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this hotel. The staff was very friendly, the beds were extremely comfortable, and the location was perfect for visiting all of the historic Lincoln sites. We ate in the hotel restaurant three times during our stay. My husband said it was the best burger he ever had! I had the prime rib and it was excellent. Our server was Sean - very friendly and very prompt to attend to our every need!
“Possibly the best hotel in town” I am in Springfield often and this is my favorite hotel. Clean, well-appointed, comfortable rooms. One deficit is the walls are thin and you can hear every word, sneeze and flush. Great breakfast buffet includes made to order omelette.
Room service menu is quite limited and not the best, but it's good enough if you're exhausted or don't feel like venturing out of your room. There's always a conference or other activity so rooms book up, you'll need a reservation. Front desk staff could be friendlier, but otherwise good “One of the best hotels ever!” We just returned from our stay in Springfield. We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this hotel. The staff was very friendly, the beds were extremely comfortable, and the location was perfect for visiting all of the historic Lincoln sites. We ate in the hotel restaurant three times during our stay. My husband said it was the best burger he ever had! I had the prime rib and it was excellent. Our server was Sean - very friendly and very prompt to attend to our every need!
RECENT REVIEWS for the ABE LINCOLN:
SOME OF THE TOP THINGS TO DO in SPRINGFIELD:
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library &
Museum
Lincoln Home National Historic Site
Dana-Thomas House, a Frank Lloyd
Wright ‘Hidden Treasure’
Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials
Lincoln Memorial Gardens
Lions of IL State Convention
The Abe Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, IL, site of the:
2016 State Convention May 20th through May 22nd, 2016
SAVE THE DATE and plan on joining us for some: FUN, FELLOWSHIP & FULFILLMENT!
More to come next month!
Rates for Convention = $99 + tax per night!
COME EARLY OR STAY AFTER THE
CONVENTION AND ENJOY ALL
SPRINGFIELD HAS TO OFFER!
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Lions Clubs International’s Float at the Rose Bowl Parade in California on Junuary 1, 2016
Filipino Lions from District 1A Celebrating Christmas Nite. Lucky heron in front of them is Lions Lindy Tan.
Governor Ralph Zarada and First Lady Sue joined the party and had lots of fun.
Kirkland Lions held their annual Christmas Party in December and awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow to Lion Phil Montgomery and the Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow to Lion Frank Thomas. PDG Lion
Ron Fruit presented the Melvin Jones Fellow to Lion Phil who has been instrumental in the Fairdale tornado recovery and has spent countless hours assisting wherever needed and is also an officer of the DeKalb County Long Range
Recovery Corporation. Although a relatively new member to the Kirkland Lions Club, Lion Phil is Immediate Past President and was also a 100% President. He takes on any challenge and is always there to lend moral support. Lion Frank is a long-standing club member who has held just about every position in the club and has always done it with dedication and grace. Lion Frank is our point person for our annual fireworks extravaganza and he makes the place light up! In closing, it was a very busy and productive year for
the Kirkland Lions Club. We ran the gamut of emotions this year from our annual Chili/Oyster Supper, through tornado relief efforts, to the Fourth of July, to our pumpkin sales. There were lots of tears and hugs and lots of laughter and
strong friendships became stronger. We look forward to a great 2016 and wish the best to all of you for a successful and fulfilling 2016.
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Kirkland Lions Past President, Phil Montgomery was awarded his 100% President Certificate for 2014-2015 from District Governor, Gary Meyers. In November we also held a brand new fundraiser for the club and we sold smoked hams. We managed to sell 107 hams to family, friends, and neighbors and delivered them the second weekend in December so everyone would have them in time for the holidays. They were absolutely delicious and this will probably continue to be an excellent fundraiser for the Kirkland Lions Club.
The end of 2015 saw a lot of activity from the Kirkland Lions Club. In October, we made a contribution to the Kirkland Youth Baseball League and also accepted the membership application
from their director, Bret Collins. Pictured here are Bret and Kirkland Lions Club Secretary and Second Vice District Governor, Steve Boettger. We also began our second annual coat drive and have had
tremendous success with it this year. Four Kirkland Lions Club members spent a morning sorting through this stack. Thanks to an unseasonably mild fall, many of these were probably not needed until now. We have tweaked our distribution system and it seems to be working well. We will continue this coat drive until the end of February and start it up again in October of 2016. In November we hosted the annual costume
contest at the school in concert with the parent group and their fun fair. There were many creative costumes!
Greeting
Santa--Batavia
residents Braxten
Schencka, 6, and Zoi Schencka, 2, met Santa at the Batavia Lions Club's
pancake breakfast
with Santa at Eastside Community
Center in Batavia Dec. 5. Braxten
and Zoi's parents are Darci and Patrick Schencka. (Al Benson photo)
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Genoa Lions Christmas Contributions: On December 16 the Genoa Lions have their annual Christmas Party, a time to celebrate good cheer and good work for our community. The Lions of Illinois Foundation has received a $300 donation in
December and our annual Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Program is in progress. Lion Greg Cravatta and his ever helpful wife Mary purchased Christmas presents for a family with 6 children under the age of 12. Special thanks to Sherri Hanson of the local Food Pantry for finding the deserving family this season. The Genoa Lions would like to thank their Community for its support and wish everyone a very merry Christmas.
Meeting Santa--From left North Aurorans Sofia Arreola, 2; and Paula Turzy posed for a photo with Santa at the North Aurora Lions Club's pancake breakfast with Santa at Union Congregational Church in N. Aurora Dec. 5. Not shown are Sofia's
parents Michelle and Martin Arreola. (Al Benson photo)
The Lena Lions held their dinner meeting on December 9, 2015. This night is when we have our Christmas party. This is a spouse night as well, this is the night when we have our visit with the District Governor Gary Meyers and the 1st lady Marcia Meyer. Our club presented many awards including perfect attendance pins, Foundation Fellows and Melvin Jones. Our club also donated $1000 dollars to the Center for Sight and Hearing impaired, $500 dollars to the Lena Area Church Cooperative,$100 dollars to the Lena Fire Department for Santa Clause and $200 dollars to the LeWin JR High School for the art department. We also held our Operation Good fellow which we delivered 175 fruit and cookie plates and 35 boxes of groceries for a cost of $3,500 dollars. The high lite of the night was when our club inducted 8 new members.
District 1D Peace Poster chairman Richard Holmes peace poster winner Maggie Johnson and Jr High Art Teacher Linda Vories.
Front row l-r new members Dan Packard, William Damier, Ryan Wybourn, Doug Wybourn, Lynn McCoy,Mike Graf, Mary Keith, Craig Brinkmier and District 1D Governor Gary Meyers.
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Back Row l-r sponsors Lions Richard Holmes, Denny Roe, Mike Thill, Bill Crichton and Bena Mayer
l-r Pastor and Lion Member Brian LeBaron and Lion Jim Brenner
l-r New President of the Center for Sight and Hearing Impaired Maureen Mall, retired President
of the Center Diane Jones, and District 1D Governor Gary Meyers
l-r District 1D Governor Gary Meyers presenting Lion David Hoffman with a Foundation Fellow.
l-r recipient of the Melvin Jones Lion Susie Gordon and District 1D Governor Gary Meyers.
PCC Georg Toft, who took District 1A to a higher level. His baby project
"VOICES" growing strong here in 1A. His knowledge in History of
Lionism no one will forget forever. His presentations and his leadership will be
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missed in MD1. I am out of words and feeling totally lost! May his soul rest in peace and May God Almighty grant enough strength to PCST Judy and his family to bear this great loss. – Editor.
District 1A Lions took part in a Fundraiser organized by WTTW Chicago Channel 11 in their studios.
The WITT Lioness Club has a reputation for being a ‘can do’ club. They continue to work for their community. Lioness President Greta Aker presented a check for $500.00, their portion of the profits from the Witt Labor Day 5K run, to Tina Hegameier of the Montgomery County Breast Cancer Support Group.
ARTHUR Lions Club presented a check to the Arthur Fire Dept. for their Food & Toy Program.
Pictured are Lion Linda Kay Cain, fireman Lamar Hostetler and Lion Chris Mast. They also entered a float in the Arthur Lighted Christmas Parade. Was a cold night but fun to be a part of the
community celebrations.
The ALTAMONT LIONS conducted a food drive in
their community and thank everyone for all the food and money given to make this event so successful.
(Park Board VP Gene Purcell & Lion President Larry Parker)
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PALESTINE Lions held their annual Ham & Bean Dinner at the park on November 27. Lion President Larry Parker presented a check for $325.50 to the Vice President of the Lamotte Park Board, Gene Purcell. This money helps support the Christmas Lights at the local park and was raised by the free-will donations at the Ham & Bean Dinner. The free-will donations for the desserts was given to the “Relay for Life.”
Palestine Lion Kim Bailey presents a donation check to Janet Fuller, organizer/owner of J.K.'s Free Store in Palestine. This check is to help with utilities. Janet said they have helped more than 6000 families in our area.
The Stillman Valley Lions picked up the trash west of Stillman for the last time in 2015. It was a nice .day for a little exercise that also improved the environment. Participating were Dan Janes, Bruce Roe, John Dotzel, Al Ungar and Curt Freeberg.
Stillman Valley Lions President Marty Typer honored John Dotzel as the club's Lion of the Year. John has been an active Lion for 48
years. During that time he has held several offices and committee chairmanships and has participated in most of the Lion's activities. John is a Lions energizer bunny - he just keeps serving.
Elgin Lions
Club welcomed a new member recently. (l to r) Lion Jim
Bacak, Membership
Chair and Sponsor, new Lion Lynne Dusel, and
District Governor Lion Bob Fowler,
also an Elgin Lion.
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On December 12, 2015, the Palestine Lions club delivered 15 Christmas Baskets to families in Palestine and Flat Rock, Illinois. Lion's Larry Parker, Kim Bailey, Randy Bailey, Starr Grimes and Sarah Laski made deliveries. (Photo on Page 23)
PARIS Lions Club participates in the annual Christmas Lights event held at the Twin Lakes Park. Businesses and organizations supply lighted displays and a small fee is charged per car to drive through the park and enjoy the decorations. The Club uses this opportunity to invite people to join the club and the Alpha Leos.
The Forest Kala Sampath Lions Club members celebrating Christmas on Christmas Eve.
PDG Austin D’Souza ( as Santa) with IPDG Terry.
Paris Lions Club, the Alpha Leos Club and local police participated in the “Shop With A Cop” event held each year in the community. The funds to support this project are well spent providing children with necessary items like coats, school clothes and other items that make life a little easier for struggling families.
The highlight of the year is the Christmas Party. This is the time the Club gives awards for outstanding service. The most surprised recipient was Lion Amy Hill, a sponsor of the new Alpha Leo club. Foundation President Jim Strange, PDG, presented her with a Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow award. She did have a thought as to why her Mother, Pam Kraft & John Kraft were at the party. They lied to her as to why they were there
The ALPHA LEOS OF PARIS held a bake sale and other fundraisers and then presented a check to the Community Food Bank.
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Other recent activities include taking part in the Christmas Parade, helping with the Shop with a Cop program, held a Wrap Party at Lakewood
Church – helping others wrap gifts, held a “Box Party” and then helped deliver food boxes for the Community Nurse. They also scheduled Angel from the Leader Dog program to address the school assembly.
The VANDALIA Lions held their Christmas party with the Vandalia LEOs. Among the activities and fellowship, 2 new members were inducted and Past President John Dotray received a Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow Award. ATHENS LEOs Club installed new officers on
Monday, November 30 at the Athens High School. Officers are: (left to right) Treasurer Amy Stitch, Vice President Madi Epperson, President Baylee Bax and Secretary Lea Kissick. The club sponsors
are Lions Terry Brown, Carolyn Conover and Tricia Laager.
The ATHENS LIONS CLUB & LEOS CLUB held their annual drive for Toys for Angels on Saturday December 12. The members stood on the corn and
L-R Leos Clarissa Lee, Emma Rogers, Santa ( Lion larry Buhr ), Kellie Conover, Lion Carolyn Conover (Leo Sponsor)
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cash to be used for the children in need in our community. In addition to toys collected at Dollar General and the home of Clint and Deanna Clark, the clubs collected over $2500 in cash and a SUV full of toys. This year there are approximately 150 children in the community that will receive toys for Christmas.
The Athens Lions Club sponsored two Paint Nights this fall to raise funds for the Dolly
Pardon Imagination
Library reading program. This
reading program is
for the Athens School District children ages birth to 5 years old. Each month the child is sent a new book for the parents to read to the children or read with them. The hope is to encourage the children to want to read and for some one-on-one time with the parents. This program was started in Athens 2 years ago and there are now 40 children receiving the books monthly. The Athens Lions Club provides all the funding and partners with United Way of Central Illinois for the administration of this program. The Paint Night fundraisers have raised $880, which is a little short of the annual cost of the program. The Lions commend Lion Penny Irwin, chairperson, for initiating the program in Athens and coming up with the fundraisers to fund.
Oregon Lions Make Donations to VFW and Lifeline Oregon Lions donated funds to two local organizations recently. Oregon Lion Jerry Hinrichs presented a $600 check to VFW Commander Lee Osman to help with the cost of the distribution of Christmas baskets by the Oregon VFW. He also visited Lifeline and presented a $400 check to Lifeline Director Sharon Wallace (pictured on the
far right). She and her crew of volunteers were busy preparing for the Christmas season.
Photo of Lifeline volunteers: From left to right, Laura Messenger, Barb Battaglini, Myrle Fuller, Eddie Monahan, Dee Dee Heng and Sharon Wallace
Photo at VFW -Post Commander Lee Osman and Lion Jerry Hinrichs.
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The New Lenox Lions (Photo Page 26) recently delivered 47 Christmas Baskets to folks in the New Lenox area. Here are some of "Santa's Lion Elfs" helping out.
Eastern Region ZC Lion John Barsanti is ready to do another vision screening with the Spot Vision Camera at the Bartlett Lions Club’s Pancake Breakfast.
(l to r) Lions Bob Hull, President, Linda Strugalla, Donation Chair, and Ken Strugalla, Board Member of the Naperville Noon Lions. The Naperville Noon Lions Club received the Eileen O’Brien Memorial Award from the National Federation of the Blind – Illinois as a distinguished donor in support of their Braille Enrichment for Literacy and Learning Program (BELL Program). The club, through its Foundation, donated $10,000 to assist children ages 4-13 with enrichment opportunities to improve their Braille reading and writing skills, safe travel and excursions. The award was presented at
the National Federation of the Blind – Illinois annual convention held in Naperville.
Sun City-Huntley Lions Suzanne Diekelman and Jim Graves keep the griddle hot at the club’s fall Pancake Breakfast.
1-J Cabinet Secretary Lion Bonnie Bradbury is welcomed by the Fox River Grove Lionesses to the club’s annual Pasta Dinner fundraiser.
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Two Southeast Region Lions recently attended the annual Naperville Marine Birthday Event with 400 Marines present. Downers Grove Club Pres. Lion Floyd Mizener (c) and Naperville Noon Lion George Pradel (r), of course, talked Marines and Lions! Lion Floyd is a 65 year Lion and Lion George is a 45 year Lion. Together, they represent 110 years of service as Lions.
Lion Floyd was recognized as the oldest Marine there and joining them at the table was the youngest Marine of the 400 present, Cate Soully. Lions membership and service for both Lions Floyd and George, was and still is, a mission of Love. They agreed it has been educational and was very instrumental in their life’s endeavors with family, their communities, and beyond. The code that Lions Clubs International founder Lion Melvin Jones developed brings truth to all of the words he said. Lions Floyd and George expressed it this way, “You get back from all the seeds you sow,” They recommend the Lions’ lifestyle, with love, to help those who are in need. For the event, Lion Dr. Mizener wore his new blazer designed by his son, artist Mark R. Mizener, It is impressive, too, when you see it in person! (ThreeMarines_TwoLions)
The Glendale Hts. Barangay Lions Club helped the Girl Scouts of Glen Hill Elementary School held a successful food drive for the local food pantry. More than 50 Scouts & parents attended the food drive at the Carol Stream Public Library. Lions provided snacks for the group, collected canned goods and other foodstuffs and helped sort and pack them.
As the American Diabetes Association celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Bloomingdale Lions dressed in blue in recognition of American Diabetes Month, November 2015. Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, which the Lions across the world continue to fight. The Lions want to share a timeless message that eating well is one of the greatest pleasures and enjoying delicious, healthy food helps with diabetes management.
At the Darien Lions Club’s Christmas Party, the club submitted a check from its Candy Day collections to PDG Lion Mario Gumino, Exec. Director of the Lions of Illinois Foundation, for over $16,000. (l to r) Lion Brian Rezepa, Candy Day Chairman and Darien Lions Club President Doug Barnes.
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Lombard Lions Club hosted its annual Senior Christmas Luncheon recently. Thirty seniors were treated to a turkey and ham luncheon accompanied by Christmas music.
Batavia resident Nathan Jech, 5, and entertainer Ken Schultz of Plainfield, the Flying Fool, duel with balloon swords at Batavia Lions’ annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa.
Aurora Noon Lion Dick Schindel, (l) was among the Aurora Noon Lions Club members who hosted
Aurora Public School Nurses for an annual lunch at Luigi’s Pizza in Aurora on Monday, November 16th.
(l to r) Sponsor Algonquin Lion Dennis Olsen and new Lion Norm Schwartz, Lion Bill Moore (r) performed the induction ceremony, and in the background, Club President Lion Vince Daniello.
Two members of the Oregon Lions Club recently visited the Village of Progress in Oregon to present a $600 donation from Oregon Lions to the Director of the facility, Brion Brooks. Some of the funds will be used for Special Olympics and the rest to help finance the transportation of students to The Village.
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Shown in the photo from left to right: Village of Progress Director Brion Brooks, Lion Chuck McCourt and Lions' Club President Chris Martin.
PDG Dave Hansen inducted Lions Christian Arrieta, Doreen French, Sigrid Polanek, Cathy and Jessica Kaiser for Montclare Elmwood Park Lions Club. PDG Dave also installed the 2015-2016 Officers.
Montclare Elmwood Park Lions Club past president Lion Joe was talking to a co-worker and found out that her daughter needed eyeglasses but could not afford them. Lion Ginny contacted the family and Randy the Vision Man to set up an appointment. Chasity was very happy with her new glasses and
wants to attend a meeting to thank the Lions. Her mom mentioned to Lion Joe that the new glasses made a world of difference for Chasity’s personality and education.
Chefs at the Chillie Cook Off event organized by Montclare Elmwood Park Lions Club.
Christmas Baskets for the needy Community Citizens in Elmwood Park area.
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Montclare Elmwood Park VP Lion Jo-Ann delivered a family of Beanie Babie Bears, donated by the 4H Club of Kane County, to the Shriners Hospital, in Chicago. Lion Jo-Ann brought them along with 20 solar Dancing Figures and Frozen Coloring Books and Posters that she donated. They were delivered to Mary McCauley, Donations Coordinator at the Shriners Hospital. My mission and intension, as VP of the MCEP Lions Club is to help all those children, adults and seniors who are in need or ill.
Members of the Forreston Area Leo Club purchased food to help the Forreston Lion's Club with the annual Christmas food basket drive, benefitting over 600 families this year.
Leo members in attendance: Caleb Poffenberger, Karalee Rinehart, Cam Timm, Hannah Burgett, Katie Erdmann, Delaney Buisker,
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Emma Nelson, Jackie Ludwig, Seth Nelson, Kolten Dorty and Ariel Pritchard.
Morrison Lions Members contribute warm gloves, mittens, and scarves to the local Helping Hand Group. Needy families in the community pick up their Food Baskets, Christmas gifts, and pick out their needs from the Lions donated items. This has
been an annual project for several years. Morrison Lions Members participated in the Morrison Christmas Walk. Pictured - front row - left to right: Aaron Johnson, Jim Bosma, Bob Smith, and Jim Blakemore with his canine walking companion "Molly". Molly allowed the Morrison Lion (Tracy Muur) to give a half hug! Steve Wroble is pictured in the back row. Photographer and also participating in the parade - Bob Countryman.
First Lady Sue and Governor Ralph Zarada at the District 1A Christmas Party with creative hats.
Some Carol Singers at the party.
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The last day of school, Friday, before Christmas break at the Tampico Grade School. Tampico Lions Club helped Santa & Mrs. Clause deliver over 250 bags of candy and fruit to the children and staff at the grade school. Tampico Lions Club Members met on the Thursday before to pack the bags. Tampico Lions Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 7pm in the Old Town Pub and Grub restaurant and all meal meetings are open to the public for those interested in membership with the Tampico Lions Club. Tampico Lions Club helps families in the area that are in need of eye glasses and not able to afford the exam and glasses. (Pictured L-R Seated: Santa, Lion President Ron Church, and Mrs. Clause. L-R Standing: Lion Treasurer Duane Thompson, Lion David Manon, Lion Connie Mikle, and Lion Vice President Gary Johnson.)
Tampico Lions Club inducted Connie Mikles as a new member at their December 14th meeting. This member was sponsored by Lion Treasurer
Duane Thompson and Lion President Ronald Church performed the induction ceremony and all members in attendance welcomed the new member. Other new members that join the Tampico Lions Club this year were Lion Pastor Leanne Keate and Lion David Beck sponsored by Lion Secretary Terry Gaskill. If you are interested in membership with the Tampico Lions Club please come to the January 14th, 2016 7pm meeting at the Old Town Pub and Grub on Main Street Tampico, IL across from CGH Medical Clinic. Tampico Lions Club offers many benefits for the family in need of eye glasses. (Pictured L-R: Lion President Ronald Church, Lion Connie Mikles, and Lion Treasurer Duane Thompson.)
Melvin Jones 137th Birthday Celebration at the Chicago Four Points Hotel Sheraton at O’Hare on January 10, 2016. Intl. Vice President Chancellor Bob Corlew will be the guest of honor. Bring your Melvin Jones Paque for a group photograph. RSVP: [email protected].
MD1 State Monthly e-Magazine Edited & Published by PDG Austin D’Souza for Lions, Lionesses and Leos of Illinois. e-Mail Address: [email protected]
Mail your articles, pictures and news items to above e-mail address. COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS, STATE CHAIRPERSONS WISHES YOU ALL A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR 2016