DISTRICT 11-E2 OFFICERS

DISTRICT GOVERNOR Barb Durflinger (Duane) 989-742-2790 / lionbarb@comdac.com

VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR Bob Gingerich (CarlaJean) 989-348-5355 / bob@danishlanding.com

GLT DISTRICT COORDINATOR PDG Al Kelpinski (Florence) 989-728-4664 / afkelpinski@gmail.com

GMT DISTRICT COORDINATOR PDG Lewis Moeller (Cheryl) 989-739-4962 / lmoeller70@hotmail.com

CABINET SECRETARY Jill Drury (John) 231-920-9645 / jdrury@cctransit.org

CABINET TREASURER Tommy Otto (Cathy) 989-732-7840 / toottom@gmail.com

IMMED PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR Gus Malmberg (Mary) 586-913-6487 / gajmalmberg@aol.com

REGION 1 CHAIR Beverly Bodem (Dennis) 989-354-4656 / bodembd@charter.net

REGION 1, ZONE 1 CHAIR

Dennis Downie (Cherie) 989-734-4315 / dennis311@yahoo.com

REGION 1, ZONE 2 CHAIR ZC Wayne McWilliams (Karen) 989-354-8044 wayne@mcwilliamsfuneralhome.biz

REGION 2, ZONE 1 ZC Bill Chase (Linda) 231-499-9619 / no email-windyridge@torchlake.com

REGION 2, ZONE 2 ZC Justin Weisler 231-350-0224 / jsweisler@hotmail.com

REGION 3 REGION CHAIR RC Craig Clarke (Peggy) 989-739-8702pegcraig2000@yahoo.com

REGION 3, ZONE 1 CHAIR ZC Craig Denise (Diane) 989-390-4160 / cdporky@gmail.com

REGION 3, ZONE 2 ZC Dennis Downie (Cherie) 989-734-4315 / dennis311@yahoo.com

REGION 4, REGION CHAIR RC Brian Chace (Elizabeth) 989-344-1102 / brian@chace.net

REGION 4, ZONE 1 ZC Bill Fitch (Janet) 989-275-4968 / no email

REGION 4, ZONE 2 ZC Pam Stewart (Dave) 989-646-2020 lionesspstewart@charter.net

MESSAGE FROM OUR GOVERNOR

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season so far! I can’t believe that my year as District Gover-nor is half over already. It has been a lot of fun!

We have done well so far this year, but there is more to accomplish in the remainder of the year. We had a great training session in the beginning of the year, and GLT Chairman Al is working on plans

for training sessions for Certified Guiding Lions and for the Club Excellence Process. He and VDG Bob will also be planning the training sessions to be held at the District Convention, so I hope everyone will make a New Year’s resolution this year to take advantage of the training offered to help us all be better Lions. Even if you have no current plans to serve on the District or State level, attending any of these sessions will help you improve your own club, so I hope to see many of you when the time comes.

Our membership is down again this year. As I write this letter, we have added 45 new members, which is great, but we lost 73 members. I know everyone is probably tired of hearing all the talk about membership, but if you look around your own community and consider what more you would be able to accomplish with a couple more people, I hope you will understand the emphasis on member-ship. It is hard to live our motto “We Serve” without people. And new members come with new ideas, and every club can use those! I hope another New Year’s resolution will be to “Ask One” person to join your club. I’m sure that there are many in your community that would like to help, if they were asked.

One of my goals this year was for all clubs to be 100% in our state projects. I know many clubs wait until the end of the year to make their contributions so that

...continued on Page 2

DISTRICT 11-E2 NEWSLETTER | JANUARY 2015

WHAT’S INSIDE . . .

Governor’s Message ..................... 1,2 Governor’s Travels ........................... 2 VDG’s Message ................................ 3 Member Page .................................. 4 Club Activities ............................... 5,6

Club Pix ...................................... 7,8 The Magic Bank Account .............. 9 Lions of MI Forum Registration .. 10 LCIF News ................................... 11 Convention Info.......................... 12

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No scheduled club visits.Rogers City Lions

Governor’s Travels…

they can be sure they have met fundraising goals, but if this is how your club operates, I would like you to consider making half of your planned contribution now. The balance can be made at the end of the year after you determine that your goals have been met. This enables the District Chairs of the projects to more easily determine which clubs need to be contacted.

And don’t forget that if you want a presentation on any of the projects, please contact me or the project chairman, and we will be sure that your club learns about the exciting things happening at our projects. I hope another resolution you make this year will be to ensure that your club is supporting all of the state pro-jects.

The Mackinaw City club has been working hard planning a great convention for us in May. The reser-

vation forms will be coming out soon. They have a great hotel for us, and it will be exclusively for us, so let’s fill it up! The meal and activities they are working on sound great, so I hope one of your resolutions for this year will be to go to the District convention, or if you are not able to attend, make sure we have at least one representative from each club. Conventions are fun!!

I am going to add each of the four resolutions above to my list for the year (along with the usual- lose 10 lbs, get more exercise, etc.!), and I hope you will also. If we can accomplish these resolutions, think how much our clubs and the greatest District in the state will improve!

Happy New Year!

MESSAGE FROM OUR GOVERNOR (continued)

DG Barb

With Sympathy

PDG Duane Farnsworth passed away on xx. He served as District Governor of MD 11-D2 from 1980-1981. His funeral was held December 23rd in Otisville. Please keep PDG Peggy Farnsworth and family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Send condolences to: PDG Peggy Farnsworth PO Box 77 Otter Lake, MI 48464

CABINET MEETING

The December 6 Cabinet Meeting was held at the Alpine Lodge in Gaylord was well attended. After the meeting,

both Lions and Lioness adjourned for lunch at the Lodge’s restaurant. Was attendance high because of a more cen-

tral location? Email your thoughts to DG Barb at lionbarb@comdac.com.

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Melvin Jones was born on January 13, 1879 in Fort Thomas, Arizona, the son of a United States Army captain who com-manded a troop of scouts. Later, his fa-ther was transferred and the family moved east. As a young man, Melvin Jones made his home in Chicago, Illinois, became associated with an insurance firm and in 1913 formed his own agency. He soon joined the Business Circle, a

businessmen's luncheon group, and was shortly elected secre-tary. This group was one of many at that time devoted solely to promoting the financial interests of their membership. Because of their limited appeal, they were destined to disappear. Mel-vin Jones, then a 38-year-old Chicago business leader, had oth-er plans.

"What if these men," Melvin Jones asked, "who are success-ful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?" Thus,

at his invitation, delegates from men's clubs met in Chicago to lay the groundwork for such an organization and on June 7, 1917, Lions Clubs International was born.

Melvin Jones eventually abandoned his insurance agency to devote himself full time to Lions at International Headquarters in Chicago. It was under his dynamic leadership that Lions clubs earned the prestige necessary to attract civic-minded mem-bers.

The association's founder was also recognized as a leader by those outside the association. One of his greatest honors was in 1945 when he represented Lions Clubs International as a consultant in San Francisco, California, at the organization of the United Nations.

Melvin Jones, the man whose personal code – "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else" – became a guiding principle for public-spirited people the world over, died June 1, 1961 at 82 years of age.

(Biography from the Lions Clubs International website.)

MESSAGE FROM OUR VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR

I know that a lot of Lions in our District do not have email and/or do not read the Lions Clubs Inter-national Newswire. Please take a couple of minutes to learn about these important topics. This is good stuff!

Join the Lions Worldwide Week of Service in January Don’t miss the Lions Worldwide Week of Service on January 10 - 16. This special week of service is a great opportunity to strengthen your community, showcase your club and celebrate the birthday of our founder, Melvin Jones. Its easy to get involved, just host an ser-vice project that benefits youth, vision, hunger or the environment during the week of January 10 - 16. When you report your project via MyLCI on the LCI Website, you will receive a Centennial Banner Patch. Start planning your project now!

Register for Lions Day with the United Nations Mark your calendars for the 37th Annual Lions Day with the United Nations on March 7, 2015 in New York City. Join us as we commemorate 70 years of partner-ship with the United Nations. This year’s theme is “Children in Need.” Engage in panel discussions with UN diplomats, key Lions representatives and partners and discover the winner of this year’s International Peace Poster Contest. While you are in New York, en-

joy a special Lions luncheon at the UN’s Delegate Din-ing Room and go on a guided tour of the UN headquar-ters. Space is limited. Register now!

2015 LCICon Early Bird Deadline Approaching January 9th is the deadline for registering for the International Convention at the lowest rate of $110 - a savings of over $35 off the full registration rate. Be sure to book your hotel through LCI. Complimentary bus shuttles are provided to all official convention events when you book your hotel through LCI. Make plans to join your fellow Lions in Honolulu. Register Now!

I would also like to address the need for our Lions Clubs to record their activities on the MyLCI website. If we don’t get accurate information to Lions Clubs Inter-national, we are placed in a disadvantage in compari-son to other Districts, Multi-Districts and countries.

The statistics compiled can be used to determine if we get an International Director from our area. It can also be used to determine whether a program works in our area and if support is needed from LCI. If you don’t want other clubs in the District to be able to view your report, you can opt not to share it. Please make sure that you record your Club’s activities before the dead-line of the 26th of the month. Many thanks.

VDG Bob

SO, WHO IS MELVIN JONES?

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This Month This Year

Opening Balance

This Month

1,097

This Year

1,118 Added Members 5 45

Dropped Members 12 73

Closing Balance 1,090 1,090

Net Gain/Loss -7 -28

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE—DECEMBER 31, 2014

NEW MEMBERS—DECEMBER

GRAYLING LIONS

Diana Whittaker — Ronald Rakoczy, Sponsor

Noah G. Whittaker — Carolyn Rakoczy, Sponsor

LEWISTON LIONS

Bruce A. Larner — Thomas Brown, Sponsor

WELCOME!

This program recognizes Lions for their length of service, beginning at 10 years and continuing in five year increments until 75 years of service. There are two different types of chevrons that vary slightly in appearance, the Charter Monarch Chevron, available to founding club members on-ly, and the Monarch Chevron. Chevron awards for the current fiscal year are automatically sent to district governors in the first quarter for presentation to the recipients at an appropriate event, such as a district conven-tion or other celebration.

MEMBER PAGE

DECEASED MEMBERS—DECEMBER DIRECTORY CHANGES

CHEVRONS—JANUARY

(l) example of 35-year Monarch Chevron

(l) example of 35-year Charter Monarch Chevron

MACKINAW CITY LIONS Eugene Cooley

Bellaire Herbert Reiley 60 yrs.

Grayling Bob Gongerich 15 yrs.

Hale Margy Holzheuer 15 yrs.

Hubbard Lake Arnold Degen 20 yrs.

Hubbard Lake Kevin Degen 20 yrs.

Lewiston Bruce Waters 10 yrs.

Mackinaw City Ron Gwilt 10 yrs.

Mio Richard Doody 15 yrs.

Oscoda Charles Lonsberry 25 yrs.

Rogers City Robert Taylor 35 yrs.

Rogers City Mary Malmberg 15 yrs.

Tawas Duane Szymanski 35 yrs.

Tawas Jeffery Lawton 20 yrs.

Tawas Stephen Klenow 15 yrs.

CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES—JANUARY

AU GRES LIONS Ed Hupert—edhupert@gmail.com

GAYLORD LIONS

Cathy Otto—Caeotto@gmail.com

Ellsworth 1/7/1954 61 Years

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ALPENA – Held a Christmas dinner on December 2 in lieu of their usual luncheon meeting. Collected 900 pairs of glasses, and shipped them to the Optometry Department at Ferris University in Big Rapids, Michigan. Thirty Al-pena Lions participated in the old newsboy paper sale on Dec. 5th and 6th, and a total of $2,500 was donated to the Salvation Army.

ATLANTA – Donated over $1,600 to district, state and community charities including the District Medical Fund, Lions of Michigan Foundation, Michigan Eye-Bank, Paws for a Cause, Leader Dog, Bear Lake Camp, and local food banks.

AU GRES – Two members attended the Cabinet meeting in Gaylord on December 6. VDG Bob Gingerich visited the club in December.

BEAVERTON — The Beaverton Lions and Beaverton High School Leo clubs recently carried the cookie monster float in Gladwin's Festival of Light Parade. Leos have been busy assisting at the local tree lighting and church food banks in the area. The Lions delivered presents to 35 families for their “Adopt-A-Family for Christmas Program;” ten boxes of eyeglasses were delivered to Ferris State University; and they are planning their Wild Game Dinner in January.

BELLAIRE – Tom Olszewski visited the club on behalf of the Lions of Michigan Foundation. The club discussed ways to improve fundraisers and motivate members. Donations were made to the local food pantry; local church for food baskets; NW Michigan Community Health Agency for needy families; John Rodgers Elementary School to purchase mittens, caps, etc. for needy children; and Mackinaw City All-State Band student. Voted to continue sponsoring the Bellaire Cub Scout pack, who work the Swiss steak dinners with the Lions. All club members par-ticipated in poinsettia sales, and sold 195 plants.

CHEBOYGAN – A $500 check was donated to the following organizations: The Salvation Army, The Food Pantry, The Lord’s Kitchen, Michigan Eye-Bank, and Leader Dog for the Blind; and $250 to the Cheboygan Junior Ambassa-dor. The club also hosted a blood drive.

EAST JORDAN – Hosted Santa and Mrs. Claus and provided candy for kids at the community event at the Christ-mas Village lighted Tourist Park. Decorated and hosted sites at the Tourist Park for holiday viewing, where hun-dreds view the lighted scenes throughout the Christmas season.

GAYLORD – Collected $117.24 from mint sales; provided $200 for hearing aids; donated $50 to Leader Dog in honor of IPDG Gus; donated $300 to split among the seven All-State Band students from our district.

GRAYLING – Donated $58 to sponsor a light pole during the holiday season. Sold World’s Finest Chocolate bars at Family Fare on December 11, and raised $315. Donated $50 to Leader Dogs in honor of IPDG Gus Malmberg; $85 to the All-State Band administrative account; $50 for each of the seven students from our district’s All-State Band. Several members accompanied Santa to the hospital and nursing homes, distributing candy canes and stuffed ani-mals to the residents, visitors, and staff. King Lion Tom Olszewski sold sugar beets for deer feed prior to and dur-ing deer season and donated profits of $300 for the club’s administrative fund.

HALE —Thirteen members and one guest attended the December Christmas meeting. Discussed plans for future events, dinner raffle, Texas hold-em event, and attracting new members. Paperwork was sent to an individual requesting eyeglass assistance.

HARRISVILLE – Friends and guests joined the Lions for a Christmas dinner and song event at Roger’s Lookout Inn.

...continued on Page 6

CLUB ACTIVITIES

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MORE CLUB ACTIVITIES

LINCOLN – Donated $750 for Christmas gifts for needy students identified by a committee of Alcona Elementary teachers and $500 to the Alcona Food Pantry. Conducted a Project KidSight vision screening for 11 children in the Alcona Head Start Program. Sponsored a Red Cross Blood Drive at the Lincoln Senior Center where 38 individuals donated 41 pints of blood. Lions unloaded, set up, and reloaded the Red Cross equipment, provided escort and canteen services (including donating the juices and cookies). Participated in the 2014 Lighting of Lincoln holiday celebration by serving hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee and chips to residents attending the arrival of Santa, as well as manning the bonfire.

MACKINAW CITY – Purchased mints in 2014 for $480 and received $957 in donations, for a profit of $477; pur-chased eyeglasses for a local individual for a total cost of $255. Received $1,415 from bequests and individual do-nations. Collected $2,186 from coin-operated telescopes over the last six months. Donated $1,500 fully sup-porting the All-State Band student from Mackinaw City.

MIO – Donations of $600 were made to Mio Elementary School for Christmas gifts; $300 for three eye exams and glasses; $300 to Coats for Kids; $450 for All-State Band students; $150 toward the payment of a hearing aid; $200 to St. Mary’s Food Bank; and $100 to Madonna University. Held annual wild game feast, and took in $48 from ink cartridge recycling.

OSCODA — Donated travel expenses for family traveling for their daughter’s brain tumor surgery. Served at a din-ner to raise funds for renovation of high school auditorium. Served as ushers and ticket sellers at a local ballet performance. Hosted the 33rd Annual Children’s Christmas Party where children and adults had lunch, played games and the children visited with Santa. Over 200 gift bags were given to the children. Searching for funds available from organizations under our 501 C-3 status. Projections will be made as to what we want to donate to, prizes for events and so forth; then presented to various organizations that have funds to give.

OSCODA LIONESS – The regular meeting will be Monday, January 5, at 7:00 pm at the OUMC fellowship hall. Hostesses for the meeting are Lionesses Karol and Michelle Lonsberry. The Tailtwister is asking everyone to bring their favorite game, and will plan a fun evening teaming up and playing the games.

PETOSKEY – Held annual Christmas dinner at the Perry Hotel on December 9. Approved $100 for cabin safety repairs at Camp Daggett. Members made donations of personal items and paper products for the Petoskey Wom-en’s Resource Center.

PRESCOTT/SKIDWAY LAKE – Members visited the sick and shut-ins in the community. Approved a hearing aid request for $400. Collected nine pair of glasses for recycling. Helped assemble Christmas food baskets. Four members worked at the St. Francis Food Pantry. Held annual Christmas party, and discussed new locations for club meetings next year. Helped the American Legion run their 50/50 raffles. Collected $83.37 from mint sales. Donated $200 to be split among five All-State Band students and donated blood at Red Cross Blood Drive.

ROSCOMMON/HIGGINS LAKE — Members sold tickets at Roscommon Varsity and JV basketball games. Collected food and toys for needy families with the help of local students, and distributed them on December 15. The club has done this is an activity for decades.

ROSE CITY – Food baskets were given to 33 families for their Christmas Dinner, including a turkey, stuffing, gravy, eggs, cranberries, bead, cake mix and frosting, potatoes, oranges; as well as laundry soap, toilet paper and Kleen-ex. At the Christmas Party with Santa, 142 kids received one big toy, one small toy, a hat, scarf, and gloves; hot cocoa, cookies, and candy.

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CLUB PIX

BEAVERTON LIONS

participate in the

“Adopt-A-Family for

Christmas Program.”

Club members have

wrapped 35 presents

that they delivered to

local families.

GRAYLING LIONS (L-R) VDG Bob Gingerich, Sharon Rakoczy, Ward Parker, Santa Dave Pratt, Ron Rakoczy and Jim Allman spread Christmas cheer at the Grayling Nursing Center, Grayling Mercy Manor, Grayling Mercy Hospital, Wargo Manor, the Brook of Grayling and Northern Pines Nursing Center. Santa brightens the day of a nursing home resident.

OSCODA LIONS hosted the 33rd Annual Children’s Christmas party held at the American Legion Hall. Lion elves, friends of club members, and high school students helped set up the hall and assisted with activities. About 200 children waited patiently to tell Santa (Gary Rehberg) their secret wishes, then enjoyed lunch provided by McDonald’s, Burger King and Walmart. All the children were given gift bags filled with games, hats, toys, candy and stuffed animals. This grand event made the front page of the Oscoda Press with lots of pictures.

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MORE CLUB PIX

ROSE CITY LIONS hosted a Christmas Party with Santa for 142 local children, who waited in a long line, with chil-ly temperatures to see Santa. Each child received one large toy, one small toy, hat, scarf and gloves, and hot cocoa, cookies and candy.

Cheboygan Lions—(L) Presi-dent Ron Neuman and Secre-tary Mark Tamlyn presented checks to John Schott from The Lord’s Kitchen; George Olson, the Salvation Army President; and Lowell Beethem from ??, each a check for $500.00 to help feed the local community. (R) Cheboygan Lions Club host-ed the American Red Cross blood drive on December 9 at the Cheboygan Armory. Work-ing the registration table is President Ron Neuman (L) and Gary Ashcroft. (Bottom) King Lion Ron Neu-man (back, left) and Mark Tamlyn present a $250 check to the Junior Ambassador of the Cheboygan Intermediate School for coats, boots, mittens, etc.

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THE MAGIC BANK ACCOUNT

Imagine that you had won the following “PRIZE” in a contest:

Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400 in your private account for your use. However, this prize has the

following rules:

1. Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you.

2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account.

3. You may only spend it.

4. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400 for that day.

5. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, “Game Over!" It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.

What would you personally do?

You would buy anything and everything you wanted right? Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love and care for. Even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself, right?

You would try to spend every penny, and use it all, because you knew it would be replenished in the morning, right?

ACTUALLY, this GAME is REAL ...Shocked ??? YES!

Each of us is already a winner of this “PRIZE.” We just can't seem to see it. The PRIZE is ”TIME.”

1. Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life.

2. And when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is not credited to us.

3. What we haven't used up that day is forever lost.

4. Yesterday is forever gone.

5. Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at any time WITHOUT WARNING…

SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?

Those seconds are worth so much more than the same amount in dollars. Think about it and remember to enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.

So take care of yourself, be happy, love deeply and enjoy life!

Here's wishing you a wonderful and beautiful day. Start “spending....”

“DON’T COMPLAIN ABOUT GROWING OLD!”

“SOME PEOPLE DON'T GET THE PRIVILEGE!”

The author is not known. It was found in the billfold of Coach Bear Bryant, Alabama, after he died in 1982.

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11

Dear Lions,

I recently returned from the Philippines, where I witnessed joy from those we are serving. I met with villagers in Tacloban and visited their new homes. I also saw smiles in the eyes of children, as they are nourished through a Lions feeding program.

As many of you celebrate the holidays and prepare for the new year, I ask that you keep these images in your heart. But I also ask you to think of the children we have not yet reached and who are still hungry. With your donations, Lions and LCIF will continue to fight blindness, support youth, provide disaster relief and meet humanitarian needs all around the world. We are addressing global health issues, such as measles, diabetes and Ebola. We are reducing poverty through microenterprise. We are addressing needs of people everywhere. We are changing lives and providing hope to millions. Thank you for proving that where there is a need, there is a Lion.

Sincerely,

Barry J. Palmer — Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation Photo credit Dan Morris 2013

LCIF Rated a 4-Star Charity

LCIF has recently earned its third consecutive 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for its effective fiscal management, and its commitment to accountability and transparen-cy. Charity Navigator examines the financial health, accountability and transparency of charities to determine its ratings. LCIF's 4-star rating indicates that it consistently exe-cutes its mission in a fiscally responsible way. Only 12 percent of the charities evaluat-ed earned a third consecutive 4-star rating. This exceptional distinction means that LCIF outperforms most other charitable organizations in the United States. You can be confi-dent your donations are being used in support of the programs for which they are in-tended.

Donating

Did you know that one-hundred percent of every dollar donated to LCIF goes to someone in need?

LCIF receives no funding from club dues, and all administrative costs are paid through inter-est earned on investments. LCIF relies solely on donations from our partners and Lions like you for the grants we award. Approved grants have exceeded our grant budget for several years, which means that your unrestricted donations are more important than ever before. When you make your donation to LCIF, please consider selecting "Area of Greatest Need." This unrestricted dona-tion gives LCIF the flexibility to support initiatives where the need is most urgent.

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Lion Lynne Jauss, PDG PO Box 1093 Lewiston, MI 49756

MD 11

CONVENTION

MAY 15-17, 2015

DOUBLETREE HOTEL

HOLLAND MI

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, May 1-3, 2015 in Mackinaw City.

All convention rooms at the Baymont Hotel (completely remodeled in 2014).

Information packets to club presidents and secretaries will be mailed out in January.

Picnic, Thursday May 14.

Information packets mailed to club presidents and secretaries mailed soon.

Visit lionsofmi.com for more information on the MD 11 convention.

Registration: Early Registration ends January 9, 2015 ($110). January 10 to March 31, 2015 ($150). April 1 to June 26, 2015 ($170).

Visit lionsclubs.org/convention for more information on the convention.

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ALOHA! The 98th International Convention will be held this year in Honolulu. Many have traveled to Hawaii before and have seen first-hand the beauty, the beaches and the breathtaking views the island offers.

The LCI convention website is up and running. As I write this, there are 6 months, 21 days until the con-vention begins. Again, from the website: “LCI’s con-vention offers a once a year opportunity to meet to-gether to discuss the important matters of the day that will form the future of our association, and to create new friendships along the way.” Tasks of International Convention Committee include:

APPROVE 2015-16 STATE PIN Approved design at right Order thru State Office, $2.

APPROVE 2015-16 STATE PATCH Approved design at right. Order thru State Office

DETERMINE PARADE ATTIRE Again, navy pants, capris or skirt (NO hot pants!); Michigan parade shirt, black footwear.

PARADE BANNERS Will purchase “feather” banners

PARADE GIVE-AWAYS Will pass out Michigan flags again, and any of our own excess trading pins.

MICHIGAN NIGHT A fun evening is planned at Germaine’s on the west side of the island for a luau buffet dinner, 3 adult bev-erages, show, tax, tip and transportation for approx. $80 per person.

MICHIGAN HOTELS DG-E Hotel — is the Hilton Hawaiian Village. Ex-

pense covered by LCI while you are in school and attending the convention. You cover any additional time.

Michigan Headquarters Hotel — is the Waikiki Beach Marriott, $265 per night. Tax is included but there is an additional $30 resort fee per day to use their amenities. A shuttle is available for the 2.2 mile distance to the Convention Center.

FLIGHTS TO HONOLULU Flights are currently running approximately $1,200 from Detroit; DG-E travel is paid by LCI.

WHEN: June 26—June 30, 2015

REGISTRATION: Convention Registration and Hotel Reservations are now available.

The early bird registration fee is $110 through Jan-uary 9, 2015.

From January 10 through March 31, 2015 the regu-lar registration fee is $150.

April 1, 2015 through onsite registration, the fee is $170.

HOTELS: The Waikiki Beach Marriott is the hotel assigned to

MD 11 Lions at $232 per night. Price does not in-clude tax or resort fee. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis through January 9, 2015. Guests at LCI’s delegation hotels free shuttles to all official convention events.

In addition to at least one adult registration fee , a hotel deposit in the amount of $225 per room is required to secure your room reservation.

If you are making group reservations for 10 or more, contact: registration@lionsclubs.org.

The deadline for group refunds of hotel deposits is May 1, 2015, while May 15, 2015 is the deadline for individual deposits.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION