Lion Pride MagazineDecember 2013Volume 42 – Issue 3

A PUBLICATION OF THE LIONS OF LOWER MICHIGAN - MD 11

Best wishes to all this Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year! Yours in service … Council Chair Brian Shepard & your SD10-MD11 2013-2014 Council of Governors … DG Tim Anderson, E1; DG Barry Allen, B1; DG John Kontos, A2; DG Jerry Stephens, SD10; DG Gus Malmberg, E2; DG David Boes, C2; DG Wesley Wagester D2; DG Jake Dasho, D1; DG Doug Schneider, C1; Front Row: DG Evelyn Cooper, A1; Council Chair Brian Shepard; DG Betsy Farrell, B2 2014-2015 Council Chair Elected

At the recent Council of Governor’s meeting, the 1st Vice District Governor’s held interviews for the position of their Council Chair for the upcoming 2014 2015 Lions year. Congratulations to Immediate Past District Governor Jim Pettinato, 11 A2.

To Dream AchiversLCI President Barry Palmer is asking Lions to finish the period STRONG

to earn program recognition for your District! Period 2 of the Dream Achiever Awards ends on December 30th, so make sure you’re in position to earn your recognition. Complete details are located on LCI’s website.

IMPORTANT IRS NEWS! The Internal Revenue Service has gotten very active in the nonprofit

arena. Many Lions clubs have lost their tax exempt status because they have not filed their tax returns. Every club must file either form 990N, form 990EZ or form 990 every year. The penalties that the IRS charges can be as high as $20.00 per day for late filing. In Michigan alone 293 clubs have had their status automatically revoked. Some clubs have had more than one Federal ID number. In that case, they have filed using one number only. The unused number is no longer valid but the club is ok. In some cases, the club has dissolved. However there are clubs that have not filed, must file Form 1024 with the IRS at a cost of $400 to get there status back. Presidents must make sure the returns were filed. That is part of the challenge in managing your club. The District Governors were given a list of the clubs on the IRS list. If you are not sure of your status, you can check with them. Paul Hemeryck, MD 11 treasurer

A District Governor’s Analogy - District Governor Doug Schneider, District 11C1

Well, I have just finished two months as 11-C1 District Governor. My predecessors told me that this year will go by fast! No truer a comment has been made.

I think back to the District 11-C1 convention in March 2013, when I was elected as the governor. It was at the Awards Banquet, the business meeting

was done, the elections completed and as I sat from my vantage point, I looked around at all the people in the room. Other than being Lions, I tried to find another commonality. It wasn’t the white, blue, or possibly green jackets! It wasn’t the suits that some of the other Lions were wearing. It wasn’t the beautiful gowns or dresses the women were wearing! So … what was it?

The commonality that I saw was that most of the Lions attending had a spouse, girlfriend, best friend, or significant other. Maybe that person was all of the above, maybe not!

As I am sitting next to my spouse/girlfriend/best friend, I pondered and wanted to ask those Lions the following: • What would have happened had you not asked that person for the “first

dance?” • What would have happened had you not asked for that “first date?” • What would have happened had you not asked for that “first kiss?”

• What would have happened if you just “didn’t ask?” What would have changed? Would that relationship have ever developed? Would you be where you wanted to be?

In the case of the best friend, as I call it, “your jammin’ buddy”, you know or remember that person that you met in grammar/high school, college, military, or your next door neighbor:

• What if you hadn’t said that first “hello?” • What if you hadn’t extended that “first handshake?”

• What if you never found that “common ground” that now makes you best friends?

What would have changed? Would that relationship have ever developed? Would you be where you wanted to be? Now, what does the above have to do with Lions? Myself, I believe the above has A LOT to do with Lions! Think back in your Lions endeavors:

• What if that Lion didn’t tell you about Lions? • What if that Lion didn’t ask you to attend a meeting? • What if that Lion didn’t ask you to help on a project? • WHAT … if that Lion hadn’t given you that membership application? What would have changed? Would you be where you wanted to be? Would you feel fulfilled? What about your community, is it better? What about the people’s life

you changed? Now, think about your community and YOUR LIONS CLUB: • What if you don’t tell the next person you know about Lions? • What if you don’t ask that person to your next meeting? • What if you don’t ask that person to help on your next project? • What if you don’t give that person a Lions membership application? • What will happen to your club and community if you don’t ask what needs to be done?

• What if you just DON’T ASK? Will your club or community be better if you FORGET TO ASK? Are you

willing to take that chance of not asking?

District Governor Doug Schneider, District 11 C1

Spotlight On ... Muskegon Northside Muskegon Northside is one of the most active clubs in District 11 C1

Region 1 Zone 1. And here’s why: • Coordinating with Love Inc. for qualifying individuals in need of

financial assistance to provide domicile entrance ramps. Muskegon Northside has a hard working group of Lions that call themselves the Muskegon Northside Lions Ramp Crew. Not a glitzy name, but they sure get the work done! This year this crew of Lions completed 5 (five) domicile ramps. In fact, these Lions are asked for by name to build ramps by some recipients. This DG has witnessed these Lions in action! I have never seen so much cooperation and so much sawdust fly! This DG has tried to help this crew when possible, BUT, “No matter how many times I cut the board it’s too short!” So to save material, this DG gets out of the way and cheers them on. Also, the crew went out of their way to build a domicile ramp for my son in law due to his severe stroke almost 2 years ago. After 2 years, I still well up!

• Approximately 5 years ago, as I was serving my second term as president, I was heading to our annual Christmas party and was saddened at what I noticed in a park affectionately called “the beautiful mile”, or Veterans Park. In prior years, this park was decorated from one end to the other for Christmas. During the meeting I told a story about when I moved to the area 20 years ago, how the park made holiday season special with the elaborate decorations. That year, there were no decorations. It just didn’t feel like Christmas to me! Many fellow Lions felt the same, and decided to pursue this project. The club took criticism on the decorations. The criticism was on the electrical power. This power was marginal at best. The club worked with what we had, and began to purchase LED lights to alleviate the power problem. Over time, the club received donations of additional LED lights, time, and money to correct the power. Volunteer support also came from retired IBEW Union members. Now, the community saw what Northside was doing for this park, and soon the help of foundations and government agencies were on board as well. Twenty years of overgrowth and debris were removed and replaced with new plantings, giving a much needed face lift to this beautiful park! Currently, with the help of the Muskegon Northside Lions Club, there is a pending grant for $1.75 MILLION which will be invested in pathway lighting and electrical upgrades, decorating the park for the holidays, funds for cleanup and other necessities to beautify Veterans Park once again.

Muskegon Northside Lions now have a visible community project which has netted us accolades from residents. It’s surprising how many residents see us working, stop, and talk to us, and roll up their sleeves to help. This project has garnered several new members, and the club feels that more will come to assist us in the park project.

Governor Doug Schneider, District 11 1

So, You Are Interested In Becoming A District Governor - District Governor David Boes, District 11C2

Have you been thinking of becoming a District Governor? Are you ambitious and ready to jump in after a few years (or 25, like me) as a Lion? There are two different routes to becoming a DG.

Begin with Club President, move onto Zone Chair, then become nominated by your club as 2nd Vice District Governor. OR, begin to work your way through the various officer positions, serving as District Cabinet Secretary, which will make you eligible for the nomination of 2nd VDG.

Begin by talking to Past District Governor’s, asking questions and getting to know them. They will become your support group and mentors. Participate in the MI Lions Leadership Institute, known as the best in the country. Not only will you learn more about Lions, but you will learn the skills necessary to guide the way to becoming a 2nd VDG. Training will be held at Higgins Lake November 7-9, 2014.

Additional training will take you to the Senior Lions Leadership Institute in Oak Brook, Illinois. This is mandatory training and the class fills up quickly for the March course offering. Informational, fun, and an excellent opportunity to meet with Lions from the US and Canada. This class is paid for by LCI.

More training will be held throughout the year in conjunction with the Council of Governor’s meetings under the leadership of the state Global Leadership Chairperson. You will be asked to attend District Cabinet meetings and go on club visitations to promote Lionism within the district and state.

Are you beginning to think you will be busy? You are right! Now you are prepared to step up as 1st VDG. This year will be similar to the previous year: more training, more club visitations, more confidence! As you become familiar with Lions within your district, you will make decisions on selecting your Cabinet. This will consist of Secretary, Treasurer, Region and Zone Chairs, as well as Committee Chairs.

After election at the District Convention, you are now the District Governor-Elect and will head to the LCI Convention, attend training, walk in the International Parade, participate in the Plenary Session. Congratulations, Governor!

Once home, your year kicks into high-gear as you plan for your first Cabinet meeting, 1st Council of Governor’s meeting, and so on. Just when you’re feeling busier than ever, three months have passed by. Where did the time go – it’s flying by!

Welcome to Governorship! District Governor David Boes, District 11 C2

Congratulations PDG Peggy Farnsworth! Leader Dogs for the Blind president and CEO Sue Daniels recognized PDG

Peggy Farnsworth with the President’s Award at the annual BIG D event, held in October. The Award was created to honor a Lion from District 11 D1 or 11 D2, who exemplifies the spirit and passion of Lionism for Leader Dog, through their Advocacy, Volunteerism and Philanthropy. Past recipients include PDG Duane Farnsworth and PDG Tom Thompson.

In presenting the Award, Lion Sue referenced PDG Peggy’s 25 year career as a Lion. Peggy began volunteering for Leader Dog in 1985. Three years later, she became one of the first women to become a Lion in 11 D 2. Her passion for Service, especially for Leader Dog, grew. Where ever there

was a LIONS event, you would see Peggy. Mint Sales, White Cane, and the Algonac Pickerel Festival, just to name a few.

In 2001 2002, Peggy broke the glass ceiling in 11 D 2 when she became the first woman to hold the position of District Governor. She currently serves on the All State Band Committee. Over the years, Peggy has remained steadfast in her support of Leader Dog, serving at countless Puppy Days, Conventions, and Governors Summer Visits, preparing and serving literally thousands of Chili & Donut lunches. She has been an ardent supporter and ambassador for Leader Dog for almost 30 years.

Lion Sue also thanked PDG Peggy for facilitating countless programs promoting Leader Dogs and her tireless efforts in raising literally thousands of dollars to support Leader Dogs.

2014 Peace Poster Contest Michigan WinnerCongratulations to Brianna Naughton, winner of the Lions of Michigan

Peace Poster contest! At the December Council of Governors meeting, winning District Peace

Posters were voted on by the council. Brianna, from Troy, District 11 A2, was the overall winner for the state competition.

Brianna’s poster will now be sent to Lions International Headquarters to be judged among entries from around the world. At this level of the contest, 23 “merit winners” and 1 grand prize winner are chosen. The Merit Award Winners each receive $500 and the Grand Prize Winner receives $5,000. Judging is expected to be completed by Feb. 1, 2014.

International Convention 2014 This year’s International Convention 97 will be held in Toronto

Canada. The dates of the convention are July 4 8, 2014, in Canada’s most cosmopolitan city. The Michigan Hotel is the Eaton Chelsea which is located just over a mile from the convention center. This year’s early registration runs until January 10, 2014. After this date, the registration fee will increase from $110.00 to $150.00.

This year, we will have a decision to be made on who will be the 2nd International Vice President. The candidates are PID Mike Butler from Texas and PID Bob Corlew from Tennessee. YOUR VOTE MATTERS! A Michigan Night activity will be decided at one of the forthcoming Council of Governor meetings. In addition, there will be a Mid West Breakfast hosted by the Lions of Ohio, but we have not received any information on this event at this time. Once received, it will be forwarded to all registrants of the convention.

The parade will take place on July 5. Dress for the parade is navy pants, flag shirt (which may be purchased through the State office), and black shoes. In the last couple years, we have given away American flags and any extra Lions trading pins. This will be the format again this year. One of the neat things about Toronto, is that it is just four hours from Windsor so easily attainable by either car or a relaxing train ride. Once in Toronto, the underground shopping district is fabulous and makes reaching the venues easy.

Continue to watch your Lions international magazine for registration and events that will take place at this year’s convention. Any questions may be directed to PDG Dennis Lautzenheiser, Michigan’s International

Convention Committee Chair. Dennis’ phone number is 517 569 2677 or email him at lautzevl@gmail.com.

2014 MICHIGAN LIONS FORUM “Follow Your Dream” February 14-15, 2014Returning to the RAMADA HOTEL, LANSING, MI

Make plans now to attend the Lions of Michigan Forum in Lansing on Saturday, February 15, 2014. This years’ event will be held once again at the Ramada Inn, Lansing. Our theme of “Follow Your Dream” is taken from LCI President Barry Palmer.

For those arriving early, bring your Sweetheart on Friday evening, February 14, to a rousing game of “Lions Jeopardy” led by Council Chair Brian Shepard! The Hospitality Room will be open Friday evening beginning at 9:30 p.m. Exhibitor booths open on Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Pre-ordered White Cane supplies can be picked up 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The purpose of the Michigan Forum is for you to leave this event with a list of people who will be your resources, advisors and mentors. Breakout sessions on Saturday are offered by Lions with experience in leadership, and will include the following informational sessions:

Leadership Results: A compact overview of what the Leadership Institute training provides

Roberts Rules of order Running an Effective Meeting Soar with the Phoenix -Rebuilding Your Club’s Strength Women in Membership Lions Quest: From Training Teachers to the Classroom Reading Action Program Diabetes Hearing Aid Assistance Programs Tools for Perfecting your Public Speaking Club Excellence Process Vision Research ROPARD Foundation Leader Dogs for the Blind Follow your Dream by living a passionate, purpose driven life! Our

closing session will be a general assembly led by Debi Hebel, author, life-coach, and hypnotherapist.

White Cane Scholarships will be awarded during lunch, followed by entertainment. Raffle prizes include a grand prize of a TV and will be drawn at the close of the final General Assembly. The Ideal Entertainer – Jim Carmody

The Forum Committee takes pride in offering quality entertainment during our luncheon program, and this year is no exception! You’ll be wowed by the magic of Jim Carmody. Jim combines the perfect mix of comedy, magic and hilarious audience involvement with a visual style that’s all his own. Whether he’s vanishing a watch right off a wrist while mingling through a corporate affair, or executing one of his many trademark routines from his stand-up comedy show, Jim consistently dazzles his audiences, insuring your complete and total satisfaction.

White Cane Scholarship Applications Now Being Accepted

The Lions of Michigan White Cane Committee will award three, $3,000.00 scholarships in 2014. The White Cane Scholarship is open to all students who are legally blind and are currently attending or accepted by an accredited trade or business school, college or university.

The winners will be announced at the Michigan Forum, to be held on February 15, 2014, at the Ramada Inn, Lansing, MI.

If you know of a deserving student or of educators who will benefit from this information, please refer to the website at www.lionsofmi.com for complete details.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: DECEMBER 31, 2013

The World’s Longest Lunch Relay At our Board Meeting in Australia, President Palmer announced a

special worldwide lunch that will take place during the April Family and Friend Month. He is asking each of our districts to plan a special event for one day in April. The tentative date is Friday, April 4, 2014.

Lions Longest Lunch Relay The lunch will take place worldwide, a 24 hour, international event

that brings families and friends of Lions together in their local communities with families and friends of Lions around the world. It is a great opportunity to share a meal and celebrate Lion successes, service stories and the rewards of being a Lion.

Here’s how the Lions Longest Lunch Relay will work: Participating clubs will schedule a lunch for their family and friends on April 4th. As clubs around the world host lunches in different international time zones, the Lunch Relay will move from time zone to time zone and steadily make its way around the globe, forming the Lions Longest Lunch Relay. Here’s how Lions can join the Lions Longest Lunch Relay:

1. Plan a lunch event Choose a time, location and menu 2. Register the lunch event Share the time and location for the lunch

(there will be a registration page on LCI’s website) 3. Celebrate the event take photos and share the fun through social

media. This lunch provides a great opportunity for Lions and community

members to feel they are a part of something big, and can discuss and learn about what Lions do. This can be a women’s event, a family and women’s event, or simply involve both Lion and non Lions who want to participate. This will be up to you to determine locally.

The Lions Longest Lunch Relay is a day of food, fun and fellowship. It’s our chance to be part of something big-really big….so start thinking about the event today!

Esther LaMothe, ID

Updates from Lions Clubs International The people of the Philippines are still recovering from the devastating

typhoon that struck in November. Lions Clubs International Foundation has mobilized over US$500,000 for relief efforts. More than 12,000 Philippine

Lions in 380 clubs are working to rebuild their decimated communities. And clubs around the world have offered their support. But there is still much work to be done, and Lions will be there until the job is finished. “We may not be the first responders in areas hit by disasters, but when the T V cameras are gone, that’s when Lions come in and we do the work years afterwards,” said International President Barry Palmer, who visited Manila just 48 hours after the typhoon struck. Help the massive recovery efforts in the Philippines by donating today!

New Early Bird Deadline Date: Register Now for 2014 LCICon TorontoJanuary 10 is the deadline to register for the International

Convention at the lowest rate of $110 a savings of over 35% off the full registration fee! Be sure to book your hotel through LCI. As an incentive, LCI is offering a commemorative gift to Lions who book their hotel room through LCI while supplies last. Toronto is Canada’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Discover many great neighborhoods each with its own characteristic flair, including its large underground city. All convention events will take place conveniently in the heart of downtown Toronto. Whether you’re a new or long-time member, there’s something for all Lions to enjoy. Register now!

Lions Smell the Roses in Pasadena, California! Lions first displayed a float in the 1948 Rose Parade. Since 1992

Lions Clubs International has continuously presented a float in the New Year’s Day Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California. The parade is viewed by an estimated 400 million people in 85 countries around the world. The production price for the Lions float is a tiny fraction of the cost of purchasing television advertising of this magnitude. It serves as a message to the world that Lions are people who serve others.

Lions Float, Inc., a non profit corporation, was formed in 1994 to direct the preparation and funding of the Lions float in the Rose Parade. This is a year round activity involving the designing, fundraising and coordinating of volunteer decoration of the float in December. To raise these funds, Lions Float, Inc. sells a variety of commemorative items such as pins, shirts, license plate frames, sun shades, antenna balls and hats and offers fellowships for donations honoring PIP Banker and others.

We welcome the support of Lions all over the world in supporting and decorating the float. What a better way to promote Lionism than to be represented in this widely publicized international parade. Lions International is the largest service organization in the world. We want the world to hear us ROAR!

Club Happenings

> district 11 A1

www.metrodetroitlions.org

DG Evelyn Cooper

Monroe • Wayne

District Editor: Rena Harper

4645 Helen St., Detroit, MI 48207 abc.lionsclub@att.net

Upcoming EventsDetroit Mid-City Lions Club: Are working on their 4th Annual Whist-Scrabble Fundraiser

Bedford Township Lions Club: Distributed Christmas Baskets and held a Senior Christmas Gift Card distribution.

Dearborn Heights Lions Club: District Governor Evelyn Cooper installed the officers of the Dearborn Heights Lions club at their 50th Anniversary Celebration. Many Past District Governors, The Mayor, Councilman, County Commissioner, and State Representatives were also present representing the civil government. Dearborn Height Lions has had several District Governors, Region Chairs, and Zone Chairs serve District 11A1 through the years. The club has contributed in excess of $750,000.00 to Lions Charities as well as other charities through the years. The members look forward to many more years of service to the community. Livonia Lions Help Package Meal for “Livonia Cares”

130 volunteers from around Livonia including several members of the Livonia Lions Club packaged more than 10,000 meals to be distributed via the “Livonia Cares” food pantries to the hungry in and around Livonia.

Lions Al and Patti Blanchard, Jerry Pfeifer, Jeff Groth (and wife Marianne), Imad Alfarah, Matt and Kathleen Collins, Madonna Lion Dina Dubuis, Julie Burger and Charles and Stacy Foss were on hand to help scoop, bag, weigh, seal and package each meal. What a production!

The Volunteers were welcomed by LCSO FORUM President Matt Collins and concluded with the official signing of the LCSO FORUM Charter. Michael Burwell of the Kids Against Hunger Coalition provided some inspirational comments and then it was “LETS GET PACKING!

How long does it take for 130 volunteers to package 10,000+ meals? By my watch...about 40 minutes, less than the 80 minutes it took to set up and tear down the assembly lines,

Special Thanks to the FORUM and its entire member clubs (including the Livonia Lions), St. Ediths Church, the Kids Against Hunger Coalition, Joes Produce, Busch’s, the Looney Baker, and Biggby’s on Seven Mile.

A very special thanks to all of the volunteers that attended and those that donated money to help defray the costs of this Event.

Congratulations to the 2013-2014 recipients of the Lions Hearing Center/Greater Metro Detroit Lions Club Love-Peel Scholarship for Deaf/Hard of Hearing!

Marina Thelen RIT, Rochester NY Diane Bass Marygove College, Detroit MI Dylan Secord Madonna University, Livonia MI

Mighty Leos Race To VictoryCongratulations to Lion Garnet and her team of “Mighty Leos”. For the

second year in a row the Bedford Lions Club brings home the winner’s trophy

in the Sixth Annual 13 Monroe County Bed Race to Aid Children. They smashed the competition with a time of 40.9 seconds. Way to go team, you’ve made us all very proud.

Dearborn Heights 50 Year Anniversary This is a picture from Dearborn Heights Lions Club dinner celebrating

their 50th year Anniversary on Wednesday, December 4, 2014, at the Warren Valley Golf Club and Banquet Hall. The affair was well attended. The President, Lion Don Rivard did a wonderful job as the Master of Ceremony. PCC Jerry Hinton was the speaker and DG Evelyn Cooper installed the incoming 2013-2014 officers.

> district 11 A2

www.lionsdistrict11a2.org

DG John Kontos

Macomb • Oakland

District Editor: James Leach, Sr.855 Miller Rd., Lake Orion, Ml 48362 • lion1961@ymail.com

Upcoming EventsTroy Community Lions Club: Annual Entertainment Books Sale

Macomb Township LionessClub: Euchre Tournament

Royal Oak Lions Club: 39th Annual Century Club Raffle

Selfridge North Macomb Lions: Euchre Tournament

Governor Jim Appreciation DinnerAt the Appreciation Dinner for Governor Jim it turned out to be a fun

night, just like Governor Jim wanted to have. It also ended up with Governor Jim Pettinato giving out a lot of Melvin Jones Awards.

Richmond Lions Make Scare Crows The Richmond Lion Club was pleased to participate in the Chamber of

Commerce’s first annual Scare Crow Contest. Businesses, churches and service clubs used their creativity in decorating scare crows throughout town.

Ortonville Lions Raise The Flag The Ortonville Lions Club donated $2,000 to the Ortonville Cemetery to

house over 600 United States flags with are displayed on Memorial Day Weekend. The project has gone from 35 flags to over 600. The Ortonville Cemetery needs a new building to house the flags and this check will give a good start to the project which will cost about $5,000.

Clawson Lions Hand Out Awards Clawson Lion’s Club, Inc. President Bill Stevens presents, Kirk Bolton

the “Melvin Jones Award”. This award is the highest form of recognition and embodies humanitarian ideas consistent with the nature and purpose of Lionism. The recipients of this award are model Lions because of their exemplary service to their club and the community which it serves.

Lion Howie Airriess, the “John Noel Award”. This award is the Lions of Michigan Foundation’s most extinguished form of recognition, and is awarded to recognize an outstanding individual for his or her service to Lions and those in need. Lion Howie is a respected member of the community and has served many years as a Clawson Lion. Lion Howie is the first recipient of this award in the Clawson Lions Club’s history.

Lion, Dr. Robert Lee, and the “Ken E. Lautzenheiser Fellow Award”. Dr. Lee is recognized for his extraordinary efforts as a Clawson Lion’s Club member. Lion Bob’s knowledge and dedication are true assets to the Clawson Lions Club and Lionism.

Joe Schwab the “Leader Dogs for the Blind Founders Award” for his dedication and commitment as a Clawson Lion. Lion Joe is a corner stone in the community and the Clawson Lions Club. With his many years as a Clawson Lion, he is looked up to for guidance and is an example of what “Lionism” is about.

Lion Bob Blanchette the “Lion of the Year Achievement Award”. Lion Bob demonstrates his commitment to the club and community on a daily basis. As the club’s treasurer, you can be sure his finger(s) are on the pulse of our business. Lion Bob always does a great job and is a model Lion.

The “Goodfellows” Lion Bob Rapley was pleased with member participation again this year

with the selling of ads for the Goodfellow Newspaper. Club members were again given two weeks to sell ads to their ads and get updates from prior ads. This year’s club members contacted over 150 merchants and individuals wishing to support this worthwhile program. The program began in 1941 by the Richmond Lions and has continued through the years. 100% of the profit from ads and sales goes into the Goodfellow Account and is used to help those less fortunate in our community.

Troy Lions Peace Poster Contest The Troy Community Lions hosted the Lions Clubs International art

contest that encourages students ages 11-13 yrs. old to artistically express their visions of peace. The theme of the 2013 contest was “Our World, Our Future”. 160 poster entries were received. The artwork was judged based on originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the theme. District 11-A2 Governor John Kontos assisted with the awards.

> district 11B1

www.11b1lions.org

DG Barry Allen

Branch • Calhoun • Hillsdale • Jackson • Lenawee • Washtenaw

District Editor: Steve Britten19114th Street, Jackson, Ml 49203 • steve@protechcomputers.biz

Upcoming EventsInter-Lake Lions Club: Participated in a Candy Day fundraiser pulling in over $1300! They also conducted a road-side pickup project.

Ann Arbor Host Lions Club: Shipped 640 pairs of eyeglasses to El Salvador and supported Meals on Wheels.

Tecumseh Lions Club: Wrapped up their African Orphanage Barrel Project. They report collecting 1,215 pairs of glasses so far this year.

Homer Lions Clubs: Conducted roadside cleanup on M60 west of Homer and initiated their first Peace Poster Contest in the Homer Schools. They also sent a press release about the contest to the Homer Index.

Napoleon Leos: Raised $820 painting 82 fire hydrants in Brooklyn (this was also published in the Brooklyn Exponent).

Dexter Lions Hold Christmas Tree With A Heart Sale The Dexter Lions Club held their Christmas Tree with a Heart sale, which

raises money for local philanthropic causes with the sale of each tree. Christmas Tree with a Heart has been raising money to support programs such as Leader Dogs for the Blind, Relay for Life, Dexter Food Bank and Washtenaw Library for the Blind and Physically Disabled for more than 30 years. Volunteers from the Dexter Lions Club will run the sale, which will remain open until all Christmas Trees are sold.

Blissfield Lions Present The Constitution to 5th Graders The Blissfield Area Lions Club conducted their second year of giving

each Blissfield Elementary fifthgrade student a copy of the U.S. Constitution. The club thanked teacher Brenda Reinhard and Principal Michael Valasek for their coordination of Tuesday Morning’s presentation.

Manchester Lions Get In The Christmas Spirit Manchester Lion and District Governor for 11 B-1 Barry Allen introduces

his friend LEO to the kids at the Manchester Christmas Parade and meeting with Santa Claus. The Manchester Lions Club also worked with the Chamber of Commerce with hanging the Christmas garland and lights on the Manchester bridge and also helped bag sand for the 400 Christmas Eve Luminaria.

North Jackson Lions Club

The North Jackson Lions organized an annual Daffodil planting with members of other clubs and the Daffodil Society. The planting was held on Saturday, October 5th at Ella Sharp Park. Last year they planted over 2,000 bulbs in 20 minutes. Did they beat their record? The Club also held their Candy Days fundraiser, with a new club record $743 raised.

Dexter Lions Club The Dexter Lions were busy chartering the new Dexter Cedars Lions Club,

but also helped out at the high school football game, and made several donations to various organizations. They report that 42 Dexter High School students turned out for the first Dexter Leos Club meeting of the year!

Jackson Host Lions Club The Jackson Host Lions had a busy month. They kicked off their holiday fruit, nuts & candy fundraiser, assisted with Blind Club transportation and supervision, donated over $1100 for 14 individual’s eye exams and glasses, held a Golf Outing at Hankerd Hills and collected an estimated 300 pairs of eyeglasses from 28 collection sites!

Vandercook Lions Club The Vandercook Lake Lions netted over $550 at their monthly Pancake

Breakfast and conducted annual preparation of dozens of utility-pole Christmas ornaments to be hung throughout the community in November and December.

> district 11B2

www.e-district.org/sites/11b2

DG Betsy Farrell

Berrien • Cass • Kalamazoo • St. Joseph • Van Buren

District Editor: Donna Romanak31177 County Rd 681, Bangor, Ml 49013 liondonnaromanak@comcast.net

Dining Blind With the Richland/Gull Lake Lions Lions and non-Lions alike experienced first-hand a glimpse into the

world of a visually impaired person as they literally dined in the dark on Friday, 11-01. Thanks to the Richland / Gull Lake Area Lions, dinner guests discovered a new appreciation for the gift of sight as they donned blindfolds before the salad course of a delicious meal prepared by the staff of the Gull Lake Country Club. The dinner, which included a silent auction, also served as a fundraiser for the club’s many service activities. Guest speaker Howard Community Lion Linda McLane and her canine companion Leader Dog Disney were guests of honor at the event. Lion Linda moved the audience as she shared her personal experiences with blindness and her life after acquiring a Leader Dog.

B2 Lions Have A Visionary Drive A visionary vision effort came a bit short, but the invisioners still

see success. District 11-B2 Lions hoped to reach the 500,000 mark in total eyeglasses donated over 22 annual drives, the latest concluding Saturday, 11-02. The tally reached just over 495,000, including the 24,024 pairs brought to the event. First place went to the Portage Lions Club, while the St. Joseph Township Lions Club was second. The Kalamazoo Westside Lions Club came in third, while the “Cub” award went to the Coloma Lions Club. Also on hand were prospective members of the proposed Buchanan High School Leo Club, who loaded the van that took the eyeglasses to Grand Rapids for processing.

Paw Paw Lion Begins Leader Dog Application Process Paw Paw Lion Herb Grassow has successfully filled out the initial

paperwork in order to make application for a leader dog. Lion Herb is legally blind and needs significant assistance to move about safely. Herb is a regular attendee at club meetings, and the opportunity to help him in obtaining a leader dog is in the true character of what the Paw Paw club promotes for members and the community at large. Paw Paw Lions look forward to the time Lion Herb comes to a meeting with his new Leader Dog!

South Haven Black River Lions Club The South Haven Black River Lions club obtained a grant from LCI to help

build a maternal child health clinic in Africa. There is an elementary school and a sewing center in the same location as the clinic. Lion Marty Gruber spends several months every year working on this project in Africa. We serve!

Coloma Lions Club Coloma Lions cooked and served over 800 hot dogs at the City of Coloma

Halloween Parade.

Kal Haven Lions Club The Kal Haven Lions Club recently held their 7th annual shotgun raffle.

This year’s winner was Hartford Lion Scott Sinclair, who also won the black powder gun in the 2010 raffle.

> district 11C1

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DG Doug Schneider

Allegan • Barry • Ionia • Kent • Muskegon • Ottawa

District Editor: Sue Ferris

Upcoming Events

Casnovia/Kent Lions Club: Will host a Breakfast Buffet in December. Proceeds will benefit The Old School in Casnovia.

Rockford Lions Club: 60th Anniversary Celebration will be held mid to late April 2014. Sparta and Casnovia/ Kent City Lions Club will also be celebrating 60 years as a club. A combined anniversary celebration is being reviewed – watch for upcoming details!

BOOK YOUR GOVERNOR VISIT! Please contact Governor Doug or Vice District Governor Dianna Wehby to have one or both visit your club. Governor Doug Schneider can be reached at dschneider@gssolutions. com while VDG Wehby may be contacted at dianewmsn@ ameritech.net.

Thank You: To the Dorr, Sparta, Fruitport, Allendale, Ravena, Hastings, Muskegon, Lyons-Muir, Grandville, Rockford and Marne Lions Clubs. These eleven clubs reached into their pockets to assure our world of listeners that their daily papers, favorite magazines and programs like “Old Time Radio” will continue to be available to them twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Fruitport High School Seniors Honor The LionsThe senior class at Fruitport High School honored the community service

Fruitport Lions do by decorating their homecoming float around Old Fashion Days which is an event developed and facilitated by the Fruitport Club and supported also by the Lionesses. The float portrayed the carnival complete with a Ferris wheel, fireworks display, the parade with an old car and plaque as well as acknowledging our sight and hearing fund with a wooded display used when Lions take donation in the fall. One of the students also wore a Lions club vest. Fruitport Lions are striving to bring in younger members and were proud to see this display of gratitude

Grand Rapids Lions Have Their Sights Set The Grand Rapids Lions have been working with students from Calvin

College to prepare eyeglasses for a trip students will take to Tijuana, Mexico during their interim session. Glasses will need to be shipped mid- November. Eyeglasses have also been processed for the next Lions of Michigan Vision Mission trip which will be made to Veracruz, Mexico from February 15 to 22nd next year. The goal of the team is to see 650 patients a day during the four day clinic. There are still plenty of pallets of eyeglasses to process for future trips at the recycling center.

Coopersville Lions Small But Committed Although there may only be four club members in Coopersville, all four

were out canvassing for White Cane in October. Lions Fred Kromer, Jeffrey Johnson, and Roland Metcalf worked the main intersection in Coopersville while Lion Bruce Cumberworth collected at the local Family Fare. What an inspiration of spirit and commitment!

Grandville/Jenison Serve Up Funds Grandville/Jenison Lions joined forces with Culvers staff to serve

together. Lions Club members become celebrity or community servers for a

shift on a specific day with 10% of the proceeds returned to the club for the time served. Having a particular day slated enables clubs to advertise in advance to help boost sales that day. Pizza Hut, Applebee’s and Big Boy Restaurants will also partner with volunteer organizations to help raise funds through food service.

Lyons Muir Lions Club Stays Busy October is always busy for Lyons Muir Lions. Along with regular club

meetings, the monthly community Roast Beef and Pork Fundraiser and Projects Night, the Club also organizes a Fall Holiday Bazaar for area arts and crafters. They also enjoy planning and hosting a Community Wide Halloween Party featuring games and prizes, food and drink, a take home bag of candy for 200 kids and for the second year, a spook house and costume contest. Seen here are the cutest costume winners from the three and under crowd.

Rockford Lions Club The Rockford Club hosted speaker Suzy Khoury from the State Department

of the Attorney General’s office. She gave a presentation on phone and mail scams; of being aware of charitable scams, how to report a scam and how to reduce unwanted phone calls or junk mail. It was a topic everyone could take something from considering the amount of junk mail, solicitation and spam most everyone receives.

Dorr Township Lions Club This past October, 50 leaders and parents of the Dorr Scouts helped the

Dorr Township Lions bag Halloween Candy for the Lions annual Halloween Candy Sale. When the candy packing was finished, Scouts, leaders, parents and Lions were treated to an all you can eat hot dog “thank-you”dinner.

Prospective Member Meeting Success For Grand Haven Host Lions The Grand Haven Host Lions Club held a prospective member meeting on

October 21 at the Snug Harbor Restaurant in Grand Haven. Three club members, Lions Don and Vera Armstrong along with Lion Bill Swano sponsored the evening which included hors d’oeuvres and wine. The stipulation for club members to attend was that they bring a prospective member to the meeting. There were roughly 12 club members in attendance, 17 prospective members, making this a very successful event.

> district 11C2

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DG David Boes

Clinton • Eaton • Gratiot • Ingham • Livingston • Shiawassee

District Editor: Noreen Boes2065 Woven Heart, Holt Ml 48842 davnorheart@yahoo.com

Upcoming Events

St. Louis/Alma Lions Club: Began planning for annual State of Michigan/DNR free Fishing Derby in June.

Lansing Delta Lions Club: Is preparing for their 16th annual Family Festival at Sharp Park held in June ;in conjunction with the Delta Lioness

Grand Ledge Lions Club: Continue to help with Support our Soldiers “S.O.S.” for soldiers in Afghanistan and Blessings in a Backpack for Grand Ledge students.

Dewitt Lions Club: Texas Hold-em Basketball 50/50 Dec 5 Regular meeting - BRING can goods for Community Christmas Baskets Candy Cane Sales DeWitt city Christmas fest & parade Deliver Christmas baskets

Silver Bells In The City The Lansing Host Lions Club participated in the “Silver Bells” Parade

with the “Lions Air Force”. “Silver Bells” attracts about 100,000 people to Downtown Lansing every year. Events include electric light parade, the lighting of the state tree and free fireworks.

Bretton Woods Lions Receive Community Award President Phil Scozzafave accepted the Community Organization of the

Year Award for the Bretton Woods Lions Club. This group has donated a Jaws of Life to the fire department, picnic tables to Sharp Park and scholarships to Waverly High School seniors. They also volunteer many hours to Meals on Wheels and local blood drives.

Maple Valley Lion Andy Gage - 50 Years Of ServiceMaple Valley Lions Club of Maple Rapids, Middleton, Perrinton & Pompeii

areas recognized Lion Andy Gage of Middleton for over 50 years of service to Lions Clubs. Andy transferred from the Pewamo Club in 1974 and in 1980 became our Treasurer until 2010. He was presented with a plaque for his 30 years as the local club treasurer.

Holt Lions Host 2nd Annual ‘Halloween In The Park’ Over 1,000 children and adults were estimated in attendance at the

recent Halloween-in-the-Park sponsored by the Holt Lions Club. Eighteen Civic, Government and local businesses participated with displays and treats for the kiddies. Any leftover candy was donated to the Holt Community Food Bank.

> district 11D1

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DG Jake Dasho

Bay • Genesee • Saginaw • Tuscola

District Editor: Shari Johnson8334 Rich Rd., Mayville, Ml 48744 sharijoh@tds.net

Bay City Lions Distribute Food On October 17, 2013 the Bay City Lions Club partnered with The Salvation

Army and agreed to fund and distribute food to Bay County residents. They started at 8:00 am and finished by 11:00 am distributing food to 245 families and 743 individuals. Food was distributed to help many families, and information was shared about the Lions Club’s Sight and Hearing board, underprivileged Christmas party and many other programs that the Bay City Lions run throughout the year. WSGW Radio and TV 5 were there covering the event, and they did a great job reporting about the Bay City Lions and their programs. There were 11 volunteers from the club who gave back to their community.

Congratulations District 11 D-1! District 11 D-1 was a recipient of the “Partners against Poverty” award.

This recognizes the District for all it’s done in regards to food packaging and distribution in Saginaw County. Saginaw West Lions started this endeavor as a club project, and it was so successful that over the past six years, we have added the assistance of many other Lions clubs in Saginaw County. Without the assistance of these clubs (Chesaning, St. Charles, Zilwaukee, Carrollton, Buena Vista, Saginaw Downtown and Saginaw West), we could not package and distribute the amount of food that we do. This project started six years ago with 600 bags packaged. This year, we will be packaging and distributing 2,300 boxes of food to the less fortunate in Saginaw County. Tom Hardt accepted the award for our District.

Fenton Lions Peace Poster Winners Jack Haynes, a 7th grade student at A.G. Schmidt Middle School, Meredith

Good, a 7th grade student at Lake Fenton Middle School, and Bryce Murray, a 7th grade student at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, have taken the first steps to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning local competitions sponsored by the Fenton Lions Club. Haynes’, Good’s, and Murray’s posters were among more than 140 entries at the three schools and among more than 375,000 entries that will be submitted worldwide in the 26th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. The winning posters were selected by Fenton Lions Club members based on originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme, “Our World, Our Future.” The judging was held on November 13th at Fenton United Methodist Church. Locally, Haynes, Good, and Murray and their parents will be honored for their participation by the Fenton Lions Club at a dinner meeting. In addition, the winners received Target gift cards.

Fenton Lions Club Raffle ThousandsThe Fenton Lions Club hosted a money raffle on October 24th. Over

$10,000 in prizes were given away, with over 60 local business sponsors helping out with the prize money, including The Laundry, Tuffy, Auto Lab, and Mancino’s, to name a few. We want to thank all of the Lions who helped with this project to make it a success, especially Les Bland. We also want

to thank the VFW ladies for serving a wonderful steak dinner, complete with mashed potatoes, green beans and cheesecake for dessert. It was a great evening (and we sold all of our 175 tickets!).

Chesaning Lions Club The Chesaning Lions Club picked up a total of 9 trash bags during their

road pickup community service on September 27th.

Saginaw West Lions Club On Friday, October 11th, Lions from Saginaw West, Carrollton, Zilwaukee

and 2nd Vice Governor Leo Dolehanty marched in the Carrollton Homecoming Parade. The 2 miles were walked by the 2nd Vice Governor Leo, Zone 1 Chair Tom Hardt and Carrollton Club Secretary Craig Douglas and Joan Douglas.

> district 11D2

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DG Wesley Wagester

Huron • Lapeer • Sanilac • St. Clair

District Editor: Bruce Bronson10898 Smiths Creek Rd., Riley, Ml 48041 bebronson@frontier.com

Upcoming EventsMarine City Lions Club: Will celebrate 75 years of Service on November 16, 2013

Algonac Lions Club: Held their 58th annual Shrimp Dinner

Lexington Lions Club: Bingo every Friday

Algonac Spooks It Up For Fun For the past five years the Algonac Lions have sponsored a Halloween

fest at the Algonac State Park. At the suggestion of the local community the Lions decided to sponsor an activity that would be safer for the children than crossing the streets. This activity makes it a more secure environment for the children to have fun and do some trick or treating. This year was so well received that the Lions needed the police to direct traffic. Every year the Lions dress up and take the children on rides around the park on their River Queen float. This year the Lioness also had their yacht at the park for the kids to climb on. The community response has been great and every year it is getting larger.

Almont Lions Sponsor Kids Spooky Time Bash The Downtown Development Authority asked the Almont Lions take over and

host the annual Spooky Time Bash event. This has been going on for several years and the DDA did not have enough resources to continue with this

program. Nancy Boxey, director of the DDA approached the Lions and asked if they would take the lead on this. The Almont Lions clubs started last year with their sponsorship, there were a lot of nuances to work through setting it up. The Lions Clubs pulled together with the community and made it happen. This year there was a lot more community participation Lions committee chairman Lori Smith had several meetings with the business leaders and fellow lions to make this event a huge success. This is the theme of what Lionism is about. Bringing the community together, Lori and fellow Lions did just that. The turn-out was good, in spite of the rainy weather. The American Legion and Paradise Lounge put together a haunted house at the Legion hall; this was made available for the children to go through. The Almont High School band and dance team were there to perform and help out. Mandy J Florist and Charley Brown restaurant did the decorating and served the refreshments. Matt Henry from Camp Skyline in Almont organized and supervised games for the kids to participate in. There were hay-rides for the kids. Lion Pat Ohlert and HOPE Leos supervised this. K-9 Clips put on an animal costume contest, with prizes from Family Farm and Home store. All the children were treated with hot dogs, chips, cookies, and hot chocolate, along with their candy. The Lions will continue to do this so the children can have fun and be safe at the same time.

> district 11 E1

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DG Tim Anderson

Benzie • Clare • Grand Traverse • Isabella • Lake • Leelanau • Manistee • Mason • Mecosta • Midland • Missaukee • Montcalm • Newaygo • Oceana • Osceola • Wexford

District Editor: Deb Kreitner514 W. High St., Greenville, MI 48838 debkreitner@charter.net Upcoming EventsGreenville Lions Club: Recently served over 300 spaghetti dinners at their September fundraiser. This great event raises funds for community projects.

Honor Lions Club: A successful Hillbilly Breakfast was held during the Benzie Fall Festival, and the Rifle Raffle is currently underway.

Congratulations District 11E1: Recently during the USA/ Canada Forum held in Overland Park Kansas, the district was recognized and honored for exceeding the 1st quarter Membership Goals in just the first 2 months of the year. Only 108 Districts in the entire country achieved this goal.

2009-2010 Council of Governors Third Reunion The reunion started out Friday at the Lodge in Irons, Michigan. PDG

Wayne & Debbie Kreitner arrived first and tried to get settled. Then the Governors started arriving in the afternoon; we spent quite a while visiting with each other as everyone starting arriving, then everyone chose

their rooms and settled in; there were 11 total bedrooms and 7 bathrooms. We all agreed that it was the perfect place to hold the reunion. Friday night the PDG’s cooked burgers and hot dogs, and the wives got everything else ready, we had plenty of food. It was great to see everyone and spend time catching up on what has been going on with all of us. Saturday morning, breakfast was in progress by time everyone was up; it was a beautiful fall day and we spent time out on the deck and some went for walks. The lodge overlooks the Little Manistee River, it is a beautiful setting. Then it was time for lunch, after which some watched football games, some of us played games, all had a good time. Then it was time for dinner, more food and again plenty of it. We just enjoyed visiting with everyone all weekend; a great time was had by all the PDG’s and spouses from 2009-2010. It was just like time had stood still and we were back together again. We all had a great time when they were Governors and it really showed because this is our third reunion.

Baldwin Lions Increase Membership Members of the Lake County Sheriffs’ department enjoyed handing out

candy at the community party! Two members of the department were so impressed with the service given back to the community by the Baldwin Lions, they asked to join the club, including a spouse. That was an increase of 3 new members by including prospective members to help on the service project! PDG Lynnwood and Lion Jan Mast lent a hand to help with the games.

70 Years of Service In Traverse City! The Traverse City Lions Club celebrates 70 years of service to the

Traverse City Metropolitan Area in December. This service includes 30 consecutive years of involvement with the Northwestern Michigan College annual Barbecue. The club completed its 5th annual successful raffle with the proceeds going to provide glasses and/or hearing aid financial assistance for those who could otherwise not afford them.

Big Rapids Lions Distribute Dictionaries Distributed over 200 dictionaries to all third graders in the Big Rapids

Public Schools, St. Mary’s elementary, St. Peter’s elementary, Big Jackson School and the Crossroads Charter Academy. It’s always fun to see the reactions and hear the comments from third graders about the work that Lions do locally and around the world.

Cadillac Lions Sponsor Community Service Expo In November the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored a Community

Service Expo bringing Service Groups and Non-Profit Organizations together in one location the Mackinaw Trail Middle School. Allowing the people of the area the chance to stop in talk with us and learn firsthand what we are all about. The Cadillac Lions had a booth manned and ready to share what we do and how others can join to make a difference in our community. This is also a GREAT chance for other agencies and organizations to make contacts and see how we can help each other. Besides the Lions the Cadillac Lions shared information on our projects like the Michigan Eye Bank and Leader Dog as well as Bear Lake their information was available and shared as

well. The “Did You Know” literature telling how and where the Lions help was a big hit! Best of all the Lions were seen and heard not to mention a few membership applications were passed out.

Coleman Lions Leo Club Is Thankful The Coleman Lions S.T.A.R. Leo Club members served Thanksgiving dinner

on November 21st to around 150 people at the Coleman Senior Center. Six Leos and their advisor Lion Amy Doherty brightened the day for staff and guests alike. After serving the salad, pumpkin pie and finally the turkey dinner, the Leos then cleared and washed tables. The Leos plan to return to the Senior Center to serve Christmas dinner and play games with attendees in a few weeks.

“Smile Boxes” ... Care of Big Rapids Lions Club This year Big Rapids Lions are beginning a new project called “Smile

Boxes”, under the direction of Lion Mary Clark. Smile Boxes are plastic storage boxes filled with activity things for children who are coming in to local shelters. There will be boxes filled with activities for (1) babies up to 2 years old, (2) 3 to 5 year olds and (3) 6 to 10 years old. These boxes will be given to the children to keep. We will add new boxes for the shelters as the need arises.

Greenville Lions Represent At The Greenville Area Expo The Greenville Lions participated in the Greenville Area Expo in

November at the Greenville High School. There were 94 booths, with all kinds of area businesses. We handed out information relating to the Greenville Lions and listed all the projects that we do during the year. Also during the Expo, we did Sight screening for children and adults, Lion Bill Koch from the White Cloud Lions took care of the screening for us, with assistance from Greenville Lions. We had our Leo’s helping find parents with children so that they could be eyes could be screened. We even had a local eye doctor bring her son in to see what the screening actually does and she was very impressed with the program. We had four people that were interested in joining our club and so far PDG Wayne has brought in one new member. We are looking forward to doing the Greenville Community Expo again next year.

Donations Bring iPads To Patients Greenville Lions Club,Hunt For A Cure donate combined $8,000 to Spectrum Health United Cancer Center

Chemotherapy is a long, grueling and dreaded process for countless patients who give every ounce of strength in their body to stay on the road to recovery while battling against the deadly disease of cancer. But thanks to two local organizations who came together with donations for the Spectrum Health United Cancer Center, a little bit of comfort will be available in the form of iPads that will now be available for patients during their chemotherapy sessions. The Greenville Lions Club and Hunt For a Cure organization each presented the Spectrum United Health Cancer Center with $4,000 in donations, totaling $8,000. The money from those donations has been used to purchase eight iPads, along with a TV, to create a more relaxed and comfortable environment for cancer patients. “We want to

personally thank each and every one of you for making the iPads and TV possible for our patients and families here at the cancer center,” said Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospital Foundation Director Shelly Westbrook on Wednesday morning. “They will make a huge difference.” Westbrook said patients at the cancer center range in age from 18 to people in their mid-eighties, with many coming from outside of the Greenville area. “This is a very busy place that offers wonderful hope and healing,” she said. “During chemotherapy sessions it can take upward of seven hours to receive chemotherapy. As you can imagine, sitting here for seven hours isn’t always a walk in the park.” According to Westbrook, the iPads will allow patients to watch movies and television shows on Netflix, play various games, use social media and browse the internet during chemotherapy sessions. “It will provide so much distraction, comfort and entertainment for our patients.” she said. Jeremy Bainbridge, the director of respiratory and oncology services at Spectrum Health United and Kelsey hospitals, said the cancer center has a goal to make treatment sessions “as relaxing and easy” on the patients as possible, adding that putting an iPad in the hands of patients will hopefully provide some comfort during the lengthy treatment sessions. “I think it’s wonderful to see the community coming together to support such a great cause,” he said. “Everyone in our community knows someone who has been affected by this disease and unfortunately it’s not going away. Chemotherapy is not a fun time, treatment is tough, so to be able to give our patients something to take their mind off of the situation, give them some comfort, it’s just a great thing.” Cancer patient John Edmonds of Sheridan, who was at the hospital for his treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia over a period of five years, was very grateful to see the addition of the iPads to the cancer center. “My treatments won’t stop, I have to take them until the day I die, about every six weeks,” he said. “But this place is just a miracle.” Hunt For A Cure Chairwoman Trish Haist said the organization was given a wish list from the hospital and was able to raise enough funds to cover everything on the list. “Anything that we could afford, we would do,” Haist said. “It’s really exciting that we’ve been able to help give patients here something to do to occupy their time.” Along with donating the iPads, the Hunt For A Cure organization paid for the Netflix subscriptions as well as security on the iPads. “We’re hoping to continue to grow in the future, get the community more involved and donate even more,” Haist said. Wayne Kreitner of the Greenville Lions Club said it was a unanimous decision by the club to provide funds to the hospital for the iPads. “We heard what the patients needed over here and that’s what it’s about, giving them what they need,” Kreitner said. “This club is just gung-ho, everybody was on board.”

> district 11E2

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DG Gus Malmberg

Alcona • Alpena • Antrim • Arenac • Charlevoix • Cheboygan • Crawford • Emmet • Gladwin • Iosco • Kalkaska • Montmorency • Ogemaw • Oscoda • Otsego • Presque Isle • Roscommon

District Editor:Mitch Smith20933 Palmateer Rd,Hillman, Ml 49746 mitchs048@hughes.net

Upcoming EventsBoyne Valley Lions Club: Provided a concession stand at their local High School Football games on Friday night.

Cheboygan Lions Club: Continue to support their local community, by funding a local youth hockey team, paid for 3 eye exams in the last month.

East Jordan Lions Club: Participated in the Fall Adopta- highway roadside pickup.

Hale Lions Club: Busy collecting glasses from the area recycle boxes. This month over 300 pair of glasses were sent for recycling.

An “Evening of Giving” In Rose City Rose City Lions hosted an “Evening of Giving” November 12, 2013 for the

Rose City area non-profit organizations. The evening began with refreshments and dessert for all. Then each organization was presented a Certificate of Appreciation for all the work they do with their activities that supports the Rose City area. The Rose City Lions presented each representative with a monetary award to support the endeavors of each organization. Present were representatives from Boy Scouts-Girl Scouts-Cub Scouts. Also Emergency Assistance Program-Leader Dog for the Blind--Rose City Historical Society--Area 4 Special Olympics-- Rose City/Lupton Summer Ball League--Ogemaw District Library--Paws with a Cause- -Knights of Columbus #8948 for the food truck-- Michigan Eye Bank--Hospice of Helping Hands-- Lions of Michigan Foundation and the River House Shelter. During the evening each guest shared highlights of how their organization helps the community. When the evening was complete Rose City Lions awarded over $5000 to the organizations to help in their activities. Rose City Lions also prepared over 25 Thanksgiving food baskets to share with community

50 Years Of Service In Oscoda! The Oscoda Lions celebrated their 50th Charter Anniversary on October

12th as PID Dennis Cobler talked about the impact their club has had within their community. DG Gus Malmberg was also on hand speaking about the importance of having such a great club in our district.

44th Annual Halloween Party In Houghton Lake The Houghton Lake Lions hosted their 44th annual Halloween Party at

Bobcat Stadium. Several local organizations also volunteered to help with over 1,850 people attending the event. In addition to fire trucks, candy and games, there is a bicycle raffle. Pictured above are Lion President Marc Milburn, Secretary Fred Chidester, and Treasurer Sandy Egbers with

Jozlyn Ciaramitaro and Christopher Edwards, winners of Huffy bikes donated by Walmart.