PELC Community Charities The Boys & Girls Club of Collin County provides more than 7,000 area children and teenagers with a safe place to learn and grow in the vulnerable hours between school and home. They are the only option in Collin County for many children seeking to have fun and participate in developmental programs in an affordable, safe and nurturing environment. There are a variety of program activities and support services designed to assist in the educational, emotional, physical and social development of 6 to 18-year-olds, without regard to social, racial, ethnic or religious background. Surrounded by an environment that promotes respect and fun, the young people of Collin County are given a valuable opportunity to become independent, productive and influential individuals in the community. The mission of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. To provide a safe and positive place for children in the vital after school hours with diverse activities that meet the interest of all youth. To engage young people in activities with adults, peers and family members enabling them to develop self-esteem and to reach their full potential. Based on physical, emotional, cultural and social needs and interest of girls and boys, and recognizing developmental principles, the club offers program activities in five core areas;

Character & Leadership Development Education & Career Development

The ARTS Health & Life Skills

Sports, Fitness & Recreation For more information or if you would like to

volunteer your time contact our local Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County Plano Branch (Youth & Teen Center) Director, Karen Johnson Douglas Community Center 1111 Avenue H Plano, Texas 75074 972-424-6301

Donations

At our meeting on March 2nd we made a donation to two of our local charities. On the left receiving our donation to our local Boys and Girls Club - Douglas Branch is Director Kweku Akan and on the right representing Strengthening Families of North Texas, Board member Dustin Kolb. Each of these

gentlemen took the time to tell about their organizations and how they are effective in the community. We learn that these organizations that we associate ourselves with serve our community in ways that we can't. Over the next few months, at our meetings, we will continue to highlight to our membership how we can affect both the community, state and world.

"Your time is limited, so don't waste your time living someone else's life." Steve Jobs

PELC Paw Prints April 2013

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Chevron Award Well it finally happened. Our DG Lion Ken Gleason caught up with our own Lion Howard Hawkins and presented him with the Lions Chevron Award for 10 continuous years service in Lionism. It's been great to have Lion Howard "SERVE". But that's not the end

of the story. This award is for the second time around. The first time was from 1977 to 1990, during which time he was a member of the Skyline Evening Lions Club in Syracuse, NY, a Kokomo, Indiana Lions Club, a club in south Ft. Worth and the Garland Evening Lions Club. He held every office up to and including Zone Chair during that time. Once he got all that experience he joined us in 2003. Now we know the real story.

A Thought from LCI

April is Leo Club Awareness Month at LCI. Sponsoring a Leo club can bring new energy to our Lions club and can increase our club's community exposure by attracting new audiences, such as young professionals and parents. Since April is Leo Club Awareness Month, it would be the perfect time to consider sponsoring a Leo club that will provide

members with camaraderie and growth through participation in community service projects, social functions and leadership development activities. Through Leo clubs, we would have a positive influence on today's youth and young adults – helping them become better citizens and leaders for life. We have close ties to Collin College Lions Club already. Maybe we should consider expanding our efforts and develop with them a branch club or a Leo Club. Let one of your club officers know if you are interested. What a great way to involve young professionals in our efforts "TO SERVE".

Can You Believe This?

"Be Aware: Scam Alert" . During recent months, there have been a number of phone and email scams involving Lions. One member bought into an email scam and lost $2,700. Another received a check from Lions that looked legitimate, including correct routing numbers. Because she wasn't expecting money, she called the Lions Help Desk and discovered it was a scam. The perpetrators are also posing as members and contacting other members to make donations via phone. Unfortunately, if you lose money in a scam, there is no legal recourse and no way to recover the money. If you want to donate to LCIF, you can do so through your local club or by going to http://lcif.org/donate. If you suspect a scam, or if you're unsure, please contact helpdesk@lionsclubs.org or call 1-630-468-6800. For tips on how to protect yourself from scams, visit the Lions Blog.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Children's Magic Festival

If you didn't make it you missed a great night of children's entertainment. Several of our Lions showed up to greet the neighborhood children and their parents. Many thanks to those of you who "SERVED".

LCI Webinars - Netcasts Webinars and Netcasts are virtual training vehicles where participants use the Internet to connect with other group members and with the instructors. Participants view a PowerPoint presentation and polling questions on their computer. They listen to the instructors either via their computer speakers or headset. The participants may use the phone or a computer headset with microphone to interact in the discussions and respond to questions. Go to your LCI website and open member center, leadership development, then development programs and find Webinars and Netcasts to sign up for one of these informative and helpful seminars. Below are the current topics scheduled on the LCI web site for your consideration. It helps to be informed and prepared when "WE SERVE".

Netcasts 4/30 Women and Family Development

5/22 Inviting and Involving New Members

6/8 - Lions 2-X1 University On Saturday June 8th at the Collin College at 2800 East Spring Creek Parkway, Plano TX, the Global Leadership Team is preparing for an outstanding day of training through the 2013 version of the Lions University. This will be a day of learning and a day of understanding of the changes that are happening in our district and Lions Clubs International. This is for all members of our clubs in District 2-X1. Classes are geared for every member to be prepared to be an outstanding member of their Club. We want you to be prepared to have the best club in the District and state for the year 2013-2014. The tuition costs for fees, books and information for attending Lions 2-X1 University covers a day which includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and a great time of having fun with your fellow Lions while learning and planning to "SERVE". So keep this date open for a day of learning what the Lions are all about. Further information and schedules of classes will be distributed as it becomes available.

5/10 - 11 District 2X-1 Convention

Mark your calendars. Let's get out and support our own DG Lion Ken Gleason at his last convention as District Governor. Join your

fellow Lions at the Wyndham Park Central, 7800 Alpha Road Dallas, Texas for fun and fellowship on Friday the 10th of May at a scrumptious buffet dinner followed by an evening at the Casino Night. Participate in the voting and election of our future leaders on Saturday. Vote for your District Governor, VDG's and Directors for district and state charities. See exhibits of district charities and club projects. Finally join your fellow Lions on Saturday night for the "Grass Roots Lions Banquet" where the election results and who received the prestigious awards will be announced. So sign up today. Contact our club secretary Lion Cyndie Bunker to register. Remember Lions have fun too.

Spring Gala

Join the Dallas Filipino Lions Club in a unique celebration of spring. Feel the rhythm, feel the beat and dance to help DFLC's "Sight for Kids" project. The fun begins on Saturday April 27, 2013 at 6:30 PM in the Omni Dallas Hotel Park West Ballroom, 1590 LBJ Freeway, Dallas TX . Dinner, entertainment and an auction is included in your $55.00 per person ticket. Dancing is free and optional. RSVP Daly Garcia - 469-569-3213, Gloria Mathur - 972-896-9953 or Vilma Rice - 972-775-0765

Dallas Ace Lions Club Charter Night

Come join in the celebration of our newest club. Dallas Ace Lions Club is having its charter night on Saturday, April 6th, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM in the Fun Asia Auditorium on 1210 E Belt Line Rd. Richardson, TX. Tickets are $20.00 for a great time of 2-X1 Lion fellowship and food.

Coming Up

Mark your calendars. The MD-2 Lions State Convention convenes in Austin Texas on May 30th thru June 1st, 2013. This years location will be at the Hilton Austin Airport Hotel, 9515 Hotel Drive Austin TX. For more information and registration form see the districts "Lions Link" newsletter or go to http://gotexaslions.org/ the official MD-2 convention website.

"There is after all, a kind of happiness in unhappiness, if it's the right unhappiness." Jonathan Franzen

THINGS TO DO

Don't Forget Recycle used eyeglasses and cases with Lion Tom Richardson - 214-830-8127 Visit our website at :

http://planolions.org/ District 2-X1:

http://www.lions2-x1.org/

PELC Programs for 2012 -2013 Below is a list of programs that we are supporting for 2012 - 2013. Take note and put on your work boots and sign up. Remember it's time "TO SERVE."

ALERT Special Award April 8th MARK YOUR CALENDARS and plan to attend a special Plano City Council presentation where our Plano Early Lions Club will receive special recognition, from Mayor Phil Dyer and the City of Plano, for PELC’s 35 years of community service in Plano. DATE: Monday, April 8, 2013 PLACE: Plano City Hall-Senator Florence Shapiro Council Chamber, 1520 Avenue K, Plano Texas. TIME: Arrive and be seated with the group in “reserve” seating by 6:30p- 6:45p. Note that at 7:00pm the Plano City Council meeting begins. Our presentation will be at the beginning of the meeting. ATTIRE: Wear your Lions Club vest or your Lions Club polo shirt for the presentation. There will be photos and video taping. RSVP: Lion T.J. Johnson or any of your club officers that you will be attending. We need a count for the reserve seating. The presentation will be very brief so that if you come late you may miss it. The City asks that we are present and ready when called on, without delay. All Lions present are asked to please be seated with the group in “reserve” seating or on the lower rows of Council Chambers so that you can quickly come down to the front of the “horseshoe” when called to be a part of the special presentation.

Special Invitation We have dedicated our meeting on May 4th as a day to invite our friends and neighbors to see what we are doing here at Plano Early Lions Club and introduce them to Lionism.

During our solicitation for our Magic Show we received several requests for more information about Lionism. Your officers are in the process of inviting those potential Lions to our meeting for breakfast and an introduction about PELC and LCI. So, get into the spirit. Invite someone who needs to know more about us. The more the merrier as they say.

BIRTHDAYS

Happy birthday to a group of great Lions. We are sure glad you're still around for the celebration. We won't mention ages but we can be assured that they are all young at heart.

4/8 Danny Fletcher 4/13 Verna Welch

4/15 Gary Williams 4/17 T. J. Johnson 4/28 Richard Blain

APRIL HOLIDAYS 4/1 April Fools Day

4/8 Holocaust Remembrance Day

4/22 Earth Day

4/24 Administrative Professional Day

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED