Issue 2
August, 2015 Governors Newsletter Fellow District 1A Lions: I bring you greetings from our International President Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada from Giru City,
Japan. His theme for his leadership year is Dignity, Harmony and Humanity. Let me briefly expand on these three words from his theme Dignity: Let us strive to serve the needs of other but always remember to respect the dignity of those we serve Harmony: Always remember that serving other is not just an act of kindness; it is a means to build understanding and harmony. Humanity: As we show empathy to all those suffering in our communities let us extend this empathy to all who are suffering throughout the world. President Yamada is proud and at the same time humbled to be the president of our association which is a global leader in offering humanitarian services. And his greatest hope is that the service you give to others will bring you fulfillment, great joy and peace. The international convention for 2015 is in the history books and we are moving forward with the 2015-2016 leadership year in our District. I
have received my expense budget from LCI for the year. And I received all the guidance, documentation and literature that I need to tap into. Just in case I need to refresh my memory on a Lions topic. So it's time to crank it up and get started. As you know, the 2015 International Convention was just recently held in Hawaii. It was indeed a great event that will go down as one of the conventions that changed the representation of our association. After nearly two years of deliberation, the Committee on Board Representation proposed to the International Board of Directors that two resolutions to amend the International Constitution and By-Laws be presented to membership which would 1) Reallocate the number of International Directors to be elected from the Constitutional Areas (CAs), and 2) Reinstate the office of Third Vice President. After much discussion and study, the International Board of Directors unanimously approved, to reallocate three director seats (out of 34) to reflect recent changes in area membership totals. The board also unanimously supported reinstating the office of Third Vice President to provide more opportunities for Lions members to be an
Executive Officer and to promote long-term continuity and direction.
• Promote the upcoming Centennial 2017 convention.
Both of these resolutions were proposed and passed at the convention.
I want to remind clubs to think about their future. To envision where their club will be 5 to 10 years from now and what will you do to further the mission of the Lions motto "We Serve". The strength of our association, district and clubs are fundamentally based on a vision of service which in turn attracts members and breathes life and sustains a club well into the future. There are tools available that can help it identify needs in the community and to build a stronger club. Use them to help draw a Blueprint for the future. The club needs to visualize their future and execute that vision to the best of their ability. The road is not easy. But the journey getting there is fulfilling.
The changes affect the number of International Directors that are allocated to the constitutional areas. And over a three-year period of phase-in, one (1) international director seat would be added to the Constitutional Area V - OSEAL, and two (2) international director seats would be added to Constitutional Area VI - ISAAME, reallocating 3 seats from Constitutional Area I - USA and Affiliates, Bahamas & Bermuda . The two Constitutional Areas – OSEAL and ISAAME – that are recommended for receiving the re-allocated seats have shown consistent growth since June 2007 (year of the last Board Representation study) and September 2014. These Constitutional Areas have a combined membership growth total of 143,695 since the end of 2006-2007. This net growth over the last decade equals 10.4% of the association’s overall membership. It is only fair that this distribution of International Directors be changed to accommodate this reallocation of member ship in the world. The change may not be very visible to the regular Lion. But it is happening and I wanted to share that with you. Getting closer to home I just want to touch briefly on some my goals for the upcoming year. I feel they are pertinent and achievable. And will continue the movement forward in the growth of our membership and leadership within the district. And share with you some thoughts for the upcoming year. • Increase membership by 100 new members in 2015-2016. Ask 1 •
Reduce drop members by 50%. Keep 1.
• Add 2 new clubs into communities not serviced by Lions
I hope that your year will be a most successful, fulfilling and gratifying one. And may God bless all of the Lions of District 1A. -Ralph Zarada, Governor, District 1A.
Editorial: Governor Ralph laid his realistic goals for forthcoming lionistic year. One month already flew away and we have eleven more months to go to fulfill his goals in our Mother District of Lionism, District 1A. As I always say that there is nothing impossible if we work as a team to reach our goals. With the help of current PDG’s in our district and strong foot soldiers – RC’s and ZC’s. As a Community Contributor for Chicago Tribune Daily Newspaper, I have started publishing various news items with photographs. This is a free tool I have to publicize Lionism in District 1A and all over the US as this newspaper is one of the leading news magazines in the US.
LIP recruitment. Identify candidates
If you hold a fundraiser, project or any item of your club, please send me the news with group/action photograph to publish the same on Chicago Tribune. My e-mail address is: govaustin@gmail.com.
• Involve VDGs in the lines of communication and the operation of the district.
Also, if you have pictures of your event, send me them too so that I can place them on District 1A
• Continue to use the MY forum and LOU for leadership development and training •
facebook page so that entire world can look at our activities and cherish memories. Again, as a editor of MD1 Lions State Magazine, I can place news with pictures on state magazine too. Your club will have free publicity on media. Now what are you waiting for? Send me the news with photographs with high resolution so that they look better to the eyes of our readers.
The GLT team remains focused on providing leadership tools for any individual wanting to further the purpose of our great organization.
-PDG Austin D’Souza, Editor
Global Leadership Team corner By Janice Wiggins District 1A GLT Coordinator The Global Leadership Team got a jump-start on the 2015-2016 year by hosting the Incoming Officers Summit Saturday, May 30th. Club Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, Directors, and Tail Twisters were given the tools and knowledge to help them succeed in the year ahead. A special thank you to all presenters and facilitators, especially Lions Georg and Judy Toft. Without their hard work and unwavering dedication, the event wouldn’t have been nearly as successful. Also, thank you to Lion Mike Smigielski for his help with the Willow Springs School. The Region and Zone Chair Orientation was also held on May 30th. After a review of the roles and responsibilities, Governor Ralph Zarada presented his goals and expectations for the upcoming year. In true Roundtable fashion, there was a great deal of interaction and discussion among those present. The team will reconvene in August to set the agenda for the year, determine the dates for Roundtable discussions, and lay the foundation for the Mid-year Leadership Forum. One of Governor Ralph’s goals is to re-establish the LIP program. As a committee we will do everything we can to ensure this goal is met and are looking to all of you to help nominate potential candidates. We are actively seeking candidates for the 20152016 class. If you’re interested in learning more, or being a part of the class, reach out to Governor Ralph or Janice Wiggins.
July 8, 2015 This is my final report as World Service Day Chairperson concerning Leader Dog Kennel Campaign. It is my great pleasure to have served in this capacity. It was truly a labor of love. Thanks to IPDG Terry D’Souza for asking me. Twenty six Lions Clubs, one Region, and Nineteen individual Lions have contributed a total of $11,000. This was no small feat. I again Thank all of you. Give yourself’s a “ Pat on the Back”. Upon completion of the project, District 1A will be named at the new “Surgical and Recovery Suites”. I have made the suggestion to have this in Braille as well as regular text. Hopefully this will be possible, I don’t know if that will happen. Oh, do you remember I challenged the north and south side clubs to see which could have bragging rights? Well, it was a draw. So, when you see each other around Lions activities greet each other with “Bow Wow and Ruff Ruff”. You are all winners! Even though this particular project is complete, please keep Leader Dog front and center in your minds. Keep our District 1A in the top contributors. Please give generously in the coming years. The money is needed for them to continue to raise and train future Leader Dogs to serve their blind and visually impaired owners. Respectfully Submitted, Lion Sandy Hoffmann, World Service Chairperson 2014-15
District 1-A Leadership Initiative Program Developing the leaders of District 1-A The LIP program has an impressive list of graduates who are active leaders in the District. 2009-2010 Yohance Chisum (Englewood) Chris Coleman (Burbank) Tina Gaddy (Oak Park-River Forest) Vic Genge (Willow Springs) Joe Lopez (Stickney-Forest View) Leilanie Magana (Fil-USA) Sharon Morey (Mt. Greenwood) Dan Morris (Windy City)
2012-2013 Darlene Hrankaj (Montclare-Elmwood Park) Candace Marx (Jefferson Park)
Ray Saylor (River Grove) Ron Schammert (River Grove) Janice Wiggins (Cook County) Sue Zarada (River Grove
2010-2011 Joe Corna (Montclare-Elmwood Park) John Gawel (Burbank) Diane Hansen (Montclare-Elmwood Park) Joe Palazzolo (Oak Lawn) Gilbert Parent (Willow Springs) Ralph Zarada (River Grove)
Are you ready to LEAD? Contact Governor Ralph Zarada or Lion Janice Wiggins if you are interested in joining the class. The LIP program is led by instructors Lion Jan Barber and Lion Frank Kirar, and sponsored by the GLT.
CANDY DAY JAMBOREE WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2nd, 2015 THE WILLOWBROOK BALLROOM, 8900 ARCHER, WILLOW SPRINGS, IL
COCKTAIL & PHOTOS: 5:30 PM DINNER SERVED: 7:00PM This year’s program will be a tutorial from Lions and Guests who have successfully participated in Candy day planning, including underwriting, street corner and store front collections. We wish to REVIVE the excitement and vigor of Candy Day in District 1-A. Please be prepared to join in and express your tips on this important fundraiser for the Foundation and our Lions Clubs. If you have any issues or questions with this process please call and I will do my best to help you, Lion Frank Kirar, LIF Trustee
Pre-Ordered Candy Will Be Available For Pickup At The Jamboree Please use the order forms that were sent to your club from the Foundation. Copies of your order will be sent to us (District 1-A Trustees) by the Foundation. We have the same candy as last year. The candy is a small packet of sweet-tart like product. The packets are nicely marked and should be effective in our fundraising efforts. Each case has 300 packets in it (not the 600 as the past roll candy had). Each case is
Please mail dinner Reservation forms to: Lion Frank Kirar, 5129 Oak Center Dr. Oak Lawn, IL. 60453 Questions? Call: Lion Frank Kirar at 708-636-2165 Or Lion Dr. Richard Rucoba at 708-474-7435
2015 Candy Day Jamboree Reservation Reservations are needed before August 22nd,2015 Cost is $22 per person or table of ten $200.00. NO Dinner tickets sold at jamboree $40. Remember that you are getting less in a case. Ordering more might be wise. However, order what you will realistically use.
Club Name:______________________Contact Person:___________________Phone:______________ PrePPP Number of Reservations:________________ Total Enclosed: $_________________
DISTRICT 1-A TRUSTEES 2015 PRESENTATION FARRAGUT AVENUE FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS – LIONS CLUB MEMBERS ARE ON THE PROWL LOOKING FOR USED GLASSES AND GENTLY USED BOOKS! DON’T’ THROW AWAY SOMEONE’S CHANCE FOR A CLEARER TOMORROW!
Glasses That May not be Hip or Modern
Fancy or Fashionable!
Glasses That May no Longer Fit Your Prescription or Style!
25% OF THE WORLD POPULATION WOULD SEE BETTER IF THEY HAD A PAIR OF GLASSES! COMPLETE PAIRS OF CHILDREN'S AND ADULT'S PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES AND SUNGLASSES ARE NEEDED, AS WELL AS NONPRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES
Lions Clubs International will celebrate its 100th anniversary here in Chicago in 2017 and is COMPLETE OF CHILDREN'S AND ADULT'S PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSESmen AND SUNGLASSES AREmembers NEEDED, ASin the worlds’PAIRS largest service organization with over 1,400,000 and women WELL AS countries NONPRESCRIPTION SUNGLASSES over 210 around the globe. If you, your friends or family have glasses to donate, please contact or bring them to Lions Georg or Judy Toft 7731 West Farragut Avenue 773-763-0662 or jetoft@comcast.net THERE WILL BE AN EYE GLASS COLLECTION BOX ON THE FRONT STEPS
Help Your Local Lions Clubs in Their Fight to Save Sight!
LIONS ALSO ON THE PROWL FOR “GENTLY USED BOOKS” – SEE
NEXT PAGE OF THIS FLYER
“DISTRICT 1 A LIONS – CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE – ENGAGING OUR YOUTH BOOK COLLECTION” TARGET NUMBER OF GENTLY USED OR NEW BOOKS
“5000” BE A PART OF THE FARRAGUT AVENUE FAMILIES BOOK COLLECTION TEAM “HOW MANY BOOKS CAN DISTRICT 1-A LIONS, FRIENDS, FAMILY AND NEIGHBORS COLLECT TOGETHER AS A TEAM IN 2015-2016 TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAL CHILDREN WHO HAVE NO BOOKS?” NATIONAL STATISTICS SHOW THAT THE AVERAGE MIDDLE INCOME CHILD HAS 30 BOOKS. IN LOW INCOME NEIGHBORHOODS, THERE IS ONE BOOK ON AVERAGE FOR 300 KIDS.
THIS BOOK COLLECTION FOR IS FOR AGES “0 MONTHS THROUGH 8TH GRADE”
If you, your friends or family have new or gently used books to donate, please contact or bring them to Lions Georg or Judy Toft 7731 West Farragut Avenue This is your chance to be a part of Farragut Avenue Families 773-763-0662 or jetoft@comcast.net joining together as a group to help people see better and kids to learn the enjoyment of reading a book!
2017 MD-1 Host Committee Robert Block, PDG, Chairman Harold Burket, Jr., PDG, Vice-Chairman, Dan O’Reilly, PID, Advisor, Darlene Hrankaj, Secretary, Mike Smigielski, PDG, Treasurer, Steve Anton, PDG, Committee Staff Director, Tom Drez & Amy Toft, Web Masters
As Lions Clubs International is planning to celebrate their 100th Anniversary Celebration, the Lions of MD1, Illinois is planning to host the party. We are in the process of preparing to host the Lions of the World as they arrive in Chicago to be part of this Centennial Celebration. We are looking forward to demonstrate our Midwest welcome and hospitality to all convention attendees and their families. Plan to come and celebrate this milestone in our Association’s History. Chicago has a lot to offer in the areas of site seeing, various food experiences, recreational areas and plenty of shopping opportunities. With Chicago being the Birth Place of Lions, this will be a great time to step back into the History of our Association. There will be a number of sites that you can visit during your convention experience. Along with the traditional activities of the International Convention, Chicago will offer you an opportunity to walk up the steps of the Chicago Art Museum where the photo of Melvin Jones and the founding members had their picture taken with the Lion. There will be time for you to be able to visit the grave site of Melvin Jones on the west side of Chicago. And, an opportunity to visit our international headquarters in Oak Brook, Illinois for a tour of the facility along with viewing more of the historical items that are on display throughout the building. The Centennial Convention is June 30 - July 4, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The main venue will be Chicago McCormick Place. The different delegation hotels are scheduled to be located along the “Magnificent Mile” - Michigan Avenue. The International Parade will be Saturday, July 1, 2017.
So, COME, CELEBRATE in CHICAGO - 2017
Visit us at: www.lions2017chicago.org
The report is then given to the child’s parent who should have the child tested and the report will give the doctor a starting point of reference.
Volunteer Organization Involved in Charitable Expressions of Service. In the words of a song by Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young, it’s been a long time coming. Yes, we are alive and well and have chosen as our first project the purchase of four (4) Plusoptix Screeners. This camera device will allow us to test the eyesight of children between the ages of 6 months and six years of age. The camera is a tremendous asset to us to help us catch at such an early age possible sight problems. The child does not have to peer into the device; as a matter of fact the device comes in NO contact at all with the child. They only have to remain relatively still for a few seconds. The camera finds the eye target, snaps the “picture” and sends the results to a printer which will tell the operator what defects have been determined and whether the child needs to see an eye doctor.
A child of 6 months or 2 or 3 years of age, doesn’t even realize that they might have an eye problem. They don’t know that their vision might be blurred or that they may have a lazy eye or that they are near or far sighted or that they may even have a bigger unseen problem. This device will help to ascertain that there are issues that need to be addressed. V.O.I.C.E.S., the Charitable Arm of District 1-A, has received a matching grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation in the amount of $15,000.00. At this point in time we have raised through donations $11,000.00. We have until October 15, 2015 to raise the remaining $4,000.00 and we are very confident in achieving our goal. At that time, the committee will purchase the four (4) units at a cost of $7,500.00 per unit. The units will be kept by the V.O.I.C.E.S. committee and will then be made available to each and every club in District 1-A to be used to screen the children in your area, perhaps during a health fair that your club may be hosting. We are planning on rolling
Toronto with the announcement of our Centennial Service Challenge. The service challenge is an ambitious call to action for Lions around the world to serve 100 million people from now until June 30th, 2018.
out the program and begin testing children prior to January 1, 2016. It has taken awhile for the committee to take on this first challenge but it will be worth all of the time and effort that it took to get here. If your club is interested in having a member of the V.O.I.C.E.S. committee come and visit your club and explain the program in detail, please contact me and I can make that arrangement for you. If you or your club would like to make a donation to V.O.I.C.E.S., please send that donation written out to V.O.I.C.E.S. to me. V.O.I.C.E.S is a 501(c)(3) organization. Thank you for your service, CC Steve Anton, President, V.O.I.C.E.S 17324 Highwood Drive Orland Park, Illinois 60467 santonlions@comcast.net Dear Lions, Welcome to Lions100 – a website devoted to all things related to our Lions Clubs International Centennial celebration. It will be your main source of up-to-date information throughout the 3½ year celebration. I'm Past International President Frank Moore, and I'm honored to serve as the Centennial celebration chairperson. We officially launched our Centennial celebration July 8th, 2014 at our International Convention in
Our centennial celebration will focus on three main points: 1. 2. 3.
Honoring Our Past Highlighting Our Present Planning For Our Future We have a vibrant past, built around our founder Melvin Jones' famous quote, "You can't get very far until you start doing something for somebody else." It was upon that principle that our motto "We Serve" emerged. And the rest, as they say, is history. Our organization has grown from humble beginnings and continued to grow and evolve to meet the needs of communities around the world. Today, we are the world's largest service club organization, perhaps even surpassing the vision of our founder. With Melvin Jones' vision in mind, our Centennial celebration slogan is "Where There's a Need, There's a Lion." This is as true today as it was in 1917. The Centennial celebration is designed to engage every Lions member, every Lions club, in every country and geographic area. This site will continue to expand as elements of our Centennial plan begin to unfold. This is our time to ROAR! Get ready to celebrate!! Sincerely, J. Frank Moore, III See more at: http://lions100.lionsclubs.org/EN/about/index.php #sthash.RYKDnrh3.dpuf -----------------------------------------------------------District 1A Governor’s Monthly Newsletter. Edited and Published by PDG Austin D’Souza for District 1A Lions. E-mail: govaustin@gmail.com