1A Governor’s Newsletter
April2025
District1ADGBrendaStevens:
What a lovely convention District 1A had!
Lions & Leos of District 1A:
I felt so proud of District 1A last weekend, I couldn’t find enough words to explain my joy and happiness. Our theme for the convention - Disney in District 1A attracted record number of Lions, Leos and Guests – a total of 468 attended the convention in recent years. Thank you, thank you all
from the bottom of my heart. We had a blast! Our International Guest ID Marrie Cunning was stunned to see our celebration of Lionismin District1A. At this time, I would like to thank our Convention Chairman PCC Steve Anton and his committee members for hosting this lovely convention so efficiently.
The best part of the convention was Saturday Banquet which consisted of a dazzling fashion show by Filipino Lions of District 1A. They all made me very proud! Ourhospitalityroomsweresuperb. Each one of lions, leos and guests enjoyed the variety of drinks, food and dancing. It was like a Disney World festivity in District 1A. Another best part of the convention was Saturday night’s induction of new members ceremony. We showed the International Guest our part to reach WorldLions goal of reaching 1.5 million members.
So far 23 clubs have qualified for the club excellence award!
We still have 3 months to go, and I challenge the rest of our clubs to take part in this honor from International. So far, net growth in total membership is +60. We are #1inMD1and4th inConstitutional Area 1. Keep up your good work District 1A Lions. Let us continue this trend of celebration and growth for future conventions to make our District 1A proud. Our International guest ID Marrie was wonderful! She mixed with all lions, leos and guests as if she was one of the members of our own district. Her message at the Saturday night Banquet touched our hearts.
-District1AGovernor.
Obituary
PDG David J. Hansen, long-time resident of Elmwood Park, passed away, March 19th at the age of 88. BelovedhusbandofthelateDiane; loving father of Rev. Dawn (Ken) Roucka, Erik (Kelly), Jim (Colleen) andBrian Zalewski; proud grandpa ofsix;cherishedpartnerofMarlene Chaney.
PDG David was a proud United StatesArmyVeteranandlivedalife of service, passion, and purpose. A Past District 1A Governor (PDG) of Lions Clubs International, he dedicated countless hours to helping others and improving his community. His commitment to service was rooted in his strong faith as a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, and his pride in his country was evident in both his
military service and his deep appreciation for American history. Even from a young age, PDG David’s kind and respectful nature stood out he was the recipient of the “Most Courteous Award” in high school, a title he carried proudly and lived up to throughout his life.
A certified pilot, PDG David, found joy in the skiesjust as he did in the great outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, a history buff especially of wartime events and an enthusiast of firearms. Whether sharingagoodstory,castingaline, or enjoying his favorite cocktail, the classic Manhattan, David brought passion and authenticity to everything he did.
Memorial Visitation was held on Sunday, March 30th at The Elms Funeral Home 7600 W. Grand Ave. (turn north at 76th Ave.) Elmwood
Park from 12:00 p.m. until the Service was held at 5 p.m. A private Interment will take place in the future at St. Joseph Cemetery, River Grove, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Lions Clubs International District 1-A _V.O.I.C.E.S would be appreciated. For information, The Elms Funeral Home at 708-4531234 or www.elmsfh.com
GreetingsLions!
Convention Committee,
Simply, THANK YOU! As we are now in the postconventionmode,Iwanttotakethetimetoexpressmy thanksforyoureffortsinworkingforandsupporting,with your expertise, time and financially, a convention to remember.Nomatterwhatpartyouplayedintheevent,it playedamajorroleinitssuccess.Thewonderfulpartofall ofthisisthefewglitchesthatwehadwerehandledquietly, quicklyandefficientlybyyouandthemembersofyour team.Allofusworkedhardfortheconvention,andtothink thatitwasalldonebytheDistrict1-ALionVolunteers. Iamsurethatyouwillagreewithmethatthestaffofthe WestinChicagoNorthwestHotelwasamajorpartofour successthisyearandIamlookingforwardtoworkingagain withtheminthecomingyear.So,thisisthenextstep,Iam lookingforwardtoworkingwithyouagainthiscomingyear. Wewillkeepintouch.
PCC Steve Anton, Convention Chairman, District 1-A
March 1,2025
MEMBERSHIP
GROWTH 2024-2025
We are top growth in MD-1 and 4th in CA-1. Our growth comes from thirty clubs who strengthen their clubs by adding members and two new chartered clubs.
The easiest way to gain members is to have your club visible and provide service to those in need. Visibility will help your prospective member make an easy choice in accepting your invitation to join your club.
Governor Brenda is asking that each club do their best in adding members to your club this year. She would be honored to be sending in your applications for the club excellence award at the end of your successful year.
One of the items needed is a plus two in membership. We have twentythree clubs that have that item checked off. They just need to keep their members satisfied. A happy Lion never leaves a club…
The following clubs meet the membership requirement to receive the club excellenceaward:ChicagoFilUSA,ChicagoEnglewood,ChicagoNurses for Diabetes, Chicago Jose Rizal, Chicago Global, Chicago Filipino American, Forest Kala-Sampath, Franklin Park Manila, Chicago Asian American, Chicago Philippine, Chicago, Diverse Intergenerational, Bellwood, Riverside Township, Chicago Windy City, LaGrange Highlands, Berwyn Centennial, Oak Lawn, Argo Summit, Palos, Bridgeview, Chicago Ridge, Glenwood, Chicago Healthcare Alliance.
CongratulationstoAll!
What’s next, make sure youmaintainyourmembershipthrough the endof the year, check that you donated at least $10 for every member your club must LCIF, i.e.: 20 members you should donate at least $200 for the Lion year. Held at least 3 service projects and report them on the portal, your club is in good standing, you report your club officers, key officers who attended the training and lastly you reported your service on any type of media.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your District Leadership for help finishing your requirements. Your club has worked hard to achieve this award,thendothelittleyouhavetocompletethetasksyouneed;youhave three months.
MemberSatisfaction
Here are a few tips that will help you get started in defining member satisfaction in your club:
• Ask your members! Members feel involved when you ask for their opinions. Ask your members: Why is the club here? Do our activities demonstrate this? If a non-Lion looked at one year of our events, what would they think is essential to our club? o You can use the Member Questionnaire at the back of this guide to facilitate this conversation and modify it to fit your needs.
• Assess why your members have left in the past. While there are some common themes worldwide, it will help if you contact former members to learn why they left. Along with the New Member Questionnaire in this guide, there is a Former Member Questionnaire that you can modify to fit
your needs. o Consider devoting time during a club meeting or holding a special meeting to discuss member satisfaction.
• Carefully consider whether your club’s stated objectives, goals and missionstatementreflectwhatyourcurrentmemberswantyourclubtobe.
Ifyouwouldlikesomeonefromourteamtocomeouttoyourclubandtalk on any of these subjects, please reach out and we can arrange a program for you.
NewClub Development &ClubRebuilding
Congratulations to the Chicago Diverse Intergenerational Lions Club, District 1-A’s newest chartered club. Watch the Charter Party announcement.
As always, please contact our team if you have a group or area that you believe would continue to move the District forward in positive membership growth and more service to the areas underserved.
PID Dan O’Reilly, LCIF District Coordinator April 1,2025
GovernorBrendareceiveda goal fromLCIFof $54,045.00.This is basedon membership at the beginning of the year. We are sitting at just over $33,508, which is 62.00% of our goal. Let’s give a little bit more to LCIF to
help our Governor reach her assigned goal. If each club donates $300 before the end of the year, we will make it.
LCIF helps our clubs do greater service. Support your Foundation and your Foundation will be there when you need help with a project. You might need an Emergency Disaster Grant, a Standard Grant, or a grant related to our Global Causes.
Nowisthetimetoplanyourend-of-the-yeardonationstoLCIF.Remember recognitionisrunningforaboutfourtosixweekstohaveyourMelvinJones received to present at club installation and awards.
Use this QR Code to donate Today
Contact PID Dan for your pin today…
SOME DISTRICT 1A CONVENTION PICTURES:
Hurricane Helene is currently impacting the southeastern coastline of the United States, particularly affecting Florida. Many homes have been damaged and numerous families are displaced. In the face of this humanitarian crisis, we, as Lions, are prepared to step in and help. Your generous donation to LCIF enables us to continue our vital work in these challenging times. Please consider donating to our Disaster Relief Fund: bit.ly/3XFfxrP #LCIFLions
When the Desplaines River flooded our community, the Village of Forest View back in 2013. LCIF was there for us,
