The Illinois Lion & Leo. MD1 Monthly e-Magazine for the Month of January 2024.

MD1 e-Magazine (Lite) Vol. 11 - Issue 7, January 1, 2024

1 The Illinois Lion & Leo

“We Serve" Council Chair Lori J. Chassee: Happy New Year Lions!

I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday and that we are all ready to get back to work!

January 1 marks the start of our second half of hte Lions Year. I have said it before and I will say it again, now is the time to look at your goals as a district, club or Lion member and take stock of where we are.

Your leadership teams are "kicking it into high gear" getting ready for the Governor Elect and Vice District governor training followed almost immediately by their International training in St. Charles. I am certain that they will return with their hearts ablaze with Lionism ready to take on the challenges of finishing out this year and getting in position for what comes next!

I know that many of the districts will be hosting conventions in the upcoming months, but don't forget to put the state convention on your schedule. PDG Lydia Ellis has great plans in the works and we should all look forward to a great time in Springfield, May 17-19. The convention is the time to celebrate all that we have accomplished, learn some things, and most importantly have a great deal of fun!

Additional opportunities include the upcoming International Convention in Melbourne, Australia. Always on my bucket list, I hope to be able to attend and certainly hope to see many MD-1 Lions there too. There are some really interesting tour options available because who wants to only stay 4 or 5 days?

Last, but never least, I want to mention the USA-Canada Forum.

This is being held in Louisville Kentucky this year and if flying to Australia is not within your doing, a

2 The Illinois Lion & Leo

short drive to Kentucky really gives you bang for your buck. The Forum is full of great learning sessions and always includes plenty of time to socialize and meet Lions from around North America and beyond.

Lions International offers us all so much, it would be a shame to miss out. All of these opportunities help to re-energize the Lions spirit in all

of us and provide new tools to get the job done.

Let's never forget that our job is service and you all do so much already, I thank you again from the bottom of my heart!

Lion Lori J. Chassee Council Chair MD 1 c: 630-740-5670

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------From the Desk of our GLT…

Happy New Year Lions and welcome to the second half of this Lion’s year.

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and a needed little break.

Time to get back to work.

As we make our way through the month of January, now is the time to begin thinking about filling out club officer roles for the next Lions year.

Changing officers and allowing for

those to step up that want to help keep our clubs healthy and fresh. In looking through our health assessments we can see that we have several clubs with repeating presidents and vacancies in important roles within our clubs that would keep them viable and relevant within our communities.

Changing officers brings new ideas, new ways of thinking and working all to better serve our communities and beyond. Make sure that all officers are elected within your clubs and posted to MyLCI no later than May 15th. Make sure that all your officers have working emails so that they can get the necessary information from Lions

3 The Illinois Lion & Leo

International to better help them to understand their roles and responsibilities and to better serve the Lions of our clubs.

The spring will soon be upon us and that means convention season for most of the conventions in our MD. Now is the time to make sure that you have candidates to fill all the positions that need to be elected by the delegates of your district.

Vacancies make everyone’s job harder. If you are looking to step into a leadership role within your district, please reach out to your district Global Leadership Team coordinator to help get you headed in the right direction.

Our First Vice District Governors/District Governor Elects are diligently working on filling their teams for the upcoming Lions year.

Many roles are available to serve at the district level. Please reach out if you are interested in serving at that level. There are several positions within our District cabinets that must be filled each year to help with achieving the goals of the district.

These leaders are also responsible for helping identify future leaders to continue to serve the Lions of our Districts from years to come. Those positions are: District Governor, 1st Vice Governor, 2nd Vice Governor (all elected by your delegates), cabinet secretary, cabinet treasurer, or someone holding the combined titles, Global Action Team (GLT, GMT, GST, GET), and Zone and Region Chairs if Region Chairs are used in your district Reach out to your District GLT for help to get these positions filled and the train headed in the right direction when it leaves the station on July 1.

In closing I wish you all the very best in this second half of the 2023-2024 Lions year and if you need any assistance, please feel free to reach out to me.

Happy New Year to all!!

PCC Darren Van Duyn MD-1 Global Leadership Coordinator PCC Darren Van Duyn MD-1 GLT

Team

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The Lion managed to get in the convertible with barely enough room for Lion Driver Jim Left to right walking – Bart Smith, Ken Jansma, and Bob Countryman.

--------------------------------------Morrison Lions participated in the Morrison Christmas Parade.

Picture - Left to right – The Lion (Jim Blakemore), Lion Driver Jim Winslow, Bart Smith, Ken Jansma, and Bob Countryman.

At the Bridgeview Health Fair, PCC Terry Knollenberg with LIF’s latest Technology

Instrument,

retinal

imaging device.

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Per Lion Jim Blakemore “ the Lion head could not move an inch – 5 The Illinois Lion & Leo

sponsored by Lion Ed Campbell.

Foundation Trustee Lion Gary Kreutzberg stood in for Lion Ed. ---------------------------------------

however, I could turn my head inside the Lion head.” That big Lion’s head takes up lots of space.

--------------------------------------District 1G Peace Poster Winner.

--------------------------------------

New Highland Lions were inducted

by Governor Leroy. Members were Steve Zakizewski sponsored by Lion Jan Kreutzberg and Paul West

Gillespie chili cookoff Gillespie

6 The Illinois Lion & Leo

Lions Club staged their second annual chili cook off on Saturday, November 18th. The cook off had

young boy with a check for third place.

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three (3) participants plus three (3) venders with various wares selling.

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Patty Truskowski (Pres.) handing a gentleman a check for second place.

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Patty Truskowski (Pres.) and a lady and man are the first-place winners of the cook off.

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Patty Truskowski (Pre.) handing a 7 The Illinois Lion & Leo

The Pittsfield LEOs participated in Pittsfield Fifth Annual Deer Santa a Living Windows Display during Festival.

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8 The Illinois Lion & Leo

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Highland Lion: Lion Steve Pocher Pittsfield Lions at the Fifth Annual Deer Santa Festival.

--------------------------------------The Highland LEOs adopted a family for Christmas through the Highland Area Christian Service Ministry. They enjoyed shopping.

presents a check to Governor Leroy and Foundation Trustee Gary Kreutzberg for Hearing impaired.

--------------------------------------Lion Biddy Essenpreis presnts a check on behalf of the Highland Lions to Governor Leroy for Low

9 The Illinois Lion & Leo

Vision.

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Lion Candy Kersh presents a check for Disaster Relief to Governor Leroy

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Lion Jan Kreutzberg and Foundation Trustee Gary Kreutzberg present a check to Governor Leroy for Leaderdog.

Lion James Hooten presents a check on behalf of the Highland Lions Club to Governor Leroy for 100% of Candy Day proceeds.

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presents for Christmas. Delivering gifts for his Angel to the distribution center in Christopher is Lion Jeff Troutt. Since the Angel Tree program began, several years ago in Christopher, Lion Troutt has been the Club’s liaison to the local Angel Tree program.

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Foundation

Trustee

Lion

Gary

Kreutzberg presents a check on behalf of the Highland Lions Club to Governor Leroy for Diabetes.

--------------------------------------Between fundraising efforts (thank you Carbondale) and the generosity of

our

club

members;

the

Carbondale Lions Club presented Patty Mullen, Executive Director of Good Samaritan Ministries, with a donation of $2,385! Club President Annually, members of the Christopher Lions Club participate in the local Angel Tree program. The program provides toys, clothing, and other items to local children who would not otherwise have

Gary Meredith is at the far right.

--------------------------------------The Athens Lions Club wants to thank you the community for the continued support for the Toys for Angels program.

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The collection day was held on Saturday December 2, 2023, at the intersection of Hargrave and Main Streets in Athens. The community donated approximately 20 toys and a total of $3577 in cash. The Lions are always amazed at the generosity of the Athens community. These donations will help to make sure that no child goes without toys for Christmas.

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Santa (aka Lion President Larry Baughman).

--------------------------------------Lions Terry Brown and Bill Meisner Also helping but not pictured were Lions Amy Baughman and Penny Ratliff.

Lions Destiny Riley and Al Keller.

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were Schlarman Academy south campus

and

Danville

Lutheran

School’s Trinity campus.

The Danville Lions Club presented Lopez-Angel with a $100 check and certificate. She also will receive $100 as winner at the district level.

After winning on the local level, her poster was submitted to the Lions District 1-M competition, where it was judged the best at a convention Santa with Lions Mary Freeman and Bill Armitage.

--------------------------------------DANVILLE -- A North Ridge Middle School student has won both the

local- and district-level Peace Poster Contest,

sponsored

by

the

International Lions Club. This year’s theme was “Dare to Dream.”

in Champaign. The district is made up of 52 clubs.

From there, it advanced to the state level, but did not place.

Lopez-Angel, a seventh grader, is a student in Josh Duffy’s art class at North Ridge. She used oil pastels, colored pencil, crayon and markers

Heidy Lopez-Angel, 12, won on the local level with her colorful artwork, featuring a peace sign, doves, flowers and puffy clouds. Other

to create her masterpiece.

“It’s very fun,” she said of creating art. “I do art as a hobby.”

schools competing on the local level 13 The Illinois Lion & Leo

Duffy complimented Lopez-Angel

Christmas

as an artist and student, saying,

Salvation Army ring bells and

“Heidy

serving chili in March. The club also

is

just

an

all-around

awesome person.”

baskets,

helping

the

makes annual donations to about 20 local organizations, including

She is the daughter of Inocensio

Boys & Girls Club, Leader Dogs for

Lopez and Rosa Angel of Danville.

the Blind, United Way of Danville Area, Peer Court and more.

For 40 years, International Lions Club has sponsored an annual

For information and membership

Peace Poster Contest for ages 11-13

contact: Danville Lions Club, P.O.

to draw their vision of peace. Each

Box 1396, Danville, IL 61834 or call

year there is a designated theme,

Bill Wallpe, past district governor, at

prescribed by International Lions.

474-9210.

Several

youth

You also may visit the Lions District

the

1-M website at www.district1m.org

schools

organizations

were

and given

chance to participate this year.

The contest is one way that Danville Lions serves young people in the community. The local club also conducts annual vision screening where children from as early as preschool age are screened for vision

and/or eyeglasses needs.

The local club engages in several activities,

including

delivering

Heidy Lopez-Angel, a student at North Ridge Middle School, displays her poster, which won first at local and district competitions sponsored

14 The Illinois Lion & Leo

by the International Lions Club. At

Ridge student Heidy Lopez-Angel,

left is art teacher Josh Duffy, and at

who

right is Principal Michael Gourley.

honoring her as winner of the local

is

holding

a

certificate

Peace Poster Contest. Her poster also took first place at the Lions’ district competition.

--------------------------------------The Athens Lions Club held the annual Toys for Angels and Angel Tree Distribution at the Athens High Heidy

Lopez-Angel

holds

her

winning peace poster with members

of the Danville Lions Club. From left to right are Jeanne Mulvaney, co-chair of the contest; president, Michael O’Brien; and Mary Wicoff, co-chair

of

the

peace

poster

contest.

School on Saturday December 16, 2023 from 10am to noon. This year 47 families, a total of 124 children, were served. The Angel Tree gifts are clothing and the Toys for Angels are the toys. The clothing and toy gifts were moved from the Alliance Community

Bank,

The

Athens

Library, and the Holy Family Church

to the Old High School gym by the Athens High School Girls Basketball team along with their coaches. The Lions couldn't do it without this help. Thank you, team and coaches.

Two blankets were made by the

Athens Cub Scout Pack 52. They president

were then donated to the event.

Michael O’Brien poses with North

One for a boy and one for a girl. A

Danville

Lions

Club

15 The Illinois Lion & Leo

drawing was held to determine the

Blankets made by Cub Scout Pack

winners. Thanks to the cub scouts

52.

and their leaders.

The Lion membership wants to acknowledge

the

outstanding

efforts of Lion Penny Ratliff who purchases

all

the

toys

and

coordinates all the activities for this

Athens Lions Jason Huffman, Bill

event.

Meisner,

The Lions again want to thank the

Hening-Buhr, Amy Baughman, Bill

community

Penny

Ratliff,

Mary

Freeman, Carolyn Connover, Holly for

supporting

the

Armitage, Larry Baughman.

needs of the community. The Lions do this in keeping with the motto: WE SERVE

Athens High School Basketball Team and Coaches Toys ready for distribution arranged by age.

Angel Tree clothing gifts 16 The Illinois Lion & Leo

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The Beecher Lions held their annual Pancake breakfast with Santa.

--------------------------------------The Bolingbrook Lions participated in the annual City of Bolingbrook Festival of Lights and Winter Walk. The Lions had a tree decorated for the walk.

The Bolingbrook Lions made a donation to the Knights of Columbus during the K of C Breakfast with Santa fundraiser.

--------------------------------------The Bonfield Lions held their annual Christmas party for their club members and friends.

17 The Illinois Lion & Leo

Many Lions from around the district joined in on this evening of holiday fellowship.

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items. And joining in on the fun was 2 nd VG Vincenzo Leone from 1-F. --------------------------------------The evening started with a great catered meal and then the fun began with the auctioning of the many ‘white elephant’ gifts donated by those attending. Lion Justin Jones helped President Dan with the auctioneering. All monies raised will go to serve the Bonfield area community.

--------------------------------------District Governor John Whalen went home with a couple of unique 18 The Illinois Lion & Leo

Cookies With Kringle is a Bonfield Lions annual winter service activity.

Parents and kids enjoy sweets and treats with Santa and the kids have a chance to win a bike!

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December Pancake Breakfast with lots of holiday fare.

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A large crowd turned out as usual enjoying a great breakfast, community fellowship, and a chance to win cash in the raffle.

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The

Bradley

Lions

held

their 19 The Illinois Lion & Leo

The cash prize winners were presented with their winnings by PDG Margaret Anderson.

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Bradley Lions President Ron Seiling and, 1st VP PDG Margaret Anderson went to various charities in the Bradly area to pass out their annual holiday club donations. Gift of God Street Church was presented to Linda Lou Regnier and Ken Lockwood.

Salvation Army was presented to Lieutenant LaToya Surratt. --------20 The Illinois Lion & Leo

And the bicycle winners are Ellie from Bonfield Camp; Gavin from Reddick.

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Child Network was presented to Laura Corbett. Center of Hope was presented to Stacy Flores.

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The Crest Hill Lion’s Club presented their Student of the Month Recipients for November 2023 (Chaney-Monge School) Lion Laurie Thrasher made the presentations.

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The Crest Hill Lions’ mascot teamed up with Santa for the annual Crest Hill Christmas parade.

--------------------------------------The Frankfort Lions were out in front of their local Jewel collecting for holiday

meals.

The

community

always shows up and makes it a success.

--------------------------------------The Frankfort Lions Club was busy the weekend prior to Thanksgiving 22 The Illinois Lion & Leo

delivering holiday meals to those in need.

purchase men’s and women’s body wash, deodorant, disposable razors, and 20 sets of twin bed sheets.

Pictured with Project Chair Lion Bobbi Honiotes is Stephanie Ambrose, Day Break Director.

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The Joliet Noon Lions Winter Service Project to benefit Day Break in Joliet was a huge success. A collection bin was placed at the Silver Spoon Restaurant where the Club meets each week. Patrons and members donated men’s, women’s, and kid’s shirts, underwear, gloves, caps, scarves, and socks. With the $$$ donated, the club was able to 23 The Illinois Lion & Leo

And on the weekend following Thanksgiving, the Frankfort Lions Club along with Caring Patriots loaded up the shopping carts and delivered food and needed items to Disabled Veterans in Frankfort.

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reading of the Christmas letter.

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The Joliet Noon Lions welcomed two of their ‘Students of the Month’ at their December meetings. Jack Moberg

from

Joliet

Catholic

Academy and Angela Avivor from Joliet Central. Student Co-chair Lion John

Simpson

introduced

the

students and read their bios.

--------------------------------------At the Joliet Noon Holiday Party, they held a reading of the annual letter from the ‘Right’ family.

Members stand in a circle and pass their gifts left or right based on the

The Lemont Lions Club helped their city decorate for the holiday by putting up holiday lights at the WWII memorial.

24 The Illinois Lion & Leo

--------------------------------------

Melvin Jones Fellow Award for his

dedication to the club and the community.

--------------------------------------The Lemont Lions inducted two new

members

their

December

monthly meeting. Member Gary

Henry sponsored Rod Merrick and Jack

Burns

was

sponsored

by

member Sean Burns. Thank you,

The

Lemont,

orientation night two times a year,

for

helping

LCI

with

Lemont

Club

holds

an

Mission 1.5.

to educate new and old members.

--------------------------------------

Attendees not only learn about the

At

meeting,

workings of the Lemont Club in their

Lemont Club President John Miller

own community, but they also learn

presented Lion Tim Garvey with the

on how the mission of Lionism

their

December

25 The Illinois Lion & Leo

covers the world. PDG Ken Novak

were finally done, they had 68

and 1 st VDG Tom Drez facilitated

baskets

the evening.

meaning those 68 families will have

---------------------------------------

a Merry Christmas thanks to the

to

pack

and

deliver

Marseilles Lions.

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Members of the Long Point Lions were out braving the cold and wet weather like the rest of the state for Candy Day. The Club shared this picture with Foundation Trustee

PDG Shelia Perkins during her visit

The Marseilles Lions’ Christmas Elves did their annual shopping for 105 children as part of

their

Christmas Basket Program.

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to their December meeting.

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The Mokena Lions participated in After all that shopping comes wrapping all the gifts. When they

their city’s ‘Festival of Lights’. The Mokena Lion Elves braved the cold

26 The Illinois Lion & Leo

night air to decorate their tree.

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The Mokena Lions Club met at

New Lenox Lions member PDG Dave Wheeler inducted their club’s newest member. Welcome to Lions International Linda Shorette! Zone Chair Marie Wheeler assisted. Thank you, New Lenox for helping LCI with Mission 1.5.

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Berkot & Co.’s Super Foods to deliver food baskets to Mokena families in need. The Club offers a huge thanks to Judy, Val, and Les from Berkot’s for all they do to make

this happen!

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The Plainfield Lions delivered $38,675.00 worth of food to182 families in the Plainfield area on one December Saturday. An excellent demonstration of their commitment to their community through this wonderful service project.

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The Mokena Lions do this 4 times a year. Since 2006, they have donated 1,048 baskets, benefiting 1,680 adults and 2,402 children.

--------------------------------------The Sheffield Lions have had a busy month. They delivered 208 pairs of glasses, 16 hearing aids, 122 ink cartridges, 83 pairs of sneakers, 27 The Illinois Lion & Leo

1.3 pounds of keys, and 3.6 pounds of tabs to the Foundation office.

Picture are PDG Ron Fruit, LIF Executive Director, along with Sheffield Lions, Sue Winger, John Winger, and Al Corwin.

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The Sheffield Lions Club held a visit with Santa and handed out candy. Some of the kids weren’t too sure about meeting Santa. The Sheffield Lions delivered poinsettias

to the ladies 80 years and older.

Also delivered were food certificates to the needy, and they participated in a Christmas lighting contest. Lion Al Corwin got his chance to tell Santa his Christmas wishes.

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Streator Hardscrabble Lion Dave Reed was the winner of Tail twister Kathy’s Santa drawing contest! Here’s how it works…. Lion Kathy gave all members a blank piece of paper and marker. Eyes had to be closed. She gave eight cues to draw a Santa scene. Points for correct location. Example: Draw Santa’s Sleigh in the middle of your paper. Add a tree to the left of the

28 The Illinois Lion & Leo

sleigh. Draw Santa in the sleigh. Add ornaments to the tree. Add some snow flakes. Draw presents in the sleigh. Draw bells on the sleigh. Put a moon in the sky. All with your eyes closed! A bit of holiday fun.

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healing Quilts of Valor. The foundation awards quality, handmade quilts that are machine or hand quilted to service members or veterans who have been touched by war.

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Retired Streator teacher and quilter Pam Riss shared the story of the Quilt of Valor at the recent Hardscrabble Lions club meeting. Quilt recipient Lion Jim Olmsted shared his experience in the Air Force. Quilts of Valor Foundation’s mission is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and

The Streator Hardscrabble Lions were out ringing the bell for their local Salvation Army. Lions Linda Parson and Kathy Huey rang the bells and covered the kettle for the Salvation Army all day at the local Kroger.

--------------------------------------Also helping in ringing the bells was

29 The Illinois Lion & Leo

The Durand Lions Club would like to thank everyone who purchased hams this holiday season. We are also fortunate that our community has generously supported the Food Pantry by purchasing 28 hams and donated to the Pantry.

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Lion Kathy’s husband Doug along with Lions Dave and Cathy Reed and their granddaughter.

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Ben Clay Receives Life Membership to Lions Clubs International At the December 13th Christmas Party of the Durand Lions Club, Lion Ben Clay was presented the Life Membership to Lions Clubs International from the Durand Lions Club. Pictured is Lion Greg Ryan, right, presenting the certificate to Lion Ben Clay.

30 The Illinois Lion & Leo

3, 2024, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Grantfork United Church of Christ in Grantfork, IL.

DURAND LIONS NEW MEMBERS At the December 13th Christmas party, two new members, Linda and Jurgen Gallagher, were inducted into the club by Past International Director Russ Sarver. Pictured are: Russ Sarver, sponsor Sherry Sopoci, new members Linda and Jurgen Gallagher, sponsor Tim Sopoci, and Lion President Rick Light.

--------------------------------------The Highland Lions Club announces with regret the Passing of Lion Sheila Schrumpf, Mother to Lion Penny Korte and Lion Candy Kirsch and Partner in Service to PDG Richard Schrumpf.

Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 4:00 AM to 8:00 AM on Wednesday, January

Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Grantfork United Church of Christ in Grantfork, IL, with Rev. Nancy L. Brooks, Bridge Pastor, Grantfork United Church of Christ, Grantfork, IL, officiating.

Interment will be at Grantfork United Church of Christ Cemetery in Grantfork, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to Highland Lions Club or Grantfork United Church of Christ.

--------------------------------------The Sparta Lions Club made a $98 donation to Lions of Illinois Foundation low-vision program, a $10 donation to Lions of Illinois Foundation Sight and Sound program, and a $500 donation to Sparta Senior Center for the purchase of a van. --------------

31 The Illinois Lion & Leo

MUONDS LIONS CLUB MET ON THE FIRST AND SECOND TUESDAY OF NOVEMBER WHICH INCLUDED READING OF PREVIOUS MINUTES; TREASURER REPORT; MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN REPORT; PRESIDENT REPORT; OLD AND NEW BUSINESS; ANNOUNCEMENT AND ADJOURNMENT. ---------------------------------------

Red Bud Lighted Parade on November 25th. The Parade ends at Santa's village and the town tree gets lit to open the village for the season.

32 The Illinois Lion & Leo

Andy

Murillo,

Club Vice president.

--------------------------------------Wednesday December 6th Marion Lions Club hosted our 53rd Christmas Party. We hosted 70 youth, 21 teachers and 3 bus drivers.

Each child received a gift of their choice and was personally delivered by a jolly Santa Claus. We are thankful to Heartland Christian Church and their Helping Hands group for hosting. Fazolis and Marion Pepsi provided lunch to all.

--------------------------------------The winner of our quilt raffle was Steeleville Lion Janice Hill, in center. Also shown is Lion Barb Johnson, Club president, and Lion

Annually, members of the Christopher Lions Club participate in the local Angel Tree program. The program provides toys, clothing, and other items to local children who would not otherwise have

33 The Illinois Lion & Leo

presents for Christmas. Delivering gifts for his Angel to the distribution center in Christopher is Lion Jeff Troutt. Since the Angel Tree program began, several years ago in Christopher, Lion Troutt has been the Club’s liaison to the local Angel Tree program.

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4. $50 donation to Sparta Community Hospital Tree of Hope campaign 5. 13 members worked 46 hours at 11 bar functions, raising $1,487, plus $82.50 for scholarship fund.

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Sparta Lions Club: November Activities 1. Chicken fry: 16 members worked 64 hours and raised $1,372, plus $121 for scholarship photo (photo shows Lions Lyn Thies, Tim Joiner and Steve Joiner frying chicken). The club's next chicken fry is Dec. 10.

2. $75 donation to Caritas for Christmas gifts for foster children 3. $50 donation to Lutheran Child & Family Services for Christmas gifts for foster children 34 The Illinois Lion & Leo

12/14/2023-Children’s Christmas Party.

Top Left, Santa visited, Right> DG Larry McGuire, Lion Ann McGuire and WF Lions Club President Jim Summers.

Bottom: Lions: Tim Weaver, John Gardner, Sue Pool, Santa, Bonnie Willmore, President Jim Summers, Chuck Kain and Gary Pratt.

2nd Vice District Governor Retha Eurales displaying her gift received during the Mounds Lions club’s annual Christmas party

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Past District Governor and Mounds Lions Club president Derek Eurales showing his delight from receiving a gift.

--------------------------------------Special Announcement for Carlinville Lions Club Members Please keep former Carlinville Lions Club members/District Governors Eric and Judy Fenton in your thoughts and prayers. We learned that Eric's mother Mary Kathryn 35 The Illinois Lion & Leo

Fenton, 88, of Carlinville, died at LakeSide Heath and Rehab Center, Carlinville, IL on Thursday, December 21, 2023. Mary was preceded in death by her spouse, James Fenton, also a long-time Carlinville Lions Club member.

Memorial services will be on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie at 7:00 pm.

Mary Kathryn Fenton, 88, of Carlinville, IL, died at LakeSide Heath and Rehab Center, Carlinville, IL on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 4:00 pm. She was born June 3, 1935, in Albion, IL to Gilfred Roosevelt & Mary Stanley Roosevelt. She married James H. Fenton on February 6, 1960 in Wilmington, IL. He preceded her in death on March 27, 2017. Mary was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. She was a retired teacher for Girard High School. She was an Avon Sales Rep and worked at Carlinville Library. She is survived by her children, Eric (Judy) Fenton of Carlinville, IL, Jeff (Maria) Fenton of Bradley, IL, grandchildren, Stephen

(Kristy) Fenton, Daniel Fenton, Michael (Melissa) Fenton, Alex Fenton, Christy (Bob) Hillis, Patrick (Rachel) Greer, Anna (Chuck) Kamp, great-grandchildren, Lexi, Oliver, Blair, Amelia, Avery, Megan, Tim, Sarah, Samantha, Austin, Kannon, Katherine, Karlton, Kole, great great grandchildren, Peyton, Paxton, Ophelia, nieces, Ava, Rita, nephews, Greg, Dan, Mark, Dean. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, great grandson, Parker Fenton, sister, Wanda Ackerman, brothers, George Roosevelt, Wilbur Roosevelt. Friends may call on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 4:30 pm until 7:00 pm.

Memorial services will be on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie at 7:00 pm.

Memorials are suggested to Carlinville Public Library or Donor's Choice . Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com.

Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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36 The Illinois Lion & Leo

Aurora resident Carlos Soto, 8, uses American Sign Language to “talk” holiday wishes with Santa, Keith Stmad, at the Aurora Lions Club’s 17th Annual Party for the deaf & hearing-impaired students from West Aurora School District 129 and East Aurora School District 131.

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The second of two Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards presented by PDG Lion Ed Carter at an Algonquin Lions Club Meeting recently. (l to r) PDG Lion Ed Carter, Lion Barbara Hansen, District Governor Lion Ed Worden, and Club President Lion Jerry Glogowski.

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This is one of two Melvin Jones Fellowship Awards given out at Algonquin Lions Club meeting recently. (l to r) PDG Lion Ed Carter, District Governor Lion Jim Worden, Club President Lion Jerry Glogowski, and Lion Bob Cummins, Melvin Jones Fellowship recipient.

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Waterman Lion IPP Lion Shawn Blowbaum (l)donates blood at the club-sponsored Blood Drive in November. Also donating blood is Lion Sandy Wentworth.

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37 The Illinois Lion & Leo

The Bartlett Lions Club hosted Operation Santa in conjunction with the Village of Bartlett and the Bartlett Park District "Merry & Bright" festival and tree lighting. A total of 275 children along with their families were able to see Santa, Mrs. Claus, and Santa's Elves. Each child received a stocking filled with goodies. Visitors brought donations of food for the local food pantry.

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In addition to selling Christmas trees and wreaths, Dundee Township Lions Club sponsors a

Ron Rhoads Festival of Trees that various youth organizations are invited to decorate. Everyone may see the decorated trees on the club’s website and vote for “your favorite.” Voting concluded on Sunday, December 10th. Look and see what tree won the “People’s Choice.”

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Malta Lions Club held their Seniors Lunch Event.

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Lion Dan Palmer, Lion Cheryl Lemvig, Hetvi Shah, winner from Horizon Elementary, Sara Bird, Art Teacher, Rachael Patterson, Art Teacher, Eastview Middle School,

38 The Illinois Lion & Leo

Ryleigh Fagan, winner, Eastview Middle School, Principal Ginnan, Eastview Middle School, Lilliana Gomez, winner, Bartlett Elementary, Shaine Lemvig, Art Teacher, Bartlett Elementary, Principal John Signatur, Bartlett Elementary, Bartlett Lions Club is proud to announce that the District 1J Peace Poster winner was from our Club. (l to r) President Natasha Giraldo, Assistant Principal, Bartlett Elementary.

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Sycamore Lions and family members worked a shift packing food at the Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack. The club also presented a $500 donation to FMSC. This is the 6th year in a row the club has supported this cause.

--------------------------------------Itasca Lion Frank Losurdo, along

with his daughter, and the newest acquisition, “Sky King, the Wind

Dancer,” at the Lions Club’s Annual Luminaria Distribution Day.

-------------------------------------Welcome to new member Bob Leonard. Picture with PDG Gene

Smith and McHenry Wonder Lake Lions

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Club President Gary

Day Business Chair, and President Lion Ed O'Connor.

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Peterson.

The Darien Stars Baseball Team

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helped the Lions move some of the many wrapped gifts for the Holiday

Basket Program.

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The Darien Lions Club presented The Lions of Illinois Foundation a their

Darien Lion President Ed OConnor

collections from Candy Day . (l to r)

hands Past President Mike Falco his

Lions Germano Chiancone, Candy

2022-2023 Presidential Plaque. he

Day Chair, Lion Ron Fruit, Exec.

says: “Thanks for a great year, Lion

Director, LIF, Lion Bella Serini, Candy

Mike!” Lion Mike is now a Southeast

Day Chair, Lion James Burke, Candy

Zone Chair in District 1J. ----------

check

for

$14,400

from

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BTW, Lion Kyle is the grandson of the

late

originated

Franklin this

Mall,

who

long-standing

project. The bins are taken to the Fire Station where IVVC Fire Science students will sort & organize the donated food in preparation for filling 250 individual boxes to deliver.

Ryleigh Fagan from Bartlett, IL has won the District 1J Peace Poster contest. Ryleigh attends Eastview Middle School in Bartlett, and was represented by Lion Cheryl Lemvig, Chairman of the Contest from the Bartlett Lions Club. There were five posters presented at the Cabinet Meeting on November 11, 2023.

Ryleigh’s poster will move on to the State Level. Her quote that inspired her to create this poster was “Peace is being able to accept somebody

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for who they are through friendship

Fox River Grove Lions Club celebrating Christmas early. Back Row) Warren Weaver, Devon Bright, Hailey Weaver, & Ralph Magac, (Bottom Row) Greg Schadt, Santa (Lion John Holzer), & Amanda

and knowledge.”

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Sandwich Lions Christine Bailey and Kyle Wallis load the red grocery donation bins into the waiting SUV.

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members of the North Aurora Lions Club. Dr Dallas Schepers gave a Presentation Dementia.

on

Diabetes

Screening

for

and blood

sugar was done and out of the 10 members who took the test, 2 tested positive for Diabetes. Twp people took the Flu vaccine, and Holzer.

---------------------------------------

one took the Covid vaccine. It was a very useful and informative event.

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November 14th, “World Diabetes Day,“ was observed in a by the North Aurora Lion Club at the

Public Library of North Aurora.

About 40 members attended this event. Zone Chairs Lion Andy and Lion Joanne Watson, and ZC Lion Donna Kearney were also present.

District Diabetes Chair Lion Shahnaz

Ansari (Shanu) organized this event with full support and cooperation from President Lion Denise and

Aurora Lions served 150 cups of free coffee at Aurora’s Veterans Day procession on November 11th. (l to r) Lions Susan Koepke, Gary Ries, Randy Brown, and Ricky Riechert.

--------------------------------------(l to r) New Naperville Noon Lion Sheri Hey, Sponsor Lion Ellen Wolfe, and Club President Lion Dan Garvey.

Welcome aboard!

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--------------------------------------DISTRICT 1A HRIWSTMAS PARTY 23

COLORS OF CHRISTMAS 2023 43 The Illinois Lion & Leo

NURSES FOR DIABETES CHRISTMAS PARTY AT DARIEN GOLF COURSE

JOY TO THE WORLD! 44 The Illinois Lion & Leo

THE FOREST KALA SAMPATH LIONS CHRISTMAS PARTY 2023

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SPECIAL

OLYMPICS

AT

UNITED

CENTER, CHICAGO

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MD1 District Conventions (as of 9/30/23) 1-A March 22-24, 2024 Westin Chicago Northwest, Itasca IL 1-BK April 12-14 Holiday Inn, Bolingbrook, IL 1-CN October 27 – 28, 2023 St. Jacob Community/Activity Center, St. Jacob, Il. 1-CS April 13 Sparta Lions Club, Sparta IL 1-D March 22-23 Radison Hotel Rockford IL 1-F March 8-9, 2024 Embassy Suites, Deerfield, IL 1-G April 19-20, 2024 Best Western Premier, Alton, IL 1-H April 12-13, 2024 Holiday Inn Rock Island IL 1-J April 5-6, 2024 Holiday Inn Carol Stream IL 1-M November 3-4, 2023 Holiday Inn, Champaign IL 48 The Illinois Lion & Leo

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GOVERNORS: IF YOU HAVE READY, PLEASE SEND ME

YOUR DISTRICT CONVENTION FLYERS

TO PUBLISH IN THIS MAGAZINE! THANK YOU!!

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