Multiple District 1, State of Illinois Lions & Leo's Monthly e-Magazine for the Month of June 2023.

The Last One……………

What a whirlwind of a Lions year and just like that we are at the end.

Let’s 1st talk about the convention……it was GREAT,because of you the Lions of Illinois who took the time to attend. But we all know that these events don’t happen without a lot of good Lions working hard behind the scenes. A big thank you to PDG Barb Stewart and her convention team who made the convention appear to happen all by itself, which it didn’t. A good time was had by all, and we even increased attendance from last year.

Then there was membership, our numbers continue to soar, thanks to all the Lions of MD-1 who worked hard to increase membership. As of this writing we are in 2nd place in membership in the US & Canada. We are almost to the finish line Lions, keep up the good work.

As always there are bumps in the road………our beloved SST Mary decided to retire, and the Council of Governors had their work cut out for them. They prevailed and quickly placed ads for a new SST and they found Carla Metcalf to be the new SST. She is currently in training with SST Mary and will be ready to go in July.

My favorite Council of Governors were busy with storage lockers and policy changes and where able to eliminate the storage locker and make some changes to the “Policy Manual”. Neither were an easy task. They worked very hard this year. And as I have said numerous times, it was a pleasure to work for them. And I know we will keep in touch because we have become a Lion family. Wishing you all nothing but the best in the future.

For me, this year has been filled with working with the Lions from all over the state, which has been an eye opener. I learned so much from all of you, especially the CST’s & PCC’s. If you don’t already realize your District Cabinet Secretary keeps your district afloat, you can imagine what 10 District Secretaries can do for MD-1? They keep the CC honest especially when you are talking about delegate forms at a state convention. I will be forever in your debt, especially CS Dawn & CS Brad.

We also elected an endorsed candidate for International Director at our State convention to represent MD-1, PDG Austin D’Souza. We wish him and PDG Terry well on their journey.

I have been asked if I needed some time off after this exciting year. My answer is, leaders never rest. I will be working with the LIF foundation as the Vision State Chair along with being a Director of the charitable arm of District 1-A Voices organization, Service Chair of my Club and a champion for my passion, Leadership. If you “Rest you Rust”. I will be volunteering at the LIF Golf Outing………maybe you would like to sponsor a hole for Low Vision……JUST ASKING.

I also enjoyed working with the DGE’s & FVDG’s they all participated in group sessions called “POTLUCK”. The point of these sessions was to answer questions the upcoming Governors may have about being a Governor, because they didn’t know what they didn’t know, and we tried to fix that. I wish all of them the best as they move up the Governor ladder.

My last thank you goes to PCC Steve. All year I always said how does a CC & PCC live together. I always said we live in a 2-story house, but actually the answer is simple, PCC Steve is my soul mate. Thank you for your wisdom and understanding and knowing I had to do it my way.

Thank You MD-1 for a great year that I will never forget because of all the kind Lions in Illinois.

You still have work to do…….Work on keeping your Lions from leaving your clubs in June!!!!

Have a great summer!

For the last time………

CC Gail -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MD-1Convention

Thank you to all who attended the 102nd Annual MD-1 Convention! This year, there were many offerings that hopefully appealed to most Lions attending. There were 6 workshops that were offered in 2 different sessions. New Lions (those with less than 2 years of service) and Lions who were attending a convention for the first time were both honored. We had special drawings for gift cards which included a drawing of the Lions who had gotten all the District Governor’s signatures. We kicked off our weekend with a PIP/PID Town Hall meeting which was over an hour of nonstop questions and answers by our Keynote Speaker, PIP Judge Brian Stevenson, and PIDs Dan O’Reilly and Bud Wahl. There were also plenary sessions, awards, silent and live auctions, Burmester Bar, fellowship, good food and drink, karaoke, dancing, beer and wine tasting, and many other offerings that kept Lions busy and having a great time.

I would like to thank the Convention Committee for their outstanding planning and execution of this convention. I received many kudos as the Chair of this committee and even an award for it but truly, this was an event put on by an entire committee and to them I give the credit for the great outcome of this convention. Their work began last August when we first started to meet to plan this event. We met several times via Zoom and had many communications via email/phone/text. Every member contributed something with many giving a lot of time and effort to their piece of the convention. I cannot possibly even begin to list all that they contributed but it literally was from the items you found in your registration packet to the exhibitor area, entertainment, live/silent auctions, 50/50 raffles, and hospitality rooms. And so much more! These Lions thought of it and then executed their plans all while keeping me and other committee members affected in the loop with things.

There were then the many Lions who stepped forward and either offered or just went ahead and did something for the convention. The service we provide goes so much further than outside our organization as so many times it is also given to other Lions and with events such as this. Thank you to all these good Lions who were my legs or simply saw something that needed to happen and just made it happen!

I would like to thank the current Council and their willingness to assist with the Convention. Through additional requests in the budget, suggestions for things to do, and even the writer’s cramp you received after signing your name so many times – it was all appreciated! I’d like to thank DG Irene Leopold as serving as the Liaison Governor for this committee. She was always available to pass information along to the Council as well as relay their thoughts back. I also thank those DGs who served as the Committee Chair for the various committees during the Convention.

Thank you to Lion Terri Peters (1-BK) who graciously stepped in to be the Convention Photographer at the last minute as well as providing portrait photography for the DGs, DGEs, and Award winners. Lion Terri mentioned to me literally the next day she started editing the over 1000 photos she had taken and had worked over 10 hours in just that first day! Now that is a committed Lion! You may find all Convention pictures on the MD Facebook page which is named “MD1 Council of Governors 2022-2023”. Please share these pictures to any Lions who might be interested but are not on Facebook.

A huge thank you to CC Gail Anton for the many things she did to make this Convention a success. CC Gail and I tried to fill in all the gaps that the SST normally would handle during Convention and hopefully we covered them all! CC Gail spent many hours pouring over every detail of the Convention with me. I honestly can say I spoke to CC Gail more in the few weeks ahead of the Convention than I did my own husband! I will now remove her from my speed dial and let her go back to a “normal” life without the many

calls/texts from me but her dedication and commitment to giving Lions the best possible Convention will stay with me and will live on when you fondly think back to this convention.

I unfortunately may be missing many to thank partly because there were so many that just jumped in and did what they needed to do without anyone even knowing and partly because these numbered far too many than I can remember. To all I may have missed by calling you out by name or group, thank you for your contributions. You also were an intricate piece to this convention.

One thing I must note as a final thought - the unfortunate incident involving Lion Shelia Perkins getting stuck in the elevator for close to 3 hours: It just had to be a devastating thing for Lion Shelia and I’m thinking we can all recognize that if we were put in her shoes. However, out of a horrible situation rose a bit of good. It absolutely amazed me (and still does) the level of concerned Lions were of her wellbeing. There may have been many that didn’t really know her, but they knew one of “our own” was in there and were concerned that she makes it out safely. I found out about this incident as I was walking through the lobby and saw a fairly large crowd of Lions gathered in front of the elevators watching a fireman trying to pry open the elevator doors. That crowd stayed there for quite some time and even after the opened doors showed that she was somewhere up between floors 2-3. I later heard that Lion Shelia had spoken to Lions via cell phone while inside the elevator who tried to comfort and calm her. One Lion called 911 which resulted in the fire department arriving to rescue her. There were even Lions that stayed in the lobby until she got out. This to me is truly what being a Lion is all about. Through Shelia’s misfortune, an observation was made that with the convention theme, “There’s No Place Like Home” that we truly are all part of a big family and when things happen, we are there for each other. Our “home” this weekend was the friendships and fellowship we shared with each other,

It has been a pleasure serving as the Convention Chair this year and I thank the Council and Lions for giving me the opportunity.

BarbStewart,PDG MD-1ConventionChair

WANTED:CONVENTIONFEEDBACK

If you have any feedback (good or bad) about this year’s MD-1 Convention, I encourage you to email, text, or call me with your thoughts or suggestions. My email is lionbarbstewart@gmail.com or you can call/text me at (815) 997-2511. All feedback will be passed along to the next Convention Chair. Thank you in advance for the feedback!

-PDGBarbStewart,MD-1ConventionChair

GlobalMembershipApproach(GMA)

We have made some significant headway where GMA is concerned this year! As of 5/25/23, here’s some of our big accomplishments in all our Multiple (State of IL):

*MD-1 is currently at a +198 net growth in membership. There typically are large losses in December and June as Clubs clean their membership lists up in preparation for the next dues billing cycle but we didn’t experience this in December. It is still unknown about June but please continue to try and get new members and reach out to those members you haven’t seen in awhile to keep them part of your Club! Every little bit helps when it comes to

membership and sometimes even the smallest gesture like a phone call or email will help retain a member or get a new member! Please remember to be PROACTIVE and not REACTIVE when it comes to membership!

* MD-1 is currently at 47% service reporting. Every Club just needs to report ONE service activity to be considered 100%! Can we end the year strong by entering just ONE service project that we did in My Lion? If you need assistance, contact your District Secretary.

There are always things that can be worked on within GMA. One item that Club Secretaries, Presidents, and Administrators need to follow up on is verifying all member’s information in My LCI. Specifically, make sure each Lion has their own individual email address and that two or more Lions aren’t sharing an email. This is in preparation for the new SalesForce system that will be put into effect in the coming months. If the information is correct now in My LCI, when all the information is merged into the new system, everything should be flawless.

GMA FOR CLUBS: There was a Zone Chair training held in March on GMA for Clubs. The GMA process starts at the Club level. Please take a few minutes and watch the recording of that training. Considering using all or part of the training in your own Club. Your Zone Chair or District GMA Champion/GMT can help you implement the training if you need assistance. Here’s the link to the recorded training session held:

https://1drv.ms/v/s!AhYt1ptas__8jyVnfmcX3UN2AMJF

Thank you for allowing me to serve as the 2022-23 MD-1 GMA Champion. I have worked mainly with District GMA this year, but I wanted to be sure you knew that your efforts have truly culminated into some good stuff happening within our Multiple! Thank you and best wishes for an equally or better 2023-24 Lions year!

PDGBarbStewart

MD-1GMACo-Champion(servingDistrictsA,BK,D,F,andJ)

Lion Dr. Austin Dsouza got endorsed by MD1 Delegates as the Candidate for InternationalDirectorfromMD1

Dr. Austin Dsouza, PDG

Springfield,Illinois,May21:102nd

Annual Lions of Illinois - 2023 MD1

Lions Convention was held from May 18th to 21st at the President

Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois.

Past International President Judge

Brian Stevenson from Calgary

2023-2024 MD1 Governor Elects , Alberta, Canada was the International Guest.

2022-2023 Council of Governors

On Sunday May 21st election was held in the morning to endorse candidagte for International Director from MD1, Illinois. There were 2 candidates who contested

PCC Darren Van Duyn

for the election. 1. PCC Darren Van Duyn from District 1M and Dr. Austin Dsouza, PDG from District 1A.

Around 11:30 A.M., election results were announced as follows:

PCC Darren VanDuyn:77Votes

Dr. Austin Dsouza, PDG: 109

Votes

SpoiledVotes:8

After the announcement, both candidates spoke to the audience.

President Lion Lea Agaton from Chicago Diabetes Nurses Lions Club, after dropping some used eyeglassesinthe Downers Grove Lions Collection Box.

DGE Mark Bean picking up glasses. from our custom-made eyeglass driveupdropoffboxinDistrict1H! ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

CHICAGO PHILIPPINE LIONS’ GOLDEN AWARDS BANQUET

The Genoa Lions are happy to award $700 to the Genoa-Kingston Athletic Department this year. The Genoa Lions acted as ticket-takers at 7 home games for the Varsity Football team that made it into the StateFootballTournamentthisyear.

Lion volunteers were on hand for every game and the club received $100 per game for our efforts. At the end of the season the club donatestheproceedstotheAthletic Departmentwitha“bigcheck”tobe directed to a cause of the Lions choosing. This year the money will bedirectedtothenewdigitalboard in the gymnasium.

Lion President Ron Sheahan and Lion Director Gini Baker made the check presentation to Athletic Director Phillip Jerbi in front of the

2023 State Champion Varsity Volleyball team’s trophies and plaques. Genoa is very proud of all of its teams on and off of the playing courts and fields.

The Genoa Lions volunteered their time and sweat to spread mulch at Lions Corner Park and others in Genoa on Saturday morning, April 15.The GenoaLionsworkedfrom 8 until 11 spreading mulch on at least 3 different Genoa Park District parks. Genoa Park District Executive DirectorandLion,PaulBafiahadthe mulch delivered to the parks ready for raking prior to Saturday. The following Lions participated: Paul Bafia, Aric Coleman, Greg Cravatta, Mike Dreska, George Meckel, Jim Sanford, President Ron Sheahan, and Jarred Zekoff

exemplifies a great citizen, not necessarily the best scholastically, but the best Citizen. The Lions hosted this meal catered by “Catering by Diann” at the G-K Middle School. Each student was accompanied by 2 guests, typically parents, and the awards were presented by the nominating teacher or Principal of their school. Each student was honored for their good nature and kind acts for their classmates, receiving well deserved applause from the audience comprised of Genoa Lions, GenoaKingston teachers and principals and most importantly their parents and loved ones.

TheGenoaLionshostedourannual Student-Citizen of the Year Award Dinner and Award Ceremony. Each school year, the teachers from each class, first grade through 12 th grade select a student that

Superintendent Brent O’Daniell made some opening remarks and turned it over to Principal Stefanie Hill of Genoa Kingston Elementary. The second presenter from Genoa Kingston Elementary School was PrincipalRhondaAndrews.Thethird presenter was Principal Craig Butcher of the G-K Middle School and the final presentations were made by Dr. Matt Cascio of G-K HighSchool.The following students received a medal, a meal, and

sincere congratulations on their citizenship.

1 st grade: Ayleen Hernandez, daughter of Jessica and Gabino Hernandez

2 nd grade: Piper Holcomb, daughter of Kate and Brent Holcomb

3rdgrade:RyanCollins,daughterof Kelly and Zach Collins

4thgrade:MasonBade,sonofAmy and Ross Bade

5 th grade: Percy King, son of Starla and Percy King

6 th grade: Kennedy Smith, daughter of Karen and Mark Smith

7 th grade: Lyla McKee, daughter of Shawn and James McKee

8 th grade: Oliver Piotrowski, son of Zyta and Sebastian Piotrowski

9 th grade: BrandiRadloff, daughter of Frederick Radloff

10 th grade: Kylie Timmerman, daughter of Heather and Wayne Timmerman

11 th grade: Brady Brewick, son of Susan and Derek Brewick

12 th grade: Trevor Finley, son of Shawn Finley

Group Picture:

Front row (l. to r.) Piper Holcomb, Ayleen Hernandez, Ryan Collins, Mason Bade.

Second row (l. to r.) Kylie Zimmerman, Oliver Piotrowski, Brandi Radloff, Lyla McKee, Brady Brewick, Kennedy Smith, Trevor Finley, Percy King, and Lion President Ron Sheahan.

Lion President Ron Sheahan has awarded6 thgraderKennedySmith with a Citizen of the Year Medal.

Capron Lions Park Clean-up was April 15th...LeRoy Commandoes 4-H Club came to help clean-up the Lions Park after a long hard winter to make it a great place to have a picnic, play baseball, play on the playground or gather

under the pavilion to socialize.

PaintingatCICBVIin Peoria il.

Photo: Lion Cheryl Mura

MorrisonLionsAnnualRecycleDay was held on Saturday, April 22nd -which was also Earth Day this year. Itemscollectedbyvendorsincluded paper/cardboard, 6-, 12-, & 24-volt batteries, used motor oil and antifreeze, medications and ammunition, electronics such as computers, fax machines, modems, string lights, microwaves, and much more. Unlimited paper shredding was also available. Morrison Lions partners with different vendors who collectthedifferentitems.Lionsalso partner with the youth at the high school. The FFA Chapter is involved with the scrap iron and is a fundraiser for the chapter. Other youth helping include the Key Club (sponsor – Morrison Kiwanis) and football players. The youth also assist other vendors if needed. Boy Scouts are on hand to collect aluminum cans. Our Lions Club collected 100 ink cartridges, 146 pairs of glasses, 64 cell phones, 11/2 lbs. keys, and 41 tennis shoes/sneakers. News releases had already been sent before we were aware of the new partnership with gotsneakers.com so Facebook and

word of mouth promoted their collection at the last minute. TV’s and monitors were not collected since there is now a free outlet for their recycling.This event is a great way to keep our motto WE SERVE.

Annual spring road cleanup by Morrison Lions - 1 mile stretch of Route 30 – Shown left to right: back row: Aaron Johnson, Jim Ridley, Brian Melton, Terry Costello, Issac Melton, Keith Hamstra; middle row: Martha Kophamer, Sue Costello, Ken Jansma, Jim Blakemore, Heather Haley; front row: Nancy Countryman, Doug Haley. It was a good crew – Not pictured – Steve Wroble,adriver.AaronJohnsonwas also a driver. Isaac Melton assisted and was one of the recipients of the Lions 2022 scholarship award. Also, helping was our good secretary,

BrianFox’sticketwasdrawntonight.

Hepickednumber17whichwasthe KING of ’s. Congratulations !!! Brian was present and WON $100. The next jackpot will be $$30,700.

BobCountryman,whoalsoservesas club photographer.

You can purchase your tickets at Little John’s Tap before the next drawing on Thursday at 7:00 PM., May 18th . 6 tickets for $5.

Pictured Left to Right Lions Eric Schaney, Jon Rosenstiel, Mike Thill and the photographer Joel Kempel. Pearl City Lions improving the Roadway Environment.

Sunday morning April 30th during thePoloFireDepartmentsbreakfast President Winton Bocker is handing a $500 donation to Polo Fire Chief Jim Ports for the fire department. Fire Chief Jim Ports also handed Winton Bocker a challenge coin.

Wednesday night May 10th at the Polo High School awards night the Lions Club presented these six seniors with a $500 scholarship. From left to right: Katherine Cavanaugh, Carley Kness, Ally Cytrych, Brady Wolber, Annalise Stamm and Carson Jones.

Congratulations to all. Tuesday morning May 2 nd Jeff Short(in the middle)ishandingPoloPolice Chief Troy Randall(on Jeffs left) a donation from the PoloLionsClub.

OnJeffsrightisoneofPolosnewest police officers Geraurd Zinsou.

Wednesday night May 10th at the Polo High School awards night the PoloLionsClubpresentedthesesix seniors with a $500 scholarship.

From left to right: Katherine Cavanaugh, Carley Kness, Ally Cytrych, Brady Wolber, Annalise Stamm and Carson Jones.

Congratulations toall. --------------------------------------

Lena Lions Mary Gerbode, Glenn Harman and Claire Smunt receiving the Foundation Fellows Award for their very active work with the Lena Lions. Foundation Fellows Awards are the highest Club Award given at the State level. Presenting the awards was Lion Gary Meyers.

Lion Cheryl King being presented.with the "Lion of the Year", award by President Dan Smunt. Lion Cheryl goes above and beyond in helping with the Lions many projects and in the Lena Community. ---------------------------------------

Spring weather is finally back, and so is golf! The 18th Annual Gerald Broski Memorial Golf Outing benefitting the Center for Sight & Hearing will be held on Monday, June 26 at Forest Hills Country Club in Rockford. Our 18 hole scramble stars at 1:00PM with a nine hole option starting at noon. This year’s event will also include two free drink tickets, lunch, dinner, skill prizes, and a silent auction. Numerous sponsorship opportunities are also available. Extra special thanks to this year’s event sponsor, the South Beloit Lions! Register online at www.cshni.org/golf today!

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

TheRocktonLionsmadeagenerous donation, which will help us continue to provide much needed services to patients in our area. Thankyoutothe RocktonLionsand the many other generous Lions organizations in our area that help keep the center running!

FINAL COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS’

MEETING IN SPRINGFIELD HILTON:

CSH was thrilled to welcome the Rockton Lions for a tour of our center!

MD1 STATE CONVENTION HELD IN PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN HOTEL HILTON FROM MAY 18TH TO MAY 21ST. PICTURES FROM VARIOUS LIONS WHO ATTENDED

THE CONVENTION: →

INTERNATIONAL AWARDS:

The Athens Lions Club presented two Robert E Henning Memorial Scholarships and one Leo Club Member Scholarship at Athens Community High School on Senior Night May 18,2023. The 2023 recipients of a $1000 Robert E Henning Memorial Scholarship are Ellie Alderman and Emma Wiker. The 2023 recipient of the $500 Leo Club Member Scholarship is Lexi Aper. Ellie will be attending Lincoln Land Community College majoring in Radiology with the hopes of becoming a Radiology Technician. Emma will be attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a double major in agriculture communications and agriculture business. She hopes to continue her education to get her MastersDegreeinCommunications. Lexi will be attending Lincoln Land

Community College majoring in business with a career goal of becoming a hotel event planner. The Lions congratulate these winners and for their service to the community.. This is the 31st year that the Athens Lions Club has provided scholarships to Athens High School seniors.CommunityServiceisavery important factor in selecting scholarship winners. This is a continuation of the Lions keeping with our motto of “WE SERVE” ---------------------------------------

Robinson LionsClub is selling roses! Pictured: Club Secretary Lion Karen Pippin

Robinson Lions Nite Out at Monicals Pizza in Robinson. Trustee

Moe Wimbley, Vice-District

Governor Elect Ruthie Wimbley, PDG Kevin Mendenhall, PDG Jani Mendenhall, members Nancy

Stewart, Karen Pippin, Mike Fear, TomBaileyandHenryMcKeeaswell

as three guests, Pauline Bailey, Bree Fear and Mary Ann Fulling. ---------------------------------------

Hope Dennis from University of Illinois Extension Office recently presented a program on recycling to our Robinson Lions Club

Hope Dennis from Illinois University

Home Extension Office, Robinson Illinois ---------------------------------------

Lion Tom Bailey with guest speaker

Teen of the month recipients from

Robinson High School with Lion Janis Daughtery, chairperson

Robinson Lions Club Teen of the Month Awards.

(pictured) Seven teens from Robinson High School were honored with Teen of the Month Awards.

attending Lincoln Land Community College majoring in Radiology with the hopes of becoming a Radiology Technician. Emma will be attending Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a double major in agriculture communications and agriculture business. She hopes to continue her education to get her MastersDegreeinCommunications. Lexi will be attending Lincoln Land Community College majoring in business with a career goal of becoming a hotel event planner. The Lions congratulate these winners and for their service to the community..

The Athens Lions Club presented two Robert E Henning Memorial Scholarships and one Leo Club Member Scholarship at Athens Community High School on Senior Night May 18,2023.

The 2023 recipients of a $1000 Robert E Henning Memorial Scholarship are Ellie Alderman and Emma Wiker. The 2023 recipient of the $500 Leo Club Member Scholarship is Lexi Aper. Ellie will be

This is the 31st year that the Athens Lions Club has provided scholarships to Athens High School seniors. Community Service is a very important factor in selecting scholarship winners. This is a continuation of the Lions keeping with our motto of “WE SERVE”.

Athens Lions and Leos Egg Hunt

On Saturday April 1, 2023 the Athens Lions and Leos sponsored an Easter Egg Hunt at the Athens Community Park.

Approximately50pluschildrenages 0-12 came out in frigid temperatures and extremely high winds to fill their baskets. The Athens Leos Club filled approximately 2,000 eggs with candy treats and scattered them on the outfield grass of the large diamond. The field was divided into four different age groups to insure that all the children had a chance to fill their baskets. The rough weather conditions didnt deter these youngsters from doing just that.The LionsandLeosweregladtosponsor the Athens Community event.

Athens Lions Provide Annual Free Senior Luncheon/Scholarship Raffle

building. The meal consisted of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, green beans and a roll. Chocolate or white cake was served for dessert. In all 135 meals were served for the day. There were 65 carry outs, 55 in house and 15 Lions and guests. It was a nice day of good food and fellowship. The Lions were honored to serve our senior citizens for FREE.

In addition to the meal the Athens Lions Scholarship Raffle drawing was held. The raffle proceeds, after prizes, is used to fund scholarships for seniors at Athens High School annually, honoring the SERVICE to COMMUNITY theme. This year’s raffle winners were: $500 to Bob Roberts, $250 to Jaden Brown, and $100 to Brandon Brackney.

The Athens Lions Club, Alliance Community Bank, Athens Christian

On Sunday April 23, 2023 the Athens Lions Club held its 33rd annual Free Senior Luncheon. The meal was prepared and served at the Athens Community Park

Church, and Holy Family Catholic Church would like to thank the

communityonbehalfoftheToysfor AngelsandAngelTree projects.The community is so generous and makes us proud to live here. Because of the generosity, 106 children from 44 families of the Athens Community will receive toys andclothingforChristmas.Children birth to 14 received toys from the Toys for Angels and clothing from the Angel Tree. Children ages 15-18 will receive clothing from the Angel Tree, plus gift cards, and items from Justice Graphics.

The Lions sponsor the Toys for Angels and the Alliance Community Bank, Athens Christian Church, and Holy Family Catholic Church sponsor the Angle Tree. Collection for the Angel Tree began in early December with request for clothing to be purchased, wrapped, and left at the churches or the bank. Once again all the Angels lists were met, plus some. The Lions held a toy drive and monetary collection on Saturday, December 3, 2022. A whole load of toys and a total of $3522.00 were collected that day. On Saturday December 17, 2022, theLions,withthesupportandhelp of the Athens High School girl’s

basketball team and coaches, transportedthetoysandclothingto the Athens High School for sorting and distribution. Each year the families must register with Menard County Community Services to be able to receive the gifts. The family isthennotifiediftheyareeligibleto receive the gifts.

The Lions wish to thank the community, Alliance Community Bank, Athens Christian Church, Holy FamilyCatholicChurch,AthensHigh School girls basketball team and coaches, Justice Graphics, The Corner Pub (Ron and Jackie Lindsay), Bert’s Service (Bert and Donna Kincaid), Athens LEO Club and the Menard County Jaycees for their support for this extremely important project. A special thank you to Lion Penny Irwin for coordinating this event. Lions Motto: WE SERVE.

The first photo shows the girls basketballteamandcoaches,andin the second photo are the clothing

presents wrapped and arranged by families.InthefinalpictureareLions ClubandLeosmembers.LeoRachel

Binegar, Lion Bill Armitage, Leo Ella

Armitage, Lions Bill Meisner, Amy

Baughman, Paula Rider, Tricia

Laager, Penny Irwin, Mary Freeman, and Larry Baughman.

PDGMargaretwasDistrictGovernor in Michigan 2007-2008. She transferred to the Bradley Club in 2011. Congratulations to their new Lions Pam and Debbie. PDG Margaret did the induction services. --------------------------------------

The Frankfort Lions went live on Facebook announcing the sale of ticket sales for their annual Wurst Fest raffle fundraiser.

Congratulations to 1-BK Bradley Club President Ron Sieling for 20 years of service and PDG Margaret Anderson for 25 years of service.

The Joliet Noon Lions responded to the call when the State Convention committee requested the donation of various personal care items for a Veterans group in Springfield. The Joliet Noon Lions

set up a collection bin at the restaurant where they meet to collect those items. Once again,

Club members and restaurant patrons came through with flying colors (especially red, white, and blue). A total of over 300 items were collected restaurant

toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss picks, deodorant, soap, shampoo, combs, brushes, laundry soap,dryersheetsandmore. Below

TheLemont Lions Club participated in the annual

QuarrymanChallenge. Itisa5Kand 10-mile race that is held through various neighborhoods in Lemont.

The Lemont Lions always man a water station with Lions, Leos, and other volunteers. The Lemont Club is also a bronze sponsor for their $250.00 donation.

Members of the Lemont Club spent a couple of days of clean-up and improvements at the Danish

cemeteryon127thStreet. This area is where the tomb of the unknown soldier is located. The clean-up efforts were done in getting the Cemetery ready for Memorial Day.

Three members from the Oswego Lions Club spent time cleaning up thestreets.Thethreemusketeers,as they call themselves, collected 2 large bags of trash and did some 7,448steps. LionCindyThoms,who sent in the article and pictures wrote,“Notbadforusoldfolks.Our club is very small now, but we try our best.” --------------------------------------

ItwastrulyanhonorfortheLemont

Lions Club to present seven $1000.00 scholarships to much deserving students. This was made possible because of the Lemont Community'ssupportoftheLemont

Lions Club fundraisers, programs,

The Ottawa Lions Club donated $5,000.00 to Ottawa Parks and Recreation for playground equipment! Accepting the check is Board Vice President Brent Roalson (center).

The funds were generated from a % of the food and drinks purchased for the day. It is part of Culver’s ‘Donate while you Dine’ fundraising opportunity for local groups. Receiving the check are Lions Jim Argo and Club President Allan Weber.

Membersof the OttawaLionsClub attended the awards ceremony for Ottawa High School in which students Marissa Beckett and Olivia Fenbert were recipients of the 2023 Ottawa Lions Club Scholarship Awards.

The Sheffield Lions Club was proud to honor one of its high school students with a $500.00 scholarship. Lion Jim DeVenney is seen presenting the scholarship check to Bureau Valley senior, Sam Roush.

Thanks to the generosity of the Princeton community, the Princeton Lions Club realized a donation from Culver’s for $743.48.

TheHardscrabbleLions of Streator are shown making a $1200.00 donation to John Mallaney, Executive Director of Streator Unlimited. SU is the local agency that has been serving those with disabilities since 1965. Shown L to

R: Lions Donna Mikolajczyk and Kathy Huey, Mallaney, Club President Bud Wahl, and Club Vice President Ben Hiltabrand.

The1-BKDistrictScholarshipwinner for2023-24isMackenzieBurgessof Joliet. Mackenzie is graduating from Plainfield Central High School, andsheleavestheschoolwithan‘A’ average for every semester for all four years. Mackenzie will be attending St. Ambrose University, Iowa and will be majoring in Special Education. Mackenzie joins Kadyn Stevens of Watseka (senior) and Peyton Leonard of Gibson City (sophomore) in the district’s Scholarshipprogramforthecoming year. The Scholarship is for $750.00 each year for their first four years of education. Presenting the scholarship at their school’s award night was PDG John Joseph Honiotes, Scholarship Chair.

TheHardscrabbleLions of Streator put up flags along the major roadways in downtown Streator for Memorial Day.

“The Count” was still very much in evidence at the Darien Lions Club’s Hospitality Room at the 1J Convention.

Roselle Lions (togas & all) at the April1JConvention.Don’tyouthink the togas added some pazazz for theFridayNightHospitalityRooms?

an International President’s Award to Huntley AreaLion Pam Palmer.

Zone Chair Lion Bob Olender (with blue Lions jacket) joined the Batavia Lions Club collecting for a Food Drive.

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PID Lion Bruce Beck (l) and Governor Lion Jim Kiser (r) present

Roselle Lions John Basanti, PDG, PCC, and Lion Joan Basanti received the Lions of IL Foundation 50th Anniversary Foundation Progressive FellowshipAwardintheirnewhome in California.

1J IPDG Lion Lori Chassee introduced our guest speaker Jack Zimmerman. He talked with us abouthisjourneyandhowhegotto whereheistodayatourconvention.

“You can make it through if you work at it.” He is also working with other vets to help them through difficult times.

Not Your Ordinary Lions Club

District 1J Motorcycle Lions Club had its Welcome Ride in early May. Meeting at Fox River Harley Davidsonat10AM,kickstandsupat 10:30 AM! This upcoming riding season, where would you like them to host rides to? Comment on the club’sFacebook Page (6)District 1-J Motorcycle Lions Club | Facebook

PID Lion Bruce Beck (l) and GovernorLionJimKiser(r)presenta George Lazansky Award to 1J Cabinet Secretary Lion Bonnie Bradbury (c).

Aurora Noon Lion Michele Needham takes a photo with the

PlusOptix screener of the child across the table from her at the club’s Bunny Breakfast.The club will be doing monthly free eye screenings onSaturdaymornings at Aurora Public Library West Branch.

Grandson Justin Hoving. Eight years ago, Justin wanted to collect golf balls from a local golf course, clean themup,andre-sellthemtodonate the proceeds to Sycamore Lions Club to purchase eyeglasses for children in need. It has been an ongoing story and such a good one! Justin has made over $7,000 to purchase glasses for those children! ---------------------------------------

At this point, you know the two on the left and the right, but not the one in the middle! His name is Naperville Noon Lion Glenn Behnke with his George Lazansky Award.

Two Melvin Jones Fellowships were presented to Sycamore Lion Joe Woodward (2nd from left) and

In early May, the Union Lions and the Huntley Area Lions presented a $5,000 check from the Strikes for Sight Bowling event to the Center for Sight & Hearing in Rockford.

Executive Director Maureen Koch is 4th from the left. ---------------------------------------

Lion Dr. R. Tracy Williams, Executive Director Low Vision Rehabilitation DoctorspokeattheWheatonLions lunch meeting Tuesday May 3rd.

Pictured left to right are Lions Dr. Williams, Jim Mathieson and John Vires, Wheaton Lions Club President.Dr.Williamsalsoservesas the Chicago White Sox Eye Doctor. He talked about the Spectrios mission and shared anecdotes about working with the Chicago White Sox organization.

Westmont Lions Club’s

Scholarship Winners. What a great group!

Algonquin Lion Jerry Glogowski (r) showing George Lazansky Jr. (l) the Lazansky Award he received in honor of his father’s name at the District 1J Convention.

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Who knew the benefits of picking up garbage in your town?

Algonquin Lion Adams (l) found a

$100andLionHanson(r)founda$5 bill! Dundee Township Lions reported Lions also found cash money. WOW!! Anyone else or are you keeping it quiet?

toousuallytooactiveonceschoolis out for summer vacation. ---------------------------------------------------

Two Elmhurst Lions, GovernorElect Lion Jim Worden and his wife, Lion Patty, who will become 1st Ladyof1JnextLionYear,enjoyinga moment in their Hospitality Room at the 1J Convention. ---------------------------------------

The Huntley Area Leo Club had its End-of-the-Year Party at the end of April. Remember, Leo Clubs are not

Here’saphotoof“thinJohnBelushi” welcoming everyone into the Elmhurst Lions Club’s Hospitality Room at the April Convention. Out in the community again, Lion

Shanu Ansari, Dist. Diabetes Chair (r), was invited by the Villa Park Lions Club for a Diabetes Awareness Event at the Volunteer Fair at Villa Park Library in late April. Peoplevisitingweregivenabundant knowledge about diabetes and its prevention. Most Importantly, how to live with diabetes for those who already have it. Past President Sean Birmingham (l) and Secretary/Treasurer Lion Christi Klein (c) worked hard and also did a MembershipDriveatthesametime.

photos that appear on the HALC Facebook Page, the 1J District website, and the 1J Journal.

Thisisaphotoofthetrophywonby Huntley Area Lion Kari Freeman for “New Lion Rock Star.” She takes

River Grove Lions had their Meeting for the Month of May.

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District1A held their Annual Run

for the Roses fundraiser party at Bourborne Street.

StickneyForestViewLions Annual

Pancakes breakfast was held at Stickney Community Hal on May 7l.

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RiversideTownship Lions had their Annual Chicken Dinner on May 7, 2023.

Oak Lawn Lions Honoring the heros was on May 11, 2023. They honored the Best Police Officer and Best Fire Fighter from Oak Lawn for 2023 on Law & Order Nite.

Final Cabinet Meeting of District 1A was held at the Garden Charlet, Worth.

Chicago Ridge Lions had their Old Shoes Collection. They collected quite a few shoes in several bags.

Palos Lions Clubs in District 1A sponsored a new Leo Club at the Chicago Christian High School, Palos Heights on May 17, 2023. Governor Tony Zartler inducted the newmembersandinstalledthenew officers.

District Leo Coordinator Lion Frank Kirar and PCC Dennis McMillan were on the dais.