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

Robinson High School with Lion Janis Daughtery, chairperson 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..

Robinson Lions Club Teen of the Month Awards.

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

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, members and restaurant patrons came through with flying colors (especially red, white, and blue). A total of over 300 items were collected , 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 LionsClub 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 an International President’s Award to Huntley AreaLion Pam Palmer.

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?

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

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

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

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.

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

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Thornton Lions Club members heldAnnualPanacakesBreakfaston 5-7-2023 at American Legion Post.

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.