Illinois Lion & Leo. MD1 Lions of Illinois Monthly e-Magazine for the Month of March 2024.

Spring is coming up! let’s grow with nature!!

“WeServe"

Council Chair Lori J.Chassee:

Calling all Lions! As we move closer to spring, a time of rebirth for our planet, it is also time for the annual “rebirth” of our organization. Our Governors Elect/First Vice Governors are off to the Q Center for their advanced training and one of the very important messages they will receive is the importance of building a great team. It is a core step in Mission 1.5 and carrie’s over to so many of our efforts.

every Lion to step up and do their part as no one can do it all alone.

In addition to drawing nearer to spring, our state is also entering “convention season” a time when many districts are selecting their leadership, making changes to some rules, and celebrating their successes. Take part and enjoy the bestofwhatourorganizationhasto offer. Join in to celebrate the programs and individual Lions that deserve thanks and recognition for their efforts. Let us all celebrate so thatwemaybere-energizedforthe year ahead, so that we can continue all of the good work that happens around our Multiple District.

Every Lion who joins our organization takes an oath to support Lions locally and globally. I urge you to honor your pledge and step up! Together we can do so much more. Your Governors need

All you have to do is read through this magazine to see some of the wonderful work that is being done byLionsateverycornerofthestate. Without us who will do this service?

Who will help those that need us? If not us, then who?

Thank you to every Lion for all that you do. Let’s keep up the great

FromtheDeskofourGLT…

As we make our way through the second half of this Lions year, we needtoconsiderwhoourupcoming leaders are going to be for not only this next Lions year but also for the year after that, and the year after that, and the year after that.

A Leadership Succession Plan is an insurance policy for the future of your club, district, and our organization. Does your club and district have a plan for future leaders? Lions International has a multitude of resources available for you to establish and great plan to

work!

Lion Lori J.Chassee Council Chair MD1

c:630-740-5670

ensure leadership longevity. Utilize the Global Leadership Team toolkit to find the resources that best fit what you are wanting to do. With the convention season up on us we shouldbeelectingnewofficersinall our districts, do we all have a full slate of officers? If not, why? Have we asked someone that is qualified to step up? Have we created a positive experience at the club and zone level to make individuals want tostepupandbeapartof whatthe district has to offer? These are all things that could help find leaders. However,findingleadersisn’twhere it all stops. As current leaders of your districts it would benefit everyone including your new leaders if you were to mentor them tobecomebetterleaders. Together you can all make your districts stronger and more viable moving forward into the future.

Allour1stViceGovernors/Governor elects have been working diligently to fill their cabinets for the upcoming Lions year. The number of opportunities to lead at the district level are many. There are committee chairpersons who are needed for the various committees that your district has. This would giveyoutheopportunitytogetyour feetwetatthatlevelbeforejumping intobeingazonechair,regionchair, orevena2ndViceDistrictGovernor. Asazonechair,looktothefutureof being able to step forward and help leadyourdistrict. Thereareatonof trainings and institutes that are available through Lions International. Log into your member portal and go to the Learn button to find the Lions Learning Center. Scroll through the listing of

MD1 DistrictConventions

1-A March22-24,2024

Westin ChicagoNorthwest, Itasca IL

1-BKApril 12-14

classes there and find the ones that best suit your leadership needs. MD-1 will be offering a Regional Lions Leadership Institute again in the fall. Stay tuned for more information on that. Should you be interested in more information and how you can attend, feel free to contact either your district leadershipteamormyself. Iamalso looking into other leadership training opportunities that would benefit all the Lions seeking leadership roles in MD-1 whether it be at the club or district level.

I will leave you with this famous quote from Henry Ford, he says “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether it be twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young.”

1-CS April13Sparta Lions Club,Sparta IL

1-DMarch22-23

Radison Hotel RockfordIL

1-FMarch8-9,2024

EmbassySuites,Deerfield,IL

1-GApril 19-20,2024

Best Western Premier, Alton, IL

1-HApril12-13,2024

HolidayInn RockIslandIL

1-JApril 5-6,2024

HolidayInn CarolStreamIL

1-MNovember 3-4,2023

HolidayInn,ChampaignIL

The Okawville Lions were recognized at a home Rockets

The Okawville Lions were recognized at a home Rockets basketball Game last week. 16 local lions and Lion Mascot “SHAW” attended. This was in recognition forLionMemberStanleyBrammeier idea of getting the huge retractable American flag installed. We paid 50%ofthe$6,000totalcost. Topof the flag is labeled to be recognized for ever.

The big flags shown was part of our school district and communities Veterans Day program. The backdropflagisalsopropertyofthe Okawville Lions.

The Okawville Lions were recognized at a home Rockets basketball Game last week. 16 local lions and Lion Mascot “SHAW” attended. This was in recognition forLionMemberStanleyBrammeier idea of getting the huge retractable American flag installed. We paid 50%ofthe$6,000totalcost. Topof the flag is labeled to be recognized for ever.

Welcome to Justice Lions Club’ s new members Tom & April Zolecki! They were inducted to the club by PDG Mike Smigielski.

Oak lawn Lions put together food baskets for needy families in their community. The families received food, gift cards, and a turkey for Christmas.

TheOakLawnLionsandLeo’sfrom Richard’s High School participated in the “Feed Six” project. A total of 30,000 Bags will go to food pantries

and to families in need of food. A hundred and twenty volunteers attended this event. They were prom local Schools and Community Organizations in Oak Lawn. This

took place on December 9, 2023.

Thank you to Mount Green Wood lions Club and Burbank Lion’s Club for your donation to “Feed Six” project.

Oak Lawn Lions, sponsors of the H L Richards Leo Club, attended the LEOs 54th anniversary induction of 36 new members and installation of Officers. TheLeoparentsplacedtheLeopinontheirChild.Aftertheevent,coffee,juice and a variety of refreshments were served.

Lion Frank and Lion Robin Kirar

attended Hamlin Upgrade School Walk for District 1-A. They did an

amazing job raising money for the District walk. Thank you Principal Katie Gallagher.

Governor Leroy inducted a new member during his visit to Versailles. -

Gwaneth Apadoda, Jacksonville, Peace Poster winner

Versailles Lions

Marine Lions.

Visit to Greenfield

Marion Lions Club is having a “Boston Butt BBQ” on March 29th. We have two of these a year to help fund our projects. We usually cook over 200 BBQ. If you would like to help us support our projects, contact any Marion Lion Club member for a ticket.

Lion Aaron Singleton receives his twenty-year chevron.

Thank you, April Camden Mitter, Director of Market Street Music Conservatory for being Marion Lions speaker Wednesday. Market StreetConservatoryiscommittedto exceptional and accessible music and art training. We aim to inspire students of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds to realize their full

potential for lifelong appreciation, enjoyment, and commitment to excellenceinmusicandart.Notonly do we offer excellent music and art educationbutalsoperformanceand enriching cultural experiences to students across Southern Illinois and beyond!

Successful FREE CPR Training today with ChicagoHealthcareAllianceLions Club and Latinos First Responder Alliance.

Steeleville Lion President Barbara Johnson and Lion Secretary Emilie Roehrkasse attended the 3rd District Meeting on Feb 10, 2024, at Mounds, Illinois. Lions on Barb volunteeredtobethethirdmember of the 1-C S district Disaster Fund, and Lion Emilie is the 1=CS District member for the Lion's Eye Health

Program.

Lion Loretta Davis and Lion Emilie volunteer at the Steeleville Senior Citizens by helping to call bingo daily. Lion Emilie helps serve the handicapped persons receive their meals.

The West Frankfort Lions Club was honored to have Shelley Pyle from Crosswalk as Guest Speaker. Ms Pyle updated the members on the various programs available in our community.

L>R Lion President Jim Summers, Shelley Pyle, Lion Gayla Kain & Lion Chuck Kain.

Lion Ryan Patton was Guest Speaker. Heinformedthemembers of how the West Frankfort Youth Football Program helps the young members of our community.

L>R Lion Ryan Patton, Lion

President Jim Summers. ---------------------------------------

A photo of the Bartlett Lions that attended the club’s Holiday Party in early January. A good idea when December is full of many activities for the holidays!

Burr Ridge-Hinsdale-Oak Brook Lions Club announces the addition of two individuals, Monika and Heather,toitsLionfamily.Thanksto Lion Rebecca D. (c) for her sponsorship of the new members.

District Governor Lion Jim Worden (l) presented a 40-year pin to Roselle Lion Tom Ziccardi (although Newsletter Editor Lion Marv Roehlke noted “Even though he won’t reach that mark until October 1, 2024.”

District Governor Lion Jim Worden (l) introduces District 1J to the new Zone 2 Eastern Region Zone Chair, Bloomingdale Lion Brian Pierce. He will have Lions Clubs in GlenEllyn,Itasca,OakbrookTerrace,

Villa Park, and Warrenville in his realm.

Charlie and Stacie who are Red Cross Volunteers gave a presentation to the Sycamore LionsClubattheirlastmeeting.The club presented a check for $500 to the American Red Cross to help them help people in need.

ClarendonHillsLions welcome the newest member, Lion Jack Nolan (holding certificate).

Pantry. Lions helped serve 156 families that visited the Pantry for pet food in late January.

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a

ThankyoutotheCrystalLakeLions Club for dropping off a generous donation for Senior Care Volunteer

Network year end appeal! We appreciate your continued support!

There was LOTS of happy painted faces (and arms) at the Elburn Leo Club’s Breakfast with Santa in

Aurora Lions hosted Pet Food

Aurora Lions Susan Voigt (left front) and Tom Voigt (left back) examine

girl’s vision at

recent Lions’ Vision Clinic at the Aurora Public Library West Branch.

early December.

District Governor Lion Jim Worden (l) installs the MANY new members of the Elburn Lions Club while

visiting Zone Chairs look on. Your Editor can’t give names as there were none on the Facebook page, but . I do expect some of them

(about half) are Sponsors.

McHenry Lions Club President Gary Peterson (c) accepts President’s pin from Lion Pat Jackson (l) and PDG Lion Gene Smith (r).

Dundee Twp. Lion Michael Buhrmann was inducted into the Stan Werner Lion Legacy for Lions

who have made outstanding contributions to the club through their leadership.

These Waterman Lions, Barb Wernsing (l) and Sandy Wentworth (r) helped distribute food items at the Hinckley Area Food Pantry last month.

These Waterman Lions, Barb Wernsing (l) and Sandy Wentworth (r) helped distribute food items at the Hinckley Area Food Pantry last month.

Waterman Lions Andy Ehrhart and RussSmithjoinedStephanieDavies, Children's Garden Coordinator for DeKalb County Regional Office of Education), in constructing and installing the raised beds at Waterman Lions Park. The beds are partofaToddlerGarden.Waterman Lions were lucky that Lion Andy offered the shelter of his shop to construct the frames and then used hisskidloadertohelpfilltheframes with soil on that cold, windy day! Shown here are Stephanie Davies and Lion Russ Smith.

Future Leader Dog Brandy in her travels with Trainer, 1st VDG Lion Jeff Cholewa

Naperville Noon Lions load up collected items of Styrofoam to be recycled at Dart Corporation in North Aurora. (l to r) Lions Jim

Woodring,PaulRewerts,andDonna Kearney.LC_RecyclingStyrofoam>

District Governor Lion Jim Worden (r)presentsaClubExcellenceAward to Aurora Carillon Lions Club President Lion Vanessa Liveris. This emblem can now be displayed on the Lions Club’s Banner.

Bowlingbrook Lions New member

Jennifer inducted by PDG Charlie. -

Members of the Bonfield Lions Club help with hanging their Community Center’s new sign. The Bonfield Lions were chartered in 1967 and have been using the Community Center as their home since the late 70’s.

The Crete Lions are proud to announce Valerie Butron has joined the Crete Lions Club! Valerie was inducted into the club by Lion President Sandi Smigel at their January dinner meeting. Crete Lions doing their part for Mission 1.5.

The Crest Hill Lions presented certificates for the Students of the MonthforDecemberandJanuaryat

Chaney-Monge School Grade School. Making the presentations were Lion Ray Semplinski and Lion Laurie Thrasher.

The Frankfort Lions Club had the honor of serving the Frankfort Cub Scout Pack 270 a pancake breakfast for their Derby Day. Where there is

a need there will always be a Frankfort Lion.

February 1st was a ‘big’ meeting night for the Lemont Lions Club and Mission 1.5. They welcomed four new members. From L to R: Pres. John Miller, new member

Justin Henry, new member Danny Arenberg, Rick Katz, new member

Dan Arenberg, new member Dennis Voltarel, and Tim Garvey. That brings their membership to 101!

But the really ‘big’ event that

evening for the Lemont Lions, was thefirst‘live’drawingoftheirannual

February $500-a-day Raffle. The event was shown on Facebook live. LionmemberBarbBuschmanpulled the winning ticket. The event was held at the Lemont VFW where they hold their meetings and many of their fundraising events. Daily drawings took place at various Lemont locations throughout the month.

Thanks to the success of the Marseilles LionsClub 2023 Gobble Wobble 5K Fun Run, the club donated $3,519.00 to the Marseilles Ministerial Association (MCMA). MCMA is comprised of eight churches in Marseilles IL. Together theyhavegatheredtime,talent,and resources with the goal of building community! ---------------------------------------

The MarseillesLionsClub hosted a delicious prime rib dinner for the Marseilles Rotary Club and the Marseilles Nursing Service. The two clubs presented checks to nurse Kathy and Nursing Service board members from their fund raisers.

MembersoftheNormalLionsClub along with 8 ISU Greek fraternity students collected around $2500.00 in food and other goods to help stock the Center for Hope Food Panty in Bloomington-Normal.

During Zone Chair Patrick Kelly’s visit to the Streator Hardscrabble Lions, he presented membership Chevrons. With ZCPatrickare Lions Donna Mikolajczyk and Jama Wahl

who received their 25-year chevrons.LionJimOlmstedreceived his50-yearChevronasamemberof Lions International. Other Hardscrabble members receiving honors that evening were 25-year Chevrons for Lions Mark & Patty Ferguson, and Shelbie Fouts, Lion Cathy Reed for her 15-years, and Lions Beth Cravatta and Kathy Huey for their 10-years.

1-BK DG John Whelan had the opportunity to present a 50-year Chevron to Marseilles Lion Ralph Angelico alongside President Brock Martin during his official visit.

1-BK 2ND VG Denise presented Chevron honors during her visit to the Braidwood Club. Chervon honors went to members with 45, 50 (2), and 55 year memberships.

District Governor John Whalen was one of the presenters at the recent 1-BK ‘Roadmap to Success’ Forum. DG John spoke on the Service Journey and the importance of the Leo program.

Belvidere Club President and Lions

District 1D Children’s Cancer Chairperson Kristy Hahn invited Rockford Noon Lions Sherry Sarver-

Johnson and Brian Reinbold to present about the BraveHearts for KidsChildren’sCancerCharityatthe Belvidere Lions membership meeting on January 23rd. Sherry and Brian followed that up with a presentation at their home club on February 7th.

LionSherryistheChairpersonofthe Board of Directors for BraveHearts for Kids, a national charity that served over 3,900 families throughout the USA last year. Founded in Houston, TX by NASA Scientist Jeremy Jacobs and his wife Amy in 2008 after their baby daughter Ava was diagnosed with Brain Cancer, BraveHearts for Kids

connects families with resources to help them get through a Childhood Cancer ordeal. Oh, and some really good news: This spring, Ava Jacobs willbegraduatingfromhighschool! YAY! Also, mark your calendar for April 28th. That is National BraveHearts Day and National Superhero Day on the National Day Calendar!

Rockford Noon Lions President Marguerite Bronkala shown with Lions Brian Reinbold and Sherry SarverJohnsonfromBraveHeartsfor Kids Children’s Cancer Charity.

Lion Sherry from BraveHearts for Kids Presents at Rockford Noon Lions on February 7th. Lions Billy Wilson and Kara Kelly were among the audience at the Machine Shed

January 27, 2024, the club held a movie night with nonperishable goods as entry fee. There were two movies Leo&TheBeeMovie.Prior to the movie and between movies, participants were able to play games for prizes. Door prizes were

also drawn. Participants were able togetfreesnacks,nachos,hotdogs, juice and popcorn. All food was donated to the local food pantry.

TheDixonNoonLionsmeetinLion

DonPauser’sdiningroom, whichhe has graciously offered for use since

Restaurant.

Covid changed somanythings. This day finds the non-snow birds sharing a meeting via Zoom in “the nook.”

In honor of Don being our groups seniormemberandhisbirthday,the group was treated with a celebration with a rousing singing of Happy Birthday, stories and laughter, a little business, Don’s favorite German Chocolate Cake baked by guest Emma Halla, and home made “honeymoon plum” wine mad by her dad. Naps later in the afternoon were optional.

Pictured L to R in the group photo: Tom Cartwright, Larry Prindeville, Reed Nelson, Don Pauser, Thomas Halls.

generously donate their time of supporting the club and the community. They endlessly work to keep the local parks beautiful. Making the presentation is Lena Lions Club president-Marcia Meyers.

Zone Meeting held on Monday, January 29th hosted by the Durand Lions Club.

Lena Lions Citizens of the YearKevin Warner and Andy Martin of the Lena Park District. They go above and beyond their duties and

Lena Lion Richard Holmes made the presentation to Sophie Wirtzour Peace Poster Winner from LenaWinslow Jr. High. Also pictured isBill Wirtz, Sophie’sfather. Wealso

presented a check for $200 to the Le-Win Jr. High Art Department for supplies, etc.

Presentationofapuzzletabletothe Lena Living Center. Lions Nancy and Richard Jogerst are shown here with Activities Director, Karen Andrews.

award.LionLuAnnisalwaysreadyto pitch in and help whereever there is a need. She was instrumental in planning our Pet Parade/Diabetes Awareness Day last summer. July 20th is the date for our next Pet Parade! President Marcia Meyers made the presentation.

The Lena Lions Club awarded LuAnn Jordan their Lion of the Year

Lena Lion Jim Meyers presenting a check of $1,500 to Larry and Judy Buchenau for the Lena Community

Lena Lions Packing for Operation Goodfellow.

Lena Lion Betty Shearon and Activities Director at the Lena Living-celebrating January Birthdays!

LenaLionGaryTessendorfandLion Don Brown celebrating their birthdays during January!

Polo Lions Club President Greg Cross and Dison Evening Lions Club President Rod Tichler each hand District Governor Duane Collman $500 donations to Leader Dog for the Blind, DG Duane’s project.

Florissa andAutismDayServicesfor Kreider Services, spoke to the Oregon Lions on January 11th during their meeting at the VFW in Oregon. She explained the services offered at the Kreider Center.

KreiderServices,basedinDixon,has provided direct services to people with developmental disabilities for the past 60 years and, at present, serves 700 people in 14 counties. It has 272 employees who help support individuals at their day and residential sites as well as providing services to those clients living with their families.

Laura Watters is the Director of Florissa and Autism, which is a program that addresses the social and emotional needs of developmentally delayed children aged 0-18 living in rural northwest Illinois.

Durand Lions present a check for $2,500 to the Durand Food Pantry.

LauraWatters,whoistheDirectorof

Photo L to R: Oregon Lion Dr. Tom Champley, Laura Watters, and Oregon Lions President Lori Peterson

Lions Retha Eurales, Carol Childress of the Mounds Lions Club along with Lion Rochelle Griffin and Lion

February 26th in Cairo.

Therewere42 studentsscreened by MoundsLions Club->

Steve Griffin from the Eldorado Lions Club did eye screening

Each student eagerly participated with smiles on faces.

Lion Steve Griffin focused on the children being screened correctly.

Great job PDG Steve.

L/R / PDG Derek Eurales, 2nd Vice District Governor Retha Eurales, Lion Carol Childress, Lion Rochelle Griffin and PDG Steve Griffin.

Carbondale Lions Club Members providing vision screening in conjunction with SIU Dental Hygiene “Give Kids a Smile Day”!

146 hours and raised $1,585. The club's next chicken fry is March 10.

2. Club donated $250 value hall rentaltoFriendsoftheSpartaPublic Library.

3. $75 donation to Impack in memory of Richard Cavalier.

4. $500 donation to Sparta Senior Center for purchase of van. Club also raised $2,800 for the senior center during a special chicken fry on Feb. 25. 19 members worked 154 hours.

5. 13 members worked 63 hours at 9 bar functions, raising $734

6.Clubpurchased$60adforDistrict 1-CS convention program.

December Activities:

1. Chicken fry: 16 members worked

District 1A Lions Membership Committee held a final session ofClub Assessment class at the Lions International Headquarters at Oak

Brook on February 28th. District

GovernorTomElsey, LCIMembership Development Team member Lion Richard Castillo and District 1A GMT chairPIDDanO’Rilleywereonthedais.

Many Club membership chairs from the district were in attendance.

District1ABowlingTournamentat Lisle Lanes on February 25, 2024.

Governor Tom Elsey starting the tournament.

MEETING

2024 District 1AConvention CommitteeMeeting at China Chef.

PID Dan & MaryAnne O’Rilley celebrating their wedding anniversary.

District 1A Cabinet Meeting at Crystal Banquets, McCook.

COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS’

INEASTPEORIA →

2024 Lions of Illinois 103rd Annual Convention and Lions of Illinois Foundation

50th

Annual Membership Meetin

Dear MD1 Lions & Leos:

Attachedyou willfindthefollowingdocumentsthatprovideallof thedetails, as of this date, for the upcoming 2024 Lions of Illinois 103rdAnnual ConventionandLionsofIllinoisFoundation50thAnnualMembership Meetingto be held in Springfield from May 16-19, 2024:

1. 2024 State Convention Registration form.

2. 2024 Silent Auction flyer

3. 2024 Exhibitor Application form.

4. 2024 Convention Book Ad form.

The 2024 State Convention will be held at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel,701E.AdamsStreet,Springfield,IL. Thedeadlinetoarrangelodging is MAY 2,2024

Please note that all convention attendees MUST pay the $20 registration fee to attend the convention. You can print and complete the 2024 Convention Registration form, mail to the State office at the address below withyourcheck OR you canregisteronline,bookyourhotelreservationsand choose your dining options using the link below.

There are various dining options to choose from including the 3 Meal Plan that includes the State Luncheon, the State Banquet and the LIF Breakfast for $100 per person. If you cannot attend all three, you have many other choices, but they all include the $20 Convention Registration Fee.

Also, you can attend the BEEP Baseball Game on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Thereisnochargetoattendthegamebutweneedtoknowhowmany are attending as we are arranging transportation to the UIS Recreational Park. Please indicate if you will attend.

Click here to register online: Lions of Illinois 2024 State Convention Registration. It's fast and easy and you can use a credit or debit card for payment.

You can find all of this information on the Lions of Illinois MD-1 website at Lions of Illinois.

More information will be coming in the following weeks. State Convention Chair Lydia Ellis is working on speakers and programs and is finalizing the Agenda for the Convention.

Please share this information with your members and the Clubs in your district.

Finally, the 2024 State Convention Delegate form will be emailed separately to the District Governors and Cabinet Secretaries.

Thank you! Have a great day!!

SST Cecilia Wesselman

Lions of Illinois, Inc.

828 S. 2nd Street, Suite 101

Springfield, IL 62704

Phone: 217-299-9113

State Office Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM