PDG GLEN COMBS RECEIVES ‘AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL’ THE HIGHEST AWARD IN LIONISM!
It’s finally convention month….and the committees are ready for a FUN Convention. Don’t forget the theme. ”There’s no place like home”.
The State Convention is 18daysaway………You still have time to register until May 3, 2023, for both your meals and hotel. Room nights are filling up and not all nights are available at the Hotel. Some Lions are making reservations at other local hotels (Hilton Garden Inn). If you are using alternate Hotels please advise you are with the Lions of IL for a possible rate reduction.
Don’t forget there will be an election On Sunday morning to elect an endorsed candidate for International Director. Our candidates are PDG Austin D’Souza & PCC
Darren Van Duyn.
Please plan to vote before the Foundation Breakfast on Sunday May 21, 2023. Remember, you club delegate form must be completed and given to your District Cabinet Secretary by May 14, 2023. No delegate forms will be accepted at the State Convention.
In March SST Mary Pemberton resigned as State Secretary/Treasurer. Why is she leaving? SST Mary wanted to spend more time with her two adorable granddaughters. However, she is still with us working less hours to help with the Convention registration, bookkeeping etc. If a new candidate is found soon, SST Mary has agreed to help with some training.
It has been my pleasure to work with her this year. She is an asset to our organization, and she will be missed. For me personally, she has been a godsend in the running of the office. Her commitment to her job, is nothing short of phenomenal. MD-1 wishes her the best in her retirement.
The Council of Governors conducted interviews in April via Zoom and have determined to interview 3 candidates at the State Office on May 7, 2023, in person. Stay tuned for updates on this matter.
How do we look this month? We continue to be a plus in membership and are in 3rd place in the US & Caribbean. New York has been right behind us and has moved into 2nd place by a small margin. We have not chartered any new clubs but have reinstated 1 and have a new branch club. We also have a couple new Leo’s clubs that are in the works.
Another opportunity, for improvement is to report Service activities. Please take the time to update MyLion on a regular basis and help MD-1 to reach their goal of 60% of clubs reporting. . And don’t forget the whole platform for MyLion, LCI will be replaced by a new app called Sales Force sometime in the new Lion year.
Looking forward to seeing you all at the State Convention because “There is no place like home.”
CC Gail
PCCRALPHEVANJOHNSON
He graduated from East Walnut Grove Grade School in 1946 and Routt Catholic High School in 1950. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed in Austria. On January 8, 1955, he married Agnes Jackson at the Church of Our Saviour. She survives along with their children Nancy (Steve) Decker, Everett (LeAnn) Johnson, Patricia
(Mike)Elliott,Darryl(Stacy)Johnson, Karen (Mike) Roberts, Rebecca
(Mark) Johnson-Dyer, Christopher
(Mindi) Johnson, grandchildren
Jeremy (Bethany) Decker, Valerie
(Danny) Krohe, Chad (Jessi)
Johnson, Jessica Johnson, Erica
Klendworth, Justin (Karrie) Johnson, Ashley (Andy) DeGroot, Jenna
Ralph Evan Johnson, Jacksonville90, passed away at his home on April6,2023,hiswifebyhissideand his family ever present. He was born on September 29, 1932, to Everett and Margaret Murphy Johnson in Jacksonville, the seventh of eight children.
Johnson, Ryan (Katrina) Elliott, AlainaElliott,AlexJohnson,Brandon (Autumn) Johnson, Mitchell Shade, EvanShade,EmmaMassalone,Anna
Massalone, Ella Walters, Jason
Roberts, Chris (Sam) Roberts, Erin
(Matt) Fletcher, Dan (Angie)
Roberts, Kennadi Johnson, Kamdyn
Johnson, Kai Johnson, great grandchildren Colton Decker, Caleb
Decker, Jayla Johnson, Adia
Killebrew, Avia Lowe, Ryder King, Amelia Krohe, Declan Krohe, Miley
Klendworth, Maddy Klendworth, Knox Klendworth, Owen DeGroot, Cash Elliott, Shaylie Elliott, Jack Edwards, Mia Johnson, Sully Roberts, Kate Roberts, Margaret Roberts, Bridget Roberts, Theo Fletcher and Cooper Ray. His brother Robert (Judy) Johnson also survives.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Helen Geimer, James Johnson, Margaret Burnett, Mary Fleischli, Harold Johnson, Donald Johnson, a son, Ralph Evan Johnson Jr. and a grandson, Samuel Evan Massalone.
He was engaged in farming with his sons and served his community in many capacities including President of the Holy Name Society at Sacred Heart Church in Franklin. He was a member of the Franklin Lions Club
since 1957, serving as District Cabinet Secretary from 1964-1965, andDistrictGovernorandChairman ofCouncilofGovernorin1979-1980 for the Lions of Illinois. He was recognized by the organization for 60 years of perfect attendance. He was also a member of the Lions of Illinois Foundation Board. He was a member of the Franklin School Board and the Franklin American Legion 1089 for 50 years, serving as commissioner for seven years. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and was named Outstanding Young Farmerbythe JacksonvilleChamber of Commerce. He was a charter member of Morgan County Merit Commissioner for County Deputies, was a Precinct Committeeman of Pisgah, served with the Combined Veterans Ceremonial Team for 21 years and was commander for 15 years. He was a member of the Church of Our Saviour and a former memberofSacredHeartChurch.
PDG Steven Willett
September 18, 1969 - April 24, 2023
Steven Willett, 53, of Zion, IllinoispassedawayonApril 24, 2023, in Zion, Illinois.
Aftergraduatinghighschool, Steven served and retired fromtheArmy.Heworkedforthepast20yearsontheGreat Lakes Naval Base. Steven was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legions, PDG of district 1F Lions Club International, and he was a volunteer for the Zion Emergency Services and Disaster Agency.
Steven is survived by his spouse Leslie Anne Willett and beloved dog Spooky Blue.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Illinois Lions Club for a Leaf in memory of Steven at https://www.givecentral.org/appeals-formregistration/acp63e12b9ea9a31/user/guest
Many clubs in hold Easter Egg Hunts every year. The Bolingbrook
Lionshad4300eggsfilledwithtoys and candy for their 2nd annual event.
The Crest Hill Lions had a great time with their Easter event.
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The Mokena Lions had a large group of parents and kids taking part in their Easter Egg Hunt.
The Morris Lions Easter Bunny made an appearance during their Easter Egg activiity.
A couple of volunteer projects for the FrankfortLionsClub. Easter
food deliveries & pack the bus distribution to well deserving teachers!
Members of the Joliet Noon Lions attended the annual celebration dinner to honor the top 25 seniors from each of the three Joliet high schools. This is the 16th anniversary of this special evening. It was startedbytheJolietRotaryCluband has been sponsored by the Joliet Service Clubs -Rotary, Exchange, Kiwanis, and Lions -since its inception. 14 of the 75 students wereStudentsofTheMonthforthe Noon Lions.
The Streator Hardscrabble Lions have been sprucing up the Dog
Park. This legacy project is open all year round for use. The city does grass cutting and snow removal. The club provides mutt mitts and special upkeep such as the flower gardens ---------------------------------------
District 1-BK held a Bowling Tournament which turned out to be a great success.
for all of their service and fundraising projects.
Highland Lion’s Club Treasurer Dennis Foehner presents a check to Highland Area Community Foundation Direct Hevin Hemann for support of the community’s Fourth of July Fireworks display.
Foundation Trustee presents a check to 4 Paws for Tucker, an organization raising money for a service dog. Also pictures are Highland Lions Larry Niggli, Jan Kreutzberg, Rev Tim Darmour-Paul and David Steiner.
Past International Director Christopher Shea Nickell, a sitting justice on the Kentucky State Supreme Court, was the guest speaker at District 1-CS' District Convention. Lion Nickell spoke abouthowLionsClubsimpactedhis life from childhood to today.
District Governor Jeff Gunning and PID Nickell presented several InternationalPresident'sCertificates of Appreciation. The recipients were Harrisburg Town & Country Lions Club members Angel Ferrel andRobertMugee. The convention was held at the Harrisburg Town & Country Lions Club building.
The Chicago Ridge club inducting Officer Ken Norbut and Canine officerThor.
District 1A Governor Tony Zartler conducted induction. Lion in vest is PresidentBillLammellfromChicago
A $375 check was presented by the Aurora Carillon Lions Club to MutualGround,a24-hourdomestic abuse and sexual violence hot line, a shelter with beds, legal assistance, substance abuse support, and prevention education. The money for the donation was earned with a Superbowl for Charities.
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For Crystal Lake Lions, the room wasfilled!Andinbetweentherewas grilling of many steaks. After 23 years, the Lions must be doing something right!! Think about asking them how they do it and try it in your club.
Nutzo (l) and Daisy Mae (r) (a.k.a. Karen Carter-Allen and Lion Sue Carter) helped entertain 400 guests at Someone Special on March 25 at the Drury Lane Theater. This annual theater outing for families of children with disabilities is sponsored by the Oakbrook TerraceLionsClub with the help of others. In addition to the hands-on help of Sandwich Lions Ed and Sue and their daughter Karen, Sandwich Lions Club also sent a monetary donation.
Elgin Lions Club inducted new member Lion Rickey Sparks into the club at the March 7th meeting. (l to r) Lions Susan Breaneau, new Lion Rickey Sparks, and Fox River Zone Chair Lion John Neinhuis.
William Williams (l) was installed in March as a new member of Cortland Lions Club. Lion Steven Irmen (r) is his Sponsor.
(Picture Next Page)
(l to r) Sponsor Lion Leslie Andrle, newLionJasonGundrum,GST/Zone
Chair Lion Joanne Watson, Zone
Chair Lion Andy Watson, and Bartlett Lions Club President Lion
TonySparacino.
Aurora Noon Lions Bobby
Menendez, Dick Shindel, Paul Buddy, Randy Brown, and Jay Short
poseforaphotowhileservinglunch in late March at Hesed House Homeless Shelter in Aurora. After presenting a $1,000 donation, a dozen Noon Lions prepared and served lunch to 150 men & women shelter guests.
Afterdeliveringteddybears,stuffed animals & books to Laurie’s Pediatric Cemter at Central DuPage Hospital, the Lions walked to the near-by Ronald McDonald House and delivered the rest of what they had collected for children visiting the McDonald House. Roselle Lion Anthony Delgardo got to sit a spell with Ronald.
Westmont Lions Club inducted a new member recently, Lion Paul Murray (r), with Sponsor Lion Dan Buczkowski (l). IPDG Lion Lori Chassee did the honors.
items to DuPage P.A.D.S.
At a recent Westmont Lions meeting, IPDG Lion Lori Chassee gave a presentation on Lionism, its history, today, and tomorrow. Westmont Lions said, “She did a phenomenal job!” If you think your club would benefit from this presentation, please contact Lion Lori at: lion.loric@gmail.com She can adapt her presentation for your club. ---------------------------------------
PDG Lion Dave Stryker (l) inducted three new members of Waterman Lions Club in March. Shown here (l to r) are Stryker, new Lion Sandy Wentworth, Lion Suzanne Sedlacek (Sponsor of both Lions Wentworth and Wernsing), new Lion Barb Wernsing, new Lion Andy Ehrhart and Lion Richard Smith (Sponsor of Ehrhart). ---------------------------------------
and two Community Members. The ACLC helped pack 78 boxes, providing 16,848 meals, & feeding 46 children for a year. The value of the packing was $4,885. FMSC reports that over 85 million more need food compared to the year before.
The Aurora Carillon Lions Club March Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) packing involved 6 Lions
Doing eye examinations at the MoundsHeadstart.
L/R - Headstart employee, Lions PDG Steve Griffin, Retha Eurales, JosieEason,FernEdwardsandAnne Terry . At Carbodlale, they make pancakes outside on a special turning wheel. And they were so good.
PDG/Trustee Derek Eurales of the
Mounds Lions Club. Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion. ---------------------------------------
screening are Lions Retha Eurales and Carol Childress.
At Cairo Elementary doing eye
At Cairo Elementary with Lions PDG
Steve Griffin, Carol Childress, PDG
Derek Eurales and Retha Eurales.
Outside Cairo Elementary are Lions
Carol Childress, Retha Eurales and
At Carbondale Lions pancake breakfast. As lions, the Mounds
Lions Club president PDG Derek Eurales goes to fellowship and encourage.
Mounds Lions Club president PDG
Derek Eurales with Carbondale Lions Club president Brad Haggy and Lion Retha Eurales after enjoying some delicious pancakes. ---------------------------------------
Lion Retha Eurales at Carbondale
Lions pancake breakfast anticipating the taste of delicious pancakes.
Lions are always glad to see each other especially when there’s food.
Food and fun. Lion Retha Eurales gets delicious pancakes and sausage.
DISTRICT 1J CONVENTION
