The Illinois Lion Lioness Leo MD1 e-Magazine
Vol. 2 - Issue 5 November 2014 Full Edition!
Chicago Youth Leo Club Members from Currie High School getting ready to collect Candy Day Money!
Illinois College of Optometry Omega Leos after their 2014-15 Club Officers Election
“Musical Chairs” was one of the games enjoyed by kids attending Waterman Lions Club’s annual End-of-Summer, Back-toSchool Picnic. Looks like those “old games” we remember are still fun for today’s youngsters.
From Council Chair Fred: I Am Looking Forward to November, Are You? Why you ask? Well its family time! Thanksgiving always brings my family together. It is nice to get together to share old memories while making new ones. We enjoy sharing the happenings in each other lives and families that have taken place since the last time we were together, to see how much the grandchildren have grown and changed. It is disappointing when one of our family members can’t be with us at our Thanksgiving dinner. We miss their presence and contribution to our conversations. However, before Thanksgiving, there is the MD1 Forum. This is another type of ‘family gathering’, not of the blood type, but of our Lions Family. The MD1 Forum is not only a great place to learn about our organization, but also to learn about the many members in our Lions Family. We should look forward to every opportunity that we have to get together as a family and share our experiences and ideas. We should appreciate the individual opinions of everyone as we do with our own personal family members. It is great to reminisce with the Lions we have grown to know. It’s exciting to meet and get to know new Lions and welcome them to our family! The break-out sessions are always informative and I did work for 17 hours – Friday evening, Saturday whole day and Sunday 1/2 a day. motivational. They generally give us insight on how to be better club officers. The sessions may also describe different district and state positions, such as Zone Chairs or District Governors, and also may cover International initiatives like the Club Excellence Process or the Ask1 program. You can learn a lot just from networking with fellow Lions attending these sessions and during lunch and breaks as well. It’s great to be able to talk and share with Lions from all over MD1 about club successes and difficulties. It seems that we all face the same issues but handle them differently. By discussing these things with others, you will hear many different possible solutions. You may also offer your ideas to someone else and before you know it, you’ve become friends! The MD1 Forum this year is Nov. 8th, at the Parke Regency in Bloomington-Normal, with registration at 8:30. I’ve signed up and hope you have as well! It would be a shame for you to not to be there to share your experiences with your Lions Family! As the old saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child”. It takes all of us in MD1 to raise a dedicated Lion. We are the village, and we are the child! We need each other to continue to grow. If you haven’t already signed up, please consider doing so. Your Lions Family is counting on you! Yours in Lionism, CC Fred Says: “Do The Right Thing” Editorial: 2014 Candy Day was really a God’s Blessing! Weather was so wonderful; I hope that all lions in Illinois had a wonderful time in their communities to collect Candy Day Collections. One thing I notice during every Candy Day is – all these posh car drivers who drive Cadillac, Mercedes Benz, Lexus, Volvo, BMW are always in a different world while driving or when they look at someone on the street collecting money for a worthy cause. They just look at you as if we are aliens come from Mars. They never give a smile or offer any donation. I totally failed to understand their attitude. However, people who drive ordinary cars are always courteous to us in offering donations and saying a few words of appreciation for what we do in our own time and our efforts in helping people in our communities.
In recent years, even my dog started using cell phone; and this one reason for many just to ignore us who ask for donations. I felt it was a real joke when I see one driver acting like speaking on a cell and the cell wasn’t lit; he was just acting like using cell phone – just to avoid me. I felt extremely happy when some people not only donated good amount of money, also they thanked me for what am I doing as a volunteer of a service organization. Some thanked me for giving many needy people eyeglasses, scholarships, sending for Visually Impaired Camps. This is the only reason why I worked 17 hours on the street going back and forth when stop light lit green. Even though I like green lights while driving; however, I hate green lights especially when I am on the street on Candy Days! Only reason is – many people search their wallets to give me some bills and boom there goes the green light and the green money which I suppose to get from them. For Candy Day we need to sacrifice our personal time and the satisfaction is when you come home and start counting the money:
I collected $672 in 17 hours - an average of $39.53. Not a bad earning on the street! Friday and Saturday were good and Sunday was very poor. Can you imagine how much money Lions of Illinois Foundation will get if all Lions work hard? Of course there are hundreds of reasons we have no enthusiasm to do so; however, as good Lions nothing is impossible and we can do it with Lionistic Spirit. May God bless all those who worked hard past Candy Days. -PDG Austin D’Souza, Ph.D., Editor
Are You Thankful? I’m not sure when you will be reading this, but Halloween might be just around the corner or already in your rear view mirror. For most people Halloween is a time for fun, definitely for the kids. We grownups are either thinking how cute the little kids are or how creative some of the older kids can be. All of that candy just about 3 weeks after Candy Day. The arrival of November means the start of the holiday season. The stores sure think so. Thanksgiving Day is a month away and you can find Christmas decorations in stores everywhere and for a number of weeks already. Thanksgiving Day is only a month away. Are you thankful for something? Most of us would have little trouble identifying several things for which we are thankful. There are, however, at least a few people in our communities that have very little, if anything, to be thankful about. That is when Lions clubs start their Food Basket programs all over Illinois. We do it for Thanksgiving or Christmas. Some clubs do it for both. The overall intent is to be of service by brightening one of our favorite holidays for those in need. Think about: “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion.” It’s what we do. So what’s this have to do with membership? Has your club been successful in recruiting new members since July 1st or earlier? Having new members is great! What to do with them can be a problem for some clubs. I have heard a number of Lions make a comment similar to: I joined the Lions in (i.e. November, 2001) and became a Lion in (i.e. April, 2003). There is no ritual in that statement. They took the oath and wore the vest and lapel pin for a while before they actually became a Lion. They enjoyed the camaraderie of membership in the beginning and then something changed. They were involved in a service project or other activity and saw, first-hand, what being a Lion is all about. Their perspective changed. The “hook” of Lionism was set.
If your club “does” Food Baskets, be sure that your new members are involved. Let them be the ones that carry that basket to the front door. Their “hook” might be set at that moment. Another idea: if you have a potential member who has yet to commit to membership, get them involved in your Food Basket program. Let them carry the basket to the front door. Let them see that little face or two peeking out from behind the adult recipient. The commitment might become a lot easier to make. Their “hook” might be set before they become a member. Recruiting new members is something we should do all year. Once we get them we should set them on the path of being active. That activity could very well set their “hook”. Once set, they should be active members for a number of years. -Lion Paul Gergolla, PDG MD-1 GMT Coordinator Phone: 630-858-8073 Email: lionpg1@aol.com
On November 8th at the Parke Regency in Normal, Lions from all around MD1 will converge for the MD1 Lions Leadership Forum. Will you be there? Have you sent in your registration? The clock is ticking….Don’t miss this annual opportunity to be rejuvenated, revitalized, and refreshed with that Lions’ spirit!
Before I write many of the newsletter articles submitted for MD1, I typically surf the Lions Clubs International website at www.lionsclubs.org for an innovative service idea or the latest membership or leadership suggestion. The Club Excellence Award jumped off the computer screen today! If you have not read about the Club Excellence Award and the many supports provided by LCI for clubs to meet the expectations for this prestigious award, now is the time to check it out!! Does your club have what it takes to claim the Club Excellence Award? I’ll bet you do! Please read on… Club Excellence Award “Strengthen The Pride” The Club Excellence Award has provided clubs with guidance and goals that expand their service and strengthen the effectiveness of club management. It is more than an award…it Strengthens the Pride by building stronger clubs and stronger communities! Qualifying clubs will receive a Club Excellence Award pin for the club president and a handsome banner patch. Elements of Excellence 1. Service – Complete three service projects Humanitarian service, whether in your local community or globally, is what Lions are all about. Your club may have existing projects that have become a tradition, or perhaps you are ready to try something new, either way, when your club has completed three service projects, your club has fulfilled the service requirement for the Club Excellence Award! Ideas to consider! Global Service Action Campaigns - Four global campaigns focus on youth, vision, hunger and the environment. This link provides project ideas,
planning guides, press releases and call to action materials.
refresh and refocus your club to increase participation and activity.
While participating in the campaigns, you may wish to consider providing assistance to children in need by donating basic necessities such as food and clothing, conducting vision screenings, doing repairs at a children’s shelter or implementing a Reading Action Program project such as reading to children or providing children with new books.
Membership Satisfaction Guide – Are your club members satisfied? This guide has helpful tips for reaching your member’s expectations.
Planning Projects – There are many needs that are unique to your community. Discover them by utilizing the Community Needs Assessment or Making It Happen publications to rediscover the service your club can provide! 2. Donation to LCIF – Expand your club’s humanitarian reach! Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) provides Lions clubs with an opportunity to make a global impact. Grants support both local and global humanitarian initiatives that are too large for individual clubs or districts to undertake themselves. A donation, large or small, fulfills the donation requirement for the Excellence Award. Making a donation is easy. Visit the LCIF web-site to choose an area that your club would like to support and make a donation on-line. 3. Membership Development – Have a net increase of one member! Of course members are needed to support projects and events. To qualify for the Excellence Award, your club needs a net increase of only one member. Establish a Club Membership Development Plan to help your club reach new membership goals and utilize the tools below to help your club recruit members and keep them involved and engaged. Just Ask – Encourage your members to “just ask” by applying these simple but successful techniques for recruiting enthusiastic new members! The Club Excellence Process (CEP) – Helps your club reach its potential through exercises designed to
All new members must be offered timely and meaningful new member induction ceremonies and attend a new member orientation. A proven step to better member retention. 4. Communication – Complete any of the following! Keeping your members and the public aware of your activities increases participation and visibility. There are several tools available to assist your club, including a free web-site! Take advantage of any of these ideas, or develop your own strategies, to fulfill the requirement for the Excellence Award. e-clubhouse – Launch or maintain this free website (or one you designed on your own) to keep your members connected. Public Relations Guide – Apply the ideas provided in the guide to help your club get the recognition it deserves. The guide includes sample press releases, public service announcements and more. Brochures and materials – Promote membership and involvement by distributing professionally designed brochures and materials. Great for special occasions and community events. District Assistance – Contact your District Governor Team or Global Membership Team Coordinator for more information about local membership initiatives. 5. Leadership Development – Proper elections, attend officer training and attend zone meetings! To qualify for the award, all officer positions must be filled by qualified Lions in accordance with the constitution and by-laws. The club must also be represented during zone meetings and a majority of the club officers must have participated in a
leadership training program. The training could include training offered at a zone, district, multiple district or International event, courses offered online from the Lions Learning Center, participation in a Club Excellence Process (CEP) Workshop or completion of the Certified Guiding Lion course. Additional offerings are mentioned below. Establish a Club Leadership Development Plan to make sure your members take advantage of the training that is available. Lions Learning Center – The on-line resource offers vital information for developing personal leadership skills. Topics include managing others, achieving results, and excellence in communication. These courses can be applied to the Leadership Development requirement for the Club Excellence Award! Officer training – On-line officer training counts toward the award too! Officer specific training helps make serving as a club officer easier by demonstrating how club leaders can accomplish their tasks effectively. Zone Meetings – Quarterly zone meetings feature personal support and provide a forum for exchanging practical and locally adapted service and management ideas. Conventions – District, multiple district, and International events bring a new perspective from a broader range of Lions that add to the fun and fellowship that are natural to Lions. District Training – Be sure to contact your District Governor Team and your Global Leadership Team Coordinator to find out more about local events. 6. Club Activity – The club must meet regularly and submit the membership report, service activity report, and club officer report for the incoming year. Submitting these reports are easy thanks to the advancement of MyLCI. Utilize this advanced membership system to complete officer reports, membership reports and club activity reports.
7. Club Maintains Good Standing To fully participate in Lions activity, your club must be in good standing at the end of the fiscal year. To be in good standing the club cannot be in status quo and all International dues billings and new member entrance fees need to be paid in full. No more than US$50 in any other expense due to LCI can be outstanding beyond ninety (90) days. To check your club’s outstanding balance, go to online statements located on the LCI website. Instructions for making payments can also be found online. Next Step! Finish the above steps to excellence and you have reached the goals of the Excellence Award! Link to application (ctrl & click to open link)
The Centennial Service Challenge (CSC) is an initiative to celebrate Lions’ 100 years of service and challenge clubs to participate in all four Global Service Action Campaigns to benefit 100 million people by December 2017. As Lions have discussed the CSC, there have been questions about clubs completing the service activity report on MyLCI, which is the tool that monitors the collection of the data. This service activity report is a document that should be completed monthly by the club secretary. Per the LCI website The Service Activity Report is a feature within MyLCI that allows clubs to report service activities and measures the global impact Lions are making through service in their communities. The report application allows clubs to:
Keep a descriptive, searchable record of service activities Share photographs Enter service goals and track progress toward achieving them Search for activities (including photos and project descriptions) that are being shared by other clubs and districts worldwide
To assist club officers, and especially club secretaries, to accomplish this task, LCI has several resources. By clicking on this link, resources are made available. http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/membercenter/planning-projects/service-activityreport.php Resources The following materials were designed to introduce Lions to MyLCI and address common questions related to the service activity report.
Video: Introduction to MyLCI Video: Using the MyLCI website Service Activity Report Frequently Asked Questions Why Use MyLCI? Report Your Service Activity via MyLCI
For technical assistance, Lions may contact the MyLCI Support Center by phone at (630)468-6900 or by Email.
guide dog but couldn’t successfully get one. In true Lions fashion, they decided to fill the need themselves contacting a local dog breeder and asked if he could not only supply the dogs but also conduct the training. That’s where it all began with the first graduating class of 4 in 1938. On the Horizon for the Next 75 Years of Leader Dog Capital Campaign will focus on redesigning the current kennel to accommodate raising a quieter, calmer dog in an up to date facility. Improvements include: 1. A renovated training and kennel area with spacious and open housing villages. 2. An expanded puppy area that is better suited for the health and socialization of puppies. 3. An enhanced lobby with a veterinary waiting room, adult dog intake, retail space and puppy area viewing room for the general public.
There is no question that Lions can reach the goal of 100 million people served by December 2017. However the key is reporting these activities appropriately. We need all Lions and Leo Clubs to report their service activities monthly. Let’s use the tools provided and make this happen!! -Lion Jama Wahl, MD1 GLT Chairperson
4. A centralized veterinary clinic
Leader Dogs for the Blind Kennel Development Campaign Seventy-five years ago, three Uptown Detroit Lions knew a visually impaired colleague who wanted a
5. Room for our dedicated campus volunteers and space for them to interact with our dogs throughout the kennel to ensure that our dogs receive adequate enrichment time. 6. A new intake area for our Host Families bringing breeding dogs and litters of puppies to Leader Dog.
7. A new breeding area to support our growing breeding colony and ensure that we have enough Leader Dogs to meet demand. Leader Dog just broke ground August 3, 2014. More information
will be coming your way! Main part of entrance, reception area, kennel and Veterinary Clinic is Gone.
this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for all your help and support you have given your Lions of Illinois Foundation. We have come a long way in 40 years and I look forward to seeing what the next 40 years will bring to the Blind and Deaf communities in Illinois. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our previous Executive Director, Van Stone for all of his hard work and expertise in bringing our Foundation to where it is today. As we move forward, the first step in this journey is Candy Day 2014. We all know how to do Candy day. We all know when our designated day is in Illinois, the second Friday in October. Each and every lions club should be working right now to make sure that Candy Day 2014 is a huge success. This can be obtained by starting your underwriting campaign to the local business and establishments in your communities. As well as getting all the necessary approvals from your villages and local establishments to stand on the street corners and in front of those local establishments. As most of you know now, we had to make a change to the candy roll. Starting this year we have a new give away, a pouch that is filled with smiley sweet tarts opposed to the old mint and fruit candy rolls. With a huge success from Candy Day 2014 we will be fortunate enough to support our designated programs. These programs include but are not limited to, our Mobile Hearing Units, our Mobile Diabetic Unit, our Low Vison Program our Social Services Program, which supplies hearing aids to those in need, our signature program Camp Lions, and last but not least, all of the communities in Illinois. Best of luck, and have a phenomenal Candy Day 2014. -PDG Mario Gumino FROM MD1 ALERT CHAIR Greetings November Readers,
-Submitted by: Paul Lindstrom, PCC FROM THE DESK OF LIONS OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Lions, Lioness and Leos, As your New Executive Director I would like to take
Ah, Halloween has passed us by and soon it will be Thanksgiving. Each year someone volunteers or is given the job of the Thanksgiving feast. One of the first steps to planning the feast is putting together the shopping list so you don’t forget to buy something for the meal. When the day is here, all the ingredients are used to prepare your master-
piece. About an hour after the meal starts, it is over.
9/8/2014
MIKE STARKO
9/8/2014
PDG ROBERT & SUE SUDBURY
Without that careful planning, the event would never be able to take place. Like many events, that rule remains the same, prepare. So here is the question, why is it when something bad happens, we are not prepared? Do we think it will never happen again?
9/8/2014
PCC MARLIN & SUE HIMELICK
9/9/2014
PDG RICK TONOZZI
I challenge you while you are sitting around the table full of food with family and friends to strike up a conversation about Alert. See how the table talk ends up. You may find that they are more prepared than you think or not at all. Hoping for the first but knowing more likely it will be the second; we have a job ahead of us. We always want to keep those closest to us safe. It would be great to have all of our Clubs prepared but that cannot happen until our families are prepared. Let’s start small. Maybe after your family conversation, a few Christmas gift ideas will come to mind. Flashlights, first aid kit, a ready bag with checklists and supplies. We need to start somewhere.
9/10/2014
PDG'S JOHNNY & CAROL ANDERSON
9/10/2014 9/11/2014
LORAINE LC PDG JOHN & BETTY THIEN
9/22/2014 9/30/2014 LION JOYCE DAVIS
GILLESPIE LC PDG BOB & LINDA JILKE
9/30/2014
SUE CROSSON-KNUTSON
9/4/2014 ALPHONSE DYOKAS
WILLOW SPRINGS LIONESS CLUB
9/3/2014 WILFREDO GAPVZ
DUNDEE TOWNSHIP LC
9/16/2014 THOMAS GROVE 9/5/2014 DON HOOK
DIXON LIONESS CLUB BERNARD & DEBRA DOST
9/26/2014
JONATHAN & KAREN SWIRSLEY
9/22/2014 MELODY HULL
PEORIA HEIGHTS SUBURBAN LC
9/16/2014 LARRY KIRGAN 9/9/2014 DONALD LEWIS
MARISSA LC FOX RIVER GROVE LC
9/22/2014 GEORGE MARTUCCI ROSELLE LC 9/11/2014 CORAL MEYER TOM & JANE MARTIN 9/9/2014 JOE NAGLICH PDG JOHN & BETTY THIEN 9/10/2014
DON & JEAN PRESSLER
9/11/2014
MIKE & GERTIE
9/11/2014
JACK & HELEN MCMANEMY
9/11/2014
JOHN & JUDY
LIONS OF ILLINOIS ENDOWMENT FUND
9/11/2014 9/11/2014 9/11/2014
PAT MODRUSIC JOHN SCHIEBER CATHY & ZACH MARSH
HONORARIUM DONATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2014
9/11/2014
RICH & HAZEL MODRUSIC
9/11/2014 9/11/2014 9/11/2014 9/11/2014
PRAZMA FAMILY DAN NAGLICH CAROLYN MILLER WORDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY DIST
9/22/2014
CATHERINE MODRUSIC
9/24/2014 9/3/2014 HARRY NEFF
EDWARDSVILLE LC FRANK & DARLENE DORFLER
9/26/2014 ROD PARRISH
KENT & VICKI ACKERMAN
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
ALWOOD LC BOB & PEGGY BARTELS
9/26/2014
ADOLDO & DEBORAH ALEJO
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
ELLIE & JOHN BETZLE MARK & SUE BUTTSCHAU
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
ANN CAMPAGNA JANET & STEVE
Have a great Thanksgiving and be safe traveling. -Lion Jim Kiser, MD1 Alert Chair LionJimKiser@gmail.com
IN HONOR OF
FROM
REASON
9/1/2014 GREENFIELD LC CHAPIN LC CLUBS 75TH ANNIVERSARY 9/13/2014 MICHAEL SARGENT SARA MAY 9/8/2014 PDG LG RED BENHART 9/22/2014 HESTER 9/24/2014
COMBS
ITASCA LIONS CLUB
OTTAWA LIONS CLUB CAROL MCCANN KOJIMA
9/26/2014
PDG KEN & ADA FRANZ
9/26/2014
PDG DICK & BARB BARK
9/29/2014
PDG RICK & ROSE TONOZZI
9/3/2014 PDG FRANK CRAMER HIGHLAND LC 9/3/2014 PDG’S BILL MCKINNEY & LYDIA ELLIS 9/4/2014
PDG DON & KAREN ROBEY
MODRUSIC
MODRUSIC
BRECKON
9/26/2014
DIANN & JOHN CARRAN
9/26/2014
MATT & BETH ENGELMAN
9/26/2014
PAUL & TONI CARLSON
9/26/2014
LLOYD & MARJORIE SCHILLINGER
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
BYRON CARLSON CHUCK & LORI DHABALT
9/26/2014
MR. & MRS. GOODNIGHT
9/26/2014
DAVE & PATSY CRIPPEN
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
JEAN SAMPSON RICH & BETTY NIGHTINGALE
9/26/2014 9/26/2014 9/26/2014 9/26/2014
MARTY CRAPNELL MAE FRANKLIN JEANNINE FILLER MIKE & RUTH EINFELDT
9/26/2014
JIM & DIANE WELBORN
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
OZZIE CARLSON RICK & JOYCE HEPNER
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
DAVE & RITA GRIFFIN CHRIS & GARY GIBNEY
9/26/2014 9/26/2014 9/26/2014
RITA SPECHT BOB OSBORNE JOHN DEERE MASTER DATA TEAM
9/26/2014
MAGGIE & JASON ATKINSON
9/26/2014
STEPHANIE & TIM GARRITY
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
DIANE KROLL STEVEN & MARJORIE JOST
9/26/2014 9/26/2014 9/26/2014 9/26/2014 9/26/2014 9/26/2014
TIM & PATTY HUTH KATHY LOOMIS MITCH & SUSAN LEE HAROLD LARSON THOMAS MARTIN GARY & CAROL MCCORMICK
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
JERRY & JANE MEYER DOUG & JUDY NELSON
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
PHILIP MYERS DENNIS & CATHY MORGAN
9/26/2014
RAY & CINDY PARRISH
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
TOM PETERS ZACH PRATT & FAMILY
9/26/2014
DEBBIE & MARK SCHWIEBERT
9/26/2014 9/26/2014 9/26/2014
DAVID RUSSELL CHRISTINE RUGH LAURIE & DALE
9/26/2014 9/26/2014 9/26/2014
BRAD & LORI TILLOCK VICTORIA WINSOR GOLDMOHR GOLD COURSE
9/26/2014
THE PLANNING CENTER, INC
9/26/2014
BILL & MARCIA
JACOBS
9/26/2014
JOAN & STEVE
CONRAD
9/26/2014
TC & JR
9/26/2014
KEN & CONNIE
9/26/2014
BARRY & LORRIE SNODGRASS
9/26/2014
ROY & JAN GUSTAFSON
9/26/2014
DENNY & JEANNE BRODD
9/26/2014
MIKE & SHIRLEY BURNETT
9/26/2014 9/26/2014
DAVID SCHULTZ JAKE & ELLEN HARDERSEN
9/17/2014 RONALD READING KATHLEEN HOOK 9/26/2014 HELEN RIDENOUR PDG DICK & BARB BARK 9/16/2014
RAYMOND VERDICK
DIXON LIONESS CLUB
9/16/2014 9/24/2014 9/24/2014
CAROLYN WALLACE MICHAEL STARKO EDWARDSVILLE LC PDG JAMES WALLACE CAROL
MCCANN KOJIMA
9/26/2014
PDG DICK & BARB BARK
9/26/2014
PDG JAMES HARBAUGH
9/26/2014
ROBERT & SUE SUDBURY
SPRIET
District 1A Governor Terry D’Souza Carleton Hotel in Oak Park with Leader Dogs who visited Chicago for training new Leader Dog owners.
CHRISTOPHER WHITE
Lions posing for a Photo Shoot-out in front of Chicago Art Museum
beautiful weather for the event. Not so for the 20th year. The skies opened up with heavy rains shortly after youngsters took to painting their squares on the Main Street of Morrison. Pictured (before the rain fell) are left to right Sandy Shetler, Ken Jansma and Keith Hamstra. More Lions gathered under the tent when the downpour started!!
Morrison Lions Club members started September with a busy schedule. Shown with picnic tables for the pavilion assembled by members: Front row left to right: Bob Smith and Jim Blakemore, Back row - left to right: Bob Countryman and Steve Wroble. Lion President Keith Hamstra also helped with the task but is absent from the picture. This project is in celebration of our 75 year anniversary raising funds for a 24' x 32' picnic pavilion at the new Sports Complex in Morrison. Dedication of the structure will be in the spring, 2015 when landscaping has been completed.
Members planned a delicious fundraiser (apple slices with yummy warm caramel sauce) for the annual Paint the Town celebration held on Saturday, September 20th. Nineteen years and truly
And to have a little fun at Paint the Town - No, it's not Mary Poppins - it is our good natured President Keith Hamstra standing in the rain with a borrowed colorful umbrella.
Gemoa Lions Gene Bradford & Amber Mueller take time out from selling raffle tickets to pose for the camera.
Jarred Zekoff of the local band Bedside Alibi as he plays during Genoa Oktoberfest 2014
left to right President Kirk Polhill winner of 2014 chevy malibu Leslie Brown and lion Jim Brenner The Lena Lions Club held their 64th annual Fall Festival Sept 5 and 6. Our club raffled a 2014 Chevy Malibu, and 2014 Polaris Ranger. Our festival also had had a parade with 176 entries which included a fly over from the pilots association in Stephenson County . Pork Chop barbeque, bingo, and a ham stand. We offered free entertainment both evenings.We offered rides for kids of all ages. plenty of food vendors for everyone's taste.
Bedside Alibi kicks off Genoa Oktoberfest 2014.
DeKalb's own Mondo Tones headline Genoa Oktoberfest 2014.
left to right President Kirk Polhill Harley Busser winner of the 2014 Ranger Kathy Busser and Festival Chairman Bill Crichton
The Harvard Leos group helped out at the recent Lion's Club Pork Chop Dinner. This group held a Flower Bulb Sale to support their visit to the Lion's International Convention in 2015. Photo: Ashley Marquez, Kaylyn Marquez, Yesenia Guzman
MD1 –Magazine Editor PDG Austin D’Souza, Dist. 1A Governor Terry D’Souza, Lion Linda Madden and Past International President Wayne Madden at the Fort Wayne Hotel in Indiana when he was honored by Indiana Lions
Philippine Lions from Chicago at Feed My Starving Children in Libertyville where they served food for hundreds of needy people
New Member Joycelin was inducted to Chicago Maharlika Lions Club in October. In picture you see Halloween Costume winner 1A II VDG Ernie Lapid and Club Past President Rodova Cava.
106 Lions attended District 1A Region 6 Meeting.
Chicago Logan Square Lions held their Annual Murder Mystery at La Villa Banquet Hall as their fundraiser. More than hundred lions were in attendance.
Rachel Dugan, immediate past president of the Highland High School LEO Club is one of 32 LEOs
(L-R) Lion Dori Welch, Kathy Blomberg and Lion David Marcum. Cedarville Lions Club supported weekly reading, crafts and recreation program for youth held at Cedarville United Methodist Church (CUMC). Each week 57-92 kids attended the activities and special events for the kids once per week for nine weeks before school restarted. Besides weekly events,especially liked was special visits by Puppy Raisers and Hammy from Rockford Ice Hogs Hockey team. Kathy Blomberg with CUMC accepted the donation.
Lion Dori Welch fixing lunch for summer program for youth and their moms. Not shown, Lion David Marcum also helped with fixing several lunches.
recognized as LEO of the Year for 2013-2014. Rachel was a four year LEO. During her presidency the LEOs went to Camp Manatowa to serve ice cream to the campers at Camp Lions. Her club also participated in tootsie pop day, adopted a need family at Christmas, collected for the food pantry and visited a local nursing home. Through her leadership the LEOs were visible in the school and in the community. Past Council Chair Lydia Ellis presented the certificate and the medallion to Rachel at a Highland Lions Club meeting. International Director Bill McKinney presented Rachel with an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation. District Governor Ed Kallbrier also attended.
The Highland Lions added two new members in September. PDG Earl Steiner inducted Allen and Charis Hoffman at an October Meeting. PDG Rich Schrumpf is Allen’s sponsor and Lion Shelia Schrumpf is Charis’ Sponsor. Charis is a volunteer nurse at Camp Lions at Camp Manatowa. Thirty two different Highland Lions braved miserable weather to participate in Candy Day. Lion Den-
nis Foehner was the Highland Chair. Charis Hoffman bundled against the cold. The Highland Lions supported the Highland Arts council by selling brats in the food court at the annual art fair, Art in the Park. Lion Gene Redman chaired the event and the club donated part of its profits to the arts council.
Sycamore Lions Club Pres. Lion Pete Springmire (l) welcomes the club’s newest member, Lion Clayton “Clay” Hansen (r).
(l to r) Lombard Lions David Johnsen, Ernie Turcotte & Bob Lehman collected eyeglasses, hearing aids, and keys at the annual Lombard Recycling Extravaganza in September. The club also collected cell phones for an organization who distributes them to women in need. The citizens of Sandwich IL are recipients of five new castconcrete trash containers located downtown. They were donated by the Sandwich Lions Club. The old 55-gallon barrels they replaced were donated to the Sandwich Fair Association to be used on its grounds.
Palos Lions Club celebrated their 60th Anniversary and inducted 3 New Members – Sharon Brannigan, Mike Lebarre and Brent Woods by District 1A LIF Trustee Frank Kirar.
5 PDGs at the Opening Eyes – Special Olympics helt at the United Center. Hundreds of disabled students attended this Med Fest for their vision test
– PDG Steve Anton, PDG Catherine Rondinelli,
PDG Austin D’Souza, PDG Dave Hansen and PCC Georg had to leave early to attend his job.
Oak Lawn Lions Club President Jeff Hawkinson and Mount Greenwood Lions Club President Colleen Huels received International Presidents recognition from PID Dan O’Reilly. Far right is PIDs wife Lion Maryann O’Reilly.
2 New Members – Mary Young (second from left) for Mount Greenwood Lions Club and Robert S. Pearson (third from right) for Oak Lawn Lions Clubs were inducted during both clubs 75th Anniversary Celebrations at Garden Chalet Banquet in Oak Lawn by II VDG Ralph Zarda.
Some Lions at the 75th anniversary Celebration.
LIF Trustee Frank Kirar and PDG Dick Huels received International Presidents Appreciation Certificate from PID Dan O’Reilly for their continuous hard work and dedication in spreading Lionism through these two clubs.
The final Cruise Night of the season was hosted by the Sandwich Lions Club in conjunction with the Taste of Sandwich in late September. Classic and antique cars such as the one pictured were on display during the Taste of Sandwich event.
Aurora Noon Lions Club Co-Pres. Lion Herb Steinmetz chats with Cdr. Crawford, senior Naval Science instructor, about East Aurora High School’s Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps for the NJROTC Unit. With about 900 students and 10 instructors, this unit is the largest in the world. It is a high school citizenship & leadership development course, built on a military model and includes academic classes, plus athletics, military drill and extracurricular activities.
District 1-J’s First Lady and Elburn Lion Cindy Halsey Lions Park Coordinator and Lion Tom Mahan as they volunteered this summer at Elburn Days. Lion Tom was recently presented with the inaugural Tom Mahan Award for all of his work with Lions Park and Clubhouse over the years.
Waterman Lions Club presented a Melvin Jones Fellowship Award to Karen Fenske, wife of Lion Mark Fenske. Karen organizes the club’s annual Gobbler Gallop 5K Run/Walk and also helps with many other activities. Dist. Governor Lion Chris Halsey affixes the MJF pin to Karen’s shirt collar.
District 1A Region 1 meeting held in October at Connies Restaurant, Berwyn.
1A Governor Terry D’Souza visited District 1A Past District Governors’ Club at J. C. George’s Restaurant in Countryside.
South Holland Lions Club held their Governor’s Visit in the month of October. Several Lions were honored with Membership Chevrons.
Lots of food at District 1CS Lions Candy Day Jamboree in the month of September. You can see 1CS Governor Steve Griffin, PDG Mario Gumino, etc., filling their plates.
Chicago Maharlika Lions Trick or Treat Presentation Party held at White Eagle Banquet Hall. Sever-
al Lions and their kids came dressed up for the celebration.
(l to r) Naperville Noon Lions Paul Rewerts, Ken Stgrugalla and Linda Strugalla (sister of Lion Ken) draw the winning Summer Raffle tickets on Labor Day at the Last Fling. Total net profit was $21,745, a slight increase over last year’s profit.
Malta Lion Jerry McArtor (l) is congratulated by DG Lion Chris Halsey for receiving a Membership Key for recruiting two new members to his Lions Club. There’s a new SEASPAR bus in the Southeast Region of District 1-J because of several Lions Clubs in the Southeast Region that made contributions toward this bus. The new bus for the South East Association for Special Parks and Recreation, more commonly known as SEASPAR, was spearheaded by the Clarendon Hills Lions Club... Along with Clarendon Hills Lions Club, the following clubs donated funds for the bus: Darien Lions Club, Westmont Lions Club, Downers Grove Lions Club, and Lisle Li-
ons Club. All of these Lions Clubs are listed on the back of the new bus — what great publicity in their communities! The new bus has arrived and a dedication will take place in Clarendon Hills on November 22nd at Lions Park in Clarendon Hills.
Above photo of a 2014 Union Lions Project—a deck built onto the house of Union Lion Mark Torgerson, who is blind, for use for his family. (l to r) Lions Bernie Kearns, John Nienhuis, Roger Christiansen, Scott McMacken, Mark Torgerson, and Mike Fees, Noella Torgerson (holding Ethan), Lions Jim Kurzawinski, Carl Griffith, Barney Dalton and Lion Don Strauss taking picture. The Deck Project materials were funded from profits of one of the club’s Pancake Breakfasts.
eighty-one a ride over four football fields in length for the reasonable cost of ten dollars. Teams of a least five need to be organized for an event and those participants should weigh not less than 70 and not more than 200 pounds. Rides will continue to be available through the fall and into the winter.
Oregon Lions were out at the intersection of Route Two and Hwy. 64 on October 10th and 11th soliciting donations and handing out Lions Candy. They want to thank everyone for their generous support during this year's fundraiser. A large portion of the funds collected are sent to the Lions of Illinois Foundation who are then able to provide vision and hearing services to local communities. One such opportunity is a free hearing screening offered at the Rock River Senior Wellness Fair this Friday, October 17th. The Lions Hearing Screening Bus will be present to for those who wish to take advantage of this annual event. Hardscrabble Lions Jim Olmsted and Karen Ranger are seen working at the Senior Expo in Streator. Thirty-one people were screened for diabetic retinopathy. Other Lions assisting were PID Bud and Jama Wahl and first Vice President Karyn Dzurisin.
Russ Senti and his son Chris Senti ( AKA Zip Line Man) spoke to the Oregon Lions about the recent addition to the LOMC Campus.Over 800 satisfied customers have enjoyed a zip line ride since the launching of the zip line on June 3rd of this year. The single-span zip line stretches over 1200 feet and has already given those from ages eight to
From left to right - Lion Gil Garcia, Aurora Castellano, Joe Schuetter, Margarita Carrillo,
Leatrice Saffore, Irene Hurley, Victor Ramos, Jr, Tony Ziakano, Joe Gonzalez at the Chicago South East Lions Clubs Raffle where the first place winner won a 42" flat screen TV and the second place winner received $50.00. The funds from the raffle fund a variety of health services the clubs provide for needy residents in the South Chicago community.
Lion Andy DiSanto and Irene Hurley at St. Kevin's Church on Candy Day.
Great Cars, Great Weather, Great Time at Car Show
The 28th Annual Lions Club Fall Classic Car Show was a huge success. On Sunday, October 12, there were 1,127 Show Cars displayed for the spectators to enjoy, more than ever before. There were 200 cars for sale in the Car Corral, and 650 Swap spaces filled with car parts and car memorabilia. Spectators could lunch on food supplied by 11 food vendors. At Noon, the local Marine Corps League brought the Colors down the center aisle, and held the flags as Marvin Minarich, Jr. sang the National Anthem. Many Lions Club members from Morris, Streator, Channahon, and Coal City were joined by an army of helpers from local groups to present another great Car Show for our community. The Marine Corps League and American Legion Riders from Morris helped park the show cars, while the American Legion Riders from Wilmington helped with Spectator Parking. Both Boy Scout Troops 471 and 469 helped again with the event. At 3:00 the winner of this year’s Raffle Car, a ’72 Olds Cutlass convertible was drawn. The winner, from Burbank, had purchased his ticket earlier that day. This year, cash prizes were also awarded in addition to the car. The winner of the 50/50 Raffle was present to collect his prize from this year’s beneficiary, the Grundy County Housing Authority. The rain even waited until the awards were given. It was a great day for all. Here are several pics and captions:
Pictured is Leon Martin of the Monmouth Evening Lions presenting a check for $500.00 to Christie Munson to go towards the purchase of a Public Address system for the Monmouth - Roseville Drama Club to be installed in the high school auditorium.
Lions Tom Kinzler and Terry Egeland present the title of the ’72 Olds Cutlass to the winners of this year’s Raffle Car, a couple from Burbank.
At Noon, the Morris Marine Corps League presented the Colors, followed by the Anthem, sung by Marvin Minarich,
Mattoon Lion Jeff Nelson, on the left, is shown with Morrison Candy Day Chairman Aaron Johnson. Lion Jeff is a former Morrison, Illinois resident and enjoys Candy Day in his city. He made contact with the Morrison Club asking if he could lend a hand on Friday, October 10. We were happy to have him with us and hope he was able to see some old friends. Thanks for your support and assistance.
Lion MaryJane Gillespie presents the Trophy for Farthest Distance Traveled to Rita McPherson, who drove from Florida. Local merchants and individuals sponsored the many trophies awarded.
Fall Cleanup on Route 30 East. Pictured left to right -
Rows of show cars greeted spectators at Sunday’s Car Show.
Front row Ken Jansma , Jim Blakemore, and Tracy Muur. Back row, left to right - Steve Wroble, Nancy Countryman (holding a dollar bill she found - - and it became a Happy Buck) - Beth Wroble, Keith Hamstra, and Aaron Johnson. Lion Bob Countryman was on the job also and is always the one with a camera in hand!
Puerto Rico Lions Club Past President Rafael Alvarado.
More work completed on the 75th Anniversary project at the Morrison Sports Complex. The sign, designed by Jim Winslow, was put in place recently. Shown with the task completed are left to right, Jim Blakemore, Jim Winslow, and Steve Wroble. Photographer Bob Countryman also assisted. I think we need to buy him a tripod so he HAS to be in the pictures!
Some District 1A Lions in front of Late Melvin Jones Chicken Farm House in Flossmoor, IL.
OPENING EYES—MED FEST—2014 October 22, 2014 came around again and the Lions of District 1A con- verged on the United Center again to extend their hands in service to the special schools and their students. The busses came slowly to be- gin with but soon the area was filled ultimately with some 200 kids, all ages, all nationalities, some in wheel chairs, some who were non ver- bal and all as nice and polite as was possible. The screenings started at 9 a.m. and continued until all kids have been screened. When they
left they each had a box lunch with them to complete their day! Chicago Youth Leaders Leo Club officers with their Leo Advisor from Currie High School and Chicago
They all waited their turn and the sign in process began with information collected by the Lions some doing distance and the various other screenings which ultimately led kids to the final review by the ICO and Triton students to determine if they would need glasses.
This is a very special event for all the Lions who take time from their schedules to be involved with a community service project that may provide a pair of glasses to someone who now can see! What a concept! For me it has been over 8 years and I am already marking my calendar for next
This has been a very special annual project for District 1A over the years and the lions do continue to turn out to say “We Serve”. It is a lot of hard work once the kids start coming in to keep them in line— not lose anyone as some do have a tendency to wander. I saw one young lady who had come in in the first group who had finished her testing and came out of the back area suddenly with a look of panic as she could not find her “coach”. One of the coaches came up to her and gently her back to her group and the panic was gone as she knew she was safe.
year!
Besides the hard work there was also some fun— trying on glasses—posing with some of the techni- cians—doing some on the spot screenings—all part of the morning talking with one another but always watching for the kids so they did not wander off. The sense of purpose was very apparent as each lion and other volunteers took their turn moving the kids along, checking to see they had been to all the screening stations and finally back to their coaches.
-Lion Judy Toft—Secretary, Chicago Mayfair Lions Club
THE ELEVENTH HOUR - THE ELEVENTH DAY - THE ELEVENTH MONTH - MARKING THE END OF WORLD WAR ONE.
Fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “THE WAR TO END ALL WARS.”
Soldiers of the 353rd Infantry near a church at Stenay, Meuse in France, wait for the end of hostilities. Photo was taken at 10:58 a.m., on November 11, 1918, two minutes before the armistice ending World War I went into effect The poem "In Flanders Fields" by the Canadian
army physician John McCrae remains to this day
The last British soldier to die was Private George Edwin Ellison of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers - killed at 09.30, just 90 minutes be fore the ceasefire. The last French soldier to die was Augustin Trebuchon from the 415th Infantry Regiment - killed at 10.50. The last Canadian soldier to die was Private George Lawrence Price of the Canadian Infantry (2nd Canadian Division) - killed at 10.58 - the last Commonwealth soldier to be killed in World War One. The last American soldier to die was Private Henry Gunter - killed at 10.59. – Officially the last man to die in World War One. The Initial or Very First Armistice Day was held at Buckingham Palace commencing with King George V hosting a "Banquet in Honour of The President of the French Republic"[1] during the evening hours of November 10 1919. The First Official Armistice Day was held on the Grounds of Buckingham Palace on the Morning of November 11th 1919. This would set the trend for a day of Remembrance for decades to come. In many parts of the world, people still observe a moment of silence at 11:00 a.m. local time as a sign of respect in the first minute for the roughly 20 million people who died in the war, and in the second minute dedicated to the living left behind, generally understood to be wives, children and families left behind but deeply affected by the conflict.
one of the most memorable war poems ever written. It is a lasting legacy of the terrible battle in the Ypres salient in the spring of 1915.
Lion Judy Toft, 1A Membership Coordinator & RAP Chair
Anniversary Celebrations at Hotel Hilton, Michigan Avenue in Chicago.
A new Lion Letrice Saffore from South East Lions Club receiving Governor’s Personal Pin during Med Fest in United Center. MD1 STATE E-MAGAZINE EDITED & PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY: PDG AUSTIN D’SOUZA, Ph.D. FOR LIONS OF ILLINOIS – MD1. SEND YOUR ARTICLES, PHOTOGRAPHS EVENTS AND NEW MEMBERS TO:
OF
ILStateEditor@gmail.com on or before 25th of every month. IF YOUR DISTRICT’S EVENTS ARE NOT APPEARED; BECAUSE YOUR DISTRICT SUB-EDITOR DID NOT SEND THEM TO THE EDITOR. IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE PUBLICATIONS FROM ALL DISTRICTS FROM MD1. EDITOR APPRECIAES YOUR COOPERATION IN THIS REGARD. Lions in front Chicago Art Museum after celebrating their 75th