President’s Message
2020/2021
Dear members and friends As we are welcoming the smiling Spring, we are feeling a soft breath enough far from the unpleasant pandemic that limited us for a very long time. Further, we hope that the online contacts will start to thin out soon, and later we would be free very close to normal again. I want to confirm you that the LISC Board did not stop operating normally during this closed period, with necessary correspondence, updated information and virtual Board meetings. As it is known, during the January 2021 Board meeting the revised LISC Constitution draft was approved after a careful discussion and would be presented during the AGM on June 2021, for a final approval. On the other hand during the next meeting (March) the LISC Policy Manual draft, did not fully discussed and needs to be re-discussed and reviewed in its entirety before its final presentation to the AGM. The same procedure would also apply, if we wish to modify the President’s Handbook draft. However, I want to express my appreciation one more time for the members who generously worked upon a long time those documents drafts, as well as for the members who later helped with their correct evaluation and discussion. I want also to express my congratulations to Eric Koh, for his careful and scientific job concerning the new LISC Membership /Dues platform, which is offering a lot of facilities to Chapters and officers and is available for immediate use. From the beginning of my Presidency is well known that I gave a priority to our "Philatelist" magazine. I confirm that the “Philatelist” continues to be published regularly on a quarterly basis, receiving very positive and encouraging messages from the members. We hope that in the future, the magazine would be possibly presented with a more upgraded thematic and spectacular appearance. Our magazine as well as the LISC official website are surely the core for tightening our President’s Letter............. 1 contacts, for receiving on time updated information and further sharing the needed publicity among Lions and friends. Nominations.................... 2 I want to thank very much the Graphic designing manager George Chrissovitsianos New Lisc members........... 2 and Webmaster - V. President Peter Brandenburg for the “Philatelist” issues production and online presentation, as also to past presidents for their wise advising LISC Committees.............. 2 and kind support in times of need. Further, during this year we had the pleasure to show attention to a very important LISC Board 2020-2021....... 3 date for the Lions International Stamp Club history. The Board, members and Financial statement ...... 4-5 friends, we participate with enthusiasm this year to the 70 years’ course of continuous presence and actions of LISC (1951-2021). The 70th Anniversary was Board meeting surely an appropriate chance to produce a serie of commemorative, collectible stamps and a well-designed lapel pin. We owe a lot of thanks to Ton van Vliet, David minutes ....................... 6-7 Jones and Howard Levenson, for their successful artistic and management job. LISC pin 2020-2021 ............7 Furthermore on March, we received a very pleasant and surprising invitation from LCI Convention responsible Committee. The invitation concerned the participation LiISC History..................... 8 of a LISC honorary video presentation during the general program of the Montreal virtual International Convention. Immediately, a nice diachronic presentation started LCICon 2021 ..................... 9 to be created based upon an updated Power point with LISC past material, enriched with old time members testimonials and other available modified material. LISC Pins..........................10 At this point, we must report and thank the LCI Convention’s Committee coordinators Valerie Cicero, Vivian Leabhart for their continuous kind advice, support andessential help. That beautiful Lions International Stamp Club presentation would be presented after the opening of the “Service Project Show Case”, among the spectacular sessions, programs and events of the International Convention, giving the chance to thousands of Lions delegates from the different countries to enjoy and applaud it. We will be there! Yours in Lionism and Philately, PCC SPYROS SEREMIDIS, LISC President 2020-2021
Spyros Seremidis
In this Issue
No.237/2021
M ay
LISC COMMITEES 2020-2021
Executive Committee
Spyros Seremidis – Chairperson (President 2020-2021) Peter Brandenburg - 1st vice President & Webmaster Evan Mm Jones - Secretary Micha Gelber - Director
ISC WEBSITE VISIT OUR NEW Lw.lisc.nl/ https://ww
VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL MEMBERS NOMINATIONS NOTICE
This Notice reflects Constitution changes which will be made at the 2021 AGM prior to a positive vote for the above amendment. The Nominations Committee invites LISC members to nominate candidates for the Board of Directors for the year 2021 – 2022. Voting will take place at the 2021 Virtual Annual General Meeting of LISC. It is every member`s responsibility to obtain qualified and interested Lions, who will be dedicated to LISC programmes and projects, working with the President to achieve our goals. In making a nomination the sponsoring member MUST have the prior approval of the member being nominated. If possible a short resume of his / her activities and achievements should accompany the nomination along with the name of a seconder. As per our Constitution ALL Board members must be nominated every year and the following Board members are needed. President, 1st Vice President, 2nd Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Two x 2year Directors and Two x 1 year Directors. >PLEASE send in the names of members you wish to nominate as soon as possible. All existing members of the Board are eligible for re-nomination. Nominations can also be accepted from the floor during the AGM but as members will appreciate, it is far better to have all the formalities in place before the AGM. >NOTE: All Sponsors, Seconders and Nominees must be fully paid up members of LISC for the year 2020- 2021 to take part in the vote.
>Please send Nominations to: Lion David Jones, 18 Caebryn Avenue, Sketty, SWANSEA, SA2 9AT, Wales, U.K..Tel: +44 1792 204520. E.mail: davidjones1@ntlworld.com Skype: davidjones18
BERS M E M C IS L NEW
rus, Chapter 20 yp C / s ri a im a r 20 Athanasios M Greece, Chapte / i k le ve u o Tz a li r 20 Evange Greece, Chapte / s a d a n a ts o K Polyzois 2/PHILATELIST [237]
Nominating Committee
The Committee consists of the last three Presidents.The Nominating Committee prepares the list of candidates for the year 2021-2022. Nominations are always welcome. David Jones - Chairperson Ted Henebery Dianna Lim Spyros Seremidis
Membership & Extension Committee
The Committee is responsible for recruiting new members, the establishment of new Chapters as well as the administration and up keep of the database and collection of dues. Evan Mm Jones - Secretary Peter Brandenburg - Webmaster Diana Lim Chapters Far East 12, 16, 17, 19, 21, 22, 23. Ivan Wong – Hong Kong Ted Henebery – Australia, New Zealand Doug Schembs – USA Joel Liechtmaneger – France etc. Spyros Seremidis - Chapter 20 Greece Cyprus Antonio Marte - Italy Jan Pieter Bal – Benelux
Convention Committee Montreal
The Committee deals with all matters pertaining to the organization of the booth, contacts with Oak Brook the preparation of cachets, pins, stamps and sales. Spyros Seremidis - Chairperson Dianna Lim – PIP Evan Mm Jones – Secretary
Stamp Quality and Verification Committee – NIS
The task of this Committee is verification of new stamp issues and collectables in accordance with Policy Manual PS 0017. Micha Gelber – Chairperson Thierry de Wandeleir Ton van Vliet – ROS (Rotary)
Editorial Committee
Spyros Seremidis - Editor Philatelist George Chrissovitsianos Graphic Designer Peter Brandenburg - Webmaster
Audit Committee
To check the financial report as presented by the Treasurer before the Board Meeting. Ted Henebery – Chairperson David Jones Spyros Seremidis Emilianos Chrysopoulos
Constitution & Policy Committee
The Committee reviews the Constitution and Policy Manual, proposing and presenting amendments to the Board and AGM. Spyros Seremidis – Chairperson Ted Henebery Howard Leverson Evan Mm Jones – Secretary
LISC BOARD 2020-2021
LISC BOARD 2020-2021
President
Lion Spyros Seremidis (Greece) seremidis@gmail.com
1st Vice President
Ted Henebery Immediate Past President
Spyros Seremidis President 2020-2021
Peter Brandenburg 1st Vice President
Lion Peter Brandenburg (The Netherlands) brandenburgp@gmail.com
Immediate Past President Lion Ted Henebery (Australia) ted@henebery.com.au
Secretary
Lion Evan Mm Jones (United Kingdom) e.w.m.j@icloud.com
Evan Mm Jones Secretary
Thierry De Waneleir Co Treasurer
DIRECTORS ONE YEAR
Co Treasurer
Lion Thierry De Wandeleir (Belgium) thierrydw@gmail.com
Webmaster
Lion Peter Brandenburg (The Netherlands) peter.brandenburg@gmail.com
Wong Chi Fai
Directors 1 year
Chai Ming Voon
DIRECTORS TWO YEARS
Lion Wong Chi Fai (Hong Kong - China) Lion Chai Ming Voon (Singapore)
Directors 2 years
Lion Soh Wee Boon (Singapore) Lion Frank Marcus (The Netherlands) Lion Danny Howard (Australia)
Soh Wee Boon
Danny Howard
Frank Marcus
Micha Gelber
David Jones
LIFE DIRECTORS - EXISTING DIRECTORS
Life Directors
Lion Howard Levenson (USA) Lion Micha Gelber (The Netherlands) Lion David Jones (Wales-UK)
Howard Levenson
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LIO NS I NTER NATIONA L STA M P C LUB / Pe riod e nde d 3 0 J u n e 2 0 2 1
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MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING SATURDAY JANUARY 16TH, 2021,0600 – 0800 (GMT) Virtual
1. Welcome Address
President Spyros Seremidis called the meeting to order, and welcomed the following attendees: 1st Vice President Peter Brandenburg, Immediate Past President Ted Henebery, Past President Dianna Olivia Lim, 3rd Secretary & Treasurer David McKirdy, Directors Chai Ming Voon, Ivan Wong, Danny Howard & Life Directors Micha Gelber, David Jones, Howard Levenson. President Spyros then asked for a few moments silence in remembrance of 2nd Vice President Alain-Pierre Schmid who recently passed to higher service. President Spyros wished all attendees a Happy New Year and thanked 1st Vice President Peter for making this meeting possible.
2. Apologies
There were no apologies.
3. Minutes of previous meeting (Milan 2019)
As there were no amendments, the minutes were approved and adopted by Director Chai Ming Voon and seconded by President Dianna Olivia Lim.
4. Matters arising:
No other matters arising.
5. Treasurer’s Report
No formal written report was submitted to this meeting, but the Treasurer stated that LISC was in a healthy financial position as it had not incurred Convention expenditure due to cancellations.
6. Secretary’s Report
The Membership Database designed by Lion Eric Koh issued invoices to Chapters and individual members. The system is still being developed and Lion Eric will inform the Board when the next stage of development to enable Chapter Secretaries access is to be launched.
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7. President’s Report 2020-2021
During 2020 the problems, which unfortunately are continuing, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic we have faced huge obstacles in our personal, social and professional relationships including our Lions activities. As we know the Singapore International Convention as well as the LISC Annual General Meeting did not take place. All LCI operational procedures and international social activities were attempted using technology (homework, online service guidelines, virtual meetings). It is likely to be the same for the Montreal Convention and LISC BOD and AGM, but we know that Lionism must and will continue this social and humanitarian course. Under the prevailing difficult circumstances, I tried during this year's presidency not to lose or disrupt the LISC normal operating procedures but to propose and mobilize new or improved moves. I already had a needed advisory personal study of the documents of a few LISC officers and Convention Minutes of previous years. It is universally and timelessly accepted that the interpersonal contacts and constant information can keep alive a group of persons, an Organization, a useful idea or an important action. For that reason, I gave priority, even at my own personal expense, to a normal re-publication rate of "Philatelist " Magazine, which together with the annual LISC Catalog and Encyclopedia in website are the main pillar for information for our members. Further, I strongly invite you to read the magazine and support it, with your own or the Chapter’s up-to-date news, articles, stamps and photos, activities and constructive ideas for a continuous improvement. Dear friends, I believe that is especially important to discover more new and inventive ideas in order to keep or to attract more fans/ LISC members. Furthermore, although we are all members of the Lions Clubs International, LISC as a large Club dealing a special hobby, a different subject. We well know that from 2002 LISC is no longer a part of the Lions Clubs International Headquarters and is not obliged to adhere strictly with all regulations concerning each Lions District or Club. LISC may continue to observe, register and decide to copy wholly or partly as deemed necessary. LISC official documents are however outdated and require updating, the draft Constitution, Policy Manual and President’s Handbook are presented today for our consideration.
Two experienced LISC officers Secretary David and Past President Life Director Howard, with a little help from me, undertook the difficult task of modifying, rewriting and presenting for discussion these drafts that you have in hands in order to decide in this or subsequent meetings. Dear David and Howard, please receive my appreciation for your efforts. Another innovation for LISC, is a new platform for registering and informing the Board and Chapters the membership and dues on time balance. This platform will be fully operational online in the coming months and certainly by the June 2021 AGM. The platform was designed by Lion Eric Koch with Dues Invoices issued to Chapters and Members. Dear Eric, I express many thanks for your contribution. Dear friends before ending my short report, I propose to be concerned for defining the general philosophy, the targets and the future efficiency of LISC administration. In other words, to express what exactly we want from LISC.
8. LISC Manuals Discussion
The main business of the meeting was to discuss the redrafted LISC Constitution, LISC Policy Manual and the LISC President’s Handbook. After some lengthy discussion on some areas of the revised Constitution it was decided at the conclusion of discussion to leave examination of the Policy Manual and President’s Handbook to a meeting at a later to be determined date.
9. Webshop
Life Director Micha Gelber reported that the Webshop will continue but it will in future be managed and operated under Chapter 7 (The Netherlands). The financial data will not be reported in LISC Accounts after Lionistic Year 20/21.
10. New Issue Service
Life Director Micha Gelber informed the Board that since the Centennial there had only been 2 new issues and very few subscribers to the service. In the light of this it has been decided to discontinue this service in its current format.
11. Any other Business
President Spyros has this year, as reported in his own report, produced the “Philatelist”magazine for members at his own expense. It was proposed by Secretary David McKirdy, seconded by Immediate Past President Ted that the President be reimbursed for expenses incurred. The motion was carried, and the President is requested to submit his claim to the Treasurer.
12. Next meeting
The next BOD is to be determined and is likely to be in March 2021.
LISC PIN 2020-2021 (Number 31)
The 2020 - 2021 LISC PIN will feature the 2021 Nederland Lions 70th Anniversary stamp designed by Dr. Anthony van Vliet and was issued in April 2021. The artwork for the pin has been prepared by Lion Dr Howard Levenson. The profit from the sale of these pins is one of the main contributing factors in retaining our LISC dues at the current level and their cost is being kept at previous pin prices. Price per pin - US $6.00 or Euro €5.00 Shipping Euro €2 World $3.00 Due to the weight of the Pins shipping will be increased 50% for each additional pin. Payments may be sent as follows: 1. US$ bank cheques payable to “L.I.S.C.” Please send with order to M. Gelber 2. Paypal payments in Euros to the Paypal E.mail address of LISC: pp.lisc@gmail.com (PayPal charges to be carried by you). LISC dues can also be sent to this address ALL ORDERS, MAIL AND ENQUIRIES PLEASE TO: Lion Micha Gelber- ‘s Gravenwetering 248 ROTTERDAM 3062 SJ, Netherlands Email: liscnis@gmail.com Tel / Fax: +31 10 2120 313 IMPORTANT: These Pins will only be available from
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LISC History
In 1930, there was a notice published of the formation of a Lions Stamp Club. During the 1933 International Two Lion Philatelists, including Founder Melvin Jones, held an informal meeting to discuss forming a Lions stamp club. On June 28, 1940 Cuba issued the first 2c stamp (Scott #363) honoring Lions Clubs International during its first Convention held outside the Continental United States. This was the 24th International Lions Convention held in Havana, Cuba. LISC was formed in 1951 during the 38th International Lions Convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.A. by Lion Peter Keller. Charter Lion Philatelists were Lions: Dr. J.C. Adams (Charter President), Russell Elliot, Roy Keaton, Ralph M. King, William Lynch, Soren Lura, John Malone, John Mitchell, Sidney North, Harvey Richart, George Ritter, Frank Scofield, Walter Sosna, S.K. Stryker, Captain Milton Stern, Alan Taylor, George Walker, Wallace C. Young, and Lions founder Melvin Jones. LISC was formally recognized by the Lions International Board of Director. Charter President (1951-1952) was Wallace C. Young, Port Chester, New York, U.S.A. LISC Official publication: The PHILATELIST first issued November 1955 LISC Mission Statement
To foster and develop the avocation of Lions stamp collecting to increase international goodwill of Lionism. Members can participate in the New Issues Service and activities such as stamp exchanges and used stamp collection programs for charitable and community service. The PHILATELIST, a quarterly newsletter that includes articles on Lions stamps and covers together with many offers to members, and publicizes the many philatelic activities of Lions. More than 100 countries have issued postage stamps with the Lions logo on it in recognition of Lions club activities in their countries. Covers with Lions cancels have existed since the 1920’s Purpose of LISC
1. To encourage Stamp Collecting (philately) among Lion members. 2. To provide a forum for trading & swapping of stamp material, especially those with Lions’ themes. 3. To encourage the creation of Collectible Lions’ souvenirs using stamps & special cancels on cachets & cover envelopes. 4. To encourage Stamp Issuing Authorities (national postal administrations) to issue stamps bearing the Lions logo for special events and also to encourage the creation and use of special cancellations for special events.
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LISC Chapters
by Dr. Howard Levenson, LISC Past President
* Chapter 1: District 4-C2 California, U.S.A. Chartered June, 1976 * Chapter 2: District 22C Washington DC; District 45 Virginia; District 22 A,B,C; Maryland. U.S.A. * Chapter 3: District MD324, India Chapter 4: No Club Chapter 5: MD 105, Great Britain, British Isles and District D133 Ireland. Chapter 6: District 19A British Columbia, Canada; District 36, Alberta, Canada; District 19E, Idaho 19 F; 37, District 39, District 36 Oregon; U.S.A.; District 19B Washington, U.S.A. Chapter 7: District MD 110, The Netherlands and Belgium Chapter 8: District MD 108, Italy Chapter 9: District 202 New Zealand Chapter 10: District MD 201 Australia Chapter 11: District 103 France Chapter 12: District 308 A1 Singapore Chapter 13: No Club Chapter 14: District L Brazil * Chapter 15: District F Columbia Chapter 16: District 308 A2 Malaysia and Brunei Chapter 17: Guangdong Provence, China Chapter 18: District 404 Nigeria Chapter 19: District 381 Guangzhou Provence. China Chapter 20: District 117 Greece Chapter 21: District 303 Hong Kong, China Chapter 22: District 300 Taiwan. China * Chapter no longer exists or is inactive.
Important References for Lion Philately
"Lions International, Its History and Philatelic Record" by Captain Milton Stern, 1973. "The Philately of Lionism and Philatelic Record of Lions International" Captain Milton Stern, 1976. "Lion Philately", American Topical Association Unit Handbook #59 by Tony Dekom. "World Lion Stamp Catalogue", by Stephen T.O. Ng, Hong Kong, 1997. LISC Website: (being updated) – Off Line) has a complete catalog of Lions theme stamps. Cardinal Spellman Philatelic Museum; Weston, Massachusetts . Other Lion Philately Important Dates
First known Lion Cachet Cover was for the 10th New York
State Association of Lions Clubs in Binghamton, NY, May 2324, 1932 (this predated Multiple District Lions geographical areas). First known Lions International Cachet Cover was for the 19th Lions International Convention held in Mexico City, July 23-27, 1935. In 1970, LISC suggested to the Lions Club Board of Directors that it have a room set aside for framed Lions Postage Stamps Sheets in the new Lion International Headquarters in Oak Brook. The Board actually took this further, and installed all the framed Lions Club topical stamps in the new Building Lobby along the staircase leading to the second floor offices.
LISC Programs
* Children's Stamp Club programs * Supplying stamps collecting materials and albums * Fundraising for various charities * Donating philatelic collations to museums. * Donating philatelic material to senior citizen, invalid, and handicap philatelists * New Issue Service for Lions thematic philatelic material * Publicizing new and prior Lions Philatelic items * Conducting Annual Meeting during Annual International Conventions * Stamp exchange among LISC members * Maintain a LISC Historical Archive at Lion International Headquarters.
LISC PINS
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