WHERE THERE’S A NEED, THERE’S A LION | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021 | wisconsinlions.org
Lifelong Learning at this Year’s USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum
BY PID CONNIE LECLEIR-MEYER
On September 8, 2021, Lion Michael, Lions Mom and Dad and I left Rock Falls and drove south to Des Moines, Iowa to attend the 45th USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum! This will be my 13th Forum. My lifelong learning from this began in September 2008 when I was the District E2 1VDG. I was encouraged by District leadership to attend, so I flew to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in Canada, and attended 12 seminars on all sorts of topics I thought would be helpful during my year as District Governor. By the time I left, I had learning from the Lions bubble leaking out my ears! I was amazed at how much information was shared by people “in the know” that were so willing to help me be successful. The last seminar I attended in Saskatoon was an accident. I got lost in the complex trying to find my seminar and walked into a room filled with over 100 men
in blue coats and gray pants. The name of the seminar was “PDG: Permanent Dinner Guest”. As I walked in with my green jacket on and looked around, feeling so out of place, a Lion came up to me and asked if I was lost. I said yes, and that it appeared I didn’t belong in that seminar as I didn’t have the right color jacket. He laughed and said I should stay, because he was a last-minute substitute for the original speaker, and he didn’t know what to talk about. PID Randy Heitman from Nebraska asked if I would be willing to be his agenda! I said yes, and the entire seminar was a fabulous Q&A, me asking them questions and them asking me STATEWIDE ARTICLES: questions. I think everyone thought Lifelong Learning at this Year’s USA/Canada it was “cute”, but to me it was a Lions Leadership Forum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 great experience. I left with over 50 A Wonderful, People-Meeting Learning Experience. . 3 business cards - some of those Lions Absolute Joy and a Mentor Pin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Sharing All of the Wonderful Things Lions Do. . . . . . . . 4 I am still in contact with today! Helping Countless Wisconsin Families at the The next 12 Forums were in Restoring Hope Transplant House. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Memphis, TN, Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lions Centennial Celebration 2021/2022: Anchorage, AK, Tampa, FL, Overland Wisconsin’s Fifth Lions Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ever Wonder How to Contribute?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
INSIDE
Park, KS, San Juan, PR, Grand Rapids, MI, Omaha, NE, Portland, OR, Columbus, OH, Spokane, WA and the virtual version in 2020. Most I flew to, and several I drove to. I had the opportunity to moderate seminars, facilitate seminars, and even be a part of the Planning Committee for the Forum in Puerto Rico! Each Forum holds for me wonderful stories, great memories, and lifelong friends that
COMMITTEE/DISTRICT UPDATES:
Wisconsin Lions Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lions Pride Endowment Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 27-A1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 27-A2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 27-B1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 27-B2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 27-C1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 27-C2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 27-D1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 27-D2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 27-E1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 27-E2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Memorials & Honorariums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Award Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Empowering People Statewide & Beyond
occasionally take me down memory lane with laughter and tears. The Forum in Des Moines was a welcome sight, as the 2020 Forum was virtual. Around 70 Wisconsin Lions attended from all over the State, and as I ran into several of them at various times and places, all appeared to be having a grand time. You certainly can pick a Wisconsin Lion out of the crowd with our bold and bright red Wisconsin Lions shirts! For those that haven’t attended a Forum, here is a short summary of what happens:
sometimes there are service projects available for all to attend and join. The Lions University graduation is held in the afternoon (we always have someone from Wisconsin graduating), as well as the Strides Walk. The opening banquet begins with a flag ceremony, and Forum sponsors are introduced. The food is tasty, and you get to meet and eat with new people. Lots of great conversation going on as well as live entertainment by local talent. The best part of the day is when you see old friends and meet new ones!
Thursday
Friday
The Lions store opens, where anyone can purchase Lions accessories, jewelry, clothing, etc. There are also exhibitor booths to visit, many of which provide ideas for fundraisers and service projects to do in our areas. The first of three or four seminars are offered, and
Day two of seminars going on all day. The first luncheon is held, and we are entertained with motivational speakers and a light meal. The evening is open so attendees can enjoy the sights and sounds and smells of the Forum location city. You see some of the same people
Lion Laurie Klinkhammer of the Menomonie Lions Club receives her pins from PID Connie LeCleir Meyer for graduating from Lions University.
Lions Chuck and Kim Steinmetz and Lion Bob Grosewehr at USA/Canada Forum
2 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
throughout the day, and strike up conversations wherever you go, just like a family!
Saturday Day three of seminars going on all day. During the second luncheon we get a chance to hear from our International President on what is important to consider during his year. There is usually some type of recognition for our fellow Lions. Service projects are held for those so inclined, and the last-minute chance to buy a “must have” from the Lions Store. Most people are getting tired by this time and are starting to think about heading home. If you haven’t had a chance to attend a Forum, please consider doing so. I learn something new at each one, meet new people and rekindle relationships with old friends. It has been great! Hopefully we’ll see you in Calgary September 15-17, 2022!
A Wonderful, People-Meeting Learning Experience BY DISTRICT GOVERNOR LION LARRY REDLIN
This was my partner in service Lion Patti and my first forum. From the moment we walked into our hotel, to the time we checked out, it was a wonderful, people-meeting learning experience. It started on Thursday when we took the bus to the event hall. On the bus we were greeted by a friendly bus driver and other friendly Lions as we took our seat. When we entered the convention hall we were greeted by Lions with tables of information on seminars and information about the city. It did not take us long to meet up with other Wisconsin Lions in Bright Red, that is always a good feeling. The first seminar we attended was for First Timers. This entire seminar was very helpful for people not only attending their first USA / Canada Forum but for their first time in Des Moines. They talked about the city as well Lionism. This seminar started with meeting the people around you and working with them. This set the tone for the rest of the weekend. At the end of the day we watched as friends from Wisconsin graduated from Lions University. It was exciting to see International President Douglas Alexander present them with their certificates. The entire room was full of excitement. At dinner we were encouraged to sit with other Lions we didn’t know. We talked and laughed with Lions we never met before, great time at dinner. Friday we attended very informational seminars on Reporting service to MyLion and Funding LCIF Grants. The Presenters were very well prepared to answer all questions. At lunch we again sat with Lions we never met, another fun time. The best part of the lunch was the guest speaker Jessica Cox. She was born without arms and moved forward to become the first armless pilot in aviation history. She spoke of how to passionately pursue your dream. I will forever “Think Outside The Shoe” Jessica. You had to be there to understand this. We ended the day with a relaxed dinner with other Governors, spouses, Cabinet Members from Wisconsin and by luck International Directors. Saturday we helped with The Braille Book Assembly service project. What a great time with other Lions, some from Wisconsin but most from other areas. With the chanting of “ I Got That Lion Spirit” a person could not help but feel proud to be a Lion. At Lunch we again sat with Lions we never met before, another great time. We were lucky to have IP Douglas Alexander give a very motivational speech. In the afternoon we went to the Lions Store for some great sale items and attended a wonderful seminar on MD Administrators. Very easy to understand seminar. Lots of good suggestions and discussions. At Dinner we once again sat with Lions that we never met. Fun bunch of gentlemen. Speaker Michelle Ray spoke on “Leading in Real Time”. She spoke of how to expand our thinking and let go of unused items. I’m still trying to let my key go Michelle. Again you need to hear her speak to understand this. The event closed with Lions singing “We Are the Lions” Based on the song We Are the People. We left full of energy. The learning did not end after the closing ceremony. I think this was the best experience I received all weekend. My Wife and I were lucky to be introduced to International President Douglas Alexander. We talked about our grandchildren. We showed each other pictures of them. We spoke of the challenges that Lions Clubs have coming out of Covid. He spoke of some of the challenges he has as President. What a down to earth individual. All Lions and the world are lucky to have him as The Lions International President. I guess the learning and enjoyment never stopped all the while we were there. We will be back!
Absolute Joy and a Mentor Pin BY DISTRICT GOVERNOR DAVID STRUDTHOFF
September’s USA/Canada Forum was my fourth forum and my most joyous. In the past, my primary reason to attend these conferences was to receive a degree from Lions University. Receiving my Doctorate at Spokane, I questioned whether I would attend Des Moines; but because of the close proximity from La Crosse, I decided to go. It would turn out to be one of the best decisions I could have made. The day before taking off for Des Moines, I reviewed the 76-breakout sessions and found many of them relevant to my current position, Governor of 27 D-2. But it wasn’t until I got to the convention that I had a Lions Moment (Strong Reminder: Why You’re a Lion). Five of my cabinet officers received a degree from Lions University and would experience their first USA/Canada Forum. Immediately following the graduation ceremony, I congratulated each of them on their accomplishments. When one of my zone chairpersons asked if I had picked up my mentor pin, I had no idea what she was talking about because I hadn’t had time to review all of the convention advertising in my registration bag. I quickly looked and saw that if a Lion member wished to name someone who inspired them to attend the USA/Canada Forum, a pin would be available at the conference center office. I didn’t hesitate but took off for the convention center office to investigate receiving this pin. Once I arrived at the office, I informed them that I may be eligible for some type of pin and they began to search. When the official found my name, they indicated to me that not one but three people listed me as their mentor. I was shocked as tears started welling up in my eyes. I couldn’t believe anyone would look at me as an influential person let alone a mentor. After I gained my composure I went back to my room. I immediately took off all of my Lions pins and replaced them with my newly acquired Mentor Pin. For the reminder of the conference, I wore only my mentor pin. I have received Leadership and Presidential medals for which I’m grateful, but this Mentor pin touches my heart. When one receives unconditional kindness as I had, it is always difficult to know how to respond. Reflecting back, the only response I could think of was to show absolute joy.
Lions Clubs International was able to conduct its first Lions Certified Instructors Program (LCIP) since 2019. Twenty-Lions from across North America was chosen to participate in this institute. LCIP graduates are certified to instruct all programs offered by LCI including but not limit to: 1st & 2nd Vice Governor Training, Faculty Development Institute, and Advanced Lions Leadership Institute. Wisconsin's 27 D-2 Governor David Strudthoff was a participant in this September 13-16 institute; pictured back row furthest right (Red Jacket).
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 3 Wisconsin
Sharing All of the Wonderful Things Lions Do BY COUNCIL CHAIR STACEY NESSETH
On October 2nd, the s e c o n d Council of G o v e r n o r ’s meeting was held at the Mead Hotel in Wisconsin Rapids. Training was held for the 1st and 2nd Vice District Governor’s on Friday night October 1st. The Pathway to Leadership Workshop was held October 15-17th at the Holiday Inn Steven’s Point with 27 attendees and multiple instructors with a wonderful agenda of learning. October was Vision Awareness Month. Lions are known worldwide for helping blind and visually impaired individuals through eyeglass recycling and vision screening. In November and December the Wisconsin Mission volunteers will spend time at Fort McCoy screening and providing glasses to the Afghan refugees that have been calling Fort McCoy home. Thank you to those that were able to help with this service project. Even though by the time you read this message October will be over I want to remind you that there are Eyeglass recycling buckets available from our Wisconsin Lions Foundation office. The more glasses we collect the more people we can help. School has started and some schools have opened back up to a point that we can do vision screenings. Please be sure to report any activities that you and your club participate in to LCI as a service project. As a reminder November 14th is World Diabetes Day. Has your club planned an activity that will
71st ANNUAL WISCONSIN STATE LIONS/LEOS
BOWLING TOURNAMENT February 26th – April 10th
SPONSORED BY: La Crosse Lions Club at PlaMor Lanes, 807 4th Street, La Crosse, WI 54601 Reserved Entries are Due February 15, 2022. After February 15th, Entries will be a First Come First Served Basis Entries Close the Last Day of the Tournament Based on Lane Availability. All bowlers must be Lions or Leos.
All Tournament related & Motel Info at www.wisconsinlions.org/bowling
SQUAD TIMES Singles & Doubles Events Sat – 12:30 pm (2/26 only - 1:30pm) Team Event Sun - 10 am CHECK-IN TIME: 1 hour before shift. Optional Scratch & Handicap All–Events entry will be available for $5 each. Payable at check-in before your first event. PREFERRED DATE & TIME Enter choices based on your travel plans. Clubs greater than 50 mi from La Crosse will be given highest priority. Singles & Doubles Events
CAPTAIN’S INFORMATION Club Name Club ID# Team Name Contact Name (Print) Street Address City / Zip Phone (Day) Email Contact Signature Give full name for each event - ‘reserved’ or ‘partner’ is unacceptable. Enter LCI Member# (Required) & Lions Avg if bowler has previously bowled in the Lions State Tournament (min 9 games), USBC# & USBC Avg or “Non-Sanctioned” League Avg (NS Avg). If no previous average circle 150 or 125 for a 1st time bowler. Handicap = 75% based on 220
Team Event
Team Members Prize Money Bowling Fee Host Club Admin. Fee State Bowling Comm. Fee TOTAL PER EVENT
$4.00 $10.00 $4.00 $2.00 $20.00
ENTRY FEE ENCLOSED
3 4
1
Team @ $80 / Team
2
TOTAL ENCLOSED
3
Facebook: La Crosse Lions Charities
help educate your community about Diabetes? It’s an honor to call myself a Wisconsin Lion and look forward to sharing with people in my community all the wonderful things what Wisconsin Lions do. Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Holidays to you all!
4 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
USBC or NS Avg
2
Doubles @ $40 / Pair
Lion Scott Fryseth (715) 382-6324 fryseth6324@charter.net
USBC#
1st Timer M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125
Singles
BOWLING / SQUAD TIME RELATED QUESTIONS
Lions Avg
1
Singles @ $20/ Bowler
MAKE CHECKS OUT TO & MAIL ENTRY & FEES TO: La Crosse Lions 4132 Ferndale Ln La Crosse, WI 54601
LCI Member #
LCI Member #
Lions Avg
USBC#
LCI Member #
Lions Avg
USBC#
USBC or NS Avg
4
Doubles
USBC or NS Avg
1st Timer
M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125
1st Timer M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125
1 2 1 2
LIONS APPAREL * STATE LIONS APPAREL
MD27 CENTENNIAL APPAREL
www.beeseenpromotions.net
Registration Form 32 Team Limit
Helping Countless Wisconsin Families at the Restoring Hope Transplant House Whenever the world has had its greatest challenges, Lions Clubs have always stepped up and answered the call to serve. Restoring Hope Transplant House strives to be at their best when things are often at their worst. This week, they had the great joy to send Lisa, a Wisconsin Rapids woman, home after being here for a month after her husband Keith received a life-saving heart transplant in September. The day after transplant, he suffered a significant stroke that left him with difficulty communicating and little use of the entire right side of his body. Doctors feared he may never regain the ability to walk. Lisa was covered in love, uplifting conversation and a warm meal to start the day. There was always a regular group gathering each night to share news, listen to frustrations, celebrate victories and always make time for laughter. Lisa was there by herself, but she was never alone! Happily, Keith has regained the ability to walk and on the morning of his discharge, they had the opportunity to talk with him via video to see him putting together full sentences. There is certainly work to be done, but to see him get up and walk to his car and head home was downright miraculous. It’s hard to imagine Lisa getting through the past month without RHTH and the compassionate people she shared it with as she nurtured her husband back to health. It’s a life-changing place that has the ability to care for people when they need that warm embrace. The challenges for all families is greater now than ever before with COVID restrictions, financial concerns, lengthy waits between hospital visits and the news that mortality rates of transplant recipients with COVID are in the 20-30% range. Since 2013, their home away from home has served several of your neighbors from each Lions Club district throughout Wisconsin. During this past week alone, RHTH has hosted Wisconsin transplant families from Appleton, Cochrane, La Crosse, Wisconsin Rapids, Stevens Point, Sheboygan, Sturgeon Bay, Eau Claire, Kenosha and De Pere. They have been so busy lately that they have even had to turn some away because of a lack of space. Their plans for expansion have now raised over $1 million and are crucial now more than ever. As the world collectively returns more to normal, RHTH continues to help countless Wisconsin families get through this journey with the loving support of community. Lions throughout the state should take great pride knowing that their compassion for serving those in need has helped to make these transplant miracles possible. They are forever grateful for your support of RHTH as a Wisconsin State Lions program.
Entry deadline: December 17, 2021 Club Contact Email Phone Team 1
Skip
Vice Skip Second
Registration Fee
Lead # of Extra Curlers/Guests First Draw
8 am
10 am
12 pm
2 pm
12 pm
2 pm
Team 2
Skip
Vice Skip Second Lead
$300.00/ four person team
Extra Curler/ Guest $40.00/ person (covers banquet, beer, soda, food
# of Extra Curlers / Guests First Draw
8 am
10 am
Mail checks & registration to: Waupaca Lions Club • P.O. Box 171 • Waupaca, WI 54981 ENTRY FEE INCLUDES: • 3 Game Guarantee • Saturday Night Banquet @ Par 4 (next to Comfort Suites) • Breakfast and Lunch Saturday/Sunday. Snacks All Weekend • Free Beer & Soda at the Curling Club Full payment must accompany registration by 12/17/21 to guarantee entry. Early entries get first choice of preferred draw times.
HOTEL RESERVATIONS Comfort Suites 199 Foxfire Dr. Waupaca, WI 54981 715-256-9000 Ramada 110 Grand Seasons Dr. Waupaca, WI 54981 715-258-9212 Econo Lodge 1060 W. Fulton St. Waupaca, WI 54981 715-258-8526
QUESTIONS CONTACT: Rand Swenson • 920-850-4020 • randaman@mac.com
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 5 Wisconsin
MD27 STATE MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM NAME
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 Volume 68 No. 3
ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZIP
Wisconsin Lion (USPS No. 688-740) is published 6 times a year for the 17,500 Lions of Wisconsin at 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, WI 54473. Periodical postage paid at Rosholt, WI and additional mailing offices.
PHONE / EMAIL
NOTE: UPS will not deliver to a P.O. Box. Please provide a street address. Prices include tax. Cost
Amount
PINS 2017: Centennial Pin
$1.50
2018: Monarch Butterfly
$1.00
2019: Karner Blue Butterfly
$1.00
2020: Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
$1.00
SPECIAL SALE - 2020 State Convention
$5.00
2021: Bog Copper Butterfly
$1.00
2022: Centennial Pin
$5.00
Back Patch
$5.00
Shipping & Handling 1-8 pins:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.25 9-14 pins:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.55 15-25 pins:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.75 25+ pins: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call for cost 1-4 back patches: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.30 5-12 back patches:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.80
POSTMASTER: Send form 3579 with new address to: 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473. DEADLINE: 1st of preceding month.
TOTAL: Send your order & payment (incl S&H) to: Wisconsin Lions State Office 3834 Cty Rd A Rosholt WI 54473
DISTRICT EDITORS A1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a1@wilions.org A2. . . . . . . . . . 27a2editor@gmail.com B1. . . . . . . . fredgebhart@yahoo.com B2. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27b2pr@gmail.com C1. . . . . . . . . c1lionnews@gmail.com C2. . . . sanderson.cherie@gmail.com D1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pr@lions27d1.org D2. . WILions27D2News@gmail.com E1. . . . . . . . barb.dulmes@gmail.com E2. . . . . . . . chamaca@frontiernet.net STORY SUBMISSIONS Articles and events (accompanied by photos of Lions in action) should explain the successful completion of a project or fundraising activity and should be submitted to that Club’s District Editor. Include a mailing address, daytime phone and e-mail of the person submitting the story. Submission guidelines at: wisconsinlions.org/wisconsin-lion/
Make Your Insurance Work for You
Statewide content can be submitted to DG Bill Clausius at bclausius@gmail.com.
22 Years Experience * Locally & Veteran Owned * Trusted in Your Community
Call Today 715-544-1062 secureheritageinsurance.com 6 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
Recognition for Melvin Jones, Birch-Sturm, Knight of Sight & Ray Hempel awards should be submitted to the State Editor at jen@jennifercreative.com. ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION OFFICES: Subscriptions: $10/ yr. Contact the State Office for details.
05526019
• MEDICARE • FINANCIAL PLANNING • AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE OPTIONS • LIFE INSURANCE • RETIREMENT
EDITORIAL BOARD DG Bill Clausius. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chair 1st VDG Bert Freeman. . . . Vice Chair Geri Schlender. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GLT Greg Pryor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GST Dan Montaine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GMT Evett Hartvig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WLF Michele Brooks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LEBW
CHANGE OF MAIL/EMAIL ADDRESS Contact your Club Secretary AND the State Office at md27@ wisconsinlions.org with updates to your mailing and/or email address.
OUR MISSION To empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. OUR VISION To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.
MD27 CONTACTS COUNCIL CHAIR: Stacey Nesseth 560 W. Kinne Ellsworth, WI 54011 715-307-1954 jaynesseth@gmail.com IMMEDIATE PAST INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR: Connie LeCleir-Meyer (Michael) N971 910th St Mondovi, WI 54755 507-450-9739 clecleir@wwt.net STATE OFFICE: Amber Young, Office Manager 3834 County Rd A Rosholt, WI 54473 715-677-4764 md27@wisconsinlions.org LIONS EYE BANK OF WISCONSIN: Stacey Troha, CEO 5003 Tradewinds Parkway Madison, WI 53718 608-233-2354 info@lebw.org WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION OFFICE: Evett J. Hartvig, Executive Director 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473 877-463-6953 ehartvig@wlf. info LIONS PRIDE ENDOWMENT FUND OFFICE: 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473 715-677-7000 prideoffice@lionspride.org
Keep up with all the latest Wisconsin Lion news and share your news, too
‘MD27 Lions of Wisconsin’ on Facebook
Wisconsin Lions Centennial Celebration 2021/2022: Wisconsin’s Fifth Lions Club BY PDG DAVE SIEVERT, WISCONSIN LIONS CENTENNIAL CHAIR
Actively Preparing for First Three District Conventions for this Fiscal Year The C1 Convention will be at Mountain Bay Banquet Conference Center in Weston, October 8-9. The B2 Convention will be at the Radisson Banquet & Casino in Green Bay, November 5-6. The B1 Convention will be at Blue Harbor Resort, Sheboygan, November 1214. At each of these conventions, the Centennial Committee will have five to nine display tables for Memorabilia & Centennial Magazine sales along with three Pull-up Banners. The pull-up banner “WE SERVE” will feature photos of that district’s clubs service projects. After each of these conventions that “We Serve” pull-up banner will stay with that district for use in orientations, Zone meetings and Cabinet meetings. At each of these conventions the large 4’ x 10’ Centennial Banner will be exhibited and the Centennial Flag will be a part of the ‘Flag Display’. Each of these Districts will allot 1015 minutes in their program for a Centennial presentation and the viewing of one or more of the Salty Earth Videos. Salty Earth Pictures are on schedule to complete their video project for our Centennial by the first part of October. The Videos “Why a Lion?”, “Lions Camp”, Lions Main Projects and “Lions Main Programs” are complete as of this writing and “Lions Main Initiatives” is in final editing. Centennial PR Chair PID Connie LeCleir Meyer has submitted our final report for our PR Grant from Lions Clubs International. The PR Committee along with Salty Earth have done a fantastic job with these videos that will serve our Wisconsin Lions for recruitment, orientation and promotion for many years to come. All five videos will be provided to Lions at little or no cost. Bee Seen Promotions also has Centennial items such as shirts, bags, poles, banners, cups and mugs available on their website.
Appleton Noon Lions Club becomes the Sixth Lions club chartered in Wisconsin On May1, 1922 J. W. Scott, the Illinois District Governor presented the Charter to the Appleton Lions Club at the Sherman Hotel, Appleton. There was a celebration that featured singing of ‘Good Old Lions Smile’ (written by Harry Oaks, a charter member), and a wireless telephone program with a “Radio Address” from Des Moines, Iowa. District Governor J. A. Scott predicted that anyone who becomes a Lion and follows the Lions Code, will be a stronger citizen. He also stated that any City that has one or more Lions Clubs, is bound to be better and stronger. At the time of the Appleton Lions Charter, there were 25 members. The officers included Rev. J.A. Holmes as President, E.W. Shannon as club secretary, M.A. Schuh as Treasurer, W.G. Commentz as first vice president, David Brettschneider as second vice president, Dr. J.L. Benton as the third vice president, Harry Oaks as the tail twister and H.L. Schlintz as the Lion Tamer. The reason the charter was presented by the Illinois District Governor is that District 27 was created after the charter of the Appleton Lions Club. When the District 27 was created a few months later, Rev. J.A. Holmes we elected Wisconsin’s first District Governor and Dr. J.L. Benton then filled the term of president. Since the Appleton Lions Club was chartered it has sponsored 4 Lions Clubs: the Neenah Lions Club, the Menasha Lions Club, the Kaukauna Lions Club and the Appleton Evening Lions Club, all in 1936. They were encouraged to change their name to the Appleton Noon Lions Club. These Lions Clubs went on to charter other clubs: Larsen Winchester Lions Club jointly by Neenah Lions and Appleton Evening Lions in 1974, the Butte des Morts Lions club by the Larsen Winchester Lions in 1976, the Heart of the Valley Lions Club by the Kaukauna Lions in 2018.
The Appleton Noon Lions Club has been a huge supporter of the visually disabled. In 2014, they launched Spot High-tech vision screening in the Appleton area. Within the first seven years, more than 60,000 vision screenings were conducted and currently more than 13,000 vision screenings are done each year in the Appleton and Menasha public and parochial schools.
Another large project that they have taken on, is to build three GaGa pits for the Appleton parks and schools in 2019.
Fundraising is a big part of the club activities that have included Broom sales, Fruitcake sales, lightbulb sales, entertainment books, brat sales and rose sales. Most recently the primary fundraiser has been the Senior Living Expo. It is held every September raising approximately $12,000 a year. Their first female member joined in 1998 and today 47% of their 55 members are women. They are planning their Centennial celebration for May 2022. Details will be published shortly and will be a huge event. Congratulations Appleton Noon Lions Club.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 7 Wisconsin
Wisconsin Lions Foundation 715-677-4969 | 877-463-6953 | wlf@wlf.info | wlf.info
It’s Been a Summer of Successful Events! BY LION DARREL BLANK, PRESIDENT, WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION
Here we are moving into November and December, where has the year gone? The Birch-Sturm Golf Outing was a huge success again this year, raising almost $24,000. Please save the date for next year, July 23, 2022. This will the 25th year of having the Birch-Sturm Golf Outing.
The Hustle S’more was held on August 14th and raised more than $9,000. Save the date for next year’s run/walk/bike ride being held on August 23, 2022. The Lions Camp for Kids Raffle was held on September 10th and raised almost $39,000, an increase of $9,000 from last year. Next year’s raffle is again slated to be drawn in September. Plan on purchasing your winning ticket! Lions Bernie & Colene Stuttgen are retiring from running the deer hide collections. Thank you to Bernie & Colene for raising over one million dollars in their 30-plus years of running the Deer Hide Collection. WLF Secretary Brad Behrens has accepted the role of being the Deer Hide Collection coordinator. You can find a donation drop off site on the WLF website. If you are in charge of a drop off site, please check out the WLF website to see if your location is listed. If your site is not listed, please contact the WLF office and let them know that it needs to be added. If you know of a drop off site that is no longer used, contact the WLF office and let them know that it needs to be removed. Visitor Days at the camp are being discussed and a decision will be made
sometime before May 2022. Online tours of camp were held this past year and were well received. A recap of the tours can be accessed on the Lions Camp Facebook page. We served 639 campers this past summer. That is about half of what we normally have, but many of the parents did not send their kids because they were not vaccinated. A tentative schedule is on the website, but will not be finalized until we are closer to summer camp. We are working on getting 2022 applications and other forms ready before the end of the year. We are planning on opening camp registrations the second or third week of January. To move the camp forward and ensure that we serve our campers effectively, the Executive Board, along with key WLF Staff, have completed a Three-Year Strategic Plan. We will use the Strategic Plan to develop specific strategies and tasks that will guide us as we implement this plan in the future. In closing, may you all have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year.
Lions Pride Endowment Fund 715-677-7000 | prideoffice@lionspride.org | lionspride.org
Ray Hempel Fellowships Continue through Lions Pride Endowment Fund BY LPEF PRESIDENT PID LION WAYNE HEIMAN
It has been announced that the Lions Pride Endowment Fund is scaling back its promotional activities after reaching our $10 million Endowment Fund goal. However, we are otherwise still operating by accepting memorial & honorarium donations, dealing with estate planning and accepting and processing Ray Hempel Fellowships. The Ray Hempel Fellowship is a way to remember Ray Hempel as the founder of our Wisconsin Lions Camp, to recognize someone special with a Fellowship and therefore to raise more funds for the Lions Pride Endowment Fund.
As background: Lion Ray Hempel, a Poy Sippi Lion, a Boy Scout Leader and camping enthusiast -is considered the originator of the Wisconsin Lions Camp as recognized by Lions International President Clarence Sturm. Lion Ray served as the first Lions Camp Director(unpaid) and eagerly took on its development. There is no more fitting tribute for a club member, spouse or a treasured friend, than to recognize and celebrate that person’s unique accomplishments, extraordinary dedication, support and service to others by bestowing the honor of a Ray Hempel Fellowship. A Ray Hempel Fellowship contribution of $1,000, is deposited into the permanent Lions Pride Endowment. Interest earnings
8 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
help support Lions Camp and the other Wisconsin Lions Foundation statewide projects both today and tomorrow. The Lions Pride Endowment Fund is known as “Today’s Help, Tomorrow’s Hope”, contributing annually to the WLF, while protecting the contributed principal, ensuring the lasting legacy of service, that began with Lion Ray Hempel’s vision of Wisconsin Lions Camp. This is a gift that keeps on giving. For housekeeping purposes: a reminder that when the donation is made for a Ray Hempel, this needs to be noted on the check memo or with an enclosed note. Not all donations are eligible for a Ray Hempel Fellowship-unless designated as such. And also, the earnings coming from
the Ray Hempel Fellowships are deemed to go to the Wisconsin Lions Camp. Any of the other non-Ray Hempel donations to the Lions Pride Endowment Fund can be designated to any of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Statewide projects (hearing, vision screening, diabetes awareness, used eyeglass recycling) as well as the Wisconsin Lions Camp. Donations do not need to be designated to a particular WLF statewide project. As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, let us be thankful for the impact that Lion Ray had with the start of our Wisconsin Lions Camp, touching the lives of tens of thousands of children and adults with special needs.
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin 877-233-2354 | info@lebw.org | lebw.org
LEBW Staff Updates We are pleased to announce that Leslie Poznanski, LEBW Lab Technician, has officially completed her training and is c u r re n t l y preparing D M E K t i s s u e for our surgeons. Leslie received her initial training at Lions Vision Gift in Oregon. Leslie practiced for eight months to become proficient in the technique. Her outcomes were evaluated by our Clinical Trainer, Medical Director, and independent surgeons who accept DMEK tissue from our eye bank. DMEK or Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty is the latest iteration of surgeries performed that do not require the full thickness of the cornea. In this type of surgery, the surgeon replaces only the cornea’s Descemet’s membrane and
endothelium. These membranes are about 10-15 microns thick – the average human hair is about 70 microns thick. When the DMEK procedure is complete, it leaves the patient’s cornea closer to its original condition than any other transplant technique. Our surgeons frequently request corneal tissue prepared in advance for DMEK surgeries. LEBW technicians help surgeons by separating the Descemet’s membrane and endothelium of the cornea for the surgeon before surgery. We are very pleased and proud of Leslie’s hard work and dedication as she learned this very complex and challenging technique. Welcome new staff member, Clark Baker, Donor Support Center Coordinator.
Virtual LEBW Transporter Trainings/Updates Tuesday, November 16, 12:30pm Tuesday, November 30, 1pm • RSVP to Kasey Schmitz at kschmitz@lebw.org
Congratulations
to the 2021 LEBW Dispatcher & Transporter Award Recipients Dispatcher Don “Butch” Lind Stevens Point Evening Lions Club Georgia Lutz Plover/Whiting Lions Club Duane Klabon Wisconsin River Lions Club John Mitchell Fox River Lions Club Arletta Trejo Beaver Dam Lions Club Georgia Lutz receiving the Dispatcher Award
Transporter Anita Kinser Sauk Prairie Lions Club Bob Schmidt Watertown Lions Club Peter Cerniglia Cross Plains Lions Club
Peter Cerniglia receiving the Transporter Award
Thank You! A huge thank you to the McFarland Lions Club for installing the shed that will house our lawn care equipment. Additionally, thank you to Josh and Brock at Legacy Exteriors for donating the shingles, Slinde Trucking for the gravel base and Lycon for the concrete pad. We are grateful to everyone that helped to complete this project!
Shop AmazonSmile and support Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin! It takes just three simple steps:
1. Go to 2. Type in 3. Confirm Smile.Amazon.com Lions Eye your selection. If you have a regular Amazon That’s it! Once you make Bank of account, sign-in and select your LEBW your designated charity, charity. Or, search for AmazonSmile, Wisconsin we’ll continue to benefit from and it will take you to the all purchases made through Inc. designation field.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
AmazonSmile.
WisconsinLion 9 Wisconsin
27-A1 NEWS
wilions.org
District Bowling
November 6, 7, 13 Lions Club of Waterford
Muskego Lions Club 48th Annual Breakfast with Santa December 5, 8am-12:30pm • Pancakes, Fun & Santa! • Muskego High School Cafeteria
27-A1 District Convention
January 14-16, 2022 The Grand Geneva Spa & Resort, Lake Geneva • More information on wilions.org Sign up now.
Wisconsin State Convention
May 5-8, 2022 The Grand Geneva Spa & Resort, Lake Geneva • More information on wilions.org
SOUTH MILWAUKEE LIONS CLUB donated more than 50 pounds of aluminum pull tabs to the Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee. These recycled beverage tabs support the Ronald McDonald House Program of providing a temporary home away from home for the families of seriously ill children being treated at nearby hospitals.
FORT ATKINSON LIONS CLUB – 10 bags of litter were picked up by Fort Atkinson Lions along the interchanges of Highway 26 and Highway 12. The club performs cleanup duties three times each year. HALES CORNERS LIONS CLUB sponsored an Appreciation Breakfast on August 30, 2021 for the Whitnall High School teachers as they begin the school year.
2021-22 District 27-A1 Convention Registration Form January 14-16, 2022 * Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva Club
Contact Person Phone
EVENT FEES By 12/27 After 12/27 EVENT FEES By 12/27 $30 Registration - members and adult guests $25 Saturday Breakfast $21 Free Registration - LEOs and guests under 18 Free Saturday Lunch $27 Not Available Saturday Banquet Convention Experience *10% savings $100 $38 ** Includes Registration, Saturday Breakfast, Lunch, and Banquet Convention meals are in the Forum
Email: NO REFUNDS AFTER JANUARY 1ST MEAL RESERVATIONS NOT GUARANTEED AFTER DECEMBER 27TH Check all that apply SAT Name Title
Name Title
Name Title
Convention Lion First Timer Experience Lion/Lioness Leo Special Diet $ Guest Vegetarian Convention Lion First Timer Experience Lion/Lioness Leo Special Diet $ Guest Vegetarian Convention Lion First Timer Experience Lion/Lioness Leo Special Diet $ Guest Vegetarian
*** We do our best to accommodate special dietary needs. If you have special dietary needs such as food allergies (besides vegetarian) please identify by checking the box in your registration line.
Register Online - www.wilions.org/convention
Breakfast
Registration $
$
$
Meals Separate
$
$
Vegetarian
Lunch
Banquet
$
Meals Separate
Vegetarian
Lunch
Banquet
Make Check Payable to: District 27-A1 Convention c/o Angela Mitchell N3946 County Rd K, Jefferson 53549
$ Vegetarian
$
Sub-Total $
Vegetarian
TOTAL
Preferred method is to register online. Payment may be online OR check by mail. Large group registrations can email register@wilions.org to facilitate registration, with option for payment online or check by mail.
10 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
Sub-Total $
$
Vegetarian
Breakfast
Registration
Sub-Total $
$
$
Meals Separate
Banquet
Vegetarian
Breakfast
Registration $
Lunch
EDITOR: Patti Hurtgen | 600 W Blackhawk Dr. Apt 4 | Fort Atkinson,WI 53538 | 414-525-1962 | a1@wilions.org
FROM THE 27-A1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
LARRY REDLIN
R IST ICT D
G
R
larry.redlin@wi.rr.com 414-758-6888
VERNO O
Happy Fall Days From The Great District 27-A1 The past four months have been a busy time for District 27-A1. My 1st Vice Governor Dave, 2nd Vice Governor Tal, and myself have been busy attending Lions Club events. All the festivals, corn roasts, car shows, chicken roasts, spaghetti dinners, brat frys, even a steak and lobster dinner. All of these events show how committed Lions Clubs are to getting out to meet and serve their communities. Every one of these events need all Lions Club members and service volunteers to make the events successful. Thank you everyone for making this past summer a very enjoyable one to remember. With Fall comes convention time in Wisconsin. After listening to other Governors plan their conventions, I can’t wait to attend all 10 District Conventions. The planning committee for the 27-A1 District Convention and the state convention are hard at work meeting and planning every detail so both conventions are sure to be an educational, fun, and enjoyable time for all. Don’t forget the theme for the 27-A1 District Convention is a motorcycle theme, “Kick-Starting Lions.” Break out the leather, folks. The theme for the state convention is “Serving with the Heart of a Lion.” Get your heart pumping at this convention. My partner in service Lion Patti and I attended the USA/Canada Forum in Iowa. What a great event! The seminars and speakers are something you just need to experience in person to appreciate their greatness. Having a relaxed dinner with other Wisconsin governors, their spouses, cabinet members, and International Directors was memorable. Meeting and talking with International President Douglas Alexander was the highlight of the entire event for me. Stay warm everyone and have a very Merry Christmas!
THE CAMBRIDGE AREA LIONS CLUB installed memorial benches at the Cambridge Wildlife and Fishing Area located next to their clubhouse. The families of some Lions members who have passed wanted to honor their families by donating to the Lions Club which was such an important part of their lives. The Cambridge Lions created these colorful memorial benches for the families and the community to enjoy along their walks on the trails. What a beautiful tribute to past members and their families.
MUSKEGO LIONS CLUB RECEIVES DRUG AWARENESS GRANT FROM DISTRICT 27-A1 – IPDG Lion Don Drew presented a $500 check to Lion Jenny Reidy, chairperson of Holly’s Hope (a drug awareness committee), for the club’s “Journey to Brightness” event. This event was to remember those taken by drug abuse, and to bring awareness to the community.
FORT ATKINSON LIONS CLUB contributed a portion of the profits from their Annual District Golf Outing to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, earmarked for Lions Camp. This contribution was in addition to their annual WLF donation. Pictured are Lion John Anderson and Lion Trish Jonas with the check. District Governor Larry Redlin accepted the donation on behalf of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 11 Wisconsin
27-A2 NEWS
THE HARTFORD KETTLE MORAINE LIONS donated $1,000 towards the Hartford Police Department's drone fundraiser. Pictured are Lion Alexis Jablonski, Hartford Officer Cori Whipple, and Lion Scott MacFarlan.
THE HARTFORD KETTLE MORAINE LIONS Hundreds participated in the luminary walk on featuring a lighted bag with names of all those that died during the 9/11 tragedy. The Chamber of Commerce planned and hosted this event with a great deal of help from local Lions Club members and City staff. Pictured is Lion Scott MacFarlan scooping sand into the Luminary bags.
lionsdistrict27a2.org
FREDONIA LIONS CLUB – Sponsored the Frebeka 5 Run/Walk on a gorgeous day in beautiful Waubedonia Park. The overall 5-mile winners were Julie Roller of Belgium at 37:33 and Greg Bott of Mequon at 31:10. The overall 2-mile winners were Barbie Gosewehr of Port Washington at 17:06 and Ethan Hackman of West Bend at 11:39. In the 1 mile Kid’s “Fun” Run, the winners were Leah Hansen of Sturgeon Bay at 11:06 and Carter Hackman of West Bend at 7:17. St. John’s Lutheran School in West Bend won the School Team Trophy with 6 team members participating. 100% of profits will be donated to Sirona Recovery, B.O.L.D - Blind Outdoor Leisure Development, and LION Health Projects. The Fredonia Lions thank our generous sponsors and event participants for making these donations possible.
GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – For the past 54 years, the Lions have hosted a Cook-Out for the Grafton Fire Department to thank them for their service to the community. This year the Grafton Police Department also attended and received a delicious meal and a chance to win a raffle prize donated by Lions members .
THE HARTFORD KETTLE MORAINE LIONS Collected 3 boxes of supplies and $72 in cash donation for the Hartford School Joint 1 District at their Stuff the Bus event.
2021 District 27-A2 Convention Registration Form February 18 & 19, 2022 Club Name: Contact Person:
Email: Phone:
Registration: $10* Leos $5 Friday Fish & Chicken (includes open bar) $22.00 Saturday Luncheon $26.00 Saturday Night Closing Dinner $26.00 Meal Deal (Includes-Registration-Fish Fry-Lunch-Dinner) $75.00
GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – The Birch Sturm Award was presented to a past president, past treasurer and current communications chairman and a Board Director. Pictured are Lion John Gassert, Awards Chairman, Lion Bob Lauer and Grafton Lions Club President, Dan Harris.
Mail Check & Registration to: Joe Hackett/27A2 Convention W174 N9471 Devon Wood Road Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 414-349-9120 Last day for meal reservations 2-11-2022 Fish Fry Lunch Dinner Meal Deal Total $ $ $ $ $ $ Registration Fish Fry Lunch Dinner Total $ $ $ $ $ $ Registration Fish Fry Lunch Dinner Total $ $ $ $ $ $
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY & COMPLETE ALL APPROPRIATE BOXES
Title: Name: Title: Name: Title: Name:
Lion
Leo
Guest
1 st Timer
Lion
Leo
Guest
1 st Timer
Lion
Leo
Guest
1st Timer
Registration
Total Enclosed: $ * Any visiting sitting DG & Partner in service get free registration, all other Lions and Guests $10 Make your Hotel Reservations at: Country Inn & Suites, 350 E. Seven Hills Road, Port Washington, WI 53074 262-284-2100 Ask for the Lions Pricing $89 standard $109 Parlor Suite! (pricing good until Jan.31st)
12 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
EDITOR: Diane Lechner | 725 Forest Ave. | Fond du Lac, WI 54935 | 920-210-8691 | 27a2editor@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-A2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
BOB GOSEWEHR
R IST ICT D
VERNO O
ASHIPPUN LIONS CLUB – 2VDG Kim Steinmetz, Past District Governor Lion Larry Braunschweig and Lion Lee Christopherson at Ashippun’s Award winning BBQ
WAUPUN LIONS CLUB – Lion Dick Steinbach was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award. Lion Steinbach became a member of Lions in 1974 in Evansville and transferred to the Waupun Club in 1976. During his 47 plus years with the Lions Steinbach held many offices with the Club and spent many years as Treasurer of the Waupun Lions. Pictured: President Tyler Schulz, Lion Steinbach, and Secretary Jan Harmsen.
THE CLYMAN LIONS a re well known for their Pork Chop Dinner Fundraiser, which was held September 19th. Great Job Clyman Lions!
LANNON-FALLS LIONS CLUB – Lanny the Lion was at the Lannon Village Hall for trick-ortreat. The kid’s parade started at 1pm from Lannon Elementary School and ended at Village Hall. Lannon-Falls Lions handed out hot dogs.
CONGRATULATIONS! R eceiving Bachelors and Master’s Degrees from Lions University at USA/CANADA Forum.
LANNON-FALLS LIONS CLUB – President Chris Hackett and Treasurer Mike Burkhalter presented a $500 dollar check to Cody Porter of the IAFF Local 3879 Menomonee Falls Fire Dept. for a future high school student interested in fire service. LannonFalls Lions partnered with the Menomonee Falls Optimist Club to share in the donation.
THIENSVILLE-MEQUON LIONS CLUB – Lions Joel Jacobson, Don Schmidt, Mike Gierach and taking the picture, eyeglass collection coordinator Kase Kasemodel loading a truck-load of glasses heading to Rosholt.
G
R
lionrgosewehr@mail.com 262-242-9506 / 414-531-5374
I recently attended the USA/CANADA Forum in Des Moines Iowa. What an inspiration and I highly recommend all Lions attend at least one Forum. This years USA/Canada Forum was attended by almost 1,700 Lions from around the US and Canada. It is a lot of fun meeting and conversing with Lions not only within our own great State of Wisconsin, but from other States, checking out some of the unique Club shirts, exchanging information about Lions in their State and how they operate their Clubs, what fundraising and service projects they do, etc. Many new friends can be made. The Forums have valuable seminars you can attend. There are many to choose from over the three day event that include leadership Training, Mentoring, Club Presidents, Putting Fun into your Lions Club, Service Projects, Fundraising and other skills. Graduation Certificates are handed out for those who have earned their certificates in Lions University, including a picture with the current International President. There are great meals, special breakfasts and after hours events with awesome guest speakers. The event in Des Moines, IA included sessions with this year’s International President Douglas X. Alexander and First Vice International President Brian Sheehan. Other guest speakers include International Directors from the US and Canada and inspirational speakers. At one of our lunch events this year a guest speaker, Jessica Cox showed us how being born without arms did not limit her abilities. This inspirational speaker got a drivers license, drives a car without any special equipment, received a private pilots license and showed us how she can open a can of soda and drink it with her feet!; how she can put on and tie her own laces, with her feet! Jessica shows all Lions what can be possible if you put your mind to solving any problem. As Lions, the possibilities of what we can accomplish as we move forward with new projects is endless. Our resilience to these challenges is obvious as we move forward TO SERVE! If you find you are unable to attend a USA/Canada Forum down the road, consider attending one of your District or State Lions Conventions where you can meet new Lion friends from our District/State and learn more about what other Clubs are doing. As a Lion, we need to look beyond our individual Clubs and work together as a District Community. We not only serve our Communities but we can serve other Lions Cubs in our District as they serve their Communities. Lions Working Together We are stronger together and we have the capacity to learn what Lions Service is all about. THE HARTFORD AND HARTFORD KETTLE MORAINE LIONS w orked together to hand out 150 ice cream cups(with the wooden spoons) at the National Night Out event that promotes police-community partnerships. Donated by Cedar Creek ice cream and Bee-Seen Promotions.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 13 Wisconsin
27-B1 NEWS
wilionsb1.org
An Unusual Donation BY LION MARY JO ABLER B1 LCIF DISTRICT COORDINATOR
THE PICKETT LIONS CLUB Food Sales Team worked in support of the Berlin Boat Club, funding the Eureka Locks, in August. Pictured are Lions Dawn Holmes, John Murray, Nancy Reichenberger, Sami Schultz (volunteer), Norm Reichenberger, and Bob Messerschmidt. THE CALUMET COUNTY LIONS CLUB put together a booth at the Calumet County Fair on Labor Day weekend. The clubs consist of Brillion, Chilton, Hilbert, Kiel, New Holstein, Sherwood, and Stockbridge. Vision screening was conducted at the booth for kids and adults. There were 105 kids and 17 adults screened where 13 kids were referred and 3 adults. At the booth a table was set up for diabetes information and handouts. Lions Camp, Leader Dog, and club activities were on display along with an eyeglass bucket for used eyeglasses.
THE WILD ROSE LIONS CLUB hosted a BINGO Bash on September 30 where they used the opportunity to spread some Diabetes Awareness. Lots of winners and smiling faces.
VISION SCREENING – PDG Fred Gebhart, from the Stockbridge Lions Club, and Lion Dan Weber, from St Peter Lions Club, had the opportunity to train the Fond du Lac school nurses on the use of the Welch Allyn SPOT device to screen students this year. They all know the importance of students’ vision and were happy that they could be part of the vision screening program.
THE ROSENDALE LIONS CLUB hosted a brat fry to benefit the Rosendale Fire Dept. and EMTs and were able to donate $400 to this great community service.
14 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
As we enter the last year of Campaign 100-Empowering Service, Lion Mary Jo Abler, B1 LCIF District Coordinator, wants to thank all the Clubs that have supported this major LCIF Endowment Fund project, and the many Lions that have given personal donations. A Huge thank you goes out to Zone Chair and Sheboygan Noon Lion, Dick Karl, and his wife and partner in service, Kris. They recently purchased a new car and unbeknown to them, their Credit Union, United One Credit Union, was running a Show the Love, Loanapolooza Vehicle Loan Sale. The winner could name a charity of their choice for a $1,000 donation. What a surprise when Dick called Lion Mary Jo to get details on how to send this unusual donation to LCIF! Once she got him the details, they were off to the check presentation along with a photo opportunity. This is the largest personal donation our District has received. Lion Mary Jo wants to thank Dick and his wife for considering this donation to LCIF. Truly they have Lions hearts. As Campaign 100-Empowering Service enters its final year of fundraising, Lion Mary Jo hopes clubs will continue to give. She urges those that have not given yet to please understand the importance of their donation and hopes all Lions will consider a personal donation - not as large as the Karl’s gave, but some personal contribution to your legacy as a Lion. Lion Mary Jo Abler is available to speak at Zone and Club meetings and she hopes that each club LCIF Chair is passing along her informational emails. Our District has benefited greatly from LCIF grants. Most recently the COVID-19 grant, Plymouth’s handicapped playground, and the Blind Sailor system, just to mention a few recent Grants. State Lions projects have benefited greatly from LCIF grants, especially our Camp facilities, Lions Eye Bank, the Eye Glass Recycling program, and the Childhood Cancer Grants for Milwaukee, Madison and Marshfield. It is likely LCIF grants have paid half of the many Wisconsin Lions projects throughout the years through 50/50 Grant programs. LCIF has been able to write those Grants because of Lions past donations. Campaign 100-Emposering Service is the future of our Grants. It is an endowment fund. The interest will be able to keep our Lions legacy going far into the future. Please consider donating.
THE CASCADE LIONS CLUB were in the Cascade Fire Dept and First Responders Picnic Parade. Pictured are Lion Madonna Schneider, Lion Augie Grahl and Lion Lowell "Windy" Wynveen.
PICKETT LIONS CLUB held their 8th Annual Summer Ride, with record success! Lion Ann Schultz, Ride Chairman, is pictured with this year’s grand prize winners.
| mroberts6659@gmail.com and Fred Gebhart | fredgebhart@yahoo.com
BY DG BJ BLAHNIK
THE WAYSIDE-MORRISON (WAYMORR) LIONS CLUB hosted their 2nd “Music in the Park” night at WayMorr County Park in Southern Brown County with the “CRS Band” plus 250 people and free ice cream sundaes!
PICKETT LIONS CLUB President, Todd Messerschmidt, presented a Milwaukee Sawzall to Utica Fire Chief, Tim Oliver, at their July meeting.
BJ BLAHNIK
bj.blahnik@gmail.com 920-980-6317
R IST ICT D
G
District B1 is very excited to announce a Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Grant has been submitted for a total project of $100,000 with $50,000 to be raised by the Lions of District B1. This project will be to support the construction of the Purple Octopus Playground at the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum (ABMC) in Sheboygan, WI. You may ask yourself, why would Lions Clubs outside of the Sheboygan area support a project like this when it is not close to my town? Our answer is… this is MORE than a playground! ABCM is a location where children can go to learn, explore, interact, and make memories with their families. This encourages the development of fine motor skills, the art of learning how something works, and a safe area to just have fun. Many schools outside the Sheboygan Area will bus their students to this location for field trips which truly makes ABCM open to everyone. The Purple Octopus Playground will be available 24/7 at a location for all abilities to play and open to the public for no charge. The overall cost of the project is $500,000. Lions will be contributing $100,000 which will be used to provide the final “rubber stamp” and give the Purple Octopus its home. Rubber surfacing will provide safety for all while children and families are playing. Varying colors will help the visually impaired to know, for instance, how far the swings come out to avoid being hit or kicked. The rubber surfacing is the most important part of the playground. Without it, the playground would not meet the requirements to be disclosed as an “all-abilities” playground and achieve a 5-Star ADA Accessible rating. LCIF matching grants works like this… Lions clubs within a District apply to LCIF for supporting a project, before it begins, based on specific criteria. The Lions then raise half of the money and if approved, LCIF will donate the remaining half. This money comes from your yearly donations to LCIF. When a club or individual donates more than $1,000 you may receive a Melvin Jones recognition plaque, a very personal recognition. Your gift will echo into the future and help make our world a better place. The Sheboygan Evening, Sheboygan Noon and Town of Sheboygan Lions Clubs have committed to be the primary sponsors of the Purple Octopus Playground as well as a donation from a private donor to support the cause. The B1 District is asking all Lions Clubs to consider a $400 donation to the ABCM with checks made payable to “Lions of 27B1” with the memo line stating “Purple Octopus” to the address of 402 N. 5th St. Manitowoc, WI 54220. Please send your donations before December 31, 2021. Thank you in advance for all your support and helping the B1 District showcase our Centennial project.
FROM THE 27-B1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
R
A Purple Octopus is Coming to Town
VERNO O
EDITOR: Mike Roberts
DISTRICT CONVENTION – The 27-B1 District Convention begins Friday November 12 through Sunday November 14 at the Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. You can still register at our B1 District website: wilionsb1.org The cost is $20 unless you are a First Timer or LEO - then your cost is $10. Meal options have been closed however you can still participate. You can also bring a non-Lion friend or a family member to show them the amazing things Lions do. Please bring a non-perishable food item which will be distributed to the local food pantry. DISTRICT ENVIRONMENT CHALLENGE – You still have time to send in your miles to help the environment. When you go for a walk, bring a garbage and recycling bag with you. If you see any litter, please pick it up. Keep track of these miles and send a summary to Lion Roxanne Wendt at roxanne_wendt@hotmail.com LIONS RECRUITING AND ORIENTATION VIDEOS – Please visit wilionsb1.org or wisconsinlions.org to explore our new Lions Videos which have been created to celebrate our Centennial Anniversary by helping showcase the many projects the Lions help with. Hint: you may see your District Governor in the video labeled “Why Be A Lion?”. B1 DISTRICT LIONS SPIRIT AWARD – New for the 2021-22 Lions Year is a special recognition that will be announced at our District Convention. One nominee per club can be submitted by your current and immediate past club president. Submit an essay towards a Lion who has never been a Club President but is there to help in any way they can. Each Zone Chair will select one essay to become a finalist which will be recognized at the State Convention in May of 2022. One Lion will be recognized from the finalists and can choose a State Lions Project where a $500 donation will be made. Questions? Please contact DG Lion BJ at bj.blahnik@gmail.com HAPPY 100TH ANNIVERSARY – The District will continue recognizing the Lions of Appleton Noon, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan Evening who are celebrating their Centennial Anniversary. Please reach out to them and wish them a Happy Anniversary. Thank you to all Lions for making accomplishments like this possible and continue changing lives.
THE SHEBOYGAN FALLS LIONS CLUB , along with KPAL, hosted their 9th Annual Oktoberfest at River Park in Sheboygan Falls. The event provided fun and entertainment for people of all ages, while raising funds to support charitable organizations like: Sharon S. Richardson Hospice Community, Sheboygan Falls School District, Visions Screener, Reins, Sheboygan Falls Food Pantry, SANE, Sheboygan Falls Police Department, and Wisconsin Lions Camp.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 15 Wisconsin
27-B2 NEWS
md27b2lions.org
THE BRUSSELS LIONS CLUB provided a nice surprise to the students and teachers at Southern Door Elementary School when they returned from summer vacation. Over the summer volunteers from the Lions club painted a 35’ x 55’ USA map and a 20’ x 35’ World map of the continents on the school playground. The maps replaced a USA map the club painted in 2014 that was removed when the playground was repaved last year. Members volunteered over 180 hours of work during the summer to complete the project that will be used by all grade levels in the elementary school.
HYLAND LAKES LIONS prepared the ground, set forms, and poured concrete for a barbecue grill area that will eventually be covered at the Jack Lake Memorial Park in Langlade County. Several members helped with the project, including Dennis Dettmering, Bill Olivo, and Tim Rusch along with volunteers Greg Rusch and Kirko Franske. THE NIAGARA LIONS recently donated $700 to the Niagara Coats of Many Colors group. This group has been active for several years raising funds to purchase coats and other winter wear for Niagara school children in need. Pictured above from left to right is Lion Treasurer Dan Decker and Lions Mark Zenko and Tammy Tripp presenting this year's check to Lion Terry Yourren, who also is a member of the local Coats of Many Colors group.
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB participated in their quarterly Adopt a Highway project. This is a quarterly project for the club with each participating member working about an hour at each event. Pictured from left to right are Lions Carl Gullickson, Terry Gardon, Paul McClain, Tom Gryzwa, Jim Tress, Lucy and Elliott Lemire (niece and nephew of Lion Ty Doemel), Ty Doemel, Dale Edlbeck, and Rhonda McClain, photographer. NIAGARA LIONS GOLF TOURNAMENT WINNERS TEAM LIEBERGEN: TJ Liebergen, Gordon Behnke, Matt Liebergen, and Dan Liebergen. They finished 14 under and won the tournament in a playoff. The Niagara Lions express their appreciation to all participants and to all businesses that donated prizes. Lion Mark Zenko served as tournament chairman.
16 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB built 2 picnic tables and 4 benches which were placed around a pond that the Lions are sponsoring in Peshtigo. These 8 club members also brushed out the trails. Last year, club members constructed a handicap accessible deck for fishing at the pond. This activity is part of a five-year plan for pond improvement. Pictured are first row (l to r): Lions Rhonda McClain, Dale Edlbeck, Jim Tress, Paul McClain, Second row: Lions Carl Gullicksen, Tom Gryzwa, Dale Lange, and Terry Garden.
HOWARD-SUAMICO LIONS CLUB On August 10, Jeff Deacon (left), was presented the Melvin Jones award by Tim Tousey (right). Jeff's dedication and many years of service to the club have distinguished him among his fellow Lions. "We serve" has always been the motto for his way of life. Congratulations!
EDITOR: Stephanie Schlag | 920-217-8554 | 27b2pr@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-B2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
GARY JOHNSTON
R IST ICT D
G
R
garyjohnston321@gmail.com 715-938-3207
VERNO O
Membership has been a discussion in our district and we have had a steady decline for a while now. Last year, there were zoom meetings to talk with clubs to discuss what could be done to help clubs to look at ideas and hopefully develop an action plan. When new members are inducted in to your club does the sponsor continue to help the new member grow in club activities and service or does your club have a new member orientation? It helps to get members involved in activities. What happens when a member becomes in active? Does the membership chair send a card or call asking this person how they are and if they are doing well? And do they let them know that we would like to see them at the next meeting or event? It’s exciting to have a new member join the club we serve with heart and serve to make the world a better place
KAUKAUNA LIONS CLUB – The Live! From Hydro Park Concert series is a series of concerts in Kaukauna's Hydro Park that begin in June and end in August. Each week, the Kaukauna Lions Club and Lioness Club sell beer and food to concert goers at the park, collecting a portion of the sales and tips. This event was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but otherwise the clubs have been involved in it in some capacity since its inception in 2016. Hydro Park is a relatively new park, established in 2015, next to an old unused canal on the Fox River.
LAONA LIONS CENTENNIAL OF THE COMMUNITY SOUP – The Laona Lions Club had a fantastic Centennial celebration on Saturday, August 7th at the Silver Lake Beach. Laona Lion members, family, and friends started preparing the soup early in the morning so it was perfect to serve at noon. The Souper Runners were ready for the race at 9am after a group sang the national anthem. Medals were awarded to the winners of each race. Music was provided by the Stone Soup Brothers Band. The children had tons of fun playing the games. The Lions club had free popcorn all day and free snow cones for the kids. Everyone enjoyed the food and drinks served. A reading by Lions Dan Bobbe, Rhonda Roberts, and Jeff Dewey gave the history of the Community Soup. The rainy weather didn't hamper fun with the raffles throughout the afternoon. The Laona Lions thank all attendees for the support of the Club’s special centennial celebration.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 17 Wisconsin
27-C1 NEWS
PEACE POSTER PARTICIPANTS: TOP PHOTO: Lion Pauline Schiferl, Peace Poster Chair, Zolton Rodriguez, mother Alyssa Rodriguez, sister Zenobiah Williams, his Art Teacher Debbie Engelbretson, and his sister Zaphirah Williams standing in front.
e-district.org/sites/27c1
LAKE MASON LIONS CLUB was given a presentation by the Adams County Sheriffs Department about the Canine Program. Officers present were Sheriff Brent York, Canine Handler Deputy Engle and Deputy Craig Orlowski. Tekla has underwent extensive training at a cost of nearly $30,000. A donation from Lake Mason Lions Club will help to pay the day-to-day expenses of keeping the dog. Adams County has three K-9’s in the Sheriffs Department.
BOTTOM PHOTO: Front row: Lion Pauline Schiferl, Peace Poster chair; Cooper Rothenberger, mother Stacy Schreiner, brother Blake Reinehart, and his Art Teacher Debbie Engelbretson. Back row: sister Karleigh Rinehart, Mom’s fiancé Joshua Rinehart, and sisters Dixie Rothenberger and Jayden Rothenberger.
27-C1'S 17TH ANNUAL BENEFIT AUCTION RAISED MONEY FOR WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION – Many treasures were auctioned off to raise money for the Wisconsin Lions Foundation. The auctioneer, Lion Arnie Lang from the Berlin Hamburg Club entertained us and sold many items to the highest bidder. $4,559 was raised in total during the auction. WLF Director Brad Behrens took home the famous putter and promised to bring it back next year.
SUCCESSFUL PLUSOPTIX VISION SCREENING – Plusoptix held a Vision Screen event that was well attended in our District. Tammy Johnson taught the class and got all of the District's devices updated and ready to roll for Vision Screening. Lions Dave Langton and Le Mellin did a great job promoting and getting the event going.
NEW LION Z ak Kachel raises $680 in a raffle at the 27-C1 convention with his custom woodwork.
18 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WISCONSIN RAPIDS LIONS CLUB – Brat Fry was held on August 14.
EDITOR: Brad Behrens | 5180 N 60th Ave. | Wausau, WI 54401 | 715-323-8033 | c1lionnews@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-C1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
LINDA CARTER
R IST ICT D
VERNO O
LION OF THE YEAR – District Governor Linda Carter presented the Lion of the Year award to Lion Keith Gipp during her Club visit on October 4.
27-C1 ELECTION RESULTS – DG-E - Phil Hollis 1VDG-E - Patty Hollis 2VDG-E - Jamie Wilde WLF - Brad Behrens
27-C1 KICKS OFF THE CONVENTION SEASON – DG Linda Carter held the first convention of MD27. It was held in Weston at Mountain Bay Banquet Center. ID Dianne Pitts charged up the Lions in attendance with a moving luncheon address. Other seminars that were well attended were "Serving all by Recruiting the Best," "Serving Beyond the Club," and "Wisconsin Gaming Laws." The closing banquet featured Greg Cemke from the charity Christmas in July. "Santa" Greg collects toys and raises money for items not in the budget at Marshfield's Children's Hospital. Greg's special guest was Heidi Geise from the Marshfield's Children's Hospital. Heidi works with Greg on the needs of the hospital. Heidi also updated us on MD27's Childhood Cancer grant to Marshfield's Children's Hospital.
G
R
llcarter2@charter.net 715-359-3059
Lions of District 27 C1, it is hard to believe that 4 months of this Lions year has already gone by. I have visited some clubs and want to get all of the clubs on my schedule so you can have the preferred date you would like be to visit. I was very proud to present the charter to our news Lions Club the Wisconsin River Lioness Lions club. We are very proud of them and glad that they are now Lions in our district. They are a hardworking club and very active in their community. Congratulations to all of them. Congratulation to PDG & WLF Brad Behrens on becoming a Guiding Lion. If anyone ever has a chance to attend the USA/Canadian Forum they have some great seminars and you also get to meet Lions from all over the USA and Canada. The District Convention was well attended and our International Speaker Dr Dianne Pitts and her husband, Dr Joe, were very impressed with our Lions Camp. Dr Dianne gave a very inspirational speech at the noon luncheon. The auction was a great success with, all proceeds going to the Lions Camp. The one seminar that was of great importance was the Wisconsin Gaming Laws so, we are doing everything legally. After the election, the following have been elected. District Governor Elect Phil Hollis; 1st Vice District Patti Hollis; 2nd Vice District Governor Jamie Wilde; and PDG Brad Behrens as Wisconsin Lions Foundation Director. Thank you all for stepping up to serve. Don’t forget to schedule your visit with me as soon as you can. Please remember to make your annual donations and do not forget to donate to the Lions Camp as they make so many children and adults happy as they can participate in the camping experience. I hope you all have a Happy Holiday Season and for those that hunt do not forget to donate your deer hides and tails to the Lions as this is a benefit for our Lions Camp. Yours in Lionism
MEETING THE INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT – DG Linda Carter (L) and PDG Mike Carter (R) met the International President Douglas X. Alexander (M) at the USA/Canada Forum in Des Moines, Iowa.
WISCONSIN RAPIDS LIONS CLUB – Our 21st Annual Golf for Sight was held on September 5 at the Ridges Golf Course in Wis. Rapids. We had 80 golfers and 40 Hole Sponsors.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 19 Wisconsin
27-C2 NEWS
e-district.org/sites/27c2
BOULDER JUNCTION LIONS CLUB President Wendi Neupert presented $500 to the North Lakeland School 4th and 8th grade classes.
The 8th grade students and their parents were the servers for the Lions Club Colorama Dinner in Nash Hall at Camp Manito-wish on September 18th. In addition to this donation, the students also earned $622 in tip money from the guests who enjoyed their service. Also pictured is Ben Hoffman, Operations Director who guided the students and parents during their serving timeline. The funds that the class receives helps them pay for their class trip next spring.
The 4th grade students and their parents helped set up and prepare Camp Manito-wish Nash Hall for the Boulder Junction Lions Club Colorama Dinner held on September 18th. Also shown in the photo, far left, is Ben Hoffman, Operations Director at Camp Manito-wish who worked with the students and their parents. The funds that the class received will be put toward a spring trip or other activities for the class.
THE MANITOWISH WATERS LIONS CLUB recently made two very generous donations to two local organizations that are currently in the middle of very important capital campaigns. Both Camp Jorn YMCA and the North Lakeland Discovery Center are raising money in order to improve their facilities and better serve their community and families in the Northwoods.
Lions Lynn Schroeder, Larry Voss, Bill Vogel, and Mike McKeon and Camp Jorn Executive Director Dennis Lipp.
Lions Lynn Schroeder, Larry Voss, Bill Vogel,and Mike McKeon, and Discovery Center Executive Director John Heusinkveld, and Capital Campaign Coordinator Rolf Ethun. THE WINCHESTER LIONS CLUB has donated $13,125 to International, State and Local needs and projects in 2020-2021. While the Club may not be meeting regularly, they continue to support their Community needs and all Lions projects.
20 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
THE CABLE AND AREA LIONS CLUB has a unique fundraiser - they rent out three tents, tables and chairs to local organizations. The biggest 2 tents are 30’ x60’ and the Lions gather a big volunteer crew to set them up. The tent crew changes with every setup, and the club welcomes whoever shows up to help! They also have several volunteers who are not Lions and they are very much appreciated.
Former DG Service Project BY PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR BOB BERTCH
Our former District Governors did a service project dur ing the last few days of their terms that will long be remembered by all. The group met at the Holiday Inn in Stevens Point to “virtually” watch the International Convention. The weekend was planned by Council Chair Geri Schlender so that the DGs could be part of the convention even though they could not be in Montreal. Council Chair Geri had many activities planned including a special service project. The Council of Governors and their spouses were given scissors and blanket kits to make soft fleece no-sew tie blankets for the patients at Marshfield Children’s Pediatric Oncology Unit. Marshfield Children’s pediatric cancer specialists treat childhood cancers and blood disorders. As the workers were getting close to finishing, a woman came by with her daughter who was in a wheelchair and asked what they were doing. The COG told her about their service project and said “Hi!” to the little girl in the wheelchair. Seeing her smile back, the group had a great idea and gave one of the blankets to the little girl and her mother. The little girl gave a big smile and hugged the blanket. The mother was very taken aback by the gesture of kindness and thanked them many times. The father of the little girl took a photo of the whole group and thanked the Lions for their generosity. There were tears of joy as the COG saw their service project touched someone in the community and they were able to witness the results first hand.
EDITOR: Cherie Sanderson | 5844 Birchwood Ln. | Boulder Junction, WI 54512 | 715-892-0761 | sanderson.cherie@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-C2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
JUDY HATZ
R IST ICT D
VERNO O
THE PLUM LAKE LIONS CLUB held a Meat Raffle & Packer Football Raffle on September 11th. The event opened with a Moment of Silence in observance of Patriot Day to honor our country’s heroes, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Funds raised from the football raffle and a Fastenal Dewalt tool raffle were given to the local Wounded Warriors chapter. Funds raised from the meat raffle were used for needs in the local community. Pictured are Lion Linda Tameling-Waddell (left) and Lion Connie A Olson.
THE HURLEY LIONS CLUB donated $2000 for needed repairs at the Felix Patritto Memorial Field. The funds will put new roofs on the concession stand and dug out repairs. Pictured left to right in photo: Gary Pelkola, Hurley Lions Club Vice-President; Jason Rowe, President of the Hurley Little League Association, and Jason Sedovic, Hurley Lions Club President.
MERCER LIONS CLUB – Cameron Patton, a student at the Mercer Public School, was selected as Mercer’s “Leo of the Year” at the end of the school year in May. Cameron has been a Leo for three years and is always willing to lend a hand. During the summer months, he is a volunteer floor walker at the Lions Club’s Bingo Night on Wednesday evenings at the Mercer Community Center. The Mercer Leo Club’s chairman is Louise Minisan and the Mercer Lions Club is the sponsoring organization. Congratulations future Lion Cameron!
THE MERCER LIONS CLUB held their 11th Annual Turtle River Duck Race on August 7. This cute and creative event raised $5,750 in its first year in 2011 and this year they raised $16,400! Participants purchase one duck for $5 or a “flock” of five ducks for $20. The ducks are released two miles north of Mercer on the Turtle River and the race begins! The first ten ducks and the last four ducks to cross the finish line win cash prizes. Of course, race fans also enjoy delicious food and beverages while waiting for their ducks.
G
R
hatzjl@aol.com 715-218-0226
A topic that comes up during club visits and district meetings is membership. How do we rejuvenate and grow membership? Some clubs are struggling with membership in part due to the aging population. We need to be flexible and embrace new members so they will serve today and into the future. As Lions, we serve where we live. We are ready whenever or however our communities need us. We understand how Lions Clubs make a difference in communities. Lions, how do we get people to join us in making our communities a better place? Everyone needs to Ask someone. Ask One! No two people are alike. Look for members that are not represented in your clubs, multi-generational members. This means that you will always have a diversity of skills and experience to serve in your communities. Many clubs get new members just from doing service projects in their communities. Create videos of your events and promote your club on You Tube. These are just a few ideas. To keep members, we need to engage and mentor them. Remember the common bond as Lions is that we are interested in service. Members need to be confident that they are making a difference in their communities and are able to take pride in service activities. New members require some special attention from their sponsor to help them develop a sense of belonging to the club. The number one reason we get members joining Lions is “to serve the community where they live.” So, all we need to do is just Ask someone. Ask One! THE ST. GERMAIN LIONS CLUB held their Annual Meat Raffle which was hosted for the eighth year by Lion Gary Frank and his wife, Laurel, owners of Sportsmen’s Chalet Restaurant in St. Germain. The meat provided by Sportsmen’s Chalet is of very high quality and, as a result, draws many of the same people to the Meat Raffle year after year. In addition to the meat raffle, there was a special raffle with a $100 winner every 15 minutes with 36 winners total. The event also included 50/5 raffles, food and beverages. Pictured: front row (l to r): Keith Slizewski, Gary Frank, and Laurel Frank. Second row: Tom Zimmerman, Jerry Verseman, Chuck Miller, Craig Callies, and Doug Kaltenbach.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 21 Wisconsin
27-D1 NEWS
THE DEERFIELD LIONS CLUB promoted their upcoming Chili Fest fundraiser at the September Deerfield Farmers Market. Chili samples and water bottles along with “market bucks” were handed out to market patrons. The Club also collected eye glasses, hearing aids, and answered questions about the Deerfiled Lions. Deerfield Lions, visible and serving their community!
THE COBB LIONS CLUB recently constructed a new park shelter/ picnic table installed in a Village of Cobb park. This is the third shelter/picnic table that the members have constructed for the village parks.
SUN PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB were decked out in orange as they served beer at Breese Stevens Field in Madison. The August musical event was the Avett Brothers Concert with opening act Willie Nelson.
MARSHALL LIONS were up-andat-em early supporting a rest/ water station for The Ride for a Cure. Lions Jeff Steele, April Schmid, Dani Smith, Annette DeChant, Brenda Steele, Chris Meinholz, and Nathan Schmid supported and cheered on riders and they raised funds for cancer research. Roar On!
AVOCA-BLUE RIVER-MUSCODA LIONS CLUB makes annual donations to the local EMT squads in the area. Each town received a check for $750 presented by the Club’s President. Funds for the donations come from a calendar raffle. The Club also conducted the Stuff the Bus event for the Riverdale School district. Another good year with donations for money and school supplies were collected.
LANCASTER LIONS CLUB – Lion Kim Martens presented a $500 donation to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Accepting the donation is Aiden and Kennedy Yager. The funds help to fight to end Type 1 diabetes.
22 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
lions27d1.org
CROSS PLAINS LIONS CLUB resented Lion Lyle “Doc” Esser p with a Birch-Sturm Fellowship from the Wisconsin Lions Foundation on Aug. 5. Lion Esser has provided years of service organizing and helping with WLF service activities including eye glass donations and deer hide collections. Doc becomes the third member of Cross Plains Lions to receive this honor. Pictured is Doc and fellow Birch-Sturm recipients Peter Cerniglia and John Dickson.
THE LANCASTER LIONS CLUB held their Stuff the Bus drive during the Night on the Square event held in Lancaster. Members of the Beetown Royal Neighbors brought a donation to the event. Presenting their donation to Lion Rod Slaght are Beetown Royal Neighbors members Marsha Reynolds, Kathy Reynolds Baurer, Laurie Schwantes, Donna Cook and Sally Mack. Night on the square is an annual Lancaster community event for the whole family with kids games, music and a variety of foods provided by local non-profits.
EDGERTON LIONS CLUB recently sponsored a hole at the 2021 Badgerland Amputee Golf Tournament. The event was sponsored by the National Amputee Golf Association and was held at Coachman’s golf resort in Stoughton. Edgerton Lion Tanner Wilmovsky was a participant in the event.
THE MADISON MONONA LIONESS LIONS CLUB recently held a Meat Raffle fundraiser at Tully’s II Restaurant in Monona. The Meat Raffles are a major fundraiser for the club. Pictured selling raffle tickets are Lions Darlene Noggle, Sara Batker, and Julie Baglama. Also pictured is one of the 12 raffle winners, Tyrone, selecting his prize.
EDITOR: Mike Vraniak | 5329 Reiner Rd. | Madison WI 53718 | 608-444-5611 | pr@lions27d1.org
FROM THE 27-D1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
BILL CLAUSIUS
R IST ICT D
VERNO O
PARDEEVILLE LIONS CLUB – From this to that…recycling plastic bags to donate a bench through Trex! This is what about 450 pounds of bags looks like!! The Pardeeville Lions Club turned in 500 pounds of plastic waste and earned a bench for the community through the Trex Bag-To-Benches program. Thanks Pardeeville Lions for helping keep our environment clean!
JANESVILLE LIONS CLUB spent their lunch hour on a beautiful summer day at Lions Beach and welcomed ECHO, Inc. Executive Director Jessica Locher to their meeting. She gave an update on her agency’s programs and services to assist the Rock County’s low-income and homeless residents, and described the changes and adjustments they’ve made in the past 18 months to be able to provide continual services during the pandemic. The also provided donations the ECHO. “We sent Jessica back to the office with a box full of school supplies for their upcoming distribution, and even included a stack of cash and checks to boot.”
POTOSI-TENNYSON LIONS CLUB recently held its September meeting at Lions Greg and Celeste Steiner’s teepee located in their backyard. There was a great member turnout and everyone enjoyed the good weather. The teepee was also one of the stops for the Potosi-Tennyson Lions Spring Scavenger Hunt held earlier in the year.
JANESVILLE LIONS CLUB members recently pitched in at Lions Beach to help the Janesville Parks & Recreation with various clean-up and maintenance tasks for the United Way Blackhawk Region's Day of Caring. The region-wide project saw several hundred volunteers from local companies and service clubs spend the day helping out dozens of nonprofit organizations complete projects they could not tackle on their own.
G
R
bclausius@gmail.com 608-698-1683
Hello Lions! First I want to thank you for the service you provide to your community. Raising funds for the various Lions programs is also important. Sometimes we forget that Lions is an international organization that provides help to anyone in need. Do you know that we are celebrating our 100th year in Lions now? Wisconsin Lions mission is Reaching, Touching and Improving Lives. In our state, we have accomplished many things. Wisconsin Lions Camp has served over 70,000 summer campers. Prior to COVID 19, the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin annually had 2000 to 2500 volunteers as cornea/eye transporters, dedicated to the mission of restoring the gift of sight. The Restoring Hope Transplant House has hosted families from 44 different states and 8 countries. So let us continue to give back to these causes and support each other! Because, what we accomplish together, will continue to make a difference for years to come. Service organizations including Lions keep communities together. Our Clubs are holding community events this Fall. Please support your club and other clubs in your area. See what other clubs are doing by visiting their events.. There is a competition under way to vision screen 1 million children by the end of the calendar year. Lions KidSight USA is asking all clubs to forward their screening data to Lion Scott Grover, who will then forward the information onto Wisconsin Lions Foundation. We are aware that vision screening of kids is difficult under the concerns about COVID. But keep asking schools and daycare centers whether they will be doing screenings this year. Vision screening cameras are available to clubs as needed. Contact Lion Milo Parker. District Environment Chair Bill Baker is researching a club community service project involving plastic recycling. There are some plastics that cannot be recycled in the ordinary way. The Trex/Nex Trex recycling program will take acceptable plastics like grocery and retail bags, drink case overwrap, pallet wrap and other materials. When enough of this plastic is collected, Trex will make it into a park bench and donate it. Hard to believe, but we will be starting the process of plans for the District Convention to be held at Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells on March 11 and 12. I am working on appointing a convention committee and hope to meet soon. Best wishes in the upcoming holiday season!
LANCASTER LIONS CLUB celebrates 50 years. On July 19th the Lancaster Lions celebrated their Club’s 50 years of service at the Lancaster Band Community Concert. As part of their celebration the club held a 50/50 raffle fundraiser. Prizes handed out that night included fifteen $50, two $100, and one $500 winners. Congratulations Lancaster Lions and thank you for your 50 years of service.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 23 Wisconsin
27-D2 NEWS
SENECA LIONS HIGHWAY CLEAN UP – 7 Lions got together in beautiful weather for the third highway clean up of the season.
THE VIROQUA LIONS CLUB has made their fourth annual donation to the Viroqua Living Faith Food Pantry in the amount of $2,000. The Lions and Lionettes have 5 members that have volunteered their time at the Pantry for several years. Pictured are the Pantry Directors Candy and Dale Tolzman; Lion members Dan Crowley, Al Petersen, Roger Call; Lionette Marlene Sordahl; and Lion Steve Hill.
SENECA LIONS CLUB members received the 2020 community partnership award by selling calendars to fund the local K-9 program for the Prairie du Chien Police Dept. Those recipients were Wanda Everson and Rodney Boardman. The money raised goes to the purchase and training of police dogs.
md27d2.org CASHTON LIONS CLUB held their 3rd Annual "Stuff the Bus" School Supply Donation Drive on August 28. Club members grilled and served brats, hamburgers, and pork chop sandwiches to hungry visitors. Members also collected donations of cash and school supplies that will be distributed to students of Cashton Public Schools and Sacred Heart School. The donations will ensure the young scholars have a productive learning experience. THE TOMAH LIONS CLUB continue to help those in need. Second Harvest is a monthly food giveaway at the Monroe County Fairgrounds. Food is delivered and separated into boxes and loaded into cars in drive-by fashion. This past month the Lions were assisted by the FFA and local community volunteers. It usually takes about 20 volunteers to complete the packing and delivery. The drive-by usually serves about 150 families each month.
THE VIROQUA LIONS CLUB has inducted several new members. Pictured are: (top photo) current Viroqua President and sponsor Wayne Sherry; new member Jim DeLap; new member Maria Jasjewski; sponsor Carl Lindquist; and presenter of the induction program, Former District Governor and Viroqua Lion Mike Bankes. (Bottom photo): Lion Wayne Sherry; sponsor Roger Call with new member James Fuller; sponsor Ken Karworski with new member Steve Tippins; sponsor Michael Stevens with new member Mike Jasjewski; sponsor Kerry Hall with new member Steve Hanson; and presenter of the induction program Jo Ann Mason, a past Wisconsin Lions Foundation Director from LaCrosse.
24 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
Loretta Ewelt | 525 Avon Road #10 | Sparta, WI 54656 | 608-269-3062 | WILions27D2News@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-D2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
DAVE STRUDTHOFF
R IST ICT D
VERNO O
LAKE DELTON LIONS CLUB awarded Lion Henry Lukasavge, a 40 year member with the prestigious Melvin Jones Award. Present at the meeting were his wife, Candy, son, Lion Brandon and daughter Tiffany. Other Lions present were Rick and Juanita Plouffe, Austin Dick, Dwight Raspiller, and Greg and Georgine Erickson. The award was presented by his son, Lion Brandon Lukasavage and Wisconsin Lions Foundation Director, Lion Pat Hart of the Tomah Lions. This was only the 6th Melvin Jones Award given by the Lake Delton Lions Club since the it’s founding back in 1951.
THE SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB welcomed guest Deb Delie of Green Bay and special guest Snickers to their monthly meeting. Delie is a volunteer puppy raiser and trainer for Leader Dogs for the Blind. The trainers are all volunteers who provide the food and supplies for the dogs they train. There is no cost to the clients who receive the dogs and Leader Dog provides 2 weeks of training and a lifetime of support. Also pictured is President Leon Mindham and Jerry Fiene.
SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB The 16th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament "We Remember Our Own" is a fund raising event in memory of members who left us to soon. Each year has seen more community support and was their best year ever with more golfers, more attending the dinner and more support from local businesses. Men and women of all skill levels competed in a four-person, scramble-format tournament. Several holes had extra, fun activities to try. There were many prizes, raffle items, and silent auction items thanks to so many businesses and individuals that gave so generously. With the money raised, the Lions give back to Sauk Prairie. The Lions extend a big thank you to all who participated in this event and to the generous donors and sponsors. It is with their contributions that year after year it is a great success.
G
R
david.strudthoff@gmail.com 608-457-2455
The West Salem Lions Club has the honor and privilege to host this year’s 27 D-2 District Convention on Friday, February 11, and Saturday, February 12, 2022. The convention will be held at the Maple Grove Venue W4142 Co. Hwy B, West Salem, Wisconsin. Friday evening will be Music Night. The band Coulee Creek will perform from their album “Matriarch Song and Verse.” In addition, the band will play a collection of bluegrass, folk, and Americana music familiar to all ages. As a part of their performance they will play music written and scored (notation or cords) by Wisconsin Lions. Lions who are singer/songwriters (amateurs welcome) are encouraged to send their music to the following address: Lions Song Submittal, N. 1844 CR O, Stoddard, WI 54658-8911. Or email the music to: david.strudthoff@gmail.com Musical submissions with both words and notation is preferred, but words and simple key signatures will be accepted. The band will choose only five songs and District 2 will post the live performance on its website. If your song is chosen to be played, the songwriter will be invited to the convention with registration fees being waived. Saturday, the convention registration will start at 7:30 am with coffee, juice, and rolls. The morning includes presentations on Servant Leadership and updates on Lions Camp and Wisconsin Lions Eye NO. NEW Bank. Following the noon lunch, our CLUB MEMBERS guest for the convention is 1st year Warrens 9 International Director Jeff Gans . The LaCrosse 8 afternoon will have presentations on Viroqua 6 gambling laws, Peace poster winner, Hillsboro 3 officer nominations and District 27 Sauk Prairie 3 D-2 committee reports. The evening will end with a banquet and guest Stoddard 3 speaker Tom Thibodeau from Necedah 2 Viterbo University will provide the Boaz 2 closing address. West Salem 2 Hotel accommodations can St. Joseph’s Ridge L.C. 1 be made at the Americinn by Coon Valley 1 Wyndham 855-516-1090.
HONOR ROLL!
LIONS UNIVERSITY 27 D-2 GRADUATES AND USA/CANADA FORUM ATTENDEES 1st Vice
Homer Arndt*
Bachelors
Zone Chairperson
Janet Kruegar*
Bachelors
Zone Chairperson
Jim LeJeune*
Bachelors
District Secretary
Krista Martell*
Bachelors
IPDG
Eric Zingler*
Bachelors
WLF Director
Darrel Dwyer*
(*) First time USA/Canada Forum Attendee
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 25 Wisconsin
27-E1 NEWS
district27e1.org
Stanley Celebrates Their 75th Anniversary The Stanley Lions Club celebrated its 75th Anniversary on Saturday, September 18. The Club was chartered on April 22, 1946 with the Cornell Lions Club acting as their sponsor. Originally, the 75th celebration was supposed to be held in April, but due to COVID-19, it was postponed until September. Seventy people attended the celebration. Lions Clubs from District 27 E-1 represented at the celebration included Boyd, Thorp, Cadott, Ladysmith, Holcombe, Jim Falls, Chetek, Chippewa Falls, St. Croix Falls, and Superior. Special Guests in attendance were DG Bill Anderson (Karen) Superior, 1VDG Brian Dulmes (Barb) Cadott, IPDG Governor Steve Jensen (WLF Director Jeanne), PDGs - Bernie Stuttgen (Colleen)Thorp, Jerome Zais Chippewa Falls, Larry Bradley (Doris)
Jim Falls, Lee Vrieze (Mary) Jim Falls, Robert Bayerl (Dianne) Holcombe, Delores LaFaive (Ken) Chetek, Tom Lecleir (Anita) Mondovi, PID Connie LeCleir-Meyer (Michael) Mondovi, and PID Ronald Duffe (Judy) New Richmond. Special music was provided by Joe Henzel. Lion Dave Jankoski, a 52 year member of the Stanley Lions Club and its historian, presented a summary of the club’s 75 years of serving the Community of Stanley, Lions of Wisconsin, and Lions International. Then, Guest Speaker PID Ronald Duffe gave some background of what life was like in 1946, the year that the Stanley Lions Club was formed. Following his speech, PID Ronald Duffe, with the assistance of PID Connie LeCleir-Meyer, presented awards to several Stanley Lions
Lake Holcombe Lions Work to Make Sure No One is Hungry September 12, 2021 was a day of celebration for the Lake Holcombe Lions. The open house and ribbon cutting of the new Holcombe Food Pantry marked the end of the largest community service project the Lake Holcombe Lions had ever undertaken. The community, our District Governor, and 3 past District Governors were on hand to add their congratulations! Started by the Holcombe Methodist Church in 1987, the Holcombe Food Pantry was housed in a 6X16 closet in the church. Community members, Lions Ray Guthman, Sandi Lesmeister, including 2 Lions from our club, serve as the Board Aron Cote, Rick Mitchell along with Food of Directors. Each year our club makes this one of our Pantry Manager Dawn Rank and Food priority donations. For many years we discussed the Pantry Board Members Lion Jim Justus, need for a larger facility as there was no refrigeration Lion Bob Gamache, Kim Rabe, Barb for fresh or frozen food and extreme limited space. Nelson, and Nancy Hattlestad. A committee was formed to check into the feasibility of the Lions beginning such a large project. In the spring of 2019, after months of research, we started a fund raising campaign to build a 30x40 Food Pantry attached to our pavilion. We reached our goal by the end of the year! We received some local grants and a $5,800 grant from Lions International, but most of our money came from the generosity of Lions members and our community. Holcombe is an unincorporated village with an overwhelming sense of community pride! In May of 2020 we were able to begin construction even as COVID-19 was making its presence felt. The new building was finished that fall despite delays at times for shortages. By late November the shelving could be installed and the transfer from the church closet was made. They now had refrigeration and freezers and a selection of fresh veggies, milk, eggs, cheese, and meats, in addition to all the other needs. They began to serve the community from the new location even as the finishing projects were being completed. The blacktop and final touches were added during the summer of 2021 and we were ready to celebrate the completion! Lake Holcombe Lions are continuing their commitment “to feed the hungry” with the promise to cover the cost of the ongoing utilities for the new pantry. We could never have completed such a great project by ourselves. We owe deep gratitude to our generous community!
26 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
members. Receiving the International President’s Service From The Heart Certificate of Appreciation Award were Lion Jerr y Dirkes, Lion David Jankoski, Lion Norm Christianson, and Lion David Winkler. Lion Dave Jankoski also was awarded t h e Bi rc h -St r u m Fellowship and Lion Gary Krueger was presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow.
PID Ron Duffe as he shares the accomplishments and contributions of the Stanley Lions Club.
Pattison Park Holds Annual Golf Outing On Saturday, August 7, the Pattison Pa r k L i o n s C l u b resumed their 36th3 7 t h a n nu a l g o l f tournament. Proceeds are used to support area annual school needs, two volunteer fire depar tments, the food shelf, a free fall community dinner, an area childhood language disorder clinic, and community members experiencing a life changing illness or loss- just to mention a few. The group also used the event to dedicate a bench at the golf course to Earl Carignan, a long-time sponsor who lost his battle with cancer in 2020. Earl was not only a generous donor, but made sure to attend the event annually, and always had a good time. Pictured is DG Bill Anderson on one of two benches Lions Jeff Larson, Doug Wells and Bill Anderson built in memory of Earl Carignan The tournament is so much fun for the golfers as well as for the hard working Lions members, and couldn’t continue to be the success that it is without the backing of such generous and committed area sponsors.
EDITOR: Barb Dulmes | 8038 223rd St. | Cadott, WI 54727 | 715-289-5280 or 715-829-4090 | barb.dulmes@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-E1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
BILL ANDERSON
R IST ICT D
VERNO O
District Governor Bill Keeps Busy As He Starts His Term What a busy couple of months it’s been! Karen and I have been so many places, met many new Lions, and continue to enjoy learning about each club and how they step up to meet their community’s needs. It’s been eye opening to see how tight-knit these smaller communities are, and heartwarming to see that so many folks in those cities and towns are Lions! The members are engaged, well informed about club objectives, focused on the needs of their area, and willing to serve in whatever capacity they can. They exemplify “Hearts United in Service”. August began with a cabinet meeting at Lehman’s in Rice Lake where we covered our district’s budget and heard reports from the committee chairpersons. Later that week, our own Pattison Park Club held their annual golf
THE CLEAR LAKE LIONS CLUB donated $1,483 to the Clear Lake Elementary School Backpack Program raised from the raffle ticket sales at the Lions Charity Golf Scramble. Pictured are Elementary Principal Chris Petersen, Lion Cheryl Paulson and Elementary Counselor Jessica Millar. In addition to the monetary donation, the Clear Lake Lions collected over 500 school supply items for the Clear Lake Schools.
G
R
billranderson@icloud.com 218-349-8374
tournament followed by Brule’s annual chicken feed the very next day. In the weeks following those events, I visited the Chetek (where 7 new members were installed!), Clear Lake, and Clayton clubs. September was even busier beginning with Jim Falls’ Sturgeon Fest, Stanley’s 75th anniversary celebration, and visits to Shell Lake and Turtle Lake’s Charter Night, as well as a zone meeting in Chippewa Falls. On September 12th, Karen and I were honored to be invited by the Lake Holcombe Lions for the dedication of their new food pantry – which adjoins the existing Lions Club pavilion. It’s a beautiful facility – spacious and well stocked, which also has freezers and coolers (which were lacking in the previous facility). The project was begun in mid-2020 and expected to be a few years in the making, but was completed in just over a year! A wonderful example of
HAYWARD MAKES A DONATION TO THE SCHOOL – Hayward Public Schools special education department asked for assistance in purchasing an audio testing machine. Pictured is Lion Jim Ahrens presenting the check for $1,800 which allowed the school district to purchase two new audiometers that will be used with hearing screening.
teamwork between dedicated local Lions and a very supportive community. A week later, we were back in Rosholt at the Lions Camp for WLF meetings. It was a beautiful day and in between meetings, we had a chance to see all the camp facilities. What a tremendous opportunity for young, special needs campers to really have the time of their life in a safe, fun environment under the supervision of healthcare specialists, assistants, counselors, educator volunteers, as well as the insight of former campers! Remember to be on the lookout for a young person you know that might love this opportunity. October brought another Council of Governors and Cabinet meeting as well as several more club visits. We have to thank everyone involved in these club visits – they are fun, the members are so welcoming, and we’re enjoying the food too! While most of the clubs we’ve visited are thriving, remember that overall, membership is down and some clubs are having a hard time. Please reach out and give a neighboring club help in whatever manner seems appropriate. And always be on
the lookout for a friend or relative that might want to become a Lion! One observation I’ve had in all these travels is that so many of the clubs we’ve had the opportunity to get to know more about, are truly focused on service. Of course, fundraising is important and necessary to help with the many financial goals of helping a community, and checks do have to be written, but remember that the Lions motto is “We Serve”. Take a good look at your own community and see what services might be needed or appreciated. Perhaps vision screening at area schools, cleaning up roadsides, free community dinners to bring folks back together (remember to obser ve COVID safety precautions), helping with bell ringing or other Salvation Army initiatives, volunteering time at food shelves, delivering to shut-ins, park or other public space maintenance … the list can be endless. We all know how satisfying and fun volunteering can be, so let’s remember to get out there and “serve” whenever, wherever we can. And of course, remember to make sure someone in your organization is reporting all that wonderful service!
CLEAR LAKE AND AMERY LIONS TEAM TOGETHER – to build a disability ramp for an individual in the community. Pictured are Dave Nelson (Amery), Gene Burns (Clear Lake) and Greg Warner (Clear Lake).
DRESSER, SIREN AND WANDROOS LIONS TEAM UP – 7 Lions from 3 different clubs worked together with 18 other volunteers at the Burnett County Interfaith Caregivers Heat-A-Home work site. The wood will dry for a year and be delivered to families in need of firewood to heat their homes for the winter. Pictured are Jean Measner, Larry Behne, Steve Young, Emmett “Buzz” Byrne, Ginger Dosch, Boyd Dosch, Denny Blodgett (Heat-A-Home sponsor), and Rodger Cameron.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 27 Wisconsin
27-E2 NEWS
md27e2.org
Somerset Lions Bring The BIG Top to Town THE ELK MOUND LIONS – In May of 2021 four new members where inducted, and then on September 23, 2021 five more members were inducted doubling the membership of the Elk Mound Lions Club. To some this may not be much, but for the world of Lions it means the great things are happening. Never give up Lions no matter how small your club is, stay focused on what can be, what you have done for others, and keep going forward. Pictured are Wendy Erdman, Brenda Johnson (Sponsor), Joel CernerWerner, Joyce Price, PDG Ronda Bierbrauer (Guiding Lion), Jacki Brunner, Mike Brunner (Sponsor), Gene Erdman and Scott Johnson (Sponsor).
THE HAMMOND LIONS CLUB held their Heartland Days with a “Game Night,” for the children. The Holiday Angles committee, led by PDG Ronda, had a fish pond, dice games, card games, plinko, football toss, duck pond, face painting, tattoos, an amazing slide and bounce house for the children and more. Hammond and Roberts Royalty were on site to assist with games along with the Holiday Angels committee members.
Every other year the Somerset Lions bring the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus to the Somerset area for so many to enjoy. There were bounce houses, pony rides, a big slide, and of course the big tent. The children were invited the morning of the show to come watch the workers set the big tent up for the circus. The acts included Leo the clown, amazing and funny, the Lions, the horses, the birds, the tricycle acts, flying trapeze act, the acrobats, the swings, and more, and all were fun to watch. Children and adults alike sat and watched the show while enjoying cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn. There was of course a coloring book to be bought and autographs to be written inside, and other trinkets from unicorns to light sabers, the children would smile at as they carried them out of the big tent. Thank you Somerset Lions for bringing so many childhood memories to us adults and giving the children memories to have for a lifetime.
COLLECTOR’S CORNER Will the real holy grail of Wisconsin Lions State Pins please stand up? BY LION REID MEYER, ELLSWORTH LIONS CLUB
If you enjoy collecting Lions pins, you probably have or are working to complete your Wisconsin Lions State pin set. See the Resources section on the Wisconsin Lions website to see this pin set (wisconsinlions.org/state-pins) – it’s a great reference to make sure you have all the base pins in your set. There are known variations to at least ten of the base pins (which might be a topic for a future article), it is well-known the first four pins in the set are the most sought after, with the blue dot being the toughest to find. Some may claim the blue dot is the holy grail of the set, but the real holy grail is a gold version of the 1962 pin! I had the opportunity to meet PDG Mel Samplawski and wife Audrey back in 2013, at a Chetek Lions Club meeting where they honored Lion Mel for his 60 years of service! Lion Mel was a member of the Chetek Lions Club, served as MD 27-E1 District Governor in 1984-1985 and was a Pin Trader legend. Lion Mel told me the story of ten gold 1962 pins being made, with two pins given to each of the five sitting District Governors. The great thing about collecting is there’s always something out there to search for and, hopefully, find! Please send any future topics of interest to me at reidmeyer69@gmail.com. Happy Collecting!
28 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
STAR PRAIRIE LIONS has a long history of maintaining and adding to the Star Prairie Ballpark. The Club has updated, torn down & rebuilt the Bandstand, the old concessions stand, and the announcing booth/garage. Enter The New Richmond Baseball Club along with Star Prairie Lions and Bernick’s Pepsi has worked together to build a new scoreboard. The scoreboard has added to the park and the enjoyment of all are noted for all different types of ball. Each group contributed $5000 to make this happen. The Star Prairie Lions, who are one of the smallest clubs, continues to be strong, active and a proud supporter of youth & community. THE SOMERSET LIONS CUB is a small club that does big things. Recently the Somerset Lions Club gave $1000 to their local Food Pantry. Growing and giving, that's Somerset Lions.
PDG Ronda Bierbrauer | chamaca@frontiernet.net
DEER PARK LIONS held their annual Antique Parade on August 28 with over 80 entries lining up to amaze those watching. From Tractors to vintage cars, from truck to Semi, and of course muscle car to classic car, all were in attendance. The parade went through numerous streets of Deer Park and ended in their Lions Park with all lining up on the ball field for observation. Then to the food stand where the Deer Park Lions had pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and a cookie plate. The famous Ellsworth cheese curds breaded and served up hot and fresh, brats and soda for all to enjoy. There was a bean bag tournament, bake sale, and live entertainment in the evening. For a community who does not exceed the count of 300 in population they sure know how to put on a wonderful event for all to enjoy.
TOM REDBIRD
tredbird3@gmail.com 715-533-4794
R IST ICT D
G
The Altoona Lions celebrated their 60 years of serving their community, State and the world on September 11, 2021. They had a beautiful day, wonderful setup, a awesome cake, and opened their ceremony with a very touching and comforting presentation for the remembrance of the those we lost on September 11. The Mayor, Brendon Pratt, was present to congratulate the Altoona Lions Club on all they have done for their community. Next was an overview of Altoona’s history containing interesting facts of information including the clubs amazing Cinder City Days that they have done since 1970. Then onto some wonderful awards. Honors were given to Ray Henning 51 years a Lion, Loren Walker 50 years a Lion, Tom Nimmo a 45 year Lion and Milo Hayes a 42 year Lion for the Altoona Lions Club. Lions Gordie Drum and Jerome Lanners, two amazing Lions, were presented their Melvin Jones award, and Lion Michael (Bud) Waite received his Presidential Award by Immediate Past District Governor Ronda Bierbrauer. All were filled with brats, hotdogs, chips, soda, cake and ice cream.
FROM THE 27-E2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
R
Altoona 60 Years Strong
VERNO O
EDITOR:
We have a great year going for us. We started our Lion year with a 40-member growth for our district so far. I can’t tell you how happy I am that we are on an upswing. While we are only partially into our year we are moving in the right direction. We continue to serve our communities but the service is not being recorded in MyLion. We currently we only have about 41 percent of our clubs reporting service. I know we can do better and if you are having issues with MyLion please let me know so I can get you some resources. The great thing is that we are seeing more service being recorded in Facebook so we are showing people that we are out there serving our communities. We have festivals and collaborations with other groups happening. Those are key to growing our clubs and membership. Working with other Lions clubs and other civic groups enables us to serve more and fundraise to a larger group. Listening to our Lion leadership are key elements in revitalizing our clubs and members. Seeing the district make this commitment to revitalize our clubs and members is exciting. The multiple district is benefiting and showing the rest of Constitutional Area 1 that we are using the Global Membership Approach best practices. We are working on our District Convention and looking for ideas on breakout sessions. Do you have any ideas or recommendations on what you would like to see.? We have some great ideas and welcome more. If you have anything you would like to contribute please reach out to me at my email address tredbird3@gmail.com. Our theme is going to be a roaring 20’s Gangster Theme. We are going to have a great Friday Night Hospitality for your District Convention. If you are unable to make the convention please come to the hospitality Friday night and enjoy some great company and entertainment along with some great fundraising fun for our District. Our Convention dates are Friday March 18th Hospitality March 19th Convention. Please add the Convention to your must attend events. We will make sure that you will remember this one for a long time. Keep up the great work Lions.
THE GLEN HILLS LIONS CLUB donated this amazing score board for the ball field. They helped make the park a wonderful place for children to come enjoy softball, baseball, picnics, and more. The club is in the process of having a sign made to recognize the ball field as a Lions project.
THE INDEPENDENCE LIONS CLUB was chartered in 1951 and now has 50+ members. They participate in approximately 30 service projects annually and have won the highly recognized Club Excellence Award and were named Top Dog Club from Leader Dogs for the blind. Independence Lions are proud to service their community, country and world.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
WisconsinLion 29 Wisconsin
In Memory / In Honor of…
LIONS EYE BANK DONATIONS
TRUDY WILLE David and Susan Keller
GINNY FLECK Joe & Audrey Leisgang
WALT MCNEILL Ardith Mischo
GENE GILBERTSON Karl and Judith Schmid
GORDON FLETCHER Epic
BRUCE NEHLS Dennis & Mary Dettmering
ROBERT KEEL Anna Hau Beth Krebs Betty Conom Blaschka Family Bruce and Lucinda Mikula Claudette Wisniewski Dorothy Klink Fred Ross Gilbert and Helen Churchill Gregory McNeary Harlan and Jeanette Fox Jodi Bailey Karen Bender Kelly and Jason Mikula Larry and Cheryl Hebel Lawrence Henkel Lee Kessenich Linda and Daniel Napralla Lori McIlrath Mary and Stanley Wagner Mary Lou Callin Patricia Janssen Paul and Marcelyn Thornburgh Rob and Ann Hamilton Robert Fehrman Scott and Patricia Faust Shirley Bailey Shirley Keel Stopper Family Thomas and Jeanine Heumann Thomas and Kelly Churchill William Van Dyke III
PHYLLIS NAGLER Arletta Trejo
JAMES FOOTE Jerry Fechtelkotter
RICHARD NOVITSKE Richard Novitske Estate
CAROL MUMMERT Castle Rock Lions Club
DAN HANKE Sheryl Hanke
BARBARA PARENTEAU Butch & Berwyn Mischo
BILL HICKS Castle Rock Lions Club
NORMAN HANSON Cleghorn Lions Club
MARK PATTERSON Friends & Family
BOB BEAVER Castle Rock Lions Club
PDG VERNON “VERN” PAUTZ Terri Brouchoud Gary & Elaine Colton Vernon Pautz Family PDG Greg & Kate Pryor
GEORGE ANDRYS Andrys Family Bernice Klockziem James and Sandra Pauls Marilyn and Mark Freeman Thomas and Nancy Kryshak
WILLIAM “DOC” BURMEISTER Pulaski Lions Club George Woodbridge
RICHARD GJERMO Phillip and Betty Ingwell
HOPE COLLINS Friends & Family
LISA YOUNG-BORKOWSKI Jeffrey Bohmann Mike Brown (Bubba’s Frozen Custard)
ROSS DEVUYST Terry & Andrea Cerni
ERLING ISELY Linda Anderson Leo Bartlett Calvin Brockmann John Davidson Curtis De Golier John Elvekrog Richard Emerson Lorena Evarts Margaret Featherston Larry Fry Gerald Fuller Nancy Goltz Ann Isely & Family Marie Isely Tami Isely Margaret Kalscheur Leonard & Suzanne Klementz Richard & Marie Kuckkahn Margaret Meyer Joyce Mihlbauer Helen Miller Shirley Nelson Rolf Olson Dorothy Opem Gary Overcash Michael & Carol Patchak Clark & Janice Pettersen Joanne Quam Tamra Rockenbach Lawrence Sobyak Steven Soma Mary Stamm Joan Stillman Karen Ulrich Paige VanWinkle Doris Voorhees Mary Ann Whitehouse Antonia Wieden Eleanor Wise WILLIAM JAJEWSKI Nancy Seavers
PATRICIA J. VENCKUS Christopher Venckus
LARRY E. JEIDY William & Winnifred Urban
JOHN WALSH Beloit Evening Lions Club*
BOB JOME Mary Barker Barbara Rowland
LES KOEPPEL Manitowoc Lions Club
RANDY WILCOX Lorna Addison Pamela Ames George & Ann Blum Game Night Girls Marty & Sue Hancock Jon & Jane Wilcox Dawn Wilcox-Johnson
JAMES KNECHT Lori Allen
TRUDY WILLE Ted Hansen
JODY SPRING PDG Glen Spring
AUDERY KUGLE Manitowoc Lions Club
JOHN O’CONNOR Sheboygan Noon Lions
BLANCHE LARZELERE Manitowoc Lions Club
LILLIAN MARIA WORDEN Catharine Jaeger Elizabeth Marquardt Suzanne Schmidt Harry & Peggy Schulz Laura Schulz Som Varma
DAVE MANCINIE Spring Green Lions Club
VADRIAN ZAGAR Nelda Manter
PATRICIA “PAT” PETTIT Lion Louise Ebert
MEMORIALS
WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION DONATIONS *Donation to Birch-Sturm Fund
MEMORIALS JOE ABELL, JR. PDG Greg & Kate Pryor GEORGE ANDRYS Frances Andrys Barry & Margaret Brubaker Susan Hoffert Richard & Iris Lind Rothschild-Weston Lions Club TITO BABL Ed & Dolores Prohaska LARRY BINDL Rothschild-Weston Lions Club MIKE BRUNNER The Shelley Family
DONALD BURNETT Juneau Lions Club
RONALD “REX” ENDRES Waunakee Lions Club
MD27 STATE PIN
DESIGN
MILT KINTOPF Manitowoc Lions Club Designs are needed for the next series of MD27 (Wisconsin) Lions Trading Pins. The contest will run until December 31, 2021. A $75 prize will be awarded to the winning entry.
Trading Pin Design Criteria:
1. Designs will feature a series of up to five pins, with one pin dedicated for each year of the series starting in 2023. 2. The theme of the series will be a topic representing Wisconsin. 3. Each pin in the series will include “Wisconsin”, the year, and the LCI logo. 4. Designs should be emailed or sent to the State Pin Chairman, Lion Brian Overturf- pvzoo2000@gmail.com, 24768 Mallard Rd, Sparta, WI 54656.
JOHN KUTILAK Marge Jasinski
30 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
KYLE PIERCE Charles Birkett LEN QUINN Art & Jo Marson
HONORARIUMS
2021 YARD OF THE WEEK Tyler & Carmen Adams Gary & DeeAnn Demmitt Mark & Mary Erickson Fran & Billie Finco Terry & Tara Holen Sally Jerue Jerry & Kathy Krajewski Dave & Reggie Lezponas Bob & Mary Millis Onalaska Lions Club Dan & Jess Puls Dave Seibel DG BILL ANDERSON Chetek Lions Club Clayton Lions Club Clear Lake Lions Club STEVE BARTH Iowa-Grant County Line Lions Club
HOLLIS REICH Jim & Karen Carter
JORDAN & KAREN CHADWICK’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY Jordan & Karen Chadwick
ROBERT “BOB” SANTNER Dennis & Mary Dettmering
MAINE LIONS Town of Texas Lions Club
BILL SCHAUER Union Grove Lions Club
BOB & LINDA NEWTON’S 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Louis & Joan Cecil
DALE SCHUETTE Cleveland Lions Club RICH SCHULTE Adam Fogltanz Barbara Jaeger Bruce & Beverly Lee Sharon & Charles Manke Oconomowoc Lions Club Ann Schultz Tina Timmel SANDRA SMITH Richard Smith DALE SODERBECK Grantsburg Lions Club ALLEN E. STROINSKI Kelsey Tollefson LEROY SUSKE Dennis & Mary Dettmering WILLIAM TINDER Beloit Evening Lions Club*
DG DAVID STRUDTHOFF New Lisbon Lions Club West Salem Lions Club
LIONS PRIDE ENDOWMENT FUND DONATIONS MEMORIALS GILBERT REBACK Nancy Breckenfelder PDG VERN PAUTZ Kathleen Obert Ron Merssnen PDG Marve & Diane Henke Carol Sisel Harold Torunsky Karen Braun FRANCIS “BUD” HYLAND Duane & Melinda Hyland JACK CAMPBELL Lion Myra Schneider DARELL KING PDG Glen Spring ERLING ISELY PDG Glen Spring LOUISE SPRING PDG Glen Spring JOEL SPRING PDG Glen Spring
JACK CAMPBELL Sheboygan Noon Lions LEONARD QUINN Lion Louise Ebert
Congratulations! M E LV I N J O N E S BIRCH-STURM KNIGHT OF SIGHT R AY H E M P E L F E L L O W S BETTY KLUG Melvin Jones Columbus (A2)
JACK SANDERSON Melvin Jones Columbus (A2)
ADAM BERG Progressive Melvin Jones Grand Chute (B2)
KATHY OLSON Melvin Jones Grand Chute (B2)
RICHARD CZERWAN Melvin Jones Edgerton (D1)
MARSHA HAVERTAPE Melvin Jones Edgerton (D1)
HENRY LUKASAVAGE Melvin Jones Lake Delton (D2)
LEN FRANK Melvin Jones Menomonie (E2)
TIM FRANK Melvin Jones Menomonie (E2)
BRIAN SANDNESS Birch-Sturm Menomonie (E2)
KATHY SHOEMAKER Knight of Sight Fredonia (A2)
WIL BAYE Knight of Sight Grand Chute (B2)
KATHY CONDON Knight of Sight Edgerton (D1)
JACK RICE Knight of Sight Edgerton (D1)
BONNIE JORSTAD Knight of Sight Edgerton (D1)
KEN KING Knight of Sight Cleghorn (E2)
BILL GRAMBO Knight of Sight Menomonie (E2)
JON HOVE Ray Hempel Menomonie (E2)
In Memory, KATHY AIGNER
Congratulations to the 33 Birch-Sturm Fellowship Recipients of the Van Dyne Lioness Club: Back (l to r): ROXANNE WENDT, TAMI AVERBECK, PAM REISER, MONICA SCHNEIDER, BARB LEICHTFUSS, BONNIE HUGHES, GAIL PATT, CINDY RANK, PAT SHIKOSKI, TERRY ERBSTOESSER, CAROL BOEHNING, JULIE AIGNER, MARILYN SHADY, SANDY MUCHE, TOM WENDT, KRISTIN POLLACK, SUE STEPHANI. Front: BEVERLY GANTNER, HOLLY NIEMEYER, JODI SCHMITT, MARGE WERNER. Not pictured: RITA BINDER, KRIS BLAKE, DEB KARAU, PAUL KOLLMANN, NANCY KRUMBEIM, CARLA NEMITZ, CINDY NEMITZ, MARIBETH NIGL, SHIRLEY THON, ELLIE GRATTON.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
CAROL GAERTIG
WisconsinLion 31 Wisconsin
Ever Wonder How to Contribute? Here’s a Complete List of Contribution Options for Lions Members
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Your Lions Club’s individual dues/ contributions are important to the Lions Clubs International and the programs/projects it supports. LCIF will now be able to help more people than ever before. Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) eligibility includes donations: • Area of Greatest Need • Measles Program • Diabetes • Disaster Relief • Sight Programs • In Honor/In Memory Send contributions payable to: Electronic Payments (Credit Card or E-Che ck): C lub Treasurers with a valid MyLCI User ID and password may pay by credit card via MyLCI. Check Payments: Mail your check (from a US Bank) directly to the Association’s Lockbox: The International Association of Lions Clubs 35842 Eagle Way Chicago, IL 60678-1358 Please include where the contribution should go and the bottom portion of your statement with your check or write the complete club’s name and club number on the front of your check. If we cannot identify a payment, there will be a delay in posting the payment to the correct account. NOTE: Please do not mail your checks to Oak Brook. Contact the Accts Receivable & Club Acct Services Dept with questions. 630-203-3810 630-571-1683 (fax) lionsclubs.org accountsreceivable@lionsclubs.org Send contributions payable to: Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) Department 4547 Carol Stream, IL 60122-4547 Please indicate which activity you wish to support in the check memo. Include the Donation Recognition Form (LCIF46)
in foreign lands that distribute them to needy schools, orphanages, and cities. While on a mission, thousands of used eyeglasses are given out to local residents who probably have never had a pair of glasses in their life. wislions.org/missions
Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Inc: (WLF) The Wisconsin Lions Foundation programs and projects include: • Community Diabetics Educational Project • Hearing Aid Program • Vision Screening - (Adult & Children’s Vision Screening) • Wisconsin Lions Camp • Wisconsin Lions Eye Glass Recycling Center • Wisconsin Lions Missions WLF Gifts/Donations: • Wisconsin Lions Birch-Sturm Memorial Fund, Inc. (BSF) – (birchstrum.org) • Friends and Honors Garden • Wall of Honor • Wish List • Lions License Plates Send contributions payable to: Wisconsin Lions Foundation 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473 715-677-4969 wlf.info In the memo portion of the check, please indicate which project/ program you are donating to. Donations to any of the 5 WLF projects counts toward your club’s annual contribution.
Wisconsin Lions Missions Every year, numerous Lions head to countries south of our borders with used eyeglasses from our Eyeglass Recycling Center in Rosholt, donated fire trucks, ambulances and school buses gathered by Lions Clubs around the state, and medical and school supplies such as hospital beds and school desks. These items are given freely to Lions Clubs
32 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021
Leader Dogs for the Blind Lions Recognition Programs The Leader Dogs for the Blind programs’ mission is empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel. A Legacy Pin will be awarded for Lions including Leader Dog in a will or trust. $250 $250 $500 $500 $1,000 $2,500 $5,000
$25,000 Club banner patch 4" x 8" engraved brick Bronze Founders Tribute (engraved plaque, pin & patch) 8" x 8" engraved brick Silver Founders Tribute (engraved plaque, pin & patch) Gold Founders Tribute (engraved plaque, pin & patch) Top Dog Award / $10,000 - Bench sponsorship / $25,000 - Naming a Leader Dog
Send contributions payable to: Leader Dogs for the Blind Attn: Donations 1039 S. Rochester Rd. Rochester, MI 48307-3115 888-777-5332 leaderdog.org leaderdog@leaderdog.org
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW) LEBW is passionate about restoring sight, eliminating curable blindness, and advocating for organ, eye, and tissue donation. There are five funds in which you can designate your gift: • Charity Care • Donor Family Services • Donor Memorial Garden • Education and Surgical Training Fund
• General Operating Fund (unrestricted) $500 $1,000 $5,000 $10,000 $25,000 $50,000 $100,000 $250,000
Gift of Sight Knight of Sight Hope of Sight Angel of Sight Advocate of Sight Ambassador of Sight Innovator of Sight Visionary of Sight Helen Keller’s Inspiration $500,000 of Sight Send contributions payable to: Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin 5003 Tradewinds Parkway Madison, WI 53718 877-233-2354 LEBW.org/funding info@lebw.org
Lions Pride Endowment Fund of WI, Inc. - (LPEF) The Lions Pride Endowment Fund’s mission is to preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. Even after sunsetting the Campaign clubs can still donate to help grow the endowment and they can still award Ray Hempel Fellowships. Individuals can still include Lions Pride in their estate planning Send contributions payable to: Lions Pride Endowment Fund of WI Inc. 3834 County Road A Rosholt WI 54473 715-677-7000 lionspride.org prideoffice@lionspride.org
Restoring Hope Transport House Restoring Hope Transplant House is a non-profit home away from home for transplant families who are in search of a second chance at life through the miracle of transplantation at nearby UW Hospitals and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison. Send contributions payable to: Restoring Hope Transplant House 7457 Terrace Ave Middleton, WI 53562 608-831-1726 restoringhope.org restoringhope@tds.net