WHERE THERE’S A NEED, THERE’S A LION | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2022 | wisconsinlions.org
Their Mission Was Clear… Vision
BY IPDG COLLETTE SORGEL, THREE LAKES LIONS CLUB
The Wisconsin Lions sponsored a vision mission to assist in the support of approximately 12,000 Afghan refugees placed at Fort McCoy army base near Tomah, WI November 11-14, 2021. For those four days, six members of the Three Lakes community, along with 30 other volunteers from around the state, donated their time to provide vision screenings and eyeglasses to nearly 2,000 “guests” awaiting permanent resettlement somewhere in the U.S. For Miriam and Tom Bredesen, this was their 18th vision mission, having previously served on 15 Lions Club missions in Mexico and Central America, as well as 2 missions in the Dominican Republic. On those missions, the ones being served were Spanish speaking people in desperate poverty with little or no food, clothing or
A group photo of the Wisconsin Lions Club vision mission volunteers outside the entrance of Fort McCoy (contributed photo)
shelter, so having access to any type of eye care and eye glasses was not an option. As Tom Bredesen states, “This project with the Afghan refugees was different. They came from all walks of life, and many were well educated, and had lived in large cities,” such as Kabul. “What they had in common was STATEWIDE ARTICLES: Their Mission Was Clear…Vision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 that either they or a family member Council Chair’s Message. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 had worked for or with the U.S. Submittal of Resolution to Amend MD 27 C&BL . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 government during the lengthy war Path to Leadership Workshop / RLLI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 in Afghanistan.” Attending the International Convention in Montreal . . . . . . . . 3 “They rushed to the airport in Upcoming Learning Opportunity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Kabul because their lives were in Remembering Erling Isley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 danger. During the chaos of the Wisconsin Lions Centennial Celebration 2021/2022: Wisconsin’s Seventh Lions Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 evacuation at the airport, many Food for Kidz Fund Raising Event Succeeds Once Again!. . . 31 pieces of personal luggage were
INSIDE
The Restoring Hope House Takes Time to Make Sure Nobody Feels Alone. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
discarded in order to fit as many people as possible on each plane,” continued Bredesen. “Many lost documentation, passports and personal items like eyeglasses, escaping with only what they were wearing.”
“I want to pass along a thank you from my interpreter who said ‘you have made my people smile and given them hope’ That about says it all.” – PID RON DUFFE Another significant difference with this mission was the language barrier. Many of the volunteers were somewhat fluent in Spanish, but none of the volunteers had any fluency in Farsi or any of the other Afghan dialects.
COMMITTEE/DISTRICT UPDATES: Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Wisconsin Lions Foundation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Lions Pride Endowment Fund. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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
Happy New Year! BY COUNCIL CHAIR STACEY NESSETH
The holidays bring a lot of opportunities t o h e l p ou r c o m mu n i t i e s t h ro u g h t h e joy of parades, meals for those in need to name a couple. Let’s keep that momentum going into the New Year, look for what is needed in your communities and find ways to act to make them happen. The Council of Governor’s this year would like us all to concentrate on retention of Lions Club members. Reasons we hear when asking why they leave are: 1. Meetings are not fun. 2. Joined to do service projects in the community and our club hasn’t been doing these. 3. Club meetings are not family friendly. (Have small children and in order to attend meetings need to bring children with them.) 4. Not allowed to share or implement new ideas. 5. To many cliques in their Lions club, didn’t feel wanted. Do you ask why members leave? Are you making changes based on those answers? Let’s all make a New Year’s resolution to rejuvenate our club! Revitalize with new members. New members = new ideas! Remotivate our current members with exciting service and fellowship opportunities! Thank you for all that you do to make your communities a better place to live!
THEIR MISSION WAS CLEAR….VISION
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Thankfully, the mission was supported by a legion of interpreters provided by the Army and other U.S. government departments. Every one of the 36 mission volunteers were extremely grateful to each interpreter provided, as their jobs would have been nearly impossible without their help. As Miriam Bredesen stated, “Even our eye charts had to be different, since the English alphabet characters were not recognizable to the Afghans. We used charts with the symbols of a house, heart, circle and square. After fitting people with glasses we were usually rewarded with a smile, a thank you, and a few expressed much thanks for helping ‘our people’.” Betty and Larry Roth, both veterans of several previous missions in Central America, as well as the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, were amazed at the very different vision problems they noticed during this mission. “The evacuees from Afghanistan were younger than our other mission trips and this affected what they needed,” stated Larry Roth. “We saw significantly different vision problems on this mission which caused us to be searching for just the right glasses from a fairly narrow range of prescriptions we had available. The perfect prescription in just the right frames was difficult to find for everyone. But, good vision is always our first priority.” “I heard more than one guest mention that their stay at Fort McCoy had them feeling the safest they’ve ever felt in their lives,” added Roth. Dr. Kerry Griebenow, a retired optometrist accompanying this mission stated, “I have done many eye and vision screenings for the Opening Eyes initiative for Wisconsin Special Olympics athletes, which is a quite different demographic than what we saw at Fort McCoy. However, many of their vision needs, and how we evaluated those that we saw, were the same. I cannot tell you how many people stated they lost their eyeglasses while evacuating from Kabul, and have spent the past several months without adequate vision,” continued Griebenow.
“It was extremely heartwarming to be able to provide this service, especially to the many young children we saw, and at least give them another means to succeed during this most difficult time of their lives.” Nearly 13,000 Afghans had been flown to Fort McCoy to be housed in military barracks while waiting to be resettled across the United States. This process is ongoing, with approximately 40 people per day being resettled at this time. The evacuees live in the barracks with bathrooms, showers and cots, but sometimes sleep on the floor because that is what they may be accustomed to doing. Family units hang up sheets to provide a small amount of privacy but otherwise all of the beds are in one very large room of each 2-story building. “Lots and lots of children,” stated Larry Roth. “Just like any group of children there are some that are just plain cute and shy. While others can be a little more precocious. A few dads brought their children plus other kids, you could tell because the dad was constantly counting heads to make sure he knew where each of them were. “It was great to see our military personnel playing with the kids and they clearly had established trust and friendship with the guests,” added Roth. On previous vision missions in Central America, military support was often needed to provide protection to the volunteer workers on the mission. However at Fort McCoy, army support was only used to maintain a proper flow of guests throughout the screening process. Betty Roth noted, “The 36 volunteers were very professional and hard-working. Our interpreters were marvelous. We were delighted to have 5 optometric professionals, including Dr. Kerry, assisting with the mission. I was proud to be part of the team.” At the conclusion of the mission, Tom Bredesen added, “The Lions Club motto is ‘We Serve.’ We feel that we are blessed to be in a position to serve others, and this in turn brings great joy and meaning to our lives.” All of those who participated completely agreed.
Submittal of Resolution to Amend MD 27 C&BL Pursuant to the Multiple District 27 By-Laws all proposed resolutions amending the MD 27 Constitution and By-Laws must be submitted to the Chair of the Resolutions, Constitution and By-Laws Committee no later than February 5, 2022. Please refer to Article II, Section 4 of the MD 27 By-Laws for submission form and requirements. All resolutions should be submitted to PDG John Jenson, 2523 Targhee Street, Fitchburg, WI 53711 or emailed to jhjenson@gmail.com.
LEFT: A mission volunteer assists in finding the correct glasses for a guest (military photo) CENTER: Members of the Three Lakes team that joined the vision mission (L-R)Three Lakes residents Dr. Kerry Griebenow and Marian Griebenow, Three Lakes Lions Larry Roth and Betty Roth, Three Lakes Lions Tom Bredesen and Miriam Bredesen (contributed photo) RIGHT: Dr. Lance Lubach, Join LCIF’s support to U.S. tornado victims by donating to LCIF and Marshfield, examines an Afghan guest specifically designating “Disaster Relief” in the check memo or selecting during the vision mission (military “disaster relief” when donating online. photo) VISIT TINYURL.COM/3KSPCJ95 TO DONATE
2 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WANT TO GIVE TO DISASTER RELIEF?
Path to Leadership Workshop/ RLLI The MD27 GLT Team facilitated a Regional Lions Learning Institute October 15th, 16th & 17th. The GLT Team referred to RLLI as the Path to Leadership Workshop. 24 Lions from around the state participated in this learning event. Seven faculty also helped make the event a success, they were PCC Evett Hartvig, PID Connie LeCleir-Meyer, Lion Chis Hackett, DG David Strudthoff, PDG Eric Holthaus, International Director Candidate, PDG Lee Vrieze & IPCC Geri Schlender. Friday began with us getting to know one another and working in teams, where the team worked together to build towers made from marshmallows and
spaghetti. Proud to announce the winning team’s tower was still standing as we closed the Institute on Sunday afternoon. Saturday was jammed packed, with eight training sessions. Participants gave high marks to the Servant Leadership session conducted by DG David Strudthoff and Lions Chris Hackett. At the evening’s celebration dinner, the participants were awarded a Silver Servant Leadership Certificate and Pin. After dinner everyone left to prepare for Sunday and the dreaded 3-minute speeches they would be giving. Sunday, we concluded the Institute with the delivery of the participants speeches and final a
Attending the International Convention in Montreal BY PDG JOHN JENSON
The 104th Lions Clubs International Convention will be held in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, June 24 through June 28, 2022. Official events will take place at the Palais des congress de Montreal (Palais) and the Bell Centre. Registration is now open and may be accomplished online at lionsclubs.org using the LCICon tab. Early registration at $175 closes January 7, 2022 at which time the registration fee increases to $225. During the early registration period, rooms may only be reserved in the delegation hotels. During the second registration period, you may request the delegation hotels or any other hotel. The Wisconsin delegation hotels are: Hotel Monville which is offered at $168 per night and is one tenth of a mile from the Convention Center; and the Omni Mont Royal which is offered at $225 per night and is 1.1 miles from the Convention Center. You may see the full listing of the hotels being offered on the LCI website. If you are able, plan on marching with the Wisconsin delegation in the Parade of Nations on Saturday morning. It is always fun to witness and be a part of 10,000 Lions marching in the parade with a lot of them in native dress. You will experience the sensations that Lions are truly an international organization. Additional details will be communicated as they become available. If you have any questions please contact PDG John Jenson, International Convention Chair at jhjenson@gmail.com.
session on goal setting. All the RLLI participants were presented with a certificate of achievement. All participants were also asked to evaluate each session. Their evaluations help the MD GLT team determine what worked well and what could be improved or modified for future training sessions. The MD27 GLT team is looking forward to the next training opportunity for the Lions of the state, the ELLI/Emerging Lions Learning Institute being offered the first weekend of February. For more information contact your District GLT Coordinator or MD GLT Coordinator, IPCC Geri Schlender.
UPCOMING LEARNING OPPORTUNITY The MD27 GLT Team is excited to invite you to the Emerging Lions Leadership Institute (ELLI). At this learning opportunity, you will have the chance to study and discuss several topics that are of great importance to you in your leadership role in our association. You will also have the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other Lions and to build new friendships.
G LEARNIN OPPORTU NITY
WHEN:
FEBRUARY 4TH, 5TH & 6TH, 2022
WHERE: WISCONSIN LIONS CAMP COST: FREE TO ALL REGISTERED ATTENDEES HOW TO REGISTER: Email your name & club to IPCC Geri Schlender at gss@frontiernet.net DEADLINE: JANUARY 15TH 2022 Emerging Lions Leadership Institute focuses on building the skills of Lions for leadership opportunities at the club level, including the position of club president. It is open to all Lions who have not yet served as Club President.
All attendees will be able to enjoy the full experience of Lions Camp, we will stay in the cabins and all meals will be provided. (If attendees do not care to stay in the cabins, they will have to make their own arrangements with the nearby hotels.)
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 3 Wisconsin
Remembering Erling Isely BY CHRIS MERTES, SUN PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB
Wisconsin Lions Missions is hopi ng to cont i nue delivering used eyeglasses, household supplies and mattresses to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota as soon as April — but without one of its most significant contributors, the late Erling Isely, a longtime DeForest Lions Club member who died June 30th after a battle with pancreatic cancer. To understand the kind of Lion that Isely was, and how significant he was to the Wisconsin Lions Missions, Bill Taubman — a longtime head of the Wisconsin Lions Mission -- said it’s important to recall the legacy of Wounded Knee and the Pine Ridge Reservation. According to histor y.com, in 1972, a faction of American Indian Movement (AIM) members led by Dennis Banks and Leonard Peltier sought to close the divide between the Oglala Lakota Sioux tribe and other tribes by making alliances with traditional tribal elders on reservations. They had their greatest success on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota — and most of the anit-White resentment remains almost 50 years later. “They’re considered to be probably one of the very poorest and one of the largest reservations in the country,” Taubman said, referring to Pine Ridge. “Erling and Ann -they made countless trips over there with his van and he would haul what he could, and he was going out to maybe make arrangements for an eyeglass mission or whatever. “Erling and I would talk a lot about ‘what do I think about it as the president of the organization?’ And I encouraged him to go forward with it and lead our South Dakota efforts and he did,” Taubman said. “They made multiple trips out there and he built some relationships. It’s pretty difficult sometimes to earn the trust of the Native Americans when you think about the history.”
Building trust was a difficult bridge to construct. “It’s no surprise that they don’t necessarily trust us. But I think through Erling’s sincerity, his caring ways, he did earn their trust. I always admired his ability to identify and sort out the fact from fiction. He’d meet with people, he’d meet with tribal officials and others, and he didn’t always get the same story. And I thought Erling did a pretty good job of figuring out, ‘OK, hey, this is for real and this isn’t necessarily’. Erling also worked to get the South Dakota Lions involved. “We wanted them to assist, and they’re very small in number by comparison to Wisconsin and didn’t have the same experience,” Taubman recalled. “So, they did [get involved], and we haven’t gotten them engaged to the extent that I would like to see, but they have been -- and that would again be to Erling’s credit.” Current 27A2 First Vice District Governor Bert Freeman, a former DeForest Lions Club member, fondly recalled his interactions with Isely. “Erling would never speak of his role with WLM or any aspect of his role with the DeForest Lions Club. I asked him why he never sought becoming 27D1 District Governor. His response: ‘why the hell would I want to do that?’ Not that he was not asked, multiple times,” Freeman remembered. “Erling did not seek the limelight, the stage, the accolades. Erling and Ann served. He would tell me, ‘it is all about serving those in need’.” Taubman recalled one experience in South Dakota while Erling, Ann and he were conducting an eyeglass mission to Pine Ridge. “I remember it was right before Memorial Day there and good grief it got as cold as could be. And we had four inches of snow and the building we were in was terrible — the roof leaked, there were no bathrooms, there was no heat, it was pretty awful,” Taubman said. Back at their motel, which was located several miles away, a distressed woman in her 20s sat in the hallway.
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“Erling and Ann stopped and talked to her. She told them she was very sick — it was a whole sad story,” Taubman remembered. “Her mother had passed away from cancer just before that and this girl had cancer and had just gotten chemo treatments.” The tribe’s support to pay for two nights in a hotel had run out, and the girl was without a destination. “And it was really nasty out,” Taubman said “So Erling in his caring ways and Ann, they talked to this girl for quite a while and asked her if she had some family. She had a sister that lived up by Kyle -- probably be eight or 10 miles up the road. They asked her ‘would you like us to take you to your sister’s?’ And yes, she did.” Erling and Ann not only took the woman to her sister’s, but stopped at a convenience store and made sure she had something to eat before arriving at her sister’s home. “They said this trailer house had no windows, or the windows were broken out, there was no heat in it. There was no nothing,” Taubman said. “The best that could be said for it is that the roof may not have leaked and the wind didn’t blow through too hard. That’s where she was going to spend the night and that’s what happened. “Both Erling and Ann, they would have done anything to have gotten her to some better place but it just wasn’t where her sister was. And she insisted she’d be fine,” Taubman said. “That’s just an example of his caring ways and his willingness to reach out and help people.” DeForest Lions Club member and current 27-D1 Vice District Governor Al Johnson remembered meeting Erling at Christ Lutheran Church in DeForest, where they both served on the property committee. Erling had been a member of the DeForest School Board and served on more than one committee in the Village of DeForest. “Erling and a fellow Lion started to ask me to join them in the Lions Club in DeForest,”
Johnson said. He learned Erling was DeForest Lions secretary for many years, championed the DeForest Lions July 4th Chicken Barbecue and annual community raff le, and made many trips to the Birch-Sturm Golf Outing. “If there was a need for help for a Lions event,” Johnson recalled, “Erling was there. If there we needed a source for Lions information, Erling was there.” Erling’s dedication to serve his community is further evidenced by his 12-year stint on the DeForest School Board, years as a senior center volunteer, and more than 46 years as a member of the DeForest Lions Club. Erling and Ann completed over 20 international missions bringing eyeglasses to people in Mexico and Central America. He served for many years in an officer role at the club and district levels and was honored by Lions Club International Foundation as a prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow for dedicated humanitarian services. “The passing of Erling was a loss to the entire community!” Johnson added. Wisconsin Lions Missions has made many trips to Mexico and El Salvador for eye screening, Johnson remembered, a nd Erling and Ann were part of most of the trips. Because conditions in those countries changed to make it unsafe to travel there, WLM began looking for other locales where charity was more desperately needed. Taubman recalled how Erling became involved. “That whole thing started with Erling and a former Deforest Lions Club member, Bob Epps. Bob and his wife, Mary had started this foundation. And they’ve just dedicated the rest of their lives to working with that population out there,” Taubman said. Johnson said the values of hard work were instilled in Erling well before he became a pilot for Oscar Mayer executives — a profession that allowed he and his wife to raise five daughters and maintain a home in DeForest.
“Erling came from a family of 11 children,” Johnson said. “The principles of hard work and practicality were instilled as a part of the family farm. He started as a cheesemaking apprentice and use this time to learn to fly.” Freeman said Erling cheered, “never once wanting to be front and center.” An example was the Handicapped Fishing Pier — one of the premiere service projects for the DeForest Lions Club. “That was all because of the efforts of Erling and the DeForest Lions,” Freeman said. Taubman recalled one time when Erling had to be front and center: When he received a Lakota Star Quilt. Erling built a good relationship with the vice-chair of the tribe, Darla Black. “Darla was a huge help to us,” Taubman said. “During a mission trip, Darla presented him with a Star Quilt. And the Star Quilt -the meaning of it in Lakota is -- it’s given for honor and generosity. It’s a huge honor in their culture to get a Star Quilt. “That’s something just not done lightly to have it presented, and it’s presented in a ceremonial way. It’s kind of a long narrow quilt, they lay it over your left shoulder. The ceremony was impressive and it was a real honor,” Taubman said. “What that tells you is Erling had effectively won the trust of and impressed the leadership of the Lakota tribe there. “It kind of reflects on what Erling did for the people and the high esteem that they held for him and for what he did. It was very, very, very, very impressive. Erling found a path and I’d say paved the way to serve what was a very impoverished part of our society,” Taubman said. “As a leader of the organization now, we have to build on that -- not only to continue the service to those people, but also honor Erling and complete the work that he started.”
“HEY HEY, that is great,” Freeman remembered. “Simple approval from a man that meant so much to his club, district, state, and his family. HEY HEY, was a common approval comment from Erling.” When asked what they will miss most about Erling, all three had similar admiration. “Lion Erling was the DeForest Lions and his pearls of wisdom and desire to ser ve,” said Freeman, noting that Isely mentored two future district governors, “will remain with those who he touched.” “There are things in life that cannot be measured,” Johnson said. “To recognize t he impor tance t hat one’s influence has established within a friendship is so valuable. There will be moments for the rest of our life that will seem as yesterday, with the good times so real. The sadness of loss will always be within our minds. Erling’s legacy, in spite of ourselves, was welcome to us as Lions.”
Besides friendship, Taubman said he’ll miss Erling’s presence on the WLM. “We developed a pretty good bond -- Erling and I were the same age. But, clearly we’ll miss his leadership out there. Even though the new fellow Pat will take over, it’s going to take Pat a long time to develop the same kind of relationships that Erling had with people,” Taubman said. “Erling was just a very friendly and very helpful guy who was willing to do whatever he saw fit — whatever somebody might ask him to do. I have a lot of respect for the guy.” About t wo mont hs ago, Taubman visited Isely’s family to collect WLM materials. Unknown to Taubman, Isely had one more contribution for Pine Ridge. “They had boxed up all Erling’s clothing that he had wanted just to go to Pine Ridge,” Taubman said. “I picked all that up and took it out there.” To learn more about Wisconsin Lions Missions, log on to wisconsinlions.org/missions
‘HEY HEY’ When Freeman told Erling he was running for 27-A2 District Governor, Freeman remembered Erling’s response.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 5 Wisconsin
MD27 STATE MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM NAME
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022 Volume 68 No. 4
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.
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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
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Wisconsin Lions Centennial Celebration 2021/2022: Wisconsin’s Seventh Lions Club BY PDG DAVE SIEVERT, WISCONSIN LIONS CENTENNIAL CHAIR
The Wisconsin Lions Centen n ia l PR Com m it tee had applied for a LCI PR Grant of $15,000, for the purpose of making videos to highlight the Wisconsin Lions history, Service activities and promotion. The PR Committee consisted of Chair PID Connie LeCleir-Meyer, PDG Dave Sievert, Centennial Committee Chair, 1VDG David Stedman, DG BJ Blahnik, and IPDG Amy Quig. The Grant application was sent into LCI – PR in Spring of 2020 and was approved. LCI forwarded $10,000, with $5,000 to be presented upon completion of the project. A lot of Thanks to PID Art Marson, who did the Grant writing for us. The Centennial committee entered into a contract with Salty Earth Pictures of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Like so many other things, we were to have this project completed by July 1, 2021, but COVID-19 had prohibited Salty Earth from getting a lot of their video work done in that time frame. We applied for an extension from LCI and it was extended till October 2021. At the same time we had to raise 10% of the grant, which we did with Magazine sales. Salty Earth has completed five videos: 1. Why a Lion? 2. Lions Camp 3. State projects 4. State Programs 5. State Initiatives and Inspiring Our Youth. Steve Zambo, owner of Salty Earth Pictures, and his wife were so impressed with our Wisconsin Lions and our projects that they were inducted as members at our 2021 MD Convention in Green Bay. Their daughter, who lives in Texas and does a lot of the video formatting also joined a Lions Club in Texas. PR Chair Connie filed the final report to LCI PR, it was approved and the final $5,000 was received the end of October 2021. All five videos have or will be posted on U-Tube and Face Book. The committee is also looking into providing the videos on a
Jump-Drive. To date the videos have great numbers of ‘Likes’ and more importantly ‘Shares’. At each of the first three District Conventions we were able to view one or two of the videos at each. We see that the Videos will be used in many years to come for Recruitment, Retention and Orientation. We understand that LCI may also be using these videos worldwide, Wisconsin should be very proud. W it h t he t h ree Dist r ic t Conventions in the books, the Centennial committee had from three to eight tables to display memorabilia as well as the Pullup Banners. The Pull-up Banners consisted of 1. District Service project photos 2. The map of Wisconsin showing District boundar y’s, first nine club locations, number of clubs and members in each district 3. The entire collection of the State Lions pins. The District Service project pull-up banner remained with the District after the convention and can be used at Cabinet, Zone and Club meetings. Communications have gone out to the remaining seven Districts to submit service project photos for selection for their respective district pull-up banner. We need 30 days to have the banners printed, so timing is important. In January we have A1 District Convention, February D2 and A2, in March D1, E2 and E1 and April C2. The Centennial committee is asking for 10 -15 minutes on the convention program for a Centennial presentation and the viewing of one or more of the videos. We also need three or more tables for memorabilia and the Pull-up banners at each of the conventions. The Centennial Committee will have a couple of assigned committee members attend each of the District conventions to man the Displays, sell Centennial magazines and do the planned Centennial presentation. Wausau Lions Club becomes the Seventh Club Chartered in Wisconsin
One Century, 100 years, 1,200 months, 36,524 days. That is how long ago it was for the Wausau Lions Club to be chartered as a new Wisconsin Lions club t h roug h L ions Clubs International. On April 23, 1922 at the Old Hotel Bellis in Wausau, 21 men gathered to discuss the possibility of coming together as a club, the first of its type in Wausau. Charter Night was held on June 7, 1922 at the Old Hotel Bellis, with 27 charter members present. They are the oldest Lions club in District C1. The International President at t he t ime was President E. W. Cameron of Minneapolis. Their guest speaker was District Governor Frank C. Berey, also of Minneapolis. The first club President was Lion T. Emil Torgenson. Through the years the Wausau Lions Club organized and sponsored Merrill Lions 2/25/1927, Mosinee Lions 1939, Antigo Lions 1948, Arbor Vitae-Woodruff Lions 1949, Schofield Lions 1950, Athens Lions 1952, Colby Lions 1952, Maine Lions 1958, Marathon Lions 1959, Marathon Lions reorganized 19 6 5 , A t h e n s L i o n s Reorganized 1967, Wausau Noon Lions 1969, Wausau Leos club 1983, Wausau Lioness 1983, EastonHewitt-Wausau Lions 1984, and Berlin-Hamburg Lions in 1985. Wow, what an impact on promoting Lions in Wisconsin, when you think of the clubs that the above clubs may well have sponsored. Over t he years, t he Wa u s a u L i o n s h a v e suppor ted Dist r ict, State and International initiatives, including LCIF, through environmental
education programs (recycling, tree planting, environmental awa reness), Hu nger (food collection/distribution), Disaster prepa red ness (pla n n i ng , emergency health ser vices, emergency supplies collection / distribution), Diabetes (awareness, training and education), and Vision (screening, eye bank and tissue donation, eyeglass collection). They supported their community by hosting cultural events, book collections, drug awareness and education, clothes collections, life skills training, blood collection events, hearing screenings, medical missions, and various events in regards to children (Peace Poster contest, literacy, social emotional learning, sports and aid for disadvantaged children). They began providing scholarships to students at the technical school and St. Mary’s School of Nursing in 1952. Through other foundations and businesses they dedicated an exercise course in Marathon Park, and the new riverside Park Picnic Shelter Building to the Wausau Park System. Yes, a total of 44,500 light bulbs were sold by the Wausau Area Lions Clubs in a coordinated effort, resulting w ith a net profit of $4,079 in the 1980’s. The Wausau Lions Club was the top seller with 22,000 light bulbs sold. The Winning team is pictured below.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 7 Wisconsin
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin 877-233-2354 | info@lebw.org | lebw.org
Giving the Gift of Sight this Holiday Season LEBW Staff Updates We are pleased to announce that Stacey Bullock, L E B W S e n i o r Laboratory Technician, has passed the Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT) exam. The Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) is the nationally recognized certifying body for eye bank technicians. EBAA offers the
Virtual LEBW Transporter Updates Tuesday, January 11, 2022, 9am Friday, January 28, 2022, 9am Thursday, February 3, 2022, 12pm • RSVP to Kasey Schmitz at kschmitz@lebw.org
opportunity to attain Certified Eye Bank Technician (CEBT) status through an examination administered by an outside educational testing agency. Technicians who have passed the exam may maintain their certification by earning a required number of continuing education units (CEUs) and recertifying every three years. Stacey joined LEBW in early 2021 and has several years of leadership and clinical experience, as well as tissue recovery and processing experience. Congratulations Stacey!
Welcome new staff members! Timothy Grutzmacher, Recovery Technician; Janice Coenen, Recovery Technician; and Ashley Serra, Donor Support Center Coordinator (not pictured).
New LEBW Video
New Social Media Platform
During November's National Eye Donation Month, LEBW shared our latest video featuring eye donor Paul Francar. As Paul's wife, Lori, said, "Paul was, above all, kind. He tended to others'
Be sure to follow LEBW on TikTok @lebw4 Visit the LEBW table at the following upcoming conventions • A1 – January 14-16, 2022, in Lake Geneva • D2 – February 11-12, 2022, in West Salem • A2 – February 18-19, 2022, in Port Washington
Shop AmazonSmile and support Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin! It takes just 3 simple steps: needs first. He had compassion and made it his life's work to care for those who had less or that society may have seen as less, the chronic mentally ill." You can view the video on our YouTube channel @LionsEyeBankWI and learn how Paul's gift of sight helped two recipients in Vietnam see again and bridge a connection between two countries.
1. Go to Smile.Amazon.com If you have a regular Amazon account, sign-in and select your charity. Or, search for AmazonSmile, and it will take you to the designation field.
2. Type in Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Inc. 3. Confirm your selection.
That’s it! Once you make LEBW your designated charity, we’ll continue to benefit from all purchases made through AmazonSmile.
My Cornea Transplant Experience BY LION BETTY INGWELL
I am Betty Ingwell, a 46-year Lioness and a 7 year Lion inducted into Lionism by Past International President Barry Palmer of Australia. I wish to share my recent experience in receiving two cornea transplants. Forty five years ago, I was diagnosed with Fuchs Disease. I had never heard of it. It is a debilitating, incurable disease that destroys the cells in the eyes and eventually leads to blindness. To this day, I have no idea which side of my family it came from. So far, no one else in my family has contracted it. I accepted my disability and occasionally would ask my doctor for a cure, to which he would answer “not at this time” He would not perform surgery as I also had cataracts in both eyes and he was concerned that cataract surgery might do more harm and I could go blind immediately. Last January at eye exam, I learned that a Dr. Warner had experience doing successful cornea transplant surgery with Fuchs Disease. I was found to be a candidate for cornea transplants - I was elated! My procedure
was scheduled for April 20, 2021. I would have my cataract removed and a cornea replacement in my left eye. Surgery went super well and was told to lay flat for one hour before going home and then to lay flat for 24 hours but could rise up for personal needs for five minutes at a time. When the patch was removed the next morning, I could see clearly for the first time in years. I had a protocol of eyedrops every two hours during waking hours for five days and every four hours with an antibiotic for 10 days. Following that I had a protocol of prednisone drops four times a day for three months, three times a day for one month, two times a day for one month and then once a day thereafter. Each and every day went on with no complications. The cataract/cornea transplant in my right eye was then scheduled for
8 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
September 7. I wasn’t as lucky with the second cornea which needed three additional adjustments by the Doctor, following the same protocol after each one. To date, the cornea is still in place. It took a short time for the swelling and soreness to fade, but it did. My left eye continues to be great with the right eye occasionally having some blurriness. I wish to thank all the Lions for their continued support of the Eye Bank. A special thank you to everyone who is a transporter. The tissue donor for my left eye was 31 years old and the right eye donor was a 54-year-old male. I can’t thank the donor families enough for donating their loved one’s tissue. I am sure that decision isn’t made easily, but life goes on with me through their family member’s tissue. I also wish to thank Dr. Warner (the Medical Director at the Eye Bank) for his talent and skill in giving me sight. I always had thought that I would be a tissue donor, but never dreamed I would be a recipient. Thank you to all who have donated funds to the Eye Bank to keep this fantastic service available to so many.
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
Happy New Year! Well, it’s time to make your resolutions. We all make resolutions… going to the gym, eating healthier, but we never end up keeping them. How about making one that’s not so hard to keep. Let’s make a resolution to donate to your Wisconsin Lions Foundation. Whether it’s you individually or your club, you can help WLF by making a donation, either monetary or in other ways. Here are some of the other ways you can donate. We recycle eyeglasses, so look for your old eyeglasses or talk to your friends and family to see if they have any that you could give to us. Do you know someone that just got some new hearing aids? We also take hearing aids. How about getting yourself and your family
screened for diabetes? Diabetes awareness is one of our projects. Help your club do a vision screening at the local school. Remember, each district has vision screening machines that you can use. How about Lions Camp? Although we no longer have the work weekends, there are other opportunities to help. Check with your District’s WLF Director to see if there are any projects coming up at Camp that you could maybe help with. You or your club could certainly make a monetary donation to any of these projects, as well. You can donate in several ways. Do you have a Wisconsin Lions Foundation license plate? $25 from your license plate renewal goes to WLF. How about a block on the Wall of Honor? For $500 you can honor a past club member or a family member. This Building Fund money is used for the maintenance of existing buildings, furnishings within the buildings, or new construction as needed. Is there a Diamond in the Friends and Honor Garden with your name or your club’s name on it? A donation of $5,000 will get a 12” x 12”
diamond inscribed as you wish. For $2,500 you can purchase a half diamond. These funds can be designated to any of the WLF projects. The Wish List for Camp has been suspended at this time, but will be back soon. Go to the WLF website, wlf.info, for more information and to find what the Camp can use. Does your club give out Birch-Sturm or Ray Hempel Fellowships? The two Foundations, Birch Sturm and Lions Pride respectively, give out these fellowships for a $1,000 donation. The Birch-Sturm Fellowship was named after Wisconsin’s only International Presidents, Frank V. Birch and Clarence L. Sturm. The Ray Hempel Fellowship is named after Ray Hempel who is recognized as the originator of Lions Camp. Both of these foundations use the earnings from these funds to support WLF. As you can see, there are a myriad of ways to donate to WLF. By donating, you can honor a family member, a club member, your club or yourself. Please make a resolution to donate to WLF.
Lions Pride Endowment Fund 715-677-7000 | prideoffice@lionspride.org | lionspride.org
Lions Pride 2021: A Year in Review Happy New Year 2022 from Lions Pride! BY LPEF PRESIDENT PID LION WAYNE HEIMAN
2 0 2 1 saw the Lions Pride Endowment Fund reach the $10 million goal by the May 2021 State Lions Convention. The 13th Lions Pride Sporting Clay Shoot on June 12, 2021 had 160 shooters and netted $40,000 - both records. The LPEF will sorely miss retired Executive Director Past Council Chair Geri Schlender and her leadership, passion, enthusiasm, expertise and dedication to Lions Pride over the years. We celebrate all that she has contributed to help Lions Pride get to where it is. As always, we remember LPEF founder PCC
Dewey Carl. We look forward in 2022 to the continued help of our new part-time Administrative Associate, Amber Young. And Lions Pride made a record 2021 donation to the Wisconsin L i o n s Fo u n d at i o n , w h i l e continuing to grow the principal and core fund balance. The Board of Directors voted at its October 6, 2021 meeting to update and enhance the Pride website. This will be completed sometime after the New Year, early in 2022. In the meantime, please visit the current website at lionspride.org You will find the story of Lions Pride, donor testimonials, background on the Ray Hempel Fellowship. You will find ways to give, including online giving and ideas for planned giving. You will find a photo gallery (under News, Views & Events) that will include
some past Lions Pride Clay Shoot photos. Watch for the updated website in 2022! Speaking of 2022, the Lions Pride Clay Shoot will be held Saturday June 11, 2022 at Milford Hills, Johnson Creek. Put it on your calendar, remember the date and spread the word. Shooters, volunteers, raffle & auction items, oh my! Watch for specific details on the updated website. The Lions Pride Board of Directors thank you for your
support in 2021 and look for ward to your continued support in 2022. May you and your families and home Lions clubs and their families have a safe, healthy, blessed and joyous New Year 2022- -as we continue to grow the Lions Pride Endowment Fund to better serve our Wisconsin Lions Foundation and all of its state-wide projects, as we “Serve from the Heart.” With an ever-grateful heart.
LIONS APPAREL * STATE LIONS APPAREL
MD27 CENTENNIAL APPAREL
www.beeseenpromotions.net JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 9 Wisconsin
27-A1 NEWS
wilions.org
MD 27 Wisconsin Convention in Lake Geneva: May 5-8, 2022 PDG JORDAN CHADWICK, CONVENTION CHAIR, JCHADWICK@CFSWI.COM
Join us at the beautiful 4-Star Grand Geneva Resort & Spa for an exciting weekend filled with fun, fellowship and learning during the 2022 MD 27 Convention, “Service with the Heart of a Lion”. We are very pleased to have International Director Allan Hunt and his wife, Lion Sonja Hunt, from Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada, as our International Guests. We kick off the jam-packed weekend with the annual golf tournament. You won’t want to miss it as this year’s outing is on the world rated “The Brute” golf course, right on the hotel property. Your golfing, cart and lunch are all-inclusive. You can expect great raffles and prizes! Friday and Saturday will feature keynote speakers, a service project, and opportunities to learn and serve together. Our committee is working hard to pull all the many details together to provide you with a quality convention experience in 2022. Are you looking for an opportunity to advertise your event? Know a local business who would be interested in more advertisements? Purchase an ad in our program book! Every district should be represented in the multiple district program book. For information, contact: Joan Post at cjpost14@twc.com or Sue Jones at Jonesmalson@hotmail.com. May will be here before you know it, so make plans now to join us for a great golf outing, lively hospitality,and programs that will reinvigorate your service and business as we gather for our Multiple District 27 State Convention Celebration. For hotel reservations, convention registration and golf outing information, please visit 2022MD27.org.
WILLIAMS BAY LIONS CLUB – held the first annual Nick Caselli Rocking Car Show on October 9 in Williams Bay. The event was in honor of Nick Caselli, a 20-year member of the Williams Bay Lions Club. He was involved in the District 27-A1 Great Race stock car program and the Knight of Sight program. Nick was also honored as a Melvin Jones fellow. With his passing in 2020, the event was created in his honor as Nick was a stock car racing enthusiast. The event drew 150 cars to the scenic Edgewater Park in Williams Bay. The club looks forward to hosting the event next year on the second Saturday of October with the Yerkes Observatory as the backdrop.
JoAnn Caselli stands next to her black 1970 Chevrolet El Camino. She and her late husband Nick Caselli were the original owner of the classic car. JoAnn was just 20 years old at the time of the original car purchase.
Visitors enjoy the classic cars at the inaugural Nick Caselli Rocking Car Show.
HALES CORNER LIONS CLUB – hosted Pumpkin Fest and provided 600 pumpkins to be carved by the community.
2022 Wisconsin Lions State Convention Registration * May 5-8 * Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva EVENT FEES Registration-Lions, Guests Registration Leos & Youth under 18 Convention Experience **
NO REFUNDS AFTER APRIL 22
Club: District:
MEAL RESERVATIONS NOT ACCEPTED AFTER APRIL 22
Contact Person: E-mail: Phone:
Check all that apply Name
Lion Leo / Youth
Guest 1st Timer
Title
Special dietary needs (besides vegetarian)
Name
Lion Leo / Youth
Guest 1st Timer
Title
Special dietary needs (besides vegetarian)
** Includes Registration, Noon Luncheons, & Banquet
Friday Lunch Saturday Breakfast Saturday Luncheon Saturday Banquet
$
Breakfast $
Vegetarian
Lunch $
$27 $21 $27 $38
After 4/4 $30 Free Not Available $32 $26 $32 $43
SAT
FRI Lunch
$
Vegetarian
Banquet
Lunch $
Vegetarian
Lunch
Banquet
$ Vegetarian
Make Checks Payable to 2022 Wisconsin Lions Convention and mail them to 2022 WI Lions Convention; c/o Angela Mitchell, 3946 County Rd K, Jefferson, WI 53549
Sub-Total $
$
Vegetarian
Breakfast
Online Registration at 2022md27.org (with an option to pay electronically, or mail in check)
10 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
By 4/4 $25 Free $125
Sub-Total $
$ Vegetarian
TOTAL
$
EDITOR: Patti Hurtgen | 600 W Blackhawk Dr. Apt 4 | Fort Atkinson,WI 53538 | 612-616-5383 | a1@wilions.org
FROM THE 27-A1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
LARRY REDLIN
January 29, 2022 • South Shore Bowl 3620 E. Carpenter Ave., Cudahy • Do not have to be a Lion to participate and various Raffles offered
Zone meeting for 1.2
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St. Francis Lions Club 9-Pin Tap Fundraiser
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EAST TROY LIONS CLUB – Lions Mark and Lil Jacobson presented Jeff Gartman, East Troy Public Library Director, with a $1,500 check. The donation was from proceeds raised from the Car Show held September 18.
Waukesha Lions Daytona 500 Party
February 20, 2022 • Curly’s Waterfront Sports Bar & Grill, Lakeview Blvd., off Hwy SS, Pewaukee • 10:30am-5pm
3.1 Zone Meeting
3.1 Zone Meeting
May 26, 2022 • Prospect Lions, VFW New Berlin
EAST TROY LIONS CLUB – Lions Lil and Mark Jacobson presented Guitars 4 Vets Chapter Coordinator Bill Brown and instructor Steve Huebler with a check for $2,188.21. The Lions sold Pig Raffle tickets throughout southeastern Wisconsin starting in April of 2021. The winner was drawn at the Lions Car Show in East Troy on September 18.
It’s time to reflect on all the good things Lions have done in 2021 and look forward to all the great things Lions have in store for 2022. As I visit Lions Clubs and listen to the upcoming events that are in the planning stages, I realize just how much Lions care for the people in their communities and how they take to heart the Lions motto “We Serve”. This makes me proud to be a Lion. This is the time to start thinking about the future needs of your Lions Club. It’s time to step up and become an officer of your club. Lions Clubs need all members to help with this important need, after all, if not YOU then WHO? The WHO is YOU. Training is available from the district and from each club, just ask. As we get close to Valentine’s Day, we are sure to remember those who are especially close to us with heart-shaped candy and delicious food. All of that makes our loved ones feel special. What if, as Lions, we each tried to feed just one extra person on any given day? In District 27-A1, that would mean we could help feed over 1,900 people, and that my friends is . . . Lionism. As you read this, the District 27-A1 Convention will be right around the corner. If you have not yet registered for the convention, please do. I’m sure you will have a memorable time. I want to thank the entire District Convention Committee, a hardworking group of Lions. The same great team continues to prepare for the state convention. To register for the 27-A1 District Convention, visit wilions.org.
MD 27 Wisconsin State Convention The Grand Geneva Hotel in Lake Geneva May 5-7, 2022 Golf on Thursday, May 5th You can see more details about this event on the MD27 web site and on wilions.org
HALES CORNERS LIONS CLUB donated a new Christmas tree to the Village of Hales Corners.
CAMBRIDGE AREA LIONS CLUB – John Sherman, Board President; Lion Lee Ann, New Member; and Amy Pidsosny, Board Secretary & sponsor.
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Happy New Year Lions!
February 10, 2022 • St Frances
February 24, 2022 • Big Bend/Vernon Clubhouse
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5.1 Zone Meeting
January 11, 2022 • Wales Genesee Lions Club House, W31400 Hwy 83, Genesee Depot • 6pm social, 7pm meeting
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larry.redlin@wi.rr.com 414-758-6888
EAST TROY LIONS CLUB – The East Troy Lions were honored to have Past District Governor and current 27A1 LCIF Director Jerry Gibbons present Ron Rhode with the Senior Master Key & Medallion Award. Ron has recruited and installed 25 members during his many years of service. Way to go Lion Ron!
FORT ATKINSON LIONS CLUB – Lions dress in blue for National Diabetes Month to bring awareness to the cause, Fort Atkinson Lions Club members wore blue at their November 8 meeting. Dr. Barry Cash, a family doctor in Fort Atkinson and a Lions Club member, has volunteered with diabetic youth at the Lions Camp in Rosholt, Wisconsin, and spearheaded the sea of blue shirts campaign being used in Fort Atkinson to promote diabetes awareness throughout the month of November.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 11 Wisconsin
27-A2 NEWS
SERVICE PROJECT = BUILDING RAMPS AT CITIZENS HOMES – Over the last several years, the Grafton Lions Club has built 8 handicap ramps. The two they built this year were located on River Road (Town of Grafton) and Second and Maple. Pictured (l to r) are Lion Peter Trimberger, Lion Marko Musich, Lion Bob Lauer and Lion Tim Kohlwey.
THERESA LIONS CLUB – On Nov.1 & 2, the Lions planted trees in the Theresa Lions Park on Hwy. 28 in Theresa organized by Lion Chuck Bernhard. Pictured are John Westphal, Mike Bodden, Sue Doers, Roy Brockhaus and others helped.
GRAFTON LEOS CLUB WARN AGAINST TEXTING AND DRIVING – In conjunction with the National Red Ribbon Week (an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign). Thanks to Kirchhayn from Fredonia who loaned them this vehicle and with towing from Grafton Mobil, their message was presented. Grafton Leo members pictured are (l to r): Maddox Durst, Trevor Nauta. Spencer Holloway, Kolton Micoliczyk, Zaimah Alam.
COLUMBUS LIONS AND LEO’S HIGHWAY CLEANUP – Lions Bert Freeman, Bob Groh, Jack Sanderson, and Leo Mollie Damm.
COLUMBUS LIONS CLUB – Leo Andrew Millar and Columbus Lions President and Leo Chairperson Deb Freeman at the Columbus Safe Trick or Treating Event.
NEWBURG LIONS CLUB – On Sun. Nov. 7th, Lion Art Seyfert and Lion Craig Wermager presented a $1,000 check at a benefit held at the Boltonville Fire Dept. for Joey Donald, of rural Boltonville, who was seriously injured in a automobile accident.
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lionsdistrict27a2.org
GRAFTON LIONS SETTING UP THE NATIVITY SCENE – The theme of Grafton Holiday Events this year is “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas” in Grafton. So the Grafton Lions started off the season by putting up the Nativity Scene at the Investment Center in Downtown Grafton - a tradition they’ve continued for over 25 years. Pictured are (l to r): Lion Dave Burkhardt, Lion Bob Lauer and Lion Ed Schmidt.
CONGRATULATIONS BOB! istrict Governor Bob Gosewehr D was given the Birch-Sturm Fellowship from WLF President Darrel Blank.
WEST BEND LIONESS CLUB – About 50 birthday cake packages were assembled to celebrate the State of Wisconsin’s 100th anniversary. These packages were taken to the Full Shelve Food Pantry.
HARTFORD LIONS CLUB – recently pledged $40,000.00 toward the Hartford Centennial Park renovation project. These funds will be used for a new playground and playground equipment at Centennial Park. Pictured (l to r): Lion Don Gartzke, Hartford Parks and Recreation Dept. Director Mike Hermann, Lion John Wald.
THIENSVILLE-MEQUON LIONS CLUB SAYS GOOD BYE TO LION DON MOLYNEUX – Lion Don Molyneux was an amazing 102 year old who became a Lion in 1957, was a past president of the Thiensville-Mequon Lions Club, and a recipient of the Melvin Jones Award. He served as a Thiensville Village trustee for an impressive 42 years, was on the Thiensville Business Association, the Frank L. Weyenberg Library Board of Trustees, the Weyenberg Public Library Foundation’s Board of Directors, the Logemann Community Board, and what is now, the Mequon-Thiensville Historical Society. Don also served as a lieutenant colonel in the First Armored Division in North Africa and Italy during World War II and in many, many other community organizations. Please share in keeping Don’s wife of 75 years, LaVerne and family, in your thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, Lion Don
EDITOR: Diane Lechner | 725 Forest Ave. | Fond du Lac, WI 54935 | 920-210-8691 | 27a2editor@gmail.com
Grafton Lions Club: 75 Years of History
FROM THE 27-A2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
BOB GOSEWEHR
2021 District 27-A2 Convention Registration Form February 18 & 19, 2022
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
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The history of the Grafton Lions Club is a long and storied one that goes back 85 years with its first meeting at the ‘Old Grafton Hotel’ November 30, 1937. After a post WWII hiatus, the club was re-formed in 1946-47 with Carl Erdmann as president. There have been 74 different presidents including Ralph Zaun, John Long, Alfred Kohlwey, Bob Lauer. The Club continued its success throughout the 1950’s by actively supporting many local youth activities and a focus on fundraising. In 1963, the club was instrumental in saving and refurbishing the Village’s old lime kilns for their historical value and as the focal point of a future village park. Six years later, a ‘foundation’ was formed to facilitate financing for the much-needed Grafton Medical Clinic which served the community 1973-1986. During the 90’s, the Lions held its first Annual Golf Outing Fundraiser at the Squires Country Club in Port Washington. In 2000, the Grafton Lions were honored and chosen as the ‘Community Group of the Year’ by the Grafton Chamber of Commerce. In 2005, a fund drive was initiated to secure ‘naming rights’ and assist the Village of Grafton with implementation of improvements to a new Village Park. In 2008, club membership inducted its first female Lion. In 2010, the Grafton (and Cedarburg) Lions began the “Cornea Express” to transport eye tissue to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin and local hospitals. Grafton Leos’ membership most recently numbered 73 high school students and has become one of the largest Leo groups in the state. “WHERE THERE IS A NEED, THERE IS A LION.” The Club began this way 75 years ago and remains just as committed today.
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lionrgosewehr@mail.com 262-242-9506 / 414-531-5374
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My New Year’s wish is to see you at our District Convention in February. Our Convention program will give Lion members an update on District and State projects that the Clubs support. These updates include reports from the Eye Bank, Hope Transplant House, WLF, and the Children Cancer Project. An important and fun part of our Convention is talking to other Lions from different Clubs on how they do their service and fund-raising activities, and the friendship developed when making new Lion friends. All Lions and Leos should attend a District convention. Your Lion Club’s membership chair should encourage new members to attend as part of Club orientation for new members. Our Convention committee has worked to bring informational programs to help your Club grow and for you to grow as a Lion. There is also a separate program for the Leos to learn team building and service along with other Leos in the District. I look forward to welcoming Lion and Leo Club Members to our 50th District Convention February 18 and 19, 2022, in Port Washington, WI. I would also like to touch a little on our Zone Meetings. I encourage you to have your Club represented at our quarterly Zone meetings. Every Club President and Secretary should be attending. Attendance at our Zone meetings is important to the growth of Lions in our District. These meetings explore ideas to share and discuss what changes are needed to make growth happen. In order for our District and your Club to grow, we must move forward and learn to accept changes. Continuing to do things the same way year after year is not working anymore. We must adapt to the changing of the times and to the next generations of Lions we recruit into our Clubs. Accepting changes into our Clubs will help us to move forward in service to our Communities. Wishing you all a Happy New Year 2022 with acceptance of change and growth within your Clubs.
Club Name: Contact Person: Email: Phone: Mail Check & Registration to: Joe Hackett/27A2 Convention W174 N9471 Devon Wood Rd, 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 $ $ $ $ $ $ Total Enclosed: $
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY & COMPLETE ALL APPROPRIATE BOXES
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* Any visiting sitting DG & Partner in service get free registration, all other Lions and Guests $10 Ask for the Lions Pricing $89 standard $109 Parlor Suite! (pricing good until Jan.31st) Make your Hotel Reservations at: Country Inn & Suites, 350 E. Seven Hills Road, Port Washington, WI 53074 262-284-2100
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 13 Wisconsin
27-B1 NEWS
BEFORE BERLIN LIONS CLUB – In October 2021, the Berlin Lions Club held an Assistive Technology Fair for the Visually Impaired. They had 42 people registered with 20 of them being visually impaired. Chuck Fehl, Berlin Lions Club President, spoke to participants as well. Visual independence is near and dear to his heart because he, himself, is legally blind.
WAYMORR LIONS CLUB – A meal for teachers and administrators from two local schools at VanAbels of Hollandtown with the Principals from Morrison Zion Lutheran School and Wayside Zion Lutheran School who each received donations presented by Lion Diane Blashka. Guest speakers were Lions Jerry and Meg Post who shared insights on behalf of Leader Dog for the Blind.
THE STOCKBRIDGE LIONS CLUB – Two hours of providing healthy treats of fruit juice, string cheese, and an apple were given out to all costumed kids. Pictured are Lion Denny and President Lion Marv who made sure everyone received their own bag.
wilionsb1.org
AFTER
STOCKBRIDGE LIONS CLUB – In 2007, a lion statue was created for the Radisson Paper Valley Hotel in anticipation of The Lion King show. The statue was originally painted green and gold for Vincent Lombardi's Steakhouse, then was repainted red after the hotel changed its name to Red Lion Hotel in 2018. When it needed a new home in 2021, PDG Dave Lee of the Appleton Noon Lions worked with PDG Fred Gebhart of the Stockbridge Lions to repaint it and display it at the Calumet County Fair, overseeing the Stockbridge Community Trick-or-Treaters, and most recently at the Delightfully Calumet Christmas Light Show. Standing with the Lion statue is Stockbridge Lions’ president Lion Marv Thiel.
SHEBOYGAN NOON LIONS – Participating in the White Cane Drive with the help of Festival Foods in Sheboygan. Thanks to Jason (not pictured), Nicole, and Zach from Festival Foods for their help!
CHILTON LIONS CLUB – The 38th Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Express food program returns! Volunteers came together for this event including families with their kids, area fire departments, VFW, Lions clubs, and teachers. Meals were prepared and delivered to all who signed up, totaling 364 meals. Local businesses donated most of the food and supplies. Pictured are Chilton Lions Todd Weber, Steve Mueller, Bruce Alten, Bob Olson, and Second Vice District Governor Greg Kubichka.
SHERWOOD LIONS SPOT CAMERA – Clubs were in the process of donating to the district's vision screening account when the Sherwood Lions approved to cover the cost of the SPOT camera at $7,150 as a memorial to the passing of Lion Jim Knecht. Lion Jim was a member for 14 years and involved the club activities including the all-important cornea transportation. Pictured (l to r): 1st Vice President Lion Dave Vukosich and presenting the check, Secretary Lion Joe Thiel to WLF Director Lion Fred Gebhart.
14 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WAYMORR LIONS CLUB – held their annual Fall fundraiser at VanAbels of Hollandtown at the beginning of October to benefit a free Easter egg hunt for children, wheelchair ramps, Music in the Park nights, etc. Pictured are: (back row) Bob Fritsch, Daniel Vercauteren, Diane Blashka, Jim Blashka, John Schmidt, Tom Smits, Todd Leiberg, Bill Kempen; (front row) Marjorie Fritsch, Carrie Knutson, Christy Hettmann, Lloyd Lemke, Gary Leick, Sarah Vercauteren & Dan Natzke.
THE SHERWOOD LIONS – With the increased demand for ramps, the need to recycle ramps that are removed, and the need to store lumber that has been donated to their club, the Sherwood Lions have built elaborate storage racks for lumber and ramps. Lumber is measured and marked before storing making it easier to build new ramps. The Club has built and installed 25 ramps this year!
| mroberts6659@gmail.com and Fred Gebhart | fredgebhart@yahoo.com
Together We Can Do So Much BY LION MIKE ROBERTS, B1 EDITOR
BJ BLAHNIK
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bj.blahnik@gmail.com 920-980-6317
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On a brisk October morning, dozens of volunteers arrived at Firehouse Park in the Town of Sheboygan to execute a project that took 3 years of planning. Spearheaded by the Town of Sheboygan Lions Club, over 50 trees were planted that replaced a devastation of trees caused by Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) disease. Town of Sheboygan President, Lion Wendy Williams, shared why her club felt this was such an important project: “The Town of Sheboygan Lions Club not only loves helping our parks and our community… it’s a part of all of us that provides a better life”. Arguably the most compelling part of this project was the collaborative nature of it. Along with the Lions, volunteers from the local Rotary Club, Boy Scout Troop 801, and Sheboygan High Schools worked together to bring this vision to reality. A non-profit organization called Restoration Of Our Trees Sheboygan (ROOTS) played a key role in the initiative and provided an $8,000 grant. Town of Sheboygan President, In addition, the Town of Sheboygan Lion Wendy Williams ; Town Lions provided a grant of $5,000 for the of Sheboygan Lion, Andy project. In total, community groups Williams; District Governor, contributed in over $30,000 of labor, Lion BJ Blahnik equipment, material, and cash. Town of Sheboygan Lion, Andy Williams, had the original vision for the project. “This was a dream of mine back when I was our club president 3 years ago”, he shared with the volunteers. The Township EAB mitigation effort is the first of a series of ROOTS collaborative cooperative projects to follow in 2022 and 2023 involving township lands throughout Sheboygan County. The Town of Sheboygan Lions Club will continue to be on the front line as the initiative spreads through the county. Before the volunteers were released to start the planting, District Governor, Lion BJ Blahnik, inspired everyone by sharing the significance of this project: “The beauty about planting trees is that even though each leaf is individual, together they create nothing but beauty and free art”. He closed with a quote from Helen Keller – “Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much”.
FROM THE 27-B1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
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EDITOR: Mike Roberts
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Celebration of 100 Years of Wisconsin Lionism Continues in B1 A password of “We Serve” was used to kick off the 46th Annual District Convention at Blue Harbor Resort in Sheboygan. The theme was The Roaring 20’s and we celebrated an amazing weekend for a Century of Service. Thanks to the Convention Committee and all volunteers who made this event a huge success! There were great seminars, keynote speakers, and a time to learn from one another. There was also some important business voted on with the following results: FVDG Lion David Brinkman was elected as DG Elect, SVDG Lion Greg Kubichka is now FVDG Elect, CST Lion Dave Holschbach is your SVDG Elect, Lion Chuck Keifenheim as B1 Eye Bank Director Elect, and Lion Richard Karl as B1 WLF Director Elect. Resolution 1 & 2 passed to bring our District Constitution & Bylaws in alignment with Lions Clubs International. Our 2023 District Convention will be at the Par 5 Resort in International Director Mishicot. Everyone was awakened Saturday (ID) Lion Ken Ibarra, morning with a bang [literally] with Immediate Past District an amazing performance from the Governor (IPDG) Tom Sheboygan North HS Drumline. A video Wendt, District Governor is on the B1 District Facebook page. (DG) BJ Blahnik Saturday lunch started with singing Happy 100th Birthday to Appleton Noon, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan Evening Lions Clubs. IPDG Lion Tom Wendt was presented a Ray Hempel Fellowship for his year as our B1 DG. With help from visiting International Director, Lion Ken Ibarra, I presented Lions Wendy Hartmann, Laurie Sassada and Vincent Treague with the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation - the 4th highest award in Lions. Congratulations to all for their outstanding accomplishments! On Sunday, we were able to hear Past District Governor Lion Len Quinn one last time through a video titled “Lions Dream”. Lion Len Quinn spoke on his journey and how Lions and Leader Dog changed his life and of many around him. Rest in Peace PDG Lion Len! We all miss you and thank you for all you did to help those in need. My final thought on this Convention…Our District is strong in our passion to serve and help those in need. The ability for having fun, building fellowship, and being fulfilled in how we serve, can grow our organization so we can help someone in need. I’m so very proud of all of you and thank you for allowing me to serve next to you - this truly is a great time to be a Lion!
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 15 Wisconsin
27-B2 NEWS
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – Members worked to spread mulch, donated by the City, around the pond located north of the City of Peshtigo. The Club has a five year plan to develop this site and has already completed construction of a ADA fishing pier, brushing out of the trails surrounding the pond, building benches and picnic tables, and now spreading mulch throughout the trails. Left photo (l to r): Lions Gregg Ublacker and Carl Gullicksen loading the mulch. Right photo (l to r): Lions Carl Gullicksen, Dan Peterson, Don Morois, Jim Tress and Dale Lange. Assisting but not pictured are Lions Rhonda and Paul McClain, Ed Dory, and Dale Edlbeck.
Peace Poster Winners Announced The artistic abilities of IolaScandinavia sixth-grade students were on display in the Peace Poster Contest, sponsored annually by the Iola Lions. “The Lions International Peace Poster Contest provides an opportunity for the Iola Lions to work with youth to promote peace, tolerance, and international understanding,” stated Iola-Scandanavia District a Lions International release. “It administrator Ray Przekurat encourages the sixth graders to think poses with Briggs Wogsland, about peace by creatively expressing this year’s first-place recipient what it means to them.” in the Peace Poster Contest. Cash prizes total $250. The guest judge this year was local artist Sharon Anderson. The theme this year was, “We Are All Connected.” The contest is open to all Iola-Scandanavia sixth graders. “Thank you to Mark Forseth, contest chairman, Morgan Hahn, Lizzy Williams, district for your efforts to continue administrator Ray Przekurat, Briggs this wonderful art contest,” Wogsland, Brecken Stalter, and said Iola-Scandanavia art Ashlynn Bellin. teacher Jill Willems. “The poster contest unites our sixth graders to a wonderful community organization in a combined effort promoting peace globally.” “I am always amazed at the artistic talent of the kids,” added Forseth, Iola Lions president. “The quality of the posters makes judging a tough job. Thanks to our guest judge Sharon Anderson. Thanks also to Jill Willems for her assistance. Most of all, thanks to the students for submitting posters and best of luck to Briggs at the district level.”
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md27b2lions.org
THE CROOKED LAKE/ MOUNTAIN LIONS CLUB – The Club sponsored their first golf outing on September 22 at DeSmidt’s Golf Course in Crivitz. The Club will be donating $4,400 to the Lions Camp in Rosholt for cognitively disabled children. Several of the golfers had family members who have attended the camp. Money was raised from $50 sponsored holes and donated raffle baskets. The main contribution was the generosity of the 72 golfers who took part in the event and had a good time doing so. Thank you to everyone who helped in any way to make the Club’s first golf outing one that just might become an annual event.
GREENVILLE LIONS CLUB – On October 14th, Rick Erck was awarded a Birch-Sturm Fellowship Award in recognition of his long term commitment to serving the people of Greenville and our surrounding communities. Rick has been a Lions member for 17 years. He is a Knight of Sight Award recipient and also a Melvin Jones Award winner. Rick is a Vietnam veteran and has been married to his lovely wife Sheila for 53 years. Pictured are (l to r): Scott Roon,Greenville Lions President, Lion Rick Erck, award recipient, Liz Shelley, Eyeglass Manager, Wisconsin Lions Foundation.
NIAGARA LIONS CLUB – About 21 four-person teams participated in this year’s golf tournament. Funds raised from the tournament went toward the Club’s scholarship program and other funds will be used for various club projects. The Club recently donated $1,000 to the local holiday pantry for turkeys and hams for Thanksgiving and Christmas for families in need. Pictured is Team Liebergen who were winners of the 2021 Tournament. Left to right: TJ Liebergen, Gordon Behnke, Matt Liebergen, and Dan Liebergen. They finished fourteen 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.
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – The team picked up over 4 large trash bags full of debris from more than 5 miles of roadways in and around the city of Peshtigo. Pictured (l to r): Lions Ed Dory, Don Morois, Jim Tress, Carl Gullicksen, Dale Edlbeck, Dan Peterson, and Paul McClain. Participating but not pictured is Lion Rhonda McClain.
EDITOR: Stephanie Schlag | 920-217-8554 | 27b2pr@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-B2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
GARY JOHNSTON
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garyjohnston321@gmail.com 715-938-3207
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District Governor Appointment MARION LIONS CLUB – The Marion Lions donated $750 to Goodfellows of Marion/ Clintonville for the less fortunate at Christmas time. Pictured is Lion Ron Krueger presenting the check to Steve Conradt of the Goodfellows
CROOKED LAKE/MOUNTAIN LIONS CLUB 11TH ANNUAL OKTOBERFEST – Children (and many adults) enjoyed the minnow races, the hot brats and the cold beer while perusing the goods for sale at the Community Center. New this year: free face painting for the little ones and pumpkin pie in a cup with hot cider. Children decorated their free pumpkins and took them home. Once again, the music kept everyone moving, thanks to Ken VanderSteen. Many enjoyed the meat raffle and the wagon rides were full for 4 or 5 trips around town, thanks to Mike Reinl. While all that was going on, a delicious meal of roasted pig (thanks to Phil Reinl) and German side dishes were served. Money raised at this event will go for scholarships at Crivitz and Suring High Schools and to adopt two families at Christmas.
At the B2 Conference in November, we as a district, were looking for a 1st and 2nd Vice District Governor/ District Governor-Elect and held a session moving District 27 B forward. At that session, we had discussions to identify the issue to fill the position. The Past District Governors were asking potential Lions that might qualify for the position. On Monday morning, the weekend after the conference, we had a Lion who agreed to become District Governor for 2022-2023. This is just the start of the process to appoint a District Governor. As your Governor, there was a 15-day special meeting invite to all past District Governors from B2 to attend on December 5th. Due to the weather, the meeting was attended both in person and virtual to elect Zone Chair John Reil to the position as 1VDG and DGE. Lion John is eager to get started with the training and serve the District as your Governor. Lion John’s home club is the Freedom Lions Club and he has served as President, as well as a Committee Chair for various fund raisers and service projects. Lion John has served as a Zone Chair 2019-2022 and has also received the International President Certificate and has been awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship. I wish Lion John well in his year as District Governor.
Niagara Lions Receive Friend of Education Award
Pictured (l to r): Sara Foster, Lion Mark Zenko, Dan Decker, Lion Tammy Sweig, Debra Pajula, Lion Steve McMillan, Gordon Behnke, Pauline Hill, Lion Kim Schuster, and Kerry Grippen.
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – The eyeglass donation box located in front of the State Farm Insurance Office in Peshtigo received a much needed refurbishing. Preparation of the box, painting and lettering was donated by The Motor Company. Top photo (l to r): Bob Juul, The Motor Company General Manager, Rick Thill, Peshtigo Lions Club member and State Farm Agent, Adam O’Connor, The Motor Company Body Shop Manager, and Brian Beaudo, the body shop tech who did the work. Bottom photo (l to r): Lions Dale Edlbeck and Tom Gryzwa who installed the mailbox in front of the State Farm office.
The Beta Sigma Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society recently voted unanimously to award the Niagara Lions Club with its Friend of Education Award. Beta Sigma Chapter Co-Presidents Debra Pajula and Pauline Hill along with member Sara Foster, presented the award to Niagara Lions Club President Gordon Behnke, Secretary Kerry Grippen, and Treasurer Dan Decker and several other Lions who were present for the presentation. According to Mrs. Pajula, “The Niagara Lions Club is an exemplary group that is very active in their community of Niagara and the surrounding area. They provide free vision screening to hundreds of children in the Niagara, Florence, and Pembine School Districts as well as to small children at local daycare centers using high tech equipment. They identify many children who may require vision care thus helping to remove one major obstacle to academic development. The Club also annually awards $2000 in local scholarships, contributes to the sixth graders attending the Northern Impact Center, help support Niagara student participation in the Great Eight Games, provide financial support to the Student Backpack Project, participate in the “Coat of Many Colors” and “Stuff the Bus” fundraisers, just to name a few. This outstanding organization holds many fundraising activities to help fund their support for education and community events, most notably, their annual picnic in June. Congratulations Niagara Lions!
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 17 Wisconsin
27-C1 NEWS
Port Edwards Lions Fisheree January 30 • Nepco Lake in Wisconsin Rapids • Wood County Park Shelter • Enter off Griffith Ave • Family Fun, Food and Prizes • For info call: 715-421-9697
Blasel named Abbotsford Lions Club Student of the Quarter EVENING CHRISTMAS PARTY
STEVEN POINT NOON LIONS CLUB – Celebrating at their 2021 Christmas Party.
EASTON-WHITE CREEK LIONS CLUB – Lion Megan and Lion Lauren (with some help) handed out candy at the Adams County Trunk or Treat on behalf of the Easton-White Creek Lions. Thank you so much for representing us ladies and I hope everyone had a great time.
DEER HIDES will still be taken until early January. Get them to your nearest collection point or Rosholt ASAP. Thank You!
e-district.org/sites/27c1
MARATHON LIONS CLUB – Their annual Christmas Tree Sale was held at the Civic Center on Lovell Field featured fresh-cut Balsam and Fraser Fir trees will help benefit their programs throughout the year.
18 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
Abbotsford High School senior Clayton Blasel has been named the Abbotsford Lions Club Student of the Quarter for the first quarter of the 2021-22 school year. Blasel carries a rigorous class schedule that includes Written Communications (NTC), Small Animal Care and Veterinary Science, Introduction to Psychology (NTC), Introduction to Sociology (NTC), Lifetime Activities, School-to-Career, and Student Teacher Aide. His co-curricular activities include National Honor Society, Mathletes, FFA, and Skills USA/VICA. English Teacher, Ally Meserole, highly recommended him for the Student-of-the-Quarter award. “Clayton has high goals, such as doing well in all his classes, building strong relationships with classmates and adults, and going to college for his dream job,” Meserole stated. “He has been helping for multiple years in the Fabrication Laboratory creating projects and examples using complex equipment such as a laser engraver, 3D printer, and heat press. He goes above and beyond expectations; last year for his speech on Firefighter tools, instead of a simple PowerPoint presentation with internet images, he brought in an actual fire truck. I have complete faith he will be one of the most valued employees in any job, due to his ambitious, quick-learning, and overachieving characteristics.” Blasel’s volunteerism attests to his belief in community service. He has been actively involved by bell ringing for the Salvation Army, helping with fall leaf raking and Earth Day cleanup, serving as Youth Fire Cadet with Central Fire and EMS, providing fire prevention/safety education to the elementary school students, assisting with Abbotsford Christmas Parade Float Restoration and the FFA Dairy Breakfast. When asked to identify an outstanding feature of the community, Clayton applauds Fabrication Lab, the Technology Education Department, and its instructor. The ‘Fab Lab’ itself is the highlight of the entire school and accessible to every person in the building. I have gained the knowledge to design, build, repair, and fabricate a variety of different projects; the Lab and the instructor have taught me community collaboration and problem-solving skills that I will use throughout my career.” When asked to define a major world problem, Blasel responded, “I would confront the problem of deforestation. This destroys the natural beauty of the landscape, causes soil erosion, increases flooding, and eliminates habitats for a variety of animals. To replenish certain landscapes, it would take many decades for some forms of plants to regrow. Too much deforestation could start to deplete the amount of oxygen in the air, causing more people to have breathing problems. I’d like to encourage every person to plant at least one tree per year!” Clayton currently works Swiderski Equipment, Inc. After graduation, he plans to attend Northcentral Technical College for Diesel Technology and then to work as an Agriculture Service Technician and to continue his involvement with a local volunteer fire department. Clayton is the son of Greg and Jenny Blasel of Dorchester.
EDITOR: Brad Behrens | 5180 N 60th Ave. | Wausau, WI 54401 | 715-323-8033 | c1lionnews@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-C1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
LINDA CARTER
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llcarter2@charter.net 715-359-3059
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Happy New Year to all hope you all had a safe and happy holiday season. We are starting a new and exciting 2022 year. We can hope that we are off to a great start! MARSHFIELD LIONS CLUB – President of the Marshfield Lions Club Tommy Claxton was named Lion of the Year by his Club! PID Don Noland and International Director Justin Faber presented this award to him at our 90th Anniversary Celebration!
Saying Goodbye FENWOOD LIONS CLUB – Santa arrived in Fenwood by fire truck instead of sleigh today. Each year about 60 kids visit with Santa and receive a bag of treats packed by the club! Thanks to everyone who came out!
We had some sad news this past year as a very active PDG Diane Wasniewski passed away after a brief illness. She will be missed by all.
From International President Douglas X. Alexander The International board has stated that to help ensure that clubs are able to meet the growing needs of our communities they have passed another resolution to wave all charter and entrance fees until June 30, 2022. Let’s get out and invite new members to serve with us to help make a difference in our communities. Where there is a way, we all have the Opportunity to Serve All, whether it be building a ramp, having a food drive or helping someone in need. We are all there to help where and when we are called on or we see a need and help. I want to thank you all for all you do.
Club Visits
STRATFORD LIONS CLUB – Lion Harold Wrensch received a 40 year chevron.
STRATFORD LIONS CLUB – President Paul Rozak presented DG Linda Carter with a $2,000 check for state and district projects.
I have visited some of the clubs and have visits scheduled for others but there is a lot of the clubs that have not scheduled there visit yet. Let’s please get these scheduled. I have visited the following clubs so far: Rothschild Weston, Lake Mason, Wisconsin Rapids Lioness Lions Charter Night, Curtiss, Thorp, Marshfield, Stratford, Castle Rock. I enjoyed visiting all the clubs and learning of their service projects and the service they do for their Communities, State and International.
I have the following clubs listed for visitations:
GRAND RAPIDS LIONS CLUB – 1,100 kids are having Christmas, because our South Wood County Marine Corps Reserve volunteers care. This Grand Rapids Lions service project has become an annual tradition. Without the support of the business community and monetary donations by many people who contribute to this project it would not be possible. Thank You to our partner FOCUS (Feeding Our Community with United Services) for participating for the seventh year. Shout out to Mariani Packing Co for the use of their warehouse facilities and participation of their employees.
• • • • • • • • • • • •
St Point Evening. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Easton White Creek. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Port Edwards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dorchester. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pittsville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roche A Cri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wisconsin Rapids Lioness Lions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Abbotsford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lake DuBay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Spencer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roche A Cri 50th Anniversary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Loyal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12/09/2021 12/14/2021 12/15/2021 01/04/2022 01/08/2022 01/10/2022 02/14/2022 02/21/2022 03/03/2022 03/10/2022 04/02/2022 04/27/2022
I look forward to visiting all these clubs and the clubs that I have not scheduled a visit with as of yet to learn what the clubs do in their communities! Please contact me to schedule that visit. Thank you.
Support Campaign 100 and the Wisconsin Lions Foundation Remember to send in your service and fundraising articles to WLF Director/PDG Brad Behrens for the Wisconsin Lions Newspaper to show the State and International that we are a very active district. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. I am always here to help your club or you personally.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 19 Wisconsin
27-C2 NEWS
ST. GERMAIN NORTHWOODS LIONS CLUB – The Club raised over $20,000 from their successful food booth at the weekly St. Germain Flea Market this season which will be awarded to Lions projects and community needs.
THE CABLE AND AREA LIONS CLUB held a Vision Screening for the Drummond Elementary School students in grades Pre-K through 6th grade.This year they screened 151 students and detected vision problems in 13. The parents of the 13 students were notified with a recommendation to have their children evaluated by a Vision Specialist/Eye Doctor. They also donated 284 pairs of used eyeglasses.
THE BOULDER JUNCTION AND MANITOWISH WATERS LIONS CLUBS – 21st Annual Golf Tournament was held at Trout Lake Golf Club on Thursday, August 26. The Boulder Junction Lions Club share of proceeds from the event was $2,586 which was donated to Camp Manito-wish YMCA to be used to help support camperships which provide financial aid for future campers. Camp Manito-wish YMCA has been helping youth build character, embrace traditional values and cultivate leadership skills since 1919. Shown in photo left to right: Boulder Junction Lion and Golf Tournament Co-Chair, Tom Finta, Boulder Junction Lion, Kathy Finta; Boulder Junction Lions Club Treasurer, Laura Bertch; Boulder Junction Lions Club President, Wendi Neupert; Camp Manitowish Chief Executive Officer, Pat Soldan; and Boulder Junction Lions Club Past President and Secretary, Bob Bertch.
20 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
e-district.org/sites/27c2
CONOVER LIONS CLUB – A check for $500 was presented to Linda Singer from Burnt Bridge Tavern as part of a fundraiser for FORK (Feed Our Rural Kids). FORK is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to provide nutritional support to children from food insecure homes within eastern and central Vilas County. Pictured are (l to r): Club President, Mike Lydon; Burnt Bridge Tavern owner, Linda Singer; Lion Randy Remblake; Lion Len Johnson; and Lion Kathy Johnson.
THE MERCER LIONS CLUB – A check for $3,500 was presented to the Mercer Area Food Pantry during their regular monthly meeting in November. The money will be used for Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for 170 families and the “Toys for All” program which provides clothing and toys for eligible students. Pictured are (l to r): Mercer Area Food Pantry’s director Lion Louise Minisan and Club President, Mike Burgess.
EDITOR: Cherie Sanderson | 5844 Birchwood Ln. | Boulder Junction, WI 54512 | 715-892-0761 | sanderson.cherie@gmail.com
The International President’s Award is the second highest award in Lionism and is awarded by the International President to Lions who have shown a significant level of commitment to the principles of Lions and outstanding contributions in the world of service beyond the club and district levels.
Bob Bertch, Boulder Junction Lions Club Member and Past District 27-C2 Governor Bob Bertch was presented the Award by his sponsor, Lion John Ader on November 8 at the Boulder Junction Lions Club meeting. Bertch’s hard work and compassion serve as an example to the Lions, his community, and the world. Bertch has served as a Zone Chair, a District Governor, the Boulder Junction Lions Club President, and now as the Boulder Junction Lions interim Secretary. Bertch’s dedicated service to Lionism helped his District grow in membership by incorporating former Lioness into Lions clubs. He also helped the Boulder Junction Lions grow to 91 members.
FROM THE 27-C2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
JUDY HATZ
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This year is our 100th year of Lionism in Wisconsin. The Centennial committee needs your help! They need photos of service projects from all the clubs in our district to have a “WE Serve” pull-up banner printed for our District Convention April 22-23, 2022. I have been to three conventions so far and the banners are great. The Lions were sure excited to see their pictures on the banners. We only have five clubs in our district that have submitted photos for our banner. We can do this! All photos are due by March 15th, 2022. Photos need to be in jpg format and high resolution. Historical black and white photos are also welcome. Send them to VDG David Stedman tubabuzz@charter.net or PDG Dave Sievert ddsievert@gmail.com as attachments. They cannot be downloaded from Facebook or as links. Also, these pull-up banners will stay with the district after our convention in April. This banner is something we can all use. Please send your photos today!
Connie Olson, Plum Lake Lions Club PDG Bob Bertch presented the medal to Lion Connie Olson on November 10 at the Plum Lake Lions Club meeting in Sayner. Lion Connie was instrumental in helping her Lioness Club form a 39-member Lions Club in 2020. Lion Connie’s hard work and determination not only helped her Lioness Club become a Lions Club; she also helped the 27-C2 District grow to 85 new members in 2021. Lion Connie, who currently serves as her Club’s Secretary, is a great leader and very deserving of this high honor.
LAKE TOMAHAWK LIONS – Normally held in spring, the well attended Fall Luncheon was delayed due to COVID-19 concerns. Each person received a gift of handmade coasters. Raffle prizes were abundant thanks to the generosity of the many local and area businesses and individuals. Over 200 service hours from Tomahawk Lions and dedicated community friends were needed to bring this event to life. Proceeds benefit local, area and national needs within and outside of Lions Clubs International.
ASHLAND LIONS CLUB – 16 smoke detectors and 14 carbon monoxide detectors were donated to the Ashland Fire Department. This is the third year they have made this donation. The Fire Dept. will replace old or missing detectors for community members while on calls. The Club also makes annual donations for the Chequamegon Humane Association to sponsor a dog kennel, donates to community Christmas and Thanksgiving dinners, and adopts four families each year at Christmas. Pictured are (l to r): Charlie Ofstad; Brian Ofstad; Chrisi Ofstad, Ashland Lions Club Treasurer; Tim Oksiuta, Ashland Lions Club President; Amy Jacobson, Ashland Lions Club Secretary; Tom Pesek, Ashland Lions Club 2nd VicePresident; and Julie LeBlanc, Ashland Fire Department MPO/ Paramedic.
WASHBURN LIONS CLUB – Even though the decision was made to cancel their annual Halloween Kids Carnival and Haunted Tunnel due to the pandemic cases in their county, the children were still invited to drop by and pick up a bag full of fun trinkets and treats. The Lions who helped dressed up to make the event playful.
IRON RIVER LIONS CLUB – Past President, Chris Olson, (left) presents the Lion of the Year award to Jim Duclon (right) in recognition of Jim’s seemingly unlimited energy and commitment to the Iron River Lions club and the Iron River community.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 21 Wisconsin
27-D1 NEWS
lions27d1.org
2022 District 27-D1 Team Bowling Tournament Saturday, January 29, 2022 Ten Pin Alley, 6285 Nesbitt Rd, Fitchburg • Bowlers must be a current member in a Lions or Leo Club. • Day of entries accepted if lanes are available. • $18 per bowler/$90 per team if registered before Jan. 29 • Mail entries to Verona Lions Club, verona.lions@gmail.com
CROSS PLAINS LIONS CLUB – In a very close vote, Cross Plains “Meals on Wheels” Project was selected as the 2020-21 Kindness Matters Service Award winner for M27D1 and the MD27 state award. The entry will move on to Lions International. Pictured is Cross Plains President Lion Cathy Barman accepting the 27-D1 Kindness Matters award from District GST Coordinator Lion Steve Pogue.
RIVERDALE LEOS CLUB – Leos working concessions at the Eagle Haunted Cave event and with the generous support of Wes and Michelle Hanke raised money for a local food pantry. Pictured are Riverdale Leos President Leah Elliott and Vice President Allen Maly presenting a $1,000 donation to Riverdale Food Pantry Manager Deb Patch.
DARLINGTON LIONS CLUB – Around 350 children walkers from the Darlington Elementary School, Holy Rosary School, and Humpty Dumpty Pre-School participated in their Walk for Sight event. All students received a free t-shirt for participating. One week later, the Club also held a community 5K run/walk in downtown Darlington. Proceeds from that event will be used towards the local Build The Pool Project.
HIGHLAND LIONS CLUB – Club and other non-member volunteers provided a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to the Highland community. Dinner was hosted by local Fire Dept. who provided space and a large kitchen. The Club served 70 dinein meals and 14 delivered meals at no charge to the community. The dinner provided a chance to help those in need, alone, or unable to leave their home in a time that the local meals on wheels programs do not run. The Highland dinner was the only event in the area offering delivery to homes.
MILTON LIONS CLUB – Members worked with the Milton Food Pantry to assemble Thanksgiving meal boxes for families and individuals in their area.
MOUNT HOREB LIONS CLUB – Club members spent three days preparing over 100 lefse orders from their lucky customers. Lefse is a Scandinavian flatbread that is especially popular around the Christmas holiday. It is often made with potatoes, flour, butter, and milk, cream, or lard and cooked on a large, flat griddle.
22 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
NEW GLARUS LIONS CLUB – A 50/50 raffle took place at their annual golf outing where local businesses purchase tickets for their favorite charitable organizations. The New Glarus Fire Dept. won $789 with a ticket purchased by Paul Fredrickson of Mosher & Associates Insurance. Pictured are (l to r): Carol Hassemer, President New Glarus Lions; Josh Kammerud, New Glarus Fire Chief; Ron Schaaf, Treasurer New Glarus Lions; and Nicole Rivers, Mosher & Associates
DEERFIELD LIONS CLUB – Recently, 2nd Vice District Governor Jeff Winkler included his grandkids in a ride-along helping as they picked up eye tissue at the Lions Eye Bank in Madison and transported to another Lion in Westfield who then continued the next leg of the transport. “On the way, I was explaining to my grandsons the process of organ donation, harvesting tissue from the donor and the transplant surgery that will happen and someone will be able to see better tomorrow”, said Jeff. “Kasen (4 years old) said he thought that what we were doing was cool but after I explained everything he said, ‘Well now this is Super Cool!’.” Jeff added “They don’t totally understand the concept of transplanting tissue from an organ donor to another person, but they sure did understand that someone will be better off tomorrow because of the box we delivered!”.
TOKEN CREEK LIONS CLUB – Channeling the Oktoberfest spirit some Token Creek Club members decided to deck themselves at their recent October meeting. Pictured in lederhosen and dirndl (l to r) are Board of Director members Keith and Lynn Malson and Club President Michael Vraniak. Prost!
EDITOR: Mike Vraniak | 5329 Reiner Rd. | Madison WI 53718 | 608-444-5611 | pr@lions27d1.org
DEFOREST-WINDSOR LIONS CLUB – Lions Vicki Sobczak, Ron Kalscheuer and Laurie Richard assembled S'more bags to prepare for the 2021 Candle Light Hike. The hike is a free-family event held yearly on the first Friday after the week of Thanksgiving. The event showcases a ¾ mile candlelight loop at DeForest’s Western Green Park. The hike was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns but happily has returned for the 2021 season.
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The 27-D1 Convention is set for Friday and Saturday, March 11 and 12, 2022 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. After a two-year absence it will be great getting everyone back together again. The Convention Committee is working on all aspects of the convention, from planning meals to making sure that they provide informative and timely breakout sessions. Please check the District 27-D1 website under the Conventions tab for the latest information and to stay informed. One thing we know for sure is that International Director Dr. Jose A. Marrero from Arecibo, Puerto Rico will be our guest for the weekend and will be the keynote speaker on Saturday. WHAT TO DO FIRST. Secure your housing for the convention by contacting the Chula Vista Resort at 1-(844)468-6505 and use the booking ID number H73504 for the Lions room block. The room rate is $119 per night plus taxes. A one-night deposit is required when making a reservation. The room block will be held until February 8, 2022 at which time rooms will be provided on a space available basis at published rates. NEXT. Register for the convention by using the online registration process at lions27d1.org/conventions. Fees for the convention include a registration fee of $20, noon luncheon of $28 and evening banquet of $40. You may also register for the convention experience (which covers all three) at $80 which is a ten percent savings over the individual items. TABLES YOU SAY. Lion Laurie Holthaus will be handling reservations for display tables, and the form can be found on the District 27-D1 website under the convention tab. The cost of a non-Lions project display table is $50. WELL, WHAT ABOUT ADVERTISING. Again, go to the district website under conventions and look for the applicable form. Do you sense a pattern here? The rates for advertising in the program book will be $50 for a full page and $35 for a half page. The inside front and back cover and the outside back cover will cost $100 and they are in color. RAFFLES TICKETS TO DRAW. The committee is asking that clubs donate a raffle prize ($25 value) for the raffle on Saturday. The funds raised through the raffle will benefit district and state wide projects. Please contact 1st Vice District Governor Al Johnson to arrange delivery of your raffle prizes. FINALLY! Everything you need or need to know can be found on the district website. So don’t forget to use lions27d1.org for everything connected to the convention. If we missed anything, give PDG John Jenson a call at (608)770-2991 or contact him at jhjenson@gmail.com.
FROM THE 27-D1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
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Convention Is Coming! District Lions, planning has begun for the District Convention March 11 and 12 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Past District Governor John Jenson is the Chair of the Convention and his information about the convention is part of this newspaper. I urge you all to consider attending this convention. A significant amount of planning goes into a District Convention by your District Leadership. The convention is designed for your benefit both to learn what is happening with Lions today but also to meet old friends and make new acquaintances among our Lions clubs. We hope to have good entertainment as part of the convention too. Hope to see you there! I have been making Governor’s visits to various Clubs in the District. If you are interested in a visit, please contact me using the info above. I received four entries in the Lions Peace Poster competition. One has advanced to the State Lions Office for consideration at the state level. Don’t forget it is good to collaborate with neighboring Lions Clubs. The team approach to community activities works to build a source of ideas and fellowship. There are so many clubs with great community projects. Other clubs are looking for new ways to serve their communities.
DEFOREST-WINDSOR LIONS CLUB – 1st VDG Al Johnson recently delivered a Christmas tree to the Restoring Hope Transplant House in Middleton. Lion Al, who is a Deforest-Windsor Lion, is a regular helper at the house. “Big thanks to our handyman friend Al from the Lions Club for the delivery of our RHTH Christmas tree this morning. The house is quickly getting into the holiday spirit” said the Restoring Hope representative.
BELOIT EVENING LIONS CLUB – A Halloween Trunk or Treat Service Project was co-sponsored with the First Baptist Church on October 30. All proceeds went to Beloit Meals on Wheels. Nine Lions participated in this project decorating the vehicle trunks and handing out candy while others helped with a hot dog and chips lunch. Lion Larry Merlet dressed as Leo the Lion and greeted kids when they entered the decorated area. The Lions gave out candy and hot dog lunches to approximately 150 kids.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 23 Wisconsin
27-D2 NEWS
Cashton Lions Plan More Park Improvements The Cashton Lions Club has decided to spearhead a service project to plant trees at the Cashton Park. They feel this new project will further improve the park with the recent improvements just completed by the Village of Cashton. The Lions have a long history of park improvements at the 23-acre facility. Past projects include a shelter house, press boxes, bleachers, scoreboards, tennis courts and improved accessibility. The Lions are planning a two-part campaign. The first phase includes placing 30 10-foot trees of varying species at the park. The trees will be chosen for the location, planted, mulched and edged to assure they will enhance the area for many years to come. Some of the trees are scheduled to be planted this fall, with the remainder planted by the summer of 2022. For the second phase of the improvement project, the Cashton Lions Club have invited the other Cashton area civic and fraternal organizations to join them and the Village of Cashton to provide for the cost of construction to add two new Cashton Park signs to be placed at the parks two entrances. Plans call for steel signs supported by concrete pillars wrapped with Winona Stone veneers and landscaped with various plants and flowers. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2022 for this phase of the project.
BANGOR LIONS CLUB – The Lions made a donation of $2,500 to the Bangor-Burns-Rockland Fire Department. A donation of $4,000 was given to the Bangor First Responders. A $1,000 donation was also made to the Bangor Library to help fund their new addition. It has been an ongoing effort of the Bangor Lions to proudly support these organizations that provide the Bangor area with fire, medical and library services. SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB – The Nov. 17, 2021 meeting welcomed several new members to the Lions Club. Front, seated: Sponsors Lew Dillon, Bobbi Van Behren. Back, standing: Laurie Killam, Aidee Cerada, Ron Endres, Sponsor Dierk Van Cleef.
24 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
md27d2.org VIROQUA LIONS CLUB – Over the past year, Michael Stephen has built and placed 92 collection boxes in the local area. January through September yielded a total of 2,510 used eyeglass donations. After these are collected each week, Stephen delivers them to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, located in Rosholt, Wisconsin. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Wisconsin Youth and Adults by refurbishing and selling donated items to recycling companies in order to support their initiatives which include funding the Wisconsin Lions Camp for Youth; and providing funding for Diabetes Education, Hearing Programs, and Vision Screening. Thank you to Michael Stephen, our local businesses and community members for your service.
SPARTA LIONS CLUB – Donations were received from Sparta Area businesses for the all abilities playground they are funding. Current donations include $4,000 from Gundersen Health, $3,000 from the Green Bay Packers Foundation and $10,000 from Mayo Health. Pictured are President Diane, Lion Deb, business owners Susan, Kim and Dawn.
SPARTA LIONS CLUB – Welcome to three new members! Pictured are PDG Tim, PDG Brian, new member Chad, Lion Patty, new member Corrine, Lion Lee and new member Jeanne.
SPARTA LIONS CLUB – The annual Stuff the Bus Campaign on August 17th featured Southwest Bus Co. and Sparta Walmart who helped collect $3,300 worth of donated supplies. Pictured are: President Diane with donations from Walmart associates
SPARTA LIONS CLUB – Congratulations to the award winners: Lion Tom, International President Award; PGD Tim Melvin Jones Award; Lion Sue Birch-Sturm Fellowship; Lion Dee, Melvin Jones Award; President Diane, Melvin Jones Award; Lion Jane, Lion of the Year; Lion Brian, Certificate of Appreciation; Lion John, Past President. DESOTO LIONS CLUB – Andie Broadman, owner of the The Bright Spot in Desoto, was presented a certificate of appreciation for all of her hard work helping and supporting our Lions Club.
Loretta Ewelt | 525 Avon Road #10 | Sparta, WI 54656 | 608-269-3062 | WILions27D2News@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-D2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
DAVE STRUDTHOFF
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VIROQUA LIONS CLUB – World Famous Lionsburgers and Fries were offered at the 2021 Vernon County Fair. Following the cancellation of last year’s fair, people in the area were excited to visit the 2021 version of the County Fair. Among the rides, farm animal programs, exhibits, shows, and programs; visitors came for their Lionburgers in record numbers this past September. 100% of the money raised will be donated during the year to various local community needs. The Lions do several local fundraisers, but most of their charitable money comes from selling at the County Fair Stand.
TOMAH LIONS CLUB – Cheese curds were recently donated to the Neighbor for Neighbor Food Pantry, Tomah Senior Center and Boys and Girls Club. Curds were left from the recent Cranfest. Pictured are Pam Buchda and PDG Gwen Nelson. The curds are an annual fundraiser that are sold at Cranfest. The festival takes place in Warrens at the end of September.
DESOTO LIONS CLUB – Lynn David was presented with the governor’s certificate of appreciation.
VIROQUA LIONS CLUB – The Club recognized some businesses and individuals who provide assistance and services to help the Viroqua Lions Club as special guests at their club meeting. President Wayne Sherry presented each with a Certificate of Appreciation.
VIROQUA LIONS CLUB – A total of $3,000 was recently pledged over a period of three years to RedLou Library who provides a trusted, reliable and connected mobile library service to individuals by delivering library materials and providing literary experiences.
WONEWOC AREA LIONS CLUB – A Well Deserved Melvin Jones Award was presented to Ed Hageman who started his Lions service over 40 years ago. After Lion Ed retired from the Jefferson area he moved back to the Wonewoc area where there was no Lions Club at the time. He worked to start the Wonewoc Area Lions Club, which was chartered on October 16th 2014 with Lion Ed as its first Club President.
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Most club presidents and district governors see December as their halfway mark in their Lions year. The pledge they took six months earlier to serve as lead administrator for their club or district has somewhat faded in lieu of the daily demands of leadership. But one obligation that is often missed, yet is critical is the preparation of the incoming leaders by implementing a succession process. Current leaders need to establish a time to cover basic responsibilities like reimbursement practices, committee assessments, and training opportunities with their incoming colleagues to help them plan for their upcoming year. As a result, they won’t have to react to everything new in July. Current club presidents and district governors are encouraged to start now to see how best to help support a new club president or district governor. The following is a checklist that may prove helpful for incoming officers: 1. Create a budget that reflects club/ district goals. 2. Develop a process for reimbursement that requires multiple signatures yet is easy to administer. 3. Maximize interest investment in NO. NEW CD & money market funds MEMBERS CLUB 4. Build agendas with time dedicated La Crosse (UWL) 23* for committee meetings University Branch 5. Examine policies to see if revisions La Crosse 3 are needed Warrens 9 6. Make sure the club/district Viroqua 6 priorities are aligned with the Sauk Prairie 5 annual goals Necedah 4 7. Assess membership satisfaction 8. Create and maintain a calendar of Westby 3* upcoming service events West Salem 3 9. Meet current zone, region, and Elroy 3* district chairs Stoddard 3 10. Practice a daily prioritized St. Joseph’s Ridge L C 3 to-do-list Boaz 2 11. Schedule trainings so no learning Onalaska 2* opportunities are missed 2 12. Envision what you want the club/ Hillsboro district to look like at the end of Mauston 1* your term Coon Valley 1 Assisting incoming officers isn’t Baraboo 1* just a nice thing to do; it is the First time on list (*) responsible Lion thing to do.
HONOR ROLL!
CONGRATULATIONS The 2000-2021 Club Excellence Award Winners have been announced:
President
Donald Foy
La Farge
Greg Erickson
Lake Delton
Janet Krueger
Richland Center
Kevin Burnett
St. Joseph’s Ridge L.C.
Fred Levendoski
Stoddard
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 25 Wisconsin
27-E1 NEWS
district27e1.org
District Governor Bill Announces his Theme for the Convention “Hearts United in Service” DG Lion Bill Anderson chose this as his theme for the 2021-22 E-1 Lions year as they continue into the next Century of Service through Lionism and continuing to recover from the effects of COVID-19. As each Lion’s heart is united together as a club to serve the needs of our communities, and as “United” Lions Clubs, we come together to share our projects and ideas to help each other fill a need. Showing that our “Hearts are United in Service”, the MD 27 E-1 Convention will be held March 25-26, 2022 and be hosted by the Superior Evening Lions and the Lions of Region 1 at the Barker’s Island Inn and Conference Center in Superior, WI. Plan now to attend and learn about all the new and exciting things happening in the world of Lions. The special guest for the weekend will be International Director John W. Youney and his Partner in Service Lion Karol Kish Youney from Skowhegan, Maine They have served together since 1981. Join District Governor Bill and Karen for the Kick-off Event the “Aloha” pool party on Friday evening March 25, 2022. District Governor Bill and Karen are inviting all Lions, Leos, and their guests to the Governor’s Dinner and Reception following the Cabinet meeting. Come wearing your “Best” Hawaiian Shirt and Shorts/Skirts. This year we will be doing everything at the Convention in general sessions. The Convention will open Saturday March 26, 9am with the Business Session followed by the Hour of Power at which time the Lions Projects give their reports. Followed by PDG Lee Vrieze, endorsed International Director Candidate from MD 27 and the MD 27 Leader for the Global Membership Team bringing ideas for “Membership Opportunities” and how to use/adapt the tools that LCI offer for membership recruiting for our unique clubs. Lion SRI Vasudevan, Chairman of Childhood Cancer, MD 27 will bring the MD27 CHILDHOOD CANCER INITIATIVE UPDATE During Saturday’s Luncheon we will hear from John Gidley, Education Outreach Coordinator and Briana Fiandt, Curator of Collections and Exhibits at the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. They will tell the story of a young man from Poplar, WI who went on to be the “Ace of Aces” during his deployment to the Pacific Theater during World War II, a title that he still holds. Major R. I. Bong was the brother-in-law of the late PDG Lyle Fechtelkotter, first 27-E1 District Governor 1980-1981 and his wife Lion Geri Fechtelkotter (Bong) was the sister of Major Bong. Also, during Saturday’s Luncheon ID Youney will talk about some of the new programs that Lions Clubs International are bringing out both in Service and Recognition. Special attention will be given to a number of Lions and Leos Clubs. Will it be you? Come to the Luncheon and find out. Following the Luncheon is the Memorial Service for the Lions and Lioness that we have lost this past year. The afternoon will wrap up with voting for District Officers and last, but not least, at the evening banquet, ID Youney will be the Key Note speaker. This is obviously a weekend that you won’t want to miss.
Registration is open with the following pricing if you register by March 15, 2022. • Registration - $15 • Registration - $7.50- Leos and 1st Timer’s • Friday Night Governor’s Dinner and Reception -$28 Turkey or Fish Buffet • Saturday Snacks & Box Lunch - $15 • Saturday Banquet - $28 choice of either; Champagne Chicken or Pork Chop Fettuccini Alfredo – Vegetarian option For the Registration forms and latest information, go to www.md27-e1.org and follow the events link or the Lions District 27-E1 Facebook page. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Convention Co-Chair PDG Steve Jensen at sjensen@centurytel.net or 715-483-3715.
THE SPOONER TREGO LIONS CLUB – $15,000 was donated to the Spooner District Fire Dept. to purchase new equipment for saving people in car accidents. The fire district includes Spooner and 11 nearby townships. Pictured are fire fighters Nick Freeman, Joe Smith, Bob Swan and Mike Hotchkiss. They are showing Lions members John Richter, Jennifer Corbin and Bob Wanek the “Cutters” for the roof and doors and the “Ram” and “Spreaders” for freeing accident victims from dashboards and frames of vehicles. The Lions also donated $500 to the local Rifle and Pistol Club for facility usage.
SIREN LIONS CLUB – Crooked Lake Park is decorated each year for Christmas in Siren with hundreds of lights and dozens of displays that get lit up the Saturday after Thanksgiving and remain lit until New Year’s. Local businesses, churches and individuals add to the display.
HOTEL OPTIONS Ask for the E1 Lions Block when calling BARKERS ISLAND INN (HQ) 300 Marina Drive, Superior, WI 54880 715-392-7152 $119 + tax HAMPTON INN 66 East 2nd Street, Superior, WI 54880 715-718-2723 $129 + tax HOLIDAY INN 303 2nd Avenue, Superior, WI 54880 715-392-3444 $129 + tax
26 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
LADYSMITH LIONS CLUB – Donating to surrounding Food Pantries and more. Pictured are: Lions president Bonnie Pratt, Terry Kuchta and Jackie Nitek for the Conrath Food Pantry, Vince Ross for the Flambeau Backpack program, Don Bartig for the Ladysmith Backpack program, Rita Burpo for the Sheldon Food Pantry, and Cindy Jansen on behalf of the Hope Lutheran food pantry and The Ladysmith Enrichment Fund. Not pictured are representatives from Hawkins Food Pantry, ICAA Connections Food Pantry, Bruce Food Pantry, and the Bruce Backpack Program.
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
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While November and December brought Karen and me to even more area clubs for great visits, a couple of zone meetings, and another visit to the camp for meetings there, one of the highlights of the past few months was an opportunity that sort of fell into our laps. It was an excellent example of “Hearts United in Service”. The Richard Bong Museum in Superior had, for years, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for veterans and their families. The caterer they’d used for many years had recently retired and new caterers
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wanted to charge up to 4 times the amount to host the same type of dinner. The coordinator of the event contacted a local tavern owner and asked for help. He, in turn, gave me a call and asked if our club could help with the cost, desserts, and delivery of all the food. The tavern owner spent two days cooking and roasting, our club furnished all the roasters and containers, paid the bulk of the expense, and on Thanksgiving morning, the two of us delivered all the food for a dinner for 200+ people. It took several trips to pick up all the donated desserts
from members and non-members alike, and getting all the food to the museum, but the event went off without a hitch. I couldn’t help but think about how awesome it was that our club, along with non-members, all came together to make sure an important and beloved tradition was carried out once again. (We’ll be working on getting those non-members into our club, too!) Prior to Thanksgiving, on a club visit with the Dresser Lions, we reminded members to share their upcoming events with us and the rest of the district so more people could enjoy other clubs’ activities. Boyd Dosch asked me if I liked to cut wood (which I do), and if I’d like to participate in cutting wood for the Interfaith Home Heating Company in Danbury. I said sure, not knowing exactly what I was getting into. The day
of the woodcutting dawned clear and cold, and two of us from our club headed south to Danbury. We were amazed at the set-up! For nearly 20 years, the group made up of many area Lions, and coordinated by Boyd, gathered at the site to cut wood. We had two wood processors (one purchased just for this ongoing undertaking by Boyd), several splitters, and many eager wood cutters. It was a great day, and I’m looking forward to participating again. This endeavor is yet another example of “Hearts United in Service”. Some housekeeping items: remember to get your service reported! Also, get your photos for the centennial banner to PDG Dave Sievert by February 4th (ddsievert@gmail.com). Lastly, the 27-E1 convention is March 25-26, 2022 at Barkers Island in Superior. We hope to see many of you there!
Pattison Park Lions Host Annual Community Dinner On November 11th, the Pattison Park Lions Club hosted its annual community dinner featuring roast beef, ham, and all the fixings. The turnout was great, and the club served well over 100 people, each of whom enjoyed good food, fellowship, and a chance to be together. For those who preferred take-out, the club offered complete dinners to go. This has become a fun event for club and community members alike. In addition, the Solid Rock Safe Haven Mission in Superior also thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed the extra food that the club always prepares and delivers to them … it was a great club effort all the way around. ST. CROIX FALLS LIONS CLUB – Lion Patti Noble, the Club’s Secretary, received a Lions University Bachelors’ degree. She became a Secretary after taking the online Club Secretary Training in 2020 when we could not do face to face Officer Training. She found the course informative and enjoyable and with the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum being virtual helped as well. Lion Patti was to have received her diploma at the 2021 USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Des Moines, IA. Lion Patti’s Diploma and Pin were presented to her by PDG Lion Lee Vrieze, the MD27 Endorsed International Director Candidate, at the District Governor’s visit to St. Croix Falls.
CADOTT LIONS CLUB – Donations of deer hides continue, which help send children to Lions Camp. This year, the club also provided a dumpster as a safe place to dispose of deer carcasses during the hunting season. Carcasses infected with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) that are left in the woods expell prions which spread the disease via ground and other plants and animals.
BRULE RIVER LIONS CLUB – The Annual BBQ Chicken Dinner in August was well attended with everyone enjoying the chicken meal and fresh corn on the cob.
DRESSER LIONS CLUB – On Monday October 18th, Lion Eric Anderson was presented the prestigious Ray Hempel Fellowship award. This award was given in recognition of Eric’s accomplishments, extraordinary dedication, support, and service to others. Eric is the only remaining charter member of the Dresser Lions. He currently serves as Treasurer of the club. His vision to build cedar strip canoes to raise funds each year allows our club to sponsor and support kids with unique needs to attend Lions Camp. This year the club is building its 9th canoe to raffle off for camp. We are proud to serve alongside Eric. His award was presented by District Governor Bill Anderson and Candidate for International Director Lee Vrieze. Congratulations Eric!
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 27 Wisconsin
27-E2 NEWS MENOMONIE LIONS CLUB – PID Mark Hintzmann was the guest speaker at the Club’s 75th Anniversary. 8 new members were inducted into the club as they celebrated their resurgence in 1946 after WWII. The Club is always working on new projects or events. Their success is, in large part, due to more than 100 members and their ability to consistently provide capable leadership and organization.
STAR PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB – Young and old were taken on a wonderful hayride around and through Star Prairie, an annual event for the club. Children and their families participated in art activities and ate barbecues, hot dogs, brats, chips, and beverages. All the children left with a smile on their faces when receiving their trick-or-treat bag with candy already inside.
COLLECTOR’S CORNER All I Want for Christmas (Is More Pins!) BY LION REID MEYER, ELLSWORTH LIONS CLUB
As the temperature drops and snow starts to fall, we know Christmas is not far away. If you enjoy the Holiday Season and you enjoy collecting Lions pins, there are many Christmas-themed pins just waiting for you out there! In fact, this is true for just about any theme, subject or interest you may have – and that’s the beauty of Lions pins – if you like it, you can collect it! Fish, cows, horses, birds, hot air balloons, totem poles, cartoon characters, racing cars, trucks, trains, cowboy boots, famous people, clowns, flowers, Lions Camps, cheese, rainbows, beer cans … the list is endless … even beans! Speaking of beans, the Augusta Lions Club made two 3-pin series of Bush’s Beans from 1985-87 and 1991-93. I mentioned the temperature dropping and snow starting to fall, which means it’s also chili-making season; as I was making chili earlier tonight, I had an inspiration as I added cans of chili starter to the pot – wouldn’t it be great if the Augusta Lions Club made another beans pin series, this time with Bush’s Chili Magic varieties! You just never know when ideas for new pins will surface. Please send any future topics of interest to me at reidmeyer69@gmail.com. Happy Collecting!
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md27e2.org
Hudson Lions Host Hudson Hometown Music Fest 2021 Hudson Hometown Music Fest presented a $6,500 check to GiGi’s Playhouse from their 6th annual fundraiser on September 11th at its new location, Lakefront Park. The event, hosted by the Hudson Lions Club, had a silent auction and wine pull where proceeds were dedicated to the Hudson satellite of GiGi’s Playhouse. There were 3 local groups that helped immensely with day of events, Hudson Hot Air Affair, Hudson High School Honor Society, and the Great Rivers chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse. Attending the check presentation were representatives from the Music Fest committee, Hudson Lions Club and GiGi’s Playhouse.
GiGi’s Playhouse is a Down Syndrome Achievement Center offering free educational, therapeutic, and social programs to individuals of all ages with Down Syndrome and their families. It’s a non-profit, volunteer-led organization that opened a Hudson location in 2018. Pictured, left to right, are Nick Lockbaum, Scottie Johnston, Samantha Stuber, Mike Burnley, Susan Gerard, Pat Kranz, Teresa Lockbaum, Wanda Burnley, Harla Malz, Dr Jamie Cortese, Leah Isakson, Isabel Isakson, Mandy Swedell and Harper Swedell
It’s Never Too Late To Honor In 2019 the Pigeon Falls Lions Club honored charter member (1960) Reynolds Tomter with a diamond in the Friends and Honors Garden. Due to COVID-19 the club was not able to visit the Lions Camp until this last Fall. On a bright and sunny October Saturday several Lions took Lion Reynolds on a road trip to camp to see his name on the Honors Garden wall. Reynolds is not just a charter member of the Pigeon Falls Lions Club but is also 104 years young. Yes your reading right 104 years. Reynolds still lives alone and makes a daily trip to the local coffee shop in Pigeon Falls every morning. Reynolds makes a difference in the world he has been apart of for 104 years and has made a difference being a Lion for 61 years of those 104 years. Honor is never too late to give.
EDITOR:
PDG Ronda Bierbrauer | chamaca@frontiernet.net
FROM THE 27-E2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
TOM REDBIRD
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O
SOMERSET LIONS CLUB – The Somerset Lions have invited multiple organizations to come to their BINGO night and bring members of their organization with them. In doing so, the Club donates to that organization from the proceeds of that evenings BINGO. What a wonderful way to work with your community to give and also to receive support. Pictured are the little league Hockey players who along with their families joined the Somerset Lions for a night of BINGO.
SOMERSET LIONS CLUB – The Club had a successful membership drive where they inducted 12 new members. After the meal, a slide show was presented by Kathy (Membership Chair) Dave (Past President) and Bart (Club Secretary) showing many of the events and support the Somerset Lions Club has done over the years. Then a presentation from IPDG Ronda on why becoming a Lion is the best thing anyone can do to make a difference in the world. What an amazing night for the Somerset Lions Club who started their evening as a 20 count club and will grow to a 30 plus club.
R
R IST ICT D
tredbird3@gmail.com 715-533-4794
VERNO
Happy Holidays Fellow Lions. What a great time of year. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and a great Christmas Holiday. Looking forward to starting a great new year. As we start our new year please remember that our service matters and we need to be reporting our service. Don’t forget to capture our service with some pictures. I would love to see more pictures of our service in our district. We are coming up to our district convention and the Centennial committee would love more pictures from our district to put onto a banner to be displayed at our convention. Please forward me the pictures if you need to or I will provide the information for you to send them to. Here is that information. Photos need to be in a jpg format, high resolution and sent to either 1VDG David Stedman at tubabuzz@charter.net or PDG Dave Sievert at ddsievert@gmail.com as attachments. Historical black & white photos are also welcome. With that being said I look forward to seeing you all at our District Convention March 18-19 at the Lismore Hotel in Eau Claire. Our Theme this year is the Roaring 20’s. We are having a casino night Friday for our hospitality. Please join us Friday night for some casino games and some awesome raffles. Our first timers will receive something extra Friday night so come have a great time and enjoy some Lion fun. I can’t wait to see you all at our E2 Convention.
2022 27-E2 Convention Registration Form March 18-19, 2022 @ The Lismore, Eau Claire, WI
Name Club Contact Phone Email NO MEAL TICKETS will be sold after 3/4
Name:
Lion
Title:
Lioness
Leo
Name:
Registration - Lions, Lioness & Guests
$15
Registration - Leos
$2
Registration – 1st timers
$10
Saturday Lunch Buffet – Leo $10.00
$23
Saturday Banquet -
$36
District Pin
$3
Checks Payable to: DISTRICT 27-E2 CONVENTION Checks payable & Mailed to: 27-E2 Convention, Lion Stacey Nesseth, 560 W Kinne St, Ellsworth, WI 54011 Questions? PDG Stacey Nesseth, cell 715-307-1954 or jaynesseth@gmail.com
Lion
Title:
Lioness
Leo
Lion
Title:
Lioness
Leo
Sat. Lunch Sat. Banquet $23 $36
Total
$
Registration Fee
$
PIN $3
Sat. Lunch Sat. Banquet $23 $36
Total
Guest
1st Convention Special Dietary needs – explain below
Name:
PIN $3
Guest
1st Convention Special Dietary needs – explain below
Fees
Registration Fee
$
Registration Fee
$
PIN $3
Sat. Lunch Sat. Banquet $23 $36
Total
Guest
1st Convention Special Dietary needs – explain below
$
Accommodations Information: You are responsible for making your own reservation. A block of rooms is reserved through February 16, 2022 at the The Lismore, 333 Gibson Street, Eau Claire, WI (715) 835-8888 or booking at www.thelismore.com mention Lions District 27E2 Group rate code LC3. The rate is $119 plus tax/night.
$
Amount Enclosed $
NOTE: Fees are charged for parking in ramp next to hotel
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
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In Memory / In Honor of…
LIONS EYE BANK DONATIONS MEMORIALS
FRANKLIN B JONES Anita Ryan Catherine Duesterbeck Christine Anding Donald and Jean Hummel Elizabeth and Kurt Jones George and Rita Tuell Jeffrey and Nora Karbash Milton and Carol Ancevic Richard Carlson Russell and Jenevie Jensen SAIC Infrastructure & Enablement Tamra Demet HAILEY (DONOR) Robert Hoffman HAILEY (MY DONOR) Ronald and Mary Hinz JOE BERTRAND Ashwaubenon Lions Club JOEY COUNSELL Jerry Wille MIKE COUNSELL Jerry Wille SUE BONAMER Jerry Wille PDG MICHAEL KELLEY Karl and Judith Schmid RYAN GELLINGS Hanne Brooks TRUDY WILLE Jerry and Marie Arenas
HONORARIUMS JERRY MURPHY Mary Murphy HIGHLAND LIONS CLUB 75TH ANNIVERSARY Dodgeville Lions Club
PERSONAL DONATIONS PAUL ADDISON SUZANNE BLOCH LOIS KOBLESKE (AMERICAN ENDOWMENT FUND) BRUCE AND ANN CHOPP
WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION DONATIONS *Donation to Birch-Sturm Fund
MEMORIALS DEAN ARNDT Fred Callies SUSAN “SUE” AUSTIN Dennis & Mary Dettmering JOE BERTRAND Dave & Shirley Destache PCC Joe & Audrey Leisgang RICHARD BICHLER Cur & Pam Allison Kathryn Engelbrecht The Harper Family Michael Keller LOYD BRUNSTAD Jim Falls Lions Club
ROGER BRZECZKOWSKI Bob & Jan Gracyalny MARGE BUCHHOLZ Monticello Lions Club VENETA CAMPBELL Ron & Rose Ligman Stevens Point Noon Lions Club ANGELINE DICKMAN Coon Valley Lions Club Hildur Devine Robert Dickman Lori Forde Kristi Fortun Rebecca Hoff Kristin Jacobson Rodney Johnson Marnie Krainik Frank & Carol Moore Brian Rude Vernon Communications Coop BONNIE ENDER West Salem Lions Club SUE FRITSCH Kaukauna Lioness Lions Club MARY ANN GERKE Don & Gwen Nelson MARGARET “PEGGY” GOESSL Abbotsford Lions Club* DANIEL GRYGLESKI Don & Gwen Nelson JEFF HALVORSEN Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Assoc. ADOLPH & VERNIS HAUGLAND Steven Haugland HOWARD HEIMKE Randal Kramer - Wuz Just Fishin In RAY HENNING Fall Creek Lions Club ROGER HOFFMAN Thorp Lions Club CAROL HUCKO Mike & Mary Quigley JACK HUGHES PDG Jerry & PDG Meg Post ROBERT HUNTER Dennis & Mary Dettmering Hyland Lake Lions FRITZ HUPFER Dennis & Bonnie Cain PDG BILL JAJEWSKI Keith & Beverly Luebke RICHARD JOBST Ashley Frank PDG MIKE KELLEY John & Alice Jenson Don & Gwen Nelson West Salem Lions Club VICTOR KERVINA Tilden Lions Club KATHERINE W. KLEIN Ronald Klein GRACE KOSS Dennis & Mary Dettmering ONOFRY “ONEY” KUKLINSKI Bevent Lions Club JUNIOR LINDH Mark Sirinek PDG DONALD J. MATTISON Steven Mattison Reid Meyer
ELIZABETH “BETH” JANE MENNING Mukwonago Lions Club ANN MILLER Fredonia Lions Club Jerome & Kathleen Shoemaker WILLIAM “WADE” NEUFELD Dennis & Mary Dettmering Hyland Lake Lions FRAN PARKER Ardith Mischo SHARON PLUMLEY David & Tracy De Angelis RAY A. PFINGSTEN Gleason Area Lions Club* ERV PROHASKA Ed & Dolores Prohaska EUGENE RABAS Bob Schuh & Mary M. Brethouwer Ray & Denise Tweedale CAROL ROGACHESKI Frederick & Patrice Boehm Family Fund LAVONNE SCHNEEBERGER PDG Walt & Eileen Althaus BONNIE SCHUMACHER Ardith Mischo JEFF STILP Stockbridge Lions Club PDG DIANE JEAN WASNIEWSKI Abbotsford Lions Club Judith Akey Susan Berna Lockhart Philip C. Bickley Larry & Mary Braunschweig Barry & Margaret Brubaker Nancy-Caroline Connell Easton-Hewitt-Wausau Lions Club Rollo Everett Susan Holster Junction City Lions Club Lake Dubay Lions Club David Langton Sherry Lewis Keith & Beverly Luebke Mike & Diana McMeeken Michael Meyer & Connie LeCleir-Meyer Judith & Thomas Mueller Jim & Mary Olson Debra Pecha Gary Posorske Bonny Prazuch PDG Greg & Kate Pryor Dana Queen Evelyn Repinski Tamra Rockenbach Pauline & Jim Schiferl* Milja Sorvari Donna Sternot PDG Bernie & Colene Stuttgen Vista Retreat Center, Inc. Nedra Voeltner Rick Wasniewski Kathleen Zajicek Ervin & Judy Ziese JUDITH WEBER David & Tracy De Angelis Harry & Linda Helwig PDG Dennis, Judeen & Kate Knott PDG Greg & Kate Pryor LILLIAN MARIA WORDEN Tena Chaffee Cahtleen Rouze Kimberly Rouze Mary Ruffalo Mary Weaver Tom & Lisa Worden
30 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
KEITH WILSON Dennis & Mary Dettmering Hyland Lake Lions VADRIAN ZAGAR Venitha Manter
HONORARIUMS DG BILL ANDERSON Turtle Lake Lions Club BRIAN CAIN Dennis & Bonnie Cain EAGLE LIONESS LIONS CLUB David & Tracy De Angelis FRANKLIN LIONESS CLUB David & Tracy De Angelis FREDONIA LIONS CLUB James & Mary Burmesch DG JUDY HATZ Mellen Lions Club TOM & SANDY LARSON’S 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Dale & Betty Otradovec MATTHEW MAIN Clarence & Ethel Diermeier Family MUSKEGO LIONS CLUB David & Tracy De Angelis JOAN POST’S BIRTHDAY Mary Balchunas Friends & Family CHERYL A. SCHNEIDER Hudson Lions Club
DAVID STEDMAN South Milwaukee Lions Club
LIONS PRIDE ENDOWMENT FUND DONATIONS MEMORIALS FRANK GEIGER Steve Nehs ELAINE HOLMES-JELINEK Lynn, John & Mike Mastalir PDG LEN QUINN PID Ronald Duffe MARY E STANBERG Eugene & Sue Doell JUDITH WEBER PID Ronald Duffe BERNIE WERRA Steve Nehs TRUDY WILLIE PID Ronald Duffe
HONORARIUMS FRITZ SEYBOLD donor Sue & Chris Kealy DG GARY JOHNSTON Manawa Lions Club
MD27 GMT, GLT & GST COORDINATORS LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY MD27 Wisconsin Lions is looking for committed Lions to take on vital leadership roles in the Wisconsin Lions organization. • Global Leadership Team Coordinator (GLT) • Global Membership Team Coordinator (GMT) • Global Service Team Coordinator (GST) This is a 1-year appointment, and the Coordinators will report to both the MD27 Council of Governors and to LCI Area Leader. For a complete job description please email the State Office md27@wisconsinlions.org. These volunteer positions require strong Leaders whose sole focus will be on their role as Multiple District GLT, GST or GMT Coordinator. Position Requirements: • Excellent written & oral communications skills • A high level of computer proficiency (especially with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint) • Statewide travel (weekends included) • Meeting coordination & management If interested, please email a letter of interest, with qualifications, by 2/28/22 to the Wisconsin Lions State Office, md27@wisconsinlions.org
Food for Kidz Fund Raising Event Succeeds Once Again!
Congratulations! M E LV I N J O N E S BIRCH-STURM
BY LION LAURA BERTCH, HUNGER CHAIR OF THE LIONS DISTRICT 27C2
KNIGHT OF SIGHT R AY H E M P E L F E L L O W S LEE CHRISTOPHERSON Melvin Jones Ashippun (A2)
ED HAGEMAN Melvin Jones Wonewoc Area (D2)
LARRY LIGHTFIELD Melvin Jones Menomonie (E2)
MITCHELL SINZ Melvin Jones Menomonie (E2)
WENDY WOLD Melvin Jones Menomonie (E2)
DARREL BLANK Birch-Sturm (A2)
RICK ERCK Birch-Sturm Greenville (B2)
JON HOVE Birch-Strum Menomonie (E2)
JACK GUST Knight of Sight Menomonie (E2)
KEN KING Knight of Sight Cleghorn (E2)
TERRY NELSON Knight of Sight Menomonie (E2)
ERIC ANDERSON Ray Hempel Dresser (E1)
WALLACE CUTLER Ray Hempel Menomonie (E2)
WOW! Our Lakeland community, our District 27-C2 Lions Clubs along with help from area churches, volunteer organizations (AM & PM Rotary), teachers, students and community members came together for one purpose…to help feed children in our community and around the world! Mission accomplished! Fundraising began in July with Laura Bertch, Hunger Chair of the Lions District 27-C2, along with Co-chair volunteer Meghan Anderson, plus the Food for Kidz committee, who raised $19,821.43 to buy bulk food for the repackaging event in October. In all, nearly 100 responded financially and over 450-500 more with volunteer time and effort. Bertch and Anderson both praised the support from Lakeland Union High School, “Students were energetic, willing to do any job assigned and were an incredible force on Saturday to get the job done! We literally could not have done this event without them! Lifting 50 pound bags of rice to fill the bins was no easy task, but they did it with smiles on their faces!” This year, over 150,000 meals (9.75 pallets holding 55 cases each) were packaged and distributed for overseas destinations. Far exceeding our original thought of 126,000 meals! Rice and Soy meals were packaged for shipment to areas of greatest need both in the US and overseas. Cinnamon/Oatmeal and Rice/Beans meals were packed and distributed here locally to food pantries from Taylor County to Mercer. On Saturday, 77 cases of nutritious oatmeal/ cinnamon and 41 cases of rice/beans were distributed to area food pantries and the back pack program to feed hungry children in our area. Harmony Majcherek, new owner of Culvers in Arbor Vitae/Woodruff sponsored a “Food for Kidz Night” in support of this event and shared 10% of their profit from that night! Donation jars were also available for 2 weeks prior to the event. Many enjoyed a delicious meal at Harmony’s Culver’s location and helped others less fortunate enjoy a meal also! Meghan Anderson and Laura Bertch served the Culvers meals both in the dining area and at the drivethru that evening! Area churches provided sweet refreshments and some of the best cookie bakers in town. The churches include: St. Matthias Episcopal, Calvary Lutheran, Church of the Pines United Methodist, Holy Family Catholic and Ascension Lutheran. Fruit and refreshments were donated by Trigs along with water from Walmart. The event had such an overwhelming response from many very, very generous individuals, churches, area Lions Clubs. Some of their 30 Table Sponsors included: Rock of Ages EV Lutheran Church & Missions, Woodruff Ace Hardware, Inc., Boulder Junction Lions Club, Ascension Lutheran Church, Culvers, Kwik Trip, Inc., Merrill Lions Club, Calvary WELCA, LDF Casino, St. Matthias Thrift Shop, Redman Realty, Community Presbyterian Church of Lac Du Flambeau, Gleason Area Lions Club, Rock of Ages EV Lutheran Church Ladies Guild, Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lakeland Rotary Foundation (Breakfast Club), Incredible Bank, Lakeland Rotary Foundation (Noon Club), American Legion Auxiliary Unit 318 plus there were multiple anonymous donors of $500 or more. Besides the table sponsors many generous individuals sent in checks to support the event! Thank you everyone! Hard working Lions District Governor, Judy Hatz celebrated the event’s success and stated, “My niece and her friend are ready for next year. Hopefully I can get her to recruit some more of her friends.” This event was again a great expression of how wonderful our “community” came together to help others, uniting in one purpose, for even 2 hours. Past District Governor Bob Bertch and Laura Bertch, Hunger Chairperson from Lions District 27-C2 both commented, “We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the many generous donors, volunteers, organizations, churches and businesses that donated time and money to help support this important mission to combat hunger both in our community, country and around the world. A job well done! Thank you all!”
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
WisconsinLion 31 Wisconsin
The Restoring Hope House Takes Time to Make Sure Nobody Feels Alone Over the course of a year, there are so many moments that truly capture the spirit of this house and inspire us all. We have taken a loving wife in who slept in the chilly parking garage on the night of her husband’s transplant to help the family save some money. We have shared a home with patients who couldn’t breathe without supplemental oxygen and watched them breathe freely after double lung transplants. We have welcomed old friends from across the country because UW Health is one of the finest transplant hospitals in the country for their condition. We had witnessed the miracle of a stroke patient regaining the ability to walk and talk when it was feared that might never return. With strict COVID-19 restrictions in place, we have served as the loving family to caregivers when a loved one has passed away. We had the good fortune to witness a grateful recipient meet their donor family for the first time in person. We have gathered around a computer screen to emotionally say our final goodbyes to a transplant friend who passed away from COVID-19. We have seen dear friends who were barely clinging to life be brought back to life thanks to the skilled hands and great care at the hospital. Throughout all the pandemic-related challenges, we have safely and effectively continued to care for our transplant families when they have
THANK YOU TO LIONS SERVING DURING A PANDEMIC – With heartfelt thanks to our Lions Club friends throughout Wisconsin and beyond who continue to find ways to support Restoring Hope and our transplant families even through the many challenges of a pandemic. Just last week, members of the Pickett Lions Club stopped by with a load of supplies and to pay off the next two months of our heat bill here at RHTH. That is a huge deal for us given the chilly months ahead. It would be impossible to acknowledge every club and member, but please know how grateful we are for your friendship, kindness and generosity. May you all be blessed with a festive holiday season!
needed this house and the caring atmosphere it provides now more than ever. On a typical morning, a group of guests will safely space themselves out around our dining room table and share stories of the day. These conversations are often emotional, powerful, and extremely personal. This house has always been at its very best to provide the much-needed community to help celebrate great days, offer support on stressful days, and give unconditional love on some of the saddest days imaginable. This is truly a difference-making place.
Even with the ripple effects of a pandemic still lingering, we are so grateful to be open to serving guests. We have seen a 75-80% increase in guest stays this year since the onset of COVID-19 in 2020. In many ways, life has returned more to normal for this house and our families. As a transplant family, we have to be even more mindful of our health; we appreciate everyone for their continued understanding of lifesaving safety protocols. We are grateful to those who have so loyally supported RHTH to help keep this house very much operational. We thank you all!
RHTH FAMILY GIVES BACK WITH FUNDRAISER – Joe received a double lung transplant with us recently. Prior to transplant, he was on supplemental oxygen for just about any activity. His transplant has completely changed his life for the better. His extended family and friends were so grateful for their time at RHTH that they recently held a fundraiser in their hometown of Kenosha that raised several thousands of dollars to support the house. Thank you all!
32 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2022
THE TRANSPLANT JOURNEY: YOU ARE NOT ALONE! One of our favorite things about Restoring Hope has always been introducing guests to other people who have gone through life with the same rare condition and had the same transplant. From the heart, kidney autotransplant, double lung and even to battles with cancer, it is such a great joy to see these interactions, conversations and friendships be built through the transplant journey and staying here at RHTH. We are so thankful for that sense of caring community!