WHERE THERE’S A NEED, THERE’S A LION | MARCH/APRIL 2022 | wisconsinlions.org
They Came, They Saw, They Curled! Over the weekend of January 7, 8, & 9, the Wisconsin Lions State Bonspiel was held. This year’s host club was the Waupaca Lions and curling was done at the Waupaca Curling Club facility. Teams of Lions representing clubs from around the state made the trip to Waupaca and participated in this annual event. This year 22 teams were entered. Trophies were awarded to the winners and runners up of each event as follows: FIRST EVENT: Winner: Hanson rink from Galesville Runner up: Marschke rink from Whittlesey SECOND EVENT: Winner: Blakley rink from Cottage Grove Runner up: Helstad rink from Black River Falls THIRD EVENT: Winner: Gedelman rink from Milwaukee Runner up: Desjarlais rink from Pardeeville FOURTH EVENT: Winner: Paul rink from Whittlesey Runner up: Brhyn rink from Ettrick This State Bonspiel was started 45-50 years ago and continues to be an event that travels around Wisconsin. While a competitive event, it is more of a social gathering and is a chance to catch up with the many friends made over the years and an opportunity to meet new lifelong friends. Lions young and old participate and there are some that have participated for decades. If you think you’d be interested in
participating in this annual event, watch for next year’s registration form in the Wisconsin Lion newspaper next fall. The 2023 Bonspiel will be held in Medford.
First Event Champions! Seated are winners Jeff Kulas, Mike Gunderson, Randy Van Vleet, Bob Hanson, Galesville Lions. Runners up standing behind them are Brady Tlusty, Rick Laher, Gary Krug, Tom Marschke, Whittlesey Lions
INSIDE STATEWIDE ARTICLES:
They Came, They Saw, They Curled!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Wisconsin Lions Serving Afghan Refugees. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Interpreting Lions International’s Purpose and Ethics. . . 3 LCIF Campaign 100: Empowering Service Update. . . . . . 4 Council Chair Update: Happy Easter! Happy Spring. . . . . 4 State Convention Registration Form. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Who are the Boulder Junction Lions?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Centennial Celebration: Wisconsin’s Eighth Lions Club. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 MD27 State Pin Design Contest Winner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 A Weekend That Will Not Be Forgotten at The Emerging Lions Institute. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Bill Amman, Cottage Grove Lions, delivers a stone playing against a Sun Prairie team.
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
Sun Prairie sweeping a rock into the house during a Saturday match.
Wisconsin Lions Serving Afghan Refugees BY PCC BILL TAUBMAN
During late summer 2021, Wisconsin became the new, albeit temporary, home to about 13,000 Afghan refugees, men, women, and children who fled their country in fear of their lives. They left behind all their worldly possessions, their families, and friends in search of a safe place where they could begin their lives over again. The Wisconsin Lions Missions program stepped up to make this transition as comfortable and happy as possible. Wisconsin Lions Missions (WLM) is a program within the multiple district, performing eyeglass missions in Central America and Haiti for approximately 30 years. In recent years, they have also served missions in cooperation with the South Dakota Lions on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Another part of their mission work has been to assist in natural disasters and have done so in Alabama, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, and North Dakota. But working with Afghan refugees was something very new and very special. When the United States and our allies pulled out of Afghanistan, the lives of thousands of Afghan people who had worked with us over the last 20 years were at serious risk. So, the U.S. and its allies worked hard and fast to move those people to safe havens in other countries. Around 13,000 refugees were taken to Fort McCoy Army base in west-central Wisconsin, where they would live until they relocated to a permanent new home somewhere in this country. When Lion Steve Kraus, who had participated in several eyeglass missions, learned of the situation, he immediately thought about their eye care needs. He then called the WLM chair, PCC Bill Taubman, and asked if we should consider doing an eyeglass mission for them. After about 30 seconds of thought, the answer was “yes, we should explore the possibilities.” Lion Kraus volunteered to reach out to his congressman for direction and support. That led to meetings between Kraus and Taubman and U.S. Army officials and the Department of Homeland Security. There was strong support for the idea, and planning began. We collectively decided that a 4-day mission the second week of November and another the first week of December would work best. Forty-five percent of the refugees were under 18, and a small percent over 65. Overall, the Wisconsin Eyeglass Recycling Center’s total order for eyeglasses was 21,600, along with thousands of sunglasses and glass cases. Everything was lined up except the volunteers to make it happen. A communication to all the Lions with mission experience brought a quick and enthusiastic response. About 35 people participated in the two missions. Fourteen doctors offered their time, some for four days and others for 1-2 days. A new and excellent source of help was the U.S. Army and the Department of Homeland Security personnel. Homeland Security organized and promoted the event to the Afghan people, providing transportation from their housing location on base to the site of the mission, which was also on the base. They also provided 25-30 translators at all times. The Army provided 15-20 troops to help guide people and support the Lions set up and take down everything. The soldiers were both willing and anxious to help in any way they could. Each Afghan that came to the mission had their eyes screened with a Welch Spot screener, and then if any deficiencies were noted, they moved on to have an eye health check and a complete vision exam. If glasses were needed, they were fitted with prescription glasses. We found it interesting that 10-15% of children had eye issues, no different from vision screenings in our schools. When the mission was complete, over 5,000 people were screened, and nearly 1,300 people received glasses. A few people with serious eye issues were referred to Homeland Security for follow-up care. The mission intended to help the Afghan people, and it did. Thirteen hundred can see clearly now and provide them better opportunities as they move forward, rebuilding their lives in a new country.
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Not only did they benefit from this mission, but we did as well, learning so much! We learned that the Afghan people are not barbaric gun-toting villains that many thought them to be. Instead, they were all friendly, quiet, cooperative, and grateful people just trying to make a new life for themselves and their families. Their wants in life are not too unlike ours. We learned of many horrors they have lived through while living in their country and trying to escape. An Afghan woman told of getting to the airport with her 12-year-old daughter, holding her tightly in her hand, but she was pulled away while boarding the plane and learned that her daughter was left on the tarmac in Kabul. And another story of a couple who arrived at the airport with their nine minor children and paperwork needed to depart only to learn that the children required additional paperwork and could not leave with them—so many other stories like these. The Army and Department of Homeland Security have an amazing ability to organize and support 13,000 people on very short notice. The logistics of such a task are unreal! They transport them, house them, feed them, clothe them, give them all the vaccinations required in this country, take care of their medical needs, and then relocate them to a permanent location while supporting them during the transition. We learned again that Wisconsin Lions are up to the task of fulfilling our “We Serve” motto and that when looking for ways to serve, we should always spend some time, as Lion Kraus did, thinking outside of the box.
Interpreting Lions International’s Purpose and Ethics BY PID CONNIE LECLEIR-MEYER
Our Purpose and Ethics from the Lions International website tells us we should hold ourselves to the absolute highest standards in everything we do. With that comes the Code of Ethics, giving us guidance on how we do that. It’s a good idea to occasionally revisit both, so we remember why we’re here and how we should behave as Lions. Listed below are the Purpose and Ethics and the Code of Ethics for your information. In my travels as International Director, and experiences as a Lion in the Altoona Lions Club, District E2 and MD27, I have seen and heard about situations where the Purpose and/or Ethics are followed and, in some cases, were not followed. I’ve provided a few thoughts for your consideration. We put quite a bit of energy towards following our Purposes of organizing and chartering clubs, coordinating/standardizing club administration, creating a spirit of understanding, promoting good government and citizenship, uniting in friendship/fellowship/mutual understanding, and serving our communities with high ethical standards. I’m wondering though about “…taking an active interest in the cultural welfare of the community.” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are important topics in our communities – are we doing what we can to support that? Do we know what the needs are? How can we help? The Code of Ethics is a touchy subject to some of our members. After 100 years, we believe we are always doing the right thing. I noted under “To Remember,” the comment “…be true to myself.” I have seen some Lions, worried that to reach their goals they might have to give up the “once in a lifetime” opportunity and change how they perceive themselves or what they believe. Being true to oneself means thinking and acting in ways that align with your own values and
feelings rather than the values of others. Are we encouraging that with our members, particularly those that seek leadership positions? How do we react when they say “no” when we feel they should say “yes”? Under “To Be Careful,” I have heard criticism, which oftentimes comes with a perception “to destroy.” It is a tough situation to encounter and experience. The words “Be Careful” is a great reminder to us all, to be mindful of the importance of building someone up, helping them be the best person they can be, which in turn will help us be the best we can be.
Purpose and Ethics. • TO ORGANIZE , charter, and supervise service clubs to be known as Lions clubs. • TO COORDINATE the activities and standardize the administration of Lions clubs. • TO CREATE and foster a spirit of understanding among the people of the world. • TO PROMOTE the principles of good government and good citizenship. • TO TAKE an active interest in the civic, cultural, social, and moral welfare of the community. • TO UNITE the clubs in the bonds of friendship, good fellowship, and mutual understanding. • TO PROVIDE a forum for the open discussion of all matters of public interest; provided, however, that partisan politics and sectarian religion shall not be debated by club members. • TO ENCOURAGE serviceminded people to serve their community without personal financial reward, and to encourage efficiency and promote high ethical standards in commerce, industry, professions, public works, and private endeavors.
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by industrious application to the end that may merit a reputation for quality of service. TO SEEK success and to demand all fair remuneration or profit as my just due but to accept no profit or success at the price of my own selfrespect lost because of unfair advantage taken or because of questionable acts on my part. TO REMEMBER that in building up my business it is not necessary to tear down another’s; to be loyal to my clients or customers and true to myself. WHENEVER a doubt arises as to the right or ethics of my position or action towards others, to resolve such doubt against myself. TO HOLD friendships as an end and not a means. To hold that true friendship exists
not on account of the service performed by one to another but that true friendship demands nothing by accepts service in the spirit in which it is given. • ALWAYS to bear in mind my obligations as a citizen to my nation, my state, and my community, and to give them my unswerving loyalty in word, act, and deed. To give them freely of my time, labor and means. • TO AID others by giving my sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my substances to the needy. • TO BE CAREFUL with my criticism and liberal with my praise; to build up and not destroy.
Code of Ethics. • TO SHOW my faith in the worthiness of my vocation
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 3 Wisconsin
LCIF Campaign 100: Empowering Service Update BY PID LION BRUCE BECK, CA1-D; LCIF CAMPAIGN 100: EMPOWERING SERVICE AND LION SRIDHAR VASUDEVAN
Our Lions Clubs International Foundation initiated Campaign100 on July 1, 2018 with the goal of raising 300 million dollars to further Empower Service to Lions Clubs around the world. Campaign100 was a three-year challenge to raise $300 million! Due to the pandemic and lockdown, the Campaign was extended by one additional year to 2022. The ‘Ask’ of each individual Lion was for a $300.00 donation, $100 for each year of the Campaign and 100% support from each of our Lions Clubs each year. As we come down the final months to June 30, 2022, we are pushing to achieve our goal and need your support! If you have not yet donated, NOW is the time, and we need your help. Please review the below numbers to see where the MD27 Lions are at with our fundraising efforts. • TOTAL WORLDWIDE CONTRIBUTIONS TO DATE (1/21/22): $251,304,013 That is 83.8% of our $300 million goal! • MD27 DONATION TOTAL TO DATE (1/21/22): $1,345,595 MD27 Wisconsin Lions Campaign100 Fundraising Goal: $3,241,448 • CLUB PARTICIPATION: 82.5% • MEMBER PARTICIPATION: 2.9% We have accomplished so much and are getting close to achieving our $300 million dollar goal, but we cannot do it without your
help! There are many different ways that you can donate. Choose how you would like to donate by visiting bit.ly/3Biadz2. What better way to demonstrate your ‘Service From the Heart’ than your support of our Foundation. A special message from Sridhar Vasudevan, LCIF Ambassador, Campaign 100: Empowering Service. “As the LCIF Ambassador from LCIF Campaign 100: Empowering Service, I again remind you that LCIF is "Our Bank" & contributing to this effort will help LCIF continue their tremendous activities & financial support to the Lions of the world in their projects through grants & disaster relief, but also to the needs of MD27 & its districts. Please contribute what you can before June 30, 2022. Thank you on behalf of LCIF Vice-Chair Lion Clarence Harris, LCIF Chair of MD27 PDG Lion Brad Barth & LCIF Coordinator of MD27 districts and me.”
Happy Easter! Happy Spring! BY COUNCIL CHAIR STACEY NESSETH
It is hard to believe that we are at the point of our Lionistic year where we need to start electing new officers for 20222023. But unfortunately, there are clubs in our state that lack individuals stepping up to fill leadership positions within their own clubs, and we have Districts struggling to find Zone chairs, Region chairs, 2nd VDG, and 1st VDG. Why is this? Over the years, I have heard from Lions, “I am afraid to speak in front of people,” “I don’t know if I could hold that position,” and many other reasons. But I am here to tell you that many Leadership training opportunities are offered “FREE” of charge to you. Lions International has short training sessions available and Lions University (through USA/Canada Forum). They offer training on conflict resolution, time management, club officer training, etc., that help you in your journey to hold a leadership position in Lions and help in your daily job. Your Multiple District GLT team has held some wonderful training this year as well. Guiding Lion training, Regional Lions Learning Institute, and Emerging Lions Leadership Institute. Please watch for these training opportunities again in the next Lions year. Your District GLT team and Multiple District GLT team are always available to help. “The first and most important choice a leader makes is the choice to serve, without which one’s capacity to lead is severely limited” – Robert K. Greenleaf. Thank you for all that you do!!
2022 WISCONSIN LIONS STATE CONVENTION
May 5-8, 2022
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Lake Geneva
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Save the Date!
Who are the Boulder Junction Lions? BY PDG BOB BERTCH, SECRETARY OF THE BOULDER JUNCTION LIONS CLUB
The Boulder Junction Lions Club is about to celebrate their 50th Anniversary of becoming a Lions Club. The club is growing fast and has added new members to now become the largest in the District at 93 members. The Boulder Junction Lions support over 70 different charities and organizations that support the local community, the state, the country, and the world. The Club has donated over $805,165 from 2003 through June 2022. They hold several events that specifically support local youth by means of college scholarships, camperships at two YMCA camps, a Christmas Party, an Easter Bunny Breakfast, vision screening at the local elementary school, and 4th and 8th grade school trips. Plus, the club sponsors and cochairs the annual Food for Kidz event to pack and distribute food for kids in the Lakeland Community, around the state, the country, and the world. To date, the Boulder Junction Lions Club has 10 Birch Sturm Fellowship recipients, five Knight of Sight awards, 30 Melvin Jones Fellowship recipients, and one District Governor with an International Presidential award. There are still two members from the original 40 charter members in 1972, who are still active in the club. They are Jeff long and Mike B a u e r. Below are their stories about the start of the Boulder Junction Lions Club. From Mike Bauer (President 1973-74) Boulder Junction Lions Club Charter Member: “The Manitowish Lions Club asked Boulder Junction to start a club in Boulder Junction and sponsored the club on March 6, 1972, at George’s Restaurant in Boulder Junction. The District Governor came and met with us and started the club. Every month, we met at George’s, but in those times, funds were low and we were more like a social club. We would hold dinners with our wives, which gave us something to do. The club’s first moneymaker was the Flea Market which was held behind Long’s Grocery
store on the backlot. The next fundraiser was the Musky Jamboree which then added money in our coffers to help the community. At first, raising funds was hard because we needed guidance to try new things. We did start trying new ideas - some worked, some didn’t, but they got better. In the early years, the club built an “Ice Castle” in Boulder Junction on the corner across from Coontail Market. The Ice Castle was big enough to walk inside with a small donation. One year, it was built just before Christmas and it rained, which meant we could not allow people to go inside for safety concerns. After the Boulder Junction Lions Club had funds in the coffers, we started Christmas for the Kids, giving presents to the local kids with Santa Claus which is still in practice today. All in all, I enjoyed the Lions because it was fun and I enjoyed giving back to the community.” From Jeff Long (President 1975-1976) Boulder Junction Lions Club Charter Member: “When we started the Lions Club here, I was a newly graduated kid going into business in our family grocery store. I became involved with all the organizations in town: Lions, Fire Department, Ambulance, Chamber, and Town Board. Having grown up here in a family business, I witnessed the first waves of people moving up here to retire. It was a difficult transition for many of the people. Not enough to do! Bad habits and lack of social connections to maintain a healthy lifestyle were all too common. These folks seemed to be here a short time before I was hauling them in an ambulance and many were dying rather quickly after arriving here to retire. Enter the Boulder Junction Lions Club. While we started mainly as a business owners association, we soon evolved into something much better. With our new club, we were inviting any new people in town to join. What a difference this made. The club had new members with extra time to help and the club provided new purpose to these newly retired people. It made a huge difference to the quality of life here in Boulder Junction. It helped make these new residents engage, become part of the community and source of friends and activities for these newly retired people. The benefits to our retirees and to our community cannot be overstated. Now I don’t have the statistics to prove this, but it sure seemed that the Lions Club was the new life insurance policy that kept you alive and active much longer, a policy that paid big dividends while you were alive. So, from my perspective, the Boulder Junction Lions Club was one of the most
important and most powerful groups that I witnessed in my young life for the quality of life here in Boulder Junction. The same can be said today, 50 years later, because this club never stopped giving back with resources and people power to make our home better all the time. Thank you, Lions!! Boulder Junction Lions are active, engaged members of our community. We come from all walks of life and have many talents and skills to share. They are interested in service, fellowship and making our community and world a better place to live in. Some Lions grew up here in Boulder Junction, but many came to the Northwoods from Illinois, Florida, Arizona, Ohio, Indiana, Minnesota, as well as from other areas in Wisconsin.“ Our club is part of District 27-C2 (27 is the designation for Wisconsin)
10 Districts in Wisconsin
Counties Within C2
The Manitowish Waters Lions Club sponsored the initiation of the Boulder Junction Lions Club. The Boulder Junction Lions Club was chartered on March 6, 1972, with Rev. D.J. Dominkowski as the first President. We owe a debt of gratitude to our predecessors who had the courage to initiate a new club. Some charter members still serve the Boulder Junction Lions and other relatives and friends of the original members belong today.
INCORPORATION: Wisconsin Secretary of State Douglas La Follette incorporated the Boulder Junction Lions Club on July 16, 1985. Articles of Incorporation were prepared by J.D. Lund, Attorney and signed by Paul K. June as Incorporator and Secretary-Treasurer. Margaret Schueneman notarized the document. Lions’ Board members at time of incorporation were: William J. Gasper, Lawrence Hamilton, Lyle Sutton, and Donald Bur. The Boulder Junction Lions Club is looking to the future for another successful 50 years of Lionism in serving our community, state and world. If you are interested in becoming a part of this vibrant club, please call Wendi Neupert, 725-574-3850.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 5 Wisconsin
MD27 STATE MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM NAME
MARCH / APRIL 2022 Volume 68 No. 5
ADDRESS CITY/STATE/ZIP
Wisconsin Lion (USPS No. 688-740) is published 6 times a year for the 17,500 Lions of Wisconsin at 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, WI 54473. Periodical postage paid at Rosholt, WI and additional mailing offices.
PHONE / EMAIL
NOTE: UPS will not deliver to a P.O. Box. Please provide a street address. Prices include tax. Cost
Amount
PINS 2017: Centennial Pin
$1.50
2018: Monarch Butterfly
$1.00
2019: Karner Blue Butterfly
$1.00
2020: Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly
$1.00
SPECIAL SALE - 2020 State Convention
$5.00
2021: Bog Copper Butterfly
$1.00
2022: Centennial Pin
$5.00
Back Patch
$5.00
Shipping & Handling 1-8 pins:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.25 9-14 pins:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.55 15-25 pins:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.75 25+ pins: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Call for cost 1-4 back patches: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6.30 5-12 back patches:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7.80
POSTMASTER: Send form 3579 with new address to: 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473. DEADLINE: 1st of preceding month.
TOTAL: Send your order & payment (incl S&H) to: Wisconsin Lions State Office 3834 Cty Rd A Rosholt WI 54473
DISTRICT EDITORS A1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a1@wilions.org A2. . . . . . . . . . 27a2editor@gmail.com B1. . . . . . . . fredgebhart@yahoo.com B2. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27b2pr@gmail.com C1. . . . . . . . . c1lionnews@gmail.com C2. . . . sanderson.cherie@gmail.com D1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pr@lions27d1.org D2. . WILions27D2News@gmail.com E1. . . . . . . . barb.dulmes@gmail.com E2. . . . . . . . chamaca@frontiernet.net STORY SUBMISSIONS Articles and events (accompanied by photos of Lions in action) should explain the successful completion of a project or fundraising activity and should be submitted to that Club’s District Editor. Include a mailing address, daytime phone and e-mail of the person submitting the story. Submission guidelines at: wisconsinlions.org/wisconsin-lion/
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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 Eighth Lions Club BY PDG DAVE SIEVERT, WISCONSIN LIONS CENTENNIAL CHAIR
If you have not viewed one or more of our Videos, you can now download them from our Wisconsin Lions Website. These are a “must see!” They are as follows: 1. WHY A LION? Just a great Recruitment or Orientation tool. 2. LIONS CAMP. A must-see, particularly if you may have a number of members that just have not gotten an opportunity to visit our Lions Camp at Rosholt, Wisconsin. 3. STATE PROJECTS. We have a number of State Wide projects that serve many needs for our communities as well as the World Communities. 4. STATE PROGRAMS. Many clubs will find a State Program that may meet their needs of humanitarian service. 5. STATE INITIATIVES AND INSPIRING OUR YOUTH. A great guide to some of our initiatives, as well as some ways that your Loins club can further your involvement of Youth in your community. We currently have six of our ten district conventions completed and the Wisconsin Centennial has played a role in each of them. This involvement has been done with the erecting of the Centennial banner, displaying four Pull-up banners that featured the full collection of the State Lions pins through the present year. One pull-up banner shows the outlines of each district, the number of clubs & members in each. It also shows the locations of the first nine Lions Clubs chartered in Wisconsin. This one was updated for the D2 Convention, so that it shows the current number of clubs and members that account for the transfer of Lioness members to Lions clubs and the formation to the Lioness-Lions Clubs chartered. The third pull-up showed photos of Lions clubs doing service projects statewide and the fourth one showed Lions doing service projects from that particular district. This one remains with the district upon the conclusion of that convention to be used at Cabinet, Zone & Club meetings. We have asked to have 10-20 minutes for a short presentation and the viewing of one or more of our videos. This has had very positive feedback. The Committee is working very hard on providing a great presence at the 2022 MD 27 convention at the Grand Geneva May 5-8, 2022. This may include jump drives with the five
videos loaded, registration bag stuffers, Trivia contests and a Centennial Seminar, along with the memorabilia displays. There are also plans of dedicating a Centennial Tree and bench made from recycled plastic bags, with a plaque. The time and place are yet to be determined. The PDGO is also planting a Centennial Tree at Heritage State Park, either the week before the Convention or the week after, dependent on the weather (when the nursery can dig). Not only are we celebrating One Hundred years of Lions Clubs in Wisconsin, but reviewing our many successes, growth and the many lives that Lions have touched throughout the Century. While many of us will not be around Sesquicentennial (150 years), but it will be very interesting how much we have grown and the great many more people we have served.
Madison Central Lions Club becomes the Eighth Club Chartered in Wisconsin The Madison Lions Club was organized in March of 1922 and chartered on May 16, 1922. At their Charter Night on July 5, 1922, they had 35 Charter members. In 1947, their club was incorporated, giving them an advantage of legal liability. The Madison Club changed its name to Madison Central Lions in 1964 when the Madison West Lions Club was chartered. They then formed a charitable foundation in 1997 to handle all of the fundraising and charitable donations for the club. This fell in line with a club founder, Ted Herfurth, that they never become a “knife and fork” Club. This concept continues today. The Club started three major projects in1922. The first was an Americanism program that provided weekly classes for foreign-born who wanted to know more about America and become better citizens. The second project was to provide recreational opportunities in the Greenbush area of Madison. The third project
Madison area Eagle Scouts recognized at the 15th Annual Madison Central Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner. Center in white shirt is guest speaker, UW Quarterback, Darrel Bevel fresh off a Rose Bowl victory!
was the initiation of a Constitution Day Program to observe the anniversary of the Constitution of the United States. The Bar Association and other service clubs were invited to celebrate the signing of the Constitution at an annual luncheon with speakers. After 60 years, it was taken over by the Bar Association. Madison Central Lions Club has been a leader working with the State of Wisconsin to have the Uniform Donor Card printed and promoted. The Madison Central Lions were huge supporters and promoters of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW). They also sponsored an annual Eagle Scout Recognition Dinner with the Eagle Scout’s parents and Scout leaders with a guest speaker. The Madison Central Lions have faithfully supported LEBW. With the focus on sight conservation, they purchased a camera to screen children as early as 1995. The Madison Central Lions have provided eleven District Governors, more than any other club in Wisconsin. 1932-1933 Lion Roman C. Heilman 1939-1941 Lion Leo Kehl 1945-1946 Lion John Esch 1954-1955 Lion Ed Steul 1959-1960 Lion Freeman Fox 1961-1962 Lion Verdine Johnson 1974-1975 Lion Henry Q. Turville 1986-1987 Lion Phillip J. Ingwell, Sr. 2008-2009 Lion John Jenson 2017-2018 Lion Jodi Burmester *Also served as Council Chair
District 27 District 27-D District 27-D District 27-D District 27-D District 27-D District 27-D* District 27-D1* District 27-D1 District 27-D1*
Lion Phillip Ingwell went on to be elected an International Director at the Association’s 77th International convention held in Phoenix, Arizona, July 12 – 15, 1994. He served from 1994 to 1996. The Club currently has 38 Melvin Jones Fellows, three of which are progressive and 12 Birch-Sturm Fellows. Plans are in place to celebrate their 100 years on May 22, 2022.
Madison Central Lions Ed Reese (left) and Dale St. John promote organ donation by soliciting the public to sign their driver’s license on Madison’s Capitol Square.
Madison Central Lions Harland Klipstein (left) and James Schutz use the new photo screener during a children’s vision screening session in 1997.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 7 Wisconsin
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin 877-233-2354 | info@lebw.org | lebw.org
Donate Life Wisconsin Grant Through education and advocacy, Donate Life Wisconsin (DLW) and its supporting donation partners inspire people to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors. DLW annually makes funds available to qualifying nonprofit organizations through its Impact Grants program to further this mission. Funding is made possible from the proceeds received through Donate Life license plates and the $2 donation opportunity at the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). LEBW was selected as one of five organizations to receive funding for our video project in 2022. The video will focus on hospice patients/residents and their families, providing them with more information about the opportunity to become a donor. The video is scheduled to debut early/ late summer.
WELCOME NEW STAFF MEMBERS: Jamie Swanson, Family Care Specialist (pictured) and Zoe-Ann Barcellos, Donor Support Center.
Visit the LEBW table at the following upcoming conventions
EYEGLASS DONATIONS – A huge shoutout to our hospital partner, St. Mary’s in Madison, for the 230 eyeglasses collected in 2021! That’s up 63 from the previous year.
• D1: March 11-12 in Wisconsin Dells • E2: March 18-19 in Eau Claire • E1: March 25-26 in Superior • C2: April 22-23 in Lac du Flambeau • State Convention: May 5-8 in Lake Geneva
Join the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Team If you are passionate about helping your community and making a difference in people’s lives, we want you to join our growing team! LEBW is currently looking for a Community Outreach Coordinator to help spread our mission. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that will report to the Senior Manager of Partner Relations. This position will assist LEBW in promoting organ, eye, and tissue donation in the community and supporting fundraising activities. This role works closely with Wisconsin Lions, LEBW Transporters and volunteers, our community, businesses, hospitals, and donation partners. This position requires up to 75% travel within the state of Wisconsin which includes some nights and weekends.
Essential Duties of the Position: • Help develop, train, coordinate, and maintain a volunteer network of Transporters and advocates who support LEBW. • Assists with outreach programs and public speaking opportunities. • Maintains volunteer Transporter program and works collaboratively to resolve Transporter issues. • Identifies and helps develop and maintain tissue drop off points as needed. • Enters information into databases and maintains volunteer activity tracking tools. • Works collaboratively with Donate Life Wisconsin coalitions and donation partners when attending activities. • Identifies opportunities to raise public awareness of eye and cornea donation, educate the public, motivate individuals to register for organ, eye, and tissue donation. • Prepares display materials for pick up by volunteers and maintain supplies. • Involved in plans aimed at improving efficiencies (tracking, trending, Shop AmazonSmile and support Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin! training). It takes just three simple steps: • Prepares and manages LEBW information tables and donor registration drives. 1. Go to 2. Type in 3. Confirm • Represents LEBW and assists with fundraising activities and tracks Smile.Amazon.com Lions Eye your selection. financial donations according to fundraising policies If you have a regular Amazon That’s it! Once you make Bank of account, sign-in and select your LEBW your designated charity, • Develops partnerships and relationships that enable donations and incharity. Or, search for AmazonSmile, Wisconsin we’ll continue to benefit from kind gifts to support LEBW. and it will take you to the all purchases made through For a detailed job description, visit LEBW.org/careers.
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designation field.
Inc.
AmazonSmile.
Wisconsin Lions Foundation 715-677-4969 | 877-463-6953 | wlf@wlf.info | wlf.info
Deer Hides and More Support the WLF BY LION DARREL BLANK, PRESIDENT, WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION
WOW! As I am writing this (late January) there are 124 pallets of deer hides at Camp waiting to be picked up. What an amazing number of deer hides, but I know that there are still more out there that could have come to us. Next year everyone needs to spread the word, “We want your hide”.
Some other ways you can help support the Camp: Kwik Trip has a credit card that you can use and a portion of all sales go to the Camp. Do you shop online at Amazon? I’ll bet most of you do. When you shop, use smile.amazon.com and select Wisconsin Lions Foundation as your charity. Amazon donates 0.5% of your purchase to the charity you have chosen. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but it sure adds up. Speaking of Camp, the registrations are open for Camp and the response is fantastic. Let’s hope COVID-19 doesn’t slow us down this year and we can fill the Camp with kids. Precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the kids and there is a limit of 125 campers per week. I’m about halfway through the District Conventions for the year. It sure is interesting seeing how the other Districts run their conventions. No, not every convention is the same. It’s also been great to meet and see everyone and have the opportunity to tell them what is happening at the Foundation. Plan on attending the State Convention May 5-7 at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva. The Foundation is holding their Annual Meeting on Saturday afternoon so be sure to join them to see what’s happening in Rosholt.
Since we have hired our marketing firm, you should see a monthly email on the first Friday of every month telling you the happenings at the Wisconsin Lions Foundation. If you have not been getting the emails, double-check and make sure International has your email and it is correct. This is a good way to keep up to date with WLF. It will remind you of upcoming dates like the Birch-Sturm Golf Outing on July 23rd, which will be our 25th Outing. Look for the date for the Hustle S’More for Lions Camp in August. Lions Camp for Kids Raffle 2022 tickets are available. See one of your WLF Directors for tickets.
Lions Pride Endowment Fund 715-677-7000 | prideoffice@lionspride.org | lionspride.org
Making Lions Pride Endowment Fund Personal BY PID LION WAYNE HEIMAN PRESIDENT, LIONS PRIDE ENDOWMENT FUND
Thank you for your club’s donations to our Lions Pride Endowment Fund of Wisconsin (LPEF), for your individual donations and for your part in promoting Lions Pride. Your support helps the LPEF support our Wisconsin Lions Foundation, thereby affecting thousands of lives annually through its statewide projects and changing people’s lives in a positive way. I firmly believe that there are always discretionary funds available to donate. Individuals and clubs have different levels of discretionary funds available at different times. For individuals, this time of year, it may be in the form of an income tax refund check or extra
dollars available because the COVID-19 pandemic restricted vacation destinations freeing up those dollars. Perhaps those discretionary funds are already earmarked. A year ago, in our household, those funds were earmarked for a new stovetop when the old one quit working. Maybe those discretionary funds can go to a charity of your choice. Our Lions Pride Endowment Fund Board of Directors always hope that Lions Pride is that choice, in the form of a Ray Hempel Fellowship, a memorial, an honorarium or through estate planning & giving. We ask that you make the Lions Pride Endowment Fund personal with a donation, or make it even more personal with another donation.
A reminder that the 14th Annual Lions Pride Sporting Clay Shoot will be coming up on June 11, 2022. Watch for more information. Every year we look for shooters, volunteers and raffle and auction items. Another way to make Pride Personal! Jennifer Lee shared, “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” Hopefully what inspires you is a Lions
charity. However, it might be your church, your local community or a combination of all these items when there are enough discretionary funds to go around. In any case, whoever you support or whatever you support with your discretionary funds, thank you for making a difference in people’s lives.
LIONS APPAREL * STATE LIONS APPAREL
MD27 CENTENNIAL APPAREL
www.beeseenpromotions.net MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 9 Wisconsin
27-A1 NEWS
wilions.org
The New Berlin Lions and the Wisconsin State Fair Corn Roast have gone hand-inhand for over 60 years – it's our number one fundraiser! While the pandemic shut us down in 2020, we were excited to once again be at the Fair selling corn and soda in 2021. Despite the rain that showed up with depressing regularity and with reduced attendance, we still sold 64,519 ears of corn. A huge thanks to the many Lions clubs that volunteered and supported our efforts. We also had 12 adult and 26 youth groups volunteer their time. These groups receive donations for their shifts that they can then use to support their own activities. Many of our groups come back year after year, and while they will tell you the work can be hard, they will also share stories of the wonderful people they meet and the satisfaction they feel about being a part of this great fundraiser. Working at the corn roast is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. The State Fair will run from August 4 to 14 this year. With over 1,100 volunteer shifts to fill, we are always looking for new, enthusiastic groups and individuals to help us. If you or your organization would like to volunteer, please contact nblionsvol@gmail.com. Volunteers get free transportation to and from the fair, admission to the fair, and a meal and beverages during their shift.
Oak Creek Lions Support Young Adults with Special Needs
BIG BEND VERNON LIONS CLUB SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER – One hundred seven residents of the Southern Wisconsin Center were happy to receive Christmas gifts from Santa’s elves! The gifts were sponsored by the Big Bend Vernon Lions and Muskego Lions. The Southern Wisconsin Center serves adults with intellectual disabilities combined with other physical or mental health disorders. The Center also received a microwave, camera, snacks, and coffee for the staff due to the wonderful generosity of the Lions. Pictured are Lion Lynn Sprecher and Lion Mary Lewandowski from the Big Bend Vernon Lions Club.
The Oak Creek Lions are proud to further their mission by donating $2,500 to support the local STRIDES program, designed to create a unique learning environment that empowers students (age 18 – 21) with special needs to gain independence. STRIDES’ mission is to facilitate learning opportunities and service options that enhance progress towards independence in the areas of employment, independent living, social and communication training, and community integration. STRIDES also has several community employment training partners that help STRIDE participants gain work experience. If you can help or want further details, please contact Heather Kirch, STRIDES teacher, at h.kirch@ocfsd.org.
THE 27-A1 DISTRICT CONVENTION WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! Left: Wisconsin District Governors. Right: International Director Larry Edwards and wife, Lion Susan with DG Lion Larry and his wife, Lion Patti.
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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
March 17 Oak Creek Community Center, Oak Creek
Zone 5.1 Meeting
April 18 Dousman Ottawa Lions Club House 235 N Main St, Dousman
South Shore Lion’s Beer & Wine Tasting
Crazy Pins Bowling Tournament
March 26 Saint Francis Lion’s Center
April 30 Location: Jay’s Lanes 326 Atkinson St, Mukwonago
Oak Creek Lions Brewers Opening Day Viewing Party
2nd Annual Holly’s Hope Lantern Event
Muskego Lions 31st Annual Fortune 500
Union Grove Lions Club Chicken BBQ and Car Show
March 31 Oak Creek Community Center, Oak Creek
April 9 Muskego Lakes Country Club S100 W14020 Loomis Road, Muskego
June 5 Bluhm Farm Park S77 W13607 McShane Rd., Muskego
Sunday June 5, 10:30am-3:30pm Racine County Fairgrounds Union Grove
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Oak Creek Lions St. Patty’s Day Party
April 16 Veteran’s Memorial Park W182 S8200 Racine Ave, Muskego
LARRY REDLIN
larry.redlin@wi.rr.com 414-758-6888
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Spring is on the Way! Hello again from the great District 27-A1! As you read this, spring will be peeking through your window. Thoughts quickly turn to vacations and plans when the weather turns warm. Some start to plan their garden along with what flowers will look best. All of this because we are excited to begin a new season. As Lions, we also get excited for a change of seasons. It’s time to elect new officers for the coming Lionistic year. Please take that step and become an officer for your club. The feeling of doing more for your club and Lionism is something you will never regret. Now is the time to assess the needs of your community. Make sure as we plan our summer activities, they align with the needs of your community. Most of all, be sure to include every member of your Lions Club. Reach out to the seasoned members as well as the newer members and let them know they are valued and have a place at each event. This will help with member retention and make Lions activities fun for everyone. The 27-A1 District Convention was a huge success! Congratulations to Lions Donnie Kozinski, Patt Goerke (New Berlin), Mary Tatera (New Berlin), and Debbie Polzin on receiving the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation. Thank you everyone who attended and to the convention committee for all their efforts. International Director Lion Larry Edwards is pictured with the recipients, starting in the top right and rotating clockwise. The state convention committee is hard at work planning and scheduling to ensure that every Lion will benefit from attending the convention. This is a time to connect with other Lions from around the state. Time to get some new ideas! If you have not yet reserved a hotel room, please do so ASAP. From Lion Patti and myself, thank you for being Lions. STATE CONVENTION: Dates: May 5 to 7, 2022 Place: The Grand Geneva Resort & Spa 7036 Grand Geneva Way, Lake Geneva, WI 53147 262-248-8811 Sign up for the Convention, Hotel & Golf Outing at 2022md27.org
BIG BEND VERNON LIONS CLUB COLLECTS DEER HIDES – During the Lions “We Want Your Hide” campaign, the Big Bend Vernon Lions Club collected 1,104 deer hides. These hides are tanned, processed, and turned into leather gloves that you can buy at Menards, Fleet Farm, Cabela’s, and local stores. The funds raised help fund our Lions Camp in Rosholt, for those with special needs and challenges. The camp serves about 1,300 kids a year with different ability levels. The scholarships allow these children to attend one week of summer camp at no cost to them. Thank you to the hunters for supporting our deer hide campaign. Without your hides, we would not be able to do this. wisconsinlionscamp.com. Pictured is Lion Bob Brandemuehl of the BBV Lions Club with donated hides.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 11 Wisconsin
27-A2 NEWS
lionsdistrict27a2.org
Lions Citizenship Award The Grafton Lions Club recognized four outstanding Grafton High School Students at its January 18, 2022 membership meeting that was held at the Rose Harms American Legion Post in Grafton. Lions Citizenship Award Plaques were presented to Grafton High School Seniors Kolton Micoliczyk, Gregory Dempsey, Mattox Durst and Hailey Bault. The awards winners were chosen based on the recipients’ character, volunteerism, and service in their school and community.
GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – Lion Dave Antoine presented Lions President Dan Harris an award from the Salvation Army of WI and upper MI in recognition for dedicated service to the Salvation Army and Ozaukee County. The Grafton Leos and Grafton Lions gave over 100 hours of service to this worthwhile organization during the 5 weekends before Christmas at Grafton’s Pick ‘n Save.
Principal Scott Mantei, Kolton Micoliczyk, Hailey Bault, Gregory Dempsey, Mattox Durst, School Superintendent Jeff Nelson, Grafton High School Leo Club Advisory, Rusty Meyer.
Grafton Lions Honor Prime Minister Owner At the Grafton Lions Annual Christmas Party, the Grafton Lions Club honored Tim Triantafillou with Melvin Jones Award Fellowship. The Melvin Jones Fellowship, created in 1973, takes its name from the founder of Lions Clubs International, Melvin Jones. It is an honor–not an award. The Melvin Jones Fellowship was established as Lions Clubs International Foundation’s (LCIF) highest form of recognition to acknowledge an individual’s dedication to humanitarian service. Mr. Triantafillou has served the Grafton Lions Club for many years with dinners, banquets, and summer picnics. He has been a supporter of many of the Grafton Lions fundraisers with prizes, hole sponsorship, and special meals for different events. He truly is dedicated to service with the Lions.
Lion Dan Harris, Grafton Lions President, Lion Pat Murray, Hospitality Chairman and Mr. Tim Triantafillou, owner of Prime Minister Restaurant
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LOMIRA LIONS CLUB – The Golf Club at Camelot recently donated $750 to the Lomira Lions Club. Lion President Michelle Stark (center) accepted the donation from owners Laura Beaudoin (left) and Lee Merkel (right).
THE LOMIRA LIONS CLUB – Hanke’s Piggly Wiggly made a contribution to the Lomira Lions during the recent Round-Up Program at the Lomira Store. Lion Secretary Howard Gilbert, (left) accepts the check from Piggly Wiggly Owner Greg Hanke (right). The Lomira Lions have donated over $93,000 to local organizations over the past ten years.
HUSTISFORD LIONS CLUB and volunteers supported the annual Hustisford Lions Pizza Fundraiser, Chaired by Jerry and Michele Jahns.
THERESA LIONS CLUB – December is a busy month for the Theresa Lions. Dec. 4th was the annual Kids Christmas Party which was a Christmas Carnival and of course the most famous Santa Claus was there for a visit with the children. Dec. 8th and 9th, the Theresa Lions did the children eye exams in Lomira testing 216 children, in Theresa 165. On Dec. 15th, the Theresa Lions assisted the Allenton Lions with eye exams in Addison completing 400. Looking forward to helping more in the community in 2022.
EDITOR: Diane Lechner | 725 Forest Ave. | Fond du Lac, WI 54935 | 920-210-8691 | 27a2editor@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-A2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
BOB GOSEWEHR
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ALLENTON LIONS CLUB – 650 total deer hides collected!
BEAVER DAM AND COLUMBUS LIONS CLUBS – Joining forces for a vision screening for 180 children in the Cambria grade schools. Lions Mark Barrette, Bert Freeman, Cambria nurse Katie Bortz, and Lion Joe Bruns. Together in Service. Not pictured, Lion Leslie Badua.
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With the District Convention over, I wish to congratulate those Lions who were elected to their District office for the 2022-2023 Lions year. I want the Lions of 27A2 to give these upcoming District Officers Lions your full support. I hope those who attended our District Convention enjoyed themselves and met many new friends. Learning more of what Lions are accomplishing in service in their communities around the State is fun and informational to bring back ideas to our own Clubs. Your Club should be moving forward with the elections of officers very soon. I encourage Club officers to take advantage of training programs sponsored by the District Leadership teams. These training are helpful even to those who have been in the office before, as many procedures change over time. Once you have worked with MyLion and all the resources available, this helps make an officer’s position much more enjoyable.
HARTFORD KETTLE MORAINE LIONS CLUB – Kacey Nienstedt receives the Knight of Sight Award.
HARTFORD KETTLE MORAINE LIONS CLUB – PCC Chuck Steinmetz received a Melvin Jones Progressive from PDG Ron Buschke.
BEAVER DAM LIONS CLUB – The Club inducts two new Lions Don Slager (top) and Kevin Rohde (bottom).
HARTFORD KETTLE MORAINE LIONS CLUB – Presenting a donation to the local Special Olympics team, The Hawks.
THE FREDONIA LIONS CLUB – The club awarded one student from Random Lake & three students from Northern Ozaukee High School their 2021 High School Student of The Year Award at their January 26th meeting at 5 Pillars in Random Lake. Students were selected by their school administration and teaching staff. Attention was given to the recipients’ scholarship and activities achievement, character, volunteerism, and service in their school and community. Congratulations to all of the honorees. Pictured are (l to r): Isabella D’amato, Paige Pierson, Maria Nehls (Northern Ozaukee High School) and Erica Grube (Random Lake High School).
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 13 Wisconsin
27-B1 NEWS
wilionsb1.org
Deer Hide Collection a Success! Lions Clubs from all over the state, including several from 27-B1, collected thousands of deer hides this season. Proceeds from the sale of the hides benefit the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt, WI. The camp serves children and adults who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, children with intellectual disabilities or educational autism, and children with diabetes. The quality camping experience is provided free-of-charge to eligible children and adults from Wisconsin. The camp was founded in 1956 when a key individual overheard a chance remark: “Blind kids can’t go to outdoor camps and stuff like that…” The Wisconsin Lions Camp and the Wisconsin Lions Foundation (WLF), Inc. administer the camp program. From that humble beginning with 26 campers, the 440 acre Wisconsin Lions Camp now proudly serves over 1,000 campers every summer.
PICKETT LIONS CLUB – DuWayne Jensen, Ken Rivers, and Chad Lisowe, along with family members pitched in for the fall cleanup of our local highway.
The Plymouth Lions along with Cleveland and Sheboygan Falls clubs collected over 550 hides this year. Pictured are (l to r): Plymouth Lion Jeff Zarembka, Quentin Kleiber, Ryan Henschel, Nick Kleiber, and Plymouth Lion Jerry Baltus.
PICKETT LIONS CLUB – 256 hides were collected this year! Pictured are Lions Chip Lovell and Eric Schultz, picking up their bins at the end of the season.
STOCKBRIDGE LIONS CLUB – The Club took part in the Delightfully Calumet Christmas Light Show located at the Chilton fairgrounds. The Stockbridge Lions were one of 13 light displays which were choreographed to Christmas music. Every organization worked one night handing out 2022 calendars and taking in food and monetary donations. Pictured are (l to r): Lions Rick, Denny, and club President Marv.
SHERWOOD AND STOCKBRIDGE LIONS CLUBS TEAM UP – With the deer hide collection nearing its end, the Sherwood and Stockbridge Lions put together their 80-mile trip to the Lions Camp. 15 pallets of deer hides were loaded up on three trailers and delivered to camp with an estimate of 450 hides. Pictured are (l to r): Lions Clarence and Marv from the Stockbridge Lions and Lion Mike and his two sons and grandson from the Sherwood Lions.
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BERLIN LIONS CLUB – President Chuck Fehl presented four $500 scholarship checks to: Josie Bartol, Hannah Mertens, Lily Sonnentag, and Samuel Hooper (grandparents, Chuck & Jean Fehl accepted on his behalf ).
PICKETT LIONS CLUB – Emberly is two years old and was born with FEVR (Familial Exudative VitreoRetinopathy) - a rare, genetic condition in which both retinas are detached, leaving her blind. There is hope that when she has grown more, procedures for gaining some sight may be possible. Her parents are working with a clinic in the Detroit area that is researching this rare condition, as well as Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. They live in Rosendale, are building an adaptive play area in their basement, and anticipate needing to change the entry to their house as well as a fence in their yard in the future. The Pickett Lions Club brought Emberly’s story to their Zone and kicked off donations for her with $5000. This was also supported by Lions Clubs from Campbellsport, Eden, Eldorado, Fond du Lac Evening, Oakfield, Rosendale, and Van Dyne for a total contribution of $8250 for Emberly’s future. Thank you all for your generous donations! Pictured are (l to r): Lion DuWayne Jensen, Emberly and her parents, Lions Chip Lovell and Chad Lisowe.
EDITOR: Mike Roberts
| mroberts6659@gmail.com and Fred Gebhart | fredgebhart@yahoo.com
FROM THE 27-B1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
BJ BLAHNIK
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NESHKORO LIONS CLUB – (Top photo) Neshkoro Lions Eye Bank Transport Team (l to r): Bob Hanson, Joan Booth, Jim Schurk, Don Booth, Len Roloff, and Katie Krupinski. (Bottom photo) Dispatcher Lion Katie Krupinski coordinates tissue transportation between Westfield and Madison (sometimes Plover).
BERLIN LIONS CLUB – Members Sandy and Bill Bartaszewicz received a heartfelt Thank You for their recent vision screening. They served 733 local elementary students since the beginning of this school year, including three schools, Clay Lamberton Elementary, All Saint's Catholic School and St. John's Lutheran School.
There is very exciting news buzzing around the B1 District! In early October, our District applied for a matching grant from Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). This grant is to help fund a playground connected with the Above & Beyond Children’s Museum (ABCM) as a firstever all-abilities playground in the downtown area within Sheboygan. The specific item to be assisting with is for the rubber surfacing to ensure a safe and healthy playing area. The LCIF Board of Trustees approved our matching grant during the January 2022 meeting. With this $100,000 portion of an overall $500,000 campaign, the Lions are being recognized as a major sponsor and will showcase our commitment to our communities for years to come. All Governors of Wisconsin were asked to create a Centennial project if they had a club or clubs celebrating 100 years of service. There are six clubs celebrating this milestone. District B1 has three of those clubs: Appleton Noon, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan Evening. The District chose the ABCM Purple Octopus Playground project for a few reasons. The Sheboygan Evening club, one of the clubs celebrating a century of service, resides in the same community. Our 2021 District Convention was held in the city of Sheboygan, also. This playground cements a legacy of community support. This support also showcases that working together with other organizations can build great relationships and help provide a safe environment for our future youth. To ensure the completion of this playground, we still need support from all of our Lions Clubs. We are asking each club in the B1 District for a $400 donation to complete the final funds required and match the $50,000 from LCIF. A local Sheboygan community member, Jay Christopher, sponsored the first $25,000 as a match to all funds raised by the Lions Clubs of District B1. This means, we need to raise $25,000 from Lions directly. We have received major support from the local clubs in Sheboygan to help get us started but, for this project to be successful, we need all the Lions Clubs in District B1 to help support this Centennial Legacy Project. You may ask yourself, why would I support a project which is not within my own community. I believe ideas like these can help answer the question of “Why?”. People from many places visit the Children’s Museum through different school field trips and those families may be from communities near you. When people are visiting
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bj.blahnik@gmail.com 920-980-6317
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Sheboygan, simply as a tourist destination, events like the summer farmer market is nearby, which, draws interest and time to spend as a family. There are many reasons and ideas we can share for why to support this effort and I hope you will visit and enjoy the Purple Octopus Playground when you come into Sheboygan. Having the Lions as a sponsor of the project keeps reminding everyone the Lions are here to help those in need and wherever there is a need, there is a Lion. I ask for your continued support and if you and/or your club would like to send a $400 donation, no later than May 15 2022, please mail the donation to “Lions of 27B1 with memo stating Purple Octopus” and use the address of B1 District Treasurer Lion Dave Holschbach 402 North 5th Street Manitowoc, WI 54220. If you have any questions, please contact District Governor Lion BJ Blahnik at 920-980-6317. Thank you for all of your support and it is truly a great day to be a Lion.
The All-Abilities Purple Octopus Playground is expected to be installed in Above & Beyond's green space in the spring of 2022. Photo provided by MONSTRUM and Above & Beyond Children's Museum
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 15 Wisconsin
27-B2 NEWS BONDUEL LIONS CLUB – A visit with Santa was sponsored by the Club on December 4th. Over 150 kids took advantage of the opportunity to relay their wish lists and also receive a bag of treats. There was also a petting zoo and a book was given to each child courtesy of the Shawano County Friends of the Library. Lions members prepared the treat bags on November 30th. Pictured below is Santa’s helper Lion Curt Grunewald who handed bags of treats to kids after visiting with Santa. Pictured to the right, Lions members pack bags of treats the week before Santa’s visit.
md27b2lions.org
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – presented a $770 check to the Rejuvenate Badger Park, Q&A Foundation on January 17th. The mission of Rejuvenate Badger Park is to continue the memories Badger Boardwalk has given to the Peshtigo community and ensure children of all ages and abilities are given the opportunity to experience inclusive play for generations to come. Pictured are (l to r) Rhonda McClain, Tom Gryzwa, Crystal Gardon, Niki Schingick, Ty Doemel, Paul McClain and Cathy Bartels. Lion Tom Gryzwa said if the Lions Club food booth at the fish viewing platform is successful this spring more funds could be made available to the Q&A Foundation for their project.
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – Members assisted the Peshtigo Community Food Pantry with their move to a new facility on January 8th. Pictured are (l to r): front row: Lion Rick Thill; back row: Ed Dory, Carl Gillicksen, Dale Edlbeck, Terry Gardon, and Tom Gryzwa. The Peshtigo Lions Club is very supportive of any volunteer opportunity in area communities. Lion Rick Thill is on the Board of Directors of the food pantry and notified the local club of the need to assist them move to a new facility. The Peshtigo Lions Community Betterment Fund donates to this charity every year.
CROOKED LAKE/MOUNTIAN LIONS CLUB – Two $1,000 scholarships were presented to two local students. Lion Jim Zittlow is pictured presenting the check to Lyvia Caine from Crivitz. Lyvia is attending St. Norbert College, studying mathematics and education and earned a 4.00 GPA her first semester at SNC. Lion President Terry Jadowski is pictured presenting the check to Sophia Lally from Suring. Sophia is attending Concordia University, majoring in the field of occupational therapy and earned a 3.91 GPA her first semester at Concordia.
16 Wisconsin WisconsinLion MARCH / APRIL 2022
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – 15 members volunteered 67 hours of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army throughout the past holiday season. This kettle was located at Lofaros Fresh Market in Peshtigo. The members of the Peshtigo Lions Club would like to thank the local community for their continued support of this fundraiser. Pictured are (l to r): Lions Paul McClain and Tom Gryzwa.
EDITOR: Stephanie Schlag | 920-217-8554 | 27b2pr@gmail.com
FROM THE 27-B2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
GARY JOHNSTON
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NIAGARA LIONS CLUB – recently made their annual donation to Karen’s Pantry. Pictured (l to r) are Karen’s Pantry Director, Teresa DePas with Lions officers Dan Decker and Glenn Lantagne. The donation was for $1000 which will go to provide turkeys and hams to needy Niagara families during the holidays. Over the past eleven years the Lions have contributed more than $12,000 to Karen’s Pantry for the holiday season and in keeping with the Lions’ tradition of “We Serve.”
NIAGARA LIONS CLUB – The Club was again busy conducting a free vision screening for area Wisconsin students. Pictured are Lions Steve McMillan, Terry Youren, and Dan Decker with Florence student Finnian Donahue. In January, the Lions screened over 150 Florence elementary and junior high students. About 15 were referred to their parents for additional testing. The Lions already have conducted vision screening for all Pembine students and will be at Niagara schools in March and April. OCONTO FALLS LIONS – In January, the Oconto Falls Lions President Bob Peer and Secretary Dave Merges presented a check to Oconto Falls Police Chief Brad Olson to be used to help form a K-9 unit for the city. The cost of a K-9 unit is about $68,000. The Oconto Falls Lions made the donation to help address and combat the increasing drug problem in the community.
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garyjohnston321@gmail.com 715-938-3207
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It has been a long year, but Lions are becoming very active, planning porky and pancake breakfast, flower sales, and don’t forget the bowling tournaments. But there is other business that we as Lions have to take care of this time of the year, the election of officers. It is essential to continue training once your officers are elected; when training stops, we as Lions continue to stay the same and not develop new ideas. Our training starts with you as a new member learning how a Lions club functions and hopefully becoming new club leaders. Does training stop at the club level? The training continues when officers move up to zone chairs and positions that eventually lead to leadership in the district and state. Our District Governor-elect John Reil is working very hard to prepare for his term this upcoming July. We are still in need of a 2 Vice District Governor-elect. If we are to continue work in the district, we ask that you step up to serve. We, as Lions, serve to make someone’s life better and continue to serve with a heart.
MANAWA LIONS CLUB – A donation was made to the Manawa Area Community Food Pantry by President Lion Vern Josie along with Lions Tracy Ogle, Mary Griffin & Rhonda Wilz to reps of the MAC Food Pantry thanks to individual donations and a Club match. Lion Tracy also assembled several food and personal hygiene baskets for needy area families.
Crooked Lake Spaghetti Dinner March 19 Crooked Lake Community Center 15445 County Rd W, Mountain • Celebrating spring and a rescue for cabin fever! $10 at the Door • Raffles and spaghetti dinner. • Will benefit scholarships, an ambulance service and other Community needs.
NIAGARA LIONS CLUB – Treasurer Dan Decker is shown presenting a $250 check to Niagara teacher Maryellen Allred to help finance Niagara students’ participation in the 2022 Great 8 Games. This is an annual event bringing together many students from Niagara and area Michigan schools involving competition and sportsmanship. While the Lions have financially supported the Niagara students for many years, over the past decade the Lions have provided over $2,500 in similar support for the Great 8 games. Maryellen Allred is the director for Niagara Great 8 participants and she also is a Lion.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 17 Wisconsin
27-C1 NEWS
e-district.org/sites/27c1
We Want Your Hide Our Wisconsin Lions Foundation Deer Hide Project has just wrapped up another successful season. The final numbers are not counted yet, but some areas saw an increase in hides donated. Each year since PDG Bernie Stuttgen started the program we continue to raise money for OUR L I O N S C A M P. There are many Lions across the state that donate their time to pickup hides, salt hides, stack hides, load hides and deliver hides to our buyer to send kids to OUR LIONS CAMP. If you’re interested in helping out in any way (buying salt, starting a collection site or driving hides to Lions Camp) let me know. PDG Brad Behrens 715-323-8033 email: behrens518@gmail.com Also, stay in touch with the program on Facebook @ Deer Hides for WI Lions Camp.
JUNCTION CITY LIONS CLUB – Their 34th Annual Fisheree was held on January 23rd.
18 Wisconsin WisconsinLion MARCH / APRIL 2022
EDGAR LIONS CLUB – Their annual Senior Citizen ham and chicken dinner was changed to a drive-up service because of COVID-19 concerns. They served 160+ meals.
OWEN-WITHEE LIONS CLUB – Don’t think you’ll catch this big fish in the Owen Millpond. But you’re welcome to try during the O-W Lions Annual Fishing Contest on Sunday, March 6. Fishing hours are noon until 3pm. Lots of raffles, food, and a kids pond at the Owen downtown gym. Doors open at 10am. Proceeds from this even support many community activities including the OWC Fire and Ambulance and various youth sport groups.
PITTSVILLE LIONS CLUB – Linda Nelson (left) received a Birch-Sturm Fellowship from DG Linda Carter (right) from the District 27-C1 Journey for Sight money.
PORT EDWARDS LIONS CLUB – The Port Edwards School District students and their families were helped by Club members and friends who dug into their pockets to collect $2,320. The club matched this amount for a total donation of $4,640 to the Christmas Cheer Fund. Lion Jim Kempen is shown presenting a check to Jen Moore, Christmas Cheer Coordinator and Kyle Cronan, Superintendent.
ROTHSCHILD WESTONS LIONS CLUB – Past President Dennis Borchardt of Rothschild Westons Lions Club presents a Birch-Sturm Fellowship to Lion Jim Thompson and very proudly a Melvin Jones Fellowship to his daughter, Cheryl Bernal.
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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March 13, 9am-12pm Port Edwards High School Cafeteria • Buttermilk, cranberry, and chocolate chip pancakes • Scrambled eggs and sausage • Dine-in or carry-out • 715-887-4338 or 717-572-4338
Roch-A-Cri Lions 50th Anniversary April 2, 5pm Social, 6pm Dinner Connell’s Cedar Shack, 2248 State Hwy 13, Adams • Guest speaker: IPID Connie LeCleir-Meyer • Raffles • Reservation of $25 per person payable to RAC Lions by March 15. Mail to: Joyce Craddock, 2441 Mikota Ave., Friendship, WI 53934 • Reservations are non-refundable
BEVENT LIONS CLUB – Three members were honored with awards at the Club’s annual appreciation dinner. DG Linda Carter received the Ray Hempel Fellowship, Lion Patricia Witkowski received the BirchSturm Fellowship, and Helen Kuklinski received the Melvin Jones Fellowship.
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Port Edwards Lions Pancake Brunch
EDGAR LIONS CLUB – Greg Kornack was chosen as the 2021 Citizen of the Year at a dinner on January 9th. Greg has always been a community leader in the Fire Dept.: softball tournament organization, Easter Egg Hunt, youth coaching. He is a successful local businessman and also a recent recipient of the HS Alumni Hall of Fame award. The plaque is being presented by committee chairperson Lion Tammy Kirsch.
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llcarter2@charter.net 715-359-3059
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Thank you all for all you do!!! All Lions of District 27 C-1 almost two-thirds of this year has flown by already, and we still have a lot to accomplish yet. I have learned a lot about the clubs that I have visited with how they serve their communities and the people who are in need. I am proud to be a Lion of this great 27-C1 district. Where there is a need, the Lions of 27-C1 and the State of Wisconsin will always step up and help. We have our work cut out for the rest of the year in membership for me to meet my goal of plus one member per club. As of January 1, 2022, we have the same number of members as we had as of July 1, 2021. It is with a sad heart that I have to report that we have lost Past District Governor & Past Wisconsin Lions Foundation Director Herb Carlson in December 2021 and Lion Sharon Dehnel Co-Tail-twister, to our District Tail-twister Lion Leroy Dehnel in January 2022. Please keep their families in your prayers. I want to thank PDG Bernie Stuttgen for the many years of the collection of deer hides. That started back in 1988 with his club and grew to a statewide project in the early 2000’s, raising over 1.7 million for the Lions Camp. Thank you all who have helped with this project. PDG Bernie will be stepping down as the head of this but PDG & Wisconsin Lions Foundation Director Brad Behrens will be taking over for PDG Bernie. Please give him the same support you gave PDG Bernie. When making your annual donations, please remember the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, The Lions Camp, Leader Dog, Lions Clubs International, Childhood Cancer, and Diabetes. The International Convention will be in Montreal this year, June 2428, 2022, where they will be voting on raising the dues over a period of three years. This will be the first raise since 2011. The raise would be effective July 2023 with a $3.00 raise and July 2024 and July 2025 will be $2.00 raise each year. This is needed to keep up the work of Lions of the world. Please remember the State Bowling Tournament in La Crosse at Par Mor Lanes. There is still time to get a team together of fellow Lions. You do not have to be a bowler, just a Lion to bowl in this event. You will have a great time! If you need more information, please contact Lion Scott Fryseth at 715-382-6324 or fryseth6324@charter.net. The District 27-C1 will be hosting the State Convention in 2023. We will be looking for volunteers to help. Please consider helping make this the best convention showcasing Central Wisconsin. I still have the following clubs that I do not have a visit scheduled: Almond, Arnott, Arpin, Athens, Bancroft, Edgar, Junction City, Marathon, Neillsville, Rib Falls, Rozellville, Rudolph, Schofield, St Point Wis River, Tomorrow River, Wausau.
I have the following clubs listed for visitations: • • • •
03/03/2022 Lake Du Bay 03/10/2022 Spencer 03/17/2022 Fenwood 03/21/2022 Wisconsin Rapids
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 19 Wisconsin
27-C2 NEWS
BOULDER JUNCTION LIONS CLUB – Bob and Laura Bertch have been named Melvin Jones Fellows by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) in recognition of their commitment to serving the world community. DG Judy Hatz, and Club President Wendi Neupert, presented Bob and Laura with a commemorative plaque and lapel pin. Bob has served as Zone 3 Chair, Boulder Junction Lions President, and District 27-C2 Governor. He is currently the Boulder Junction Lions Club Secretary. Bob has also chaired or co-chaired many Boulder Junction Lions Club events. Laura is the current Zone 3 Chair and the Boulder Junction Lions Club Treasurer. She also serves as the Hunger Chair for District 27-C2 and in that capacity held a very successful Food 4 Kidz event this year. Bob and Laura are the 29th and 30th members to be nominated by the Boulder Junction Lions Club for a Melvin Jones Fellowship.
IRON RIVER LIONS CLUB – A $500 donation was made to New Day Advocacy Center in Ashland - a safe haven and support to victims of Family Violence and Sexual Abuse. Pictured are (l to r): Lyle Poppe, New Day Advocacy Center Executive Director; Linda Dunbar, New Day Shelter Coordinator; Crystal Nordby, New Day Victims of Crime Advocate; Sofia Garcia, Northland College Intern; and Anne Madison, Iron River Lions Club President & Secretary.
MERCER LIONS CLUB – The Club had their Christmas meeting on December 9th at Pine Lake Lodge where they presented a $2,000 donation to the Mercer Senior Center. Lion Mike Chamberlain, a Senior Center board member, was on hand to accept the donation. Mercer Lions Club President, Mike Burgess (right), is shown giving the generous donation to Chamberlain.
20 Wisconsin WisconsinLion MARCH / APRIL 2022
e-district.org/sites/27c2
WINCHESTER LIONS CLUB – Treasurer Sandy Bruhn presents a check to North Lakeland Discovery Center Secretary Gary Engstrom for the Discovery Center’s Capital Campaign to improve their year-round facilities. The North Lakeland Discovery Center’s mission is to enrich lives and inspire an ethic of care for Wisconsin’s Northwoods, through the facilitation of connections among nature, people and community.
MEDFORD LIONS CLUB – Since 1993, the Perkinstown Tramp Snowshoe Race has welcomed all ages and abilities to the Midwest’s premier snowshoe race. The irresistible charm of the Wisconsin Northwoods keeps people coming back year after year! Past projects include youth hockey, an inclusive playground in the Medford Public Park, youth baseball, Medford baseball, the Humane Society, and Indianhead Food Pantry.
EDITOR: Cherie Sanderson | 5844 Birchwood Ln. | Boulder Junction, WI 54512 | 715-892-0761 | sanderson.cherie@gmail.com
MANITOWISH WATERS LIONS CLUB – In 2021, they donated about $57,000 to causes within the community. These photos are just a few examples of their outreach.
FROM THE 27-C2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
JUDY HATZ
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The Club donated $1,000 to the Manitowish Waters Alliance Foundation for their “Mani-Wish Christmas” fundraiser giving local families and children Christmas gifts and other help to ensure a Merry Christmas. Pictured are (l to r): Club President Mike McKeon, Manitowish Waters Alliance Foundation President Doug Ziese, and Club Treasurer Larry Voss.
The club donated $3,000 to Camp Jorn Child Care. Located on the YMCA property on Rest Lake, they offer quality child care allowing children to grow at their own pace in the areas of social, emotional, physical and academic development. Pictured are (l to r): President Mike McKeon, Treasurer Larry Voss, and Camp Jorn Executive Director Dennis Lipp.
$1,000 was donated to the Food 4 Kids fundraising event. Pictured are (l to r): Club Treasurer Larry Voss, Food for Kidz Co-Chair Laura Bertch, and Club President Mike McKeon.
WINCHESTER LIONS CLUB – President Nancy Johnson presented a $700 donation to Lenelle Scholl of Scholl Community Impact Group, with help from her equine friend, Kody. The donation will go toward construction of a heated indoor arena. The organization strives to provide purposeful, supervised interactions with horses for families and individuals with physical, cognitive or emotional disabilities. Most participants have varying degrees of cognitive, physical, behavior, psychological, and sensory challenges. Through the power of the horse, connections are made that deliver proven results that go beyond the barn.
ST. GERMAIN LIONS CLUB – A $2,000 donation was presented to the Vilas Food Pantry in Eagle River for meat vouchers as part of their Christmas food distribution. The pantry’s all-volunteer staff provides supplemental and emergency food assistance to people in need. More than half of the recipients are elderly people on a fixed income. The St. Germain Lions Club also delivered 61 fruit baskets to residents in St. Germain as a Christmas greeting to area people without local family, or who are shut-ins, or are in need. Pictured are (l to r): Jerry Verseman, St. Germain Lions Club President; Janlee Goska, Vilas Food Pantry Food Manager, and Chuck Miller, St. Germain Lions Club Vice-President.
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hatzjl@aol.com 715-218-0226
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What a great journey I am on as your District Governor. In the beginning, I had a plan to have us all work together and make the district stronger. After a few visits and talking with many Lions, I found out we are all working together and connected to each other. We all have the same goals: vision, hunger, diabetes, environment, and childhood cancer. What I have learned is that where there is a need or an idea, there is the spark of a Lion. As Lions, we make things happen. We have many projects: senior dinners, vision screening, highway cleanup, MD27-C2 feeding hungry kids, just to name a few. As Lions, we have made things happen despite COVID-19. We have adapted to changing the way we do things to continue serving our communities. Lions are ready whenever and however our communities need us. We have continued our momentum to grow our membership with a positive net growth of 31 as of January 23, 2022. What I have seen in my travels is the heart of Lions! What is better than that? Thank you, Lions! Keep doing what you are doing - it is working! The District Convention is April 22 & 23, 2022, and we have great things planned for you. I have included the registration form for you. Hope to see you there.
RHINELANDER LIONS CLUB – One of Rhinelander’s premiere cultural events of the holiday season is the Lights of the Northwoods. It brings in people from the surrounding area to view a beautiful lights display and donate money or food for charity. The club raised $500 as their part of the contribution to the event.
PLUM LAKE LIONS CLUB – The annual Harvest Dinner was held at MarLi’s in Sayner serving over 140 people with 105 volunteer hours and raised $4,472! Members made pies that were raffled off while dinner was being served. In the photo is Plum Lake Lion Mitzi Pockat with the pies. WASHBURN LIONS CLUB – Toys were delivered to the Ashland Fire Department for their annual Christmas Toy Drive. The toys are donated to bring joy to Ashland and Bayfield children on Christmas Day. Pictured are President, Kim Geraghty and Ashland FD member, Sam Gokee.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 21 Wisconsin
27-D1 NEWS
lions27d1.org
Congratulations Cross Plains Lions The Cross Plains Lions put in 30 hours of bell ringing and took first place in the Salvation Army o f Da n e C o u nt y Winter Bell Ringing Challenge. Lion Tom O’Connell of the Cross Plains Lions thanks everyone who participated. He said monies collected will help shelter families, provide food, offer medical assistance where needed, and assist families with after school care/programs. Pictured ringing bells at the Cross Plains Piggly Wiggly are Lion Charlie Saeman and Lion Paul Yochum. Other clubs participating in the challenge included the Sun Prairie Lions putting in 16 hours, Madison Monona Lioness Lions with 14 hours, the McFarland Lions and Lioness Clubs ringing 10 hours, Stoughton 8 hours, Madison Evening 4 hours, and the Verona Lions rang for 2 hours. Also participating in this year’s challenge outside of Dane County were the Dodgeville and Pardeeville Lions.
EDGERTON LIONS CLUB – Edgerton Lions are pictured preparing to deliver deer hides to be donated to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation. The club collected, salted, loaded and delivered 234 hides up to Rosholt from collection sites around the Edgerton and Stoughton area. All proceeds from the deer hides will be used for the Wisconsin Lions Camp to help serve the needs of others.
MONTICELLO LIONS CLUB – President Nancy Karlen distributed a $700 check to their scholarship winners. Pictured are students Natalie Roe, Alyssa Holcomb, and Cade Femrite. Also receiving a check were Mackenzie Errthum and Rudy Wicker. Congratulations to these young people as they further their education in their chosen fields.
22 Wisconsin WisconsinLion MARCH / APRIL 2022
JANESVILLE LIONS CLUB – Mascot Leo the Lion presents Diamond Gregory, Manager of Blackhawk Community Credit Union’s West Court Street branch, with four custom-made eyeglass collection boxes, which will be placed at all four Janesville-area BHCCU branches. The boxes, made by club Treasurer David Welton and decorated by his wife Carol, are the newest of the 30+ locations in Janesville and Milton to collect used eyeglasses and sunglasses to be regraded and recycled for distribution throughout Third World countries. This program supports one of Lions Clubs International’s main service missions to be Knights of the Blind, as challenged by the late Helen Keller.
JANESVILLE LIONS CLUB – Member David Welton and his wife, Carol, were among several club members who rang bells at Woodman’s in Janesville in December during the annual Red Kettle Campaign. The Club proudly rang bells for a total of 20 hours and raised nearly $4,100 for The Salvation Army of Rock County. Thanks to everyone who volunteered and those who donated throughout the annual Red Kettle Campaign!
LAKE WISCONSIN LIONS CLUB – Mike and Ellen Keller recently traveled to the Wisconsin Lions Eyeglass Recycling Center in Rosholt in December to deliver boxes of eyeglasses. The eyeglasses will be sorted, cleaned, categorized by prescription and prepared for distribution by Lions and other groups to third world countries. Thank you Lions for Mike and Ellen for being Santa’s helpers!
LAKE WISCONSIN LIONS – Through a collaboration with Gospel Lighthouse Outreach in December, the Club distributed food to Columbia County residents at a drive-thru food pantry in Lodi. They assisted 350+ families with putting food on the table during a difficult time. This is a monthly signature service project which continues to grow as more families are struggling due to economic hardships. Santa’s helpers: Tami Mandel, Diane Mack, Mike Keller, Tami Wajnert, Andrea Murray, and Jean Minga braved the cold temps to help feed Columbia County with kindness.
EDITOR: Mike Vraniak | 5329 Reiner Rd. | Madison WI 53718 | 608-444-5611 | pr@lions27d1.org
FROM THE 27-D1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
BILL CLAUSIUS
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MONTICELLO LIONS CLUB – Members, Jeannie Gempeler, Carol Powell and Nancy Elmer created four food baskets as part of the Monticello Empty Stocking Drive that were delivered in December. Said the club of the project, “We are more than pleased to be able to help this Empty Stocking Drive. The Lions motto is ‘We Serve’, and this is just one way we can do that.”
MCFARLAND LIONS CLUB – The Club recently started a new program where residents can now recycle all sorts of plastic in bins at the local library, the Village Hall, and One Community Bank. Pictured is Lioness Sandy Hall making one of the first contributions at the library. Once they’ve collected 500 pounds, the Club will earn a bench made of recycled products through the Trex Bench Recycling Program. The club will then work with the Village to place the bench in a park or along a bike path.
NEW GLARUS LIONS CLUB – A large team of volunteers worked to sell brats, popcorn, and hot spiced cider at the inaugural Christkindli Market in New Glarus on December 10-12. The Lions appreciated the invitation to support the community and to spread holiday cheer while interacting with the public. The event raised $3,340, which will allow the Club to continue to support the vital Lions mission and to provide community support.
STOUGHTON LIONS CLUB – Melvin Jones Fellowship awards were presented to Lions Dan Marshall and Julie Nygaard by Lion President Mike Niedfeldt Awards were presented at their Lions Christmas party on December 20th.
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bclausius@gmail.com 608-698-1683
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Greetings Lions! You may not be aware that the International Board of Directors has passed a resolution to waive all charter and entry fees until June 30, 2022. Clubs are adjusting to new opportunities to serve their communities and this will help. This allows clubs to bring in new members to serve with us to make a difference. This is the time when clubs should start the process of identifying members to serve in leadership positions and arranging elections in the next few months. This is also time for incoming Club Presidents to develop their budgets for the 2022-23 year. Please do not forget to plan donations for Campaign 100, Wisconsin Lions Foundation, the Lions Eye Bank, Restoring Hope Transplant House and other Lions programs. As you know, the Convention Committee headed by PDG John Jenson has assembled a good convention to be held March 11 and 12 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Friday afternoon will be vision screening training and a community service project with the Cabinet meeting to start at 7pm. Saturday morning, after the opening ceremony, we will hear from motivational speaker Neil Ihde. After memorial service for our Lions who have passed, we will break and then start the morning sessions. PID Phil Ingwell will speak about what it means to be a Lion, DG David Strudthoff will talk about his Servant Leadership initiative, IPDG Tammy Rockenbach will talk about the importance of Restoring Hope Transplant House, PID Connie LeClairMeyer will hold a group discussion about Lions, and we will have a session that includes talks from the Lions Eye Bank, Wisconsin Lions Foundation and the Centennial Committee. Our lunch and dinner speaker is our VIP guest, International Director Doctor Jose Marrero. After the dinner, we will be offering a DJ playing music that you all can dance to. Pajamas are not required, but suggested for the fun evening. Also, reminder for you to consider attending the state Lions Convention to be held at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva on May 5 through May 7. Thanks and keep up the great work you are doing.
DARLINGTON LIONS CLUB – A 5K Run/Walk for Sight fundraiser was recently held with the proceeds to be donated to the Darlington Community “Build the Pool Fund”. Pictured are the Lions presenting a check for $3,013 to members of the pool fund committee.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 23 Wisconsin
27-D2 NEWS
md27d2.org
Peace Poster Winners Announced “What inspired me for this poster was the racism, along with the gender hate, in the world. There should be peace because we are all connected”—Bret Salisbury, winner of the 2021 Hillsboro Lions Peace Poster Contest. Bret’s illustration of the contest’s theme, “We are all connected,” depicts a world of cultural diversity united in peace. The Statue of Liberty, Brandenburg Gate, Islamic mosques, a Japanese gateway, the Roman Colosseum, Egyptian pyramids, and Leaning Tower of Pisa attest to humanity’s aspirations; flags of the nations form a circle around clasped hands, representing racial unity; and doves carry the message of peace. A team of judges from the Hillsboro Lions Club, sponsor of the contest, selected Bret’s entry from 13 finalists for its originality, artistic merit, and depiction of this year’s theme. His poster will be entered in the Lions district-wide competition, covering seven counties in Southwest Wisconsin. The district winner advances to several levels of competition, resulting ultimately in the international winner, who is invited to the United Nations to receive worldwide recognition and a $5,000 prize. Our congratulations and best wishes go with Bret for taking the first step on this journey. Agriculture teacher Brayvyn Hammer and art teacher Julie Johnson inspired and guided their 7th grade students, resulting in outstanding entries, making the judges’ job difficult. For example, the judges’ choice for second-place was Makenna Haugh’s exquisite metaphor of a world painted with love. Payton Sullivan took third place, depicting the contest’s theme, “We are all connected,” with children encircling the world, holding hands. All 13 finalists put thought and their best artistic effort into their peace posters. “The kids really impressed me this year!” stated Julie Johnson. The media report an “epidemic of rudeness” in this pandemic era. Here in Hillsboro, however, we can point with pride to caring teachers and students who value peace and understanding as expressed through their art.
Barre Co-ed Lions Club 13th Annual Barre Bowling Blast Saturday, April 2nd, 2022 Features Sports Bar & Grill - West Salem, WIr • 3 Shifts: 11:00am, 1:30pm OR 4:00pm • 5 Person Teams / $100.00 Per Team ($20 per Bowler) • 8 Pin Tap, Colored Headpin, Door Prizes, 50/50’s, Games, Raffles, Payouts & Fun! • Sign up at Features in West Salem for the “Barre Bowling Blast” 608-786-9000
SPARTA LIONS CLUB – The Knight of Sight award was presented to Tim McClain at the Cabinet meeting. Pictured are (l to r): PDG Tim McClain, Lion Clark Peterson, Lions Eye Bank Rep PID Art Marson.
24 Wisconsin WisconsinLion MARCH / APRIL 2022
SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB – The Club’s January 19th meeting welcomed special guest District Governor David Strudthoff. Nancy Passehl received the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Jim Frey received a pin for being an outstanding member by going above and beyond his work with the Lions Club. The club also welcomed new member Ben Marsden. CAMP DOUGLAS LIONS CLUB – Congratulations on 50 years of service Lion Rodney Wagemson, DG David Strudthoff, PDG Ron Lauden, Lion Larry Bonner. NEW LISBON LIONS CLUB The Club observed National Diabetes month by sharing a display of information provided by District 27D2 at the New Lisbon Library. The display makes available to over 1,500 people the best and latest information on diabetes. Pictured are Lion Mary Ann Gillan, Courtney Williams of the New Lisbon Library and Lion Colleen Bolchen. The display was available during the library’s open hours in November 2021. LAKE DELTON LIONS CLUB – Gifts for up to 60 residents of Wisconsin Dells Health Services were delivered on December 15th. The Club has made this a tradition for the past four years. They reach all ages with their giving and help out seniors who may not have family around to give them a Merry Christmas. Pictured are: Lion Brandon Lukasavage (kneeling), Standing from (l to r): Lion Mike Asleson, Lion Georgine Erickson, Lion Dwight Rospiller. NORWALK LIONS CLUB – The Club celebrated it’s 70th anniversary on January 8th at the American Legion in Wilton. They donated $5,000 to Sparta Area Cancer Support. Pictured are Norwalk Lions Club President Levi Helgren along with members of the club presenting a check to SACS Co-President Gary Peterson.
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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HILLSBORO LIONS CLUB – On November 22nd, Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital & Clinics invited representatives of Lions clubs serving the communities of its clinics in Hillsboro, Wonewoc, and Elroy to familiarize them with vision screening cameras recently acquired by the hospital. The cameras were purchased by St. Joe’s thanks to a successful grant of $18,000 from Gundersen Medical Foundation. St. Joseph’s will make the cameras available to the Lions clubs to screen students in area schools. The orientation was facilitated by Dan Howard and conducted by Carrie Krueger, RN, and Katie Olson, RN, all of Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital & Clinics. The Hillsboro Lions Club is in discussion with Gundersen St. Joseph’s Hospital & Clinics on additional areas of mutual interest to serve the health and well being of the communities they serve. DESOTO LIONS CLUB – Nadine Hall is pictured with clothing and toys for the Afghan guests at Ft McCoy. Donations of winter clothes for children have been a high need in the Afghan community. It has been a cold winter for the guests and they are very appreciative of all the clothing and other items they have received. DESOTO LIONS CLUB – Fort McCoy PDGs Don and Gwen Nelson delivered the children’s clothing and toys to the staging area at Ft McCoy for the final guests to take with them as they leave. DESOTO LIONS CLUB – Myles Bohland was honored for being a Lion member for 40 years!
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Lions and Lions Clubs International offer an entire smorgasbord of courses that will both enlighten as well as educate its members. Every level of Lions, members can acquire quality training as well as insightful experiences enriching one’s taste for knowledge. LEVEL ONE: ONLINE INSTRUCTION The two primary means of acquiring online instruction from Lions are through LCI’s Lions Learning Center and USA/Canada Forum’s Lions University. Together these two online sources offer 94 (40-minute) courses ranging from Time Management, Servant Leadership to Club Officer training. Lions taking these courses can also gain certification in Servant Leadership as well as a Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degree from Lions University. These courses can be taken from the comfort of your own couch at any time of the day or night. All Governor training for 2021-2023 will be done through the means of online instruction. LEVEL TWO: FACE TO FACE Most districts offer face-to-face instruction at central locations annually to assist in the induction of newly elected officers. These sessions are normally broken up into Lions Clubs positions: President, Secretary, Tailtwister. Etc. with both experienced and newly elected members participating. These sessions allow not only for basic exchange of information, but allows Lions to get acquainted with like-minded members. Often mentor/mentee relationships are developed to help in the transition of one’s new club assignments or offices. LEVEL THREE: STATEWIDE WORKSHOPS Annually, Wisconsin Lions sponsor numerous workshops designed to enhance its members’ leadership skills. This would include but not be limited to our annual Wisconsin Lions Leadership Institute, Emerging Lions Leadership Institute as well as our quarterly District Governor Training sessions. These onsight, face-to-face learning experiences are normally free to all attendees with housing and food accommodations available at a discount. These sessions allow for more targeted as well as comprehensive leadership growth experience. LEVEL FOUR: AREA (INTERNATIONAL) WORKSHOPS Annually, Area One Lions (USA, Canada, Caribbean-English speaking Islands) offer three-day workshops at a national location. One must apply and be admitted to these three highlevel seminars: Advanced Lions Leadership Institute, Facility Development Institute, and Lions Certified Instructor Program all sponsored by LCI. These training experiences are equal to any college graduate program or corporate training experience. Graduates of these programs have universally agreed it was one of the best experiences of their lives as Lions.
HONOR ROLL! NO. NEW MEMBERS
CLUB
La Crosse (UWL) University Branch Warrens St. Joseph’s Ridge Eloy Necedah Sauk Prairie Viroqua Westby West Salem Stoddard Holman Boaz Onalaska Prairie Du Chien Mauston Coon Valley Baraboo Bangor Reedsburg
25 9 8 5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 1 1
VIROQUA LIONS CLUB – The Club made their annual $500 donation to the Viroqua Toys for Tots program. Pictured are (l to r): (first row) Jim DeLap, Ken Deaver, Wayne Sherry, Mike Bankes, and Laura Bankes. (Second row) Mark Solverson, Roger Call, Dan Crowley, Carl Lindquist, Al Peterson, and Steve Hill.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 25 Wisconsin
27-E1 NEWS
WEBSTER LIONS CLUB – President John Vandergon and five members of the Webster High School National Honor Society braved temperatures of eight below zero to help with a three-hour food distribution give away. The Club holds the food distribution every other month. Over 300 families receive boxes of assorted food items at each distribution.
CHIPPEWA FALLS LIONS CLUB – The Annual Mid-Winter Fun Night is a night of fun which includes door prizes, raffle bundle drawings, 50-50 drawings, and just plain fun. CHIPPEWA FALLS LIONS CLUB – Plastic, Plastic, and More PLASTIC. What do you do with 500 pounds of recyclable plastic? You have a bench made and donate it. The Chippewa Falls Lions Club is working on their 5th bench. Shown is the Bench Committee Chair Jeff Buckli. Lion Jeff and his group solicit businesses and individuals to donate clean reusable plastic (shopping bags, plastic wrap, and excess packing materials) to continue the project from month to month. With this project he has created a MONSTER and now he needs to keep feeding it.
district27e1.org
SPOONER-TREGO LIONS AND SHELL LAKE LIONS TEAM TOGETHER – Two clubs worked together for 3 days to ensure that 93 families had clothes, food and gifts for the holidays. Top photo: Lions John Richter, Jennifer Corbin and Marie Schuettplez of the Spooner-Trego Lions examine some of the toys that were distributed. Bottom photo: Lions Pesko, Dale Cardwell, Jeff Dunham and Dave Zeug of Shell Lake work on packaging the gifts to distribute to the families. The clubs also teamed together to collect 805 deer hides for the Lions Camp.
CLEAR LAKE LIONS CLUB – Lion Mary Mara is picking up donated snacks from Nilssen’s Market for residents and staff at Amery Memory Care, Golden Age Manor, and Willow Ridge Healthcare. SIREN LIONS CLUB – The Club held its last annual yard sale Labor Day weekend - their second biggest fundraiser after 30 plus years. Without support from Siren High School teachers, students and community members, this event wouldn’t have been possible. The Club also did vision screening for 220 elementary students at Siren Schools. 18 students were referred to have eye exams.
BOYD LIONS DONATE TO T-BALL FENCE – The Boyd Lions donated $3,000 towards the T-ball fence. Pictured are Village President, Bob Geist; Lion Dennis McQuillan; and Village Park Chairman, Sarah McQuillan. SIREN LIONS CLUB – Crooked Lake Park has been decorated for Christmas, the lights are a Lion and community event! If, in Siren stop by and enjoy them. Giving back to the community this fall, Siren High Schools, $1,900, Siren Senior Center, $5,000, Interfaith Givers of Burnett County, $2,000, Webster Library, $1,000, Village of Siren, $500, Salvation Army, $1,000
26 Wisconsin WisconsinLion MARCH / APRIL 2022
EDITOR: Barb Dulmes | 8038 223rd St. | Cadott, WI 54727 | 715-289-5280 or 715-829-4090 | barb.dulmes@gmail.com
JIM FALLS LIONS, CADOTT LIONS AND TILDEN LIONS TEAM TOGETHER – These three clubs were able to collect 930 hides to send to the Wisconsin Lions Camp. Pictured are Lions Frank Foiles and PDG Larry Bradley as they load the pallets of hides into the semi.
JIM FALLS LIONS CLUB – Over 2,200 students were screened in the Chippewa Falls School District. Pictured is PDG Larry Bradley screening one of the students in the district. Jim Falls partners with the school nurses to reach all students in the district.
BILL ANDERSON
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Plans are being finalized for the District Convention being held March 25-26 at Barker’s Island in Superior, Wisconsin. Registration forms can be found on the website under the EVENTS tab at district27e1.org. Our international guest will be John W. Youney and his partner in service Karol Kish Youney from Skowhegan, Maine. He has worked as a trial attorney for the past 41 years and is the President of Merrill, Hyde, Fortier & Youney, P.A. His experience and reputation have qualified him to serve as a court-rostered mediator, as well as a courtrostered guardian ad litem in child protection. Director Youney has been a Lion since 1975. He has held a number of offices with the association including District Governor, Campaign SightFirst II state coordinator, and GMT state coordinator. He has also served as the director as well as President of the New England Lions Council. Director Youney has presented at several DGE Regional School seminars and has served multiple times as a presenter and moderator for the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. In Winter Area Lions Spaghetti recognition of his service, he has Feed received numerous awards including Saturday, March 19 at the Winter Fire Hall, 4:30-7:00pm several International President’s • $10/adult, Children 3-12 $5 Leadership Awards, an International • Janet at 715-945-2749 President’s Award, and a number of Winter Area Lions Annual Spring International President’s Certificates Fling Car Show of Appreciation. Director Youney is Saturday, May 28, on Main Street in a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. Winter • Car Registration starts at 9am Please be prepared to give ID John • Judging all classes starts at 1pm Yourney and his wife, Lion Karol, • Steve Beining at 920-207-9666 or a warm Wisconsin welcome at our s_beining@yahoo.com convention.
FROM THE 27-E1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
Happy New Year, everyone! It’s hard to believe we’re more than half-way through winter and well into 2022. Our holiday season was very nice and hope yours was too. Since November, we’ve been less busy than in the previous months; however, in the first two weeks of December, Karen and I visited Ladysmith, Lake Wissota, Rice Lake, Jim Falls, Unity and Hawkins. We enjoy our club visits so much and always come away more inspired and with great ideas to share. Lionism is so contagious! Always so much more to do but with so many Lions out there willing to give time and resources, the progress continues and communities are bettered by our efforts. All those Hearts United in Service… Speaking of Hearts United in Service, there are two ongoing endeavors I wanted to mention involving both Lions and “those that must want to be”. (Smile.) First, one of our Pattison Park Club members, Farynn Kimmes and her husband, Joe, lost a child in 2019 due to congenital heart disease (CHD), and other complications. Kinsley, a precious, beautiful little girl was never able to leave Masonic Children’s Hospital during her short life but the remarkable legacy she, her parents, and their families have left, is vast and far-reaching. Her families have collected hundreds, if not thousands of gifts and monetary donations for other children and their families who continue to be served at Masonic Children’s in Minneapolis. They’ve delivered, literally, truckloads of items all given from the hearts of Lions and non-Lions alike. While it’s so sad that these scenarios exist, isn’t it amazing that so many hearts working together can make such a difference?
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Second, while having dinner with some Lion friends the other evening, Karen and I were made aware of a Polk/Burnett County group called “100 Women Who Care”. (There are groups throughout the nation as well.) While there are Lion members in this group, not all are, and yet, together, they empower local nonprofit groups in a very big way. At each meeting, each member donates $100 directly to a selected non-profit group and together they make quite an impact! It makes me so proud to hear of and read about all our Lions do, both inside and outside of their clubs, and the enthusiasm that is so evident in every endeavor. At the time of this writing, we’ve had no club visits in 2022 yet – clubs have canceled previously scheduled meetings due to ongoing COVID-19 concerns. We did make the Council of Governors Meeting in Wisconsin Rapids in January, I held a Cabinet Meeting in Luck on January 30th, and we attended a St Croix/Dresser gathering in late February, along with several ice fishing contests throughout our district. Lastly, just a reminder that I am still looking for a Zone chair for Region 1/Zone 1, Region 3/ Zone 2, and Region 4/Zone 1. Zone chair are part of the District Governor’s cabinet and are a liaison to the clubs in a particular zone. They relay information from cabinet meetings to their clubs, and help field questions or challenges that those clubs might have. In closing, I hope to see many of you at the E-1 Convention on March 25th and 26th at Barker’s Island Inn in Superior. We’ve got a fun and informative agenda of speakers and events. It will be a great weekend, and I hope you all can make it.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 27 Wisconsin
27-E2 NEWS
md27e2.org
Worth The Wait
ROBERTS LIONS CLUB – On December 3rd, the Santa Committee from Roberts Lions Club, the Roberts Fire and Police Department, and Roberts Royalty Peyton and Bailey, all came together to make sure children from the community received a wonderful experience. Crafts were available for each child to enjoy and make. Each child was able to make their own personal ornament, letters to Santa could be written and Cocoa with a Cop was a hit. After visiting Santa, Mrs.Claus and Santa’s Trusty Elf, each child was given a bag of treats. Once done at the Park Building the Santa Committee and Roberts Fire Department travel to the two senior housing units in town to wish all a Merry Christmas along with their own bag of treats.
Lions members who are usually at the State Convention in May cannot attend the 2021 Convention. Chuck and Kelli deserved recognition for their Leadership & Presidential awards, and IPDG Ronda would make sure they got it and announce it to the State of Wisconsin. Both were surprised when IPDG Ronda made an unannounced visit to their club meetings. Both had no idea they had been announced at the Wisconsin Lions State Convention for their awards. Yet, both were so deserving of their awards, and both accepted awards with gratitude. Although most of us do not join Lions to gain awards or recognition, it remains important to let your Lions know you appreciate, have taken notice, and want to give them awards when one is there to give. Please remember awards can come in the form of a medal, certificate, pin, money, and plaque. However, they also come in other forms, such as kind and meaningful words, gestures, cards, and little notes.
COLLECTOR’S CORNER District Convention Collectibles! BY LION REID MEYER, ELLSWORTH LIONS CLUB
It’s District Convention season – four conventions are already in the rearview mirror and six more are coming up in the next three months. These events are a great time for Lions fellowship, learning something new and having fun! District Conventions can also be a collector’s paradise! There are many items of interest associated with the convention itself – pins and/or buttons (often reflecting the annual occurrence, convention theme and sitting District Governor), special buttons recognizing firsttime attendees, badges, and convention booklets. More times than not, the visiting International Guest will have a pin or sticker to give to those Lions they interact with at the convention. And if campaigns are occurring at the convention, there will most certainly be buttons, pens and other promotional or give-away items for the collecting! Keep an eye out for pin trading at the convention and keep some extra Lions pins in your vest or on your person to trade with other Lions. While we have a new District 27-E2 pin each year, we’ve only had three District 27-E2 Convention pins – they were a 3-year series from 2004-2006 and echoed our Lions Clubs International slogan “WE SERVE”. We’ve also had numerous convention buttons starting in 1986-1987 and first-time attendee buttons starting in 2013-2014. And no District 27-E2 Convention collection would be complete without a campaign give-away from E2’s very first District Governor in 1980-1981, Lion Lynn Steglich – a keychain bottle opener! So, keep your eyes peeled and pick-up a collectible or two and they’ll serve as good reminders of the great times had at the District Convention! And if your convention collectibles need to find a new home, contact me (reidmeyer69@gmail.com) or another Lion who might enjoy them! Happy Collecting!
28 Wisconsin WisconsinLion MARCH / APRIL 2022
IPDG Ronda Bierbrauer & Roberts Lions Secretary Chuck Pizzi
IPDG Ronda Bierbrauer & Independence Lion Kelli Brave
Fall Creeks Hero, Lion Milton Kuehn Lion Milt Kuehn has been a faithful member of the Fall Creek, WI Lions Club for more than 50 years, serving from 1968 to present. He has exemplified everything the Lions Club stands for and led Fall Creek to exceptional Lionism. During his time as a Lion, he recruited 61 new members, and had perfect attendance from 1969 till 2019, when he suffered a fall preventing him from attending during his healing process. He served as President of the Fall Creek Lions Club in 1975-1976, and on the board of five District Governors starting in 1992. He has been recognized for his service with many awards, including: Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, District Growth Membership Award, Louie Gardipe 27-E2 District Award, Lion of the Year in 2010 and 2012, American Red Cross Award. Lion Milt was instrumental in several BIG projects, including raising over $57,000 for a new kitchen, concession stand, and two new pavilions for Keller Park. Lion Milt is a faithful member of Lions, a faithful Christian, and husband. When asked how he accomplished all of the wonderful things he has done, he gives credit to God and his wife DeLores. Lion Milt has been inspirational to many, serving to a high-level and pushing the club to do the same. To have success pray and SERVE more.
EDITOR:
PDG Ronda Bierbrauer | chamaca@frontiernet.net
FROM THE 27-E2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
TOM REDBIRD
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Somerset Lions Not Sitting at All Somerset is a town growing much like other small towns, with a Kwik Trip, bank, grocery store, DQ, and of course the famous Apple River for floaters. When Somerset Lions chartered, they did everything to get the 20 members needed to Charter, came in strong and then began to fade. Thanks to those members who believed in Lions and the good it meant for their community, they came back to serve. The club has tried to grow and this year has taken their club from 20 members to 32 members with a membership drive. New members are from young to old, female and male, and all walks of life. Congratulations, Somerset Lions, as you rise to new ideas, members, and serving your community.
WE ARE PROUD TO SHOW OFF OUR NEWEST MEMBERS IN MD27-E2 AND THEIR SPONSORS!
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Hello fellow Lions!!!! My, how time flies! We are halfway through the Lion year and my year as your District Governor. It has been great so far and I have been blessed with how hospitable our district clubs have been during my club visits. My wife Lion Denise and I have been able to attend multiple club visits and other district conventions. During our travels, we have had the opportunity to meet great Lions from our district and others around the state. If you have not set up your club visit yet, please reach out to me at Tredbird3@gmail.com or 715-533-4794. I look forward visiting your club and meeting your members. During the first half of the year, I have delivered the International Presidents Theme of “Service from the Heart.” I have also tried to bring new information to your club from my visits I have already completed. Sharing information from other clubs about what has been working for them and what has not seems to be a real win for our district. Too often, we find ourselves stuck in a rut and doing the same thing year in and year out. By hearing what other clubs in our district and multiple district are doing it enables us to move our clubs forward. My hope is that you have been able to get your club out and doing service in your community. Remember to report your service in MyLion as we use this information to help us update our District Governor Goals. If you have questions about the MyLion Application, please let me know , as we have district resources available to help you out. Lastly, thank you all for your continued service. We have had positive growth in membership in our district so far and if your club has been one of them, that is great. If your club is struggling, please reach out to me and let me know. I am more than willing to come meet with you and help you come up with a plan. Our district has resources to help clubs Again, thank you for all that you do and I look forward to meeting you down the road at our 37th Annual E2 District Convention March 18th-19th, being held at the Lismore Hotel. Registration is open and ready for you! GLEN HILLS LIONS CLUB – As a small community, much like other small communities, has been small in membership count. However, in the last year or so, has grown every month. At their Annual meeting in January, they invited two guests to come and see what Lions was all about. Before the induction of a new member IPDG Ronda explained the history of Lions, all that Lions does, all that Lions is a part of, and Lions accomplishments. When the induction was done, both visiting guests asked to fill out a membership application. IPDG Ronda will return to induct both of these new members and also two other members who were unable to attend the annual meeting.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 29 Wisconsin
In Memory / In Honor of…
LIONS EYE BANK DONATIONS
THOMAS AND PEGGY SELLE WILLIAM AND AMY LUCCI
NETWORK FOR GOOD - FACEBOOK
MEMORIALS
CHERYL AND ROBERT HAYS
MICHAEL BRAXTON FRAWLEY Rebecca Freeman
DICK SCHLIEWE PHILLIP AMSRUD
PEGGY JEAN RALEIGH Lorian Molitor
THOMAS KUMEROW
LINDA FREDERICK Jerry Wille
ROHAN PRADHAN
“MY DONOR” Paul Slota and Nancy Thompson
PERSONAL DONATIONS TEODORO BENITEZ
WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION DONATIONS *Donation to Birch-Sturm Fund
PAMELA RAY
MEMORIALS
MARIANNE KULL
RON ADKINS Gertrude Krebs
DONNA AND GERALD PRIEWE GLEN AND DEBRA HELMBRECHT COMMUNITY FOUNDATIONMCDERMOTT FAMILY FUND
FERN AUSTIN Dennis & Mary Dettmering PAUL AUSTIN Dennis & Mary Dettmering
MARY MCCARTNEY
JOYCE A. AYOTTE Lee & Judy Hansen
Sri & Joyce Vasudevan Adrian & Patricia Voeller
PATRICIA J. VENCKUS Christopher Venckus
BERNARD “BERNIE” BEIMEL Louis & Joan Cecil Germaine Erdmann Michael Friedel Richard Linde Sheboygan Evening Lions Club
KEITH BLEVONS David & Tracy De Angelis
EUGENE WALLSCHLAEGER Ripon Lions Club*
MARGE BUCHHOLZ Myra Schneider
DIANE WASNIEWSKI Bevent Lions Club Mike & Linda Carter Curtiss Lions Club Stephanie Dewitz Dwaine & Sue Habrat Lake Mason Lions Club Roche-A-Cri Lions Club Karla Sommer Town of Texas Lions Club Lee & Mary Vrieze Wisconsin Rapids Lioness Lions Club Wisconsin Rapids Lions Club
RICHARD BICHLER Steven & Mary Baumann Gerald Bley Jeffrey Bley Ralph & Margaret Chapman Orville Froh Donald & Carol Goeden Ruth Lorge Merlin & Mary Mueller Megan & Theodore Neitzke Plier’s Full Circle, Inc Port Washington Lions Club Charles & Marita Prendergast, Jr. James & Carol Reisimer Donald Roller Diana Schmit Ralph & Gloria Schmit David & Michele Stricker Nancy Theisen
JOYCE DEFLORIAN Coon Valley Lions Club ART FELDMAN Andy, Amy, Ellie & Goike Arlyn & Mary Turnquist JOHN FREIMUTH Mr. & Mrs. E. Mischo JANET GILBERTSON Ed & Dolores Prohaska PAP NANCY GROTHE Barbara Sealey JACK GUNDERSON Kevin Lynch
JUDITH WEBER Dwaine & Sue Habrat Lee & Mary Vrieze
HOWARD HEIMKE Myra Schneider
WINSTON L. ZEMAN West Salem Lions Club
ERNEST HELWIG Barbara Sealey
DESIGN
We have a winner! At the end of last year, we asked Wisconsin Lions to submit designs that would be used for the next series of MD27 (Wisconsin) Lions Trading Pins. We had a lot of great entries and we’re so happy to announce that we have a winner! Lion Bruce Frei of Stone Lake submitted the winning design. We’re looking forward to seeing these in their final form!
Congratulatins Lion Bruce Frei of Stone Lake! 30 Wisconsin WisconsinLion MARCH / APRIL 2022
HONORARIUMS
RUTH KETTLEWELL Greater Greenfield Lions Club
DG BILL ANDERSON Amery Lions Club Cadott Lions Club Chippewa Falls Lions Club Dresser Lions Club Jim Falls Lions Club Lake Wissota Lions Club Luck Lions Club Rice Lake Lions Club St. Croix Falls Lions Club
HELEN KLAY Jerry & Judie Zais
DONALD GROSS Tina Brooks
STEVE KNAPP Peggy Knapp
DONALD & GERTRUDE ROETS Bonnie & Randall Winterhack
ALBERT “AL” MARCHETTI Iola Lions Club
CHRISTINE SAMUELSON Margo Spitz
CHARLIE MITCHELL Kevin Lynch
RUTH SELNER Susan Selner
RONALD MUCH Thomas Arens
DAVID STRUDTHOFF La Farge Lions Club
AMANDA HICKOK De Soto Area Lions Club
MD27 STATE PIN
KEITH “SKEETER” WATERMOLEN PCC Joe & Audrey Leisgang
WENDELL HILTON Keith Hilton ROBERT KANE Hillsboro Lions Club
ROBERT NACHREINER Spring Green Lions Club CLYDE HEHLS Pamela Vonderohe JOYCE E. NELSON Ken & Eileen Stensven
LIONS PRIDE ENDOWMENT FUND DONATIONS MEMORIALS
MICHAEL “MIKE” L. PERRY Merrill Lions Club
DONNA SUBY PID Wayne & Cheryl Heiman
DONALD PLIER Donald Roller
PDG GLEN SPRINGS PID Ronal Duffe
JACK RUSCH Dennis & Mary Dettmering Hyland Lakes Lions Club
PDG DIANE WASNIEWSKI PID Ronald Duffe
ROGER RUSSELL Cadott Lions Club CHERYL SCHNEIDER PDG Dan & Sally Gaeu Wayne Sprecher
PDG MICHAEL KELLEY PID Ronald Duffe BERNARD BEIMEL Tim & Gloria Friedel PDG HERB CARLSON Nekoosa Lions Club
RICHARD SCHREUDER Paula Pomainville
BERNARD BEIMEL Mark Friedel
DELMAR SCHUH Appleton Noon Lions Club
RICHARD MARTIN SR. Kaukauna Lions Club
Congratulations! M E LV I N J O N E S BIRCH-STURM KNIGHT OF SIGHT R AY H E M P E L F E L L O W S TIM TRIANTAFILLOU Melvin Jones Grafton (A2)
TIM DYER Melvin Jones New Holstein (B1)
AL DEPIES Melvin Jones New Holstein (B1)
SUE LEE Melvin Jones Appleton Noon (B1)
HERBIE SCHREINER Melvin Jones New Holstein (B1)
BOB SIMON Melvin Jones Appleton Noon (B1)
CHERYL BERNAL Melvin Jones Rothschild Weston (C1)
HELEN KUKLINSKI Melvin Jones Bevent (C1)
LAURA & BOB BERTCH Melvin Jones Boulder Junction (C2)
DAN MARSHALL Melvin Jones Stoughton (D1)
JULIE NYGAARD Melvin Jones Stoughton (D1)
NANCY PASSEHL Melvin Jones Sauk Prairie (D2)
LINDA NELSON Birch-Sturm Pittsville (C1)
JIM THOMPSON Birch-Sturm Rothschild Weston (C1)
PATRICIA WITKOWSKI Birch-Sturm Bevent (C1)
KACEY NIENSTEDT Knight of Sight Hartford (A2)
AWARD A MELVIN JONES FELLOWSHIP AND AID IN DISASTER RELIEF
CAROLYN COX Knight of Sight Appleton Noon (B1)
SHARRON HUSS Knight of Sight Appleton Noon (B1)
Just two weeks after Madagascar was struck by Cyclone Ana, Cyclone Batsirai slammed into the southeastern coastline of the island, bringing torrential rain, flooding, and high winds that devastated entire villages. At least 120 people were killed, 124,000 people’s homes were damaged or destroyed, and 30,000 people remain displaced. With 100% of donations going towards grants and programs, LCIF empowers the compassionate service of Lions and those who need our help. Although those benefiting from your support may never know of your generosity, Lions Clubs International Foundation and our beneficiaries are grateful for your support. The Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) is the backbone of our foundation. Presented to those who donate $1,000 to LCIF or to people for whom a donation was made by others, it’s a tremendous contribution to humanity and to the legacy of our founder, Melvin Jones. Contributions for the MJF can be made by individuals (including non-Lions), clubs or districts. Donations may be in one sum or in installments. Melvin Jones Fellows receive a special lapel pin, a plaque and a congratulatory letter.
TIM MCCLAIN Knight of Sight (D2)
LINDA CARTER Ray Hempel Bevent (C2)
For further Melvin Jones Fellowship contributions or inquiries, contact Donor Services at 630-203-3836 or DonorAssistance@lionsclubs.org.
MARCH / APRIL 2022
WisconsinLion 31 Wisconsin
A Weekend That Will Not Be Forgotten at The Emerging Lions Institute BY IPCC GERI SCHLENDER
Emerging Lions Institute was held on February 4th, 5th and 6th at Lions Camp in Rosholt. Twenty-six energetic Lions from eight Districts in MD 27 attended 3 full days of seminars, comradery, learning, sharing and fun. They were joined by an outstanding faculty, PID Connie LeCleir-Meyer, PCC Evett Hartvig, DG David Strudthoff and Wisconsin’s Endorsed Candidate for International Director, PDG Lee Vrieze. The attendees experienced Lions Camp, some for the first time, and enjoyed staying in Pinewood Lodge and having breakfast and dinner in the Dining Hall just like our summer campers. Some Lions even found time to shop at the Trading Post. Prior to the Institute the participants were sent pre-assignments that would provide the foundation for their learning during some of the sessions. Emerging Lions Institute is designed to focus building your leadership skills and knowledge of Lionism. From the moment attendees arrived they were immersed in Lionism and by the time they left they had made life-long friends and their enthusiasm for making a difference was extremely high. I believe it truly was a weekend that will not be forgotten. The topics/sessions included; Lions: Past, Present & Future, Change Management, Supporting Lions Teams, Communication, Conducting Effective Meetings, Diversity, Lions Mentoring Program, Creative Thinking, LCIF, and Ensuring Club Success.
Participants who stayed in Pinewood Lodge Closing with some comments from Lions who participated in ELLI. “This was great training, The instructors were all so engaging and obviously truly care about creating new, great leaders in the Lions organization. Thank You.” “I plan to share ideas with my club and develop new mentors and leaders.” “I plan to implement what I learned when I become President. Until then, as part of the club’s leadership team, I will share what I learned with my club.” “The leadership/teaching team did an awesome job. They were very knowledgeable and fun, and I look forward to more trainings.” Every Lion was awarded a certificate to recognize their completion of the 2021-2022 Emerging Lions Leadership Institute in recognition of their dedication to leadership excellence. It was signed by International President Douglas Alexander. They also received a pin indicating their participation in ELLI. The MD GLT Team is confident the participants will achieve their Leadership goals. They are available to encourage and assist.
All the participants and faculty
Groups of Lions delivering their presentations to everyone
PID Connie LeCleir-Meyer
DG David Strudthoff, Lion Matt Waltz PCC Evett Hartvig, presenting
32 Wisconsin WisconsinLion MARCH / APRIL 2022
DG David Strudthoff Endorsed ID Candidate, PDG Lee Vrieze presenting
Lion Greg Fox presenting