Fredonia Lions Club 2022 Peace Poster Contest Winners

PHOTO BY SAM ARNDT, OZAUKEE PRESS

For over three decades, Lions Clubs around the globe have been sponsoring a very special art contest in schools and youth groups. Creating Peace Posters gives children everywhere the chance to express their visions of peace and inspire the world through art and creativity. The theme for the 2022-23 Lions International Peace Poster Contest was “Lead with Compassion.”

Each student was awarded a cash prize from the Fredonia Lions. The Fredonia Lions thank Art Instructor Nathan Kilp for organizing, instructing and coordinating the International Lions Peace Poster contest at Northern Ozaukee Middle School.

Posters entered in 2022 were prominently displayed in the Ozaukee High School Fine Arts Lobby during December. The First Place poster will be entered in the Wisconsin Lions District 27A2 Contest.

Building and Grounds Supervisor Jason Caswell, Lions Chris Jante and Frank Peterson with the new AED that the Fredonia Lions donated to the NOSD. Photo by Sam Arendt-Ozaukee Press.

Club making plans for the upcoming year.

FROM THE 27-A2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

BERT FREEMAN

lionsubway206@gmail.com

608-733-1801

“The starting place for your greatness is desire. The desire to succeed, to serve others, to keep on going no matter what...”

The need for new members has never been greater. This is the time to reach out to friends, family member, or community leader. In order to cultivate new members, we need to be patient, suggest the potential new member attend a club meeting, join a service project, and show the value of being a Lion. It is called “Plant the Seed” We already have all the tools in the shed, put them to good use and reap a bountiful harvest of new members. All it takes is to ask.

DGE Brenda Rumppe is forming her 2023-24 District Cabinet and is always on the lookout for new and exciting district leaders to join her team. Barring something unforeseen, your 2023-24 District Leaders will be Allenton Lions, Brenda Rumppe as your incoming District Governor, Columbus Lions, Deb Freeman as first Vice District Governor, and your 2nd Vice District Governor, Grafton Lions, Slava Krol. I am excited for the future of our district, as our district leadership pipeline has many qualified leaders and I expect great things from our Governor Team and District Cabinet.

On another subject… At the January 21st meeting of the Council of Governors, a resolution was unanimously approved for a vote to decide the future of the paper copy of the Wisconsin Lions Newspaper at this years state convention, May 11-13 in Stevens Point. Only those attending will be eligible to decide on the future of our state’s bi-monthly paper. How did we get to this point? Rising paper costs, manufacturing costs, and postal increases for our periodical. So make sure you attend, make your voice heard and go to the ballot box and vote. PLEASE VOTE

Lastly, ACRONYMS. At our Council of Governors meeting, I notice a couple of 27A2 district leaders viewing via zoom. The next day, after the COG meeting (Council of Governors) I called and ask their thoughts on the meeting and what was discussed. The reply, it was great, EXCEPT, we could not follow everything because many times the speaker would use acronyms and we got lost as to who they were talking about. Lesson learned. When discussing Lions, consider who you are talking to and their level of Lions knowledge. Especially when recruiting new members or seeking to fill the district leadership pipeline.

“I meant what I said, and said what I meant”

CHILTON LIONS CLUB – For several years, the Club has matched the funds raised by Chilton Middle School students to purchase Christmas gifts for teenagers in the community. This year, the students broke a record raising $4,000 that was matched by the Chilton Lions Club. The students also raised money through a Go Fund Me drive to accumulate nearly $10,000. The students shop for the gifts as well. Shown presenting the $4,000 matching donation to middle school student council representatives is Chilton Lions President Rick Jaeckels

NEW HOLSTEIN LEOS CLUB –

The Husky Hands & Heart Leos Club delivered toys to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin-Neenah. The toys were delivered in early December for distribution to pediatric hospital patients at Christmas.

Maryn Van Zon from the Rosendale-Brandon Intermediate School was chosen as the Multiple District Peace Poster winner. Along with a district check, she also received a check from the State Lions for $100. Her Peace Poster was sent to Oak Brook, IL for the international competition.

ATTENTION: From 27B1 District Convention Committee

CHILTON LIONS CLUB – The Club supported the 39th Thanksgiving Day Express. Members and volunteers from the community gathered at the Chilton Eagles Club to prepare and distribute 437 bountiful meals on Thanksgiving Day morning to individuals and families in Calumet County and surrounding areas. Many members from the community donated pumpkin pies, and the Chilton Lions Club coordinated the hot and cold meal packaging. The area local fire departments did meal deliveries. The group’s motto is “A Warm Meal and a Kind Word.”

Congratulations to the newly elected Lions: PDG Fred Gebhart, WLF Director; Roxanne Wendt, Second Vice District Governor Elect; Greg Kubichka, District Governor Elect; Dave Brinkman, District Governor; Dave Holschbach, First Vice District Governor Elect; PDG Jerry Post, Cabinet Treasurer. Thank you for your service!

KIEL LIONS CLUB – Club members built a handicap ramp for a local resident. They had the help of the Kiel High School shop class to cut the raw lumber to size for fabrication.

November 10 & 11, 2023

Change in Venue for 27B1 Convention: New locationRadisson Hotel & Conference Center, 625 W. Rolling Meadows Dr., Fond du Lac

• Watch for convention packets and more details coming soon.

• Early questions, contact Convention Committee or Convention Chair PDG Tom Wendt.

Send your District Calendar additions to lionsof27b1@gmail.com

ST PETER LIONS CLUB – The Club will be holding a BRAT FRY on May 6, 2023 at W3727 Hwy WH, Malone, WI. The picture is from the 2022 Brat Fry.

HOWARDS GROVE LIONS CLUB –In December 2022, members filled sand pails for the residents of Howards Grove. The pails are distributed free of charge at two banks, one credit union and the Piggly Wiggly in Howards Grove. The local Boy Scout troop helped out with this annual project.

MISHICOT LIONS CLUB – Myrna

Kraynik shared her story about being a Leader Dog trainer with the Club. She is currently training her 12th leader dog Elsie. She receives the dogs as puppies and it takes 14 months to properly train a dog. Myrna volunteers her time as a trainer and pays for Elsie’s food, vet bills, and additional expenses.

VAN DYNE LIONS

CLUB – The annual Christmas Party was held for club members and spouses. They were entertained by comedian Lee Lycan but the highlight of the evening was when the “Van Dyne Sisters” came out and sang a couple of songs from the movie Sister Act. Pictured are the “Van Dyne Sisters” with PDG Gary Silah, PDG Fred Gebhart, 1st vice DG Dave Holschbach, PDG Thomas Wendt.

WINNEBAGO EAST

SHORE LIONS CLUB –

On January 20th, members helped out community member Dwight Sattler of Pipe by building and installing a ramp in his garage. Pictured (l to r): Dwight, and WESL members Val Thome , Dick Schroeder , Dick Fuhrmann , Gary Roehrig , Paul Merten , Joe Bord , and Tony Pauly .

SHERWOOD

LIONS CLUB –District Governor Dave Brinkman had the honor of inducting five new members into the Club. They are from left to right Lions Ted Stumpf, Rodger Kaser, Cheryl Rietveld, Dan Meyerhofer, and Nick Schmieder

FROM THE 27-B1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

DAVE BRINKMAN

brinkdav@yahoo.com

920-344-2585

District Governor

Hello, Lions of District 27 B1! I hope you had a chance to attend your zone meetings to listen to some ideas about member retention and how to recruit new members. Watch for the results of the District Membership Challenge Award at the end of March. At the District Cabinet meeting at the end of January, I put out that I would come to your club and induct any new members you bring into your club, so give me a call or email me at the above contact information if you would like me to do it.

The next couple of months you should be working on the nominations and elections for your club officers for the 2023-2024 year. Lions International is going to put in place a new MyLCI/My Lion so it is extremely important to get your new club officers into MyLCI as soon as possible. The new system is supposed to be active sometime in July 2023. As of this printing, we don’t have a schedule yet for training on the new system. Please be sure to update your club member’s email addresses and phone numbers because it will be your email address that’s the key to getting into the new system.

We have started the process of preparing to conduct club officer workshops sometime starting in May. I have heard some club officers say that they don’t need the training, but I can assure you that even if you have been a club secretary for 30 years, you will learn something new. You do not need to be a club officer to attend. Any Lion showing a desire to learn something new should sign up. We will provide lunch, and you can get some mileage reimbursement.

Finally, there are still several months to go to qualify for a Club Excellence Award. Meeting the criteria allows the club to get a distinctive patch for your club banner and the club president gets a pin. Nice to put that feather in your cap. Look for more information from the District. If you would like me to install your 2023-2024 club officers, please let me know so I can get your club scheduled. Thanks for all you do!

MARIBEL LIONS CLUB – A successful 2022 was completed with their annual Christmas Party December 20th. Pictured: President Kevin Habeck and wife Mistine, along with VDG Dave Holsbach.

SHEBOYGAN NOON LIONS CLUB – The Club participated in the Salvation Army’s Adopt a Family Christmas project. On the right is Jane Marotz from the Salvation Army and on the left is Pam Oehldrich of the Sheboygan Noon Lions Club.

WAYMORR LIONS CLUB –On Saturday, April 8th, the Club will hold their annual free CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT at Brown County WayMorr Park. Registration starts at 9AM. It is free to children 10 years old and younger. Children are asked to bring their own baskets/pails/bags to collect plastic eggs. They will also receive a treat bag. Pictured from last year’s event: Lion Marjorie Fritsch and Lion Lori McGuire.

HOWARD-SUAMICO, BELLEVUE AND ASHWAUBENON LIONS

CLUBS – Three local Lions Clubs worked together this fall to complete a ramp project in Bellevue. Pictured are Lions Art Becker, Bob Taicher, Dale Jensen, Dan Deruyter, Jerry De Beck, Bob Kropp, Kevin Sellen, Ron Schmidt and John Myers.

STURGEON BAY LIONS CLUB –

The "Dinner with Santa" event on December 3rd at Corpus Christi Social Hall. Children frosted cookies and decorated their own stocking plus face painting, tattoos, a holiday cornhole game, all kinds of crafts, writing a letter to Santa and a visit with Santa himself. The High School Band entertained around 200 people.

MARINETTE LIONS CLUB –

$7,500 was donated to the all volunteer Emergency Rescue Squad, Inc. as part of their 75th anniversary on October 2. Presenting the check are Lions Mike Martin and Al Oscarson, while accepting the check is Greg Loll of the Emergency Rescue Squad.

PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB

– A Feeding America Mobile Food

Pantry was held on January 19th in Menominee at the YMCA. Peshtigo Lions were there to lend a hand. Food was distributed via a drive-through process and people started lining up at 6am for the food. A mobile food pantry contains 15,000 pounds of food sent on a truck in order to provide food for 300 households in need, on a first-come, firstserved basis. Due to inclement weather, the number of families present to receive food was less than anticipated, resulting in leftover food. The leftover food was donated to the Peshtigo Food Pantry, St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry, and the Salvation Army. Pictured are Lions Tom Gryzwa

Rhonda McClain, Dale Edlbeck, Ty Doemel, Terry Gardon, Paul McClain. Second row: Lions Steve Peterich and Major Joshua Stansbury. Kneeling in the front row is Salvation Army volunteer King Chris.

REGIONAL LIONS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE – Three (3) Lions from 27-B2 attended and completed the Regional Lions Leadership Institute at Lions Camp the weekend of January 13-15. A total of 19 Lions from around the state attended this important training. Pictured are Mike Milbach, Grand Chute Lions, Marcia Connery, Bellevue Lions and Theresa and Stewart Fett, Sturgeon Bay Lions.

MARINETTE LIONS CLUB – On October 4, Al Oscarson received special recognition for 50 years of service with the Marinette Lions Club. Next to Al is Mike Martin, who also recently celebrated 50 years of Lionism. Combined, these two Lions have more than a century of service among them.

MARINETTE LIONS CLUB

– Treasurer Kent Kostelecky presented a check for $500 to Stephanie Mitchell Edge, Chairperson of Shop with a Cop. The program gives children the chance to bring presents home for Christmas and have a positive interaction with a law enforcement officer.

NIAGARA LIONS CLUB – A

$1,000 donation was presented to Karen’s Pantry to help families in need in the Niagara area.

Pictured are Lions Director Steve McMillan, Karen’s Pantry Director Teresa DePas, Lions Treasurer Dan Decker, and Lions President Glenn Lantagne. Photo by Michelle Garrett.

Crooked Lake Lions Club

–

The Volunteer Fire Dept received a grant from the DNR to purchase a UTV that can be used for wildland fires. The Grindle Lake Association donated $1,275; the Crooked Lake/Mountain Lions Club donated $1,000 and the Crooked Lake Ladies Auxiliary donated $1,000. Pictured are Fireman Cadet Jerry Milquet, Captain Dave Voss, Jerry Yaedtke representing the Lake Association, Assistant Fire Chief Jamie Tilkens, Jim Zittlow representing the Lions Club, Cassie Zittlow representing the Ladies Auxiliary and Fire Chief Jon Kleuskens

Oconto Falls Lioness Lions

CLUB – President, Stephanie Holman presented a check to provide meals to those in need to the Director of Nurse's Nook, Emily Macha. The Club also made a $1,250 donation to Abrams Spotlight Productions, Inc. (ASPI), a local theater in need of repairs. Pictured are President, Stephanie Holman and ASPI rep, Bill Koehne

FROM THE 27-B2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

JOHN REIL

lionjohnr27b2@gmail.com

920-759-1388

District Governor

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for all of the hard work you have been doing over these past few months. I am just over the halfway point of my Governorship, and it has been an amazing experience and that is all because of you. I will be attending the International Convention in Boston in July and that is where my term as your Governor will sadly come to an end. With all of this said, I still want to visit your club and meet all your members, so PLEASE invite me to visit your club or even one of your service projects. My contact information is at the top of this article. I also would like to inform everyone that the State Convention is being held in Stevens Point on May 11th – 13th @ the Holiday Inn & Convention Center. Check out the website for more information.

I put out a membership challenge to all clubs and this is what that challenge is. The club that brings in the most new members over the course of my year as Governor from July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2023, will receive a cookout for your club members. I will supply all the food and do all the cooking. This will be based on a percentage scale taken from my last Health Assessment report that I will receive from Lions International. So, do your best to grow your club and bring in new members.

The new website, “Lion Portal” is do to be released in the July time frame. Club Secretaries, please review your club members contact information is up to date before the transition happens. Please get your new Officers nominated, elected, and entered before the transition as well.

DOOR COUNTY LIONS CLUBS – The Door County Lions Clubs from Egg Harbor, Forestville-Maplewood, Brussels and Sturgeon Bay assisted with vision screenings in ten Door County schools this year, screening approximately 2100 students. Referrals to seek further testing with an optometrist were made for 149 students. Three Egg Harbor Lions Club members: Duane Bavlnka, Claire Murphy, and James Sanden and five Sturgeon Bay Lion Club members: Don Ziegelbauer, Rob Herland, Stewart Fett, Theresa Fett and Steve Heinz participated in vision screening at TJ Walker Middle School and Sturgeon Bay High School where the club members tested 220 students.

There is an Officer Workshop coming up on May 24th at the Clintonville Christus Lutheran Church – 120 N Main St. from 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm. You do not have to be an officer to go to the workshop, any club member that wants to pursue a leadership position in their club can go. I strongly advise all current and incoming officers to attend this workshop. I guarantee it will be time well spent. Please sign up for this workshop. If you want to attend this workshop, contact PCC Geri Schlender – gss@frontiernet.net.

Be thinking about the Club Excellence Award for your club and fill out an application and send it to me. You have time to do this so don’t pass up the chance to receive this recognition for your club.

“There’s Power in Our Service”

WABENO LIONS CLUB – On Saturday, December 17th, a festive group of 17 warmly dressed Lions climbed aboard a decorated “people hauler” driven by Lion Paul Ehlinger and braved the cold to entertain the citizens of Wabeno with Christmas carols. Santa and the Lions handed out 50 gift bags of candy and cookies along the way. The chilly carolers warmed up and enjoyed pizza at the Wildcat Den. Both a wonderful time and excellent companionship were enjoyed by all. It was definitely, “A Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

BRUSSELS LIONS CLUB – The Club held their first ever Classroom Cash program for teachers at the Southern Door Schools. Teachers were asked to fill out an application to answer the question “What would you do with $200 to benefit your classroom or students”, and “How many people would it benefit?” Four lucky winners were surprised with $200 checks in front of their students. We hope to expand the program to present even more grants next year.

EDGAR LIONS CLUB – Joe

Heil, an active businessman and strong supporter of events in the Edgar Community, is presented with the 2022 Edgar Citizen of the Year plaque from Lions president Cathy Schueller

Joe is Lieutenant of the Edgar Volunteer EMT/Fire Dept and also a past president and member of the Wisconsin Ginseng Board, Marathon County Farm Bureau, Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce and American Herbal Products Association. He is in the Alumni FFA and has hosted their June Dairy Breakfast. He recently retired after 25 years as a WIAA State wrestling official and rules interpreter. Joe was previously selected for the Edgar High School Alumni Hall of Fame.

ABBOTSFORD LIONS CLUB –Abbotsford High School senior Adriana Rivera has been named the Abbotsford Lions Club Student of the Quarter for the second quarter of the 2022-23 school year.

EASTON WHITE CREEK LIONS CLUB – The Club would like to thank everyone that came and helped put the Christmas baskets together. Each year they put together 50 boxes with a ham and fruit and miscellaneous items and deliver them to the elderly in our area. They really appreciate this gesture and members love doing it. Thank you to all that support us so we can do these amazing things!

NEILLSVILLE LIONS CLUB –

Thanks to the Backaus Family for providing three generations to Lionism. Pictured are Eric, Richard and Bryce Backaus. Your support of Lions projects and programs and improvements for the Neillsville community is greatly appreciated.

DORCHESTER LIONS CLUB –

Clayton Blasel is the scholarship winner. Pictured: Lion Richard Bartnik, Clayton Blasel, Lion Sheala Pinter

BERLIN-HAMBURG TOWNSHIP & AREA LIONS CLUB – Chevron Award 15 years of Service was presented to Lion Roger Nofsinger

RIB MOUNTAIN LIONS CLUB –

The Club was represented at the State Lions Bonspiel in Medford. There were 30 teams participating. Mia and Jerry Husnick, Rhonda Jensen and Sheryl Babl did not bring home a trophy, but they had fun competing.

DORCHESTER LIONS CLUB –The Club’s newest member, Mary Kunze! Pictured: DG Phil Hollis, Lion Mary Kunze, Lion Sheala Pinter.

BERLIN-HAMBURG TOWNSHIP & AREA LIONS CLUB – Lion Bonnie Lange received the Lion of the Year Award.

This is Elias and he’s from Germany. He will be spending a few weeks with our family this summer (arrive the end of July and depart about August 23). This will be our 4th summer hosting through the Lions Youth Exchange program. Lions Youth Exchange also helps American youth, ages 16-22, with trips abroad. Please contact Sheryl Babl for more information at 715-581-3082, or sheryelizabethz@gmail.com

ROCHE A CRI LIONS CLUB –“Valentines for Veterans”. Thanks to Geneva, Lions Joyce, Nancy, Sue, Bonny and Cheri who signed 120 cards for this service project. The cards go to three different Veterans Homes. With gratitude from Roche A Cri Lions.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS LIONESS/ LIONS CLUB – In the picture is Lioness Vicki Lohr and Lion John Slattery. The Club has been doing vision screening since September of 2022 through January 25th and more schools are scheduled. They have screened 1,979 students, 199 referrals (10% of total screened) so 1,780 passed. The number of volunteers is nine Lioness, seven Lions and two volunteers. 28 hours of screening. It is good to be back in the schools.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS LIONESS/ LIONS CLUB – Ten tie blankets were made to donate for WRPS Caring Closet. Caring Closet helps families in need. The Lions also helped in tying. Natalie Leroy in charge of Caring Closet is in picture with Lioness Mari Austin, Lioness Vicki Lohr, and Lioness Sharon Panzer were present for donation. The Club had fun making these beautiful blankets for children for a warm cozy feeling of some comfort!

WISCONSIN RAPIDS

LIONESS/LIONS

CLUB – Lion Kandis and LD TimTam came to visit our club. What an amazing story! If you want her to come to your club and give a presentation about her path to getting a leader dog, call, cell- 608-403-2236.

PORT EDWARDS

LIONS CLUB –The Club welcomed a new member Dwayne Malcolm at a recent meeting. Pictured is District Governor Phil Hollis leading the swearingin ceremony for Lion Dwayne. Taking part is Lion Dwayne’s sponsor, Lion Max Ayres

FROM THE 27-C1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

PHILLIP HOLLIS

lionphilhollis@gmail.com

715-460-4831

Hello Lions,

District Governor

This is the time that we should be thinking about our fundraising and service projects that we, as Lions, want to do in the spring and summer. Some clubs have traditional projects they do every year. These are very successful. Now would be a time to also come up with a new one. Pull in your club’s new members or members that usually are quiet and reserved. Ask them for ideas. When we try new things, it can help refill our tank, to remind us why we are Lions. Go out to the community. Find out what is needed and how your club can help. Make your clubs visible to the community, show them the value that the Lions can bring to them.

Being a Lion in your community means that you are a Leader With A Heart. When you lead with a heart, you can’t go wrong. As community members see what your club is doing and the services your club provides, you will find that more people will want to join you. They will want to be part of something that is bigger than themselves.

As Lions, we have many opportunities to give away the profits we make at fundraisers. We have The Wisconsin Lions Foundation (WLF), Leader Dog, Eye Sight, Lions Club International Foundation(LCIF), and many others. One thing to know is that when your club donates to these causes, 100 percent goes to grants and to the programs your club specifies. Recently the earthquake in Turkey triggered a 200,000-dollar overnight LCIF grant to help with the recovery efforts. Many towns right here in Wisconsin have received disaster grants. Wisconsin has received more money than it has donated. We, as Lions, have always had the heart to serve and give to community projects that need the funds.

I am proud to be a Lion. The joy I get from serving next to all of you in service projects and fundraisers always refills my tank. Please contact me with fundraisers, service projects, and club visits you would like me to attend. LionPhilHollis@gmail.com or 715-460-4831.

SAVE THE DATE!

Port Edwards Lions Club

Pancake Brunch

March 12th, 8am - 12pm

Port Edwards High School

Cafeteria

• All you can eat!

Buttermilk, cranberry, and chocolate chip pancakes. Scrambled eggs, sausage, apple sauce, and beverages.

• Adults - $8.00

Children - 3yrs-10yrs $5.00

PHELPS LAND O’LAKES LIONS CLUB – $500 was recently donated to the Warm the Children Program. Pictured are (l to r): Warm the Children Program representative Chris Boone , Lion Rollie Alger , Lion Steve Chandler , and Lion Brian Blank .

PHELPS LAND O’LAKES LIONS CLUB – The Club recently donated $2,000 to the Headwaters Food Pantry in Land O’Lakes. Pictured are (l to r): President of the food pantry Paul Schefell, Lion Rollie Alger; Lion Steve Chandler; and Lion Brian Blank.

BOULDER JUNCTION LIONS

PHELPS LAND O’LAKES LIONS CLUB – $1,000 was recently donated to the FORK program (Feed Our Rural Kids). Pictured are (l to r): Lion Rollie Alger , FORK representative Perry Pokrandt , Lion Steve Chandler ; and Lion Brian Blank .

IRON RIVER LIONS CLUB – Six new members were welcomed at the December 2022 meeting. New members, pictured are (l to r): Nancy Sauer, Terri Hollingsworth, Warren Beede, Jaydee Beede, Rosemary Dreessen, and David Ciembronowicz.

CLUB – A generous donation of $2,000 was given to the Boulder Junction Public Library for the purchase of new materials for the visually challenged. The money will be used to purchase large print books, which help patrons with visual impairment read books without any adaptive technology. These materials are quite expensive for the library, making it hard to afford to purchase enough to keep up with patron demand within the current operating budget. The Lions Club donation will allow the library to expand this collection to satisfy more library patrons and fulfill a need in our community. Pictured are (l to r): Library Board President Ellen Murphy Blank, Lions President Wendi Neupert, and Library Director Cherie Sanderson.

WINCHESTER LIONS CLUB –President Nancy Johnson (left) and Lions Board members Ed and Jean Sattersten (middle) present a check for $1,500 to Town of Winchester Supervisor Jeff Whitney (right). The funds will be used for landscaping at the town hall and holiday lights on the trees near the town garage.

MANITOWISH WATERS LIONS CLUB – A donation of $500 each was made to three Lakeland Union High School students. For the past four years, eight area high schools have been raising money toward the goal of $200,000 to send 400 band members to march in the annual Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California which took place on January 2nd. The band played “Beautiful Wisconsin” which was arranged by Mike Leckrone, the retired director of the UW Marching Band.

FROM THE 27-C2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Bob Bertch

bobbertch22@gmail.com

715-892-2366

District Governor

The New Year has begun, and we are excited to be working hard with the Boulder Junction Lions Club which is the host club for our upcoming convention on April 14-15, 2023. Our convention promises to be one of the best with vision screening certification Friday afternoon, live entertainment on Friday night (come dressed as fisherman as we CAST LINES FOR LIONS), great food and fun.

Saturday is lined up with great seminars to include Strides Walk, Service of Remembrance, Servant Leadership, Leader Dog, Lions Camp, Lions Training Workshop, Wisconsin State Gambling, Eye Bank, LCIF Presentation, and a District Service project. PID Bob Block will be our speaker at lunch and dinner as we enjoy some great food from the Lake of the Torches Resort and Casino. The hotel has the rooms blocked for us for $80 a night. The rooms can be booked anytime but make sure you mention our Lions Block of rooms. Call 715-588-7070 to reserve.

The WLF Eyeglass trailer will there so bring your glasses, ink cartridges, cell phone, etc. Plus, the Lions Mission truck for the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation will also be there for usable household items, clothing, boots, gloves, and baby clothes. Please come and enjoy the convention. If you have questions, please give me a call at 715-892-2366.

I sent out a membership challenge for clubs to add at least two positive members to their club before June 30, 2023. So far, several clubs have accepted the challenge and have added members. I hope all of our clubs can take the challenge and add members for this year to help our clubs grow. Let’s Make 2023 the best year ever for our District. TOGETHER WE CAN…TOGETHER WE WILL!

SOUTH SHORE LIONS CLUB –$500 was donated to the Memorial Medical Center Cardiac Rehab in Ashland, Wisconsin. The donation goes into a Benevolent Fund to help others to get Cardiac Rehab sessions due to expenses to get to and from the facility.

Pictured are (l to r): Cardiac Rehab RN Dani Tutor, Lion Barb Rebak, and Cardiac Rehab RN Lief Wallin

ST. GERMAIN NORTHWOODS LIONS CLUB – partnered with Trees for Tomorrow to bring a Holiday Wreath Clinic to Saint Germain in November as a community service project. They offered the program to anyone that wanted to make their own Holiday wreath. They had another community service project in December when they partnered with the Parks and Recreation Department for a Breakfast with Santa. The Lions helped the children write letters to Santa. Then they answered the letters and mailed the reply to the children from Santa.

AVOCA-BLUE RIVER-MUSCODA LIONS

CLUB – The Club sponsored an eye screening event for the local Riverdale School students. The Club covered the elementary grades along with the 7th and 8th grades. The Club was aided by the Dodgeville Lions who supplied the expertise and the scanner itself. Plans are to do a fall screening so if a student needs glasses they can get them at the start of the school year. We continue to follow the mission of “Knights of the Blind” set forth by Lions International and Helen Keller in 1925 by serving our communities. Pictured are Lions Mike and Carolyn Tiber screening a student.

LAKE WISCONSIN LIONS CLUB – The 32nd Annual Eskimo Open—“Golf on the Ice” fundraiser was so much fun!! In 2022, Club members were distributing food, doing children’s eye screenings and had several Red Cross blood drives. Fun was also had by all at the Halloween fun day with kids with our very own “Lion” Mike—he CAN roar!!

MT HOREB LIONS CLUB – We delivered our 2nd Nex Trex bench today! Check it out in front of Miller's and Sons supermarket. AND..We are well on our way to bench #3. Seated is Lion Bob Faliveno

The

MCFARLAND LIONESS/LIONS CLUB –

The Club held several successful fundraising events in November and December. Events included a record-breaking poinsettia sale, a bake sale at the McFarland High School local community vendor craft and gift sale and the Club’s annual holiday auction. Despite a three year absence due to the pandemic and a smaller club membership, the holiday auction came roaring back netting over $3200. (Fun fact: When the auction first started in 1978/79 it raised around $400!)

CROSS

– December brings to a close the month our club provides transport service for the Lions Eye Bank. This past month we completed 28 transports either bringing corneas to the Eye Bank to be evaluated or taking them to the next stop for delivery to a hospital for surgery! In this photo, Doc Esser and Mike Kalvin are making a pickup from the Eye Bank for delivery “We deliver today so someone can see tomorrow!”

MESSAGE FROM 27-D1 WLF DIRECTORS JOHN ELVEKROG AND JIM FLETCHER

It's time to get information out to you about applications to the camp sessions this coming summer. Also, please share with your members about the need for staffing at the sessions. These are great opportunities for college students to gain valuable experiences. The camp director is planning to have full sessions this year so full staffing is essential to make that happen. Thank you for all you do for your communities.

FROM THE 27-D1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Alan Johnson

aj542012@gmail.com

608-513-4984

Hello, 27-D1 Lions.

The Lions’ year is halfway over. “Sharing the service” is the theme. The first half has gone very fast. Thank you for your service. During the next six months we have many opportunities to share service at Club, zone, district convention, state convention, and officer training.

Please consider holding officer elections by April 15. Reporting the changes quickly helps the GLT coordinator to invite them to training. There will be new changes to the Lions website. We hope to share with you some of those changes during that training.

Please consider coming to the district convention. The Friday event will include a presentation by The Mustard Museum with music by Lion Chuck Wilson. We will be doing service projects in the afternoon on Saturday and have added a murder mystery to entertain you at the evening Banquet. Registration is on the website.

The state Lions convention will be held May 11 to 13 in Stevens Point this year. Lions across the state will be asked to vote for a paperprinted Wisconsin Lion newspaper or a digital copy only. There is a meal being planned at the Lions Camp Thursday evening in Rosholt. Zone chairs will be scheduling meetings. Hope to see you at some of these meetings.

I continue to schedule club visits. If you would like me to attend, please contact me at (aj452012@gmail.com) or 608-513-4984.

TOGETHER WE CAN, TOGETHER WE WILL

LAKE WISCONSIN LIONS CLUB – Fun and games happened at the 32nd Eskimo Open held by the Lake Wisconsin Lions Club Feb 18. This year's event on Lake Wisconsin brought about 1300 participants for the Club fundraiser. Players golfed a 9-hole course on the ice and snow, using a tennis ball to land in a hole in the ice. The event also featured raffles all during the day.

MONTICELLO LIONS CLUB – Scholarship checks were presented to seven graduating seniors of 2022 by Club President Troy Pettis and Lion Linn Lederman. They each received a $700 check. Recipients are Nicole Lehr, Katelyn Eyler, Hannah Clark, Ivan Guenther and Seth Culberson. Missing were Matthew Collins and Breanna McCoy

MOUNT HOREB LIONS CLUB

– PDG Bob Faliveno screens the eyes of a youngster as part of the club’s vision screening. The Lions screened 104 kids which resulted in four referrals.

LANCASTER LIONS CLUB – Lion Bev Doll (left) of the Lions pasty committee, presented a $1,000 check to Lori Marshall, president of the Grant Regional Health Center Auxiliary after making 2,042 pasties on January 21st.

BANGOR LIONS CLUB – The Club held a Membership Drive January 22nd at Augie’s Bar in Bangor. There was a lot of information provided on the Bangor Lions activities, the Wisconsin Lions including the Wisconsin Lions Camp and the LCI. The five videos from the Wisconsin Lions website were played throughout the event. Five new members were signed up that day and there are five to ten more names of prospects that we will be following up with, so it was a very successful event.

CASHTON LIONS CLUB – The Club honored John Bertling and Mike Hansen with the The Melvin Jones Fellowship. District Governor Tom Knudtson presented the awards at ceremonies held at Badger Crossing on January 19th. Both are long-time Lions members and are very active in the Club and in their communities.

CASHTON LIONS CLUB – Members are pleased to announce the near completion of the Cashton Park improvements. They landscaped with 57 trees and various plants and added two new signs, landscaping and lighting to the entrances to the park. Funding for the $30,000 was possible by fundraisers, individual and corporate contributions, as well as donations from the Village of Cashton and other Cashton area civic and community groups.

CASHTON LIONS

CLUB – The recipient of the 2022 Mary Jo Moore

Scholarship is Haley Lutz.

The scholarship is given annually to a Cashton High School senior pursuing higher education in the nursing profession.

CASHTON & HILLSBORO LIONS CLUBS –Vision screenings were conducted October 26th at Sacred Heart and Cashton Public Schools. Members use Spot vision screening cameras. If irregularities are present the student is referred for further testing by professionals.

BARABOO LIONS

CLUB – The project at the Ochsner Park Zoo was recently completed. Sven the Snowy Owl prefers cooler temperatures, so to give him a comfortable space on hot days members of the Lions built him a cooling house. Young volunteers Beau Levin and Wells Hoadley helped with unloading lumber for the project.

BARABOO LIONS CLUB – We had another work day! This time it was applying sealer to the children’s climber at the Hope House domestic abuse shelter.

DE SOTO LIONS CLUB

– VP Kay Campbell presented DG Tom Knudtson with a goodie bowl she made from her area!

DE SOTO LIONS CLUB –Members threw out candy at the Worlds Fair in Retreat.

Joseph Ridge Lions Club – The Club recently held their annual Breakfast with Santa event. Front row: Mrs. Santa, Santa Claus, Dennis Zweber, Back row: Trudy Johnson, Mike Boland, Don Holker, John Slama, Linda Slama, Pat Dearth, Bob Chambers, Carol Crusan, Pete Prew, Wanda Everson, Mark Kramer.

NORWALK LIONS CLUB – The Club, along with many area businesses, sold raffle tickets for a truck drawing at Morrie’s Auto in which all proceeds went back to local schools. Pictured is Brookwood superintendent Travis Anderson, and Lions Phil Haun, Glen Degenhardt, and Mike Karis with a check for $12,500.

VIROQUA LIONS CLUB – The Club sold their “World Famous” Lion Burgers and Fries to a record number of patrons at the Vernon County fair this past mid-September than any previous Fair. The work at the stand is easily the single most important fundraising event of our year, clearing $13,000 most years. 100% of the money raised is generated into donations which are returned back into the local community and the WI Lions Foundation Activities. It’s hard work, but like most things in life, hard work often leads to greater feelings of satisfaction with a job well done. The Club gives thanks for so many workers and so many patrons.

FROM THE 27-D2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

TOM KNUDTSON

tknudt12@gmail.com

608-792-5700

District Governor

Good Afternoon Lions, I’d like to first of all say Congratulations to the Bangor Lions Club for having a successful Membership Drive, not only did they sign up 5 new members that day, they also had paperwork for an additional 5-8 possible new members that may join in the next month or two.

VIROQUA LIONS CLUB – $1,500 was donated to the Viroqua McIntosh Memorial Library After School Program at the library. The money is being used to purchase snacks for the children. The program is free and runs five days a week and currently has 35 students in the program. At this time, this is the only after school program offered in Viroqua.

KENDALL LIONS CLUB – Nov 4-5th, the Club hosted the Holiday Fair after a two year hiatus. Lions Cheryl Armstrong and Gail Schoenfeld organized the 31 vendors that made for a successful weekend with proceeds going for scholarships and community projects.

SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB –The November meeting welcomed a special guest, Adam Crowson of the Wisconsin Lions Eye Bank. He explained the 99 % success rate and process of eye cornea recovery and tissue transport to Madison. Lion Jim Frey was awarded a certificate for all his years of collecting glasses and transporting tissue.

I would like to encourage all of the Clubs in the District to hold a membership drive before the end of our Lionistic year is done. If you want to keep it simple, asking a handful of potential members to one of your Club meetings and letting them hear what your Club does, is super easy. If you want to grow your Club membership and make working your Service projects easier a Membership Drive with a little detail would take just a little more time to set up and run, but may get you more members. Simply create and invite at least a dozen potential new members to your Membership Drive. Serving them some food and providing refreshments, have some of your Lions on hand to talk about all the Service projects that you work on throughout the year. Show them where your Club donates your money, especially the local donations that show that the Community is heavily affected by the money you raise. A lot of our Lions also help local people who need wheelchair ramps and hold food drives to help those less fortunate people that need assistance, so have a poster board filled with pictures showing all the activities that the Lions help with. If you want to show materials on some of our other Lions projects you could contact our State Office and get some material to have on hand also. The main goal of this year is to have our second straight year in membership growth and holding these membership drives, not only help your Club, but also helps with attaining our District Goal.

SPARTA LIONS CLUB –Chairperson Deb Page and PDG Gwen Nelson, helped make Kristkindlmrkt a success! Lion Cynthia Lockington and volunteer Kelly Funk. manned the fryers for cheesecurds on a stick and schnitzel.

SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB –President Leon Mindham presented a $2,500 check to John Lehan, Sauk Prairie Community Education and Recreation Director towards the new Culver Community Park.

STANLEY LIONS CLUB – The Spirit of Christmas of Chippewa County purchase Christmas gifts for children in Chippewa County. The Stanley Lions donate $400 annually to them. In addition to the donation, the Stanley Lions pick the gifts up and bring them back to Stanley and distributed them to 66 families in which 130 kids got some presents for Christmas. In picture from left: Larry Ciokowiez, Dave Winkler, Duane Booth, Carl Edwardson, Dave Jankoski, Norm Christianson, John Hoel.