WHERE THERE’S A NEED, THERE’S A LION | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 | wisconsinlions.org
Wisconsin Lions Camp – Moving Forward BY ANDREA YENTER AYENTER@WISCONSINLIONSCAMP.COM
In 2020, the pandemic marked the start of three summers of challenges for Camp. We were able to open on a limited basis for three weeks and were able to serve 118 campers before closing due to staff illness. We opened to learn what Camp would need to do to ensure camper and staff safety in 2021. The summer of 2021 we decided to run Camp at half capacity and instituted a strict testing and screening policy for campers and staff as part of our plan that we created with the support of the health department and using guidance that the CDC and American Camp Association created for camps. We also took over the campers with diabetes program, ending our partnership with the American Diabetes Association because they had cancelled diabetes camps for 2021 and we wanted to run Camp for children with diabetes, as well! We successfully served 639 campers and avoided any outbreaks of COVID-19 at Camp. This gave us the confidence to move ahead for 2022 and with revised testing and screening policies and additional cleaning measures, we began the camp season. Unfortunately, COVID-19 made the summer a challenge, with over half the seasonal staff and a few full time staff becoming ill over the first few weeks. We ultimately had to close for a week to clean and restart, and with masking, cleaning and some creative staffing changes, along with pulling some alumni to fill in, we made it through the summer, serving 633 campers. During this summer, we began to feel the effects of the supply chain and staffing shortages that affected many businesses and organizations. That brings us to 2023. In the run up to Summer Camp, we again adjusted our healthcare plan to prepare for any and all illness in general versus specific COVID-19 screening, and were ready to get Camp rolling. However,
INSIDE STATEWIDE ARTICLES:
Wisconsin Lions Camp – Moving Forward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 A First Timers perspective on attending the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Wisconsin Advanced Lions Leadership Institute (WALLI). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Exploring Ways to Retain Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Lions Around the State. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 A1 Lions Help a Family in Need. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Meeting the Third-Oldest Living Lion, Marv Kohlbeck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
COMMITTEE/DISTRICT UPDATES:
GLT Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GST Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GMA Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GMT Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Council Chair Update. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Wisconsin Lions Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 District Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29 Memorials & Honorariums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Award Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
APPENDIX:
District Convention Forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33-36
we struggled to find staff to stay the full summer and thankfully with a lot of recruiting, reaching out to staff alumni and some additional staff able to stay more than one week, we made 2023 a success! We were able to serve 857 campers and bring back activities that we hadn’t had since 2019 – like our all Camp Dance! That brings us to now, planning for the summer of 2024. The staffing issue and supply issues will still be an issue for us, and that means we’re working hard to reduce the impact on Camp. We are already recruiting for staff for 2024, and we are working to raise salaries and add other benefits to make working at Camp a valuable experience for people. We’ve changed our staffing to offer more opportunities for both weekly and full summer positions with pay for each position. We’ll have this information available for clubs to share at the end of October. The other issue we have is finding new campers for Camp. Because of the last three years, many school districts have had staff leave and with that movement of staff, the knowledge of Camp is lost in many districts. We need to get out there and share what Camp is about with schools. To that end, we will be making packets available to clubs in November that you can bring directly to your school districts and give to the special education departments that will explain what Camp is and how to recommend campers for Camp. We’re excited for this opportunity because it will not only connect Campers to Camp, it will connect Lions to school districts again. As we move forward towards 2024 and get back to full capacity at Camp, we’re going to continue to need the ongoing support of our Lions Clubs! Please check out our website and our Facebook page to follow all the fun happening at Camp. As always, please feel free to contact us at the office to answer any questions you may have about Camp and how you can continue to be a part of your Wisconsin Lions Camp!
A First Timers perspective on attending the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum BY 1ST VDG JAMIE WILDE JAMIEWILDE06@YAHOO.COM
The 47th Annual USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum was held September 21-23, 2023 in Reno, Nevada. This was my first forum that I attended and it definitely lives up to the hype that I’ve heard in my years as a Lion! It truly is a great event that you should check out if you haven’t! I was fortunate to sit with a forum planning member at the first dinner. I found out that there were 1651 registered for this year’s forum. Speaking of dinners - there were 4 of them included in your forum registration! What a great deal and one less thing to worry about when attending the event. There were 4 different colored lanyards; one was assigned to each person and you were given it when checking in. The different colors signaled where you sat for each meal. There were 4 areas of the room, so you were able to sit in a different area for each meal. What a great way to see the room from a different perspective and meet new people at each meal. Each meal had a keynote speaker; we were able to hear from so many motivating people and even IP Dr. Patti Hill! Everything was well organized and planned out. They even had little paw prints on the floor that you could follow to get to where you were going! There were volunteers all over that could help you find what you were looking for. There were a total of 88 seminars to choose from in 10 seminar spots over the 3 days. Definitely a lot to choose from and there was something for everyone. There was a speed learning event, where you were able to do 8 sessions (12 were available) in less than 2 hours. My understanding was that this was the first time they tried it, I would definitely say it’s a keeper and something that should be repeated next year! There was a service project during Forum, the committee was collecting plastic bags to make benches, with enough for 1 already! This will be going through August 2024, so save your plastic bags and donate them for this amazing project! Great fundraising opportunities while onsite at the forum – the Strides Walk was a great event that raised $14,000 for a local charity. There was a Zumba class that raised $2,469 for LCIF. What was even more impressive was the money raised through a live auction at the Saturday night closing banquet - - $16,000 for LCIF! WOW! Everyone had goosebumps listening to the outcome! Lions University Graduation – what a great experience to see so many hard-working Lions who were either getting their Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or Doctorate. Their dedication and hard work with
2 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
learning the required material is a testament to the group of great people that represent Lions!! There were even seminars offered at forum that were the classes needed to get a degree. Still had free time to explore, eat, gamble! if desired. You could socialize with old friends and meet new friends! My tip when traveling on an airplane is to wear a Lions shirt; you’ll probably meet people who are going to the same event you are! It was fun to see the people that I met on the plane at forum too! Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone you meet in the elevator or waiting in line for coffee or a restaurant. Tell someone why you are there, what Lions do for their community. You never know who might just become a new Lion! Invest in yourself, such a great experience. I recommend to take the plunge and register and attend next year’s forum. I promise you won’t regret it! Let’s get more Wisconsin Lions to the forum! Let’s try to win for the most in attendance from a state! Louisville is a drivable distance, maybe we could arrange a bus trip if there is enough interest! We found out that the forum in 2027 was awarded to Huntsville, Alabama. There are so many things to implement in not only your club and district, but your job and life too. I promise you’ll get so many take aways and you will feel enriched and ready to do great things in your community. Grab a friend and make plans to go together. See you next year in Louisville!!
Wisconsin Advanced Lions Leadership Institute (WALLI) BY DAVE STRUDTHOFF
WALLI DATE AND TIME: January 19, 20, and 21, 2024. Check in will take place 11:00 am Friday, January 19 at Lions Camp's Main Office and will end Sunday, January 21, at 1:00 pm. WALLI LOCATION: Classes and housing will be at Lions Camp, 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, Wisconsin. WALLI COST: $150* per attendee if payment is received on or before November 30, 2023. Cost increases to $200 beginning December 1, 2023. Registration covers room, meals and all course materials. Additional bedding is provided for a small fee. (*) Governors are reminded to check your District's policy manual to see if instructional costs can be reimbursed.
WALLI E VENT DESCRIPTION: The Wisconsin Advanced Lions Leadership Institute (WALLI) offers Lions an opportunity to learn more about the association and foundation so they can expand their leadership beyond their club. WALLI C ANDIDATE DESCRIPTION: “Applicants must be Lions that have completed a successful term as Club President, but have not yet attained the position of 1st Vice District Governor.” Preference will be given to 2nd Vice Governors and Zone/Region Chairpersons. WALLI course participation is limited to the first 25 qualified Lions.
Please note: Applications and Registration material will be made available online starting September 1, 2023. Dynamic facilitators from across Wisconsin will provide emerging Lion leaders with modules on conflict resolution, LCIF, leadership fundamentals, presentation preparation, project management, promoting Lions' image, and service journey resources.
Mail/Email Applications and Payments To: JoAnn Burk Wisconsin Lions State Office Manager 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473 715-677-4764 md27@wisconsinlions.ore
WALLI APPLICATION FORM
Wisconsin Advanced Lions Leadership Institute – Lions Camp – Rosholt, Wisconsin – January 19-21 PART 1: APPLICANT INFORMATION (PLEASE PRINT - Required information for all correspondence) DISTRICT NUMBER
MEMBERSHIP NUMBER
FIRST NAME
LAST NAME
STATE
COUNTRY
GENDER:
Male
Female
MONTH / YEAR YOU JOINED LIONS: LIONS CLUB NUMBER
LIONS CLUB NAME
CURRENT LIONS TITLE
HIGHEST POSITION HELD IN LIONS
DATE OF MOST RECENT TERM AS CLUB PRESIDENT AND LIONS CLUB NAME
PART 2: EXPERIENCE, SKILLS, AND SPECIAL REQUEST (Use additional sheets as needed) 1. Offices held within current Lions Clubs: 2. Committee positions held within current Lions Club: 3. Previous Lions Clubs of which you have been a member and offices held. 4. Why is this institute of interest to you? 5. Please check all the following “Special Request” Diabetic Diet requested Vegetarian Diet requested Vegan Diet requested Wheelchair Access required Vision Impaired (List what accommodation(s) are needed) Hearing Impaired (List what accommodation(s) are needed) Mobility Challenges (List what accommodations(s) are needed)
LIONS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED (LOCATION & DATES)
Sign Below: I understand that Wisconsin Advanced Lions Leadership Institute is not responsible for personal cost, including but not limited to, those associated with the following: illness, unanticipated or other personal events, lost or stolen property, of participants. In addition, I understand that Participants are requested to carry medical insurance information in the event they require medical services.
PRINTED NAME
SIGNATURE
Return this application to: JoAnn Burk, Wisconsin Lions State Office Manager; 3834 County Road A; Rosholt, WI 54473
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 3
November is National Diabetes Month
Exploring Ways to Retain Members
For those of you that know Lion Jay and me, you know that we joined Lions because our daughter has Diabetes and a Lion asked if the Ellsworth Lions could send her to Camp Needlepoint for a week. She was 10 years old when we heard from the doctor the news that going forward, she would need to poke herself multiple times a day to check her blood sugars and use needles to give her body insulin to stay alive. Our lives now consisted of counting carbs, testing blood sugars, and calculating how much insulin she would need to take to compensate for the carbs she was eating. Sending our daughter off to camp for a week without us was scary for sure. But when she returned home excited about the friends that she met and telling us “Mom there are other kids just like me” Lion Jay and I looked at ourselves and asked how do we get to be part of this awesome organization that made a difference in our daughter’s life. How is your club bringing awareness to your communities about this disease? Do the families in your communities know that our Wisconsin Lions Camp and Camp Needlepoint hosts Diabetes weeks for their children? Our Wisconsin Lions Foundation has many great resources for your club to print and use to share. The following link will take you to these resources. Resources | Wisconsin Lions Foundation (wlf.info). You never know how your act of service may affect someone, thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you do for Diabetes Awareness.
While Googling for ideas on the subject of retention I found that at every level this is a popular subject among Lion Leaders, literally hundreds of articles have been written on the subject. Most have great ideas and are ignored at the club level. I think that we need to get this subject and the need communicated down to the club level. Many clubs have been doing the same thing with the same leadership for too long. I believe one of the major ways to retain members is find a community wide project that will touch the heart and souls of your members. The last couple of years our club has made a commitment to building an allabilities playground for the children in our town. We have acquired a couple of new members but even more, it has fired up our membership and we are seeing more participation at all levels. Find a project that your club can really get behind and do it. Our efforts have brought other local clubs to this cause, as well. Have an annual meeting, on a regular meeting night, just to ask your members what they want to do for their community and the greater good throughout the world. Then implement those ideas. The next problem we have with retention is our meetings. One of the great things that got us through the COVID-19 years was zoom which now I believe has become a crutch that allows us to have more meetings. Most Club level members don’t want to come to meetings, they want to do projects and improve their community. Leaders should consider keeping your meetings short, well-organized and FUN. The competition for people’s time and energy is fierce out there, make your club a place where people come to have fun and get something done. It is much easier to retain a member than it is to get a new one. Good Luck and have FUN. https://temp.lionsclubs.org/all/pdfs/lion-mag/RetentionSecrets.pdf
BY GST STACEY NESSETH STACEY.NESSETH@REDWINGSHOES.COM
BY GMA TIM MCCLAIN LION.TIMMCCLAIN@OUTLOOK.COM
What’s the Difference?
Exploring the difference between Lion Clubs International’s “LEARN” and USA/CANADA forum’s “Lions University” BY GLT DAVID STRUDTHOFF DAVID.STRUDTHOFF@GMAIL.COM
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To start, I will explain what they have in common. (1) They are both free and are found online. (2) Both keep track of the classes you have completed. (3) All of the online classes or lessons are approximately 40 minutes in duration. (4) both LEARN and Lions University will require you to establish an account/username and have a password. (5) Lions University requires participants to complete LCI sponsored training: ELLI, RLLI, ALLI, and FDI. They differ in the following ways: (1) They are NOT related. LEARN is a product of LCI and their classes are designed by LCI Staff. Lions University is a product of USA/CANADA Forum with their classes designed by participating Lions. (2) LCI staff have no connection with or knowledge of Lions University staff. (3) LEARN’s primary use is to assist in the education of club and district officers. Lions University is to both educate incoming leaders and develop future presenters. (4) LEARN does not require participants to attend national or international events. Lions University requires you to attend USA/ CANADA forums to advance from one level to the next. Each program provides an excellent education and every Lion can benefit from them.
It is all about RETENTION: “To do nothing, zero, is unacceptable” BY GMT BERT FREEMAN LIONSUBWAY206@GMAIL.COM
My message for the first 4 months of my term as MD27 Global Membership Team Coordinator is basic and simple. RETENTION… RETENTION…RETENTION, and the District Membership Chairs agree that retention is the largest hurdle for growing our membership numbers in our multi-districts. Achieving the 1.5 Million worldwide members by 2027 is no easy task, hence retention of our valued members is so important. Cultivating new members is not a problem. Securing, educating, and providing a valuable experience as a member of our clubs is in question. Here are samples of some of the correspondences with MD27 clubs when reaching out to club presidents and secretaries. – We have a member who has not shown up for any club function for the past year plus, so we dropped him. They went on to ask what the state response would be about dropping an absent Lion? I asked if the Lion was dropped because of non-payment of their dues, and they said NO, this Lion pays their dues, but felt they were better off without this member if they were not an active member. I think you all know my answer. – The club received an email from a member who asked to be dropped because his mentor/sponsor/friend moved away and they did not feel close to anyone currently in the club. “Did anyone reach out to this member and extend the hand of friendship in an effort to keep this Lion”? The club president’s answer, NO. – Last one….Aging member requested to be dropped as they no longer could do the service projects and fundraisers as they performed in the past. This member was quite active for many years. This Lion was dropped as requested. A few months later, this former Lion was disappointed that no one from the club reached out to him and asked how he was doing and if they would reconsider returning to the club. One of the current District GMT’s said at our monthly meetings “ Before we induct a new member, make sure there is a discussion on service, fundraising, club expectations and dues”. Educating our incoming members as to what is expected is important in keeping and motivating our new members. Again, the Lions members in the state of Wisconsin do a great job of seeking and signing new members. Our efforts fall short in regard to keeping our current members. The message of reaching out to the clubs and opening the dialog about dropping those who no longer participating or are behind in dues needs to be addressed. News Flash: District Governors nor Zone Chairs drop Lions Members. Club Presidents and Secretaries control the roster adding and keeping Lions. I will continue to reach out, with the support of the District GMT’s, and begin the conversation of growing membership and retention. The perfect time for these conversations is at the district conventions. I will be sending out an invitation to all upcoming district club presidents, secretaries, and zone chairs to meet and discuss membership and retention at your district convention and begin the message of growing and keeping our Lions. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So get on your way!”
SAVE THE DATE
CHANGING THE WORLD... One Lion At A Time MD 27 STATE CONVENTION
May 16 - 18, 2024 Marriott Madison West, Middleton WI Our Special Guest...
DOUGLAS X. ALEXANDER
Past International President LCIF Trustee Vice Chair
— DR. SEUSS
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 5
MD27 STATE MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM NAME
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
ADDRESS
Volume 70 No. 3
CITY/STATE/ZIP
Wisconsin Lion (USPS No. 688-740) is published six times a year for the 17,500 Lions of Wisconsin at 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, WI 54473.
PHONE / EMAIL
NOTE: UPS will not deliver to a P.O. Box. Please provide a street address. Prices include tax. COST
PINS 2017: Centennial Pin 2018: Monarch Butterfly 2019: Karner Blue Butterfly 2020: Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly SPECIAL SALE - 2020 State Convention 2021: Bog Copper Butterfly 2022: Centennial Pin 2023: Walleye Pin 2024: Large Mouth Bass NEW! Back Patch 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
AMOUNT
DEADLINE: 1st of preceding month.
$1.50 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $1.00 $2.50 $1.50 $2.00 $5.00
EDITORIAL BOARD Patty Hollis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Chair Jamie Wilde. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice Chair Dave Strudthoff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GLT Stacey Nesseth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GST Bert Freemen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GMT Evett Hartvig. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WLF Adam Crowson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LEBW
TOTAL: Send your order & payment (incl S&H) to: Wisconsin Lions State Office 3834 Cty Rd A Rosholt WI 54473
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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DISTRICT EDITORS A1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . a1@wilions.org A2. . . . . . . . . . 27a2editor@gmail.com B1. . vandynelionsnews@yahoo.com B2. . . . . . . . . . . . . 27b2pr@gmail.com C1. . . . . . . . . c1lionnews@gmail.com C2. . . . . . lions27c2roger@gmail.com D1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pr@lions27d1.org D2. . . wilions27d2news@gmail.com E1. . . . . . . . barb.dulmes@gmail.com E2. . . . . . . . chamaca@frontiernet.net
Statewide content can be submitted to DG Patty Hollis at lionpattyhollis@gmail.com. Recognition for Melvin Jones, Birch-Sturm, Knight of Sight & Ray Hempel awards should be submitted to the State Editor at jen@jennifercreative.com. ADVERTISING: Contact the State Office for details. 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.
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OUR MISSION To empower Lions clubs, volunteers, and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian services and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding. OUR VISION To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.
MD27 CONTACTS COUNCIL CHAIR: BJ Blahnik 920-980-6317 bj.blahnik@gmail.com INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR: Lee Vrieze (Mary) 18807 122nd Ave Jim Falls,WI 54748 715-382-3404 lvrieze2@charter.net STATE OFFICE: JoAnn Burk, 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: Amber Young 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473 715-677-7000 prideoffice@lionspride.org RESTORING HOPE TRANSPLANT HOUSE Cindy Herbst, Executive Director 7457 Terrace Ave Middleton, WI 53562 608-831-1726
Keep up with all the latest Wisconsin Lion news and share your news, too
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Lions Around the State
LIONS IN MINNESOTA AND WISCONSIN WORK TOGETHER. Immediate Past International President Brian Sheehan's theme of “Together We Can Together We Will” inspired MD5M5 (Minneapolis) PDG Rob Rand and MD27-E1 (8 counties in northwestern Wisconsin) PDG Diane Fansler to take on a joint project. With the help of Lions in both multiple districts, they collected 2,896 pill bottles. The cleaned, reusable and sun-resistant pill bottles were shipped to Africa for use in safely distributing medications to patients. (This was published on page 55 of LIONMAGAZINE Summer 2023.)
THE COON VALLEY LIONS HAVE RECOVERED A LONG LOST SIGN FROM THE BANKS OF THE COON CREEK. The Lions banner sign was located on one of the buildings that the Lions helped build in the Coon Valley Park. The buildings were washed away in the floods of 2018. Recently this sign was located downstream along the banks of the Coon Creek caked in mud. Lion Bob Kerska meticulously cleaned and restored the sign and it is now back home with our club. Pictured with the sign are Lions Bob Kerska and Ron Hoff.
A1 Lions Help a Family in Need In August 2023, District 27-A1 received a request for assistance with Vision Therapy for a 7-year-old boy named Colton. He has vision issues with both eyes and was currently into a 12 week course of treatment at the Vision Therapy Center in Brookfield WI. Colton’s vision in one eye is only 20/200 with corrective lenses. He also has issues with his eyes moving together and focusing. With the treatment he has received, they have already seen improvement in the focusing area. The approximate cost of the 12-week treatment is $4,000 and is not covered by any kind of insurance. The Vision Therapy Center is recommending two additional 12 week treatments at a cost of $4k for each. This will be a total cost of $12k. After careful consideration, based on the family’s income, family size, the information that the therapy is working and the fact that this therapy is not covered by their insurance, the Vision Committee recommended and approved by 27-A1 District Governor Tal Janowitz, that District 27-A1 reimburse the family $2,000 for each session, up to 3 sessions, for a total of $6,000. We notified the family of our decision and below is the response we received. Good morning, Thank you so much for your kindness and generosity. Knowing that Colton will be able to continue Vision Therapy brings us so much joy and relief. This spring, his eye doctor in Racine told us that Colton had lost even more vision in his left eye. She had suggested Vision Therapy in the past, but we couldn't afford it. Our insurance doesn't cover Vision Therapy. This time the doctor told us that she knows going to Vision Therapy in Brookfield is expensive, but wanted us to understand that NOT going through with it meant that we are choosing to let the left eye go. We knew that it wasn't much of a choice because how could we choose to let him go blind in that eye?
We have spent countless hours praying, calling people, and trying to figure out how we would be able to make this happen. We are so grateful God led us to you. Our hearts are filled with gratitude. Thank you so much! We can't wait to tell you all about his progress. I'm sure there will be so much, just based on the gains he has already made. Also, I noticed it said he is 7. He is 6 or as he likes to say, "No Mom...I'm six and a half." Sincerely, Megan, Adam, Audrey and Colton
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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 7
Wisconsin Lions Foundation
715-677-4969 | 877-463-6953 | wlf@wlf.info | wlf.info
What are you thankful for? BY LION BRAD BEHRENS, PRESIDENT, WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION
I’m thankful for all the Lions, Lions Clubs and Individuals that suppor t the Wisconsin Lions Fo u n d a t i o n . I ’ m also thankful for the 215 Deer Hide Collectors and all the Deer Hunters that donate their deer hides to our largest fund raiser. I’m also thankful for the amazing staff at the Wisconsin Lions Foundation that keeps our Foundation moving in the right direction. Deer Hide gloves make excellent Christmas gifts; I will be bringing gloves with me to each convention as I visit every district. All proceeds from the gloves go towards Lions Camp. November 14 is World Diabetes Day. Take advantage of the all the products
the Foundation has to offer for Diabetes Awareness. Don’t forget to include WLF in your yearend giving plan. Every dollar helps support your “free” Camp. You don’t have to wait until November and December to give to your favorite charity (WLF). Kwik Trip has a great program that allows you to give to WLF every time you stop for gas, coffee, and groceries. If you are a holder of a Kwik Rewards Plus Credit Card or Kwik Rewards Plus Debit Card account, you have an option to support WLF by designating them to receive a donation check from us in lieu of your three cents ($0.03) per gallon and in-store instant pricing discounts. By selecting this option, you will no longer receive these Rewards, and instead the amount of Rewards that you earn will be given to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation. In addition, Kwik Trip will make an additional donation of 5% of your total in-store purchases, excluding certain items subject to statutory minimum markup requirements, or which are otherwise
prohibited by law from earning such rewards, to WLF. Kwik Trip will issue the donation check to WLF on a quarterly basis. Cardholders are still eligible for Punch Cards, Fuel Discounts, and Visit Rewards. Visit kwiktrip.com for more details!
Council Chair Report
Happy Fall! BY BJ BLAHNIK, COUNCIL CHAIR BJ.BLAHNIK@GMAIL.COM
Yes, the season is c ha n g i n g a n d t h e days may be feeling a little bit cooler but our Wisconsin Lions are continuing to serve every day. The District Governors had their second Council of Governors (COG) meeting at the end of September. Many details were discussed such as the theme of your Multiple/ State District Convention. The theme will be Changing the world, One Lion at a Time. Your Governors also discussed many new policy changes and hopefully all of you will look for the meeting minutes which are located on the State website. In addition, the State Service Project, Scrap Like a Lion, is in full swing. Please reach out to your Environmental Chairs to learn more about this exciting project. I am sure you will discover many helpful tidbits of information and bring new ideas to your clubs and communities. District Convention Season is also beginning. Up first will be District C1, which
was held the final weekend of October. Both District B1 and B2 will be the first two weekends in November. Please go to the State Website for more details. The remaining District Convention calendar is available and based on the details so far, it looks like all of the conventions will be a great time of learning and fun. During the months of November and December, many clubs will be hosting parties and social gatherings. Please remember to always travel safe. Each and every day, we are all helping those in need and we want to make sure that we are having fun. It is also a time of being thankful and so I would like to let you know what I am thankful for. I am thankful for my family. Not just my wife, Lion Victoria and my three children Emmitt, Trevor and Harvey, but also my extended family, the Lions of Wisconsin because if it were not for all of you, I would not have the life that I live. I cherish being your Council Chair every day but each and every day, I am honored to be a Lion.
8 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
COUNCIL OF GOVERNORS SERVICE PROJECT While meetings and training are happening on Friday night prior to the Saturday Council of Governors meeting there was a service project going on. 248 handwritten Thank you letters to Veterans were written with heartfelt thanks for the Veterans service to our country. These Thanks you’s will be distributed to Veteran homes in Chippewa Falls, Union Grove and King.
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin
877-233-2354 | info@lebw.org | lebw.org
LEBW Updates BY ERICA SINGLEY, LEBW BOARD CHAIR
As we enter the Holiday season, the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin has a lot to be thankful for. Lions throughout the state continue to donate to LEBW’s global vision fund in an effort to help establish and expand critical vision services as part of the Lions Vision Global Cause. The funds are used to support medical mission trips, gratis corneal tissue, surgical training, related equipment, supplies, educational materials and other related needs. LEBW also received a matching grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation that allowed us to purchase medical equipment and supplies for our first trip to Guatemala in October. If clubs wish to donate to this cause, you can do so with your annual donation to LEBW. Simply restrict the donation by writing Global Vision Fund in the memo line of your check or enclosing a note with your gift. If you are making a gift online, please indicate which fund you would like to support. All club donations to LEBW are credited towards your club’s eligible Knight of Sights as well as our cumulative giving recognition levels.
We Are Hiring!
To improve response times, LEBW is asking dispatchers to consider using a calendar and lock in transporter availability for each day their club is on call. Our most successful dispatchers already use this calendar method. Here is how it works: Adam or Eden will send a reminder and roster to Dispatchers one month prior. Please carefully review your transporter roster for accuracy, contact your transporters and find out what dates they are available to transport during your club’s month oncall. Then, using a calendar, write down who is on call for each day of that month. The goal is to fill each day of the month with the name of the transporters on call each day. It is very important that transporters who are unavailable to transport on their chosen day, communicate with dispatchers to avoid gaps in coverage. If you have other methods that you find equally effective, we are always interested in learning new ways to handle scheduling. Please share them with Adam or Eden at your earliest convenience. Adam and other LEBW staff members or your LEBW board representatives are available to visit your club, zone, district, or transporter group if you need a guest speaker for a meeting. If you’d like to learn more about the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, the transporter program, or how Lions Clubs help LEBW, please contact Adam at acrowson@lebw.org or by phone at 877.233.2354, ext. 212.
LEBW is hiring for per diem ocular recovery technicians in the Madison, Milwaukee, Green Bay, and Wausau areas. Ocular recovery technicians are responsible for the recovery of human eye tissue for transplant, education, or research. Our technicians are medical professionals who work to uphold the generous gift made by those who have chosen to be eye donors. The per diem positions available have an opportunity to transition to full-time employment. For more information about these positions, please visit https://lebw.org/about/careers/ or email careers@lebw.org
2024 Transporter Schedule Work is underway on the 2024 LEBW Transporter schedule. Communications and Outreach manager Adam Crowson is working to finalize the schedule, which will be published on LEBW’s website by Dec. 1. Yo u c a n f i n d t h e 2 0 2 4 T r a n s p o r t e r s c h e d u l e a t : https://lebw.org/lions/transporters/ or reach out to Adam at acrowson@lebw.org.
New Special Instructions for LEBW Transporter Program For the past few months, some dispatchers have reported that some transporters aren’t available when it’s their club’s on-call month. When this happens, it forces dispatchers to make more calls and can delay cases substantially. Case delays directly impact tissue placement for transplant.
Save the Date! June 8, 2024
16TH ANNUAL LIONS PRIDE SPORTING CLAY SHOOT Milford Hills Hunt Club, Johnson Creek WI lionspride.org
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 9
27-A1 NEWS
CAMBRIDGE AREA LIONS CLUB – The Club hosted their clubhouse bar grand re-opening on Sept. 9th. Events included Dudley Derby horse racing, the Badger game watch party and grilled burgers, brats, and hot dogs. They distributed donation checks to Cambridge community groups including CART, Cambridge Arts Council, Cambridge Community Library, Cambridge Youth Center, Oakland Conservation Club, and the Cambridge Fire Dept and Cambridge EMS. Pictured is Lion Carol Sapienza presenting a check to the Cambridge Youth Center.
OAK CREEK LIONS CLUB – LionsFest concluded a successful Labor Day Weekend Festival. Not only did DG Lion Tal and his partner in service, Lion Darlene, volunteer, but so did the District cabinet’s 1st VDG Ray Jones and partner in service Lion Sue Jones, as well as 2nd VDG Patt Goerke. Over 100 volunteers committed over 60 hours in seven days of service, setting up, taking down and running the Fest! Festival Chair Lion Chris Lange and Lion President Bruce Hubbard coordinated this outstanding event! Pictured are PDG Carl Marquardt, Lion Terry Tveita & 1st VDG Ray Jones.
JEFFERSON LIONS CLUB – Joining forces with the Generac plant in Jefferson, the Club held a PlasticFree July campaign. Employees at Generac turned in plastic shopping bags and were given reusable cloth bags in exchange. Their efforts recovered more than 1,350 bags totaling over 20 pounds of material that will be redeemed through the Trex Company as plastic benches. Pictured are (back row) Bart Eichstadt, Lion Jim Horn, Lion Bob Zweifel, Jordan Sloat, Mike Pagel; (middle row) Lion Mary Newton, Marena Linke, Lions Jane Zweifel, Michelle Ganser, and Lori Ganser. (bottom row) Sonia Gambsky, Emily James and Maddie Lopata.
EAGLE LIONS CLUB – (top) Eagle Lions collected donations for Veterans in need of some help at Maxwell Street Days in Mukwonago. (bottom) Eagle Lions putting up their new corn stand sign remembering PDG Dexter Badinger at this year’s Kettle Moraine Days Festival.
10 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
wilions.org
FRANKLIN LIONESS LIONS CLUB – Lions Vicky Gabrus and Helen Kacmarynski assisted at a picnic for residents and families at Elizabeth Residence where they sold wine coolers, water, soda and gatorade at St. Martin's Fair. This is their major “general fund” fundraiser.
FORT ATKINSON LIONS CLUB – Over 100 riders took part in the John McKenzie and Don Bakker Memorial Bike Ride through wooded areas of Jefferson County near Rock Lake, Lake Ripley, and Koshkonong Creek as they rode 16-, 31- and 62-mile routes from Fort Atkinson to Jefferson, Lake Mills, and Cambridge, then back to Jones Park in Fort Atkinson. Riders were provided breakfast snacks, as well as refreshments at several rest stops, and received lunch back at Jones Park from the Generals Concessions, served by Fort Atkinson Lions Club. (bottom) Riders from Fort Atkinson, Whitewater, and Jefferson turn the corner near the Jefferson Fair Park entrance on their 31-mile journey. (top) Fort Atkinson Lions Michelle Ebbert, Gary Moen, John Anderson, and Nancy Onufer work the concession stand.
JEFFERSON LIONS – Six teams competed in a round robin tournament in the Strides Softball Tournament for Diabetes Awareness on Sept. 9th. When the dust cleared, Chicks and Sticks were crowned champion (pictured top) with Sign Vault taking second. Special thanks to Clasen Quality Chocolate (CQC) for sponsoring the event, food and beverages were donated by Nestle-Purina, Towne Inn, Pernats, Herbies Bar, Duck In, Linda Witucki and Sign Vault for the trophy.
FORT ATKINSON LIONS CLUB – Members volunteer a few hours each month at Second Harvest to distribute food, assist with loading items into vehicles, and deliver meals to those without transportation.
EDITOR:
Patti Hurtgen | a1@wilions.org | 612-616-5383 FROM THE 27-A1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
TALBOT JANOWITZ
Hales Corners District Bowling
Nov 4 (11am), Nov 5 (12pm), Nov 11 (11am) Root River Center 7220 W. Rawson Ave., Franklin • $30 per bowler (food/drink and prize money)/$120 per 4-person team • Individual bowlers are welcome
Muskego Lions 50th Annual Breakfast with Santa
Sunday, December 10, 8am-12 noon Muskego High School Cafeteria
Muskego Lions 57th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 30, 12 noon Veteran’s Memorial Park, Muskego
Muskego Lions 33rd Annual Fortune 5000 Saturday, April 6, 5pm Muskego Lakes Country Club, 2025 S 67th Pl.
27-A1 District Convention “A Concert of Service” January 5-7, 2024, The Ingleside Hotel, Pewaukee, WI
• Great workshops! Service project! • Friday night includes DJ and evening food provided by 27-A1 District leadership • The Five Card Studs LIVE Band performing Saturday night! • Registration opens November 1: wilions.org/registration/ • Convention Experience Package available through Nov 30. • Convention Concert T-shirts and Convention Pins available with registration through Nov 30.
FRANKLIN AND SOUTH MILWAUKEE LIONS CLUBS – In a joint effort the Clubs were represented in the Racine County Fair demo derby this July, providing awareness to Lions clubs.
FRANKLIN LIONESS LIONS CLUB – Lions Vicky Gabrus, Helen Kacmarynski, Sharon Byrne, and Lindsay Safranek volunteered at the Walk for Wishes with Make-AWish Wisconsin at the Summerfest Grounds on September 9th. This year’s event was held along the beautiful lakefront of Milwaukee to raise funds to grant wishes of children with critical illnesses. They volunteered to cheer on the walkers along the trail! Lions share support to walkers at the Make-A-Wish walk.
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Nov 4, 12-4pm Mercy Memorial Baptist Church 2474 N. 36th St., Milwaukee • Fish & Spaghetti Dinner • Presale tickets $15
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tdacres93@yahoo.com 262-497-0397
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It’s those changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes, nothing remains quite the same. With all of our running and all of our cunning, if we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane. – JIMMY BUFFETT As we start the holiday season, I wish everyone many great and fun times with your family and friends. Also, as we move into the holiday seasons, it becomes more critical to perform service to our community. Food and shelter become harder to obtain as the weather gets colder. Service projects like donations to food banks or homeless shelters impact many lives. Like my motto a CONCERT OF SERVICE, one instrument can make a concert for many, one person can impact a family through a small donation to a food bank. A service project that I am proud of is one in which district A1 worked with district A2. District A2 under DG Brenda Rumppe, helped homeless people in the Milwaukee area at Marquette University. The Homeless Connect Project offers many services including clothing and basic health care to name a few. Members from both districts performed vision screening for the people. Something like this helps show who we are and gets people to want to be involved. This type of service also helps grow members in the Milwaukee area. Speaking of growing members in the Milwaukee area, I would like to announce our new public ally intern, Robin Robinson, started September 25. Robin graduated from UW-Madison. She is taking a gap year between her bachelor and her master program. She is already working on ideas for our district. She is even aiding on the “Scrap like a Lion” state wide service project. Finally, speaking of CONCERT OF SERVICE, please save January 5 and 6, 2024, for our district convention. It will again be at the Hotel. DJ Chuck will be providing music Friday night. With the theme being concert based, if you have a favorite concert shirt that is the attire for Friday night or your Lion vest. We booked the band Five Card Stud to play Saturday night after dinner. You do not need to attend dinner to come and have a good time listening and dancing to the band. We have many great seminars lined up. The registration starts November 1, 2023 at wilions.org/registration. Check out the district website at wilions.org for details. Hope to see all of you there. Let’s rock this CONCERT OF SERVICE!
FRANKLIN LIONS CLUB – A contribution was made to the Franklin Fire Dept for the purchase of new airway bags and other medical items for their new UTV which is used for off-road emergencies that can’t be accessed by ambulance.
DOUSMAN-OTTOWA LIONS CLUB – Local resident and avid community helper Jessica Vick accepts $500 from Lion Reggie Piirto to help manage the financial hardship of her life-threatening breast cancer diagnosis.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 11
27-A2 NEWS
lionsdistrict27a2.org
2024 District 27-A2 Convention Registration Form February 16 & 17, 2024
Club Name: Contact Person:
Email: Phone:
Registration: $15* Leos $5 Friday Night Dinner (Open Bar Prior to Dinner) $31.00
Saturday Night Closing Banquet $32.00 (Open Bar Prior to Banquet)
Make Check Payable to: District 27-A2 Convention Mail Check & Registration to: PCC Chuck Steinmetz 648 McKinley Ave Hartford, WI 53027 262-224-0847 mrchuck1963@gmail.com
Salisbury Steak, Chicken Dijon, Italian Meat Lasagna, plus sides and salad Meal Deal (Includes-All three Meals) $85.00
Last Day for meal reservations 2-7-2024
Sauteed Cod, Shrimp Dijon, Baked Chicken, plus sides and salad
Saturday Luncheon $28.00 Chicken Schnitzel, Honey Baked Ham, plus sides and salad
PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY & COMPLETE ALL APPROPRIATE BOXES
Title: Name: Title: Name: Title: Name: Title: Name:
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Leo
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Registration
Fish Fry
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* 1st Timers and any visiting sitting DG & Partner in service get free registration, all other Lions and Guests $15 Make your Hotel Reservations at: Port Washington Inn & Suites, 350 E. Seven Hills Road, Port Washington, WI 53074 262-284-2100 Ask for the Lions Pricing $119-standard, $149-Parlor Suite! (pricing good until Jan.24th)
COLUMBUS LIONS CLUB – DG Brenda Rumppe installing the Columbus Area Leo’s officers
GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – Welcome new member Phyllis Wiggins! Pictured are sponsor, Lion Mike Hennig, Phyllis Wiggins and Lion President, Tim Kohlwey.
12 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
BEAVER DAM LIONS CLUB – Their 70th Anniversary Celebration was held on Sept. 20th. Members from Juneau, their sponsoring club, and Waupun, whom Beaver Dam sponsored, were also in attendance. Counsel Chair B.J. Blahnik was the keynote speaker. Pictured are DG Brenda Rumppe, Lion Victoria Blahnik, Counsel Chair B.J. Blahnik (with his Leader Dog, Jackson), and Beaver Dam President John Bordak.
NEWBURG LIONS CLUB – Lion Craig Wermager, along with four other volunteers from Ozaukee Christian School, fills in one of 16 holes for a tree planting project at Congress Park in Newburg on Sept. 23rd.
EDITOR:
Diane Lechner | 27a2editor@gmail.com | 920-210-8691 FROM THE 27-A2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
BRENDA RUMPPE
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lionbrendarumppe@yahoo.com 262-305-1101
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“Inspire The Passion For Service”
GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – The Grafton Lions Inaugural Run/Walk was held on August 12th. The weather was excellent and everyone who participated had a good time. The 5k course started at Grafton Lions Park on Keup Road and attracted people of all ages. Proceeds were split between Grafton Lions Club and Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt for kids with diabetes and other childhood issues.
THIENSVILLE-MEQUON LIONS CLUB – New member Julia Sollazo was installed at the Fall Kick-Off dinner on Sept 18th at Rotary Park with her sponsor Lion Andrea Taylor. Welcome to the club, Lion Julia!
IRON RIDGE LIONS CLUB – Club Secretary, Lion Hubert Albert, presents a $1,500 check to Iron Ridge Library Director Sharon Schwichtenberg. Money was raised from the Club’s spring raffles.
GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – The Melvin Jones Fellowship and the Birch-Sturm Award were presented to Darrel Blank and Rose Sauers at their September 5th club meeting.
Wow, the first quarter flew by. My theme this year reminds us why we joined the Lions. Service to others is what Lionism is about. While visiting your clubs I have seen many amazing service projects. Service projects can be large projects that require many members and many hours, or projects that are small and are done by 1 or 2 Lions and are quick. Either type is a great project, because we are taking the time to help those in need. Our communities need both types. We are requesting photos and descriptions of the projects your clubs are doing this year. We will showcase all of them at the District Convention and will present a few awards for those projects. Both large and small projects are eligible for the awards. So let’s see those projects. Send your service project photos and descriptions to 27A2gov@gmail.com. To be eligible for the showcase and awards, the service projects must be entered into LCI by your club Secretary. District Convention is February 16 and 17th. The theme is Hawaiian. We all work hard all year servicing others, so it is our chance to sit back, relax, dance, network and recharge. Friday night, there will be music, food, drinks, games and great Lions. Saturday we are including some great speakers and great food. We hope to see all of you there. It is a great weekend to share ideas with each other. Keep up the great work and remember that your cabinet is here to help you. We will help with service projects, membership drives, fundraisers, training, and can answer any questions you may have about the Lions.
DId You Know? There is a list of service projects that are ready for you to use for your communities. It includes the project, funding, marketing and membership suggestions. Visit https://lionsclubs.box.com/s/6ui5yh23qzb5xfmg9tbf4b1kggluvgu3 LCI and many community business’ offer grants to fund some service projects.
GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – A check for $1,000 was presented to Lisa Holtebeck, Executive Director of Ozaukee Family Service, after a presentation to the Grafton Lions Membership Meeting on Tuesday, September 19th. Pictured are Lion John Gassert, OFS Board Member, Lion Dave Antoine, OFS Board Secretary, Lisa Holtebeck, Executive Director of OFS and Lion Tim Kohlwey, Grafton Lion President.
FREDONIA LIONS CLUB – $10,000 was donated to Fredonia Soccer Park Bathroom & Storage building.
COLUMBUS LIONS CLUB – New member Lion Belle Langley with sponsor Lion Deb Freeman.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 13
27-B1 NEWS
BRILLION LIONS CLUB – The 1st annual Treasure hunt was held at the Ariens conservation property to provide an end of summer event for Brillion area families before school started. It encouraged family activity and exercise by walking the Mike Ariens trails. Three different color Flags were hidden along the trails for the kids to find. For each flag that was found, a prize was awarded. There were 108 kids and 87 adults. Grand prizes included a Packers Jersey, Packer footballs, and Mini Golf passes.
FOND DU LAC EVENING LIONS CLUB – For the past five years, Lions have been contributing toward the Miracle League’s new ball diamond and playground recently constructed at Plamore Park in Fond du Lac. Pictured are Lions Dale Albrandt, Tom Clausen, Elaine Colton, Betty Clausen, Gary Colton, and Frank Bartzen (all in blue Lions shirts) along with Kelli Hughes, Executive Director and CEO of Brooke Industries. Brooke has been spearheading the project for at least seven years seeking funding for this massive project. Now people with special needs can play with others in an area designed especially for children with limited accessibility.
wilionsb1.org
FAIRWATER LIONS CLUB – The Fairwater Lions Club was chartered in 1964 and has served the community for the past 59 years. Working with Brian Cahoon of the Markesan School District, the Club is pleased not only to fund the two scholarships but also to leave a legacy to graduating seniors for another 17+ years. The Harris Berg Memorial Scholarship (in memory of a long-time Club member) will provide a $1,000 one-time scholarship to a Markesan High School graduating senior who is a “Solid B” student who exemplifies the qualities of good citizenship, has been an active participant in community activities, has been an active participant in Agriculture, Art and/or History and who will be attending a Technical College or 4-year College, including the UW System two-year campuses. It was important to Club members that this scholarship recognize students who work hard outside of school and may not receive a scholastic or GPA-based scholarship. The Markesan School District Guidance Department and its selection committees will administer and award the scholarships.
WAYSIDE MORRISON LIONS CLUB – The Club was overwhelmed by the support the great community showed at their last Music in the Park night August 30th, with over 500 people attending and dishing out a record 37 gallons of vanilla ice cream for sundaes. Bent Grass Band did an excellent job entertaining the very large crowd. During intermission, the club presented their donations to Lion Fred Gebhart (top left) who accepted the donation on behalf of the Wisconsin Lions Camp with past President Dan Vercauteren. A donation to Syble Hopp School of DePere with Noreen Borchardt accepting the donation along with Clair Kerkaff and Aden Widmer with past President Dan Vercauteren (top right). A donation was given to the Brown County K9 unit with 2 Deputies accepting the donation along with their dogs and past President Dan Vercauteren (bottom left). Huge thank you to everyone who attended any of our 6 Music in the Park nights. Pictured in the bottom right is the Bent Grass Band.
14 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
VAN DYNE LIONS CLUB – Small Town USA Day surpassed all goals, with a huge crowd, shorthanded at times, and extreme heat. They served a grilled chicken dinner, brats, hamburgers, French fries, and even cheese curds. They had a parade, a corn hole tournament, lots of kids’ games, music, tons of raffle prices and many more activities. They also featured a car show that had 128 show cars.
EDITOR:
Marilynn Shady | vandynelionsnews@yahoo.com | 920-376-3505 FROM THE 27-B1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
GREG KUBICHKA
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MISHICOT LIONS CLUB – Member FVDG Dave Holschbach recently attended the Leader Dog facility in Rochester, Michigan. He experienced walking with a Leader Dog, walking with a white cane and had dinner in the dark with fellow Lions from Texas and Iowa. An EyeOpening Experience!
VAN DYNE LIONS CLUB – President Tom Wendt, Sponsor Lion Monica Schneider, new member Lion Nicole Balthazor, and Membership Officer Lion Judie Belk.
Sheboygan Area Eye Bank Committee Disbands SECRETARY: ELLEN CHANEY ELLENKAY50@GMAIL.COM TREASURER: MARIE J HEINEN MARIE.LARRYHEIN@GMAIL.COM CHAIRPERSON: AUGIE GRAHL NOW RESIDING AT TERRACE ESTATES, SHEBOYGAN
After 48 years, the Sheboygan Area Lions Eye Bank Committee is disbanding. Formed in 1975 as a joint effort of the Sheboygan Noon and Sheboygan Evening Lions Clubs to serve as an eye bank station to collect eye tissue for corneal transplants. The clubs worked with a Sheboygan ophthalmologist and Memorial and St. Nicholas Hospitals. At that time, branch eye banks were established/approved around the State by Lions Clubs to provide surgeons with healthy tissue for corneal transplants and grafting. The local clubs had to purchase surgical equipment and special containers to be used in transporting the tissue, which transportation was done by Lions clubs. Prior to the current single Bank of Wisconsin office in Madison, central offices were located at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and at University Hospital in Madison. Lions were also responsible for publicizing the program and informing the public about eye tissue donation. They also raised funds to support the program and reimburse transporters for their expenses. Each area club interested in the project was encouraged to designate one or two members for the committee. Clubs continue to support the Eye Bank with contributions and many clubs provide transporters, however dissemination of information, coordination of transporters, and updating of procedures are now handled by the Eye Bank and Wisconsin Lions Foundation. With the advent of email, texting, and websites, the need for a formalized committee was reduced. In Sheboygan County, the number of transports significantly decreased over the years because the staff hired for enucleation comes from outside of our area and they often take the tissue along with them rather than sending it with transporters.
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liongreg27B1@gmail.com 920-901-5706
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I??have had a lot of training and meetings since my last article. The district 27-B1 Lions had workshops on July 15 in St. Nazianz and July 29 in Ripon. There were over 60 attendees in 13 different sessions. Thank you for our FDI instructors from 27-B1, IPDG Dave Brinkman, PDG Tom Wendt, 1VDG Dave Holschbach and ZC Bill Fetcher. Congratulations on certifications. Reminder this is a workshop, it is not just officer training, there was a lot of information for all Lion members. I hope to see more of you take advantage of this next year. As district governor I am working on club visits. If there’s a certain date you would like a visit from me or 1VDG Dave or 2VDG Roxanne please email me at liongreg27b1@gmail.com. The Lions and Leos of 27-B1 invite you to the 48th Annual Convention of District 27-B1 at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Center in Fond du Lac. The district 27-B1 convention planning team has an exceptional convention planned for November 10th and 11th. For those coming on Friday, the hotel has their special Friday Fish Fry available in the dining room. The hotel is also offering a 10% discount on all meals for registered hotel guests. After that great meal, come to the Friday night hospitality, which will include music and games. Friday night hospitality has a “Making a Difference” with a beach theme (we will be out by the near the pool if you would like to swim). We will start off Saturday with the presentation of the flags. Local veterans will carry the various flags. The Service of Remembrance will take place to honor all those Lions who have passed since our last convention. If your club has lost a member, please send a picture to PDG Tom Clausen lionsof27b1@gmail.com so these Lions can be respectfully remembered. Our power hour will have topics about Lions camp, Eye bank and the new Medical Locker in Appleton, where 6 clubs from 2 districts are able to create a great project. In addition, Dogs2DogTags from Plymouth, they train dogs for veterans in Wisconsin. Service projects please bring your plastic bags (50lbs) to be entered to win a plastic bench donated by Van Dyne Lions. Also, we will be doing a hygiene drive for the homeless shelters in our district. If anybody has connections to local dentists or hotels to help with some items, please let Lion Greg know at liongreg27b1@gmail.com. Lunch will follow. Awards presentations along with the annual District Bank Auction, PDG Len Quinn’s special cowboy hat will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to Leader Dog. Our special guest will be International Director Guy Holland. Thirteen seminars, including the power hour speakers and the local Fire Department doing LIVE fire extinguisher training and jaws equipment. Jaws equipment is where they open up a vehicle if there was an accident. On the schedule also is a Theda Star helicopter to land in the parking lot. Voting will take place 15 minutes after the last seminar. The Saturday night banquet will include guest speaker Council Chairman BJ Blahnik whose theme will be “Dinner in the Dark”. Where everyone will get the opportunity to eat with a blindfold and hear the story of BJ’s life and what it was like to growing up being visually impaired. Voting and raffle results will also be announced. Reminder registration can be found on. https://www.wilionsb1.org. All veterans and first timers are half price. Leos are free.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 15
27-B2 NEWS
MANAWA LIONS CLUB – DG Shirley Dahlke installs new President Jerrod Rieckmann who received the gavel from outgoing President Wayne Heiman.
BELLEVUE LIONS CLUB – Members provided concessions on four Monday nights this summer in Josten Park. The Club presented checks to The Caring Closet, Preble Beehive, and National Night Out. The Club also volunteered at the National Night Out event on August 1st at Willow Creek Park. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes neighborhood togetherness.
LAONA LIONS CLUB – The Annual Community Soup was held Saturday August 5th at Silver Lake Beach in Laona. The day started with a lot of cutting up vegetables in preparation of the soup that is served out of two large kettles. The Souper Run had 3 age divisions and an overwhelming attendance. The grill was going all day with a lot of brats, hamburgers and hot dogs served along with many French fries. Other goodies included baked goods, popcorn,cotton candy and snow cones. The kids were having lots of fun with the games and dunk tank. People lined up for the Soup served at noon which is always delicious. The meat raffle started early afternoon with many great meat and seafood prizes.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – The 11th Annual Golf Outing was held to honor area veterans. 95 Local veterans attended, as well as veterans from Green Bay, Wausau, Eagle River, Antigo, Menomonee Falls, and Neenah. A special thank you to Lion Chuck Enders for all the time and effort he put into planning the event. Submitted by Lion Clare Huisman and Lion Norma Johnson.
16 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
WABENO AND MCCASLIN LIONS CLUB – On September 15th, the two clubs helped with the visual screening of 133 children at the Wabeno Elementary School. Of the 133 screened, 101 were in range and 32 out of range. Thank you to both Lions groups for representing area Lions Clubs and exemplifying the Lions’ motto “We Serve”. Submitted by Lion Clare Huisman and Lion Norma Johnson.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – A $1,000 check was donated to The Friends of Wabeno who was instrumental in the completion of the boardwalk along the Oconto River in 2017. They also sponsor the annual WAM FEST music celebration, contribute the "Welcome To Wabeno" signs, perform museum renovations, donate beautiful flowers that line the streets, and erect many historical signs in town. Pictured is Club President Paul Newton and Mary Beck, Chairperson of the Friends of Wabeno.
MARINETTE LIONS CLUB – Kim Duffrin and Wally Hitt, presented a $1,200 check to Hannah Morel of Bay Area Pregnancy Services at their September 5th meeting. Bay Area Pregnancy Services purchased a video based video-streaming service (Bright Course) for new parents to learn about research based prenatal care, parenting, relationships, life skills and more. The program serves more than 100 mothers, fathers, and babies and currently has 42 clients enrolled in the Bright Course program.
NIAGARA LIONS CLUB – $1,000 was donated to the Niagara School District for the “stuff the bus” program that provides school supplies to students in need. The donation included $671 collected by the public during the campaign. Pictured are Principal Scott Trevillian, Lion Kim Schuster, Lion Treasurer Dan Decker, Administrative Assistant Darcy Brown, and Lion Steve McMillan.
EDITOR:
Stephanie Schlag | 27b2pr@gmail.com | 920-217-8554 FROM THE 27-B2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
SHIRLEY DAHLKE
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NIAGARA LIONS CLUB – $1,000 was donated to the Niagara Area Emergency Unit to help with the purchase a LifeLine Arm, Automated Compression Device. The device provides mechanical chest compressions to patients in cardiac arrest. It is used in emergency situations as an alternative to manual CPR to provide consistent compressions at a fixed rate through difficult transport conditions and eliminates the physical strain on the person performing CPR. Pictured from left to right: Lion Treasurer Dan Decker, Eastan, Keith, Blake, and Tanya Holmes. Keith and Tanya Holmes, EMT volunteers were on hand for the recent Aurora mud runs to provide emergency assistance if needed.
GREENVILLE LIONS CLUB – The 34th annual Catfish Extravaganza was on July 8th and included local bands, catfish races, a catfish fry, kids games, bounce houses and rides. Saturday featured the Clubs’ annual Catfish Concert featuring Country stars Jon Pardi, Lauren Alaina, and Drew Green.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – Members erected a new sign at the Boy Scout Camp on Little Long Lake in the Town of Freedom. The new sign was made by the Fab Lab at Wabeno High School and student, Brian Sears, who took on the lead role in its design and construction. Lion Brian VanEperen, Fab Lab Director, was also instrumental in helping to get the sign completed.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – On September 23rd, Lions served over 300 people at the 22nd Dual Sport Bikers’ Rally. The event was held at the Wabeno Firefighter Grounds, where Lions served delicious steak dinners with all the trimmings. Participants included riders, family members, and landowners (who allowed riders to use trails on their land). Money raised by the Dual (both on and off road) Sport Bikers goes to local, civic, and youth groups. These include libraries, fire departments, the American Legion, and local food pantries. Submitted by Lion Clare Huisman and Lion Norma Johnson.
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sdahlke@centurytel.net 920-863-6224
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This is the time of the year we put to sleep our gardens, become a little slower paced in our daily lives and start to plan for fall- football games, tailgate parties and bonfires at night with friends and families. Drives enjoying the fall colors. Then we must get ready for what comes later after the cooler weather gets colder, knowing that dreadful 4 letter word is near, which some love and other despise. We remember what we need to give thanks for everything we have. We have the comfort that so many in the world only wish for. Take pride in what you and your club have done for your community, embrace the good comments and strive to improve mission of service. Always be kind and considerate to others. Hunters remember we collect deer hides, every hide, and tail helps raise funds for our camp. Our volunteers do a great job at getting the hides ready to be sold. Find a local Lions Club that collects them and your hide will be properly handled and taken care of for you. Don’t forget our puppy raisers, they can use the Antlers for chew toys, the puppies love ‘em. Holidays are coming. Remember what we do and how you feel when you get the big Thank You, and hug for the small act of kindness you showed to others. Keep our motto We Serve at the top of your list this season of thanksgiving. May the feeling in your heart shine thru in all your service projects you and your Club do at all times. Hope to see you at your Club meetings as I do club visits. I’ve enjoyed all the visits so far and eagerly await doing more. Wishing everyone blessings this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Our Service Grows Hope.
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – The Club had the honor of cooking a tailgate meal with food donated by Jack’s Fresh Market on September 13th at K&K Integrated Logistics, in Menominee, Michigan. The celebration was to acknowledge the Sailors of the LCS 25, USS Marinette, the ship built at Fincantieri Marinette Marine. –Pictured are (first row) Navy Petty Officer Oller, Terry Garden, and Dale Edlbeck; (second row) former Brewers pitcher Bob Wickman, Navy Petty Officer Sabin, and Ed Dory.
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – Four times a year, The Peshtigo Lions Club pick up trash from over four miles of road throughout Peshtigo. Pictured are (back row) Lions Tom Gryzwa, Tom Russell, Carl Gullicksen, Dan Peterson, Terry Gardon, and Jim Doemel. (Front row) Lions Chuck and Karen Leinen and Donn Morois. Participating but not pictured are Steve Schuelke, Rhonda and Paul McClain, Jim Tress and Anita Morois.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 17
27-C1 NEWS
e-district.org/sites/27c1
RIB FALLS LIONS CLUB – Lisa Witt from the Edgar School District and Shari Parks, representing the Marathon School District received donations from the Rib Falls Lions Club to help support their Fill-A-Back Pack Program. Thank you to Borge School District’s for helping area children.
COLBY LIONS CLUB – Lion Lisa Kirker (right) presents Colby Elementary School Principal Brenda Medenwaldt with a new backpack through the Blessings in a Backpack program. Backpacks are given to students who need them. The Club contributed $250 to the program.
PLOVER-WHITING LIONS CLUB – Serving dinner at the back-to-school free dinner which also featured a bike safety talk and helmets for the kids from the Plover Police Department.
MARATHON LIONS CLUB – Members with their float for the Marathon Float Days.
NEILLSVILLE LIONS – The Club donated a life jacket hut to the Lions Camp.
EDGAR LIONS CLUB – Lion Barkley Anderson celebrated 35 years. Pictured is Club President, Cathy Schueller, presenting Barkley with a plaque while expressing gratitude for his longtime service.
ROCHE A CRI LIONS CLUB – With the second day of card making the Club has a total of 216 cards. Today’s helpers were Lions Cheryl, Bonny, Sue, Lola & Cheri. We appreciate your service. Extra helpers were Linda, Barb and Ben. Thankful for our Veterans.
18 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
ROCHE A CRI LIONS CLUB – Lions Jim Ross and 2nd VDG Cheri Ross receive their Bachelors at the Lions University.
EDITOR:
Patty Hollis | c1lionnews@gmail.com | 715-460-4832 FROM THE 27-C1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
PATTY HOLLIS
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MAINE LIONS CLUB – Lion Perry had the pleasure of presenting Maine Elementary School with some winter jackets as well as a check to sponsor two of their Leadership Breakfasts.
2023-2024 DISTRICT PIN – Thank you PDG Brad Behrens for designing this years 2023-2024 District Pin. To purchase one please contact DG Patty Hollis.
BEVENT LIONS CLUB – Meet the youngest member of 27-C1 District, Lion Quincy Bochkowski, who is a part of the Bevent Lions Club.
YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENTS – A touching thank you from the students to 27-C1 after their recent visit.
BERLIN-HAMBURG LIONS CLUB
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lionPattyhollis@gmail.com 715-460-4832
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As we go through the holidays, we will all be thinking about the blessings we are thankful for. I have already been thinking about all that I am thankful for. I realized that this year I have a lot to be thankful for. The big thing this year is the ability to meet the Lions of our district. As I have gone to club visits, fundraisers, and service projects, I realize all the hard work, heart, and dedication that each of you have. I am thankful for all of you and the work you do to make everyone’s world a better place to live in. As we head into the new year, it would be a good time to look at your club’s mission statement. If you don’t have one, establish one. A mission statement will help guide your club in choosing service projects that will help your community. The statement you come up with will help old and new members understand why they are Lions. While looking at your mission statement, assess your service current projects. Look at your community, do an assessment, to see what they need. Talk with community leaders and members. There may be a need that you are not aware of. Look at ways that you can help. Also, remember that there are LCIF grants that can help you. Right now, in our district there is a club looking at a hunger grant to help their local food pantry build on to their building. There are a lot of grants available. As I write this, I am thinking of some of the areas of Lions that I want to spotlight for the rest of the year. Hunger, Childhood Cancer, Environment, and Leader Dog. These areas are so important to the people that benefit from them. It’s easy to do a service project around these areas. For hunger, your club can volunteer at a food pantry, or if you have the little red houses in your town, go and fill them once a month. Childhood Cancer can be as easy as making homemade cards for the children in the cancer wing at one of your local hospitals. The environment can be anything from composting, planting trees, or cleaning highways. By promoting Leader Dog, and participating in dollars for paws, you can help leader dogs go to those who need them. I want you to know that I am willing to help you with any service projects you need help with. If you have any questions about grants, or about anything that was mentioned above, just contact me and I will get the answers if I don’t have them. Our family wishes your family a Happy Holiday.
ROCHE A CRI LIONS CLUB – These quilts are on their way to Ukrainian Refugees. Hope they provide comfort to our Lions members and beyond.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 19
27-C2 NEWS
e-district.org/sites/27c2
The Lions Clubs of District C2 The Lions District in North Central Wisconsin encompasses BAYFIELD IRON 8 counties from Bayfield at the northern tip to Taylor with all ASHLAND VILAS the Maple trees. The number of clubs in Lions has been fairly consistent throughout the years and stand at 40 in 2023. Is ONEIDA PRICE there room for more clubs? Over the years, 20 Lions Clubs have LINCOLN “Disbanded” from the C2 District. Lac TAYLOR du Flambeau, Ogema, Barnes, Bayfield, Rhinelander Northwoods, Lakeland Ladies, Arbor Vitae Woodruff, Elcho Pelican Lake, Hodag, Irma, Irma Birch Rock Falls, Land O Lakes, Merrill Noon, Nicolet Area Technical College, Odanah Bad River, Saxon-Gurney, Tomahawk Royal, Tripoli Brantwood L C, Westboro-Spirit and Stetsonville. Some have since combined with nearby clubs and unfortunately some members chose to disband also. What counties with a population ratio to number of clubs/members could be a candidate for establishing a new club or adding members to existing clubs? The total population of the 8 counties in Lions district C2 is 161,638 residents with 1418 members of those residents belonging to the Lions club of C2. Ashland County with a population of 16,027 and has 4 Lions clubs Ashland, Mellen, Glidden, and Butternut have 67 total members. Bayfield County, with a population of 16,220 and has 4 clubs Cable & Area, South Shore (Port Wing), Iron River and Washburn with 180 members. Iron County has a population of 6,137 and has 2 clubs Mercer and Hurley with 80 members. Lincoln County has a population is 28,415 and has 4 clubs Merrill, Gleason, and Tomahawk with a membership of 172.
Total Members
County
Clubs
Ashland
Ashland, Mellen, Glidden, Butternut
64
Bayfield
Barnes, Cable & Area, South Shore, Iron River, Washburn
188
Iron
Mercer, Hurley
71
Lincoln
Merrill, Gleason, Tomahawk
167
Oneida
Sugar Camp, Rhinelander, Lake Tomahawk, Hazelhurst, Lakeland Ladies, Minocqua, Three Lakes
315
Price
Prentice, Park Falls, Phillips, Fifield, Catawba/Kennan, Ogema
122
Taylor
Medford, Gilman, Jump River, Whittlesey, Rib Lake
176
Vilas
Sayner Star Lake, St. Germain, Eagle River, Phelps/Land O Lakes, Presque Isle,, Conover, Winchester, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters – Plum Lake, St Germain Northwoods
423
20 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
Oneida County has a population is 37,845 and has 9 clubs Sugar Camp, Rhinelander, Lake Tomahawk, Hazelhurst, Minocqua, and Three Lakes with 338 Lions. Price County has a population of 14,054 and has 5 clubs Prentice, Park Falls, Phillips, Fifield, Catawba- Kennan and totaling 114 members. Taylor County has a total population of 19,913 and has 5 clubs Medford, Gilman, Jump River, Whittlesey, and Rib Lake with 186 members. Vilas County has a total population of 23,027 and has 11 clubs Sayner Star Lake, St Germain, Eagle River, Phelps-Land O Lakes, Presque Isle, Manitowish Waters, Plum Lake Lions, St Germain Northwoods, Conover, Winchester and Boulder Junction totaling 386 members. What is your club doing about attracting the 40/50 age group Lions? Have you thought about a think tank of local businesspeople and civic leaders in this age group and asked them what sort of a Lions club they would join --- but then you have to be prepared to give them that club. Past International President Barry Palmer
Getting Acquainted 2023 2024 Second Vice District Governor Anne Madison Biography
Anne Madison is originally from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. The youngest of her siblings, she gladly takes her position as “baby of the family.” Anne graduated from Stanley-Boyd High School in 1981 and married her high school sweetheart, Tom. Together they raised two boys who are now grown with families of their own. In 2011, Anne & Tom moved to the beautiful Northwoods in Bayfield County. Looking to volunteer and meet people in her new community, Anne joined the Iron River Lions Club in 2015. After attending two club meetings, she was asked to take on the secretarial position. Tom joined her in Lions service a few months later. Anne chairs the annual Iron River Lions Club Blueberry Festival and participates in a variety of club projects. Her history of service in Lions includes Secretary; Vision Chair; Vice President; President; 2022-2024 Region 1 Zone 3 Zone Chair; 2023-2024 2VDG and GMA for MD27-C2. 2VDG Anne received 2019 Knight of Sight and 2021 Melvin Jones Fellow awards. At the 2022 MD 27 State Convention, she was presented with the International Leadership award. In 2023, Anne was awarded a Certificate of Recognition as a New Voice in the Area of Leadership by DG Bob Bertch. Lifelong learning is important to Anne. She attended Servant Leadership trainings, Regional Lions Leadership Institute (RLLI), and is due to complete her Faculty Development Institute (FDI) certification in October 2023. Believing when working together anything is possible, Anne serves by example; leading, equipping, and encouraging others as they journey in their lives and place of service. Anne & Tom enjoy their life, their growing family, and their fantastic friends - many of whom are fellow Lions Club members. Working alongside amazing like-minded people for a great cause brings them joy. Serving is part of who they are as individuals and as a couple. They look forward to meeting new friends as they continue in service locally and wherever Lionism leads.
EDITOR:
Roger L. Weber | lions27c2roger@gmail.com | 715-892-5386 FROM THE 27-C2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
DON MEEDER
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donald.meeder@gmail.com 715-546-3673
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Intentional leadership
MELLEN LIONS CLUB – The Club joined forces with Richard and Carol Beck who have run the back to school "Pack the backpack” program. Pictured are Lions Judy Amos, Bob Aldrich, 1st VDG Kerrie Molter, and Carolyn Kochel. President Rev. Sam Kochel was a bit camera shy, but also a great help. It is so important for those students that are in need begin the school year with all the supplies they need and not feel left out or embarrassed. Be kind and support your community.
LAKE TOMAHAWK LIONS – District Governor Donald Meeder joined the Lake Tomahawk Lions for their two mile fall highway cleanup project along highway 47 near Lake Tomahawk. It was headed by Lion Robert Petta. A total of eleven volunteers spent two hours accomplishing this environment effort. Pictured in the back row are Lions Lannie Peterson, Emy Klitzman, Dennis Hirtz, DG Donald Meeder, Bob Hopp, Kevin Klitzman. Kneeling are Lions Bob Petta, Nancy Petta, Sue Underberg and Kevin Goy. Lion Andy Anderson was the photographer.
Multiple District 27-C2 Dues & Contributions Website: https://www.e-district.org/sites/27c2/index.php DUES – Payments instructions for C2 District membership – State MD27 dues for 2023 - 20224 are $10.50 per year per member. – District 27-C2 dues for 2023 – 2024 are $6.00 per year per member. – C2 Bonding Insurance for 2023 - 2024 - $11.32/club/annual – Send Dues (State & Club) to Cabinet Treasurer Scott Martin
Multiple District 27-C2 District Programs – Diabetes Awareness - (Send to District Treasurer) – Hearing Aid Project - (Send to District Treasurer) – Vision Screening - (Send to District Treasurer) – Wisconsin Lions Missions - (Send to District Treasurer) – Youth Exchange - (Send to District Treasurer) – Hunger - (Send to District Treasurer) – Make separate checks payable to: District 27-C2. In the memo portion of the check, please indicate name of program - (for accounting purposes) – Send Contributions (District Programs) to: Cabinet Treasurer Scott Martin District 27-C2 417 E Lincoln Ave. Tomahawk, WI 54487 (Tel) 715-453-7341 (Email) 27c2treasurer@charter.net
Perhaps it’s time to address the “elephant in the room” that has been hanging out in LIONS meeting rooms and boardrooms for quite some time. Stated simply, it’s a crisis in leadership development. Many clubs have had the mixed blessing of having club officers (presidents, secretaries, treasurers, etc.) who have held positions for years and even decades. The blessing part is that the club benefits from all that experience and can rely on predictability in their meetings, fundraisers and service projects. The BIG downside of this is that this is not sustainable and loss of an officer in one of these key positions puts the club in a real upheaval. It is also a formula that is not capable of handling our ever changing world. That is just speaking to the negative effects at the club level. At a whole other level, there is an upward detrimental effect that is seen at the District, State and National levels as there are insufficient members who are trained and qualified to move into the key roles. Roles that are ESSENTIAL in maintaining the broader Lions Organization. All too often the average club member is oblivious to the hard work and dedication that is required to keep “ the ship afloat” and moving forward. This is indeed unfortunate as the work being accomplished at the district, state and international levels is nothing short of amazing. Therefore, to address this challenge, our Leadership Team is going to place a special emphasis on Leadership as we proceed with club visits and at our Convention on April 12 and 13, 2024. Some key ingredients in leadership development are defining the club’s mission, building trust by making sure that all members are being heard, encouraging and trying new ideas, taking risks on new ventures, and “handing over the reins” while simultaneously mentoring emerging leaders. All of these ingredients require intentionality, planning, and commitment. Our district is blessed to have incredible talent in our cabinet and with our Past District Governors. It’s our intention to build teams of support from this group that will help your club not only grow but thrive. Clubs only need to ask for assistance and be willing to start ROARING at that elephant and make some room for change. By doing so we can build stronger clubs and capable candidates for the offices that are so essential to our survival and growth.
C2 CHARTER DATES – ANNIVERSARIES Congratulations for your dedicated/volunteer years of Lions Service to your communities and Lions causes worldwide.
November
- Fifield 11/2/1965 Club President – Lion Gary Griesel 2023/24 - Hazelhurst 11/9/1966 Club President – Lion James Norsen 2023/24 - Phelps/Land o Lakes 11/1/2022 Club President – Lion Stephen Chandler 2023/24
December
- Plum Lake 12/23/2020 Club President – Lion Kathy McCaughn 2023/24 - St Germain Northwoods 12/30/2020 Club President – Lion Betty McCormick 2023/24 - Ashland 12/26/1984 Club President – Lion Timothy Oksiuta 2023/24
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 21
27-D1 NEWS
lions27d1.org
JANESVILLE LIONS CLUB – The Club was reminded of the national and international reach of Lions Clubs International as two fellow Lions were welcomed from other clubs. Lion Rommel S. Dorado (left photo), president of the New Orleans Filipino American Lions Club was able to meet members, including Lions Eric Kuznacic and Steve Huth, as we volunteered at the Music at The Marv concert. Lion Beverly Hall (right photo), a former Janesville resident and member of the Gore Hokonui Lions Club in New Zealand, was back in town to visit family and joined us for our membership meeting. She is standing with outgoing President Greg Heinen. PORTAGE LIONS CLUB – The Club successfully raised funds for their annual Stuff the Bus campaign, which buys school supplies for local school children. The Club raised over $3800 for the project. Pictured are Lions Nancy Schaper, Mary Thompson and Club President Jerry Thompson.
THE MCFARLAND LIONESS/LIONS CLUB – The Club has supported Three Gaits Therapeutic Horsemanship Center through financial donations over the years. At their 40th Anniversary Celebration, Three Gaits demonstrated a positive impact on the lives of people with physical, emotional, and/or intellectual challenges. Pictured are Lions Velma Strander and Sandy Hall with Three Gaits volunteer Cindy Frank. DEFOREST WINDSOR LIONS CLUB – At this year Windsorfest, the Club sold taco meals and raised $500 while doing outreach and bringing awareness of local Lion activities to the public.
22 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
HIGHLAND LIONS CLUB – The Club won the “Best OF Readers Choice” for Best Local Event after Dodgeville Chronicle readers voted this year. Their "Our Town" event is held every year.
EDITOR:
Bill Clausius | pr@lions27d1.org | 608-698-1683 FROM THE 27-D1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
JEFF WINKLER
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DEERFIELD LIONS CLUB – The Club held their annual Chilifest, which grows every year. This year 31 chili teams made the spicy dish for an estimated 2,500 people. Also featured was a car show with 194 cars, 15 tractors, and 30 craft vendors. Area Lions Clubs competed in the chili contest.
FENNIMORE LIONS CLUB – A a bingo fundraising event was held for childhood cancer earlier this summer. The money raised was used to purchase cancer port shirts for children suffering from cancer. We delivered 200 various size children’s T-shirts to American Family Hospital in Madison. A special shout out to Past Council Chair Tammy Rockenbach for suggesting this worthwhile cause.
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jeffrey.winkler2@frontier.com 608-575-3291
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District conventions throughout Wisconsin have begun, please consider attending our district convention, March 8-9, 2024 at the Marriott in Middleton. The conventions are a great opportunity to hear from other Lions about the great things they are doing in their communities. I am amazed how may Lion projects are shared on Facebook and in this newsletter, many great ideas that are available for other clubs to include in their local efforts. We have a few opportunities that are available for all Lions Clubs in the state: Pediatric cancer initiative led by Past District Governor Dave Lee, this is an effort for each club in Wisconsin to donate $100(or more) to this fund that will be distributed throughout the state to local organizations that support families that are dealing with pediatric cancer. We will also be rolling out a composting project, “Scrap like a Lion”, this is our effort to promote the theme of our current International President, Dr. Patti Hill, “Change the World”. Your local Peace Poster Contest winners are due to me by November 15th, a District winner will be chosen by November 30th and forwarded on to the State competition. By the time you are reading this we would have completed the three region meetings in our District. Thank you to everyone that attended – all of us working together makes for great success!!! A final thought – please add the Wisconsin Lions State Convention to your calendar, May 16th – 18th. The convention will be hosted by our District and held at the Marriott in Middleton – I really hope that you get a chance to attend!!
BELOIT EVENING LIONS CLUB – hosted the 47th Annual Autorama car show on September 17. The Beloit Autorama has grown from its first show in 1977 with 130 cars to become one of the largest automotive events in the Midwest. More than 1,000 cars in the classes of Street Rod, Custom, Corvette, Antique, Classic, Truck, Street Machine, Muscle Car, 55-64 full size Chevrolets and Special Interest were featured in this year’s show. (photo from last year). In addition, there is a parts swap, flea market and arts and craft area which features more than 200 vendors.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 23
27-D2 NEWS
md27d2.org
SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB – The Club wants to thank everyone who came by for breakfast Sat, Sept 2 during Cow Chip. It was a great, fun day and the food was delicious!.
Servers, Cheryl Mossholder, Aidee Cerda, Ben Marsden, Laurie Killam.
Dierk Van Cleef, pancake chef.
District Convention Lions, it’s not too early to dig out your “Green” and start planning to attend the 27-D2 “Luck of the Irish” District Convention on February 9th and 10th. It is being held at the American Legion Post 10 in Sparta WI. To kick things off, there will be a special meeting of the Eye Transporters at 4:00 Friday afternoon. The Sparta Lions Club is offering a “Dining in the Dark” experience. This, by reservation only, special event will be held at 5:30 Friday Evening. Starting at 7:00 will be the Irish Fest Fun Night with Music, Games, Food, and Beverages. You might even see a Leprechaun or two running around causing mischief. Saturday we will have Mr. Charles Weaver, Monroe County Veterans Service Officer joining us to talk about the issues and concerns with our Nation’s Veterans, and Past Sparta Lions President Tony Guldenaar will be giving a presentation on his experiences attending the Freedom Honor Flight. We will also have a representative from the Puppy Raiser organization and Lion Adam Crowson will be doing a special presentation of the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. International Director Anthony Paradiso from New York will also be joining us sharing his experiences as an ID. Saturday evening, the Closing Banquet will not only celebrate a successful convention, but also the 63 years that the Sparta Lions Club has served the Sparta Community. Due to Covid, were unable to have our 60th Anniversary, so we are taking this time to honor the hard working Lions of the Sparta Lions Club. So come join us for a special, informative, and fun filled time at the 27-D2 “Luck of the Irish” District Convention.
Marcia Thompson, beverage lady.
District 27-D2 “Luck of the Irish” Convention February 9 & 10, 2024 Sparta American Legion 1116 Angelo Rd Sparta, WI 54656 Return registration form and checks by January 26, 2024 to: Cynthia Lockington, 1750 River Rd, Sparta, WI 54656 Make checks payable to: Sparta Lions Club Friday 5:30 p.m. (Special Event by Reservation Only) Dining In The Dark: Coleslaw, Broiled fish, Loaded Mashed Potatoes and Cheesecake.
Friday 7:00 p.m Fun Night: Pizza, Snacks, Beer and Soft Drinks included in registration fee.
Saturday Lunch: Sandwich Bar, Soup, Salad and Cookies. Saturday Dinner 6:00 p.m.: Broasted Chicken, Corned Beef, Cabbage, Red Potatoes, Glazed Carrots, Roll s and cake. Convention Event Registration - includes convention pin Dining in the Dark Saturday lunch Saturday dinner
Quantity
Cost $15.00 $18.00 $15.00 $20.00 Total:
Club Name: Name: Club or District Title: Phone: Email: ☐Lion
☐Guest
☐1 st Convention
Name: Club or District Title ☐Lion
☐Guest
☐1 st Convention
For display tables contact Lion Tim McClain phone: 608-487-1088 or email: lion.timmcclain@outlook.com Lodging:
24 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
Block of 25 rooms have been reserved. Contact motel directly. Super 8 by Wyndham Sparta, 716 Avon Rd, Sparta, WI 54656 Phone: (608) 269-8489 Ask for Sparta Lions Rate of $99.00/night + tax
Subtotal
Loretta Ewelt | WILions27D2News@gmail.com | 608-269-3062
Five Lions Clubs in our local Region 4 - Zone 1 area, COON VALLEY, VIROQUA, ST. JOSEPH RIDGE, CASHTON, and WESTBY, sponsored a golf tournament recently at the Viroqua Hill’s Golf Course to raise money to donate to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin and two local food pantries. Over 70 area businesses joined as hole sponsors and door prize donators, and nearly 90 area golfers enjoyed a beautiful day on the course, all raising over $7,800 for the one-day event. Approximately $5,219 is being donated to the LEBW with the remaining $2,600 split equally between the Living Faith Food Pantry in Viroqua and the Bethel Butikk in Westby. The Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin is a non-profit 501 (c)3 organization dedicated to restoring sight through the recovery and transplant of corneal tissue. The LEBW provides 100% of Wisconsin’s corneal surgery needs, and this past year, also donated corneas to surrounding states and 46 countries internationally. The LEBW is one of the highest performing Eye Banks in the nation, something Wisconsinites can take pride in. The two local food pantries, along with several other area programs provide assistance for people with food insecurities. Given the high degree of need in our area, these pantries are providing an invaluable service to families in our local communities. Pictured above making a $5,219.43 donation to the Wisconsin Lions Eye Bank are, Lion Steve Hill, Lion Ken Karwoski, Adam Crowson Communication and Outreach Manager at the WI Lions Eye Bank, Lion Allan Petersen, and Lion Michael Stephen. The second picture shows a donation from the Lions golf tourney to Bethel Butikk for $$1,304.85. Pictured in the second row are Lions Roger Call, Michael Stephen, Ken Karwoski, and Steve Hill. Accepting the donation in the front row are Courtney Moser, the Bethel Foundation Marketing Director, and Deb Tewalt, the Bethel Operations Team Lead. In the third picture, making an additional $2,500 donation to the Living Faith Food Pantry from the Viroqua Lions Club, are several Viroqua Lion members (and a Lionette), some who volunteer hours each week as a worker at the Food Pantry and have worked for years at the Pantry. Pictured first row are past Food Pantry Director Candy Toltzman, Marlene Sordahl, Roger Hanson, Dan Crowley, Marilyn Kile, Michael Stephen, and Living Faith Food Pantry Director Titus Hochstetler. Second row, Steve Hill, Mark Hall, Viroqua Lions President Roger Call, Wayne Sherry, and Past Food Pantry Director Dale Toltzman.
FROM THE 27-D2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
ANITA KELLEY
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amkelley@tds.net
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Lions Clubs Donate to Important Community Needs
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On August 26 I had the privilege to induct a new Club – Buena Vista Lions Club from the Gotham Area. They have 33 members with the help of PDG Dick Hauser from Ithaca Lions. I would also like to thank IPDG Tom Knutdson for helping organize this Club and giving me a great start with membership! Wishing the Buena Vista Lions Club much success as they lead their community in serving others needs! As the leaves are turning and the crisp weather surrounds us, we will shortly be into the deer hunting season. Our district has Deer Hide poster boards available to put at your locations. They are two-sided orange signs with black lettering and cost $10. Contact PDG Virgil Thompson or WLF Directors Pat Hart or Darrel Dwyer to get them. Good Luck to all hunters! Keep doing your service projects along with other items and reporting them. The Lions Portal’s goal now is January. Let’s pray for a good transition for everyone. “Luck of the Irish” District Convention is Friday, February 9th and Saturday, February 10th at the Sparta American Legion with lodging at the Sparta Super 8. Friday Night we will be having a “Dining in the Dark” meal for anyone that would like to experience that. I did it when Richland Center hosted the convention and it was quite the experience. There will be music and a few laughs as the Irish (and those who want to be) enjoy the night and weekend. Remember to schedule your visits and always have fun in what we do as “We Serve.” May we all give thanks and be blessed during the upcoming holidays. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to everyone! SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB – The Aug 23rd meeting of the Sauk Prairie Lions Club welcomed Renee Thums and Terri Broxmeyer of the Sauk Prairie Area Literacy Council. They presented the history and purpose of the organization. This non-profit has been active for 33 years and operates fully with Ben Marsden, Renee Thums, Terri volunteers. Their sole purpose is Broxmeyer, Lions President Jerry Fiene. to achieve literacy to adults with English as a second language. They welcome new volunteers to help as well as donations. For more information check out saukprairieliteracy.org. The motto of the Lions is “We Serve”. And the Lions do just that! Through several fund raising events, they donate back 100% to the community including eye exams, glasses and hearing aids to those in need, the food pantry, Good Neighbor Clinic, Neighbor In Need, Kids Ranch, Caring Tree, Fire on the River, Hope House, Sauk Prairie School Scholarships, Wisconsin Lions Camp for the Disable, Diabetes Awareness, to name a few. The Sauk Prairie Lions hold their monthly meetings every third Wednesday of the month at the Prairie House in Prairie du Sac. All are welcome to come, meet some new people, have a good time and help your community. Dinner and meeting at 6:00pm. For more information or any questions, please contact Nancy Passehl at 608-643-3008.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 25
27-E1 NEWS
district27e1.org
Stanley Lions Work On Pickleball Courts The Lions Club in Stanley has shown their dedication and servitude to the citizens of Stanley in countless ways, thus fulfilling their mission as good citizens to strengthen their c o m mu n i t i e s a n d improve the lives of others. Most recently, Pictured are: Jim Jones, Dorothy Goodman, Tim the Stanley Lions Club Troyer, President Juliana ‘Jewel’ Lahner and updated the tennis Gary Krueger. courts at Chapman Park by hiring a company to resurface and paint the courts. On August 17th Lions Club President Jewell Lahner and members Dave Jankoski, Jim Jones, Gary Krueger, Dorothy Goodman, along with local resident Tim Troyer painted the lines for the tennis courts. Lions Club member Jim Jones described how the initial idea for repairing the court began. “The idea started with the SCA. The Stanley Community Association wanted to paint lines on the court for pickleball,” he began and added that the Lions thought that the courts should be fixed first as they were in bad condition with giant cracks. He explained that the City of Stanley’s Public Works employees put multiple days into cleaning the court and repairing all the cracks before it was seal coated. “John Hoel and his crew did a really nice job,” he commented. The City of Stanley will install new nets for the courts and members of the Stanley Lions Club and the Stanley Community Association painted pickleball lines on Monday. With the cost of the Lions Club project adding up to approximately $2,000, the pickleball courts are ready for action. Pickleball is thought to be the fastest growing sport in America and its popularity is exploding. The number of people playing pickleball grew by 159 percent over three years to 8.9 million in 2022, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Pickleball is described as a combination of badminton, ping pong, and tennis, and new courts are popping up in communities all over the United States. The new sport appeals to a large audience because it’s low impact and easy to play at all skill levels. Thanks to the hard work of the Lions Club and local community members, pickleball at Chapman Park is sure to be a hit! LAKE HOLCOMBE LIONS CLUB – Photo shoot and check presentation from the Lake Holcombe Lions Club to the Holcombe United Methodist Church presenting the final payment for the new helipad. Your support dollars at work in the community! A special thank you to the Cornell Area Emergency Services and LifeLink Helicopter for showing their support! We Serve!
26 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
WINTER AREA LIONS CLUB – Four new members were inducted in August and one in September 2023. This was very timely as they were all excited to help with our Septemberfest fundraiser. Septemberfest Chairperson, Ken Patenaude had an opportunity at the event to show State Representative James “Jimmy Boy” Edming how well Lion members work together to accomplish a fundraiser goal.
LAKE WISSOTA LIONS CLUB – Lion Jerry Zais entertained the crowd with several piano pieces that told the story of their Club. President Becky Gonzales addresses the crowd. ID Lee Vrieze was the keynote speaker.
Barb Dulmes | barb.dulmes@gmail.com | 715-289-5280 or 715-829-4090
Chetek Lions Club hosted northern Wisconsin’s District Governor Dennis Sykora at their September meeting. As part of his motivating talk, Sykora reminded the Club of all the ways “Lions Serve”. This motto for the Lions all over the world is more than talk as exemplified by Lion Rod Zachery who has been a Lion member for over 50 years. Here he is being congratulated by Brenda Sykora on the left, Lion Rod Zachary, DG Dennis Sykora, on right. Recently Chetek Lions have donated many hours helping restore our park shelters, collecting thousands of plastic bags that have been recycled into benches for the city, placing life vests at local boat landings for public use, co-sponsoring the community Halloween party, doing highway cleanup, collecting eyeglasses for missions throughout the world, doing vision screening in Chetek and schools in surrounding communities. Chetek Lions Club has had several activities to raise funds for projects including the popular annual rifle raffle, golf tournament, and Christmas for Kids and deer hide collection. Selling food from their food truck at various events and putting on a smelt feed also help support projects. From these local fund raisers money has been donated to the Chetek library, police and fire departments, CLPA, the mural project, Christmas for Kids, as well as national and international programs. Chetek Lions do follow the motto Lions Serve! PATTISON PARK AREA LIONS CLUB – It’s a great night to celebrate National Night Out! Our food trailer is running full throttle, serving up foot long hot dogs and mini donuts! We’ve got a great view of Chad splashing in the dunk tank! What a fun evening raising money for our community and collecting school supplies! #LionsClub #NationalNightOut #communitysupport
HAYWARD LIONS LIONS CLUB –Can it be a week already since the Lions Club Oktoberfest? Wow! Thanks to the 1,000 folks who came out to support the Lions whose efforts support over 40 organizations in the Hayward area. Forty!! Thanks also to the Chequamegon Lions for their support and excellent work.
FROM THE 27-E1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
DENNIS SYKORA
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Chetek Lions: Best Kept Secret
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It’s hard to believe fall has begun. Before we know it, winter will be here! In September, I attended the USA/Canada Forum in Reno, Nevada. There were several Lions and Leos from Wisconsin, and we all attended many wonderful seminars, and we are excited about the new Lions Portal which is expected to launch in January. Additionally, Brenda and I will be attending the District Conventions throughout Wisconsin starting in October where will be learning more about the Lions Club and how we can continue to progress our organization. Brenda and I have been busy with Club visits. The visits are going well, and we are getting the opportunity to meet with so many Lions members that have accepted the challenge of changing the world one person at a time. We have continued to promote and support Mission 1.5 by obtaining new Club members. By doing so, we hope to achieve the goal of 1.5 million members by 2027. As a reminder to all Clubs, please increase your donations to LCIF by 10% or more if your Club can help with international disaster relief. Please continue to promote and share your Club’s service projects, fundraisers, and donations through social media, newspapers, local business boards, and radio. Our media presence is essential to the promotion of our organization. Brenda and I would like to wish everyone in 27-E1 and Wisconsin a blessed Holiday season and a Happy New Year. Remember to keep Lionism in your hearts year-round.
Huge shoutout and a big thank you to the DRESSER LIONS CLUB, UNITY AREA LIONS CLUB, LUCK LIONS CLUB, ST. CROIX FALLS LIONS CLUB, Bone Lake Lutheran Church, Peace Lutheran Church, Unity Skills USA, Amery Boy Scout Troop 9146, Polk County Fair Society for helping to build 30 bunkbeds for the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Organization for Polk County. They say you will be building & they will come. This was an amazing event to build the beds for the kiddos in need and no experience needed. Tools, lumber & guidance were provided. Thank you again to everyone that made a difference, it was an amazing morning.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 27
27-E2 NEWS GLEN HILLS LIONS CLUB – Lions Kirsten Ludtke, Randy Hansen, Joan Bartz, Steve McMartin and Dave Bartz stand next to their new produce stand to offer corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, apples, squash, and onions to the Glenwood City community. Just another healthy way to do a fundraiser for your Club. The Glenhills Lions will also add their pumpkins to the stand soon. All it took was a member to share his land, members to do some planting, and a Club to try a new idea. Something new can be a good thing, and in this forever changing world, Lions can add, change, start new and try it, because we are Lions.
COLLECTOR’S CORNER Hidden Gems! BY LION REID MEYER, ELLSWORTH LIONS CLUB
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase hidden gem? Here are two definitions I found online that resonated w i t h m e… “s o m e thin g possessing value or beauty that is not immediately apparent, receiving far less recognition (or desire) than it deserves” and “something outstanding not many people may know about (or remember)”…I added parentheticals for emphasis since we’re talking collectibles here and realizing our Lions past is full of cool things to collect! When you think about all those Lion magazines you have boxed away somewhere, do you think about hidden gems? If you’ve served on your District’s Cabinet, you probably received your own copy of the Multiple District 27 Directory – this was likely invaluable to you as you served your term, but thinking back on them, would you consider them hidden gems? Sometimes it takes looking through boxes and boxes to appreciate what you have in-hand; this happened to me recently, even though I’ve been a Lion for 25 years and have my own boxes of magazines, I recently acquired more boxes of magazines, dating back to the late 1950’s. As I organized the magazines, I quickly came across a hidden gem (IP Sturm) and realized a collection of magazines featuring our International Presidents was in the making! A similar thing happened with the directories – I had my own set from serving on the E2 Cabinet for close to 20 years, but acquired many more dating back to 1965-66, which was the first year the directory was produced – another hidden gem! Take some time to look through your own boxes of Lions goodies and I’ll bet you’ll find a few hidden gems of your own! Appreciate our Lions past – it’s awesome! If you come across something special, please send me an email at reidmeyer69@gmail.com – Happy Collecting!
28 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
md27e2.org
Mums the Word
The Elk Mound Lions almost decided not to have their Fall Fundraiser. It would be their third time trying the Fall Flower Fundraiser and they were not sure if it was worth it to do it. Turned out what we say in Lions about trying more than once with something is the best practice, is true again. Never give up, and so the Elk Mound Lions went ahead. It turned to be their best Fall Flower sale yet. In fact it was so big they had to have Gerten’s deliver the flowers to them in their truck. Third time was a charm for Elk Mound.
Fall Creek Lions Fall Into Healthy Choices
Does your Lions Club have festivals and fundraisers where food is sold? Ours does in Fall Creek. Our Funfest food booth sells the best burgers, brats, fries and deep fried cheese curds around. While so many look forward to indulging in these treats during our four day event, for some folks our menu presents challenges. During the past two years, Fall Creek Lions have offered two new menu items, a fruit tray and a veggie tray. Now parents with toddlers as well as folks with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or just the need to watch their waistline have new choices. Each tray retailed for $3.00. Our cost for each only $1.50. Here’s what we included in each 6”x5” clear hinged container: Fruit tray: red grapes, green grapes, red apple slices, green apple slices (apples were soaked in a lemon water bath before packaging), four Ritz crackers in a snack-size baggie and 10 cheese cubes. Veggie tray: baby carrots, celery sticks, grape tomatoes, ranch dressing in a one ounch souffle cup with lid, four Ritz crackers in a snack-size baggie and 10 cheese cubes. Does your Club have a healthy choice menu item? If so, please share your idea!
PDG Ronda Bierbrauer | chamaca@frontiernet.net | 612-636-5044
Children, Cookies and Campers
FROM THE 27-E2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
JAY NESSETH
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lionjaynesseth@gmail.com G
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On a beautiful day in August an amazing group of Lions came together under the leadership of Lion Dr. Bob Johnson to help serve children and their families dinner. Burgers with all the trimmings, watermelon, chips, pickles, and cookies, all just perfect for a camp out meal. Camp Needle Point is located in Hudson WI and serves many children. The children we served have diabetes. I can remember smiling the first time I came to the camp to help. I smiled at all the children playing basketball, volleyball, catch, and then I stopped, and my smile went away. Look at all those children. Reality hit me to realize they all were at the camp for the same reason, diabetes. On this day at camp I sat next to a family whose son , Maxwell, was attending the camp for his second time. He was a joy to talk to and he smiled all the time. He would be going into 4th grade in the new school year. He enjoyed the camp his first time, loved his second time, and will for sure be back for third time. Talking to his Dad, he said; “Maxwell has adjusted well to understanding what he can and cannot eat, or how much, how to check himself and his insulin, and all this in just a small amount of time.” Maxwell was only diagnosed with diabetes a couple years ago. To watch Maxwell and listen to him he is like any other child his age. Bubbly, happy, informative, and full of energy. When I asked Maxwell’s dad for permission to put Maxwell’s photo in the WI Lion and write about his camp days, his dad replied; “absolutely!” Maxwell replied; “Does this mean I will be famous?”
WLF HEARING AID ATTENTION LIONS! E2 Convention APPLICATIONS Information and applications for assistance with obtaining hearing aids for financially needy individuals in our District through our WLF Hearing Aid Program can be easily downloaded from the WLF website, wlf.info, under the Hearing Program tab. The application is also available from our District website, md27e2.org, in the District Organization tab.
March 15th & 16th Lismore Hotel Located in Eau Claire, WI
Come Friday night for Hospitality, stay for Saturday’s Convention Registration can be found in the back of the WI Lion Newspaper.
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Greetings Lions of MD27-E2. I hope your summer events have gone well and your communities have benefited from your work. Thank you for the service you do. I have been so encouraged during my Governor visits to see the growth in membership and the involvement of members to help with service projects. The one common factor we are hearing is that members want to focus on what they are passionate about, not just assigning them to something they do not want to do. By finding out what a member is good at, what their passion is will make happier members that want to be involved. Also, by asking community members to help with service projects gives them the opportunity so see how much fun you have and may get them to join your club. The key word here is to have fun. As my theme this year states, “Working Together Serving Others” is what we do. As we move into fall and schools start back up, I hope your clubs can provide vision screening to our school children. If not, I encourage you to reach out to your schools and educate them on the benefits of screening with our SPOT cameras. If you do and know the dates you will be screening, please reach out to PDG Dave Schaefer at dave60schaefer@gmail.com to reserve the cameras or if you need any help in getting into schools and if training is needed. Another exciting opportunity this year is the Council of Governors approved a statewide project. One of our International President Dr. Patty Hill’s passions is the environment and the project that they came up with was food composting. The hope is to start with you by composting at home then working with your local schools to encourage them to compost the waste from school lunches. More information to come. Thank you for all you do and if you need anything please feel free to reach out to me. PIGEON FALLS LIONS CLUB – The Club welcomed four new members and one transfer in July. There is much to be said about small but mighty. While most Lions Clubs bring a new member or two in at a time, Pigeon Falls brings in five. It is great to see, and encouraging to know we are getting the word out about Lions. More want to become part of the largest service organization in the world. Brian Koxlien (sponsor), Al Hanson, Michelle Goetting, John Spencer (sponsor), Kim Larson, Carol Hanson (sponsor), Sandra Kuka, Darlene Meyer (sponsor), Membership Chair Betsy Peterson. President Greg Ofsdahl, transfer member from Luck Lions, Carol Hanson, Membership Chair Betsy Peterson.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 29
In Memory / In Honor of…
LIONS PRIDE ENDOWMENT FUND DONATIONS MEMORIAL LION LYNN MASTALIR PID Wayne & Cheryl Heiman LION LORTEN BERCHEM Sheboygan Noon Lions Club PDG DWAINE HOBRAT Lynn & Sandy Steglich LION KATHY DELCHAMBRE Lion Louise Ebert LION KEITH ZIMMERMAN Cadott Lions Club LION KEITH ZIMMERMAN Lion Doreen Mrotek
LIONS EYE BANK DONATIONS MEMORIALS TREVOR HERMAN Scott Herman and Tina Anderson HARLAN HAHN Craig Hahn and Family Judith Ashby Robert and Anita Back Warren and Caroline Jeffers Brian and Lana Frank Jennifer Coburn Hustisford Lions Club DUANE KRAEMER Plain Lions Club PDG DWAINE HABRAT PID Peter and Joann Cerniglia PID Phil and Betty Ingwell Evan and Colleen Hansen Richard and Joyce Peterson MATT FINCH PDG Jerry Post HAROLD WEBER Adam and Megan Crowson DR. GUILLERMO DE VALENCIA Paula Pomainville
HONORARIUMS LYLE “DOC” AND CHARLOTTE ESSER 65TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PID Peter and Joann Cerniglia PDG Michael and Carolyn Tiber Liz Fayram Tom and Carol O’Connell Adam and Megan Crowson Bill and Judy Saeman
MILES H. BOHLAND De Soto Area Lions Club
STEVEN LARSEN Lancaster Lions Club
LILLIAN MARIA WORDEN Suzanne Schmidt
WALLY BRACKEE Ed & Lisa Cerney
LORRAINE LASKY 27-C1 District Lions
BARB ZIMMER 27-C1 District Lions
CARLA CAPETILLO Sheboygan Evening Lions Club
LORRAINE LAWSON Roche-A-Cri Lions Club
HONORARIUMS
PDG HERB CARLSON 27-C1 District Lions
PID HELMER LECY 27-C1 District Lions
DG SHIRLEY DAHLKE Manawa Lions Club
PDG MARVEEN CARLSON 27-C1 District Lions
LOREN LECY 27-C1 District Lions
PDG SHARON CHEREK 27-C1 District Lions
DENNIS MAKOVSKY Whittlesey Lions Club
LYLE “DOC” & CHARLOTTE ESSER’S 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Phil & Betty Ingwell
LOIS CLARK David & Tracy De Angelis
LYNN MASTALIR Algoma Lions Club Eric & Lynette Ender Curt & Dianne Kjendalen* PCC Joe & Audrey Leisgang Art & Jo Marson PDG Greg & Kate Pryor Bernie & Colene Stuttgen
LEROY DEHNEL 27-C1 District Lions SHARON DEHNEL 27-C1 District Lions KATHLEEN DELCHAMBRE Appleton Noon Lions Club PDG ROBERT “BOB” ENTRINGER Phil & Betty Ingwell Dennis & Jan Koranda Ken Seering DON FOILES PDG Larry & Doris Bradley PDG HARVEY FRYE 27-C1 District Lions PATRICIA JOY GORALSKI Lake Dubay Lions Club PDG DWAINE HABRAT Barry & Margaret Brubaker Eric & Lynette Ender Lake Dubay Lions Club Connie LeCleir-Meyer Rita & Bill Mueller PDG Greg & Kate Pryor James & Pauline Schiferl Bernie & Colene Stuttgen MARTIN HANEY Arlington Lions Club CLAUDIA HARINGS Jerry & Judie Zais PDG DON HARTVIG 27-C1 District Lions ROBERT HAZEN Kathy Larsen YVONNE HENNING 27-C1 District Lions VIRGINIA HOERNKE Waterford Lions Club
JANET J. MCHUGH Helen Barnes James Carlson Jeanne Cronce Joy Fritz Lori Herrmann Carol Laffin Shawano Lake Lions Club Sandra Wehmeyer BRIAN MCMAHON Union Grove Lions Club KEITH MOON Marge Jasinski RONALD NICKLAUS Jack & Joyce Kasper Merrill Lions Club ED NOGOSEK Fall Creek Lions Club MARK PATTERSON Beth Kind Gregory Werth PDG NORM PEARSON 27-C1 District Lions ARTHUR B. PETT Kathleen Pett DAVE PRESCHER American Republic Insurance Services PID JERRY RADLINGER 27-C1 District Lions ART RASMUSSEN East Troy Lions Club
CHARLES IVERSON, JR. David & Tracy De Angelis
TOM & ESTHER RONDEAU Art & Jo Marson Bernie & Colene Stuttgen
WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION DONATIONS
PDG BILL JAJEWSKI 27-C1 District Lions
MARIAN SCHMITZ Michael & Carolyn Tiber
SHIRLEY KEACH Roche-A-Cri Lions Club
*Donation to Birch-Sturm Fund
LUCILLE SPEARS Don & Gwen Nelson
“THANK YOU” JOE KRUZITSKI Julie & Kenny Wierzba
PDG BILL SPERLING River Falls Lions Club
MILT KUEHN Fall Creek Lions Club
JAN SWAIN Prospect of New Berlin Lions Club
RAY KUEHL Waunakee Lions Club
ROGER SWEET Wisconsin Rapids Lions Club
FLORENCE LAMBERT Pamela & John Stoll
PDG DIANE WASNIEWSKI 27-C1 District Lions
MEMORIALS PDG ELWYN “BEANIE” BEANE Eric & Lynette Ender Larry & Karen Kane Jim & Mary Olson Onalaska Lions Club PCC Dale L. Schroeder PDG Virgil & Rita Thompson
30 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
SUE & GARY GARSKI’S 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Julia Leonard Myra Schneider JUDITH GROHOLSKI Sue McFarland DG ANITA KELLEY Stoddard Lions Club LAKE WISSOTA LIONS CLUB’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY Brian & Barb Dulmes
INTERNATIONAL LIONS CLUB LOGO HISTORY As for their humor, the first emblem was also a pun. The emblem/logo depicted the lion holding in its mouth with the word “International” emblazoned on the club. The play on words “Lion” and “Club” and “International” was clever, but by 1919 Lions asked its members to come up with a more polished logo. The Committee turned to Maurice Blink, a Chicago commercial artist and founding member. Blink created a sketch of circle with an “L” in the center with two lions heads in profile looking in opposite directions. This Blink design was approved by the board of directors in April 1920.
MIKE QUIGLEY Thomas & Anna Quigley BOB & MARILYN STIGLER’S 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Mary Tatera WLF IPP LARRY TESTA Lions Pride Campaign
WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) 630-203-3810 lionsclubs.org Melvin Jones Fellowship eligibility includes donations Wisconsin Lions Foundation (WLF) 715-677-4969 wlf.info – Diabetes Awareness Project – Hearing Project – Children’s Vision Screening Project – Lions Camp – Eye Glass Recycling Center Lions Pride Endowment Fund 715-677-7000 lionspride.org Preserve, protect and provide for Lions Camp and all WLF statewide projects. Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin 877-233-2354 lebw.org/funding Passionate about restoring sight, eliminating curable blindness, and advocating for organ, eye, and tissue donation.
Restoring Hope Transplant House 608-831-1726 restoringhope.org Non-profit home away from home for transplant families who are in search of a second chance at life through the miracle of transplantation at nearby UW Hospitals and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital in Madison. Wisconsin Lions Birch-Sturm 715-677-4969 birchsturm.org Wisconsin Lions Missions wislions.org/missions Used eyeglasses, donated fire trucks, ambulances and school buses, medical and school supplies such as hospital beds and school desks - distributed to needy schools, orphanages, and cities south of the border. Leader Dogs for the Blind Lions Recognition Programs 888-777-5332 leaderdog.org Empowering people who are blind or visually impaired with lifelong skills for safe and independent daily travel.
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 Congratulations to Renee Peterson, Lions Pride President who recently became the recipient of the Ray Hempel Fellowship.
GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – The Melvin Jones Fellowship and the Birch-Sturm Award were presented to Darrel Blank and Rose Sauers at their September 5th club meeting.
2024 Lions State
CURLING BONSPIEL JAN HARMSEN Melvin Jones Waupun (A2)
Sponsored by the Galesville Lions Club
JAN VOLK Melvin Jones Wabeno (B2)
CORRECTION! Last month we incorrectly identified Jan Volk in the Melvin Jones photo. Our deepest apologies to Jan. Congratulations on your recent acknowledgment!
January 5th-7th 2024
Centerville Curling Club, W24854 St Rd 54/93, Galesville
Registration Form (32 Team Limit) Entry deadline December 22nd, 2023
- Food and Snacks All Weekend - Free Beer & Soda at the Curling Club
Team 1
CHARLIE GARNIER Birch-Sturm Appleton Noon (B1)
Skip Vice Skip Second Lead # of Extra Curlers/Guests First Draw 9 am 10:30
Registration & payment must be received by 12/22/23 to guarantee entry. Early paid entries get first choice of preferred draw times.
12 pm
1:30
Skip Vice Skip Second Lead # of Extra Curlers/Guests First Draw 9 am 10:30
HOTEL RESERVATIONS Inn On the River 11321 Main St Trempealeau, WI 54661 608-534-7784
Team 2
GREENVILLE LIONS CLUB – Lion Brad Lotto recently received the Melvin Jones Award and is pictured with past recipients. Brad has been a Lion for 18 years. He has been a big part of the Greenville Lions community leading our local scholarship program, being a part of our concert and sports banquet, as well as being a leader in his church.
- 3 Game Guarantee - 6 End Games 1st Draw
- Friday Night Catered Meal
Club Contact E-mail Phone
PP JEAN MINGA Melvin Jones Lake Wisconsin (D1)
ENTRY FEE INCLUDES:
12 pm
1:30
Registration Fee $ 360/four person team Extra Curler/Guest $ 40/person (covers banquet, beer, soda, food)
Mail checks & registration to: Galesville Lions Club PO Box 492 Galesville, WI 54630
Little Bluff Inn 11451 Main Street Trempealeau, WI 54661 608-534-6615 Prairie Inn & Suites 3913 Circle Drive Holmen, WI 54636 608-781-4490 Airbnb, Vrbo also available in the area
QUESTIONS CONTACT: Tyler Truax 608-385-0136 twtruax5@gmail.com
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 31
Meeting the Third-Longest Serving Lion, Marv Kohlbeck BY PDG RONDA BIERBRAUER (E2) CHAMACA@FRONTIERNET.NET
It was a beautiful drive, sunshine and warmth, and I had great anticipation on meeting the third oldest living Wisconsin Lion member, in terms of Lions service, for the first time. As I walked toward the table and he rose to greet me I immediately knew he was a very gentle man with a heart of gold. One simple e-mail from a Lion I had never met nor even knew of. One e-mail reply that would bring me to this place and time to meet, Lion Marv. Marv is currently working on bringing in his 59th member into the Pittsville Lions Club. He celebrated his 92nd birthday on August 17, 2023, still drives, and has a memory that absolutely amazes me. Marv loves Diet Mountain Dew, Twix candy bars, roast beef dinner with mashed potatoes (or chili if it's on the menu). He is a huge sports fan cheering for the Packers, Brewers, Badgers, Bucks, or local high school teams. Although our favorite colors are not the same, mine orange and his blue, we found that we have the same all-time favorite movie, "Gone With the Wind." He saw the movie for the first time in 1955 in Germany, and me not until 1972 in Minnesota. He loves gardening, landscaping, bowling and photography (when there was film. Lol) A graduate of Valders High School in Eastern Wisconsin, Marv graduated from Platteville State Teachers College in 1953 with a degree in Agriculture Education. He immediately enlisted in the US Army while the Korean War was still going on. Following basic training he became an instructor of chemical, biological and radiological warfare. Upon his military discharge in 1956 he was hired as an agriculture teacher at Pittsville High School. Then, a school board member who was also a Lions Club member approached Marv and was quoted as saying, " Marv, you are a single guy, and you have to eat some place so why don't you be my guest at our Lions dinner meeting this evening where you can also meet a lot of local business men." The sales pitch worked and Marv has been a continuous member over the past 67 years and now ranks as the third oldest Wisconsin Lion in terms of years of service. Another Lion charter member suggested he develop a little league baseball program which he did and coached for 42 years. The community still has a strong and resourceful little league program with previous players now providing the coaching and leadership. A little league ball diamond bears his name.
Following a year of teaching, Marv was hired as an Assistant County Agricultural Agent and in his sixth year of work was selected to represent Wisconsin and the USA as an (IFYE) International Farm Youth Exchangee and was assigned to Peru S.A. where he worked with 4-H, FFA, adult groups and hacienda families. During his six month stay he was assigned to eleven different families located in its three distinctive climates: the jungle, Andes Mountains and the coastal desert. Upon his return to the USA he was obligated to travel throughout the state of Wisconsin to show and tell of his experiences in "learning another way of life by living it." His travel log would indicate that he has presented his finetuned program to over 250 groups representing 4-H, FFA, Homemakers, church groups, farm organizations, schools and Lions Clubs. Based upon Marv's contact of many groups and his familiarity which had been built up in the central Wisconsin area, the bank president in Pittsville hired him to become an Ag Loan Officer with the directive to get involved in the community to promote the City of Pittsville as well as bank business. The Lions involvement along with community organizations in bettering communities is a long list Lion Marv can attest to. He recalls attending the International Lions Convention held in Chicago in 1960 when he sat in on a membership meeting where Lions Club founder Melvin Jones was a guest speaker. Lion Marv has attended five International conventions, more than 30 each state conventions, bowling tournaments and district conventions. He is a tissue transporter and a vision screening helper. In fact, the week I submitted this article he did a transport. Marv has held every club office over the years including 34 years as Secretary, Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor and one term as Lions Foundation Director during the 1960's. He has been the recipient of a Melvin Jones Fellowship, a Birch-Sturm Fellowship and a Knight of Sight. Over the years his Lions pin collection has numbered over 2,200 pins. He and his wife Sherry have hosted foreign exchange students, a Peruvian student and a Mexican student - each for one school year, and an Argentinian and Peruvian student under the Lions International program of 6 weeks. In keeping with the suggestion to get involved in the community, Marv listed a line of organizations that he belonged to and worked with for varied periods of time;
32 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023
namely, three years with the Wisconsin Cancer Crusade. In a fund drive in 1965, he received a telegram from State Chairman Vince Lombardi in which he congratulated Wood County for being the first county in the state to go over their goal! He also served eight years on the Family Abuse Center board, five years on the Wood County Civil Service committee, nine years on the Wisconsin Rapids Riverview Hospital Board, many years on the Wood County Condemnation committee, and five years with Wood County Housing for the Elderly. He also received the Distinguished Service Award from the Wisconsin Baseball Coaches Association in 2008 and Marshfield Baseball Hall of Fame for leadership in baseball & softball. Marv retired from announcing softball games and tournaments after 42 years of play-by-play announcing. Suggested the development and co-chaired the program in the dedication of the Bataan Death March Memorial in which four county veterans including one from Pittsville that survived that horrendous event. And finally, journalism has always been one of Marv’s favorite past times. He is closing in on 25 years of writing more than 1,000 weekly columns and has had articles published in magazines and other newspapers. Marv has been married 52 years to his wife Sherry, a retired life-long beauty and barbershop owner/operator. She has been supportive of Marv in all of his Lionistic and community activities. I close with great appreciation for the e-mail Marv sent to bring me to this article creation. He took the time to e-mail an unknown, and now we are friends forever, and will always be a Lion.
73rd ANNUAL WISCONSIN STATE LIONS/LEOS
BOWLING TOURNAMENT March 2 – April 27 (No Bowling Easter Weekend Mar 30/31) SPONSORED BY: Tichigan Lake Lions at River City Lanes, 730 Cornerstone Crossing, Waterford, WI 53185 Reserved Entries are Due February 25, 2024. After February 25th, Entries will be on a First Come First Served Basis Entries Close the Last Day of the Tournament Based on Lane Availability. All bowlers must be Lions or Leos. All Tournament related & Motel Info at www.wisconsinlions.org/bowling
SQUAD TIMES Singles & Doubles Events Sat – 11:30am (April 27 – 12:30pm) Team Event Sun – 10am CHECK-IN TIME: 1 hour before shift. Optional Scratch & Handicap All–Events entry will be available for $5 each. Payable at check-in before your first event. PREFERRED DATE & TIME Enter choices based on your travel plans. Clubs greater than 50 mi from Waterford will be given highest priority. Singles & Doubles Events
CAPTAIN’S INFORMATION Club Name Club ID# Team Name Contact Name (Print) Street Address City / Zip Phone (Day) Email Contact Signature Give full name for each event - ‘reserved’ or ‘partner’ is unacceptable. Enter LCI Member# (Required) & Lions Avg if bowler has previously bowled in the Lions State Tournament (min 9 games), USBC# & USBC Avg or “Non-Sanctioned” League Avg (NS Avg). If no previous average circle 150 or 125 for a 1st time bowler. Handicap = 90% based on 235
Team Event
Team Members Prize Money Bowling Fee Host Club Admin. Fee State Bowling Comm. Fee TOTAL PER EVENT
$5.00 $12.00 $5.50 $2.50 $25.00
ENTRY FEE ENCLOSED Singles @ $25/ Bowler
Lions Avg
USBC#
LCI Member #
Lions Avg
USBC#
4
Singles
2
TOTAL ENCLOSED
3
Website:www.tichiganlakelions.com
LCI Member #
USBC or NS Avg
3
Team @ $100 / Team
Lion Tim Szeklinski (414) 399-6943 tszeklinski@gmail.com
USBC#
2
1
BOWLING / SQUAD TIME RELATED QUESTIONS
Lions Avg
1
Doubles @ $50 / Pair
MAKE CHECKS OUT TO & MAIL ENTRY & FEES TO: Tichigan Lake Lions Club 6710 Big Bend Road, Waterford, WI 53185
LCI Member #
USBC or NS Avg
4
Doubles 1 2 1 2
USBC or NS Avg
1st Timer
M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125
1st Timer
M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125
1st Timer
M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125 M 150 F 125
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 33
2024 27-E2 Convention Registration Form March 15-16, 2024 @ The Lismore, Eau Claire, WI Fees
Name Club Contact Phone Email
Registration – Lions & Guests
$15
Registration - Leos
$2
Registration – 1st timers
$10
Saturday Lunch Buffet
$22
Saturday Banquet
$30
District Pin
$3
NO MEAL TICKETS will be sold after 3/4
Name
Registration Fee
Title:
PIN $3
Sat. Lunch Buffet $22
Sat. Banquet $30
TOTAL
o Lion o Lioness o Leo o Guest o 1st Convention o Special Dietary needs – explain below
Name
$
$
Registration Fee
Title:
PIN $3
Sat. Lunch
$22
Sat. Banquet $30
TOTAL
o Lion o Lioness o Leo o Guest o 1st Convention o Special Dietary needs – explain below Name
Title:
$
$
Registration Fee
PIN $3
Sat. Lunch
$22
Sat. Banquet $30
TOTAL
o Lion o Lioness o Leo o Guest o 1st Convention o Special Dietary needs – explain below
$
$
Amount Enclosed
$
Checks Payable to: DISTRICT 27-E2 CONVENTION Checks payable & Mailed to: 27-E2 Convention, Lion Stacey Nesseth, 560 W Kinne St, Ellsworth, WI 54011 Questions? PDG Stacey Nesseth, cell 715-307-1954 or jaynesseth@gmail.com Accommodations Information: You are responsible for making your own reservation. A block of rooms is reserved through February 16, 2024 at the The Lismore, 333 Gibson Street, Eau Claire, WI (715) 835-8888 or booking at www.thelismore.com mention Lions District 27E2 Group rate code LC3. The rate is $129 plus tax/night.
Note
Fees are charged for parking in ramp next to hotel
34 Wisconsin WisconsinLion NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023