WHERE THERE’S A NEED, THERE’S A LION | JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 | wisconsinlions.org
Going behind the scenes at the Lions Eye Bank BY ADAM CROWSON ACROWSON@LEBW.ORG
“You do what?” That was my reaction the first time I heard about the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin’s transporter program. My family was over at the in-laws’ house for a Sunday afternoon cookout. We had just finished eating when my father-in-law, Tom, started trying to recruit my brotherin-law and I to join Lions. At that point in my life, I only knew of Lions Clubs as a group that cooked brats and ran Bingo. So I asked Tom what the Lions did. He started talking about our club’s fundraisers and paused. Tom then began to tell me about transporting corneas. “You do what?” I asked incredulously. Tom explained the basics of the transporter program to me. Clubs in the area take turns being on call for a month. When it’s our club’s turn, we have a dispatcher in the club who receives a call that there are corneas that need to be transported. The dispatcher then calls a transporter to go pick up the corneas and take them to the next location along the transport route so they can be used in transplant surgery. “And they trust volunteers do this?” I asked in disbelief. The answer, of course, was yes. With more than 2,600 volunteers from 418 of the state’s 500 Lions clubs, the LEBW transporter program is how most Wisconsin Lions are most familiar with the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. As of Dec. 1 of this Lionistic year, transporters have done more than 1,000 transports by 206 clubs statewide. But the transporter program is only the tip of the iceberg at LEBW. While it’s an important part in helping us achieve our goal of giving the
INSIDE STATEWIDE ARTICLES: Going behind the scenes at the Lions Eye Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Leadership-Who are your next leaders? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2023 Wisconsin International Youth Exchange. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Scrap Like A Lion Statewide Service Project Launches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Fund Initiative Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
COMMITTEE/DISTRICT UPDATES: GLT Update: Starting Your Leadership Journey Today. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 GMT Update: Discussions, Observations, Mission 1.5 and M&M’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 GST Update: Spread the Word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Council Chair Update: Reflecting on a Successful 2023. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Wisconsin Lions Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 District Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29 Memorials & Honorariums. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Award Recipients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
APPENDIX: District Convention Forms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33-35
gift of sight, there are a lot of moving parts behind the scenes that Lions don’t know about. At LEBW, we are trying to do a better job of educating Lions to help create a better understanding of what we do and why LEBW is a very important Lions vision project in the state of Wisconsin, the United States, and globally. LEBW is a full-service eye bank. Our focus is to restore sight and change lives through the donation of ocular tissue used for transplant, research or education. At LEBW, we are accredited by the Eye Banking Association of America to provide the following services: DONOR SCREENING – When a death occurs, our call center staff receives a referral from hospitals, coroners/medical examiners, funeral homes, and hospice centers. These calls come in 24 hours a day. Once our call center receives a referral, they review the potential donor’s medical chart to determine if they can donate their corneas. If the potential donor is a candidate for donation, the call center then checks the Wisconsin Donor Registry at the Secretary of State Office to determine if the donor had self- authorized donation. Once the donation status is determined, the family is contacted to inform them of their loved one’s decision or ask for authorization if the person’s wishes were unknown. TISSUE RECOVERY – Once authorization and paperwork is completed, our call center dispatches an LEBW recovery technician to recover the ocular tissue. LEBW’s recovery techs are located throughout the state of Wisconsin. The techs must always carry recovery kits, which contain the tools they need to recover ocular tissue at a moment’s notice. Once they have recovered the ocular tissue, it is packed into a blue LEBW box and the call center begins to set up transport to get the box back to LEBW. TISSUE EVALUATION – When the tissue arrives back at LEBW, our lab technicians and quality team evaluate the corneal tissue to make sure it’s viable and safe to use for transplant surgery, a research program or for surgical education. Our lab staff is looking at the cell count and taking photos of the corneas under the microscope to help assist surgeons in selecting a cornea that is a good match for the person who will receive it. DISTRIBUTION OF THE TISSUE TO SURGEONS – Once it’s determined the cornea can be used in transplant surgery, our staff in our distribution department offers the tissue to surgeons. The surgeons review the evaluations lab staff provide to ensure the cornea is a good fit for their patient. If it is, they let our lab and distribution staff know how they need the cornea prepared for surgery. TISSUE PROCESSING – Our lab staff prepares corneal tissue to be used in transplant surgery based on the specifications they receive from the surgeons. This is called tissue processing. Processing tissue for surgeons helps eliminate hours of work for the surgeon, allowing them to perform more surgeries and have more time with their patients. Processing tissue is very complex and LEBW staff spend a year or more learning how to provide this service to our surgeons. Processing usually happens the day before the surgery takes place. In 2022, LEBW was able to place more than 1,600 corneas for transplant surgery. We were able to place 834 in Wisconsin and the United States while 781 corneas traveled internationally to 46 countries. This helped us reach a transplant rate of 81 percent. Despite being well preserved inside the boxes Lions carry, every minute a cornea tissue isn’t getting oxygen it is slowly dying. The faster …continued on page 2
Continued from page 1 the tissue comes into LEBW, the more likely that tissue will be placed immediately for surgery. Currently, LEBW is placing cornea tissue for surgery in less than 72 hours. Fast responses contribute to LEBW’s 98 percent transplant success rate for patients receiving a cornea transplant. As Lions, you play a big part in our success because of the work you are doing in the transporter program. We are frequently asked how are your financial contributions used at the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. Unless a club specifies otherwise, most club donations go into our operational expenses budget. This means the donations your club makes to LEBW are used immediately to help us purchase necessary medical supplies, replace outdated and obsolete eye banking equipment and other supplies. This is an important fund because it helps LEBW reduce the cost of operations so we can continue to provide the gift of sight at a minimal cost while allowing us to evolve and grow as new technologies and services are required. As a club you can also restrict your donation to five other funds, which include: • CHARITY CARE: to help patients in Wisconsin who are in need of a transplant or help with aftercare • DONOR FAMILY SERVICES – to support donor families through their grief journey • LEBW JOURNEY OF THE GIFT OF SIGHT GARDEN – a new project to honor donors and tell the story of how Wisconsin Lions make the gift of sight possible across the globe • EDUCATION AND RESEARCH – Helps LEBW increase the
expertise of our staff, provides education to the community, opportunities train surgeons and residents on the latest surgical techniques and supports research projects at the eye bank. • GLOBAL VISION FUND – to expand critical vision services as part of the Lions Vision Global Cause. Funds are used to support medical mission trips, gratis corneal tissue, surgical training, related equipment, supplies,
educational materials and other related needs. To restrict your club’s donation to a specific fund, simply write the name of the fund in the memo line on the check. If you’re making the donation online, you can select any of these funds from the drop-down menu in the donation form. We cannot thank the Lions of Wisconsin enough for the work you do as a volunteers in the transporter program, serving on our board, helping us advocate for
Md27 lions stAte Convention Ad ForM The 27-D1 Lions Convention Committee is now accepting ads for the Convention Book. The deadline for submitting your ad is April 19, 2024 $25 discount for clubs/individuals that place ad in 27-D1 and state convention books.
Please check which ad you are interested in: Full page ad (4.5 x 7.5”) – $150
Club Name/Organization
Half page ad (4.5 x 3.75”) – $100 Quarter page ad (2.25 x 3.75”) – $50 Cover – $250 (Inside fron, inside back, back)
Contact Name
Address
Check box if you placed an ad in the 27-D1 Convention book Please submit your advertisement as a digital file in
City, State, Zip
PDF or JPG format to Lion Adam Crowson at lionadamcrowson@gmail.com.
Phone Number
For questions, please contact Lion Bill Clausius at lionsdgbill@gmail.com. Email Address For Payment Make Checks Payable to: Lions District 27-D1 Mail checks to:
May 16, 2-5pm: LEBW Open House
As part of the 2024 Wisconsin Lions State Convention activities, LEBW will be offering building tours on Thursday afternoon.
organ, eye and tissue donation, volunteering at the eye bank to keep us running smoothly and the many financial contributions that allow us to do our part to help end curable blindness. Your commitment to LEBW makes the gift of sight possible here in Wisconsin and worldwide. As long-time dispatcher Lion Lyle “Doc” Esser says, “Each transport means that someone will see tomorrow because of the work we do today.”
Lion Bill Clausius 1831 Harwood Court Sun Prairie, WI 53590 MAY 16-18 | MArriott MAdison West, Middleton
Md27 stAte Convention
2 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
wisconsinlionsconvention.org
May 16th - 18th
Madison Mariott West, Middleton
CHANGING THE WORLD Register Now for a Great Weekend of Lionism RESERVE YOUR ROOM NOW FOR MD27 CONVENTION - $139+ tax/night. Registration code: Wisconsin Lions Club State Convention 2024. Deadline: April 24, 2024. Reserve online at Book your group rate for Wisconsin Lions Club State Convention 2024
Registration Lions & Guests - $25 Leos - Free Friday Lunch - $38 Saturday Lunch - $39 Saturday Banquet - $45 Register @ www.wisconsinlionsconvention.org
Get Your 2024 State Convention Pin - Limited quantity. Only $5. Order yours on your Convention Registration @ wisconsinlionsconvention.org
or make checks payable to & send to: 27-D1 Lions State Convention 2523 Targhee Street Fitchburg, WI 53711
QUESTIONS PDG John Jenson @ jhjenson@gmail.com The Fine Print: All attendees should be pre-registered (meals not guaranteed for walk in registrations). Meal Reservations required by May 6, 2024. $5 late fee if registration is after May 6, 2024. Full Refund if requested in writing by May 1st / No refunds after that date or if registrant is a no show. Convention registration not required to participate in golf outing. Golf outing is separate registration
MD27 Convention Golf Outing 4-Person Scramble Thursday, May 16th
Pleasant View Golf Course . 1322 Pleasant View Rd, Middleton
Registration @ 8:30 am
Shotgun Start @ 9:30 am
Open to all Lions, Leos & friends Sign up as a team or individually! Individuals will be paired with other singles $100/golfer includes: 18 holes, cart, range balls & box lunch Prizes, raffles & much more!
REGISTER TODAY @ wisconsinlionsconvention.org Questions? Ron Wright 608-209-3949 Lionronwright27d1@gmail.com
Friday Hospitality
TEAM NIGHT Wear your favorite fan gear & have some fun!
Reserve your Convention Book Ad or Exhibit Table @ wisconsinlionsconvention.org
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 3
Leadership-Who are your next leaders? BY TAMMY ROCKENBACH LZROCK@CHARTER.NET
We should always be looking for our next leaders. This should not just occur to fill our officer positions within the clubs, nor to fill the cabinet positions in your district. When we bring a new member into our clubs do we assess the skills that they may be bringing to the club? Do you ask what skills they bring from their careers? Do we ask what interests them? If you do this informally with just a conversation or have a skill assessment survey filled out, make sure that you have that information documented somewhere. In even a couple of years we tend to forget. What do we do with this information? If you have a member that has been a CEO or President of a company, they may be ready to take on key officer’s positions, such as President. You say, but they don’t know anything about Lions. We can train on Lions information much easier than we can train on Leadership skills. Maybe they are website developers, does your website need a refresh? Are they journalists? They will have contacts and probably put together your marketing campaign. Does your club just keep the same officers year after year? What happens if something happens to that person? Having multiple people familiar with a job means your club doesn’t need to panic. If you put terms limits on how long a person holds the job, will more people be willing to take the position for a couple of years? How do you find a Lion to fill an office? Just Ask! When you ask, make sure that you have the job description. Also, what do you expect of the Lion? Provide them with a mentor. When was the last time that you mentored a Lion? Mentoring helps build confidence. Who should mentor the Lion? Maybe it requires several Lions to mentor. A mentor for Lions in general, but how about a mentor for an office from a previous holder of the office? Make sure they have the resources necessary. The districts have Global Action Teams to aid the officer. The Leadership Team should offer officer training. The State also would help with the officers. Remind the member to go to zone meetings and other district or state meetings. These provide opportunities for networking. Lions Learn Center is a great resource for the officer. The USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum also provide various trainings with their Lions University Program. If the Lion says no to an office, does that mean ‘not right now’ or never? Respect the never if they truly mean it. But for those that say the timing isn’t right, ask them when? Document this information. This becomes a succession plan. Without great officers coming out of the clubs, we do not have great Lions leading our districts or our state. If you can, be an officer. If you can, assist an officer. If you can, take the next steps in leadership.
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4 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
Starting Your Leadership Journey Today BY GLT DAVID STRUDTHOFF
DAVID.STRUDTHOFF@GMAIL.COM
MD-27 plays host to a number of inperson trainings throughout the year. The past three years alone have seen the following leadership training: Emerging Lions Leadership Institute, Regional Lions Leadership Institute, Advanced Lions Leadership Institute as well as international’s Faculty Development Institute. Additionally, 1st and 2nd Vice District Governors receive training throughout the year on specific skills needed to succeed as District Governor. But, one need not start with an overnight in-person training to initiate their leadership journey. Many of today’s governors, district officers and even International Directors started their learning journey by utilizing Lions online classes and certification programs. Wisconsin’s best known and utilized certification program, Servant Leadership has been in existence since 2018. It currently has over 250 graduates from 19 states and 4 counties. Servant Leadership is a philosophy in which a leader is a servant first. Servant Leaders aspire to serve their team and the organization ahead of their personal objectives. It is a selfless leadership style where a leader possesses a feeling to serve for the greater good, a trait critical for leading a volunteer-oriented organization. The certification program introduces Lions members to the most effective method of leadership available. Lions members who complete the certification process will receive a pin and certificate acknowledging their accomplishment. The Lions Servant Leadership Certification program has three objectives: 1. Make Servant Leadership principles known to all Lions. 2. Boost usage of LCI: LEARN and USA/CANADA Lions University online training seminar. 3. Encourage Lions to attend additional workshops, training, and institutes. Wisconsin’s Servant Leadership Certification program offers two levels, Silver and Gold. Only two courses are needed to complete the Silver Certification process: Lions University 225: “Ethics”* and LCl’s Lions Learning Center: “Servant Leadership”* course. Applicants who have completed these two courses will receive a pin and certificate verifying their achievement. The Gold Certification and pin requires participants to complete an 11-course program. These courses are:
221 225* 203 205 233
LIONS UNIVERSITY
LIONS LEARNING CENTER
Collaboration Ethics Leadership Styles Advanced Facilitating Team Building
Goal Setting *Servant Leadership Mentoring Conflict Resolution Decision Making Effective Listening
Application forms can be found at lions27d2.org under “Servant Leadership”, click on the Application form.
Discussions, Observations, Mission 1.5 and M&M’s BY GMT BERT FREEMAN LIONSUBWAY206@GMAIL.COM
Mission 1.5 is the drive to reach 1.5 Million members worldwide by July 1st, 2027 in an effort to meet the growing needs of our communities and serve more people than ever before. The key to reaching this goal is to ask, retain, and service. Two Lions approached me and said, “We have a man that would like to join our club and he is well known in the community as someone who is difficult and not pleasant to be around. A trouble maker. Do we have to let him join our Lions Club knowing he has a history of being a problem?” My answer…My experience is someone who seems rough around the edges, has a desire to become a member of the community, Lions Club will magically transform into Lion of Service and be a valued member of your club. In some clubs, you need board approval for membership. (I do not think that was the answer they were seeking.) My club resides in a community of 515 and we have 55 Lions Club Members. Just about every house in the village has a Lions Member. In an effort to have convention participants stop at my GMT table, open dialog in regard to membership and retention, I have scrabble pieces spread out with the hope those attending will add a word or two that represents a service project, charitable Lions cause, or a encouraging word of hope. Well done and quite impressive MD-27 Lions. Does your district have a GET (Global Enthusiasm Team Chairperson)? Chartering a new club will grow your district membership numbers instantly. Build a team, and begin with the district offering service projects for visibility in the community. A great way to begin is to find out previously unchartered clubs and offer service projects within that community. I was getting ready to pay for a purchase at a convenience store and as I approached the checkout, I saw a bag of M&M’s and I instantly had a big smile on my face. I hope your experience is the same as mine, when you see a bag of M&M’s, it should always be in your mindset, MEMBERSHIP MATTERS. As we end 2023, let us take a moment to reflect on the good we have done for our communities and be the beacon of hope for those who are in need. Thank you for your service…Happy New Year.
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Spread the Word BY GST STACEY NESSETH STACEY.NESSETH@REDWINGSHOES.COM
The Wisconsin Lions Scrap Like a Lion Service project started its roll out of information in December. We started with an informational Zoom meeting to share about the project and what it was all about. A campaign to encourage people to reduce food waste & recyclable materials was also launched. There are many ways to receive this information. Please share this information so everyone can see and be part of this fantastic service project, even if they aren’t a Lion. 1. Like/follow the Wisconsin Lions facebook page 2. Follow Wisconsin Lions on Instagram: instagram.com/wislions/ 3. Subscribe for free at: instagram.com/wislions/ 4. Lots of information for your use to promote this service project on the Wisconsin Lion website: www.wisconsinlions.org Be on the lookout for an invite to Zoom meetings on Promoting Service through Social Media. Thank you for all that you for your communities!
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 5
MD27 STATE MERCHANDISE ORDER FORM NAME
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
ADDRESS
Volume 70 No. 4
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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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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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
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2023 Wisconsin International Youth Exchange BY LION CHRIS CRONK
The Lions Youth International Exchange Program was news to me. I’ve only been a Lions Club member for 2 years (though I was a Lioness for 3). I got an email from Ray Tweedale looking for sponsor families for youth from 16-21 years from many different countries. I am retired and have two hobbies: genealogy and learning Polish. My mom was born in Poland but, since my dad was Canadian, didn’t bother teaching us Polish. I thought –ok, I can spend 5 weeks with a young man who will converse with me in Polish! I can’t wait. Stanisław (Staś for short, pictured at right) was our exchange youth. Before beginning his journey, Staś and I corresponded by email, so I knew that his interests included: 1) Basketball, 2) Basketball, and 3) Basketball (you get the idea). He was also very interested in big cities and the Great Lakes. He arrived at O’Hare on July 23rd at 8PM after a tiring journey. Including his trip from Leszno (Staś’s hometown) in Western Poland to Warsaw, (a 4-hour car ride), 2 hours at the Chopin Airport before his flight, a 10-hour plane flight and a couple of hours waiting around in customs in Chicago, he had been traveling for 16 hours. We stayed in an airport hotel for the night, hoping to catch a glimpse of the Chicago and Milwaukee skylines in daylight. However, on the way back to Hartford, we stopped at the Gurnee, Illinois outlet mall to buy essentials—a Wilson basketball at Dick’s Sporting Goods. I had to do some fast thinking to figure out how to create opportunities for him to play basketball. The two boys living next door to us were both on the Hartford Union High School basketball team, so that was something. Then there was the possibilities of playing in pickup games at the Hartford public courts and at the Hartford Recreation Center. Our first activity the day we returned from Chicago to Hartford was a cookout with some fellow Hartford Lions who live on Pike Lake—big family and some grandchildren Stas’s age. Then a couple of days later Staś and I helped out at the Hartford Lions ice cream stand at “Hartford Night Out’. We visited Milwaukee so he could see the city and look at Lake Michigan. We went to the Fiserv Forum sports shop, and then to the Milwaukee Art Museum on the lake shore. Staś wanted to see the biggest great lake. So we headed up to an Iron River cabin. On or way up there, we stopped at a You-Pick blueberry farm. At first (as he is a teenager), Staś had no interest in stopping there. I insisted, so he get out of the car to have a look. When the owners found he was from Poland (where they usually don’t have ‘American Blueberries’), they put Staś and I into an electric passenger run about drove us around the field, stopping to give us samples of different stages of ripeness. After settling into our little cabin and resting, we drove over to see the Apostle Islands. We took one of the cruises around and through the islands. The next day we visited the gift shop in one the tribal casinos on the Bad River Reservation (Staś knew very little about Native Americans), and then wandered around Ashland. After we returned, the organized activities for the Wisconsin Lions’ Youth Exchange were in full swing. In Wisconsin, thirty young men and women from 17 different countries participated (Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Poland, Romania, Spain, the Netherlands, Tunisia, Turkey and the US), had settled in with their host families located all around Wisconsin (districts A1, A2, B2, C1, D1, D2 and E1). Staś went to Wisconsin Dells and the Wisconsin State Fair. Other youth exchange students had already gone on a shopping trip in Chicago, the zoo, and the Slinger races among others. Families from district A2 got together for a great meal at the Fox and Hounds the Thursday before camp.
August 13th -August 20 all participants went to Camp Vista near Campbellsport. The camp schedule varied each day. Some days included standard camp activities: swimming, sports, crafts etc. Other activities were unique: presentations by each youth about his/her country and customs, a trip to Madison to see the state Capitol building, visits from leaders of the Wisconsin Lions, and a leader dog presentation. By the time I picked Staś up from camp, he was fast friends with many of the other campers. Before we left there were with hugs and fist bumps all around. After camp, Staś had a week left in the US. His first day back from camp, Staś came to our Hartford Lions monthly meeting and gave a short presentation about himself and the Lions’ Youth International Exchange Program. During the rest of his final week we did as much as we could fit in. One day we went to the South Side of Milwaukee, where the old Polish neighborhoods used to be. We stopped at St. Josephat cathedral, went to a Mexican bakery shop for sweet rolls and then to the only remaining Polish Deli (A&J’s) in Milwaukee. A&J Deli is full of all foods Polish –a fresh meat counter with kielbasa and kishka, frozen pierogi, old world cookies, pickles, jams, but also Polish newspapers and magazines. Staś took a picture for his grandmother, and he made me buy a Polish advice magazine to practice reading Polish. He spoke Polish with the owner and other customers. The Thursday before we left, Staś, my granddaughter and I took the train to Chicago. We hit the area shops, Millennium Park and then headed to the wharf to board a Chicago skyline
boat cruise on Lake Michigan. We took a cab to a hole-in-the-wall Polish restaurant with terrific nalisniki and pierogi. Then we ubered back to the train station, and headed home. Now, you are wondering, what happened with basketball? From the second day of his stay here in Hartford, he went to the outdoor courts looking to get into pick up games. This had to be at night because of the heat although sometimes he went to the recreation center during the day to play and find others to play with him. It took a while, but his last week here, he had steady pick-up basketball friends—some of them better than him (which was what he was after). I was amazed at his determination and ability to engage and solidify his relationship with these people (formerly total strangers). During his visit, we conversed a bit in Polish and exchanged word definitions. But mostly we got to know each other, understand the differences between our countries and shared some of our values, likes and dislikes. That’s saying something for a nearly octogenarian baby boomer and a teenaged Gen Z’er! This was an immersive and memorable experience for me. If you have the capacity to accept Youth Exchange students, definitely consider it.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 7
Wisconsin Lions Foundation
715-677-4969 | 877-463-6953 | wlf@wlf.info | wlf.info
New Year’s Resolutions can be deer to Wisconsin Lions BY LION BRAD BEHRENS, PRESIDENT, WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION
In 2023 Forbes found that the most popular New Year’s Resolution was an improvement in mental health. For me, volunteering helps and luckily I belong to the world’s largest service organization. Vision screening children, collecting eyeglasses or visiting the most beautiful 440 acres on the planet helps me keep my mental health in check. Thank you to all of the Lions that volunteered at one of the Foundation functions
or helped at a fundraiser this past year. I also want to give an extra shout out to everyone involved with the Deer Hide Program. Since taking over the program, I’ve experienced firsthand, the dirty job of collecting, cutting tails, salting and stacking. Many hours go into our largest fundraiser to help Wisconsin children with special needs attend Camp. With the New Year here, your WLF Director will be dropping off the Lions Camp for Kids Raffle tickets. If you need more tickets, please reach out to your Director or the Foundation Office. Conventions are back in session and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone soon. And, yes, I’m fully stocked with deer hide gloves.
Council Chair Report
BJ Blahnik | 920-980-6317 | bj.blahnik@gmail.com
Council of Governors Chair reflects on a busy 2023 BY BJ BLAHNIK, COUNCIL CHAIR BJ.BLAHNIK@GMAIL.COM
As we head into 2024, there are many new and exciting things happening with our Wisconsin Lions. Before we begin discussing what the next six months will be, let us reflect on the past six months. The 2023-2024 District Governors have been very busy. We began by supporting the partnership with Public Allies and Lions International to be a test program to build new clubs and retain membership in our urban areas. We continued the partnership of the Global Vision program with the Lions Eye
Bank of Wisconsin by obtaining additional equipment to help give the gift of sight in other countries. We also began building a dedicated fund to help Wisconsin families who are dealing with Pediatric Cancer. The list continues but these are just a few examples of the passion of this year’s Council of Governors. Now what is to come for the next six months will be just as exciting. In the month of January, we will be hosting an Advanced Lions Leadership Institute training which has been filled. We will be hosting the annual Curling (Bon-Spiel) and Bowling Tournament. There are still seven more District Conventions as well as the State Convention in May. Our launch of the State Service Project, Scrap Like a Lion, is creating a wonderful buzz within the Lions Communities.
In addition, while your current District Governors are working hard, the next Council is preparing with many forms of training and at the upcoming Council Meeting will be selecting their Council Chair for 2024-2025. We as Lions are always in motion and it is always nice to stop and take a breath to remind ourselves of all the opportunities, we have by being a Lions Club member. Whether it is a club fundraiser, service project, training or even just a social gathering the reminder is that each and everyone of you are making a difference. I am so proud to begin 2024 with all the exciting opportunities to help make a difference for someone else and that is the true gift we all get to share. Have a wonderful 2024 and thank you for everything all of you do.
MEET DOUGLAS ALEXANDER, OUR INTERNATIONAL GUEST AT THE STATE CONVENTION The International guest for our State Convention May 17-18, 2024 will be Past International President Douglas Alexander, from Brooklyn, New York, USA. Past International President Douglas Alexander was elected to serve as International President of Lions Clubs International at the 103rd International Convention June 2021. He served as Chairperson for Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) from June 29, 2022 through July 11, 2023. He has been a member of the Brooklyn Bedford Stuyvesant Lions Club since 1984, he has held many offices within the association, including club president, zone chair, region chair, vice district governor, district governor, cabinet secretary, cabinet treasurer and DGE group leader. He has also served as a Lions Eye Bank transporter and served on the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum Planning and Host Committees. We look forward to welcoming the Past International President to Wisconsin and sharing with him all the wonderful projects that the Wisconsin Lions are proud of.
8 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin
877-233-2354 | info@lebw.org | lebw.org
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Board Chair provides 2023 updates BY ERICA SINGLEY, LEBW BOARD CHAIR
Transporter Schedules
November is Eye Donation Awareness Month and we work together to raise awareness about cornea donation and transplantation; honor donors and their families; celebrate recipient successes and educates and encourages individuals to register and share donation wishes with families. SSM Health Greater Fond du Lac, in partnership with the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW) and UW Organ and Tissue Donation (UW OTD), shared a table to raise awareness and educate community members on the importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation. At the table, we also collected used eyeglasses for recycling by the Wisconsin Lions Foundation. Please consider registering your decision to save and transform lives through Organ, Eye and Tissue donation.
From left to right, Barb Hinn, living kidney donor and SSM Patient Account Representative; Deborah Toth, SSM Health Advance Care Planning Specialist and Fond du Lac Reporter Margaret Cahill. Standing is Laurie Ripp with UW Organ and Tissue Donation. Both Barb and Margaret took advantage of the opportunity to complete their Power of Attorney for Health Care as did many other attendees.
The 2024 LEBW Transporter schedules are now available on our website. You can find the schedule at lebw.org/lions/transporters/. A huge thank you to all LEBW Dispatchers and Transporters for your continued dedication in helping to provide the gift of sight.
Health Fair/Eyeglass Fitting Planning is underway for a second health fair and eyeglass fitting clinic. LEBW is once again partnering with Anderson & Shapiro Eye Clinic to provide this in the Madison area. This year’s event will take place from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Anderson & Shapiro office at 1200 John Q Hammons Drive, Suite 100, Madison, Wis. The event features free vision screenings, eye glasses, eyeglass fittings and hearing screenings, information about diabetes care, and organ, eye, and tissue donation registration opportunities. At last year’s health fair, 139 adults were fitted for recycled eyeglasses received from the Wisconsin Lions Foundation. In addition, Lions volunteers screened 20 children and made 17 referrals. Lions from Cross Plains, Edgerton, Lake Wisconsin, Madison Central, Madison West, Madison Monona Lion Lioness, Mazomanie, McFarland, Mount Horeb, New Glarus, and Verona helped volunteer for this event. We are excited to once again put this event on and provide this service to our community. For more information, contact Eden Brunson at ebrunson@lebw.org or 877.233.2354, ext. 275.
LEBW Open House Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin will host an open house from 2 to 5pm Thursday, May 16 as part of the 2024 Wisconsin Lions State Convention activities. LEBW will be offering guided tours throughout the afternoon. For more information, contact Eden Brunson at ebrunson@lebw.org or 877.233.2354, ext. 275.
Welcome our new Chief Development Officer, Stefanie Dziedzic to LEBW The Chief Development Officer is responsible for developing key relationships and funding sources that will help support and advance the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. Stefanie is a Wisconsin native originally from Tomahawk and has great stories to share about growing up in Wisconsin, including being on the lookout for Hodags in the backyard at night. She comes to us with 20 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit, health and human services. Among her many accomplishments, Stefanie was the Director of Development for The Cradle (an adoption agency in Illinois) and later Director of Development for the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Foundation. Stefanie worked for 10 years at Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network as a Requestor, was later promoted to Supervisor of the Requestor team and Manager of Donor Family Services. Stefanie has a deeply personal connection to donation as a donor family member whose loved one gave the gift of life and sight. Most recently she served as VP of Development for an organization focused on access to high quality, low-cost public healthcare programs and services in East Africa. She is looking forward to getting to meet Lions and learn about the work we do at the upcoming A1 and A2 conventions. Please take a moment to introduce yourself to Stefanie and welcome her back home.
SPECIAL NOTE FOR ALL LIONS: The Lions Portal has been delayed and will not launch in January. Please continue to use MyLCI and MyLion until further notice. Thank you!
Save the Date! June 8, 2024
16TH ANNUAL LIONS PRIDE SPORTING CLAY SHOOT Milford Hills Hunt Club, Johnson Creek WI lionspride.org
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 9
27-A1 NEWS
wilions.org
FRANKLIN LIONS/LIONESS CLUB – The Club had a wonderful time participating in trunk or treat, providing a safe, fun trick or treating experience to Franklin children. Our annual craft fair was a success raising money to support our scholarship program.
Volunteering at the Franklin Health Department at their annual fair handing out refreshments, collecting evaluation forms, and assisting with hearing screenings.
Celebrating 44 years serving the Franklin community at the Anniversary Dinner with Guest DG Tal Janowitz. Tal was informative, inspiring, and motivating. They also welcomed Susanne Jensen into the Club. Lioness Lions Vicky Gabrus and Georgia Ness helped the Salvation Army shop for toys for tots for disadvantaged children. Lioness Lions Helen Kacmarynski and Gloria Grabarczyk were Salvation Army bell ringers at Pick ’n Save on Drexel and Lovers Lane. Lioness Lions Vicky Gabrus, and her daughter are Salvation Army bell ringers.
EAST TROY LIONS CLUB – On August 10th, a busload of 25 Lions went to Rosholt to visit the Wisconsin Lions Camp. It was truly remarkable experience to see everything they offer! They also got to see the eyeglass recycling center - so many glasses! On the way out, President Tim and Vice President Mark presented Camp Executive Director Evett Hartvig with checks totaling almost $3,000 from tips we raised at the Musical Festival over the 4th of July. FORT ATKINSON LIONS CLUB – The Club distributed ‘Twas My Type of Christmas to the library and 10 local schools. Eleven different Lions present the books to promote Diabetes Awareness Month in November. The Club received this note from Luther Elementary School. It was also published in the school staff newsletter: I wanted to send a quick thank you on behalf of myself and Alli the Middle/High School nurse to you and the great Lions Club in our community! Thank you for making this book available in our school libraries! Given how prevalent diabetes is in our school population (total of 12 in our district this year and as high as 18!) and with it being National Diabetes awareness month- this is a great resource for everyone!
Dave Geiger, Luther Elementary School principal, with Lion Michelle Ebbert.
10 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
CAMBRIDGE LIONS CLUB – The Club decorated the Christmas tree in Veteran’s Park for the Cambridge Christmas tree lighting. They upgraded the electricity in the park, so they were also able to add a few holiday displays. DELAVAN LIONS CLUB – The Club sets up a table with free information on Diabetes and Diabetes Awareness each year at our local grocery store. November is Diabetes Awareness month and this the perfect venue to reach out to community members with information to inform and teach them about prevention and the warning signs of Diabetes.
BIG BEND/VERNON LIONS CLUB – On September 24th, the Lions hosted its annual BOLD Canoe Outing for the visually impaired in Big Bend. It was the largest attendance ever with 19 VIPs (visually impaired persons) attending. Local Boy Scout Troop 26 provided canoes and scouts to take the VIPs on a canoe ride on the Fox River. Tipacanoe Canoe Rentals of Burlington again provided additional canoes at no cost. After the ride, Lions provided a tasty meal of hamburgers, brats, and condiments to all in attendance. Many VIPs are repeat attendees and first-time attendees were thrilled by the experience and will no doubt become regulars. Thanks again to Lion Marty Hutchings for his assistance in coordinating this wonderful event.
DELAVAN LIONS CLUB – The Club is proud to announce their contribution of $10,000 to the Aram Public Library Foundation for their new building project. The new library will address the needs of the community including a meeting room, whisper room, kitchen access, children’s areas, added room for books, videos, DVDs, and computers. MUKWONAGO LIONS CLUB – The Club continues the 40 plus year tradition of setting up their Nativity Scene in the center of Mukwonago.
Patti Hurtgen | a1@wilions.org | 612-616-5383
Vision Therapy Impacts a Young Boy
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 Tichigan Lake Lions Fishing his progress. I’m sure there will be so Jamboree January 20th, much, just based on the gains he has Tichigan Lake Lions Civic Center already made. Also, I noticed it said he is 7. He is 6 or as he likes to say, Tichigan Lake Lions Balloon Fest June 29th, Waterford Town Park “No Mom...I’m six and a half.” Sincerely, Tichigan Lake Lions Car Show August 25th, Waterford Town Park Megan, Adam, Audrey and Colton
TALBOT JANOWITZ
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tdacres93@yahoo.com 262-497-0397
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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 $4,000 for each. This will be a total cost of $12,000. 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 27A1 District Governor Tal Janowitz, that District 27-A1 reimburse the family $2,000 for each session, up to three sessions, for a total of $6,000. We notified the family of our decision and this is the response we received.
FROM THE 27-A1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
R
EDITOR:
VERNO
“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?” Martin Luther King. I hope everyone had a great holiday season and off to a wonderful new year. As a District, we started our year with an amazing District Convention at the Ingleside Hotel. Thank you to all those that attended. Thank you to my convention committee, convention chair Lion Jackie Bordak, and the Ingleside Hotel staff. As we move forward into our next six months, I want to build on the projects and goals we have been working on over the past six months. Service is key to everything we do. Our International President Lion Dr. Patti Hill challenged Lions to help the environment. The state service project “Scrap like a Lion” has kicked off. You can find out more information by looking at the state website at www.wisconsinlions.org to download more information on composting. If you or your club does a composting service project, please send information and brag about it to MD27composts@gmail.com. Vision screening is a huge service project. I am sure many of you are involved. Please report your numbers to Lion Patti Redlin or Lion Mary Lewandowski. You never know whom we impact and can further aid. Hopefully, you saw the article about the young child named Colton in this issue and understand why I mention vision screening. I am so proud of our district for stepping up to help this child. As noted in my last article, we did an event called Project Homeless Connect with D27-A2. From that we have been receiving requests to start expanding our vision screening in areas of Milwaukee that have not been served at all or in many years. We have made an impression and hope to keep these vision screening programs going. We also hope that with the vision screenings in the Milwaukee area, we gain interest from people that want to join us. As the weather gets colder, I know many Clubs will be having winter events – fishing jamborees, pancake breakfasts, etc. Please send this information to A1@lions.org or place the information on our District calendar. Many Lions throughout our District want to come and see your event. Please log your service hours. A few ideas you can use to gain members is have a table with a Lion who knows a lot to show pictures of what you have done. Promote where and how much you have donated locally. Maybe have information on diabetes, vision screening, and so forth on the table for people to take. Wear your Lion vests so people know who you are. I encourage you to attend zone meetings as this is the best way you can gain information about district, state, and LCI goals and initiatives. You most likely will hear from other Lions about what is happening in their Clubs or challenges they’ve faced and successes they have achieved. LCI announced a new challenge called Mission 1.5. They want LCI to grow from 1.4 million to 1.5 million Lions by 2027. That is just two new members per Club and retain them for the next 3 years. Our public ally intern, Robin Robinson, is already working on ideas for our district. We are working with the Milwaukee Greater Lions Club and are seeing success. They had an amazing fish and spaghetti event. I can’t say enough how proud I am to be your governor. Lion Darlene and I keep saying let’s rock this CONCERT OF SERVICE!
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 11
27-A2 NEWS
Project Homeless Connect BY PDG GLEN MOEGENBURG
“A collaborative effort of the Milwaukee continuum of care, whose mission is to organize people and resources to end homelessness in Milwaukee”. That’s an impressive mission statement. And the best part is, Lions from Districts A1, A2 and a variety of other nonprofits, government entities, and volunteers brought those words to life October 19th at the Marquette Alumni Union Hall in Milwaukee. A number of health services were available along with ever ything from haircuts to legal aid to housing possibilities, and so much more. Of course, we Lions were front and center tending to their vision problems. With the expertise of two Optometrists, Dr. Vaughn Schneider and Dr. Alan Ehrhardt, and readers, eyeglasses, and sunglasses from our Lions Recycling Center, our group was able to help every one of the over 80 people that came to us for help. Every one of them left able to see far better than when we first met. And more importantly, every one of them left with a smile and knew that others genuinely cared about them. There is no “typical” homeless person. They are young and old, of all races. What they do have in common is a need for a hand up and a few kind words, and we saw in their eyes their appreciation for our efforts. It was a rewarding day for us Lions. This is a one day event held annually. It helps. But there is so much more that we can do. There are partnerships that can and should be established. The need is there. And Lions never shy away from service. Stay tuned, there is more we can and will do.
PORT WASHINGTON LIONS CLUB – Over the course of six screening sessions and 72 hours, 1,028 students from the Saukville and Port Washington Public and Parochial Elementary and Middle Schools were screened and 94 were referred to their physician for a follow up.
12 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
lionsdistrict27a2.org
THIENSVILLE MEQUON LIONS CLUB – The annual Project Homeless Connect event brings resources together under one roof to serve those experiencing homelessness in Milwaukee. The Club was one of the services that were able to help by prescreening and choosing prescription eyewear, thanks to Lion Dr. Alan Ehrhardt and Dr. Vaugn Schneider from Eye on Lake: readers, sunglasses, cleaning cloths and cases. Thank you to United Way, for the opportunity and the Club volunteers who came to help!
OCONOMOWOC LIONS CLUB – The Club celebrated their 85th year sponsoring the Halloween Parade. The streets were packed with families and especially kids. The Club served over 1,000 hot dogs, hot chocolate, apples, snacks and gave out 140 lbs. of candy. There also was a costume and float judging. Watch for the upcoming Rose Sale, $15/dozen on March 15-16th, Go to OconomowocLions.com.
LANNON-FALLS LIONS CLUB – The Menomonee Falls Food Pantry reached out to the Club needing the following food items to round out the Thanksgiving Bags they give to their clients. 200 jars of turkey gravy, 200 canned pumpkin, 200 canned yams, 200 boxes of stuffing were delivered to the pantry.
OKAUCHEE LIONS CLUB – WCTC built a lion bike rack for Okauchee Lions Club. Matt Dombrowski rides his bike to the park and noticed a need for a bike rack. The 13+ acre park has a wonderful playground, pavilion, and parking lot but no place for a bike. Matt contacted Lion Mike Schick and donated money for a bike rack. In hopes of creating a lion shaped bike rack, Lion Sandy Schick contacted Steve Walter, Associate Dean, Manufacturing Technologies at Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC). Steve introduced her to Joe Chaney, who teaches Advanced Metal Fabrication. This is the capstone class of the welding program. Curtis Flannick led fellow students, Austin Folkman and Kyle Anderson in the creation of the bike rack. The beautiful lion- shaped bike rack will proudly stand in the park for many years. It is constructed of stainless steel with MIG and TIG welds to create its lifelike appearance.
Donor Matt Dombrowski, Lion Secretary Sandy Schick, Student Leader Curtis Flannick, WCTC Instructor Joe Chaney, and Lion President Jason McKellips
COLUMBUS LEO LIONS CLUB – The Club addressed holiday cards for military veterans.
Diane Lechner | 27a2editor@gmail.com | 920-210-8691
GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – Each year on the day of the Grafton Christmas Parade, the Grafton Chamber of Commerce has a Breakfast with Santa at Circle “B” Recreation on Highway 60 in Cedarburg. This year over 500 kids, parents and grandparents were served a Pancake Breakfast. Children could sit on Santa’s lap, see their favorite character and enjoy a nice breakfast. This year, as in years’ past, the Grafton Lions Leos helped to serve the food, dressed in various costume characters as well as being part of the Holiday Parade after the breakfast. Several Grafton Lions also are in attendance to make sure the Leos have enough items such as juices, sausages, pancakes in serving trays, milk, fresh fruit and help in any way needed. GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – National Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco, smoking, and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign observed annually in October. Each year the Grafton Leos Club wants the busy traffic Leos Pictured are (l to r): President on Highway 60 to NOT TEXT AND Trevor Nauta, Vice President DRIVE. A severely damaged car and Keegan Vaculik, Secretary Braden a large sign were needed to convey Meyer and Treasurer Colin Garvey. their message. Thanks to Kirchhayn from Fredonia who loaned them this vehicle and with towing from Grafton Mobil. The message on the sign was painted and designed by the Leos.
BEAVER DAM LIONS CLUB – Congratulations to Lion John Bordak being elected as 27-A2 Second Vice District Governor. Pictured are: 2VDG John Bordak, District Governor Brenda Rumppe and First Vice District Governor Slava Krol.
FUTURE IXONIA LIONS CLUB – The Club had a great time eating cookies, drinking hot chocolate and hand messaging holiday cards for military veterans. Ixonia community members, guests, and Lions from District 27-A2 joined together for this service project.
FROM THE 27-A2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
BRENDA RUMPPE
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lionbrendarumppe@yahoo.com 262-305-1101
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FREDONIA LIONS CLUB – The 2023 Peace Poster theme is “Dare to Dream.” Congratulations to: first place Lilia Steinert (8th grade), second place Saaba Annor (7th grade), and third place Renata Reyes (6th grade). Lion Kathy Shoemaker awarded each student with a cash award from the Fredonia Lions Club. Thank you to Northern Ozaukee High School and Middle School Art Instructor, Ryan Hornickel, for organizing, instructing and coordinating the contest.
R
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VERNO
“Inspire The Passion For Service” The New Year is here and it’s the time that a lot of people make a “New Year’s Resolution.” Maybe they want to improve their physical health. Maybe it is to find a new job, car, house or ? If you can’t think of a resolution, an idea could be to find more ways to serve our community and make the world a better place. Spread kindness to others. Help someone that is struggling. We don’t have to do big service projects to make a difference. Small projects can lead to big results. It’s almost time for our District Convention. If you haven’t registered yet, please register soon. Conventions give us a chance to share ideas, relax, have fun and recharge for the rest of the year. Friday night we will have a Hawaiian theme. We have a wonderful DJ and a photo area. There will be hospitality tables with a chance to meet those running for positions on the District Cabinet for the 2024/25 Lions year. We will have the service project pictures that clubs submit scrolling on the big screen. It is time to show others what service projects your club participates in. Our LEOs will be attending and will be offering an opportunity for the Lions to take part in a fun trivia game. Saturday we will have our Hour of Power along with two new speakers. In the morning, we will have the “Play for Cade” project talking to us about how a loss of a child led to speaking about organ donation. We will also have a Lion for our district speaking about how he trains service dogs that will work for police departments and the military. Right after lunch, we will hear from the LEOs and what they’re doing to make the world a better place. ID Ron Keller from Ohio will speak at lunch on Saturday. We will also honor club Presidents, Secretaries and Treasurers. DID YOU KNOW? The district cabinet is full of Lions that would be thrilled to attend your meeting and speak about Lions Camp, Diabetes, Hearing, Restoring Hope Transplant House, Vision, Vision Screening Training, Hunger, Leadership, Membership, LCIF, Service Ideas or ? Give us a call and tell us what you would like to hear about and set a date. Email: district27a2cst@outlook.com or lionbrendarumppe@yahoo.com with your request.
PORT WASHINGTON LIONS CLUB – Kurt Kleparski received the Melvin Jones Fellow. Kurt, a member since 1994 and a Past President of the Club, was honored with this award by his fellow Lions, along with his wife Bev.
JUNEAU LIONS CLUB – The Club held a Highway 33 cleanup on October 21st. 20 bags of garbage were collected. Lions Pictured are: Nate Zank, Bill Popp, Keith Mountin, Aiden Schuster (first unofficial Leo), Brenda Schaalma, Ashley Kempfer, Clint Kempfer, Greg Young.
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27-B1 NEWS
CALUMET COUNTY AREA LIONS – Area Lions launched their vision screening program with a booth and free vision screening to all Calumet County Fair goers. Diabetes awareness materials and other information on the Wisconsin Lions Camp were provided along with collecting used eyeglasses. For the month of September twelve schools, in the county, were screened with 17 area Lions participating. 1,763 Students were screened with 188 students referred with potential vision issues.
VALDERS LIONS CLUB – Zone Chair, Paul Baroun presented Valders Faith Lutheran pastor Dan Lyman with a check for $412 for their food pantry. The money was raised this summer when the zone sold tickets at the Manitowoc County Fair. Seven other pantries in their zone also received a check.
FRANCIS CREEK LIONS CLUB – Members brought food donations to their recent Christmas gathering for donation to the pantry at Mishicot Public Schools. This is an annual tradition with the donation rotated between three area food pantries. DG Greg attended the meeting and in addition to accepting a large number of eyeglasses for transportation to Lions Camp he presented a number of 100% attendance pins. Charter member Art Ewen was specially recognized for 100% attendance since the founding of our Club 61 years ago!
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RANDOM LAKE LIONS CLUB – A few years ago a program was organized to get smoke and carbon monoxide alarms into every home in the Random Lake area. This year Lions members teamed up with Doegnitz Ace Hardware and an anonymous local business to contribute $15 toward each smoke/ carbon monoxide alarm purchased at Doegnitz Ace Hardware between October 1st and November 15th. 42 alarms were sold this past year with more than half of those sold in the last week of the promotion. Pictured are Lions Secretary Wayne Stroessner, David Thomas, Theresa Thomas and Dan Doegnite.
WILD ROSE LIONS CLUB – 227 people were served breakfast and enjoyed the electric atmosphere as they visited with Santa.
SHEBOYGAN NOON LIONS CLUB – The club helped with a benefit for Brad Jentsch who had heart surgery and now needs a kidney transplant. They helped with frying and serving food. Pictured are Brad and his wife Billie Jo.
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WAYSIDE MORRISON LIONS CLUB – On October 26th, the club participated in an inside Truck or Treating event at Wayside Zion Lutheran School. 160 treat bags were given to kids who came over to play an easy bean bag toss game. Treat bags had candy, pens, coffee cup sleeves, and bookmarkers talking about diabetes along with a smaller flier about our upcoming events. Pictured are Lions Marjorie Fritsch, Sarah Vercauteren, and Carrie Knutson.
WHITELAW LIONS CLUB – Members put up the Christmas decorations in the Village of Whitelaw.
EDITOR:
Marilynn Shady | vandynelionsnews@yahoo.com | 920-376-3505 FROM THE 27-B1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
GREG KUBICHKA
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VALDERS LIONS CLUB – Captain Jenny Moffatt from the Manitowoc Salvation Army spoke at a recent Valders Lions meeting. Pictured is Lion Carolyn Hallberg presenting Captain Moffatt with a check along with items collected by the club for the Salvation Army food pantry.
ST PETER LIONS CLUB – Members volunteered to grill and serve food to customers at The Little Farmer northeast of Fond du Lac. Monies raised at the event help support many local community support groups.
VAN DYNE LIONS CLUB – The club has been quite busy. First from the Small Town some proceeds were donated, $1000 each, to DAV (Disabled American Vets), Damascus Road, and Day by Day Warming Shelter. They also made blankets for a new homeless shelter in Fond du Lac. They did a Halloween walking trail for the kids and passed out a bag of goodies to each. They still been collect the plastic bags to have a really nice heavy bench out of them. At the 27B1 Convention over 1,300 lbs. were brought in. The last picture is of 1st Vice District Governor Roxanne Wendt and PDG and current Van Dyne Lion President Tom Wendt being surprised with the Ray Hempel Award
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Where has the first half of the year gone? ?? Thank you to all of you who came to the 27-B1 Convention in Fond du Lac November 10-11, 2023. We had quite a few presenters, if you’re looking for any speakers at your zone or club meetings. Torre Willadsen from Dogs 2 Dog tags (torre@d2dt.org) trains dogs for veterans out of Plymouth. John Franger (John.Franger@kcc.com) with Fox Valley Medical Locker is looking at other locations in our district or state. As small as a storage shed or a store front if you are looking at providing medical equipment to your community. There is an overflow of equipment at Larson Winchester we just need the locations. PDG Dave Lee (drslee@new.rr.com) also spoke in regards to childhood cancer state project. Hoping to get all 504 Lions Clubs through the state to donate (about $100 more or less) if clubs are able. This money will help with families getting cancer treatments to and from the hospital. Maybe in a form of a small gas gift card. Thank you to Van Dyne Fire, Chilton Fire Dept, Fond du Lac Fire and Theda Star, for live fire extinguisher training, jaws training, and the opportunity to see the helicopter up close. IPDG Dave Brinkman (brinkdav@yahoo.com) gave an insight of the lions portal and websites. Thank you to all the eye transporters out there. We could still use a couple more through the district if you’re able. Please reach out to Adam (acrowson@lebw.org) with the Eye Bank. Also they are inviting clubs to visit the Eye Bank in Madison. Our Wisconsin Lions camp PD G Fred Gebhart (fredgebhart@yahoo.com) is working on a project to replace Camp benches as they’re starting to get bad. If any clubs would like to contribute it’s about $300 per bench. Please send a check to Jerry Post (mpost7@tds.net) and put “camp bench” on the memo line. We also had an update from Council Chair, BJ Blahnik (bj.blahnik@gmail.com) who talked about LCIF. We’re working on a district goal for individual donations. If an individual donates $10 or more, you can support BJ at the State Convention with getting a pie in the face. He won’t even see it coming. Ella (estanelle@charter.net) and Deb, representatives for Leader Dog, gave a presentation during lunch in regards to Leader Dog. Please save your deer antlers as they make good treats. PDG Bert Freeman (lionsubway206@gmail.com) has been invited to 9 zone meetings in regards to membership matters. If you are looking for help with your club, please reach out. Congratulations to the election winners DGE Dave Holschbach, 1VDG Roxanne Wendt, 2VDG Barb Leichtfuss and 2025 (Roxanne’s convention) Premier Best Western Oshkosh. I am still missing a couple club visits. Please schedule your club visits if you have award nights or new members. We are working on this summer’s workshops where it’s not just for new officers but any club members. If you have suggestions on topics you would like to learn about or ideas on better locations please contact DGE Dave Holschbach (dajach@yahoo.com)
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27-B2 NEWS PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – Members conducted free vision screening at the Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center (PELC) on November 27th and 28th for 80 students in grades 1, 3, and 5. Sight For Kids (SFK) is known as the largest school-based eye health program that mobilizes Lions and eye care professionals to provide comprehensive eye health exams. Pictured are Lions Dennis Rysewyck, Riki Rysewyck, Paul McClain, Steve Peterich, and Jerry Bruette. Not pictured but participated was Lion Rhonda McClain.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – Lions Gregg and Barb Tallier presented a $1,500 check to Stephanie Cooper, NuRoc Resident Activities Department. Stephanie and her department use this annual donation to check their list twice and Christmas shop for the residents. A tentative date has been set for the Wabeno Lions to attend the NuRoc Christmas Party on December 22 at 10am. The Lions and Santa will be there Christmas caroling and gift giving. Submitted by Lion Clare Huisman and Lion Norma Johnson.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – On November 8th, the Club, represented by Lion Clare Huisman and Lion Lou Wickersheim, presented a $1,000 check to Christian Food Pantry representative Scott Wycherley. Each month, the Christian Food Pantry serves an average of 85 families representing about 240 individuals. During holiday times, that number increases to as many as 124 families representing about 350 people. Submitted by Lion Clare Huisman and Lion Norma Johnson.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – Lion Jonathan Calhoun presented a check for $800 to Backpacks To Go Coordinator Pam Schroeder. The “Backpacks To Go” program addresses the needs of hungry children on weekends by providing backpacks or bags filled with foods that are child friendly, nutritious, shelf stable, and easily consumed. Bags are packed by volunteers and are discreetly and confidentially distributed to participating elementary and high school students every week. The school assists with communication to parents about the program and receives permission for their children to participate. Volunteers to help fundraise, purchase food or deliver backpacks are always appreciated. The average cost to support one child for the school year is $100.
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WABENO LIONS CLUB – Three new members were inducted by DG Shirley Dahlke. Pictured are Lion Norma Johnson, new Lion Cathrine Rankin, new Lion Bill Taylor, DG Shirley Dahlke, Lion Greg Tallier, new Lion Brian VanEperen, and Lion Carie Moravec. Other new members that were unable to attend that recently joined the club are Lions: Scott Neddo, Chuck Deutsch, Tracy Deutsch, Terry Hundt, Dawn Hundt and Ralph Klein. The Wabeno Lions Club welcomes all the new members and are honored that you have joined in our mission and motto of "WE SERVE"!
PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – Members assisted the Salvation Army during their recent Feeding America Event on November 16th at the YMCA In Menominee, MI. Cars arrived at 6am for the food distribution that begins at 10am. The truck comes from Western Michigan with food for over 300 families. The Lions help with registering families, unloading the truck, packing the food into boxes, traffic control, and delivering the food into the vehicles. Pictured from left to right are Lions Dennis Rysewyk, Riki Rysewyk, Rhonda McClain, Tom Gryzwa, and Dale Edlbeck.
NIAGARA LIONS CLUB – The Club recently donated $1,000 to Karen's Pantry to help the those in need in the Niagara community for the holiday season. Pictured are Pantry Volunteers Kathy Spade, Pantry Director Teresa DePas, Pantry Volunteer Kathy Westrich, and Lions Club Treasurer Dan Decker.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – Member Linda Harter presented a $1,000 check for Wabeno Area Players to Lion Clare Huisman, a member of the Wabeno AreaPlayers board of directors. Submitted by Lion Clare Huisman, Lion Norma Johnson, and Lion Gregg Tallier.
EDITOR:
Stephanie Schlag | 27b2pr@gmail.com | 920-217-8554 FROM THE 27-B2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
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WABENO LIONS CLUB – Lion Robert (Biz) McEwen celebrated his 90th birthday on October 25th. 18 Lions members surprised him with a visit and a huge birthday cake. Biz has been a Wabeno Lion since June 25, 2008. His roots in Wabeno go deep; Biz graduated from Wabeno High School in 1951. Biz’s wife Karen, daughter Pam, and his granddaughter were in attendance. The Christian Thrift Store, where Biz and Karen volunteer, was represented by 24 friends and fellow volunteers. “Happy Birthday” and “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” were sung. There were both tears and laughter. The birthday cake was thoroughly enjoyed by Biz and his family, the Wabeno Lions members, the Christian Thrift Store volunteers, and NuRoc residents and staff. The birthday celebration lasted for over an hour, and everyone got one-on-one time with Biz - an individual who epitomizes the Lion motto, “We Serve”. Happy birthday, Biz! Submitted by Lion Clare Huisman and Lion Norma Johnson.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – The club recently presented guest speaker Adam Crowson from the Lions Eye Bank with a $1,000 donation. Adam explained the mission of the Eye Bank and how the cornea transplant program has not only restored sight to residents of Wisconsin but also the entire country and globally. Currently there is "no waiting list" in Wisconsin for cornea transplant tissue because of the generous gifts from donors and tremendous efforts of the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. Pictured are Lion Ben Hermus, Adam Crowson and Lion Dan Edelbeck. If you know of anyone who may possibly be in need of a cornea transplant or would like more information regarding the program, contact the Lions Eye Bank at 877-233-2354.
STURGEON BAY LIONS CLUB – Patti Ligman is legally blind and is a member of the Sturgeon Bay Lions Club, along with her Leader Dog, Diva. With her limited eyesight, Patti sews quilts and blankets, and crochets afghans. She made a donation of 52 items to the Boys and Girls Club of Door County. Lion Rick Wiesner, Sturgeon Bay Lions Club president is pictured with Patti and Diva.
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Happy New Year to all! I hope everyone had a great Holiday Season. What was the one thing you hoped the New Year would bring? Good health, renewal of old friendships, world peace? Imagine how great this world would be for us all. As our motto “We Serve” states, in some way or another all of the little things we do as Lions make a special impact in someone’s life. We all set or make New Year resolutions, do we keep them? Most times not, but any improvements we do in our community will make a difference. A little goes a long way. Try our new Environment project “Scrap Like a Lion”. Start at home a little at a time and before you know it we could and should have the schools in our communities stepping up to the challenge. With the State convention happening May 16-18 we can all do our part to help LCIF in the Pie in the Face contest, watch for the details. This will be an ongoing contest till the convention. Your vote for $10.00 towards a willing participant. The 5 with the most votes gets a pie in the face. This will let LCIF continue to help in disasters throughout the world with supplies that are needed. Remember we also have a Hearing Aid program, this will help those who need assistance with the purchase of hearing aids. Forms are available thru PDG Tom Mueller, he will gladly send any information you need to help that person get their ears working better. Club Secretaries, remember to record all service activities and hours worked, let them know we are doing our part to Serve. If you want I can and will visit your Club, just drop a line and hopefully we can work out a date. Thank you for all your dedication to making this world a better place in which we live. “We Serve” as a whole makes a great impact in every area of our lives. As our service grows, hope will grow to great things.
WABENO LIONS CLUB – On November 10th, Lions helped the Wabeno Area Players move their stage props and sets from the Old Connor Store building in Laona to the Laona Toy Storage. Pictured are Gregg and Barb Tallier, Paul Newton, Jan Volk, Chuck Schlosser, John Harter, R.J. Chickey, Dave Zuleger, and Dan Eake.
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27-C1 NEWS
ABBOTSFORD LIONS CLUB – The selection for the Student of the Quarter for the 4th quarter of this school year. This quarter’s selection is Calley Ruesch.
e-district.org/sites/27c1
LOYAL LIONS CLUB – We had the honor of receiving another generous donation of $1,000 from the Loyal Economic Development Corporation to go towards updating the playground equipment at the Loyal Lions Purple Park. The check was presented by Lion Dave to Lion Jason. Thank you Loyal Economic Development Corporation for all the donations to our many community civic groups we appreciate all your help.
C1 DISTRICT CONVENTION – The Famous 27-C1 Putter made an appearance at the Tundra Lodge in Green Bay for it’s annual auction. The last three to bid on it and win it in 2023 were WLF Director Rita Mueller, WLF President Brad Behrens, and PCC Evett Hartvig (also the Executive Director of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation). Even the Cookie Monster showed up to the Auction on Friday night to help raise over $4,500 for the Wisconsin Lions Foundation.
DORCHESTER LIONS CLUB – On October 19th the Dorchester Lions and Dorchester Park Committee had their annual Pork Roast Dinner. It was a huge success! Thank you to all that came out to support our worthy causes!
WISCONSIN RAPIDS LIONESS/ LIONS CLUB – The WR Lioness/ Lions had a very busy October! Vision screening of children through out our community. Vision screening training at 27-C1 convention in Weston for our new members. And best of all, presenting Lioness/Lion Kris Slattery the prestigious BirchSturm award. Congratulations Kris!
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NEILLSVILLE LIONS CLUB – Lions Bryce and Eric Backaus recently added the finishing touches to the Lions shelter at the Opelt Park located at the NIC trailhead. Thanks Bryce and Eric for the nice signage.
EDITOR:
Patty Hollis | c1lionnews@gmail.com | 715-460-4832 FROM THE 27-C1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
PATTY HOLLIS
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MARSHFIELD LIONS CLUB – Congratulations to Freya H. 7th grade at Marshfield Middle School. She is our Peace Poster winner.
WLF Director Rita and PDG Bill took this load of hides to the Lions Camp.
CURTISS LIONS CLUB – Special thank you to Lion Maria and the Garcia-Torres family for delivering the items our Club donated to the Ronald McDonald house in Marshfield. Lion Maria’s family also prepared a meal for the families there. Thank you!
BEVENT LIONS CLUB – Lions, the Bevent Lions are challenging all Clubs to match our $500 donation for the Share Your Holidays through Channel 7. They will match your donation! Pictured here is Lion Don dropping off the check from the Bevent Lions. Will you accept the challenge? Lions 27-C1
ALMOND LIONS CLUB – Congratulations to the winners of the Almond Lions Halloween Party Costume Contest. Thank you all for attending and everyone’s costumes looked great!
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lionPattyhollis@gmail.com 715-460-4832
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Patti Hill, Lions International President’s theme this year is “Changing the World”. When you look at this theme, it may seem like an impossible task. How do we Change the World, how do we as individuals Change the World? If you look around us, we as individuals, as Lions Clubs are doing that each day. As Lions, we deliver the gift of sight, changing how one person sees the world. We help collect and distribute food items, giving a person and their families a chance to not feel hunger. Doing service projects, such as Christmas cards to Veterans allows us to give joy where there may not have been before. Recycling our garbage gives us a chance to help preserve our earth. Changing the World is not about the big picture, it’s about the small things we do every day. Let’s not forget that every time we do something to change someone else’s world, we are changing ours, too. Our heart grows fonder, our love for life stronger, and our lives are richer. As we change the world, remember, others are watching. People who see others serve are wondering how they, too, can help. Those people, who are not Lions, but help at your fundraisers? They want to belong to a group of people who help, who give their heart and soul to those who need it. We just must remember, some of them are waiting to be ASKED. So do just that, ASK. As the new year is now upon us, let’s make it a goal to ask just one person to join us in Changing the World. With the Lionistic year now half over, meet with your club. Go over your goals that you set at the beginning of the year. Where are those goals at? Did you meet some of them, while others are still being worked on? Remember for club excellence this year, you must have a new service project, be plus one in membership, donate 5 dollars per member to the Lions Club International Foundation, market your fundraiser or service project (Facebook is considered marketing). If you need help with any of these, please get ahold of me. As a Lion, I just want you to know that I am so proud to be part of our district. As I make my travels to clubs, my tank is continually refilled by all the good we do. I want you to know I appreciate each member. Thank you for all you do. Keep up the good work you are doing to Change the World.
MAINE LIONS CLUB – Today 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.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 19
27-C2 NEWS
e-district.org/sites/27c2
Getting to Know Our C2 Leadership
Lions International Peace Poster Contest
Kerrie R Molter of Mellen, Wisconsin was elected to serve as 2nd Vice District Governor at the Multiple District 27-C2 Convention in April 2022. With District succession in 2023, Lion Kerrie advances to the 1st Vice District Governor position in 2023 and becomes the District Governorelect for 2024-2025. Joining the Genoa Lions Club in 2015, serving numerous positions as Tail Twister, Club 1st Vice President, Club President, Club Membership Chairperson, and Lions Clubs International Club Coordinator where becoming a Lion enhanced a big part of her life. With her leadership in the Genoa Lions Club, she chaired the Centennial project of constructing twofoot bridges safe for crossing the river to get to the park. The “Cans for Kids” program was started in Genoa City as an earmarked environmental project with proceeds going to Wisconsin Lions Camp. Lion Kerrie also served on the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Eye transport team. In recognition, Club President Kerrie was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellowship from Genoa City Lions in 2020 for her contributions and leadership to Genoa City Lions. Kerrie and her husband Mitch retired to Mellen Wisconsin in January of 2020. Upon transferring and joining the Lions Club of Mellen that year, she found herself soon to be the Zone Chairperson, elected to serve as Club Vice President and then on to Club President for Mellen of the only 5 dedicated Mellen active members. She since, through recruiting avenues, began to rebuild the Mellen Club to the 18 members it has today. Volunteering to be the District Pediatric Cancer Chairperson and Zone Chairperson in 2022 for District C2 leading the 5 clubs in her Zone, Butternut, Glidden, Park Falls, Fifield, and her club Mellen has become the route to District leadership for her. This year, DGE Kerrie seeks nomination for the C2 DG 2024/25. Kerrie has received her bachelor’s degree from Lions University this year while attending the US/Canada Lions Forum where she attended many great educational seminars. Kerrie is busy completing her District Governor training and putting goals together to be an effective leader in her district and multi district, as well as attending the MD-27 Advance Lions Learning Institute.
Encourage your club to join in the excitement of the Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Youngsters, between the ages of 11-13, in your area, could be part of thousands of entries anticipated worldwide. Students create posters envisioning the theme chosen for that year without using letters or numbers in any language. What an opportunity for young people everywhere to consider the importance of world peace and express what it means to them creatively.
Lions Clubs Additional Liability Insurance General Liability coverage extends to protect your club for liability arising from conduct of a specified event or activity subject to policy provisions. Coverage can be extended to protect the interest of property owners allowing your club use of their premises as an additional insured. This coverage is in addition to the automatic $1,000,000 of coverage provided under the Global General Liability Program of Lions Clubs International. – Comprehensive General Liability —Limits to $1,000,000 each occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate – No deductible — first dollar coverage – Premises Liability – Personal Injury – Liquor Liability (available separately with supplemental application) – Ineligible/Excluded Activities include: This description is for information purposes only and does not extend or alter coverage offered. To apply for this coverage, please contact: Bryan Adams badams@dspins.com or Jeannene Miller jmiller@dspins.com
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How and what do I do to involve my club in the contest? 1. Order a kit from Lions International – Kits go on sale at the Member Service Center at Lions International from January 15, 2024, to October 1, 2024. 2. Contact an Art or Social Studies Teacher at your school and take the contest information to them. A youth group could also participate in the contest. Be sure to give them the deadline date for your local competition. Also describe the awards your club will present to the winners. Your club can give multiple awards, but only the first-place poster continues on to District Competition. (Contact the teachers as soon as possible, perhaps the fall in-service days. This allows them to include the contest in their teaching plans.) 3. Be sure to arrange for a special award ceremony in cooperation with the youth group or your school and the participating teachers. This gives your club an opportunity for some great PR. 4. November 15, 2024, is the postmark deadline for your club to send your first-place poster to our District Governor. The poster will face stiff competition through the District Round and two more rounds of competition if it is to be declared the International Grand Prizewinner. The International Grand Prizewinner receives a trip to an award ceremony where he or she will receive US$5,000. To view previous Grand Prize Award posters, visit: lionsclubs.org/peace poster. Let’s provide our youth with the opportunity to share their vision of world peace. Contact me with any questions at 715-785-7573 or dslemke@tds.net
JUMP RIVER LIONS CLUB – Members, Spike and Mary S., presented a check in the amount of $500 to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit. Accepting the donation was Sheriff Woebbeking, Deputy Petersen with K-9 Tyr, and Deputy Dassow.
CONOVER LIONS CLUB – Member of 48 years, Rich Hedberg received the Lifetime Membership award at the recent Lions club meeting. Rich joined the Conover Lions Club in February, 1975. On hand to present the award was District Governor, Don Meeder. Pictured are Mike Lydon, Club President; Rich Hedberg and Don Meeder.
Roger L. Weber | lions27c2roger@gmail.com | 715-892-5386
Leadership, Experience and Opportunity (LEO) Some little known facts about the Lions youth, or LEO, organization
– No youth group or organization shall be recognized as a Leo club by Lions Clubs International unless sponsored by a Lions club. – An organization fee in the amount of US$100.00 shall be required for all new Leo clubs and billed to the sponsoring Lions club each year and shall be billed by Lions Clubs International – Lions Clubs International recognizes the importance of providing a suitable level of resources and support to Leo clubs and sponsoring Lions clubs throughout the association’s constitutional areas. In order to maintain the resources and support necessary for the ongoing growth and development of the Leo Club Program, the association issues an annual Leo levy/fee to all Lions clubs that sponsor an active Leo club. – Awards - Attendance, Leo Extension Award Certificates, a Leo Award of Honor awards designed for Leos to be presented to the Leos by the sponsoring Lions club. – Former Leo club members may include their Leo years of active service in their Lions club membership histories. Current and former Leos must have been a Leo for at least one year and one day to receive credit for their Leo years of active service as part of their Lions club membership histories.
DG DON’S QUIZ January 1, 2024 – “Testing Your Lions Knowledge” 1. Which County in C2 (Ashland, 2. What is DG’s home club? Iron, Vilas, Lincoln, Taylor, 3. Where is the Lions Camp Located? Price, Bayfield, Oneida) has the 4. What is the C2 2024 Convention most clubs? location & theme?
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The Wisconsin Lions Foundation and our district are helping the fight against blindness and ensure that every child from six months to eighteen years old sees properly. Through the efforts of Lions Clubs, screenings are taking place in their local day care, schools, and preschool facilities. In the past year 2022-2023, the 21 clubs in district C2 who vision screened reported their numbers screened at 6,639 for children and adults. Of the screened children 845 were referred for an examination by an eye care professional. This Lions year, July 1 to October 25, 5 C2 clubs have reported 720 children have been screened, with 69 being referred. Vision problems affect one in every five school-age children and one in every twenty preschool-age children. In 2012, the WLF Board of Directors and Council of Governors added Adult Vision Screening to our mission. Lion Dan Tekippe of the Phillips Lions club & Lion Dennis Hirtz of the Lake Tomahawk Lions club oversee Visions Screening for the C2 District. In cooperation with Lions KidSight USA who offer free certification training for Vision Screeners (Cameras). Vision Screeners covered in this training are the Welch Allyn’s Spot Vision Screener and the plusoptiX S12 Vision Screening Device.
FROM THE 27-C2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
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The Governor’s Wish List - Open Houses and Tri-folds! This is the time of year when folks open their homes to invite family and friends to join in holiday celebrations. I’d like to propose that we do a similar thing in our clubs with “Open House” events. As a district, we have been promoting these as a way to gain members and the several clubs that have sponsored them have been successful in this. An Open House event involves inviting friends of club members and the community to attend a gathering where they can get familiar with what we Lions are all about. It should be billed as informational and casual. It can also be held as part of a fundraiser or service project. Pamphlets that show the club’s community service as well the Lions causes should be readily available. Also, it is great to have a district cabinet member or two on hand to add more perspective on what it means to be a Lion. I am asking all 40 clubs in the district to set a date for an Open House and send the information to me at donald.meeder@gmail.com so that I can assist in lining up cabinet members and promotional materials. There could also be assistance with promoting your event. Please give at least three weeks’ lead time for this. Many clubs already have a tri-fold flier about their club like Mellen Lions. If your club already has a tri-fold I ask that you review it to make sure that the information is current and that you also send me an email with it attached. If your club does not have one and would like some assistance in developing one, please let me know. SO... That is my wish list. I hope that your wishes for the New Year come true as I know that many of them are focused on growing your club to better serve your community. That is what is so special about being a Lion and it’s something we can be proud to promote!
C2 CHARTER DATES ANNIVERSARIES Congratulations for your dedicated/volunteer years of Lions Service January
– Glidden – Iron River – Medford – Tomahawk
February
– Manitowish Waters – Merrill – Minocqua – Prentice – Sugar Camp
1/28/1954 1/15/1963 1/31/1951 1/29/1946
President Lena Motola President Tom Madison President Steve Delonay President Jeffery Koth
2/25/1971 2/25/1927 2/14/1946 2/25/1959 2/21/1967
President Mike McKeon President Judy Hatz President Brian Fricke President Dennis Quednow President Ron Winquist
DON’S QUIZ ANSWERS – (1) VILAS COUNTY; (2) THREE LAKES; (3) ROSHOLT, WI; (4) LDF CONVENTION CTN., ADVENTURES IN SERVICE.
EDITOR:
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 21
27-D1 NEWS
lions27d1.org
Reach More at the 2024 District Convention March 8-9 at the Marriott Madison West, Middleton The 27-D1 Convention is almost here! Join Lions & Leos from across southwest Wisconsin & beyond to celebrate Reaching More as we change the world… one community at a time.
Registration & Meals – Lions & Guests - $25 – Leos - Free – Friday Cabinet Meeting Dinner - $20 – Saturday Lunch - $39 – Saturday Dinner - $45 Attendees are encouraged to register in advance at 27d1convention.org/register. Walks ins welcome. Meals may not be available after February 27th. Those that prefer to pay via check, make checks payable to & send to: District 27-D1 Convention c/o John Jenson 2523 Targhee Street Fitchburg, WI 53711
Hotel Reservations Reserve online or call the Madison Marriott West at 888-745-2032. Ask for the Lions Club District Convention block of rooms to receive special room rates starting at $135+ tax. Available until February 9th (or until the block is full).
Leos: Special Sessions Registration FREE. Details to come. Email Brenda Steele with questions or ideas
Exhibitor Tables Deadline February 1st. Reserve yours at 27d1convention.org.
Convention Program Ads Deadline February 1st. – $150 full page (7.5”x 4.5”) – $100 half page (3.75”x 4.5”) – $50 quarter page (2” x 5”) – $25 discount for placing ads in both District Convention & State Convention ad books. – Send your ad as a pdf or jpg to Adam Crowson – Checks should be made out to Lions District 27-D1 & sent by February 1st to: Bill Clausius 1831 Harwood Ct., Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Service of Remembrance Service will honor Lions & Leos who passed between 1/31/23 and 2/1/24. If your club has a member who has passed: – Email a photo & short Lion bio to Bruce Voight by 2/1 – For each member that has passed, designate a Lion to participate in the 3/9 Service of Remembrance during the opening session – Lion of the Year & Kindness Matters Service Award Nominations are due to Lion Andy Grosvold by 2/1.
Host 2025 Bowling Clubs interested in hosting 2025 District Bowling must submit their interest, in writing, to DG Jeff Winkler by January 1st.
Afternoon Service Projects – Backpacks for Homeless Teens – T-Shirts for Pediatric Cancer Patients – Snuffle Mats for Leader Dogs – Caring Canines
Dinner & Trivia – Schedule as of December 1st (subject to change)
Tentative Schedule – FRIDAY » Registration 2-8pm » Exhibitor Set Up 2-8pm » Vision Screening Training 3-5pm » LEBW Transporter Meeting 5-6pm » Cabinet Meeting & dinner 6-8pm » Hospitality w/DJ Dan Ziegler 7:30-10pm » Candidate Hospitality 10pm-12am – SATURDAY » Registration 7:30am-2pm » Delegate Certification 8-11am » Voting 4:45-5:30pm
Inspiration – Local TV Legend John Stofflet – LCI International Director Joanne Ogden
Seminars – Media Relations – Lions Portal – Estate Planning – Pushed or Pulled – Why Lions Leave – Where Are Our Next Leaders – Youth Services Briar Patch – Art of Recruitment – Service is Everything – Caring Canines
22 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
WISCONSIN LIONS DISTRICT 27-D1 AND MADISON WEST LIONS CLUB – In a partnership with Hy-Vee Grocery Store (Whitney Way, Madison) Lions offered free diabetes A1C blood screening and dietary counseling services on four different days in November including a free breakfast held on November 10th to honor veterans on Veterans Day. Pictured are Lions Dick Kraemer and Judy Nicholls along with “Tom” of Badger Honor Flight. During the two hours that the Club members were in attendance, 127 veterans were served breakfast, three of whom had their A1C levels tested by the HyVee dietitian, Aryn DeGrave (not pictured).
EDITOR:
Bill Clausius | pr@lions27d1.org | 608-698-1683 FROM THE 27-D1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
JEFF WINKLER
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MCFARLAND LIONS CLUB – Village officials and Club members celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new McFarland Skate Park. The McFarland Lions Club led the fundraising efforts for the new facility.
POTOSI TENNYSON LIONS CLUB – Club President Lion Diane Langmeier and Treasurer Lion Cory Leibfried presented checks to the Peace Poster Winners. Emma Uppena’s poster will move on. Pictured are (l to r): Fourth place Diane, Third Place Jessa, Second Place Marilyn, and First Place Emma.
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jeffrey.winkler2@frontier.com 608-575-3291
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2024 is here! This is the official halfway point to our “Lions Year”. Each of us can finish this year strong by focusing on the great things that our clubs do to provide service, funding, and support to our local communities. We also have opportunities to support causes that are at the District, State, and International level. Take some time as a Club to review how you have supported those areas in the past and if there are any areas that you should add to your annual giving campaign. My job as District Governor is also at the halfway point – I am personally reviewing my priorities that I had for the year and listening for additional opportunities, please let me know if I can help with any of your Club initiatives! An example of a new opportunity for our multiple district will be “Scrap Like a Lion”, a composting project that follows the environmental theme of our International President, Dr. Patti Hill, “Changing the World”. My main objective for the past few months has been to visit the Clubs in the southwestern part of the state. It is really an inspiration to be at a meeting and listen to all the service projects and fundraising activities that are happening in our communities across our district. I had the opportunity to attend the 100th Anniversary for the Beloit Noon Lions Club in November 2023. A huge congratulations to their Club for serving their community for 100 years. The list of their projects mentioned during the program was very impressive and every member should be proud of their involvement in the community. Due to changing demographics, the Club has discontinued its charter, the Beloit Evening Lions Club will be welcoming the majority of the members to transfer to their Club.
Upcoming District Priorities: – Being a Zone Chair – For current and future Zone Chairpersons, Zoom Meeting, January 30, 2024 – The District Global Action Team(GAT) will be organizing materials for Zone meetings. – District Convention, Friday, March 8th – Saturday, March 9th – Best wishes for a productive and successful 2024!
AVOCA-BLUE RIVER-MUSCODA LIONS CLUB – 60 more Riverdale elementary students had their vision screened this year over last year. Early in the school year, tests allow for students to be taken care of so that they don’t have to struggle with vision issues all year. Dodgeville Lion members supplied equipment and expertise. Local members, the school nurse and classroom helpers assisted.
POTOSI TENNYSON LIONS CLUB – Lions held a free holiday meal with seniors and also featured Santa and his elf visits in December. The Club’s elves also write Christmas letters to children and were busy collecting items for their Adopt a Family for Christmas project.
DEFOREST WINDSOR LIONS CLUB – A monthly membership meeting was conducted at Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin. Unbeknownst to the Club and to their member, PDG Alan Johnson was awarded Volunteer of the Year as part of the 2023 Crystal Vision Awards. Not only is he a Lion and a transporter for the Eye Bank, but when asked if he could recommend someone who might be able to construct custom overnight lockers for us, he just went ahead and took on the project himself! He even made a table to go along with them. That spirit of going above and beyond as a volunteer is why he was chosen for the award.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 23
27-D2 NEWS
md27d2.org
BANGOR LIONS CLUB – Numerous contributions have been made to both local and Lions groups over the past couple months. Pictured above presenting the Bangor Sunshine on the Trail board, a cancer support group, with a $1,000 donation is Lion Ginny LeJeune on the left and Lion Marv Hesse on the right. Also pictured is Lion Monica Chapiewsky, on the right, presenting Jean Reigel, trip coordinator, a donation of $1,000 for the Bangor 6th Grade Washington DC trip. Other donations made were $3,000 to the Bangor Fire Department, $1,500 for the building fund and $2,500 for the equipment fund to the Bangor First Responders, $600 to the Care & Share Food Pantry, $500 to the Bangor Community Thanksgiving Dinner, $250 for the Trunk or Treat Halloween candy, two $300 benevolence donations and $500 to the DARE program. Donations were also made of $500 to the Lions Cancer Group and $500 to the Lions Maui Wildfire Disaster Relief Fund.
BANGOR LIONS CLUB – On October 3rd, the Club did vision screenings on all the 1st, 3rd and 5th graders at the Bangor Elementary School. This is certainly a worth wild effort by the Lions to insure the kids have good eye sight to be able to be successful in the classroom. Pictured are: Lion Monica Chapiewsky, Lion Tammy Hansen, Lion Marv Hesse, Lion Art Marson (who brought the test equipment), Lion May Jo Klos and Lion Bonnie Horstman.
SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB – The October meeting welcomed Court Drescher, treasurer of the Sauk Prairie School District Dollars for Scholars Board of Directors. The last several years the Club has given four $1,000 Scholarships. This past year Dollars for Scholars presented $190,000 to 92 seniors. Applications are given to the Board of Directors to determine who receives the awards, for different amounts and requirements.
SAUK PRAIRIE LIONS CLUB – The November meeting welcomed John Rathum of 6:8. He spoke about their new project, Sycamore Center. They are looking at the empty Quartz building to remodel into affordable apartments and family shelter. Also included would be community space with day care, classrooms and multi-purpose rooms. Many local services are looking at being included in this space also. More info at makingservicepersonal.org.
24 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
BUENA VISTA LIONS CLUB – On October 21st, the Club hosted a Halloween Party for the Buena Vista Area. This was a free event with the option to donate a nonperishable food item or make a cash donation to the Richland Area Food Pantry. The Club decided to have a bake sale during the party to increase proceeds to the food pantry. The party included hayrides, a treasure hunt, costume contests, make your own caramel apple, pumpkin carving or decorating along with other activities for the little goblins and ghouls to enjoy. The Club also had a brat and burger stand for everyone to enjoy with the colder temperatures. Despite the windy and chilly weather, 75 kids had a spooktacular time and left with a small goody bag including candy and toys. All together, the Club raised a total of $300 for the food pantry along with a large tote full of nonperishable food items. There were some baked goods left over which was sold for an additional $267.50 to a club member’s employer. There were incredible members that worked effortlessly and put in several long days to make this event for the community possible. A huge thank you to everyone who helped with this event whether it be for volunteering, cash or donation of items and the late night setup and tear down for this event. The remaining pumpkins, apples and candy were donated to the community. RICHLAND CENTER LIONS CLUB – The most recent service project spruced up the downtown area of Richland Center by replacing the old with ten new trash receptacles valued at $6,000. The old blue Lions trash receptacles had become worn beyond repair and difficult for the Richland Center Parks Department to empty. The Parks Department is a four-member department that helps keep Richland Center downtown clean by emptying the trash receptacles weekly. Thank you to them for all they do! Pictured are: Lions Richard and Lorraine Dalberg, and Janet Krueger. Richland Center Parks Department Spencer Reed, Tess BarrHamblin, and Dave Fry.
EDITOR:
Loretta Ewelt | WILions27D2News@gmail.com | 608-269-3062 FROM THE 27-D2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
ANITA KELLEY
amkelley@tds.net
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COON VALLEY LIONS CLUB – The Club recently planted an eight foot tall Norwegian Spruce on the Coon Valley Farmers Telephone Company vacant lot next to the Telephone Company’s Office Building on Central Avenue in Coon Valley. The Lions had been looking for a suitable space to plant the donated tree. The tree had been donated to the Lions from the daughters and their families of Clare Edna and Howard Erickson, in their memory. Howard had been a Charter member of the Coon Valley Lions when it was chartered 63 years ago. In addition, both son in laws as well as a daughter are Lions members. The tree had been purchased from Second Nature Nursery and was planted by a group of Coon Valley Lions and a couple of potential Lions. The actual excavating needed to plant the tree, due to the extremely dry soil, was donated by Big Shovel Excavating, owned by A.J. Harr. The Norway Spruce is projected to be a future community Christmas Tree as the Coon Valley Lions annually sponsor a Food Pantry Drive during the Thanksgiving to Christmas Holidays and spearhead the contributions from the community. Over the years, approximately $100,000 has been collected and delivered to the Bethel Buttik Food Pantry where it has purchased about one million dollars of food products that have been distributed to Vernon County area residents! Until the tree grows a little more, another larger cut tree located by The Stockyard Bar and Grill will serve as the Community Christmas Tree for the Lions Christmas Food Pantry Drive. The Coon Valley Lions involved in the acquiring and planting were Rod Erlandson, Barry Bergum, Curt Horman, Lee Nerison, Cedric Veum, Rick Starkey, Ron Hoff and potential members, Kevin Mathison and A.J. Harr.
DE SOTO LIONS CLUB – Lions are pictured at the Retreat Worlds Fair throwing out candy. Pictured bottom is new member inductee Jenn Swiggum.
WONEWOC AREA LIONS CLUB – A successful Fall Festival was held. The Club worked with the American Legion at their Pork & Poultry Show Bingo Fundraiser. An Eye Screening was completed at the Wonewoc-Center Schools and St. Paul Lutheran School. 260 students were screened and had 15 referrals. Upcoming events include: A float in the Wonewoc Lighted Parade, with 120 Christmas treat bags to be handed out to kids by Santa. At the Club Christmas Party, 40 bags will be stuffed for the Meal on Wheels shutins and the Weber House Assisted Living residents. The Club will be helping the American Legion wrap gifts for the Christmas Memories Project to deliver to needy families.
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It’s hard to believe that I am half way thru my year as your District Governor. It has been very rewarding to serve in this position. With the holidays behind us, let us not forget to keep up the good work you have been doing and continue to do. Don’t forget to report your service projects, also. Our District Convention is just around the corner on February 9th and 10th at the Sparta American Legion. If you haven’t registered yet, please do so before January 26th. The registration form was in the last issue but we will be sending it out by the mail so that everyone that can’t print it off will be able to register. It will be an Irish Theme so even if you’re not Irish, you’ll be able to take part in the festivities of some Irish traditions. Friday night we will have Dining in The Dark which is optional. I did it at one of my Governors Conventions in November and it was an experience. I thought I was eating with my fork but it was my spoon! Please consider this opportunity to be challenged as the blind are everyday of their lives. Raffle Tickets are available to help offset the cost of the convention so please help to purchase them. It’s been very nice going to your Club visits and hearing what you have done and continue to do. Please schedule your visits if you have not done so yet. With winter here, I’ll make my best effort to get to your visits. Continue having fun at your meetings and your events as “We Serve”.
WEST SALEM LIONS CLUB – The 75th Anniversary party was on October 15th.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 25
27-E1 NEWS
district27e1.org
District 27-E1 Convention to be held at the Sleep Inn and Suites Conference Center Our International Director will be Ron Keller from Millersport, Ohio. He was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of Lions Club International in 2022. Director Keller has more than 35 experience as a government administrator and event coordinator. He is currently the Cultural Arts and Events Manager for the city of Columbus where he manages city staff, drafts city legislation, oversees purchasing of equipment and supplies for events, and serves as a liaison to civic and community leaders in Columbus’ urban neighborhoods. He joined the Millersport Lions Club in 1979 with a desire to help better this small, rural community. Since then he has held a number of offices within the association including GST coordinator, multiple district council chairperson, US/Canada Lions Leadership Forum host chairperson and Lions centennial celebration coordinator. He was a member of the Central Ohio Lions Eye Bank Operating Board and since 1990, he has served as general chairman for the Millersport Lions’ Sweet Corn Festival. In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including multiple International President’s Awards, International President’s Certificates of Appreciation and an International President’s Leadership Award. He is also a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow. Director Keller and his spouse, Kitty Lea Keller, who is also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children and seven grandchildren. One of our afternoon speakers will be Carl Olson, a Sun Prairie Lions Club (D1) member. Carl “Energizer” Olson is a nationally known and respected speaker, trainer and author. He has presented to nearly threequarters of a million people throughout the United States and Canada.
His diverse talents allow him to have an impact with a wide variety o f a u d i e n c e s. The groups that International Director, Speaker, trainer and he presents to Ron Keller. author, Carl Olson. include all ages of youth, educational staff, teams, non-profit organizations, business and corporate groups. Carl founded “Energizer Olson” in 1993, by drawing from his successful background and experience as an educator, coach, administrator and leadership trainer. The mission of the organization was designed to empower his clients for success, using motivation, attitude and sound current theory and practice. Carl’s professional background includes a master’s degree in education from Minnesota State University at Winona and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling from Wisconsin State University Stout. He has over 30 years of involvement in leadership education. This comes from his work as a student council adviser, Wisconsin Association of School Councils board member, leadership camp director and presenter at various conferences and workshops. On the national level, Carl served as an adviser for the National Association of School Councils Leadership Training Center. He was also the director of the adult NLC program for five years. In 2003, he was voted the first ever, National Middle School Advisor of the Year. A convention registration form can be found in the back of the paper.
CHETEK LIONS CLUB – Halloween is an exciting event in Chetek. Our Chetek Lions put on a community Halloween party with costume judging, games and hot dogs and snacks. The Lions dress up as part of the fun activity. Pictured are Lion Mark Carpentier and President Jolene Carpentier
CHIPPEWA FALLS LIONS CLUB – The Club participated in the Halloween Trunk or Treat event in downtown Chippewa Falls. Pictured are Lions Gary Reich and Chuck Norseng.
26 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
CLEAR LAKE AND CLAYTON LIONS CLUBS – The Clubs teamed together to screen vision at the Middle and High Schools at the Clayton Schools on November 16. Pictured are 2VDG Ed Cerney (Clayton Lions) and Lion Cheryl Paulson (Clear Lake Lions)
EDITOR:
Barb Dulmes | barb.dulmes@gmail.com | 715-289-5280 or 715-829-4090 FROM THE 27-E1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
DENNIS SYKORA
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Tilden Lions Celebrate 50 Years
Tilden Lions Charter Members: In 1973, Jerry Bielke had a dream Francis Stoffel, Immediate Past of starting a service organization International Director Connie in Tilden. He gathered 54 charter LeCleir Meyer, and LaVerne members at his Green Acres Schreiner. Missing, Jack Wolf. establishment and they started a Lions Club. On November 4th, the Tilden Lions celebrated their 50th Anniversary as a Club. Three charter members who continue to serve are LaVerne Schreiner, Francis Stoffel, and Jack Wolf. Lions members, District Governors, Past District Governors, and guests joined in the celebration. Lions Immediate Past International Director Connie LeCleir Meyer was the guest speaker and she recognized the many accomplishments of the Tilden Lions. The Tilden Lions donated $40 to a charity in their first year of service. In 2023, the Tilden Lions donated over $24,000 to various charities, people in need, and other projects. Fundraisers over the years included selling brooms and 1,000 salt and pepper shakers (many of which were on tables during the celebration). The Tilden Lions also hosted softball tournaments, horse races and now include meat raffles, card tournaments, and a Mega Raffle. The Club continues to donate to many local charities and people in need in the Tilden area. The Tilden Lions currently have 39 members. The Club is proud to have nine Melvin Jones Fellows, 14 Birch-Sturm Fellows, and four Knight of Sight Fellows. Member Dennis Sykora currently serves as the District Governor in District 27 E1 for 2023-2024. District Governor Dennis and First Lady Brenda Sykora were also in attendance. LAKE HOLCOMBE LIONS CLUB – The Lake Holcombe LEO Club joined with Student Council, 4H and NHS to host a “Soup WIth Santa” recently. The LEOs were in charge of games. Kids could play, bowling, pin the nose on Frosty or Snowman Bean Bag Toss.
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djsykora67@gmail.com 715-288-6123
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I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and found time to spend with friends and family. It is hard to believe that it is already 2024! Brenda and I had greatly enjoyed our Club visits, conferences, and conventions during 2023 but we look forward to meeting more members and learning more about the Lions organization and how to improve our local, national and international impact. I encourage and challenge each Club to continue to work toward achieving the state-wide project goals of donating $100 or more to be put toward supporting families affected by childhood cancer and promotion of composting either at-home or within your community. Within our District, we are working vigorously to raise funds for a young man named Gabe, who is sponsored by the Lake Wissota Lions Club to allow him to attend the Lions Camp this past summer. Gabe is a 15-year-old boy that is legally blind who needs equipment to assist him with his education. If you would like to donate to Gabe, please send your donations to Carl Glocke with “Gabe” in the memo. As a gentle reminder, please contact me to schedule a Club visit if you have not done so already. If possible, I would like to have all Club visits completed before my District Convention in March. I am excited to be hosting my District Convention on March 22nd and 23rd at the 29 Pines Convention Center in Eau Claire. We will be having a fraud prevention specialist, WLF, LCIF and Hope House representatives presenting, and other exciting and valuable topics. Brenda and I would like to wish you all the best in the upcoming year. SPOONER-TREGO LIONS CLUB – The Spooner-Trego Lions took area seniors from the Maple Ridge Care Center on a fall leaf tour of the area. As pictured, everyone had a great time. Also planned is a Chicken dinner, with the seniors as guest to show appreciation for them. The Local Rifle Club received a $3,000 check from Lion Dan Makosky to help build a shelter for shooting contests. It is also deer hide collection time. Spooner –Trego and Shell Lake Lions have boxes spread out over many miles and expect the yield will be good. The Clubs focus now turns to Christmas where they will help about 100 families and 200 children making their holidays a bit merrier.
Lions Sue Mooney and John Richter of the Spooner-Trego Lions
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024 Wisconsin WisconsinLion 27
27-E2 NEWS
md27e2.org
B=Bring I=In N=Nice G=Good O=Opponents The Somerset Lions continue to show support to many different organizations with one of their famous fundraisers, BINGO. The Somerset Lions offer any local organization to a night of BINGO and offer them a percent of the profit brought in that night. In exchange the organization commits to bringing in players to support their cause. On this wonderful night, Somerset Lions welcomed Troop 57566 to come play BINGO at the Somerset American Legion, who I might mention lets the Lions use the space at no charge. Again organizations working together. Lions get the players, and the American Legion gets sales. When the Somerset Lions thought they would try BINGO they went forward to purchase the equipment needed and legal matters with hope the fundraiser would help raise funds to help their community and also give them exposure to bring in new members. It did not take the club long to pay for the equipment and begin to make the funds to give back to their community and Lions International. Bingo is a very fast growing fun time out for many and the Somerset area residents must agree as most have become regulars. Years later the Somerset Lions continue to bring in the players, organizations, and serve their community. BINGO anyone?
ELK MOUND LIONS CLUB – Stuffing is not just for turkeys. The Elk Mound Lions have made it a tradition to assist the children in their local schools with School supplies. Elk Mound remains small in membership but are BIG in giving to their community. Elk Mound is one of those Clubs that we thought we might lose due to lack of membership and involvement. I for one am thankful they did not give up. The Club has made so many improvements in their community in the last couple years, added members, and continue to make themselves visible to others. Keep going Elk Mound Lions you make a difference in your community, state, and world.
28 Wisconsin WisconsinLion JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2024
ELK MOUND LIONS CLUB – An evening of building community connections with neighbors and local public service agencies at Elk Mound National Night Out was enjoyed on August 1st. The Club was handing out frozen treats to those in attendance to help with the hot summer weather. Again the Lions join with other organizations to show we serve, and we serve together. We are making this a better community, state and world. Joining the Elk Mound Lions Club were the following agencies, Elk Mound Fire District, Colfax Rescue, Wisconsin State Patrol, Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Village of Elk Mound Public Works, and the Elk Mound Police Department.
EDITOR:
PDG Ronda Bierbrauer | chamaca@frontiernet.net | 612-636-5044 FROM THE 27-E2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR
JAY NESSETH
lionjaynesseth@gmail.com G
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HUDSON LIONS CLUB – The 8th Annual Hudson Hometown Music Fest was held September 9th. The event raised $9,700 for St. Croix Therapy. In addition, the event honored the five fallen officers with words from the St. Croix County Sheriff. The free, family-friendly event featured six bands, eight food vendors, kid’s area and a dunk tank for over 5,000 people. St Croix Therapy along with Hudson Lions were featured on Fox 9 News channel who helped promote the event. FAIRCHILD AND OSSEO LIONS CLUBS – The Clubs teamed up this year to co-sponsor the Peace Poster contest. Pictured is Lucy, the grand winner from the Fairchild Middle School. What a wonderful way to help the Peace Poster Contest, by co-sponsoring with another Lions Club.
COLLECTOR’S CORNER Every collectible tells a story. BY LION REID MEYER, ELLSWORTH LIONS CLUB
We have all heard the saying that every picture tells a story. We look at something, make our own conclusion on what we see and make our own determination of the story behind the picture. When it comes to Lions collectibles, the stories can vary from obvious or straightforward, to something that seems plausible or reasonable, to not so sure or more research is needed! Most Lions pins tell a pretty straightforward story by the information displayed on the pin – i.e., State, District or Club Name, year or anniversary reference – and usually you can tell if a pin is part of a series or set based on shape or image. There are also some Lions pins that fall into the latter category, where there isn’t much telling information on the pin itself – in such cases, I recommend reaching out to the Lions Pin Trading Club of Wisconsin (LPTCW) on Facebook or visit the pin trading area at any District or State Convention. I recently came across a letter from 2001 that helped tell the story behind a set of Wisconsin Lions Foundation F1RST collectibles. We have all seen various WLF patches and pins, and we know they are issued to Clubs in recognition of donations to the Foundation. This letter was issued to each WLF Director along with an insert depicting each patch / pin and instructions for who received what. If collecting is in your blood, there is no question Lions collectibles are cool in and of themselves! Learning the stories of collectibles can bring a whole new level of excitement to collecting! Please share any interesting stories you have with me at reidmeyer69@gmail.com – Happy Collecting!
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Here we are going into the 2nd half of our Lionistic year all rejuvenated from the holidays and festivities and ready to serve more in our communities. As I sit here writing my article recovering from a total knee replacement, I have had a lot of time to think about all the help I have needed and how hard it has been to ask for that help. As District Governor it is my goal to provide information and encouragement to help you and your Clubs with ideas to help in your communities. As I had mentioned earlier, I have had some time to think about what I have been going through and it got me thinking about what other people in our communities are going through. I seem to just take for granted that if someone needs help, they just ask. If you really stop and think about it, we do the same things over and over again thinking all is good in our community if we have not heard different. If you think about it how many in your community Lions members included have lost a loved one, suffered an injury or needed repairs on their homes but you did not know about it. Again, speaking from recent experiences I still struggle to ask for help but am realizing that I need it. When friends and family are finding out what I am going through I now have snow removal, travel to appointments and other needs covered just by being humble and accepting it. One of the things our Club has been doing is keeping an eye on social media as to who has suffered a loss or has a need in our community and then we put a small gift basket with essentials and deliver it to the families. This may not seem like much, but it has made an impact on these families to know that someone was thinking of them during their time of need. So, as we go into the new year if you have not already done so maybe look at our lives with more open eyes as to the needs around us. Life is short and there are so many needs around us if we just take the time to look for them. As Lions our motto is “WE SERVE” and what better a way to help others is to seek out those in need rather than waiting for them to come to us. Thank you for all you do!!
WLF HEARING AID APPLICATIONS Information and applications for assistance with obtaining hearing aids for financially needy individuals in our District through our WLF Hearing Aid Project can be easily downloaded from the WLF website, wlf.info, under the Hearing Project tab. The application is also available from our District website, md27e2.org, in the District Organization tab. FAIRCHILD LIONS CLUB – On Halloween, Fairchild Lions, along with Fairchild Fire Association, Fairchild Public Library, Fairchild’s Sportsman Club and Fairchild’s Historical Society came together to offer trunks full of treats and tricks for the children. Over 100 children enjoyed hot cocoa, hot dogs, treats, and a book. They say the more the merrier, and Fairchild Lions was most certainly merrier with more.
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In Memory / In Honor of…
LIONS EYE BANK DONATIONS MEMORIALS GENE HASELEY PDG Greg and Kate Pryor HAROLD WEBER Cross Plains Lions
HONORARIUMS DODGEVILLE LIONS Avoca-Blue River-Muscoda Lions JEAN LEDMAN West Salem Lions
WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION DONATIONS *Donation to Birch-Sturm Fund
MEMORIALS ALLAN “AL” BASSETT George Becker Jackie Bordak David Caruso Jeff & Mary David Mary Gear Chris Golden Semra Gul Cory Haight Clarence Harris & Lori, Casey & Claren Ron Hay Joan Henry Doris Holaday Hydrite Chemical Co Francis Jasper Michelle Jennings Vicki Jones Curt & Dianne Kjendalen Alan Liebsch Donna Lisowski Peggy McEvoy Tony, Kristin, Liberty, Benjamin Meucci Jacqueline Ove
Denise Roszak Linda A. Ryan Ken & Karen Schnurer Elizabeth & John Schuller Jill Shelenske Julie Simmons Charles Wagner Diane Zarse PCC ROBERT E. BAYERL 2002-2003 Council of Governors Bill & Karen Anderson PDG Larry & Diane Blahauvietz PDG Larry & Doris Bradley Tom & Betty Clausen Aron & Karen Cote David Dejongh PID Ron & Judy Duffe Brian & Barb Dulmes Bob & Judy Gamache John & Pam Gindt Sue Habrat Evett Hartvig Harry & Linda Helwig Cindy & Steven Henderson Shirley Hofacker PID Phil & Betty Ingwell Jim Falls Lions Club Dave & Pat Jankoski Jim & Shelby Justus Denis & Gayle Kirkman Lake Holcombe Book Club Tom & Anita LeCleir Connie LeCleir-Meyer & Michael Meyer Nina S. McCleskey Kathy & Max Menacher Robert & Mary Jane Nelson Denise & Robert Novak Steve & Linda St. Onge Ron & Arlinda Plumer PDG Greg & Kate Pryor Geraldine Schlender PDG Karl & Judith Schmid Delores & Kenneth Schulze Robert Shakal Sharon & Michael Stephens Bernie & Colene Stuttgen Jinny Talledge James & Emma Trottier
Eldon & Nancy Vrieze Jerry Wille Jerry & Judie Zais ELWYN “BEANIE” BEANE Evett Hartvig Sharla Williams
CHANGING THE WORLD...
JOHN NORMAN MURRAY Clayton Lions Club
Randy & Shelley Puls Onalaska Lions Club BELOIT NOON LIONS CLUB’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY John Jenson
DOROTHY BELOHLAUEK Lake Dubay Lions Club
REG NANKEE Avoca Blue River Muscoda Lions Club
BEVENT LIONS CLUB’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY Bernie & Colene Stuttgen
DONNA BIODROWSKI Tom & Deb Rasmussen
JAN NAUMANN Ashwaubenon Lions Club
BRULE RIVER LIONS Curtis Carlson Family Foundation
LLOYD BORNEMANN Mary Tatera & Jeff Meyer
JOHN NELSON Pam Nehring Bruce & Rosanne Thompson
FOND DU LAC EVENING LIONS CLUB’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY PDG Dave & Susan Lee PDG Jerry & PDG Meg Post
WALLACE BRACKEE Clayton Lions Club
JOEL C. OLSON Kathleen Olson
STEVE BRIGGS John Jenson Ross Royster MIKE CAPRIOLO PDG Greg & Kate Pryor JERRY CRASS Tomahawk Lions Club PDG ROBERT “BOB” ENTRINGER PDG Dick Helbach John Mastalir JACK FELLENZ Jerry & Kathy Shoemaker MIKE FLECK Amy Bishell GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER JOSIE Waunakee Lions Club JAMES E. GREISCH Judith & Robert Duehring Jeffrey Greisch Jennie Greisch Joel & Wendy Greisch Port Washington Lions Club DWAINE A. HABRAT Evett Hartvig TERRY HUELSMAN Ripon Lions Club
HARRY KRYSIAK Pulaski Lions Club JIM LOCKBAUM Jerry & Judie Zais
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
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AVIS PINGS Ron & Rose Ligman Stevens Point Noon Lions Club PAULA POPLOWSKI Mukwonago Lions Foundation, Inc. DAVID PRESCHER Friends & Family Lake Wissota Lions Club
JUDY GROHOLSKI’S 80TH BIRTHDAY Tracy Liegler Joann & Adel Mouallem Kelly Schmidtke HOWARDS GROVE LIONS CLUB’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY PDG Jerry & PDG Meg Post Sheboygan Evening Lions Club
LEAH REAS Wisconsin Rapids Lioness Lions Club
DG ANITA KELLEY Coon Valley Lions Club Onalaska Lions Club West Salem Lions Club
PCC TOM & ESTHER RONDEAU John Mastalir
JAMES C. LAPINSKE Neshkoro Lions Club
MATTHEW SCHNEIDER PDG Larry & Doris Bradley
LE MELLIN Lake Dubay Lions Club
GREG VIRLEE Sturgeon Bay Lions Club
CHUCK STEINMETZ Don Drew
BARBARA WEYER Mary Lou Desrosier
DG DENNIS SYKORA Amery Lions Club Clayton Lions Club Patrick Denison St. Croix Falls Lions Club
MARY WIEMAN Wanda Blenka
HONORARIUMS
ROGER KLINGER Berlin-Hamburg Lions Club
SAVE THE DATE
LYNN MASTALIR Evett Hartvig PDG Dick Helbach Donald & Dolly Laatsch
2023 YARD OF THE WEEK Chuck & Terrie Bena Robert & Jean Dempsey Kim Eiken Dave & Barb Ferries John & Phylis Heck Ross Hemauer Don & Shari Lee Eric & Christiana Martin Robyn Moland & Dominic Mascotti
TILDEN LIONS CLUB’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY Chippewa Falls Lions Club Brian & Barb Dulmes Rice Lake Lions Club WEST SALEM LIONS CLUB’S 75TH ANNIVERSARY Tomah Lions Club ANDREA YENTER Lake Wisconsin Lions Club
KNIGHT OF SIGHT AWARD RECIPIENTS JOSEPH STUECK Saint Francis Lions Club
AL STRACK Sister Bay Lions Club
RICHARD RUSCH Beloit Noon Lions Club
ANNETTE GOEMAN Allenton Lions Club
JOAN POGRANT Waupaca Lions Club
HERB ALECKSON West Salem Lions Club
FAIRWATER LIONS CLUB
ROBERT PETTA Lake Tomahawk Lions Club
VIRGIL THOMPSON West Salem Lions Club
MARK HOEFS Bellevue Lions Club
KEVIN KRUEGER Lake Tomahawk Lions Club
LYN RUSSELL Ladysmith Lions Club
TOM KEEFE Grand Chute Lions Club
WENDI S. NEUPERT Boulder Junction Lions Club
KAY STELZER Cadott Lions Club
DENNIS PASCHKE Sister Bay Lions Club
TOM DEMUTH Dodgeville Lions Club
HOWARD SLINDEN Menomonie Lions Club
LARRY GARSKE Sister Bay Lions Club
WINNIE JENTZ Beloit Noon Lions Club
DEAN LARSON Menomonie Lions Club
DAVID BLACK Beloit Noon Lions Club
Congratulations!
Scrap Like A Lion Statewide Service Project Launches
M E LV I N J O N E S BIRCH-STURM
Wisconsin Lions Answer President Patti Hill’s Challenge
KNIGHT OF SIGHT R AY H E M P E L F E L L O W S
KATHY LOUWARD Melvin Jones Big Bend/Vernon (A1)
TOM WELDEN Melvin Jones Big Bend/Vernon (A1)
LINDA JAMES Birch-Sturm Big Bend/Vernon (A1)
MARY LEWANDOWSKI Knight of Sight Big Bend/Vernon (A1)
SUE NICGORSKI Knight of Sight Big Bend/Vernon (A1)
CARL GLASSMAN Ray Hempel Big Bend/Vernon (A1)
STEVE LABUTSKI Ray Hempel Big Bend/Vernon (A1)
Lions Clubs International President, Dr. Patti Hill’s number one priority for Lions & Clubs this year is to create a greener, cleaner environment, which will allow Lions to grow our impact through environmental service while connecting and engaging with our communities. The Council of Governors recognized that President Hill’s challenge provided the perfect opportunity for the Lions of Wisconsin to create a statewide environmental service project that would showcase Lions as environmental champions. They appointed a committee—chaired by District Governor Don Meeder, and includes MD27 Global Service Team Coordinator Stacey Nesseth and MD27 Environmental Chair Mary Ann Grettenhart— to explore potential projects and implement the statewide service project. After a great deal of research, Scrap Like A Lion—an effort to reduce food waste and increase composting—was born. Says DG Meeder, “Scrap Like A Lion is a long-term, ambitious effort to tackle the problems of greenhouse gasses, landfill expansion, food waste, soil depletion, and hunger by keeping food waste and compostable materials out of our landfills.It also offers Lions a very visible opportunity to reach younger generations who are greatly concerned about climate change and how they can reduce their environmental footprint.” Scrap Like A Lion offers Lions an opportunity to implement their own local projects that: – Educate the public about food waste and the benefits of composting – Partner to increase composting programs – Reduce waste & compost yourself
Get Ready for Public Interest in #ScrapLikeALion
KURT KLEPARSKI Melvin Jones Port Washington (A2)
CHUCK RHEIN Melvin Jones Lomira (A2)
ROXANNE WENDT Ray Hempel Van Dyne (B1)
TOM WENDT Ray Hempel Van Dyne (B1)
MATT WAUTIER Melvin Jones Brussels (B2)
KRIS SLATTERY Birch-Sturm Wisconsin Rapids (C1)
A first-ever major social media advertising campaign that will run now through June to promote #ScrapLikeALion to younger generations across Wisconsin on Facebook, Instagram & Google Ads. This advertising campaign is being funded via a Lions Clubs International Marketing Grant with 10% matching funds from MD27. In order to prepare your club for the potential public interest, you are encouraged to: – Visit wisconsinlions.org/scrap-like-a-lion to become familiar with the project and available resources. – Like/Follow MD27 Wisconsin Lions on Facebook & Instagram for the latest news. – Learn more about how to promote your club to younger generations in a 3-part marketing training series designed to present strategies & free tools that you can use to reach these younger potential members. » January 17th - Marketing Basics » January 24th - Social Media » January 31st - Canva Design » Register at bit.ly/scrapmarketing » All sessions will be recorded & available for future viewing Look for regular updates in your inbox, on MD27 Wisconsin Lions social media & wisconsinlions.org. For questions or additional assistance, email md27composts@gmail.com
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$100,000 goal realistic for Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Initiative BY LION DAVE LEE, WISCONSIN LIONS CHILDHOOD CANCER STATE CHAIR AND PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR DRSLEE@NEW.RR.COM
As many of you know, in August the Wisconsin Lions launched a funding drive for Childhood Cancer. Unlike in previous years, this fund drive is not for research equipment or a recreation room upgrade – this one is aimed at providing financial relief to Wisconsin families of need who are dealing with childhood cancer. They say that the typical family with a child with cancer loses 40% of its annual income due to one of the parents providing dedicated care and treatment transportation for their child. We are asking every Wisconsin Lions club, that is, all 505 of these clubs to donate $100 or more to the Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer fund. For clubs stressed for financials, any donation is appreciated, but our goal is for every club to submit a donation that fits their capability. I’m happy to say that at the end of November, 101 of our Wisconsin clubs have submitted donations in support of this fund. That’s exactly 20% and our November ending funding total is almost $24,000, which includes a number of individual members, zone, and district cabinet donations. This leaves 404 clubs, or the other 80%, to get on board to help push our fund upwards. I do believe that $100,000 is a realistic goal for our first funding year for the Childhood Cancer Fund initiative. Every club that donates $100 or more will receive a participation banner patch in 2024. We are also reaching out to individual Lions members across Wisconsin to make a donation to this worthy program. I have purchased 250 Childhood Cancer Lions pins that will be distributed to the first individual Lions contributing $50 or more to this fund initiative (couples contributing $100 or more will get two pins). If necessary, I will purchase more with a promise to provide a pin to the first 500 Lions contributing $50 or more to the Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Fund. Each club helping a little, so together we can do a lot. Individual Lions helping as well, knowing that a family of need dealing with childhood cancer will appreciate the financial help and the Lions kindness. During the month of January the ten district governors will receive a proposal, endorsed by the district childhood cancer chairs across Wisconsin, for how these funds might be disbursed to childhood cancer support groups within Wisconsin. The proposal will address making every Wisconsin family of need eligible for funding support, despite whether they reside in the collective vast coverage areas for Wisconsin for these support groups. It will also address those otherwise qualifiable Wisconsin families that may be receiving treatment in Minnesota or some other state. Please join every Wisconsin Lions club in contributing just $100 or more to: Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Fund c/o Wisconsin Lions State Office 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473 (checks made out to Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Fund)
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WISCONSIN LIONS CHILDHOOD CANCER FUND INITIATIVE One of LCI’s eight global causes. Together, we will make a difference! We are asking every Wisconsin Lions Club to contribute at least $100 to the Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Fund. If 100% of Wisconsin’s 500+ clubs participate, we could create a fund of $50,000! There are some great non-profit organizations in Wisconsin who are currently providing financial assistance to Wisconsin families of need that are dealing with childhood cancer.
Individual contributions are also welcome, and those Lions that donate at least $50, will receive a Lions Childhood Cancer Pin!!
DONATE $100 (OR MORE/LESS) CHECKS PAYABLE TO:
WI Lions Childhood Cancer Fund MAIL TO:
Our plan is, in the months ahead, to select some regional organizations and provide funds so that families all over the great State of Wisconsin can be helped.
WI Lions Childhood Cancer Fund c/o WI Lions State Office 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473
Some of these organizations are seeking volunteers to help with their efforts, so there may be service volunteer opportunities for Lions, as well.
Each Club that donates at least $100 will receive a Banner Patch!
THANK YOU!
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MD27 State Convention Table Request Form May 17 & 18, 2024 Marriott Madison West 1313 John Q Hammons Dr, Middleton, WI 53562 No individual or group will be allowed a table without an approved request form on file. All tables are 8’ and skirted. A limited number of tables with electricity will be available on a first come, first serve basis. Exhibit area will be open for setup on Thursday, May 16 from 4pm to 8pm No requests will be approved after May 6 , 2024. CONTACT INFO: Date Requested: ____________________________
Company/Org Name: ________________________
TABLE REQUEST DETAILS: Lions Nonprofits/Pin Traders _____ First table FREE
_____
_____ Additional Tables
$50
_____
_____ Add Electricity
$30
_____
_____ First table
$100
_____
_____ Additional Tables
$50
_____
_____ Add Electricity
$30
_____
Total Enclosed
$_____
Contact Name: _____________________________ Commercial Vendor Address: __________________________________
City/State/Zip: _____________________________
Phone: ____________________________________
Email: _____________________________________
_____ Total Tables _____ # Chairs Requested
Make Checks Payable to: District 27-D1 Mail completed form and check to: Lion Andrea Murray N2128 Shamrock Rd Lodi, WI 53555 Questions? Email: anlmur82@gmail.com Cell: (815) 238-2228
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