The Wisconsin Lion March/April 2024

Time to Celebrate ‘Changing the World One Lion at a Time’ at 2024 State Convention

BY BILL CLAUSIUS (D1)

You are all invited to join your fellow Lions and Leos by participating in the 2024 Wisconsin Lions State Convention. The convention will be held on May 16th through the 18th at the Madison Marriott West Hotel in Middleton.

Our theme this year is Changing the World One Lion at a Time. The convention kicks off on Thursday May 16th with a golf outing at Pleasant View Golf Course in Middleton Wisconsin. Pleasant View Golf Course is one of southern Wisconsin’s most scenic golf courses. It was awarded the gold award in the Best of Madison in 2020 and 2022 and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You can register by going to wisconsinlionsconvention.org or you can download the form from the website. For questions contact Lion Ron Wright at lionronwright27d1@gmail.com

We will also be offering tours of the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin and Restoring Hope Transplant House on Thursday afternoon from 2:00 until 6:00. Watch for a sign up genius to reserve your spot!

Our committee has many educational and interesting seminars planned for Friday and Saturday. We will be offering “Speed Learning in 10” where you will have a chance to hear from eight of the projects and programs that Wisconsin Lions support. WLF, Birch-Sturm, Lions Pride Endowment, LEBW, Restoring Hope Transplant House, Youth Exchange, Wisconsin Missions and Leader Dog for the Blind. Other seminars we have planned are: Service Equals Membership, Scrap Like a Lion, Energize Your Lions Experience, Solving Conflict: A Team Effort,

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Childhood Cancer Initiative, Life Cycle of Eyeglasses, Art of Recruitment, Leadership Succession with New Voices and many more.

As you can see, there will be many opportunities to gain information about Lions, our projects and what we do!

Registration is now open for both the golf and the convention at wisconsinlionsconvention.org

Get signed up soon as you do not want to miss this great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and hopefully make some new ones along the way!

Meet the International Guest, Past International Presidet, Douglas X. Alexander

Douglas X. Alexander, from Brooklyn, New York, USA, was elected to serve as International President of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 103rd International Convention, June 25 through June 29, 2021. He served as Chairperson for Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) from June 29, 2022 through July 11, 2023.

Past International President Alexander is a retired vice president for J.P. Morgan Chase Bank. 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 also served as a Lions Eye Bank transporter, a member of the District and Multiple District PDG Association, a trustee of the New York State and Bermuda Lions Foundation, and was appointed as the Lions representative to UNICEF-New York from 2012-2014. He has served on the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum Planning and Host Committees and has been a presenter at several USA/Canada Forums.

In recognition of his service to the association, he has received numerous awards including the club Lion of the Year, Club President’s Award, the Robert J. Uplinger Service Award, several District Governor Appreciation Awards, and the Multiple District Membership Growth Award.

He is also the recipient of numerous International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, multiple International President’s Awards WHERE

Lions & Guests - $25 Leos - Free

Friday Lunch - $38

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and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association bestows upon its members. He is a Dr. Franklin G. Mason Fellow, a W. P. Woods Fellow and a progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lions activities, Past International President Alexander is active in numerous professional and community organizations. He has served as chairperson of the advisory board for the New York Urban League and as a board member of the St. Francis DeSales School for the Deaf. He is also a recipient of the Congressional Record Award.

Get Your 2024 State Convention Pin - Limited quantity. Only $5. Order yours on your Convention Registration @ wisconsinlionsconvention.org

Meet the Luncheon Speaker, Marcy Heim

Marcy Heim lives to inspire generosity! Her every keynote, workshop, coaching session or article speaks to living a lifestyle of generosity – in our giving, in our relationships and to ourselves –respecting the unique and special gift we are to the world. She brings a sincere respect and energy for the transformation philanthropy has on our organizations, institutions and communities.

Nationally and internationally recognized as a high-content and entertaining presenter, keynote speaker and workshop leader, Marcy’s sessions focus on major gift relationship building, creating a mindset for success, leadership and staff partnerships, staff and volunteer major gift motivation and coaching, and long-term visioning. She is author of Empowering Your Board to Serve as Effective Development Ambassadors and will soon release her second book, “Invest in JOY! Unleashing a Lifestyle of Generosity.

Convention Golf Outing

4-Person Scramble

Thursday, May 16th

Golf Course . 1322 Pleasant View Rd, Middleton @ 8:30 am Shotgun Start @ 9:30 am

Marcy’s teaching is not from a degree – although she’s a biochemist by training. Rather it is backed by over 20 years of firsthand experience on the leadership team at the University of Wisconsin Foundation. There she managed her own portfolio of major givers, and oversaw the entire constituency development staff and programs for a college unit with more than 600 faculty and staff, 3,000 students and 40,000 alumni. Her unit experienced twenty-fold giving growth and completed a $50 million campaign under her leadership. In addition, Marcy coordinated the regional development efforts for the UW-Madison in the Pacific Northwest for 10 years throughout the UW’s successful $1.8 billion campaign.

pen to all Lions, Leos & friends

Sign up as a team or individually! Individuals will be paired with other singles

Marcy actually has done over three decades of major gift fundraising. Her programs are filled with her own experiences and that’s why she’s so incredible and helping her clients create meaningful and powerful major giving relationships. Marcy has worked with donors over 3 decades –increasing their giving amounts, yes, but also their joy in giving. She was doing donor retention before it was a “thing.”

Marcy is a trusted authority in the development profession and helps organizations and educational institutions boost their major gift programs through artful, long-term relationship building that dramatically increases fundraising success while promoting increased staff job satisfaction.

$100/golfer includes: es, cart, range balls & box lunch rizes, raffles & much more!

TODAY @ wisconsinlionsconvention.org

Marcy has been honored with membership in the prestigious Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Laureates. Her CASE online program, “Taking the Fear Out of Making a Major Gift Ask,” reached an international audience at more than 250 sites including Canada, Greece and Ireland. She holds the CASE Crystal Apple for receiving top reviews 10 CASE national conferences focusing on solicitation and she has shared her authentic approach with thousands of newcomers to development.

Questions?

608-209-3949

As part of the faculty for the Fundraising and Non-Profits Conference at UW-Madison, Marcy developed a process called the 3-sentence Ask. This method empowers everyone – board, staff, and anyone really, to ask for anything artfully.

Lionronwright27d1@gmail.com

She received the AFP Outstanding Fundraising Professional award and is an AFP Master Teacher. Any of her teaching qualifies for CFRE credits.

Saturday Lunch - $39

Saturday Banquet - $45

Through her coaching programs, specifically her Dream, Act Achieve Major Gifts and Life Coaching Program, Marcy provides support and accountability to her clients to get clear, move forward boldly and achieve both personal and professional results. In addition, she provides individual coaching to deans, executive directors and other leaders who are key to development success empowering them to both lead and support strong major giving results. Her board training workshops are popular throughout the United States and Canada. A stage performer for years, her Keynotes include her self-penned fundraising tunes – including the popular, “People love to give me money!” Don’t be surprised if she breaks into a version of the “Fundraisers’ Blues” written and performed specifically for your session!

Register @ www.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

On a limited basis, Marcy works longer-term with individual clients. Her consulting services include leadership development, board training, feasibility studies, development audits, strategic planning, and major gift development and management.

Most of all, Marcy wants YOU to live a generous life filled with JOY!

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

Friday

Wear your favorite fan gear & have some fun!

Reserve your Convention Book Ad or Exhibit Table @ wisconsinlionsconvention.org

wisconsinlionsconvention.org May 16th - 18th Madison Mariott West, Middleton

THE WORLD

Get Your 2024 State Convention Pin - Limited quantity. Only $5. Order yours on your Convention Registration @ wisconsinlionsconvention.org

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

Register Now for a Great Weekend of Lionism Registration

Lions & Guests - $25 Leos - Free

Friday Lunch - $38

Saturday Lunch - $39

Saturday Banquet - $45

Register @ www.wisconsinlionsconvention.org or make checks payable to & send to: 27-D1 Lions State Convention 2523 Targhee Street Fitchburg, WI 53711

Register @ www.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

PDG John Jenson @ jhjenson@gmail.com

Print: All

be pre-registered (meals not guaranteed for walk

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

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

Reserve your Convention Book Ad or Exhibit Table @ wisconsinlionsconvention.org CHANGING

$100 per golfer includes: 18 holes with cart, range balls, and box lunch. Prizes, raffles and much more!

Friday Hospitality TEAM NIGHT

Wear your favorite fan gear & have some fun!

Convention registration not required to participate in golf.

Make checks payable and mail by May 1, 2024 to: District 27 D-1, c/o Ron Wright 6576 Wolf Hollow Road, Windsor, WI 53598 lionronwright27d1@gmail.com

Congratulations to the 27 WALLI Graduates

BY GLT DAVID STRUDTHOFF DAVID.STRUDTHOFF@GMAIL.COM

What is GMA?

BY TAMMY ROCKENBACH LZROCK@CHARTER.NET

The GMA-Global Membership Approach is a structure process that focuses on brainstorming with goals, focusing on membership development, leadership development and service. The question is how do we all fit together?

Think of a 3-legged stool. Each stool represents a piece of the GAT-Global Action Team.

The first leg is GMT-Global Membership Team. This team focuses on membership satisfaction otherwise known as retention. They also work on recruiting members into the organization. And finally, they work with GET-Global Extension Team, to bring clubs to underserved areas.

Leg number 2 is GST-Global Service Team. That team helps us identify needs in our community and to develop worthwhile service to fill those needs. Finally making sure the service gets reported.

MD-27 is ending the year with a number of accomplishments, including a total of 27 Wisconsin Lions certified as Faculty Development Institute instructors - a minimum of two instructors in each district. MD-27 is the only multidistrict in North America where 100% of their incoming 1st Vice Governors will be Advanced Lions Leadership Institute graduates. Special Thanks for all of these accomplishments must go to the people that help make this all possible: Instructors  Geri Schlender, Evett Hartvig, Connie LeCleir-Meyer, and Wisconsin Lions State Office Manager JoAnn Burk and the Lions Camp Staff.

2023 Faculty Development Institute graduates:

Brad Behrens

Ronda Bierbrauer

Adam Crowson

Don Drew

Barb Dulmes

William Fletcher

Deb Freeman

Patt Goerke

Judy Hatz

Loni Hilmanowski

Patty Hollis

Dave Holschbach

Ray Jones

Janet Krueger

Anne Madison

Jo Ann Marson

Stacey Nesseth

Steve Pogue

Becky Pratt

Tammy Rockenbach

Susan Selner

Tom Wendt

2024 ALLI Graduates and Gold Servant Leadership Certified

John Bordak

Marsha Bresina

Edward Cerney

Shermayne Cross (Mn.)

James Dimock

Darrel Dwyer

Greg Erickson

Patt Goerke

Christine Hackett (ILL.)

Susan Jones

Clinton Kempfer

James Klubertanz

Barbara Leichtfuss

Terry Lemke

Anne Madison

Mike Milbach

Your Source for:

Becky Pratt

Patti Redlin

Kayleen Rosman

Cheri Ross

Jim Ross

Scott Scovronski

Wayne Sherry

Roxanne Wendt

The third leg is GLT-Global Leadership Team. They are responsible for helping us to identify future leaders and give them training and mentors for them to be successful.

The instructions to put the stool together are GMA. They ensure that we are all working together. The seat represents the entire GAT with the process to grow membership, add leadership and add more hands for service.

What are the instructions?

1. Build- Team, Vision

2. SWOT-identify needs and strategize goals

3. Build Plan

4. Goals

5. Action Plans

6. Build Success-implement the Plan

The success of the Lions sits on that stool. Help build a strong foundation for our Lions.

Reporting on MyLion

BY GST STACEY NESSETH STACEY.NESSETH@REDWINGSHOES.COM

Have the service projects that your club has performed been reported on MyLion? Why is it important that we report our service projects?

– By reporting service projects that can be viewed around the world we can inspire other Lions clubs with your creativity.

– Per Lions International it also helps identify best practices to share globally.

– Provides insight to current and future club leaders.

– Service data gives us the ability to communicate how “We Serve” around the world. We can take pride in sharing how we serve millions of people each year with other individuals and organizations.

If you need help reporting service projects, please reach out to your District GLT or District GST. They will be more than happy to assist you. What a great accomplishment it would be if 100% of the Wisconsin Lions clubs reported at least one service project this year.

Spring is right around the corner, what service projects does your club have planned? Recently I was reading a Lions Forum where a

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club shared that they were going to have a seed stand at their local library with flower and vegetable seeds free for the taking. Another suggestion was to buy flower bulbs and put them in small bags and have them available as well or building raised flower/vegetable beds for an assisted living facility and plant them with vegetables for the residents to take care of. There are so many things that we can do to make people smile when we provide service in our communities. We look forward to hearing about all the wonderful things that the Lions Clubs of Wisconsin do.

Discussions, Observations, Mission 1.5 and M&M’s

BY GMT BERT FREEMAN LIONSUBWAY206@GMAIL.COM

I begin the 2nd half of my fiscal year reviewing the direction of my position as the MultiDistrict 27 Global Membership Chair with 4 district conventions remaining, the state convention and numerous zone/club meetings on my schedule. My message of retaining our members, offering the option of rejoining their former club, and reviewing options for new member initiatives remain the same. If anything, I have a greater sense of urgency.

The great advantage of visiting and engaging Lions in the multi- district as I am invited to speak at clubs/zone meetings are the opportunities to interact with statewide Lions and to hear their stories to increase and sustain their membership has allowed me to grow in my position a MD27 GMT and as a Lion. Did I start out with the plan of offering to visit clubs/zones and discuss membership and retention, handing out bags of M&M’s and engage those at the meeting yelling M&M’s at the top of their lungs? Only to explain that when you next see a M&M candy bag, you will consider the growing of your Lions Club, as MEMBERSHIP MATTERS. Not in the least. Did not expect the emails and phone calls from Lions in our state requesting the states position on growing and sustaining membership in regard to their clubs, offering an ear to those club secretaries that were ready to cancel a Lion for reasons like “haven’t seen them in awhile”. Here is my latest example of a email I received.

At a district convention, (might I add, he and I were forming words with the scrabble pieces relating to Lions) a club president and I discussed the possibility of reaching out to those who resigned in the past couple of years and simply explain to former member “Our Club is better/stronger with you than without you. PLEASE RECONSIDER AND REJOIN OUR CLUB. WE MISS YOU. Did it worK? YES, this club president reached out to 4 former members and one rejoined. Bravo to this club president from 27B2. If each and every club would form a team and send a message, pick up the phone, hand write a message, or seek an audience with that former member and let them know “you are missed”, our numbers would greatly increase and our mission to 1.5 million so much easier.

It is every Lion in the multi-districts job to seek members from our community and offer them the opportunity to join in the fellowship and service of Lions. We have a responsibility to the legacy of those Lions that are no longer with us, those who gave of their time or have passed, to retain, grow and continue to be the beacon of hope for those in need. We cannot grow our membership if we do not PLANT THE SEED.

You’re not that great until you have your picture on a bubblegum card!

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.

DEADLINE: 1st of preceding month.

EDITORIAL BOARD

Patty Hollis Chair

Jamie Wilde Vice Chair

Dave Strudthoff GLT

Stacey Nesseth GST

Bert Freemen GMT

Evett Hartvig WLF

Adam Crowson LEBW

DISTRICT EDITORS

A1 a1@wilions.org

A2 27a2editor@gmail.com

B1 vandynelionsnews@yahoo.com

B2 27b2pr@gmail.com

C1 c1lionnews@gmail.com

C2 lions27c2roger@gmail.com

D1 pr@lions27d1.org

D2 wilions27d2news@gmail.com

E1 barb.dulmes@gmail.com

E2 chamaca@frontiernet.net

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/

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.

OUR MISSION

To empower Lions clubs, volunteers, and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need through humanitarian services and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding.

OUR VISION

To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.

MD27 CONTACTS

COUNCIL CHAIR:

BJ Blahnik

920-980-6317

bj.blahnik@gmail.com

INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR:

Lee Vrieze (Mary)

18807 122nd Ave

Jim Falls,WI 54748

715-382-3404

lvrieze2@charter.net

STATE OFFICE:

JoAnn Burk, Office Manager

3834 County Rd A Rosholt, WI 54473

715-677-4764

md27@wisconsinlions.org

LIONS EYE BANK OF WISCONSIN: Stacey Troha, CEO

5003 Tradewinds Parkway Madison, WI 53718 608-233-2354

info@lebw.org

WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION OFFICE: Evett J. Hartvig, Executive Director 3834 County Road A Rosholt, WI 54473 877-463-6953

ehartvig@wlf.info

It’s Time to Plan for Summer

BY LION BRAD BEHRENS, PRESIDENT, WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION

Winter has finally arrived. The cold weather has us planning for all our summer activities. If you haven’t already, you should be getting your Camp for Kids Raffle Tickets. The drawing will be held on September 25, 2024.

Council Chair Report

Lions Camp started taking applications midJanuary. With a full roster of Staff, Camp can handle 150 campers per session for each of the 10 sessions offered in the summer.

Visitor Days registration is open for 2024. Many property updates were done last year and you’ll want to tour the facility soon to see the wonderful improvements made to the property.

The 27th Annual Birch-Sturm Memorial Golf Outing is scheduled for July 20, 2024 in Iola at the beautiful Glacier Wood Golf Course.

On August 10, 2024, we will, once again, host the Hustle S’more Run/Walk/Bike event, along with S’more fun at Camp in the afternoon. Come on out and explore Camp and all the activities offered that day.

The Foundation Staff and the Executive Committee continue to plan for the future by keeping our Strategic Plan up to date.

I hope to see everyone at one of the four remaining district conventions; yes, I still have some deer hide gloves and will have them with me.

BJ Blahnik | 920-980-6317 | bj.blahnik@gmail.com

Spring is Around the Corner

BY BJ BLAHNIK, COUNCIL CHAIR BJ.BLAHNIK@GMAIL.COM

Well, it is that time of year. The temperature is getting warmer, the birds are beginning to sing a little louder and the next Council of Governors are being prepared. We have completed 6 of the 10 District Conventions and the State Convention Committee is hard at work. The Scrap Like a Lion composting service project has taken root, which has created an enthusiasm for those who love to help our environment. Our Lions

membership is trending positive and with the help of our leaders on the Global Membership Team, they are using the process of Global Membership Approach and implementing the Mission 1.5 to encourage retention and growth.

With the refreshing sounds and smells of spring we are beginning to plan our service projects and fund raisers for the year. The project of providing the gift of sight, through the partnership with Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin and the Global Vision efforts, have purchased all equipment necessary and will be heading to Guatemala in May. The efforts of raising funds to help families dealing with Childhood Cancer is building momentum and we encourage you to learn more about this

one year initiative. To ensure we are having fun, learn more about the LCIF Pie in the Face contest by giving a personal $10 donation and submit your entry as to who you think should have a pie smashed into their face during the State Convention.

It is always exciting to be on the journey of being your Council Chair for this year and for that I am thankful. The Council of Governors have a lot more work to do. All of us, on the Council, say Thank You for everything you have done for those in need during the past, present and to come in the future. Remember, you may not know the names of those who you are helping, just remember they are saying thank you and so am I.

SETTING THE PACE-THE USA CANADA FORUM

The USA Canada Forum is not an event, it is an experience. After 47 years the forum is still going strong. It is an experience that every Lion should have in their life. This is a 3-day event that brings Lions together for fellowship, learning, and fun. With over 80 seminars, lunches, dinners, and getting to know new Lions, this forum will go by too fast. We cannot forget to mention the Forum Store. Don’t forget to buy your Lions gear here. There are many things you can’t get anywhere else. This year’s event is in Louisville, Kentucky. It makes it easy to get to from Wisconsin, as most of us can drive. This year’s keynote speakers are top notch. On Thursday night we will hear from Sam Glenn. Sam emphasizes that a positive attitude is the foundation of transformation for any organization. He is the author of many books, including, A Kick In The Attitude, and Share Your Popcorn. At Friday’s luncheon, Randy Peirce will speak to the Lions about how, after being struck by a debilitating neurological disease, transformed him from a sighted man to facing life’s challenges as a blind individual. You won’t want to miss the chance to also hear about International First Vice President Fabricio Oliveira’s vision for Lions Club International. Saturday evening, speaker Trish Wilson will share her perspective on life. Her motto is, “You have one more day, to do one more, thing, to change one more life. She urges her audience to see each day as a unique opportunity for adventure, challenges, and life-changing moments.

After reading this, you must be thinking, “I just can’t miss this!!” Here is the information to get registered: lionsforum.org. Hope to see you there!

Enjoy a Madison Capitols Game, Attend a Health Fair and Visit an Open House

BY ERICA SINGLEY, LEBW BOARD CHAIR

LEBW Night at the Madison Capitols

The Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin is hosting a fundraiser night at the Madison Capitols game on Saturday, March 23 at Bob Suter’s Capitol Ice Arena in Middleton. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the puck drops at 7:05 p.m. If you’re interested in attending, please purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/msaynrb2

A portion of each ticket sold through the promo link will be donated to the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin’s Journey of the Gift of Sight Garden fund. Please join us and enjoy a night of hockey with friends and family. For more information, contact Stefanie Dziedzic at stefanied@lebw.org or 877.233.2354 ext. 280.

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 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 20th, at the Anderson & Shapiro office at 1200 John Q Hammons Drive, Suite 100, Madison. The event features free vision screens, 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 6 p.m. Thursday, May 16th as part of the 2024 Wisconsin Lions State Convention activities. LEBW will be offering 1-hour long guided tours throughout the afternoon. To sign up for the tour, please visit this Sign-Up Genius link to book a time slot for your tour: tinyurl.com/cpa8wszy

For more information, contact Adam Crowson at acrowson@lebw.org or 877.233.2354, ext. 212.

Participants Qualifications

– Applicants must be Lions that have completed Silver or Gold Servant Leadership Certification. Lions who hold Faculty Development Institute or Lions Certified Instructor certification will get priority.

– Applicants must be willing to commit to attending ALL days of the institute. Attendance at ALL classroom sessions and scheduled meals is mandatory.

– Applicants must be capable of understanding and participating in English.

Cost of Institute

Lions Servant Leadership Institute will provide meals and lodging according to the posted schedule. Registration fees are US

$200 received by May 31, 2024. Beginning June 1, 2024 the base fee increases to US $225. Make checks payable to MD-27 Wisconsin

Lions and mail to JoAnn Burk, Wisconsin Lions Office, 3834 County Road A, Rosholt, Wisconsin 54473. Please note: NO REFUNDS CAN BE MADE FOR CANCELLATIONS. Your registration fee includes seven meals, all Institute material costs, and dormitory rooms (single occupancy).

Application Procedure

Submit the completed application (mail or email) to Lions Servant Leadership Instructors Institute, North 1844 County Road O, Stoddard, Wisconsin 54658-8911

For more information, contact david.strudthoff@gmail.com

Colton’s Vision Update

Just to recap, Colton is the little boy who needs eye therapy to avoid going blind. The cost is significant and our District paid for half the cost and an anonymous donor paid the balance.

Colton had his 12-week appointment in late November. He said “It’s easier to read at school and the vision activities at home have gotten easier.” This is definitely a great improvement because lessons have become more difficult and the activities more challenging over the 12 weeks. He is having an easier/shorter time adjusting to new activities. They feel therapy has taught him perseverance, an added bonus.

During the appointment, the doctor kept repeating how his left eye fixation has improved and has less fixation loss. His left eye function tests are much improved. (Mother’s note: I noticed that his eye wasn’t jumping around like it had in the past.)

His left estropia angles: April/June: far 35/near 35 | September: far 20/near 30; November: far 20/ near 20.

The doctor said Colton was reading 20/20 when spread out, but still has to work on the crowding effect. She will discuss some new activities with his vision therapist to help with crowding.

Colton is always excited for appointments. He loves the positives the doctor talks about and seems to enjoy the challenge to do more each time.

Mother stated, “We continue to thank God for bringing your Club into our lives. Thank you so much for everything!”

NEW BERLIN LIONS CLUB

– On January 17th, the Club held their annual Parade of Checks dinner. A total of $135,000 were distributed, an increase of $96,000 over last year. The checks were given to 16 Lions and Lions-related charities, plus 38 charitable groups in southeast Wisconsin. The largest Lions check went to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, primarily for the Camp. Waukesha County groups receiving the biggest checks were the New Berlin Food Pantry, Salvation Army, Hebron House, and Waukesha Habitat for Humanity. Three new groups were added to this year’s recipients: the Byron Riesch Paralysis Foundation, the New Berlin Police Academy Association, and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Migrant Ministry.

A few members visited the Franklin Police Department along with all three Franklin Fire Stations to deliver cookies and say thank you! We appreciate Assistant Chief Shannon Anthoine’s highly informative tour. And a big thank you to Lioness Lindsay for baking the cookies!

BURLINGTON LIONS CLUB – The Club collected 462 deer hides this season which more than doubled their

MUKWONAGO LIONS CLUB – Lion Albert and Phyllis Frankenstein went to Pasadena, California, to spend a week decorating the Lions International Float for the Rose Bowl Parade. Over 1,300 Lions and Leos volunteers donated over 10,800 hours applying seeds, greens, and over 13,000 flowers to create the Lions float “Changing the World Through Music.” The float dazzled millions of television viewers and 800,000 parade watchers on New Year’s Day. Pictured right: Lion Al talks with Lions International President Dr. Patti Hill

previous collected amount.

from Alberta, Canada.

FRANKLIN LIONESS/LIONS CLUB

DISTRICT CONVENTION 5 Card Studs Band.

District Duck recipients Bay View with DG Tal.

Lions at Saturday Banquet.

1st VDG Ray Jones leading Lions song.

Lions Matt Moore, PDG Neil Winchell, and Maggi Bain with Governor Appreciation Awards for Youth Development.

Lion Patti Redlin’s Cookie Bakers.

New WLF Director, James “Howie” Howard.

Gloria and Terry, Lemke, Raffle Chairs.

2VDG Patt golfs at the Fort Atkinson putting activity to promote district golf.

Lion Bev Tesch welcomed on Dec 20th.

The Club enjoyed the holiday dinner at Ann’s Italian Restaurant on January 10th.

Lion Jill Schmeling welcomed on Jan 17th.

Lions Helen Kacmarynski, Vicky Gabrus, Judie Gamboa and Lindsay Safranek handed out chocolate chip cookies at Enchant on December 16th.

Downtown Milwaukee

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Saturday, March 9th

They’ve marched for past six years. If you want to participate, contact Lion Nikki n.kozinski66@gmail.com

Pancake Breakfast/Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 23rd

Humboldt Park Pavilion, Milwaukee

Oak Creek Lions MKE Brewers

Home Opening Day Watch Party’

Thursday, March 28th, 10:30am

Oak Creek Community Center

Food at 11am, Game at 12:10pm

A Tribute Faceoff!

Prince vs. Michael Jackson

Thursday, March 28, 6:30-8:30pm

Greendale High School Auditorium

Purchase tickets online ($30 each) at: greendalelions.org/special-event

South Shore (Milwaukee) Lions

Beer and Wine Tasting

Saturday, April 6th

Saint Francis Lions Center, St. Francis

Crazy Pin Bowling

Saturday, April 20th, 10:30am-5pm

Jay’s Lanes, Mukwonago

Funds go to local scholarships

3.1 Zone Meeting

Monday, April 29th

District Golf Outing

Sunday, June 22nd

Koshkonong Mounds Country Club, Fort Atkinson

GENOA CITY LIONS CLUB –

The Club hosted their annual food drive for local food pantries. Along with over $505 in cash that was donated, they collected a minivan full of bags with food donations.

FRANKLIN LIONS CLUB – Lion

John Stoll has volunteered 76 hours during the last quarter of 2023, enabling him to win the grand prize volunteer award with his employer, Elevance Health Foundation. In addition to his hours, his company donated $1,000 on his behalf to the Franklin Lions. As the recipient, he selected The Franklin Lions Foundation and CJ Lomas Recovery Foundation to receive the grant. John serves as VP and coordinates fundraising events. He is the chairman of the scholarship committee, where along with the committee, review scholarships from high school students and presents the scholarship. Lion John partnered with the local Pick n’ Save to provide food for local food pantries. Lion John has been involved with CJ Lomas Recovery Foundation from the start. The Foundation helps pay for intense inpatient treatment/detox facilities, recovery organization assistance and education, support groups, and awareness. He assists with their annual golf outing. Lion Stoll also volunteers at the Hunger Task Force with other Anthem associates where they deliver 400 boxes of food to senior citizens in need.

GENOA CITY LIONS CLUB – Genoa City Lions Club donated to “Shop with a Hero” to benefit children in need at Christmas. Police officers will take the children shopping where each child receives $150 to select presents for themselves.

Pictured is Lion Dennis Habenicht and Lieutenant Bappert from Genoa City Police Department.

FROM THE 27-A1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

TALBOT JANOWITZ

tdacres93@yahoo.com

262-497-0397

DISTRICT

GOVERNOR

“Leadership is the challenge to be something more than average” Jim Rohn District 27-A1 has a reputation for many great leaders. We had an International Director from our district. We’ve had presidents of Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Eye Bank, and other state-sponsored projects. We have had many state Council Chairs. We are a district that is looked at for leadership. We have gone beyond regarding leadership. At our convention in January, PDG Larry Redlin, Lion Terry Lemke, and Lion Ted Cain were recognized by International for their leadership in our district with the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation. We have many Lions and Lioness/Lions that are capable and deserving of this type of award. Your PDGs, DG and VDG look across our Club members to see who has that potential. Some people know it, while others are unsure and need encouragement. I have seen many Lions step up and lead. Before I became DG, people came to me asking for leader roles, yet others I asked were reluctant to take on cabinet positions. My cabinet and I are there to support them, and they have excelled beyond their dreams. My zone chairs Frank, Terry, Sue, and Diesel are new to their role and are doing awesome.

My cabinet and I encourage others to take on leadership. We set aside district funds for training like Emerging Lions Leadership. Reach out to any cabinet member regarding district or state leadership training. We sent four Lions to Advanced Lions Leadership Institute in January. There are many online courses offered through International and USA/Canada that aid in understanding roles and responsibilities of leadership positions. These roles are not limited to club president and include zone chairs, region chairs, even vice governor. Our district global leadership team lead Lion Ed Neckar is gearing up to strengthen our leadership training. He and his team are preparing workshops for this May. Our cabinet invites those that are going to be Club presidents, secretaries and treasurers to come, learn, and share their questions. New leadership and workshops that are attended, aid in new ideas and growth of this district and its Clubs. Ask yourself, what does it take to be better than average? I am proud of our district leaders at all levels – cabinet or club level. Thank you for what you do.

Leaders can be Lions without titles. They show it by taking lead roles on service projects or membership drives. Service increases membership, and from members come leaders. As the weather starts to warm, I know many Clubs will be having more events – Daytona 500 parties, Brewer Opening Day parties, or pancake breakfasts, to name a few. Thank you to those that chair these events. My wife and I plan to attend many as we have done so far this Lionistic year. Send future event info to A1@lions.org to place the info on our district calendar so we can all attend and participate.

LCI wants us to focus on members with Mission 1.5. Simply put, that is two new members per club and retain them along with your current membership for the next three years. International has been at 1.4 million Lions for the past 20 years. We need to grow as there are so many needs that we as Lions can serve. Our public ally intern, Robin Robinson, has already worked on ideas for our district. We are working with the Milwaukee Greater Club and are seeing success. These keys to growth will be on our district website soon and shared at zone meetings.

We had a great district convention in January. The next big convention is state in Middleton from May 16-18. 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!

Vision chairs Mary Lewandowski and Patti Redlin trained 27 Lions who attended district vision screening certification at the Whitewater Lions Clubhouse. These Lions are now certified to perform vision screening with the Plus Optix devices.

A Great Resource for Medical Supplies

The Fredonia Lions Club wants to spread the word about a resource they use when they receive medial equipment requests. This program involves 10 Lions Clubs which came together to have a warehouse/ storefront to share medical supplies with the public.

The warehouse is 3,100 square feet, located in Appleton. They got a grant to purchase tools, etc. to repair the various medical donations. This would include wheelchairs, walkers, canes, hospital beds, lift chairs, etc. The program started in August and they have 90 volunteers, over 500 clients and are only open to the public two days a week. Anyone can come in, no matter what their income is, to obtain the medical item. Once a person is done they can return the item to the store.

The Larsen/Winchester Lions have been doing something like this for the past 38 years. But, they are also involved with this project.

More information and a list of available equipment can be located on the Fox Valley Lions Club Medical Equipment MJ Tassoul Loan Locker website: sites.google.com/view/fvlml/home . It is named after Mike Tassoul. Mike and his wife, Gaye, owned Mike’s Town & Country Grocery Stores. Both were involved in the Lions Club. Mike passed away a few years ago. Gaye made a generous donation for this project.

GRAFTON LIONS LEO CLUB –

One of the projects that Club took on this holiday season was to collect toys and contributions for Kapco’s Kids2Kids Christmas Toy Drive. The Leo’s Campaign was led by Leo Club President Trevor Nauta. Trevor was chosen by one of the teachers to represent Grafton High School on the Kapco Enterprise Student Leadership Team. This program is part of the Kapco Enterprise Center and is made up of students from local schools. Trevor was the only student from Grafton on the team. Trevor came to the Club with a request that the members bring unwrapped toys to their first December meeting. The members came through with over 140 toys to add to the many toys given by other residents of Ozaukee County.

FREDONIA LIONS CLUB – In June and July Louise Peterson, wife of Fredonia Lion Frank Peterson, had new corneas, from the Wisconsin Eye Bank in Madison, put in each eye. The two surgeries were performed at the The Eye Surgery Center in Franklin. Nine Doctor visits in all were needed to complete the process! Louise thanked the Lions for their support, donations and transportation of eye tissues. Louise stated that she can now see better than she ever did. 20-15 vision. Thank You Lions!

FREDONIA

LIONS CLUB – Congratulations to the 2024 “Outstanding High School Students of the Year” honorees. Students were selected by their school administration and teaching staff. Attention was given to the recipients’ scholarship, activities, achievement, character, volunteerism, and service in their school and community.

COLUMBUS LIONS CLUB –The Vision Crew: Lions Patty Robertstad, Stephen Robertstad and Leslie Badua.

FREDONIA LIONS CLUB – Club elves helped Santa deliver Christmas greetings and a gift to over 125 Fredonia area senior single citizens..

Tayten Platner from Northern Ozaukee High School with mom Amber Faber, and brother Ryker Farber.

Ava Aberle with parents Andrea and Eric Aberle.

Rebecca Hoffmann from Northern Ozaukee High School with parents Kate and Jerry Hoffmann.

Leo President Trevor Nauta and Lions President Tim Kohlwey.

THIENSVILLE MEQUON LIONS CLUB – A Melvin Jones Fellowship Award was presented to Lion Holly Young. The recipients of this award are model Lions because of their exemplary service to their Club and the community which it serves. Lion Holly Young was also presented with a Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin’s, Knight of Sight Fellowship Award for her dedication, service, and commitment to helping provide the gift of sight. The first of its kind award this year, the ‘Friends of the TM Lions Award’, is given to a non-Lion business or individual that has gone above and beyond to support our Club. This year’s recipient is Olsen’s Piggly Wiggly of Mequon for their crucial role in the successes of Lionfest and Applefest over the last several years! Accepting the award were Ryan and Megan Olsen.

GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – At the recent Breakfast with Santa, sponsored by the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, three generations of the Nauta family helped set-up, make coffee and make sure there were enough pancakes, sausage, tables were cleaned and enough Grafton Leos were there to serve the 500 plus guests. Dale Nauta has been a member of the Grafton Lions for several years. Son Steve, is the Grafton Lion Leo’s Liaison and District Leo Advisor. Grandson Trevor is Grafton Leo Club President for the second year as well as the Leo Cabinet Liaison for District 27-A2. This family truly meets the motto of Lions International “WE SERVE.”

DISTRICT GOVERNOR BRENDA RUMPPE

lionbrendarumppe@yahoo.com 262-305-1101

DISTRICT GOVERNOR

I am so proud of our Lions and Leos. As of today, our district has 1,305 Lions and 187 Leo members. Our clubs are completing service projects and making a difference in the communities they serve. I am honored to be your governor.

When someone asks me about my year as DG, I talk about all your service projects and the impact all of you are making on the world. Lions used to be, “The Best Kept Secret.” We are encouraging everyone to let others know about their service projects. Spread the word about what we do. The best way to encourage others to join Lions and Leos is to invite them to participate in a service project. When they see the impact we make on the community they will want to be a part of that.

As we are at second half of our Lion year, we are reminding all of you to invite myself, 1VDG Slava or 2VDG John to attend one of your club meetings. We are excited to meet all of you and hear what your club has been doing. It is also time to start planning for your officer induction meetings and arrange for the governor team member to attend your June/ July/August meetings. Our schedules fill up fast so plan ahead. We are also available to present awards to club members.

As always, if your club is planning a service project or fundraiser and you need extra help, please reach out to the governor team and other clubs. We encourage all clubs to help each other out. The governor team will also attend and help if possible. Send an email to CST Laura and she can forward it to the rest of your zone, region, Leos, and governor team.

Lions should reach out to the Leos that are turning 18 and will be leaving the Leos. We love their new ideas, energy and their tech skills. Let them know that you would like to see them move onto becoming a Lion. They can join their local Lions club where they live now, or they can join one at their college.

Let them know that being a Lion is great for leadership, public speaking, gives them the opportunity to network with potential employers and provides the opportunity to continue their service work.

Suburban Milwaukee Lions Club Charter Party

Saturday, April 6th, 4pm

Sterling Chalet, Hubertus Buffet Dinner. RSVP by March 22nd smlccharterparty.rsvpify.com

GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – The Club presented a check for $1,000 to Julie Hoover, Executive Director of Family Sharing, after a presentation on the various programs as well as their retail store, to the Grafton Lions Membership Meeting on Tuesday,  December 5th. Family Sharing is the longest standing Food Pantry in Ozaukee County. Family Sharing’s Food Pantry provides food, at no cost, to Ozaukee County residents in need. The proceeds from their upscale resale store sale go directly to supporting the Food Pantry.

GRAFTON LIONS CLUB – The annual Christmas Party was held at Bunkers on December 20th. Instead of a holiday raffle, gift exchange, or ornament exchange, the Grafton Lions decided to give to Family Sharing and collected big demand items like canned fruit, pancake mix, kidney and black beans, and toothpaste. Some members gave a monetary contribution as well. Each contribution of $4 goes toward the purchase of a carton of milk and a dozen eggs. There was a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle that raised $797 and was donated to Family Sharing.

Grafton

Rich Koch, Robin Koch and President Kevin Luedtke. Holly Young and President Kevin Luedtke.

Holly Young and Robert Gosewehr. All Melvin Jones Fellowship Award winners in attendance.

Megan Olsen, Ryan Olsen and President Kevin Luedtke.

Lion Dale Nauta, Lion Steve Nauta and Leo Trevor Nauta

Lion President, Tim Kohlwey and Julie Hoover, Executive Director of Family Sharing.

Lions Club Christmas Party Chairman, Brad Diamond and his wife Shannon

Artificial Intelligence Technology Helps Visually Impaired Student

In mid summer, a request was forwarded to the Pickett Lions Club to support technology for a visually impaired student in Oshkosh. In a letter, written by Heather Hasse, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, they were introduced to Kymani Stephen, a junior at Oshkosh West High, who has been gradually losing his sight since early elementary school.

They invited Heather and Kymani to their meeting in July and learned firsthand how his life and future might be improved by the Or Cam My Eye Pro. This revolutionary assistive technology has the power to transform his world and open up countless opportunities for learning, independence, and personal growth.

The Or Cam My Eye Pro is a remarkable device that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to provide real-time visual and auditory information to individuals with visual impairments. It attaches discreetly to eyeglasses, acting as a “smart eye” that can read text, recognize faces, identify products, and even describe scenes. By utilizing this cutting-edge technology, a student will be able to access printed materials, navigate his surroundings confidently, and engage more effectively in various learning activities.

They were very excited about helping to secure the purchase of this device for Kymani. Their member, Lion Chad Lisowe, offered to visit the clubs in Zone 7 to inform them and ask for their help, with the goal of funding the entire $4800 cost in time for the start of the school year. With the assistance of Lion Marcus Richards, donations were secured from Rosendale, Ripon, Van Dyne, Eldorado, and Brandon Clubs, as well as the Oshkosh Elks Lodge 292. The balance of the cost, which includes training, was paid by the Pickett Lions. At the time of this writing, Kymani has received his Or Cam My Eye Pro and is in the process of learning all its potential and personalizing its use.

Also pictured is a ramp built for someone in need.

PICKETT LIONS CLUB – The Club is happy to continue their support of two families through the Ripon Santa Club and multiple items from the Father Carr’s Giving Tree in Oshkosh. Pickett Lions supports our Community Center by serving the Country Breakfast every December. Our crew, Lions Dre Bruss, Bob Cartwright, John Murray, Joan Hielke, Todd Messerschmidt, Bob Messerschmidt, and Dan Becker

WESTFIELD LIONS CLUB –

The “Knights of Sight” Award was given to Westfield Lions for $1,000 donations and their services. They also donated $2,500 to Ethel Everhard Memorial Library, $500. to Care and Share Food Program, $500 to Leader Dogs, $1,000 to Westfield High School to help purchase two Emergency Response Boxes and Bleeding Control Kits. Five students were awarded $750 scholarships. Westfield Lions also conducted their 20th annual Pioneer Gun and Collectables Show and the 31st Annual Fisheree along with Lawrence Lake Sports Club.

VAN DYNE LIONS CLUB –Breakfast with Santa was a great success. There were more than 175 kids. They had breakfast, made some crafts to take home, got pictures taken and received a goody bag from Santa.

RANDOM LAKE LIONS CLUB

– Congratulations to the 2024 “Outstanding High School Students of the Year” honorees. Students were selected by their school administration and teaching staff. Attention was given to the recipients’ scholarship, activities, achievement, character, volunteerism, and service in their school and community. Pictured is Halle Van Horn from Random Lake High School with parents Trina and Chuck Van Horn and grandparents Evie and Rich Rathke

STOCKBRIDGE LIONS CLUB –

Every fall, members visit Lions Camp, take out piers and docks and prepare the lake frontage for winter activities. After completing the work, Facility Director, Pete Rekowski, asked for additional picnic tables to be built to replace the old wooden ones. The Camp is in need of 14 additional tables for the campers and the rental groups. A number of Clubs have donated towards previous picnic tables and the Lions Camp is very appreciative of making a difference. The cost of a picnic table is about $300. All Clubs donating will be recognized in a newspaper article and hopefully on the Lions Camp website (Facebook). A special thank you to the District, Manitowoc, Valders, and the Stockbridge Lions Clubs who have already donated.

FROM THE 27-B1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR GREG KUBICHKA

liongreg27B1@gmail.com 920-901-5706

DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Sheboygan Falls Lions Club

Casino Night Saturday, March 2nd, 5-10 pm Village at 170, 170 Rangeline Rd, Kohler, WI

• Tickets $40.

• Contact Lion Ryan at romeyr77@gmail.com

B1 CHILDHOOD CANCER DONATIONS THRU MID DECEMBER, 2023

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Hello members of 27B1.

We are halfway through the year. I hope everyone is enjoying the nice weather. If you haven’t had a chance to visit a couple of the Lions events throughout the state, please consider club visits to Wisconsin Eye Bank at 5003 Tradewinds Pkwy, Madison, WI. They have an amazing building and practicing surgeries on site and looking at expanding out a garden of remembrance. Another interesting place to check out is Restoring Hope in Madison where people go before and after surgery for an organ transplant. The patient and one caregiver can stay for a small charge. If your club would like to help with toiletries or cleaning supplies as a project, it would be greatly appreciated. Wisconsin Lions Camp, 3834 County Rd A, Rosholt, WI 54473 is an amazing 440 acres of beautiful land where they have campers for many weeks throughout the summer. This is also where our state office is located. Maybe your club would like to visit the Lions Clubs International Chicago. This is where you could see the winners of the peace posters for many years in the hallway or line yourself up with a tour and see the International President’s Office. Please consider taking a club tour as there are 504 clubs throughout the state.

Other projects that are going on throughout the state right now is childhood cancer. With PDG Dave Lee, we are working on raising money to help families with transportation to and from the hospital. If you are able to help out, please consider sending the checks to:

Checks made out to: Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Fund

Mailed to: Childhood Cancer, Wisconsin Lions State Office, 3834 County Road A, Rosholt WI 54473

For membership, please consider setting up a membership drive or a service project where you can invite new members to increase awareness of what the Lions do for local communities. It could be a local park concert that’s already there that you could set up a booth. It could be a county fair with a vision screener to make awareness of what we do throughout out the area. Also with membership, please consider retention. Talking to the members that are not at the meeting about what is going on, not necessarily demanding that they show up at every meeting, but keeping them informed of service project that are coming up. Get well cards for anyone that might be going through a sickness.

Thank you for all you do for Lions and your communities and all you do for your clubs.

WAYSIDE MORRISON LIONS

CLUB – It was a great honor to deliver their annual donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters on Tuesday, December 12th at their Christmas party. Club members also donated children Christmas gifts to this organization to give to children within their program. Plus they donated to Salvation Army. In the attached picture is Lion Dan Natkze, Haley Vickman, Lion Gary Leick, and Keren Cotter. For Christmas, the Club also mailed Christmas cards and a booklet of stamps to community members who are 80+ years old.

Save the Planet and Support Wisconsin Lions Camp!

Did you know that 95% of the shrink wrap used ends up in a landfill? Even worse, it takes about 500 years for shrink wrap to decompose. Fortunately, there is a solution for your Club to help save the planet and raise funds for Lions Camp at the same time! The shrink wrap used on boats for winter storage is recyclable and can be turned into benches.

Here is what you can do to participate:

1. Stop at the local boat dealers and storage facilities in your area and ask if they are willing to work with your club on recycling the shrink wrap material.

2. Locate an enclosed trailer that you can use (enclosed snowmobile trailers work well) and park the trailer at the boat dealer or storage facility.

3. Have customers or the business put their used shrink wrap in bags and place it in the trailer throughout the months of April and May. Ask them to remove all nylon banding and only bag dry shrink wrap.

4. Then, after Memorial Day (week of May 28-31st), haul the trailer to the Outagamie County Recycling Center, 1919 Holland Road, Appleton. Weigh in full and unload the plastic. After unloading, weigh in empty and let scale operator know this is for the Lions Camp and ask for a tear sheet. For every pound of plastic recycled, 7¢ goes to Outagamie County and 7¢ will be donated to the Wisconsin Lions Camp. One truck load of 40,000 lbs. (which is very doable) means approximately $2,800 for Lions Camp!

5. Each non-profit (Lions Club, Snowmobile Club, Boy Scouts, etc.) is welcome to receive a quality Trex Park Bench for every 1,000 pounds of plastic delivered.

About Wisconsin Lions Camp:

Founded in 1956, the Wisconsin Lions Camp provides a free camping experience for Wisconsin youth and adults with disabilities. Campers participate in a variety of activities to help develop lifelong skills, including independence, teamwork, resiliency and a sense of purpose. Camp encourages connection with nature, builds self-esteem, nurtures friendships and promotes growth in a safe environment. Campers attend one of ten one-week sessions between June and August.

For more info or to register for the challenge, contact Lion Chuck Bender. (We will keep everyone informed of Clubs and Boat Dealers/Marinas that are participating) Text: (920) 427-1850 | Email: barefootcharlieb @aol.com

WABENO LIONS CLUB – The Club continued their over 30 year, annual tradition of passing on the Christmas spirit by gathering at Nu-Roc Health and Rehab Center. Santa made his way in to share the gift giving spirit with a jolly, “HO, HO, HO!” The Club donates $1,500 for the purchase of Christmas gifts for this joy filled activity.

GOODMAN ARMSTRONG CREEK LIONS CLUB – The Club has been very busy the past few months.

Club President Wayne Brehmer presented a $1,100 check to Armstrong Creek Town Chairperson Barbara Barker and GAC Lions to help maintain the Community Center.

President Wayne Brehmer presented a $500 check to the GAC Food Pantry Coordinator Lion Bob Nelson

A $2,000 check was presented to the Goodman Armstrong Creek Fire and Rescue organizations. Pictured: Rescue Squad Director Diane Smith, Fire Chief Craig Smith, Captain Stan Maruszczak Jr., Lions President Wayne Brehmer, Asst Chief Stan Maruszczak, Lions Mark Kowalkowski and Tyler Moddie

The Club presented a $1,400 check to the GAC High School. The donation purchased an air compressor for the Tech Ed Department, a purified water bottle filling station, and a defibrillator machine. Pictured: Tech Ed Director Tom Wysocki, President Wayne Brehmer, and Tech Ed students Austin Domine, Joey Stec, Pietro Ipsa, and Nick Niven

President Wayne Brehmer presented a $2,000 check to the Fence Fire Department Chief Jeff Sternhagen Fire Department Member and EMT Rescue Squad Member Shelley Dumais

Sleds were donated to the GAC School. Pictured are Superintendent Amy Wysocki, Paraprofessional Ella Engel and Lion Dennis Engel and happy recess kids.

The free Annual Senior Christmas Dinner was hosted at the Armstrong Creek Community Center. Many seniors attended and Santa delivered meals to seniors who could not attend. Included in the dinners delivered by Santa were beautiful cookies hand made by Amy Tomaszewski, daughter of Lion Bob Nelson. Pictured: Lion Oscar Anderson, Brayden Lewis (son of Lion Angela Brehmer, Santa Claus, Chef Deb Thompson, Lion Angela Brehmer, Lion Bob Nelson and Lion Lee Schauman

NIAGARA LIONS CLUB – The Club recently made a $1,000 donation to the Marinette County Elderly Services for home meal delivery in the Niagara area. Pictured: Director of MCES Olivia Cherry, and Lions Club Treasurer Dan Decker. The Club challenges other organizations in the area to match the donation as funds have been cut back for this service.

GRESHAM LIONS CLUB – At the annual Christmas Party, members were encouraged to donate $10 per individual attending the party. Several raffles were also a part of the evening. $500 was the result of these efforts donated to Safe Haven, the community’s local domestic abuse agency. Executive Director of Safe Haven, Jennifer Laude Bisterfeldt, accepts the donation from Bob Klopke

STURGEON BAY LIONS CLUB –

Members work with their local Public Health Department to conduct free vision screenings at all the schools in Door County. Every year the Club has parents and teachers thanking them. Good eyesight is imperative for students to excel in school and in life.

PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – At the January meeting, Lion Lee Mylener was presented with a commemorative plaque for dedicated humanitarian service from 1st Vice President Rhonda McClain, honoring him with the Melvin Jones Award. Lion Lee also received a pin, and a letter from LCIF (Lions Club International foundation) Chairperson.

PESHTIGO LIONS CLUB – Cathy Miles, from the Peshtigo Food Pantry, was the guest speaker at the January meeting. Club members assist the Food Pantry weekly with picking up food in Crivitz delivered by Feeding America and Amberg which comes from TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program), a USDA sponsored food event. The food is transported to the Peshtigo Food Pantry. 1st Vice President Rhonda McClain, presented Cathy Miles with a $500 Club donation.

FOX VALLEY LIONS CLUBS –Recently, 11 Clubs in the Fox Valley opened the doors of the Fox Valley Lions, MJ Tassoul Medical Equipment Loan Locker. The Appleton Evening, Appleton Noon, Freedom, Greenville Men’s, Greenville Women’s, Heart of the Valley, Kaukauna, LarsenWinchester, Neenah, Sherwood and Grand Chute Clubs came together to partner their dollars and volunteerism, serving the greater Fox Valley area.

FROM THE 27-B2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR SHIRLEY DAHLKE

sdahlke@centurytel.net 920-863-6224

DISTRICT

GOVERNOR

We all believe we can achieve our goals we set as we started our journey as District Governors, well how are they going? If you are like me, some are going well and then again not so well, I have some areas I still need to kick it in gear, I know I’m not alone, but forge on we will.

The theme from President Patti Hill CHANGE THE WORLD has made an impact in many of our projects. From the smallest project like vision screening, Coats for Kids, or feeding those in need, it does not go unnoticed, you have touched the lives of so many. Astonishing to see the numbers in My Lion of the service hours: 30,737; number of people served: 119,141; service activities reported: 827; and funds donated: $445,588 as of January 1st of this year. This is just our district and this isn’t showing ALL that we have done. Please secretaries, put your ACTIVITIES and ALL THE PROJECTS YOU DO EVERY MONTH into My Lion. I can’t imagine the final totals if all 67 Clubs would report monthly what they do!

LCIF has been busy, China had a huge 7.4 earthquake and funds were made available to them to help with basic necessities like water and shelter. No area in the world is immune to a catastrophe happening. Your continued donations- individual or club- help to allow Lions to be there to help.

The State convention is set for May 15-16-17 in Middleton by the time this article is printed you may have already sent in your reservation. If not, please do so. Heads up: the “pie in the face” will be a great way for you to help LCIF funds grow and this is a great way to see what the districts have been up to and what is in the pipeline. Lions are a special breed of people. We are always looking to see what else we can do to aid in any way possible. That’s why there are 1.4 million of us and we continue to grow.

Thank you all for your service this past year and going forward for all the future projects we will be involved with to help our communities become a better place to call home. The next crew of Governors are setting their sights on more ideas to help our Clubs reach many more people, as always support the incoming Governors so they can continue to change the world. Our Service Grows Hope.

BRUSSELS LIONS

CLUB – The Club presented six grants to Southern Door School staff as part of the Club’s Classroom Cash project. The grants ranged from $200 to $300. The Lions Club asked all staff to tell them, “What would they use up to $300 for to improve their classroom?” A committee of Lions members then did a blind-no names grading of the applications and selected the top six to receive grants.

Falteisek named Abbotsford Lions Club Student of the Quarter

Abbotsford High School senior Sydney Falteisek has been named the Abbotsford Lions Club Student of the Quarter for the second quarter of the 2023-24 school year. Falteisek carries a rigorous class schedule that includes NTC English, Strategies for a Successful Work Life Balance, Games with Implements, Family Living, and NTC Health Academy which includes Medical Terminology, General Anatomy and Physiology, Basic CPR and Life Support, and Introduction to the HESI. Her co-curricular activities include National Honor Society, Student Senate, Safe School Ambassador, FCCLA, FBLA, and Show Choir. She is also a member of the Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field teams.

English Teacher and Coach, Ally Meserole, highly recommended her for the Student-of-the-Quarter award. “Sydney is one of those students who teachers wish we had a hundred of,” Meserole stated. “She is more than just a friendly person; she is a busy person who shows better time management and efficiency than most adults. She works in health care, prioritizes her family, plays three varsity sports, and is possibly the most involved student at Abbotsford HS. She has earned Academic All State in Volleyball, as well as All-Conference awards in basketball, volleyball and track. Sydney is an extremely mature senior who underclassmen idolize; she handles adversity better than most adults and advocates for her own needs in kind and appropriate ways. She is most deserving of this award.” Falteisek’s volunteerism attests to her belief in community service. She has been actively involved by helping with Red Cross Blood Drives, Salvation Army Bell Ringing, Christmas Parade, Middle School Math Tutoring, and Concession Stand, Alumni Tournament, and Special Olympics Winter Games Volunteer.

When asked to identify an outstanding feature of the community, Sydney applauded the continual Abbotsford community support for school activities and sports, stating “I am highly involved in athletics, and we always have a wide fan base at all events. As a student athlete, I know that this great support pushes me and my teammates to perform better. Another specific example of community involvement is local business sponsorship for our FBLA Color Run which has benefited our local chapter greatly.”

When asked to define a major world problem, Falteisek responded, “I would confront the devastating disease of cancer. There are treatments available such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy and more. Although these treatments can prolong lives, they aren’t always able to cure the disease. Curing cancer would save so much heartbreak, not only for patients, but for their family and friends as well.”

Sydney currently works as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center. After graduation, she plans to begin her nursing degree through Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. She is the daughter of Krista Keech and Darel Faleisek.

ROCHE A

Nevaeh Stahmann, daughter of Lion Candace Stahmann, gave the history of the Melvin Jones Fellowship Award for Historical Figure Day. A great way for the youth to get involved with the Lions.

EDGAR LIONS CLUB – The Citizen of the Years’ Dinner was held. Pictured are (l to r): Selection Committee Chair Tammy Kirsch, Edgar Citizens of the Year Jim and Deb Steinke, Club President Cathy Schueller

STEVENS POINT NOON LIONS CLUB – The Club was proud to present the Birch-Sturm Award to John and Kathy Schmidt. They have been involved in many Lion projects that have benefited the community, for over a decade.

Port Edwards Lions Club Pancake Brunch

Sunday March 10th, 8am - 12pm Port Edwards High School Cafeteria

• Butter milk, chocolate chip and cranberry pancakes.

• Scrambled eggs and sausage.

• Apple sauce, orange juice and coffee.

• All you can eat.

• For more info call: 715-421- 9697

CRI LIONS CLUB –

EASTON WHITE CREEK LIONS CLUB – Thank to all the members and volunteers that came out and put together Christmas baskets. Every year we put together around 50 baskets with fruit and candy and canned hams and deliver them to elderly folks around our area.

JUNCTION CITY LIONS CLUB – The Fisheree was held on January 21st. Two $500 scholarships were awarded to graduating seniors that have lived within the local elementary school boundaries (local to the Junction City area). The award is given once the recipient completes their first semester in college with a C average or higher.

WISCONSIN LIONS YOUTH EXCHANGE

The Exchange plans to accept about 35 applications for international youth, 17-20 years old. Applications and letters to host families from the youth will be coming in the next few weeks

WE WELCOME NEW HOST FAMILIES TO APPLY.

– Share your home and culture with a youth of your choice. – Program generally runs the month of August.

– Youth will be at Camp Vista (by Fond du Lac/Campbellsport) August 11th-18th.

– Volunteers needed at camp for duties: general maintenance (garbage, minor repairs, etc.), kitchen (food prep/serve, dishwashing setup~ youths do actual dishes), lifeguard with certification (can be paid), nurses, and photographer.

– Accepting food donations (canned/dry goods, fresh vegetables/ fruit, grocery gift cards).

– Local youth, ages 16 -22, also assisted with trips abroad to spend time at camp and a host family.

– Please share this letter with your Club via email and at meetings.

– Spread the word to friends and family. It is a great opportunity for people who are retired. Help out a day or for the week.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I would be willing to do a short presentation at a Club meeting if you prefer. My family has hosted eleven youth over the last seven years, and would like to share our experience with the program.

Sheryl Babl - District 27-C1 Youth Exchange Chairperson 715-581-3082 - Wisconsinlionsyouthexchange.org

lionPattyhollis@gmail.com

715-460-4832

Fellow Lions,

DISTRICT GOVERNOR

As we head into March and April, I want to remind everyone of two important dates to look at. The first is March 28, 2024. This is National Diabetes Day. There are many service projects that your club can look at. One such project is setting up a Diabetes information table at your local library. Our district does have access to a display case that has information in it. Just contact me and I will get you the information. Another important week is April 21-27th. This is National Volunteer Week. Get the members of your club together and come up with a new way to volunteer, a new service project.

Every year, clubs are eligible to get the club excellence award. To be eligible the club must donate to LCIF (5 dollars per club member), have a NEW service project, have plus 1 in membership (since July 1), have one of your projects advertised (Facebook, newspaper, Instagram, ect.), and have their officers participate in officer training. Download the application from the LCI website and send it to me to sign if you are eligible.

As district governor, I have visited many clubs throughout the district. The passion I have seen in all the Lions has been heartwarming. I want all of you to know that the work you are doing in your community is beyond anything I could imagine. The many hours you dedicate to volunteering are amazing and inspirational. Keep up the great work each of you are doing.

As the year is winding down, I would love to visit the clubs that I have not had the pleasure of visiting. Please call or email me to set up a visit. If your club has any questions or need anything, please contact me. 715-460-4832 or Lionpattyhollis@gmail.com.

THORP

year

NEILLSVILLE LIONS CLUB – Jim Klein was recognized at this year’s Christmas gathering for his lifelong commitment to Lionism. Jim is a charter member of the Neillsville Lions Club. Here Jim is pictured with the original charter dated September 22, 1964. Presenting the commendation is Lion President Bob Petkovsek.

THORP

FROM THE 27-C1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR PATTY HOLLIS

President Joe Kawlewski

Joe Kawlewski, Brooke Mallek

Richard Schmidt, Chester Plaski

Joe Kawlewski, Jard Polum

LIONS CLUB – Lion

Ed Strojny received a 35

Chevron from DG Patty Hollis. Photo by Ross Pattermann.

LIONS CLUB – Three new Club members were inducted: Julie Beloungy, DG Patty Hollis and Lindsey and Max Slattery. Picture taken by Ross Pattermann.

Social Media - FYI

Engage Your Community with Facebook There are a lot of great social media platforms that can help you promote your Club, but Facebook is the biggest. If your Club doesn’t have a Facebook page, now is the perfect time to create one! It’s a great way to promote projects and events, share photos and connect with members, potential members, and partners. Use messages and comments to communicate directly with potential members. Build your Club’s brand as a difference-maker in the community. Make social media a team effort! Assign multiple admins and editors to your Facebook page so others can access and collaborate.

Create a Page

1. Go to facebook.com/pages/create.

2. Enter a Page Name and Category. You can also add a Page Bio.

3. Click Create Page.

4. If you want to customize your Page, you can add your bio, a profile picture, and a cover photo.

5. Click Done.

35th Annual Lions Convention

April 12-13, 2024, Lac du Flambeau Convention Center, District MD27-C2, District Governor Donald Meeder

The Convention is being hosted by the Region 3 Zone 2 Clubs (South Shore, Washburn, Ashland, Iron River, Cable & Area) with Lion 2nd Vice District Governor (VDG) Anne Madison as their Zone Chair and the Host Convention Chair. Past District Governor (PDG) Greg Krug is the C2 District Convention Chairperson.

Convention Theme : Adventures in Service - Fun around the World.

Objectives : Service. Leadership.

The 2024 MD27-C2 speaker for District Convention:

STEVEN MIDDLEMISS INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR.

Director Middlemiss is from Hudson, New Hampshire, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as an International Director of Lions Clubs International at the Association’s 105th International Convention in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, July 7th through July 11th, 2023. Director Middlemiss has more than 30 years of experience in land development.

Director Middlemiss is a commercial and industrial property owner and manager, and co-owner of a land development company. Inspired by seeing his fatherin-law serve throughout their community, he joined the Hudson Lions Club in 1990, with his father-in-law as his sponsor. Director Middlemiss and his wife, LeeAnn, also a Lion and a Melvin Jones Fellow, have three children, who are also Lions, and three grandchildren.

District Convention

Timeline:

1. Annual District Convention to conclude at least 30 days prior to the convening date of the International Convention

2. District Governor shall issue an official call to all Clubs at least 60 days prior to the District Convention.

3. Each District’s Nominating Committee must be selected at least 60 days prior to the convening date of the District Convention. Within 15 days after the close of each single and sub-district Convention, the Cabinet Secretary shall transmit one copy of the complete proceedings to the International Office.

Site

1. Location will be selected by the delegates of a previous annual Convention.

2. There is no restriction to holding the location of the District Convention outside the geographic location of the district unless otherwise restricted by amendment of the District Constitution and By-Laws.

3. The District Cabinet shall retain, and have, the power to change at any time, for good reason, the Convention site.

Voting Delegates Information:

Clubs shall be entitled in each annual Convention of its District to one delegate and one alternate for each ten members who have been enrolled for at least one year and a day in this Club, or major fraction thereof, of this Club as shown by the records of the International Office on the first day of the month last preceding that month during which the Convention is held. The major fraction referred to in this section shall be five or more members.

Marketing Chairperson

Club Role Description

– Understand global brand guidelines and support proper use of brand materials in Club events and service projects.

– Promote the work of the Club on social media. Develop a social media post calendar to follow, Club service, community involvement, and activities.

– Work closely with the Club membership chairperson to target and reach out to new potential Club members.

– Develop Club marketing and public relations talking points for Club members. Use word of mouth marketing tactics to promote the Club and recruit new members.

– Motivate members to be brand ambassadors. Encourage members to take photos, share on social media, wear brand apparel, and share Lions messages during community involvement opportunities.

– Publicize Club activities, including service projects, fundraisers, donations, Lions Clubs, International sponsored contests and other newsworthy accomplishments both internally and externally via the news media, social media, and other effective means.

Milestone Chevron

Anniversaries are a reminder of milestones in our lives. Lions International recognizes the anniversaries of our members with Chevron Awards. Acknowledging members with these awards gives our association the chance to thank Lions for their years of service and encourage them to continue making a difference in their local communities and worldwide. The Charter Monarch Chevron and Monarch Chevron Awards are issued at the following years of service: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 and over. Chevron Awards for the current fiscal year are automatically sent to District Governors in the first quarter for presentation to the recipients at a District Convention or other appropriate celebration event.

MERRILL LIONS CLUB – The Club presented to Firefighter/ Paramedic Josh G., a $3,000 check from Lion Jack K. The generous donation will be used to purchase a new thermal Imaging Camera (TIC) for the deptartment.

PHILLIPS LIONS CLUB – The Speed Rope Jump Contest selected the first and second place finishers in each of the three divisions that qualified to participate in the World Speed Rope Jump Contest being held in Bloomer.

DG DON’S QUIZ

March 1, 2024 – “Testing Your Lions Knowledge”

1. How many Convention delegates can a Club have with 26 regular members?

FROM THE 27-C2 DISTRICT GOVERNOR

DON MEEDER

donald.meeder@gmail.com

715-546-3673

EMBRACING THE DIGITAL AGE

DISTRICT

GOVERNOR

The adjustment of moving from a printed, handheld copy of our beloved newspaper, The Wisconsin Lion proved to be a challenge for many. However, it’s clear that, due to the cost factors, we won’t be going back. Accepting this reality, provides an opportunity to dig in and explore all the great advantages that the digital version offers. You may have noticed that our District C2 pages have taken a slightly different direction with the addition of more written content and less pictures. My hope is that more and more Lions will begin to recognize and utilize the advantages of links that are found on a digital newsletter to access the types of photos and stories that were formerly included in greater numbers on our newsletter pages. There is an infinitely greater opportunity for those interested in knowing what is happening with other Clubs in the district by utilizing this digital technology. To give illustration to this, please click on any one of the district clubs listed below and you will be immediately taken to either their website or their Facebook page. It takes only one click to get you to the most current pictures and stories of the Club’s activities. The 40 clubs in our district separated out into their prospective zones. Hopefully, by seeing how other Clubs are using the internet to increase their visibility, we all will be inspired to improve and enhance our Club’s social media and internet outreach.

Reg1 Z1 Gleason & Area Rhinelander Tomahawk Merrill

Reg1 Z2 Catawba-Kennan Prentice Phillips

Reg1 Z3 Gilman Jump River Rib Lake Whittlesey Medford

Reg2 Z1 Hazelhurst Lake Tomahawk Minocqua St.Germain Sayner Star Lake Plum Lake

Reg2 Z2 Conover Eagle River Phelps/Land O Sugar Camp Three Lakes St Germain Northwoods

Reg2 Z3 Boulder Junction Manitowish Waters Mercer Presque Isle Winchester Hurley

Reg3 Z1 Butternut Fifield Glidden Park Falls Mellen

Reg3 Z2 Cable Area Iron River South Shore Ashland Wasburn

C2 CHARTER DATES ANNIVERSARIES

Congratulations for your dedicated/volunteer years of Lions Service

April

3. Who should, according to the rules of introduction, introduce the International Director at the Convention?

2. What is the official placement of the American flag for the District Convention Business Meeting?

– Gleason & Area 1985 President Gary Gretenhardt

First Lion Experience

BY EDGERTON LION DIANE CHAMPION

We brought the deer hides to the Lions Camp in Rosholt today along with boxes of used eyeglasses which were donated in various sites at local businesses. The Camp is so very nice! And the employees and volunteers we met were super. I never realized just how big the eyeglass donation program really is. Boxes and boxes of them are checked, cleaned and inspected, then the prescriptions are checked, then repacked for handing out to missions or wherever there is a need! What a great program. All the proceeds from the sale of the deer hides and tails also go to the Camp, and you can even buy some of the resulting deer hide gloves there, which of course we did! This Camp can serve many disabled kids at a time, it so big. There is a lake right there, too. It even rents out to groups for anyone to come in winter and will even cater the food for events. I was really impressed with it and the importance of this place for kids really hit home. Go online and check it out! Want a getaway to go group ice fishing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing with a great place to stay? You can even rent quality equipment from them. And all proceeds benefit the handicapped campers. This Camp is way more than I ever thought it was. A great cause to support!

The bridge to the Sun Prairie Lions Clubhouse in the Town of Bristol can be seen among snow-covered trees and parking lot lights just before the January 11th meeting. The area received roughly 16 inches of snow during the five-day period.

DEFOREST WINDSOR LIONS CLUB – Why drive the eyeglasses to Rosholt when you can fly them up? The DeForest Windsor Lions Club has a private pilot in their midst! Lion Tony Sobczak and his wife, Vicki, flew their club’s collected eyeglasses up to Stevens Point Municipal Airport, the closest airport to Lions Camp. They coordinated with Camp’s Project Director, Keith Mueller, to have someone from the Camp stop at the airport and pick them up. It was a great day of networking!!

MCFARLANDLIONESS/LIONS CLUB – The Club had a fun and productive November and early December holding three successful fundraisers in addition to their usual volunteer activities. Fundraisers held by the Club included a Holiday Auction (attended by almost 100 people), a Poinsettia Sale (with over 600 poinsettias sold), and a bake sale (Dozens of items sold). Many members spent countless hours organizing, baking, buying gifts, making ornaments and centerpieces, selling items, and delivering poinsettias. A true team effort of serving together! Lioness/Lions Sue Tuecke, Colleen McCormick, Dawn Braman, Nancy Sporer, Jackie Voight, Roberta Mecum and Alice Ropella show some of the baked items sold. Some of the many Club members who helped unload, organize and deliver poinsettias include Co-Chair Mary Wheeler, Velma Strander, Dawn Braman, Co-Chair Heleen Hayden, Nancy Sporer, Cheryl Duffey, Colleen McCormick, Sue Richards, Roberta Mecum, Sue Tuecke , Cinda Schwedrsky, and Michelle Garvey

CROSS PLAINS LIONS CLUB – November is Diabetes Awareness Month. At the Club meeting, Matt Jensen and Sydney Stampfli from Cross Plains Pharmacy shared knowledge and information related to causes, symptoms and treatments for diabetes. Interesting items shared: rates of new diagnosis doubled from 2012-2016 and 33% of adults have prediabetes but 80% don’t know that they have it!.

27-D1 Convention

Many times we hear from Lions (even long-time members) that they don’t know much about the Lions as an organization. Conventions are a means of generating knowledge about Lions in the many aspects of it. You may take the opportunity to engage other Lions at this convention. Find out what Lions from other clubs are doing to raise funds, conducting community service through programs and services. Through our guest International Director Joanne Ogden, we will learn about Lions in the international sense.

Community service is part of what we do. Our keynote speaker is John Stofflet, who is well known in south central Wisconsin as a television anchor and a leader in community service. John demonstrates how we can all give back to our communities.

Our breakout sessions are opportunities to gather information:

Media Relations (John Stofflet)–John will be presenting to Lions in a breakout session on media relationships. Many Clubs are interested in informing their communities of their activities. John will provide steps in order to accomplish these goals.

Art of Recruitment (PCC Jodi Burmester)–You know your club needs more members, but not sure where to begin. This seminar will help you identify new members and give you tips to make them want to join your club.

About John Stofflet

Youth Services (Briar Patch)–There are hundreds of teens living on the streets every day. Many more “couch surf” and stay with friends for a day or two before moving on to the next couch. How can we help? There are many ways besides providing snacks and clothing. Learn what your club can do.

Service is Everything in LionsAssessing needs to reporting the activity (Steve Pogue/Tammy Rockenbach)–You hear a great service project and want to replicate it in your club. But should you? Learn how to identify projects that are right for your club and community.

Admin vs Activity (Lion Bruce Voight and panel)–How to account for your monies. You may learn a few ideas to improve your own administrative account.

Estate Planning (Sun Prairie Lion)–What documents do you need to know your estate will go where you want it.

Where Are Your Next Leaders? (Lion Adam Crowson/PCC Tammy Rockenbach)–We need to develop our club members to step up into leadership roles. How do we identify them? Can our new members help?

Pushed or Pulled-Why Lions Leave (PDG Judy Hatz)–Lions leave for two reasons. They are either pushed away by something in the club or pulled away by family, jobs, and other commitments. How can we keep our members from leaving?

John Stofflet’s a 25-time Emmy Award-winning and Edward R. Murrow Award- winning tv news anchor, who has traveled on assignment to all 7 continents. He has interviewed hundreds of celebrities (like George Clooney and Julia Roberts), as well as a survivor of the Titanic sinking, and President Obama one-on-one at The White House.

He retired in 2023 as NBC15 News main evening anchor after 41 years in broadcasting, including positions at WKOW in Madison, KING-TV in Seattle, Nat Geo Channel, and HGTV before he returned to Madison and NBC15 in 2005.

John has flown through a hurricane, snorkeled with sharks in the South Pacific, jumped off a 72-story New Zealand building, and has followed along with wildlife crews trapping and relocating a polar bear and an alligator. He is most proud of his service to the community through organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank and the Badger Childhood Cancer Network.

FROM THE 27-D1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR JEFF WINKLER

jeffrey.winkler2@frontier.com 608-575-3291

DISTRICT GOVERNOR

The past few months have been filled with wonderful interactions with Lions throughout our District. It is so refreshing to visit Lions Clubs during their holiday meetings, dinners, and celebrations.  The power of serving is so prevalent in our entire District. I got the privilege to attend several Club meetings, activities and events during December and January. The highlight at each gathering is listening to the successes that each Club was able to achieve during the past 12 months. Each of those communities gets the opportunity to experience kindness and service because of the effort of the local Lions Club. I had the opportunity to hand out Chevrons to Lions for 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 55 years of service – that is so heartwarming! I attended the 100th Anniversary of the Beloit Noon Lions Club – what an accomplishment! I also was a first-timer at Dining in the Dark, an event hosted by the Beloit Evening Lions Club. Over 100 people experienced dinner while blindfolded and wearing a bib (OK, I might have been one of the only people with a bib?).

While all the usual Lions activities were taking place, our District Convention Committee was working through the details of our Convention that will be held at the Madison Marriott on March 8th9th. Registration is available online at 27d1convention.org

The Convention includes several learning sessions and the opportunity to participate in four service projects on Saturday afternoon and then enjoy dinner and trivia night with Lions from around our district. I would love to have you at our convention. Please make sure to stop me and say, “Hi!” I will be the bald guy with the Red Jacket!

Caring Canines-(Lion Missy Dickson)–Learn how she has made a difference in the lives of Pediatric Cancer patients.

If you feel the need to serve, work on the following community projects:

– Backpacks for Homeless Teens

– Sewing zippers for Pediatric Cancer Patients

– Creating Snuffle Mats for Leader Dog

– Meeting Caring Canines

About Joanne Ogden

Meet the new slate of candidates running for leadership positions at the Friday night hospitality event. And, as part of the closing banquet Saturday night, we will be providing the mental challenge of Trivia Night. Plenty to do during this year’s District Convention!

Register: 27D1convention.org/register Madison Marriott: 1-888-745-2032

Joanne Ogden from Emo, Ontario, Canada, was elected to serve a twoyear term as an international director of Lions Clubs International at the association’s 105th International Convention in Boston, July 7-11, 2023.

Director Ogden has more than 38 years of experience as a registered nurse. She is currently health program supervisor for the Naicatchewenin First Nation, where she oversees and supervises programs for community health and home care nursing. Previously, she worked for 18 years in Intensive Care and has also published several articles on wound care.

She has held a number of offices within the association including Guiding Lion and multiple district GMT coordinator. She has served as multiple district 5M’s director for KidSight, as well as the Lions Foundation of Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. Additionally, she was a district strategy planner for the NAMI pilot.

The Cashton Lions Club Close Out A Busy Year

On December 19th, the Cashton Lions Club, along with the Cashton Knights of Columbus, hosted Christmas Bingo. The event, held at the Cashton Community Hall, was very well attended and even included a visit from Santa Claus. Besides Bingo, guests were treated to numerous door prizes donated by area merchants to make for a very fun evening. The groups will be hosting Bingo the first and third Tuesdays of each month.

On December 21st, the Cashton Lions held their annual Holiday Party at Badger Crossing. Lion District Governor, Anita Kelly of Soldiers Grove, WI was the guest speaker. During her presentation she honored two members of the local Club with membership chevrons. Joe Collingon was awarded for 55 years and Dennis Mlsna for 50 years of continuous service.

Cashton Lions Club President John Bertling highlighted some of the achievements accomplished the past year. He also thanked DuWayne Lind of Lind’s Home Center and Paul and Mike Mitby of Mitby’s TV and Appliance for all of their assistance and donations with Lions projects the past year. Mike Hansen was also thanked by members for his dedication to Lions projects and programs.

The Cashton Lions Club members continue to abide by the Lions International mottos of “We Serve” and “Where There Is A Need, There Is A Lion”.

VIROQUA LIONS CLUB – Several members of the Club are pictured making their annual $500 donation to the Viroqua Toys for Tots program. They join many area businesses and individuals, working with the Viroqua Toys for Tots leadership, Ken and Kay Deaver. Pictured are ( l to r): Jeff Roth, Ken Deaver, Steve Hill, Michael Stephen, Roger Hanson, Viroqua Lion President Roger Call, Mark Solverson, John Mickelsen, Kay Deaver, Al Petersen, and Ken Karwoski. The picture was taken at the Viroqua Fire Department, hosting the annual Toys for Tots chili dinner.

VIROQUA LIONS

CLUB – Lion Mike Stephen has delivered over 10,000 pairs of used eyeglasses over the last 25 months. He has collected them from Viroqua and the surrounding area’s collection points. Mike has long been recognized in the state of Wisconsin and the upper Midwest as one of the most productive collectors in recent history. In the picture with Lion Mike is Keith Mueller, WLF Project Director.

REEDSBURG LIONS

CLUB – In order to make things a bit merrier and brighter for members of the Reedsburg Boys and Girls Club, the Reedsburg Lions recently donated $1,700 so that some of their wishes could come true. Shown here is Phil Peterson, Club President, giving a check to the Boys and Girls Club site manager.

AT 27D2

– Congratulations to the winners who were recognized on February 10th!

GOVERNOR

As we enter into the spring time of the year, let’s get a new outlook on events and fundraisers we could and will be doing. With our convention over, we can focus on upcoming projects. I hope all that came to the convention had a good time celebrating St. Patrick’s Day early and being Irish for a while even if you weren’t!

If you haven’t done so already, you should be electing your officers. Please enter them in MyLCi as soon as possible so that all the information can get to the responsible person. Officer Training dates and places have been setup as follows: April 23rd in New Lisbon, April 24th in Richland Center and April 25th in LaCrosse. Please encourage your officers and new members to attend, especially the Secretaries with the Lions Portal hopefully coming out this year.

Membership is always something I don’t like to rag on but it is very important to try for the younger people since we are all getting older. My goal was to add more than we dropped, which was good with the new club but it hasn’t been working well. We are at a positive 25. Keep promoting Lions and what we do. We are our best kept secret and if we don’t tell our secret, it will be kept secret!

Continue having fun at your meetings and your events as “We Serve”.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTION AT D2 CONVENTION – From left to right: DG

Anita Kelley, ID Anthony Paradiso, New Member Jon Whitebear, Sponsor Sam Whitebear, President Greg Erickson from Lake Delton Lions Club.

LIONS CLUB – Many vendors and shoppers participated in the annual Holiday craft show.

The Winter & Area Lions Club has a Busy Few Months

It was a successful end of 2023 and beginning of 2024 for the Club. Here are some of their highlights.

The Winter & Area Lions Club ended the 2023 year by again helping where they saw a need. In the photo is Lions Treasurer Mike O’Mara presenting a donation check to Exeland Senior Center Site Manager Heather Evans for the Christmas meal delivered to the Meals on Wheels recipients in the areas surrounding Exeland and Winter. Besides being treasurer for the Lions Club, several days a week, Mike drives from Winter to Exeland to pick up hot meals and delivers in the Winter areas.

The Winter & Area Lions Club is starting out the 2024 year by inducting two new members and following the Mission 1.5 Challenge. The photo was taken during the program where new members, Larry and Jody Douglas received their membership pin, certificate and information packet from their sponsor, Mimi Sward who received her sponsor pin and certificate from the Club President, Patti Helsing. Welcome Larry and Jody.

President Patti Helsing presented locally made gifts to Governor Dennis Sykora when he and his wife Brenda visited the Winter & Area Lions in October. Thank you, Governor Sykora, for attending and sharing some very useful information with the Club.

Deb Steiner accepted a check from Lion Treasurer Mike O’Mara to Winter PTO for Coats for Kids.

Deb Shandley accepted a check from Lion Treasurer Mike O’Mara to Winter Xtravaganza for sponsorship of their snowmobile event.

CHIPPEWA FALLS LIONS CLUB – The Chippewa Falls Lions Club toured the new Chippewa Area History Center in Chippewa Falls capping the evening by presenting a Nex Trex bench to the Center. Pictured top left are: Frank Smoot, Center Director and Lion Jeff Buckli, Club Nex Trex chair. At a recent Club meeting DG Dennis Sykora presented several awards to well deserving members. Lion Scott Meinen (top right) was presented a Birch Sturm Fellowship. Lion Butch Dachel (bottom left) was presented a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship and Lion Ken Koss (bottom right) was presented Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship.

Winter & Area Lions Club

Spaghetti Dinner

Saturday, March 16th, 4:30 to 7:00pm at Winter Fire Hall

• Fundraiser to support Lions Scholarship Fund

• Food, Fun and Raffles

LADYSMITH LIONS CLUB – The Knight of Sight Award was given to Lion Lyn Russell by District Governor Dennis Sykora. Ladysmith Lions congratulate two new Melvin Jones fellows. Pictured are: Marlene Tuma, President Tawn Lundgren presenting the awards, and Dick Tuma. Ladysmith Lions donate gifts for Christmas to those in need through local social services. Pictured are: Lori Gorsegner, Marlene Tuma, Nancy Anderson, and president Tawn Lundgren.

LAKE HOLCOMBE LEO CLUB – The Club purchased Christmas gifts for a family during this season of giving.

CLEAR LAKE LIONS CLUB –Complimentary 2024 Lions Birthday Calendars were given out in December and at the same time collected free will donations for Lifeline Food Pantry. $736 in free will donations were collected, and the Clear Lake Lions Club matched up to $600 so the donation check given to Lifeline Food Pantry totaled $1,336. Pictured is Lion Roger Blanchard.

SPOONER-TREGO AND SHELL

LAKE CLUB – The two Clubs teamed together along with the Spooner Advocate to collect Christmas presents for area families in need. Pictured are Bob Rand, John Richter and Dan Mohksky.

CHETEK LIONS CLUB – A Christmas for Kids event was held. One of many prizes was the farm basket. Pictured is Auctioneer, Daryl Dahl and his assistant, daughter Madelin, announcing the winner, Clint Miller, of the farm basket. This was one of many prizes at the Christmas for Kids event.

JIM FALLS LIONS CLUB – Jim Falls was the location for several Clubs to drop off their deer hides. They were then salted and placed on pallets to be delivered to Camp. This year there were 783 hides collected at the Clubhouse. Pictured are the hides ready to be loaded on the truck.

CADOTT LIONS CLUB – The Club was made aware of the fact that when there is a snow day, meals are not delivered to the individuals receiving Meals on Wheels. This year the Club prepared 24 boxes containing five meals to those folks that participate in the program. The boxes were for days when the meals were not delivered during the winter months. Club members followed the drivers on their route and made the delivery. Pictured is the contents of one of the boxes.

FROM THE 27-E1 DISTRICT GOVERNOR DENNIS SYKORA

djsykora67@gmail.com

715-288-6123

DISTRICT GOVERNOR

It’s hard to believe that it is March already, but I have been enjoying the mild winter thus far. The Lionistic year is going by so quickly and the 27-E1 District Convention will be here before we know it. Brenda and I hope to see you at the Convention on March 22nd and 23rd at the Sleep Inn and Suites Conference Center in Chippewa Falls. The Convention will begin on Friday evening with a buffet dinner, followed by a dessert social with locally produced, homemade ice cream provided by Olson’s Ice Cream and entertainment from the McDonell Central Catholic High School Show Choir and Jazz Band.

On Saturday, the Convention will continue with many educational opportunities as we will have a series of informative speakers including International Director, Ron Keller, and his wife, Kitty Lea, Carl “Energizer” Olson, Jeff Kertsen of the Bureau of Consumer Production speaking on fraud, a representative for Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and members of the Lions Club family.

Additionally, we will be conducting a service project at the Convention where we will be collecting items for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program (VHRP). This program provides temporary housing, job training, and supportive services-education and counseling, to military veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to help them obtain permanent housing. Additionally, the goal of this program is to help veterans achieve stability, increase their skill levels and/or income to enable and empower them to reintegrate back to the community. The success of this program relies on donations of the following suggested items: markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, adult coloring books, cleaning products (floor, bathroom, and kitchen), laundry items (powder laundry detergent) and gift cards / vouchers (Walmart, Farm and Fleet, Micon Cinemas, Kwik Trip, Ready Ride Cab, and Share Ride Cab). I encourage and challenge each Club to donate essential items to the VHRP. A table will be at the Convention for you to drop off your contributions. I thank you for your contribution and impact on military veteran welfare. In addition to your VHRP donation, please be reminded to bring eyeglasses for WLF.

Brenda and I have enjoyed our Club visits and look forward to visiting the Clubs that we have scheduled for March and April. We look forward to meeting as many Lions members as possible at the District Convention. Have a wonderful rest of the Lionistic year!

AMERY LIONS CLUB – The Lions were busy with their Christmas Light display for the community to enjoy. The Club also had five members ringing bells for the Salvation Army. Pictured is Lion Ryan Hanson ringing the bell.

Love Is Delivered Door To Door

The Roberts Lions Club, Hammond Lions Club, Hammond Snowdrifters Club, and Roberts Knight Riders, come together every year for Christmas and for Thanksgiving to deliver baskets full of food to residents of their communities called “Love Baskets.” At Christmas they add fruit baskets to their deliveries to those in the community who have lost a loved one, are ill, or need to be told they are being thought of at this time of year. No matter the weather, how many volunteers there are, how many baskets need to be delivered, the baskets get delivered. There is no doubt the love of the organizations that come together to do this event are shown that same love by their communities. Lions don’t have to do it alone, join others to make a difference.

Super Santa Saturday for Roberts Lions Club

There may have been no snow for the arrival of Santa, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Trusty Elf, but arrive Santa did by means of a Fire Truck driven by the Roberts Fire Department Volunteers. The red and white treat bags for the children were a big hit, table for writing letters to Santa was available, two Roberts Police Officers served Cocoa to the kids, tickets for games were given out free of charge to play the games with prizes or participate in making craft projects to take home. Photos with Santa produced many smiles, and of course a few screams and cries. Roberts Lions had a record year this year for the number of children attending the event.

Once done with Santa’s visit, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Santa’s Trusty Elf, accompanied by the Volunteer Fire Fighters, go to two other locations by Fire Truck to hand out gold and white treat bags, made just for them, to the senior residents and wish them a Merry Christmas.

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 – The Club came together for their Holiday Celebration, to eat, drink, and be merry. They also celebrate with something they have been doing for years. The Club members collect food donations for The Thunder Market within the Osseo Fairchild School. “It’s a tradition,” the Club members would tell you. While traditions of all sorts happen at Christmas time, this tradition maybe one you would like to begin with your Club and or family gatherings. Gifts come many ways and in many forms. A can of green beans, or a box of cereal, may not seem like a gift, but to a family who does not have those, it is. Next time you are in your cupboard and it’s full, stop and think about the empty one you could help start to fill. One can at a time, one box at a time, every Christmas, every year.

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

Collecting is Serious Business!

BY LION REID MEYER, ELLSWORTH LIONS CLUB

When you hear the phrase “serious business” you naturally think something important – a topic, situation or task – is being referred to which requires a great deal of seriousness, attention and/or focus.

If you are a fellow collector, this is basically how we think of collecting!

In order to be effective at anything –whether it’s business or personal – one needs to have good connections to others who can help. Sound familiar? Individual Lions can do great things but together we can do so much more!

Since the 15th century people have used business cards as the most common way to stay connected. Smartphones have made it very easy and convenient for people of all ages to stay connected, and has diminished the need and value of the traditional business card – but that does not mean business cards are no longer valuable.

Within Lions, it is still quite common for people to have a business card to represent their tenure as District Governor or office held with various organizations like Lions Clubs International, Wisconsin Lions Foundation, Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, etc. These business cards provide a unique opportunity to not only collect but also to have a historical reflection of good friends who have served in varying capacities!

If you get the itch to clean out your rolodex, don’t throw those Lions business cards away – find a Lion who might be interested in having them and remember – Lions collectibles are cool!

Please share any interesting stories you have with me at reidmeyer69@gmail.com – Happy Collecting!

It is that time of year where we get together and celebrate our year at the District Convention. This year we will be holding our 39th Annual Convention on March 15-16th at the Lismore Hotel in Eau Claire. The theme for Friday night is “Camping for Kids” which entails playing Norwegian Bingo, Bean Bags and other campground fun. There will also be raffles, S’more stations and free beer. If you have never been to a convention but want to experience it, Friday nights hospitality is free to attend. Also, there will be an eye transporter meeting at 6pm on Friday night.

On Saturday, the Convention Committee has worked hard to put together seminars and training opportunities. There will be officer training at 9am on Saturday morning and seminars that we hope will encourage and inspire you. Also, please take time to check out the Toot Your Horn area that will have all sorts of information and so much more. Our special guest this year is Past International Director Ken Ibarra and his partner in service Lion Amy Fink. Please be sure to welcome them and thank them for all they do and enjoy the convention.

As we move into spring the weather will be getting nice and many Club activities and service projects will be happening. As my theme this year of “Working Together, Serving Others” states, take a look at what is happening in your community and surrounding area to see if you and your Club are able to help with providing help. If your Club is needing help with a service project or fundraiser, reach out to other organizations and work together to serve those in your communities.

I hope you take this opportunity to attend the convention to learn and spend time with fellow Lions and have a good time. Thank you for all you do.

RIVER FALLS LIONS

CLUB – The Club moved forward to help assist in getting a L.C.I. F. (Lions Clubs International Foundation) matching grant for $6,500 for the Have A Heart Organization who provide adult day care services. The goal was to help purchase a handicapped accessible van to transport the adults to activities off site. With the help from the River Falls Lions Club and L.C.I.F. (Lions Clubs International Foundation) grant, the goal was met. Pictured here from left to right with the new van are, Club President Tami Langer, WLF Director Larry Testa, Director of Have A Heart Kelly Zillmer, Club Secretary Tom Rasmussen, 1VDG James Dimock, Dr. Bob Johnson, Lion Dave Hirstein, and Morgan smiles from inside the van. Lions make a difference in so many ways, in so many places, and for so many people. The world of the adults in the Have A Heart facility will be able to go to more outings because Lions cared enough to help. The Have A Heart residents and staff are so happy to be able to have their own van, versus having to rely on parents and their willingness to transport the adults to activities in multiple vehicles. As Lions, let us reflect in knowing we serve, no matter what or who, or where.

Fairchild Lions Club Members Steve Weiss, Debbie Boullion, Dennis Lindell, Ken Bohl and Cathy Bertrang

In Memory / In Honor of…

LIONS EYE BANK DONATIONS

HONORARIUMS

DG JEFF WINKLER

Cobb Lions Club

Iowa-Grant Lions Club

Iowa-Grant Leos Club

2ND VDG JIM KLUBERTANZ

Madison Monona Lioness Lions

MEMORIALS

AL BASSETT

Karen Chadwick

RITA BURGENER

PCC Tammy Rockenbach

SHERMAN HAMILTON

JoAnn Hamilton

RALPH KRUEGER

Mark Kuehl

BRAXTON FRAWLEY

Rebecca Goodman

EDNA HART

Adam and Megan Crowson

WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION DONATIONS

*Donation to Birch-Sturm Fund

MEMORIALS

DEAN & LOLA ARNDT

Fred & Cheryl Callies

MARGARET “PEGGY” BAIN

David & Tracy De Angelis

Kenosha Noon Lions Club

ALLAN R. BASSETT

David & Tracy De Angelis

Mike & Jackie Kulba

Deborah Polzin

South Milwaukee Lions Club

RICHARD BAUMAN

Burlington Lions Club

PCC ROBERT E. BAYERL

Gary & Elaine Colton

Jeff & Michele Koch

Lake Holcombe Lions Club

Art & Jo Marson

LLOYD BORNEMANN

David & Tracy De Angelis

MIKE CAPRIOLO

David & Tracy De Angelis

BARBARA COAKLEY

Prospect Lions Club

JUDY DRIER

Louise Ebert

MICHAEL EICHHORN

Jerry & Judie Zais

DANIEL FELS

Andrea Yenter

SALLY FENHAUS

Bernie & Colene Stuttgen

ROBERT FISCHER

Mardel Fischer

MIKE FLECK

Kathleen Balistreri

Dave Destache

Mark Strohschein

Bonnie Vincent Shannon Zur

WILLIAM “BILL” GEE

Chris Berkers

Mark Boettcher

Jill Brown

Melanie Buchholz

Bonnie Freiberg

Brenda Gelhar

Karen Haley

Linda Hanson

International Association of Fire Fighters-Oshkosh Local 316

Pete & Sue Krumenauer

Mark LaFrombois

Rod & Mary Lehl

Karen Steinfort

Teresa Wiechman

Richard & Norlene Woldt

PDG JAMES “JIM” GUY, JR.

Jodie Arenz

Dan Baumgardt

Kate Christofferson

Ken Eeg

John Elvekrog

Lyle “Doc” & Charlotte Esser

John Feldner

Dale Freund

Patricia Friss

Julie Herbst

Phil & Betty Ingwell

Alissa Jelke

Dave & Jenny Kinsler

Diane Knothe

Christine & Douglas Kortbein

Charles Ness

Julie Nielsen-Witkovsky

Monica Perner

PDG Mike & Carolyn Tiber

Steve & Peri Tyink

William Wuerger II

Janet Zobel

PDG DWAINE A. HABRAT

Dianne Bayerl

Gary & Elaine Colton

Art & Jo Marson

SHERM HAMILTON

Gary & Elaine Colton

RONALD L. HARE

French Island Lions Club

ADOLPH & VERNIS HAUGLAND

Steve Haugland

DALE HEISE

Brad Behrens

LEE HELM

Lee Helm Estate

WENDELL HILTON

Keith Hilton

PATRICIA “PAT” HOEFT

Dennis & Mary Dettmering

LARRY W. JOHNSON

David & Sandy Jacobson

Mardell Johnson

KATHERINE W. KLEIN

Ron Klein

STEVE KNAPP

Peggy Knapp

NANCY KOHLHOFF

Mukwonago Lions Foundation, Inc.

PETE LIEVEN

Mary Pat Lieven

Friends & Family

ROLAND “ROLLIE” MANTHE

John Elvekrog

Lyle “Doc” & Charlotte Esser

Sharon Grinyer

John Jenson

YURGEN MARKEWYCZ

Jack & Joyce Kasper

Merrill Lions Club

Jan Perry

LYNN MASTALIR

John Mastalir

BOB MCNEILL

Tamra Rockenbach

PAUL MICHLER

Whittlesey Lions Club

JUDITH “COOKIE” NEWMAN

David & Tracy De Angelis

EDWARD “PETE” PATTERSON

Lake Holcombe Lions Club

BRIDGET PRESCHER

Jerry & Judie Zais

JEANETTE A. PUENT

The Family of Jeanette Puent

MICHAEL “MIKE” QUIGLEY

Carol Alexander

AVAD Operating, LLC

Victoria Benson Hora

Darrel & Shelley Blank

Maureen Burns

Dennis Corrigan

Patti Desrosier

Lynn Fandek

J. J. Graf

John & Kathy Gray

Karen Haen

Donald Hucko, Sr.

Nicholas Jungers

Richard Kastenmeier

Janice Konkol

Kristin Kress

Kim Parks

Alan & Joanne Prom

PDG Greg & Kate Pryor

Maggie Quigley Hucko

Mary Quigley

Michelle Rausch-Neary

Jack & Dorothy Reindl

Eric & Ruth Schumacher

Jacqueline Smith

Clayton Snyder

Susan Zach

CHARLES “CHUCK” E. RHEIN

Family & Friends

Lomira Lions Club

HERB SCHNEIDER

Linda Baumgartner

JOSEPH SCHRAMM

Darrel & Laura Dwyer

ROBERT SCHUTZ

Arlington Lions Club

NANCY SEFTAR

Prospect Lions Club

DUANE STEUCK

Andrea Yenter

NINA SUPRISE

Louise Ebert

RONALD SUSKE

Ed & Dolores Prohaska

LISA SVOBODA

Don Svoboda

ANNE TORKELSON

Merrill Lions Club

FRAN ULLMER

Pulaski Lions Foundation

CARL H. VOIGT

Berlin-Hamburg Lions Club

DUANE & DOROTHY WEBB

Family & Friends

BERGENE GRACE WILCOX

Bangor Lions Club

RALPH WINDLER

South Milwaukee Lions Club

ROSALYN ZANK

James Fletcher

HONORARIUMS

BELOIT NOON LIONS CLUB’S 100TH

ANNIVERSARY

Madison Central Lions Club

Tamra Rockenbach

EVETT HARTVIG

David & Lori Reiman Miller

MARIA KEENAN

Mary Lisa Carenza Keenan

LAKE WISSOTA LIONS CLUB’S 50TH

ANNIVERSARY

Chippewa Falls Lions Club

MICHAEL MAYER FAMILY

CHRISTMAS

Amy Mayer

DAVID QUIGGLE & KIM DOLL

Don & Joann Mundth Douglas

DONALD & GERTRUDE ROETS

Randy & Bonnie Winterhack

DG DENNIS SYKORA

Unity Area Lions Club

LIONS PRIDE ENDOWMENT FUND DONATIONS

MEMORIAL

SALLY FENHAUS

James & Pauline Schiferl

CONSTATINE GIANNIOU

Nancy Breckenfelder

PDG ROLAND MANTHE

Beatrice Manthe

Sandy & Randy Harrison

Randy &Lisa Ostrem

Carol Hermansen

Faith Thomas

William & Jean Damm

Samuel & Caroyln Kochel

Ronald & Kathleen Wright

Dean Richard

Tamra Rockenbach

Mary Lou Callin

Barbara Bakke

Anne McKinnon

Jeffrey Ferris

Kathi Vos

Scott Snyder

Frederick Seybold

Barbara Shriver

Allen Suedick

Lowel & Arita Jevens

Congratulations to 1st VDG Roxanne Wendt and PDG and current Van Dyne Lions President Tom Wendt who received the Ray Hempel Award

DGE Lion Ray

Jones served as Club membership chair and LCIF coordinator, Club president, District zone chair, GLT Coordinator, Guiding Lion, 2VDG and 1VDG for District 27A1. In addition, he has led leadership training including new officer orientation, vision screening certification, and Club Quality Initiative. Ray’s favorite service projects include vision screening, building wheelchair ramps, and most notably his lead as chair in obtaining a Lucus device for the local fire department. Outside of Lions, Lion Ray is an active member of his church’s Praise Team, VFW Post 11038, and previously served as an EMT for his local volunteer fire department.

Sun Prairie Lions Club Awards Milestone Chevrons, Life Membership and Induct New Member

PHOTOS BY LION CHRIS MERTES

The Sun Prairie Lions Club on January 11th awarded Milestone Chevrons and a Life Membership to a past Club President and past District Governor.

Past District Governor Bill Clausius received a Life Membership for maintaining continuous active membership for 15 or more years and being at least 70 years of age. Clausius, a former Dane County Supervisor, served as Club President from 2011-2012 and as 27-D1 District Governor from 2021-2022 and remains active in district activities. He received a Melvin Jones - the highest award bestowed in Lionismin 2019; the Ray Hempel Fellowship from the Wisconsin Lions Pride Endowment Fund in 2021 and was named a Knight of Sight in 2022.

Longtime Sun Prairie Lions Chris Mertes and Pat Parrish received Milestone Chevrons. Mertes received a 30-year Chevron for his service to the Club and Parrish received his 20year Chevron. Both served as presidents of the Club — Mertes in 2002-2003 and Parrish during 2009-2010.

Other Chevron recipients will be recognized at future Sun Prairie Lions Club meetings. “The Chevron Award is aptly named after the chevron symbol in reference to a badge or insignia indicating rank or length of service,” wrote Lions International President Dr. Patti Hill in a letter to congratulate recipients. “From the smallest project to the largest undertaking, your many years of service have made an incredible difference in your community.”

KNIGHT OF SIGHT AWARD RECIPIENTS

All three honorees received their awards from District 27-D1 Gov. Jeff Winkler, who also swore in new member James King during the meeting.

Learn more about the Sun Prairie Lions Club by following the Club on Facebook; learn more about Lions Clubs International online at lionsclubs.org

Congratulations to Tom DeMuth, Knight of Sight recipient from Dodgeville (D1).

President Matt Paske stands with Life Membership recipient Bill Clausius and current Wisconsin Lions 27-D1 District Gov. Jeff Winkler.

President Matt Paske stands with 20-year Chevron Milestone recipient Pat Parrish and 30-year Chevron Milestone recipient Chris Mertes after 27-D1 District Gov. Jeff Winkler (right) presented the awards.

Wisconsin Lions 27-D1 District Gov. Jeff Winkler stands with new member James King and sponsoring Sun Prairie Lions Club member Pat Parrish after inducting King as a new member.

Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Fund initiative update

BY LION PDG DAVE LEE, DRSLEE@NEW.RR.COM WISCONSIN LIONS CHILDHOOD CANCER STATE CHAIR

Our Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Fund initiative is into its eighth month. Amazingly, more than 135 Wisconsin clubs have already responded with donations that average about $250 per club. From the start our ‘ask’ has been for clubs to consider donating $100 or more (or less). While more than $35,000 has been raised as of midFebruary, our goal contains no dollar amount. Our goal is simply for every Wisconsin Lions club (that’s all 505 of them) to consider making a donation within their comfort zone.

We are also inviting Wisconsin Lions to make a personal donation to support this effort.

All donated dollars will end up helping families of need who are dealing with childhood cancer.

Clubs donating $100 or more will get a banner patch at the end of the year. Individuals donating $50 or more will get an LCI Childhood Cancer global focus pin to wear with pride.

Clubs and Lions helping a little, so together we can do a lot to help Wisconsin families of need who are dealing with childhood cancer.

Recently the Council of Governors approved five support groups to be recipients for the generated funds. These groups work with Wisconsin cancer treatment hospitals to identify qualifying families who are dealing with childhood cancer. Each of these five groups have pledged 100% pass through for dollars donated to help these families.

If your Lions club is one of the 135+ that has made a donation to the Wisconsin Lions Childhood Cancer Fund, THANK YOU!! If your club has not yet made a donation, please encourage them to do so. We will likely be presenting checks to these five groups at the State Convention in May. It will be an opportunity to make every participating club and Lion very proud to know that you have been a part of this success!

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)

Helping Fund the Wisconsin Lions Foundation

BY DG PATTY HOLLIS, 27-C1

In 1956, a resolution was passed to purchase the Lions Camp with 240 acres for $18,000. The first year, we had 26 visually impaired children attend. Since then, the Camp has continued to grow into what it is today. The Wisconsin Lions Foundation was created to be the administrative arm of the Lions Camp in 1956 and has grown to administer four other statewide projects over the years…Diabetes Awareness, Eyeglass Recycling, Hearing and Vision Screening. Every year, the Foundation counts on clubs and personal donations to help run the five projects. While many of the Lions know an annual donation is the best way of donating, there are other ways to donate, as well.

Do you know about the Friends and Honors Garden at Camp? There is a sign above the original granite wall that states, “True honor comes from what we give…not for what we receive, the position we attain, or the title

we hold.” The Friends and Honors Garden is a beautiful flower, tree, and shrub garden complete with trellis work and a water fountain. Its purpose is to recognize friends of the Foundation for major contributions. There are two donating levels, $5,000 or more in donations allows you a 12x12 diamondshaped block. A donation of $2,500 to $4,999 provides half diamond. Wish List and material items qualify for recognition as long as the minimums are reached.

Another way to donate is to the Wall of Honor. The Foundation’s Wall of Honor is located in the Foundation Administration Building. It is used for recognizing clubs, members and loved ones, as well as businesses for their support of the Lions Foundation. Each block can be purchased for $500. The blocks are solid oak and are 2” x 6” x 3/4” thick. They are laser engraved according to the donor’s wishes (limited wording is available). This

money goes into the building fund and is used for repair and maintenance of existing buildings, furnishings withing the buildings and new construction as needed.

If you are looking for a way to show your pride in being a Lion, then why not get a special Lions license plate? These plates can feature regular numbers or a personalized message. $25 of the fee you pay is sent to the Foundation each year and may be used as a tax deduction. Show the world that you are a Lion as you drive to your destination.

These ways of donating should not take place of the Clubs’ annual donations. WLF could not do all the good they do without the clubs’ support. The above donating ideas are ways that exceed what a club does every year.

For more information on ways to donate, please contact the WLF Office at 715-677-4969.

(please print legibly to ensure name badges are correct)

$5 late fee for registrations after May 6, 2024

Meals may not be available after May 6, 2024

2024 District 27C2 Convention Registration Form

April 12 & 13, 2024

Make your Hotel Reservations at Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, 512 Old Abe Road, Lac Du Flambeau, WI 54538.

Call: 7155887070. Ask for the Lions Blocked Rooms : $80 Lion Standard Room Rate. Credit card required to reserve rooms. Club Name: Contact Person: Contact Person Email: Contact Person Phone:

Registration Fees: Online Registration https://irlions.com/conventionregistration/ Lion or Guest Registration $15 Each. 1 st Time Attendees $10. Leos $5.

Postmarked by 3/29/24 to guarantee meals. Meals not guaranteed after this date.

Friday Night Carnival of Service: $20 Includes games and food.

Saturday Breakfast: On your own. Breakfast Buffet. The Eagle’s Nest –Opens at 7 a.m.

Saturday Luncheon: $18 Chicken parmesan, beef tips, mashed potatoes, alfredo bake, vegetable. Saturday Night Banquet: $28 Three entree buffet, including prime rib, a chicken dish, fish, starch, vegetable, salad bar.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY. COMPLETE ALL APPROPRIATE BOXES .

Place a X to the right of the appropriate registration . Lion or Guest $15 Each 1 st Time Attendee $10 Leo $5 Carnival $20 Luncheon $18 Banquet $28 Pin $5 Total

Part 1: Application Information (PLEASE PRINT - Required information for all correspondence) District Number

Current Servant Leadership Status (check one) Gold Certified Silver Certified _________ Attended Workshop Certificated

Servant Leadership Institutes or trainings attended outside of Lions

For more information regarding the institute contact: david.strudthoff@gmail or call 608-457-2455

Part 2: Lions Leadership Institutes Previously Attended (check all that apply) Emerging Lions Leadership Institute (ELLI)

Regional Lions Leadership Institute (RLLI)

Advanced Lions Leadership Institute (ALLI)

Faculty Development Institute (FDI)

Lions Certified Instructor Program (LCIP) _____ other - Name: other - Name: ___________________________________

Please check all the following “Special Requests”.

Diabetic Diet requested

Vegetarian Diet requested

Vegan Diet Requested

Wheelchair Access required

Vision Impaired (List what accommodation(s) are needed)

Hearing Impaired (List what accommodation(s) are needed)

Mobility Challenges (List what accommodation(s) are needed)

Why is this institute of interest to you? (Use additional sheets as needed)

Sign Below: I understand that Viterbo University and Lions International, as well as Lions Servant Leadership Institute is not responsible for personal cost, including but not limited to , those associated with the following: illness, unanticipated or other personal events, lost or stolen property. In addition, I understand that participants are requested to carry medical insurance information in the event they require medical services.

Print Name of Applicant