THE WISCONSIN LION
May 2008
INSIDE
Lions Help Send Heat to Nationals .................................................................................................. 5
A little background ...................................................................................................................... 6
Last Call for 2008 State Convention ................................................................................................ 7
To Attend or Not to Attend .......................................................................................................... 8
Convention Call 2008 - LaCrosse, WI ......................................................................................... 8
Wisconsin Lions Week May 11th -17th ...................................................................................... 9
2nd Annual Gift Of Sight Luncheon ................................................................................................ 9
Pin Trading..................................................................................................................................... 11
It‘s the Bottom of the Ninth for Campaign SightFirst II ................................................................ 12
We‘ve Hit The Goal, Why Give Now? ...................................................................................... 13
A Tribute to a Great Volunteer ...................................................................................................... 13
Stepping Forward For Pride ........................................................................................................... 15
WLF Director Partners Pitch in for Pride ...................................................................................... 15
Wanted: Someone to Catch Me! .................................................................................................... 15
Whoa!?! What‘s The Story? ......................................................................................................... 16
One Lion‘s Mission: Taking Pride To The Public Airways ...................................................... 18
Inside WLF .................................................................................................................................... 19
State Convention Central ............................................................................................................... 20
Your Vote Counts ...................................................................................................................... 20
Official Business Sessions: ........................................................................................................ 22
Tentative Schedule ..................................................................................................................... 24
NEWS: 27-A1 ................................................................................................................................ 27
Notes from DG Gary .................................................................................................................. 27
Catch the Fever All Over Again ................................................................................................ 28
Officer Training Schools............................................................................................................ 29
Muskego Boat Fleet ................................................................................................................... 29
Big Bend/Vernon Hosts 12th Annual Special Olympic Basketball Tournament ...................... 30
2008 Easter Egg Hunts Call For Flexibility ............................................................................... 31
NEWS: 27-A2 ................................................................................................................................ 33
Notes from DG Augie ................................................................................................................ 33
27-A2 Calendar .......................................................................................................................... 34
27-A2 Officer Training .............................................................................................................. 34
Mission To Mexico: How A Local Lion Got Involved.............................................................. 35
Hartford Lioness and Lions Support Local Food Pantry ........................................................... 36
Region 3 Zone 2 Makes Miracle Happen .................................................................................. 36
27-A2 Submissions Guidelines .................................................................................................. 37
Upcoming Events ....................................................................................................................... 37
NEWS: 27-B1 ................................................................................................................................ 39
Notes from DG Vern .................................................................................................................. 39
Lioness News ............................................................................................................................. 39
State Convention Parade of Checks Fast Approaching.............................................................. 40
A Different Way To Do Things ................................................................................................. 41
From the Editor... ....................................................................................................................... 41
Raising Money for Lions Pride Campaign is Only a Click Away ............................................. 42
Club News.................................................................................................................................. 42
27-B1 Calendar .......................................................................................................................... 43
NEWS: 27-B2 ................................................................................................................................ 44
NEWS: 27-B2 ................................................................................................................................ 44
Notes from DG Tom .................................................................................................................. 44
Region 2 Report ......................................................................................................................... 44
Wisconsin Lions Week To Be Proclaimed At State Convention ............................................... 46
DG Spouse‘s Corner .................................................................................................................. 46
Beware the Ides of…..April ....................................................................................................... 46
Peace Poster Contest .................................................................................................................. 47
Green Bay West Mission To Mexico Donation ......................................................................... 48
Lion M. W. Millard - The Lions Lion! ..................................................................................... 49
27-B2 Calendar .......................................................................................................................... 49
NEWS: 27-C1 ................................................................................................................................ 51
Notes from DG Leanne .............................................................................................................. 51
February 2008 Mission to Honduras Shows How ―We Serve‖ ................................................. 51
Deer Hides For Camp Project Raises $60,907.50 ...................................................................... 54
Words Of Inspiration ................................................................................................................. 55
C1 Calendar ............................................................................................................................... 55
NEWS: 27-C2 ................................................................................................................................ 57
Notes from DG Harry ................................................................................................................ 57
Lioness News ............................................................................................................................. 57
Boulder Junction Reading Buddies ............................................................................................ 58
St. Germain Supports Caring For Kids ...................................................................................... 58
27-C2 Club News Round-Up ..................................................................................................... 59
NEWS: 27-D1 ................................................................................................................................ 61
Notes from DG Rollie ................................................................................................................ 61
27-D1 Calendar .......................................................................................................................... 62
Wanted: Lions to be Mentored................................................................................................. 62
There‘s Still Time to Reach Your Goals .................................................................................... 63
Donation Brings Latest Technology to Albany Police .............................................................. 63
Stoughton Lions Provide Furniture Straps ................................................................................. 64
Thank You ................................................................................................................................. 64
NEWS: 27-D2 ................................................................................................................................ 66
Notes from DG Norm ................................................................................................................ 66
Lioness News ............................................................................................................................. 66
DG Norman‘s Schedule ............................................................................................................. 67
Elroy Lions Radio Days ............................................................................................................. 67
Final ‗07 Deer Hide Totals ........................................................................................................ 69
Planning for Next Year in Full Swing ....................................................................................... 69
Bus Donated for Mission ........................................................................................................... 70
Warrens Lions Blood Drive: ...................................................................................................... 70
PDG Dinner or Shot Gun Wedding?.......................................................................................... 71
News Briefs................................................................................................................................ 71
NEWS: 27-E1 ................................................................................................................................ 72
Notes from DG Sam................................................................................................................... 72
Great Day on the Ice .................................................................................................................. 73
Costs Rising Faster Than Donations .......................................................................................... 73
Successful Vision Screening Training ....................................................................................... 74
Submit Your PU101 ASAP ....................................................................................................... 74
Lioness Support Relay for Life .................................................................................................. 75
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Siren Lioness Celebrate Success ................................................................................................ 75
Area Kids Love Annual Easter Egg Hunt .................................................................................. 76
Clear Lake‘s Latest MJFs .......................................................................................................... 76
Clear Lake Fund Raisers & Donations ...................................................................................... 76
NEWS: 27-E2 ................................................................................................................................ 77
Notes from DG Rod ................................................................................................................... 77
27-E2 Calendar .......................................................................................................................... 78
Looking Forward ....................................................................................................................... 78
27-E2 Has an Opening for a WLF Director .............................................................................. 79
River Falls Lions Club To Host E2 Golf Tournament May 10, 2008........................................ 79
Black River Falls Lion Wins DG‘s Pin Raffle ........................................................................... 80
27-E2 Election Results In: ......................................................................................................... 81
Eleva-Strum Area Lion Next District Governor .................................................................... 81
Alma Lion Elected VDG........................................................................................................ 81
Sahaja Gypsy Dancers Perform at District Convention ............................................................. 82
News Briefs................................................................................................................................ 82
CLASSIFIEDS ............................................................................................................................... 83
100 MD27 Contacts ................................................................................................................... 83
110 Upcoming Dates.................................................................................................................. 84
120 Conventions/Trainings ........................................................................................................ 84
200 Anniversaries ...................................................................................................................... 85
600 Melvin Jones Fellows ......................................................................................................... 85
610 Birch Sturm Fellows ........................................................................................................... 86
700 WLF Donations................................................................................................................... 86
Set Your Goals Now ...................................................................................................................... 94
Positive Membership Growth & Retention .................................................................................... 95
Getting Started As A Digital Photographer ................................................................................... 96
A Simple Idea That‘s Changed the World ..................................................................................... 98
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Volume 55, No. 4
The Wisconsin Lion
(USPS No. 688-740)
is published 12 times a year for the 21,000 Lions of Wisconsin at 2809 Post Road,
Stevens Point, WI 54481.
Periodical postage paid at Stevens Point, WI and additional mailing offices.
POST MASTER:
Send form 3579 with new address to 2809 Post Rd., Stevens Point, WI 54481.
EDITORIAL BOARD
DG Tom Mueller, Chair
VDG Jerry Coonen
John Schwab, PDG, MERLO
Evett Hartvig, WLF
Stan Carlson, Lions Eye Bank
Peter Cerniglia, PID
Jodi Burmester, Editor/Designer
EDITORIAL OFFICES:
Jodi Burmester, Editor
517 Seven Nations Dr.
Madison, WI 53713-3389 editor@wisconsinlions.org
DEADLINE:
1st of preceding month.
ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTION OFFICES: 2809 Post Rd.
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715/341/2277 Fax: 715/341/9987
All inquiries, orders must go direct to State Secretary. Deadline: 1st of preceding
month. Subscriptions: $5/ yr.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS Address changes should be made with your club
secretary; mailing labels are purchased directly from LCI.
STORY SUBMISSIONS
Send stories to the Editorial Offices listed above. Articles, accompanied by photos
of Lions in action, should explain the successful completion of a project or
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fundraising activity. Story length isn’t important as long as you cover all the
basics:
What the project was about
Who was involved
When & where it took place
How it happened
The results
Please type your story and proofread it for errors. Include the mailing address,
daytime phone & e-mail of the person submitting the story.
Photos should be sharp, clear, glossy color prints. On a separate sheet, clearly
describe the action and name the people pictured. PLEASE DO NOT STAPLE OR
WRITE ON PICS. Mail all prints flat, protected by cardboard.
Digital photographs must be at least 300 dpi and be saved as a .jpg or .tif file.
Complete submission guidelines can be found at:
http://www.wisconsinlions.org/newspaper.html
Lions Help Send Heat to Nationals
by Lion Gerald Falkenstein
Imagine your excitement when your team qualifies for the national tournament.
Now imagine your disappointment when you realize that there‘s no way the team
can afford $16,000 to travel to Seattle and participate in nationals.
Many might give up at this point, but not 16-year-old Amber Infalt. Infalt, a
student at Hartford Union High School and rising star of the Milwaukee Heat
Wheelchair Basketball team, was determined to take the team to Seattle at the end
of March. So she organized a basketball benefit that not only raised much needed
funds for their trip, but helped build awareness of the sport of wheelchair
basketball.
Infalt made presentations to both the Hartford Lions and Hartford Kettle Moraine
Lions, asking them to participate in an exhibition game fundraiser. Both clubs
rallied to the cause, and along with members of the local police and fire department
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and a team of teachers from the High School, took part in a day of fun and
fundraising.
The Heat played the first game of the day against the teachers, and after the final
buzzer rang in over time, they had won. Then it was time for Lions Ralph Kuepper,
Don Pridemore, Scott Henke (who also happened to be the mayor of Hartford) and
Jon Proebsting to roll onto the court with the rest of their team.
The game started out pretty bad for the Lions. By half time the score was
something like Heat 24, Lions 8. So, being the good sports that they are, the Heat
flipped the score at the start of the second half - so at the start of the second half
the score read Lions 24, Heat 8. Even with that huge advantage for the Lions, the
Heat managed to pull out a win.
During half time, check presentations were made by a number of community
organizations including $500 from the Hartford Lions and $2,000 from the
Hartford Kettle Moraine Lions.
By the time all was said and done, this day of basketball raised almost $7,600,
with total donations from the community totalling over $12,000 towards sending
the Heat to Seattle.
According to Amber‘s father Jeff, ―The coach said this was the biggest fundraiser
he‘d ever been involved in.‖
It was a great day of fun and a fantastic event for the team and the community.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to the Nationals. The team finished 7th in the
tournament, but they gained so much more than just the basketball experience.
―Fourteen of the 16 teams were staying at the same hotel,‖ says Jeff, ―so there
were all these kids just hanging out and doing what teenagers do. No one was
looking at them funny and they could be themselves.‖
While in Seattle, the kids attended a banquet where the 1st and 2nd team
Academic All-Americans were announced with two members of the team getting
this prestigious honor. The kids also found some time in the schedule to do a little
sight-seeing.
We Lions are proud of their achievements and glad we could help them realize
their dream.
A little background
The Milwaukee Heat worked its way from rank beginners to competitive players
in a relatively short time. Team members come from New Berlin, Waukesha,
Pewaukee, Hartford, Germantown and Milwaukee.
Players use special chairs designed for basketball that range in cost from $2,000-
$3,000.
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Amber Infalt: Amber is a girl with lots of spark and enthusiasm. Six years ago
she contracted transverse myelitis, which left her in a wheelchair. She ultimately
hopes to play wheelchair basketball in one of the collegiate programs.
Last Call for 2008 State Convention
by Art Marson, PCC
Here are a few things you might want to bring to the convention:
NOTEBOOK. To take notes on the great seminars and speakers.
GOLF CLUBS. Fox Hollow is a great course for the professional, as well as us
duffers.
SIGHTFIRST II PLEDGE CARD. It‘s the final couple of months of this
campaign and we want to reach our stretch goal. Many clubs haven‘t made a
pledge or a donation. Pledge $1,000 over the next five years and recognize a
worthy member with a Melvin Jones Fellowship.
LIONS PRIDE PLEDGE CARD. Let‘s make Lions Pride personal. Add your
name to the list of Lions looking to ensure the future of our WLF projects,
including our Lions Camp.
YOUR CAMERA. There will be photo opps at every turn from the riverboat
tour, to Lions leaders sporting lederhosen, to Lions being recognized with
international awards.
LION PINS. Each year we hear Lions say they have a lot of pins sitting in a
drawer back home. Why not bring them along and trade or give them to some of
the younger Lions. What better way is there to meet new Lions and to strike up a
conversation?
YOUR APPETITE. It all starts with brats and kraut at Thursday‘s Oktoberfest.
The opening luncheon on Friday features baked lasagna, salad and all the
trimmings. Friday night enjoy a pig roast as you support Lions Pride, followed by
the hospitality night with various snacks and musical entertainment. Saturday
offers an all convention breakfast buffet followed by stuffed chicken breast for
lunch and a delicious steak for the closing banquet.
FELLOW CLUB MEMBERS. Introduce a fellow Lion to Lionism beyond the
club while helping develop new Lions leaders.
TENNIS SHOES. Support the 1st Annual Strides Walk for Diabetes. On
Saturday morning we‘ll get up early to enjoy a walk along the Mighty Mississippi
River to call attention to diabetes education. At the end of the walk you can make a
donation to support the Lions diabetes projects and then go in to enjoy the all
convention breakfast.
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DANCING SHOES. Polka on Thursday night at Oktoberfest. Try that new jazz
swing or show off your ballroom dancing moves on Friday night with music by the
West Salem Jazz Band featuring several Lion members.
I‘m sure there are many other things you can pack in your suitcase. Use your
imagination as you prepare for a great time at your State Lions Convention.
To Attend or Not to Attend
by Art Marson, PCC
It‘s a busy time of year. If you‘re still debating on whether to attend the State
Convention. Consider the following:
The convention focuses on personal and Lionistic development. A multitude of
nationally recognized and local speakers will inspire you and provide information
that you can share when you get home.
It‘s the last MD27 Convention being hosted by local Lions Clubs. Next year we
will move to a state run convention.
LaCrosse is a popular host city for conventions - having played host five times in
the past 25 years; and the La Crosse Center provides the perfect setting for learning
and fun.
Enjoy the opportunity to meet and recognize some of our exceptional Lion
leaders. Talk to our LCI Guest, PID Mick Barrus. Meet new Leader Dog
representative, Kevin O‘Callahan and his dog Flynn. See which Lion leaders
receive awards and recognition. Meet your new Council of Governors and thank
the current Council for their leadership this year.
Convention Call 2008 - LaCrosse, WI
by Terry Peters, CC
In compliance with the MD 27 Constitution and By-Laws, I hereby issue the
Official Call for the 2008 Convention of Lions Clubs International, Multiple
District 27. Our 85th Annual MD Convention will be held in LaCrosse, WI, May
16-17, 2008, at the LaCrosse Center.
Among the important agenda items will be a vote of delegates on the proposed
resolutions and the selection of future bowling and curling host cities. A number
of important and informative seminars will also be presented.
The Wisconsin Lions Foundation Annual Meeting will take place on Sat., May
17, 2008, at 2:15 p.m. at the Radisson.
I look forward to joining you in a spirit of fellowship and understanding.
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Wisconsin Lions Week May 11th -17th
by Robert Entringer, PDG
Wisconsin‘s 20th Annual Wisconsin Lions Week is set for the week of May 11th.
As in the past, Lions Week will be held in conjunction with the State Convention.
Wisconsin Lions, Lioness and Leos are urged to make a special effort to publish
their Lionistic activities during this week. Newspaper articles, radio interviews
and community signs can all be used to build local awareness of Lionistic service.
Plan now to tell the story of Lionism during Lions Week May 11-17, 2008.
In keeping with tradition, the Wisconsin Lions Week Proclamation will be read
and presented to the Lions, Lionesses and Leos of Wisconsin at the State
Convention.
Below are a few some suggestions on how your club can observe and participate
in Wisconsin Lions Week May 11th – May 17th.
Celebration Ideas
Wear your Lions, Lioness or Leo pin during Lions Week.
Publish articles and pictures in your local newspapers of your club‘s projects and
activities.
Hold interviews on Lionism and your club‘s activities on your local radio and
television stations.
Put announcements on Wisconsin Lions Week on local community signs during
the week of May 11th through May 17th, 2008.
Set up displays on Lionism in downtown store windows during Lions Week.
Invite local community leaders to your May meeting to inform them of Lionism
and what your club does for the community.
Induct new members.
Purchase ads promoting Lionism in your local newspaper or on your local radio
station.
Organize a special club meeting or project.
2nd Annual Gift Of Sight Luncheon
by Gerry Rabbach, LEBW Community Program Specialist
Only wonderful memories remain of the Second Gift of Sight Luncheon held on
March 20 at the Marriott Hotel in Middleton, Wisconsin. One hundred twenty
attendees witnessed the presentation of awards by LEBW President Del Plank to
the three recipients.
Those attending included partners from the OPO‘s and tissue banks, along with
District Governors, recovery personnel, LEBW staff and transporters.
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The three recipients are as follows:
Trey Schwab: Trey is the Outreach Coordinator for the UW Health Organ
Procurement Organization.
Before coming to the UW Health OPO in September 2005, Trey was an assistant
basketball coach at the collegiate and professional level for 22 years.
Trey was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in the fall of 2001 while
coaching at Marquette.
He continued to coach as he waited 25 months for a double lung transplant –
which he received at the University of Wisconsin Hospital in February, 2004.
In June, 2003 Trey was co-presented with the Dr. James S. Wolf, MD Courage
Award by Donate Life America for his work to increase awareness about organ
and tissue donation while he was on the waiting list.
In April 2004 Trey was presented with the US Basketball Writers‘
Association‘s Most Courageous Award for his handling of his disease, his efforts
to raise awareness about donation, and his handling of the transplant surgery and
the complications that followed.
Susan Bautch: Susan has been a tireless advocate of organ, tissue and eye
donation.
Susan‘s son Jason was born deaf and attended the school for the deaf in Delavan.
At the age of 8 he attended the Lions Camp in Rosholt.
At 18 years of age, Jason‘s life was tragically cut short by an automobile
accident, in which he was a passenger.
Jason and his family generously donated Jason‘s organs and eyes. As a result,
he has provided the gift of life, and the gift of sight.
Susan now speaks and works tirelessly in an effort to spread the word on organ,
tissue and eye donation. Just a few weeks ago, she spoke at the District 27D1
convention in Wisconsin Dells.
Sgt. John Kempen: Sgt. John Kempen was instrumental in bringing the gift of
sight to Zahraa, a 7 year-old Iraqi girl who suffered from swollen and blistered
corneas.
Kempen, originally from the Rhinelander area and now stationed in Fort
Wainwright in Fairbanks, Alaska, met Zahraa in Iraq while deployed there in 2005
and 2006 with the 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division.
Kempen worked with his mother in Crandon, WI and part of the Crandon Lions
Club, to bring this beautiful girl to the US for corneal transplants which were
performed by Dr. Kevin Flaherty.
The Lions Club helped arrange for the travel visas and obtained funds to pay for
Zahraa and her grandmother.
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The featured speaker for this gala event was none other than Miss Wisconsin,
Christina Thompson. She told the audience of her experiences in the Miss
America Pageant and also of her love for music.
She closed her talk by introducing her violin named ―Ben‖ that travels with her
wherever she goes.
The Lions Eye Bank wishes to thank Gift of Sight emcee Sarah Carlson of
Channel 15; along with all of the other sponsors for this event which are as
follows:
Dean & St. Mary‘s
U.W. Health Organ Procurement Organization
Regeneration Technolgies Donor Services
Channel 15 News
Brava
93.1 Lake
Pin Trading
by Brian Overturf, President LPTCW
Being President of the Pin Traders Club of Wisconsin, I get many questions
about pins and pin trading. Pin trading is a hobby and, as a hobby, you can‘t
expect to make much, if any, money at it. It is a Lions activity used to develop
friendships that last a life time and can span the world.
Trading pins is easy, you just need a hand full of pins, and you can start in your
own club, zone and district. It is an activity best done face to face, but as you
develop your hobby, pin trading can be done via the phone or Internet. District,
State, and International Conventions set aside large areas just for the activity.
Every year there are Pin Swaps scheduled as separate events throughout the U.S. It
is an amazing site to see 100 plus traders and twice as many tables full of Lions
pins.
The two most asked questions I get are about selling or giving Lions pins to
non-Lions, and what to do with the pins of a deceased member or spouse. There is
no rule stating Lions Trading pins cannot be traded, given, or sold to non-Lions.
There are many beautiful pins and sets of pins available. Why not let the general
public enjoy them? And who knows, it might be the opportunity to invite another
person into the wonderful world of Lionism. Pin trading is a great membership
tool.
Pins from a deceased member may be given to family members or friends.
They can be sold or raffled. Many pin traders are now using E-Bay. If assistance is
needed, you can contact any pin trader. We would be glad to give you advice or
may be interested in the pins themselves.
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The State convention is just around the corner. Be sure to get registered now
and don‘t miss the Thursday and Friday night events including a pin trading area.
Make sure to stop by and say hello. And bring some pins. We will have a gift for
each fist timer. We will be hosting a hospitality booth Friday night and will be
kicking off a raffle for a complete set of State pins- worth almost $1,000. All
proceeds will go to CSFII. See you there!
It‟s the Bottom of the Ninth for
Campaign SightFirst II
Bring your CSFII Commitment Card to the State Convention
By PID Wayne Heiman
I listened to the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs on the way home
from work tonight- the 2008 season opener for both teams; the Brewers needed 10
innings to win the game.
It‘s the ninth inning for Campaign SightFirst II (CSFII) with only two months to
go in this major fundraising effort.
Now is the opportunity for your club to increase or establish its initial
commitment to CSFII.
All Lions Clubs received a red/tan Commitment Card in the mail in March.
Have your club decide what they might be able to commit to CSFII in the next 3 to
5 years. Forward that card to LCIF/CSFII in Oak Brook. But bring a copy of the
card along to the upcoming State Convention and announce what your club has
committed at the Parade of Checks.
Yes, we exceeded the initial $150 million goal. By raising an additional $50
million, Lions can provide greater funding for CSFII programs in developed
countries.
Do you know someone with glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic eye
retinopathy or in need of low vision aids?
This additional $50 million could help make inroads into blindness and low
vision in developed countries.
Could your club pledge $3,000 for three Melvin Jones Fellowships (MJF) over
the next three years?
By funding one MJF per year, each year, over the next 3 years your donation
will save 500 people from blindness, as well as honor three deserving individuals
with this important recognition.
Please get involved and pledge your club‘s participation today!
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Perhaps your club can only afford one MJF over 3 years. That is still 166 people
whose sight will be saved.
Could you afford that much personally? Each $6 can save the sight of one
person. Every 30 seconds, six people go blind.
It‘s the ninth inning and time to get off the bench and step up to the plate and hit
a home run in the fight to eradicate preventable and curable blindness. Be an All
Star!
Until next time, safe travels.
We‟ve Hit The Goal, Why Give Now?
For nearly three years, Lions like you have been fighting preventable and
reversible blindness by supporting CSFII. As a result, we have reached our
minimum $150 million goal and are actively raising funds to reach our challenge
goal of $200 million. It is the additional efforts of clubs such as yours that will
determine our success.
The final $50 million will provide research, rehabilitation and the opportunity
to reach out to vulnerable populations in your community and throughout the
developed world.
Funds raised today could support a major research initiative that seeks to help
people afflicted with macular degeneration, provide vision care for people with
developmental disabilities or fund mobile eye-screening units that offer services in
inner cities.
If you or your club has made a one-time gift, can you pledge to raise the same
amount for the next three years? If one member has made a contribution to the
campaign, can other members match their donation?
Please ask your club to consider increasing its commitment to CSFII and
helping Lions reach their $200 million "Vision for All" challenge goal.
All commitments are payable over a three-to-five year period from the date the
commitment is made. Remember, the next person you may save from blindness
could be you.
Thank you for all that you have done and will do for CSFII!
A Tribute to a Great Volunteer
by Lion Evett Hartvig, WLF Executive Administrator
Shortly after I started working for the Wisconsin Lions Foundation in 1997, the
WLF Board of Directors started talking about finding a way to recognize a Lion by
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the name of Henry Check for his outstanding volunteerism over the past 10+ years.
You see, Henry wasn‘t your average volunteer; he was one of a kind.
Back then, I wasn‘t exactly sure what a ―Lion‖ was, and I have to admit I was
pretty naïve about the whole ―volunteerism‖ thing. Well, it didn‘t take long for me
to truly understand the concept of volunteering one‘s time and/or talents because I
witnessed it a couple of days every week when Lion Henry came to Camp. It never
mattered what the weather was like or what needed to be done – we always knew
Henry would be here.
As time went by, I learned a lot about Lion Henry–He and his wife Evelyn lived
at Camp for over 20 years and raised two wonderful daughters. Henry was the
Property Manager (they called him the Custodian back then) and Evelyn worked as
the Head Cook. When Lion Henry retired in 1985, he continued working in
maintenance on a volunteer basis. I remember him telling me one day that he
vowed to never work for money unless he had to.
In 1998, the Board of Directors created the Henry Check Volunteer Service
Award and presented Henry with the very first award on Lions Day (n/k/a Lions
Camp Open House) on July 25, 1999. The idea behind the award was to not only
recognize Lion Henry Check, but others who volunteer their time and talents with
the same commitment and dedication as Henry. Nine others have earned this
distinctive award since its inauguration:
1999 – Peter Cerniglia (Sight Projects)
2000 – Robert Ahler (Hearing Program)
2001 – Bernie Stuttgen (Lions Camp)
2002 – Darrel Talcott (WLF)
2003 – William H. Benn, MD (Lions Camp)
2004 – Michael J. Madigan (Lions Camp)
2005 – Ligman & Wille, CPA‘s (WLF)
2006 – Volker Gaul (WLF)
2007 – John Groholski (Lions Camp)
Some time in 2004, at the age of 86, Henry had to give up his volunteering at
Camp. As much as he would have liked to continue, his health just didn‘t allow
him to do so. We do, however, get to see him every once in a while because his
daughter who happens to live across the road from Camp, goes to the Veterans
Home in King where he resides, picks him up, and drives him here for a visit. She
tells us that he still talks about the Camp all the time and can‘t wait for his visits.
I want to take this opportunity to thank Hank (that‘s what we all called him here
at Camp) for teaching me about giving to others and not expecting anything in
return. Thanks for showing me what being a Lion is all about, too. You are a class
act, Hank!
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By the way, Hank will turn 90 years old on June 29th of this year. Happy
Birthday, Hank!!
Stepping Forward For Pride
Volunteering is what Lions are all about. Each of us gives of our Time and
Talents to help others. But, what about giving of our Treasury? Giving of your
personal Treasury to the WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund is critical to help
preserve the 52-year WLF legacy of Lions Camp service to special children.
More than 500 Lions and non-Lions have reached into their Treasuries during
these early stages of the Lions Pride Campaign. And some very special Lions are
giving of their Time and Talents to help us reach the Treasuries of others. You‘ll
find a few of many examples here and in future issues.
WLF Director Partners Pitch in for
Pride
While WLF Directors spend their days at Board meetings at Lions Camp, a
number of their partners in service make the trip, too. It‘s hard to thank them
enough for using their time helping out the WLF Lions Pride Campaign effort. Our
thanks to these great volunteers for helping us make the most of our budget!
Wanted: Someone to Catch Me!
by Andrea Yenter, WLF Camp Operations Manager
Last October, 3,000 new residents moved into Lions Lake! Members of the
Stevens Point Evening Club had a great time releasing wriggly, active bass, perch,
crappies, and blue gills to add to the fish population and to keep fishing one of the
most popular activities at Camp. The fish came from the Wisconsin Fish Farm of
Stevens Point and the generosity of the Stevens Point Evening Lions, as well as
Lions John and Judy Groholski.
The Wisconsin Lions Camp campers love to fish and they spend hours in
rowboats, pontoon boats and on the fishing docks trying to land ―the big one‖!
Fish stories from years past abound, including the mounted northern pike in the
nature center that measures a whopping 41 inches, caught by a staff member in
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1996 – needless to say, not a lot of swimming happened after that fish was caught!
Several of our adults who are blind or visually impaired buy bait from the trading
post and fish from sunrise to sundown – coming off the lake only to eat and sleep!
They haul in 18 inch bass and 12 inch blue gills, and some of them filet those fish
for a good old fish fry at home or around a campfire with some staff. We strongly
encourage catch and release, showing our campers how to keep our fish population
thriving.
Our most famous fisherman was former Green Bay Packer Bubba Franks, who
challenged a camper to a fish-off – and his 4‖ fish lost to her 12‖ fish. Our
campers compete for the whopper award (biggest fish caught) and the floating
driftwood award (most fish caught by a cabin group) weekly and learn fishing
skills.
Over the years, campers have learned how to bait a hook, cast a line, reel in a
fish and take a fish off the line. While they fish, they enjoy the beauty of the lake,
the turtles sunning themselves, the great blue heron that nests on the lake and the
joy of being a kid – not a disabled kid.
New this year, our Program Coordinator Peter will be taking some teen campers
to the creek that runs into Lions Lake and showing them the art of fly fishing –
adding a new challenge to our fishing program.
Fishing Lions Lake is only one of the multitude of activities our campers enjoy.
Donations like this, along with your annual donations keep the Camp program
improving and teaching our campers to have fun! Operating expenses continue to
rise and we continue to do our best to keep costs in line.
Please continue to promote the Camp, look at increasing your annual donations
and consider additional ways to help – to keep our campers fishing in pursuit of the
next big one!
Whoa!?! What‟s The Story?
As the new radio Public Service Announcements have hit the airways, a few
Lion listeners have been brought up short by what they hear.
The ads represent camper comments about Lions Camp, then an announcer
voice adds
―... without your help, the future of Lions Camp is in jeopardy.‖
―Jeopardy? Really? Won‘t the public get the wrong idea? What‘s the story? Is
Camp really in trouble? Might we have to close it?‖
The answer is in two parts.
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First, in these brief 15, 30 and 60-second advertisements there is little time to
capture attention, they have to be memorable—which means emotional and
dramatic.
Second, the statement is a simple fact.
We‘re glad to get your attention!
The situation confronting WLF is that in the last decade WLF operating
expenses have climbed 57%, while Club donations have only grown 20% and now
account for less than half of WLF operating expenses.
Current operating expenses exceed $1.5 million; Club donations are less than
$700,000.
Other fund raisers have helped—think Sports Raffle and Deer Hide Collection
as examples.
Cost control efforts have also helped—but items like maintenance costs for our
older facilities (we have 37 buildings), insurance and other uncontrollable costs—
gasoline, supplies that require petroleum to produce and the prospect of an
inflationary economy in our future.
The result has been several consecutive years of operating income deficits.
Something has to change.
A key WLF Board of Directors strategy for dealing with this issue has been to
start the WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund Campaign (thanks to an individual‘s
repeated personal loans, a large proportion of which have been forgiven).
Its goal is to create a $25 million permanent endowment with 4% of the interest
earned annually provided for WLF operating expenses ($1 million at this level
initially, hopefully more as retained interest, dividends and investment growth
increase the corpus).
After a start-up period for organization development, staffing, and planning
beginning in Fall 2005 (after Lions approval at the 2005 State Convention) the
Campaign began to get underway. Some $3 million in commitments have been
received.
In a nutshell, the challenge is twofold:
(1) increased Club Annual Donations will always be needed to contribute to
current operating expenses, and
(2) personal donations will be the primary source of funds for the permanent
WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund.
If you‘d like to hear for yourself the PSA‘s that are currently running on several
stations—or for more information about the Lions Pride Campaign—please visit
our website at www.lionspride.org.
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One Lion‟s Mission: Taking Pride To
The Public Airways
If you are within the radio listening areas of Shawano, Antigo, Rhinelander, or Iron Mountain, chances are you‘ll be hearing Public
Service Announcements (PSAs) about the urgent need for donations to the WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund.
This year-long radio advertising campaign on four stations represents a $102,936 gift-in-kind donation by Shawano Lion Bruce
Grassman. And through his personal influence, more radio stations—in Door County, Central Wisconsin and Milwaukee area— have
agreed to run Pride PSAs.
Talk about a great example of giving time, talent and treasury!
Lion Bruce is the owner of Results Broadcasting, a 10-radio station group. ―We are a family company … [three of his five children are
active in the business] dedicated to the communities and areas we cover with our broadcast signal. We believe in giving back.‖
A past President of the Shawano Lions Club and Melvin Jones Fellow, he is currently chairman of the Shawano Lions Food Stand at
the Resch Center in Green Bay. Lion Bruce and Linda, his wife of 35 years, donated $28,000 to build the Club Food Stand at the
Shawano County Fairgrounds a few years ago.
Being a service volunteer is in Lion Bruce‘s blood. He‘s a former member of the Shawano Lake Lions and Rosendale Lions Clubs. He
is a member of the Shawano Rotary Club and recently received its Paul Harris Award. He is Vice President of Shawano Country
Tourism, has served two terms as President of United Way of Shawano County, and two terms on the Board of Directors of the
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.
Lion Bruce is clearly a person who makes things happen. All Wisconsin Lions owe him a debt of gratitude for the value he is
contributing to the WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund.
WJMQ-FM 92.3
WTCH-AM 960
WCFL-AM 1380
WOWN-FM 99.3
WDOR-FM 93.9
WTYE-FM 106.5
WLJY-FM 96.7
WBCV-FM 107.9
WGLX-FM 103.3
WMYX-FM 99.1
WTMJ-AM 620
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Inside WLF
ANNUAL MEETING – The Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation,
Inc. and the Parade of Checks will take place at the State Convention in LaCrosse
on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 2:15 p.m. at the LaCrosse Center. All Lions,
Lioness, and Leos are encouraged to attend and find out what‘s been happening
over the last year at the Foundation.
GOLF OUTING – The 11th Annual Birch-Sturm Memorial Golf Outing will take
place on Saturday, July 19, 2008 at the beautiful Glacier Wood Golf Course in
Iola. All clubs will receive information in the mail regarding starting time, rules,
registration, etc. Please plan to participate and support your Wisconsin Lions
Camp!
SPORTS RAFFLE FOR THE KIDS – How is your club doing with selling the
tickets that were mailed to you the end of March? Remember, your club keeps half
of the ticket sales to use in your own communities and the other half is sent to the
Wisconsin Lions Foundation to support Camp. Be sure to check the Foundation‘s
website www.wlf.info for the latest list of donated prizes. For additional tickets or
posters, call the Foundation Office. Posters can also be downloaded from the
website. Thanks for all your help with this worthwhile fundraiser.
ANNUAL DONATIONS – Remember that the Lionistic year is coming to an end
very soon. Be sure your club makes an Annual Donation to the Wisconsin Lions
Foundation before June 30th so you get credit for the 2007-08 year. The Parade of
Checks at the State Convention in LaCrosse is a great place to present your
donation and be recognized. Thanks for your support!
FOND DU LAC AREA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - Show your Lions Pride for
a volunteer shift April 25/26, 2008. 10-15 volunteers needed for the Fond du Lac
Open Road H.O.G. Chapter and its Ride for Pride. See accompanying article. Call
Denise for details: 1-877-463-6953 x339.
Johnson Creek Area Volunteers Needed - 30-40 volunteers needed to help make
this First Annual Pride Shoot Sporting Clays Fundraiser a success at the Milford
Hills Hunt Club. See additional information in this issue. For details, call Denise:
1-877-463-6953 x339.
JOIN US TO PIG OUT FOR PRIDE AT STATE CONVENTION. Enjoy a
traditional pork dinner hosted by the Albany Lions and listen to the sounds of the
West Salem Adult Jazz band with the proceeds going to a great cause. Join us in
the City Brewery Hospitality Center Friday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 pm for great
food, music, camaraderie and a few surprises!
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State Convention Central
Your Vote Counts
RESOLUTION #1
Purpose:
To increase the state convention committee from five members to ten members
and further define the duties of the committee members.
Whereas:
Article IV. Sec. 2(a) of the MD27 By-Laws state ―The State Council shall appoint
a State Convention Committee composed of five members‖, and
Whereas:
The appointment cycle for committee members is as follows: 2005-06 D2
2008-09 D1
2006-07 C1
2009-10 C2
2007-08 B2
2010-11 B1
2007-08 E2
2010-11 E1
2008-09 A1
2011-12 A2
Therefore, be it resolved that Article IV, Section 2(a) of the MD27 By-Laws
shall be amended to read as follows: The State Council shall appoint a State
Convention Committee composed of 10 members. Each member shall be
appointed for a three year term, from each District in the following manner:
A1 2008-09 1 year
A2 2008-09 2 years
B1 2008-09 1 year
B2 2008-09 3 years
C1 2008-09 1 year
C2 2008-09 3 years
D1 2008-09 2 years
D2 2008-09 3 years
E1 2008-09 2 years
E2 2008-09 3 years
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Be it further resolved that the following sentence be added to Article IV, Sec. 2(c):
The specific duties of the 10 Committee members are further defined in the MD27
Policy Manual.
This proposed By-Law change requires a simple majority for approval.
Submitted by the 2007-08 Council of Governors-
Terry Peters, Council Chair
Resolutions Committee recommends approval.
The Council of Governors recommends approval.
.
RESOLUTION #2
Purpose:
To change the dues structure to accommodate Student members and/or Leo to Lion
members.
Whereas:
Article V, Sec. 1(b) (3), of the MD27 By-Laws, sub-heading states as follows:
―Effective Jan. 1, 2008, and
Whereas:
Article V, Sec. 1(b) is void of language regarding student members or former Leo
members.
Therefore, be it resolved that Article V, Sec. 1(b) (3), of the MD27 By-Laws,
read as follows: Effective July 1, 2008, members who are eligible under Lions
Clubs International rules for reduced annual per capita tax under either the Student
Membership program or Leo to Lion program shall pay an annual per capita tax
equal to 1/2 of the per capita tax as described in sub-section (a) above.
This proposed By-Law change requires a simple majority for approval.
Submitted by the 2007-08 Council of Governors-
Terry Peters, Council Chair
Resolutions Committee recommends approval.
The Council of Governors recommends approval.
RESOLUTION #3
Purpose:
To extend the time for Certifying Delegate Credentials
Whereas:
Article VI, Sec. 2(h) of the MD27 By-Laws states that Credential Cards must be
Certified before 11 A.M. on the day of balloting.
Whereas:
To more completely allow for maximum participation in the election at the State
Convention.
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Therefore, be it resolved that Article VI, Sec. 2(h) of the MD27 By-Laws be
amended to read 2:00 P.M.
This proposed By-Law change requires a simple majority for approval.
Submitted by the 2007-08 Council of Governors-
Terry Peters, Council Chair
Resolutions Committee recommends approval.
The Council of Governors recommends approval.
RESOLUTION # 4
Purpose:
To change the number of lanes required to be a Candidate for the State Bowling
Tournament.
Whereas:
Experience shows that it isn‘t necessary to have 16 lanes.to hold a State Bowling
Tournament,
Therefore, be it resolved that Article XIII, of the Constitution, Sec. 2, third
sentence be replaced to read: To Qualify as a Host Club or Clubs for the State
Bowling Tournament, any Club or Clubs must have a minimum of 12 bowling
lanes in no more than two alleys no more than 10 miles from a center point on the
straight line between the two alleys.
This proposed Constitution change requires a 2/3 majority for approval.
Submitted by the State Bowling Committee - PDG Del Hintzmann
Resolutions Committee recommends approval.
The Council of Governors recommends approval
Official Business Sessions:
85th MD27 Lions Convention . LaCrosse Center, LaCrosse WI . May 16-17,
2008
FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2008
11:00 a.m. SHARP CONVENTION OPENING & BUSINESS LUNCHEON
• Convention called to order by MD 27 Council Chair (CC) Terry Peters.
• The Flag ceremony will be read by CC Peters.
• All stand and sing one verse of the Star Spangled Banner.
• Remain standing for Pledge of Allegiance led by Greg Pryor, WLF President.
• Invocation will be offered.
OPENING LUNCHEON
• CC Terry Peters declares the opening of the 85th Annual State Convention of the
Lions of Wisconsin, Multiple District 27. He makes a few general remarks of
welcome and introduces the distinguished guests at the head table.
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• CC Peters introduces the Mayor of LaCrosse, who will give the Lions an official
welcome.
• CC Peters calls upon Past International Director Peter Cerniglia to introduce
Lions Clubs International Guest PID Mick Barrus and calls upon him to deliver a
few general remarks.
• Acknowledgment of remarks by CC Peters.
• CC Peters introduces 27B2 PDG Robert Entringer – Wisconsin Lions Week
Chair
• CC Peters presents the Convention Rules & Procedures & introduces the
following to report:
• State Resolutions, Constitution & By-Laws Committee: Chair PDG Del
Plank of 27E2
• State Elections Committee: Chair Barry Boline of 27A2
• Golfing Results: Lion Eric Holthaus
• Lions Pride Campaign: PDG Dewey Carl of 27B2.
• Campaign SightFirst II: PDG Jordan Chadwick of 27A1.
• CC Peters calls upon all those present to stand for a few moments of silence in
loving memory of fellow Wisconsin Lions, Lioness and Leos who have passed
away during the 2007-08 Lionistic year.
• CC Peters introduces our keynote speaker Tom Thibodeau.
• CC Peters will give final remarks and recess the Luncheon
Upon conclusion of the Luncheon, the convention stands in recess until 1:30
p.m. when the afternoon seminars will begin.
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Convention activities continue with Seminar Sessions
compliments of District 27D2 and the Wisconsin PDG Association.
1:30 p.m.. - 2:30 p.m. Certification.
5:00 p.m. State Convention is recessed for the evening events which include the
Pig out for Pride, Pin Trading & Hospitality.
SATURDAY, MAY 17, 2008
7:00 a.m. Strides Walk for Diabetes in Riverside Park.
7:45 a.m.. - 8:45 a.m. All Convention Breakfast at the Radisson Hotel.
9:00 a.m.. - 10:30 a.m. Convention activities continue with District Meetings.
All meetings will be held at the LaCrosse Center.
10:45a.m.. - 11:45a.m. Convention activities continue with Seminar Sessions
compliments of District 27D2 and the Wisconsin PDG Association.
12:00 p.m. ALL CONVENTION LUNCHEON
• CC Peters recognizes and introduces Past International Director Peter Cerniglia.
PID Cerniglia introduces Lions Clubs International Guest PID Mick Barrus and
calls upon him to deliver the Convention address.
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• CC Peters recognizes and introduces Helmer Lecy, PID to present award.
• CC Peters introduces PDG Ed Weise, Bowling Chair for report and awards.
• CC Peters introduces Wayne Much, Curling Chair for report and awards.
• CC Peters introduces PDG John Schwab to explain the new Lions Alert Program.
• CC Peters introduces PDG Wilson Mills for a welcome to next year‘s convention
at Wisconsin Dells Chula Vista.
• CC Peters will turn presiding duties over to Vice Council Chair (VCC) Roland
Manthe of 27D1.
• VCC Manthe asks CC Peters to give the State of State address.
• VCC Manthe returns duties back to CC Peters for remarks and to recess the
Luncheon.
2:15 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. Wisconsin Lions Foundation (WLF) Annual Meeting
As prescribed in the WLF Constitution and By-Laws. President Greg Pryor begins
by introducing the WLF Board of Directors. The Annual Meeting continues with
reports on the Wisconsin Lions Camp, and other State Projects. Several
Birch/Sturm Fellowships will be given as well as the 2007-08 WLF Presidents
awards. The meeting concludes with the ―Parade of Checks‖, which are the
voluntary contributions to WLF.
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. A special motivational seminar by Tana Goertz.
Upon conclusion of the afternoon seminar, the presiding duties are resumed by
VCC Roland Manthe of 27D1, who will offer any announcements or other
convention business.
State Convention is recessed for the afternoon and evening events, which include
Voting and the Governor‘s Honor Banquet.
VOTING will continue for 45 minutes upon the close of this seminar.
6:30 p.m. Governor‘s Honor Banquet at the Radisson Hotel.
PID Peter Cerniglia introduces LCI guest PID Mick Barrus who will present
International awards. During the banquet, the official results of the election will be
announced. PID Cerniglia will introduce the District Governors Elect and their
Partners in Service. This will be followed by a special District Governor Elect
Induction Ceremony and Reception Line.
OFFICIAL ADJOURNMENT of the 85th Annual Multiple District Convention
Tentative Schedule
Thursday, May 15
10:00 Golf
1:00-7:00 Registration
1:30-3:00 Bus Tour
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3:30-5:00 Boat Tour
6:30-10:00 Oktoberfest
6:30-10:00 Pin Trading
Friday, May 16
7:00-7:30 Registration
8:00-11:00 Pin Trading
8:00-9:00 MERLO Training
9:15-10:15 Seminar I Women‘s Health
Leader Dog
Opening Eyes
10:15-10:45 1st Timers Welcome
10:15-10:45 International Convention Meeting
10:15-10:45 Exhibits
11:00 Opening Luncheon
Tom Thibodeau, Motivational Speaker
1:30-2:30 Certification
1:30-6:00 Pin Trading
1:30-2:30 Seminar II Servant Leadership
Lion Newspaper
BOLD
2:45-3:45 Seminar III NASA
Meth Labs
Lions Service Missions
4:00-5:00 Seminar IV WI Lions Camp Counselors
Diabetic Chef
Vision Therapy
4:00-5:00 PDG Meeting
5:00-7:00 Pig Out for PRIDE
5:00-7:00 Lioness Past President Social
7:00-11:00 Hospitality
Saturday, May 17
7:00 Strides Walk
7:45-8:45 All Convention Breakfast
7:30-11:00 Registration
9:00-10:30 District Meetings
9:00-10:30 Lioness Meeting
10:45-11:45 Seminar V Eye Bank
Internet Child Crime
WI Deaf Blind Families
12:00-2:00 Luncheon
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PID Mick Barrus
2:15-3:15 WLF Update & Parade of Checks
3:15-3:30 Afternoon Break
3:30-4:30 Motivational Speaker: Tana Goertz, Entrepreneur & The Apprentice
finalist Presentation: The Art of Being Unforgettable
4:30-5:15 Voting (by rows after the presentation)
5:30-6:30 Hospitality Hour
6:30 Governors Banquet & Close of the Convention
Last minute news can be found at www.lacrosselions.org
26
NEWS: 27-A1
Notes from DG Gary
On behalf of LCIF I wish to express a heartfelt THANK YOU for your support of
SightFirst II (CSFII). I know the campaign will not be completed until the International
Convention at the end of June, but now is the time for me to express appreciation for
your efforts.
The latest reports indicate that the Lioness, Lions and Leos of 27-A1 are leading the
State in dollars given to CSFII. You have once again demonstrated a high level of
commitment to our International programs and I‘m proud to be associated with you.
A quick word on LCIF – Did you know that in September 2007 LCIF was ranked best
of 34 global organizations? LCIF came in first for execution of programs,
accountability, communications and ability to adopt programs to their surrounding
community. LCIF‘s accomplishments are too long for me to list in this article, so I‘ll
just ask a simple question – ―How does it feel to be the best in the world?‖
May flowers are blooming and next year‘s Lions Club Officers should all be enrolled
in Officers Training School. Presidents and Secretaries must attend Officers Training to
be eligible for 100% awards. Schools are scheduled Sat., May 3rd, (morning) at
Whitewater High School and Tue., May 6th (evening) at S. Milwaukee High School.
Secretaries - if your club hasn‘t submitted its PU-101, please do so ASAP to LCI,
MD27 and your DG-E Debbie. Instructions on how to use the online system were in
last month‘s Wisconsin Lion.
It‘s getting late, but you can still register for the 2008 State Convention. La Crosse is a
great convention location. Don‘t miss the fun!
As you know LCI and 27-A1 have a declining membership. The problem is
RETENTION. When you look at the membership statistics for our District, it becomes
apparent that we‘re actually pretty good at recruiting new members, but we‘re not so
good at keeping them. LCI has studied the situation and found that retention is strongly
linked to two key functions: quality meetings and involvement. I‘ll bet that‘s no
surprise to most Lions.
27
If Lions Clubs‘ meetings aren‘t enjoyable, why would you attend? I encourage all
Club Officers to take a serious look at your meetings. Be willing to make modifications
and don‘t be afraid to change traditions.
I believe involvement is the true key to retaining members. Every Lion needs to have
a meaningful assignment. Every Lion must have a sense that his or her
accomplishments are having a positive impact on their community. Remember – Lions
Build Communities.
Please keep it going! We are the best. Let‘s stay that way!
Catch the Fever All Over Again
by Debbie Schwanz, DG-E
The State Convention is looming just over the horizon. What a great event! I
hope you‘re as excited about visiting LaCrosse as I am. I know the State
Convention Committee has worked long and hard planning a wonderful experience
and it should be a good time.
One of the fantastic side benefits of meeting with fellow peers is how it can
rekindle your passions in Lionism and reaffirm why you are a Lion/Lioness/Leo. If
we think hard enough, we can all recall the date we were installed into Lionism.
But what is impressed indelibly into our memories is the day the light came on and
we truly ―became‖ a Lion/Lioness/Leo. It is that moment or event that spoke to our
inner self and shouted loud and clearly ―This is what it‘s all about!‖ For some, the
revelation occurred before they were even installed into a club. It was the driving
reason they sought out a club and asked to be a part of Lionism. For others, the
moment occurred after their installation into Lionism, when their eyes were opened
because an event or person touched their heart and mind.
Personally, my revelation came before I was installed as a Lion. Lionism was
instilled in me through my father‘s interaction with his Lions Club and the
satisfaction he had in sharing the same vision and mission as his fellow club
members. Year after year, I had great fun in working side-by-side with him at his
club‘s Labor Day Weekend Chic-Nic. I became enthralled as he spoke about the
wonderful benefits that his community and the world would realize through the
donations his club would be giving to various groups and organizations. On the
fateful day that Lion Ed and his wife Lion Anne asked me to join their club, I
jumped at the chance to become part of this wonderful organization. I have never
regretted that decision!
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This passion and desire to serve others is what drives us as Lions/Lioness/Leos.
Without constant care and nurturing, motivation can fade and disappear. We‘ve all
seen it happen to others. We may have even felt it personally. We must find ways
to energize ourselves and others. We must keep creativity and innovation flowing.
Recharging our inner batteries differs from Lion to Lion. Each of us look for
motivation in different ways and places. For some, a relaxing time out does the
trick. For others, working a favorite event or to talking to peers with the same
vision and mission as you accomplishes that goal.
Throughout the Lionistic year Lions Clubs International, Wisconsin Lions, and
your District offer events that provide avenues that are designed to rekindle your
zeal in Lionism. We have District Zone and Region meetings, our own District
Convention, other District Conventions thoughout the state (Yes, we are welcome
to attend another District‘s convention), the WI Lions State Convention, the
USA/Canada Forum, and Lions Clubs International Convention, just to name a
few.
Catch the fever all over again! Come join your fellow Lions in celebrating
Lionism. Rediscover the full meaning of ―We Serve.‖
Officer Training Schools
New officers for 2008-2009 should mark your calendar and plan to attend one
of the two New Officers Training Schools.
All Presidents and Secretaries must attend to receive the 100% awards.
The first date is:
Saturday, May 3rd
Whitewater High School
9 a.m. until noon.
The second date is:
Tuesday, May 6th
S. Milwaukee High School
6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m.
We hope to see all new and returning officers at one of these two training
schools.
Letters and sign-up forms have been mailed out to all presidents and secretaries
in District 27-A1.
Muskego Boat Fleet
by Lion Robert Kurudza
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With music playing, the Muskego Lions ―fleet‖ has been a family favorite in
area parades for 20 years. These are actual boats modified to fit over lawn tractors
for parade use and each unit is unique in design and color.
To book these boats for your parade, call Rear Admiral Lion Jack Spoerl at
Lincoln State Bank 414-529-4414.
As you can see from the pictures, the parade goers are really enthusiastic about
these boats.
Our goal is to be in the parade at the 2009 LCI Convention in Minnesota!
Big Bend/Vernon Hosts 12th Annual
Special Olympic Basketball
Tournament
by Lion Laurie Parr
On Sunday, February 3, 2008, basketballs were swishin‘, sinkin‘ and bouncin‘
at the 12th Annual Special Olympic Basketball Tournament at Mukwonago High
School. The Big Bend/Vernon Lions Club was honored to sponsor the tournament.
Special Olympics brought a sharp focus to the growth of the sport for the
participants.
This year‘s basketball tournament involved over 530 children and adults with
intellectual disabilities.
Lion Rick Rosiak hosted the opening ceremonies. Lion dignitaries included
PDG Dave Hempel, and Lioness ADP Irene Schelman, and Senator Mary Lazich
(Lioness) who enthusiastically showed their support. The Speed of Sound (DJ)
based out of Waterford filled the school cafeteria with music for an afternoon of
fun.
Lion Steve Visocky and other Lion members began the tournament with 12
teams in 1996. This year, the tournament had 44 teams participating.
The tournament was started to give the members of Southeastern Division of
Special Olympics a chance to fulfill some of their athletic dreams. The teams
compete in other sports throughout the year such as weight lifting, bowling, track
& field, swimming and softball to mention a few.
A special thanks goes to the Lakeland Official Association for refereeing the
games. The Mukwonago High School cheerleaders and Glee Club also assisted. If
you were hungry, food provided by the boys‘ basketball team was the place to
gather. Big Bend/Vernon Lions Club would like to thank all the volunteers who
helped make this tournament a huge success.
30
Special Olympics is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to
empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit,
productive and respected members of society through sports training and
competition.
Special Olympics helps to develop improved physical fitness and motor skills,
greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. These participants grow
mentally, socially and spiritually. They also exhibit boundless courage and
enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new
abilities and talents but ―their voices‖ as well.
2008 Easter Egg Hunts Call For
Flexibility
What do you do when the weather forecasts 8-12‖ of snow the day before you
plan to entertain hundreds of children with hunting for Easter Eggs, meeting the
Easter Bunny, handing out prizes, and just having fun? Well, several clubs in our
district were faced with cancellations; however, some continued to hold their
events with a few changes.
You can see from the photos provided that Hales Corners Lions, Muskego
Lions, Big Bend/Vernon Lions and Genoa City Lions all continued their events.
Hales Corners reported that 16 inches of snow forced them to move the usual
outdoor event into the cafeteria at the Whitnall Middle School where they also
enjoyed the pancake breakfast. The Lions Easter Bunny distributed bags of eggs,
candy and special eggs with a money value. The Hales Corner Club also held their
annual auction of bikes, and the turn out was fantastic according to Lion Roger
Brinkmeier. They served 300 pancake breakfast and distributed almost 500
―bunny bags‖.
While in Muskego the Easter Bunny didn‘t get cold feet with the 12 inches of
snow and the hunt went on. You can‘t let an early Easter dampen the spirits of an
egg hunt!
The Big Bend/Vernon Lions planned ahead to move their hunt indoors to the St.
Joseph Parish gymnasium and cafeteria. With early planning everything went well
and the children received great prizes, found lots of eggs and turned them in for
candy prizes.
For years, the Genoa City Lions Club has held a pancake breakfast and an
Easter Egg Hunt on two separate occasions. But this year, new leadership brought
new ideas. The club combined both long-running, fund-raising events into one.
Although the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and the egg hunts traditionally
have been successful, making them one event was an attempt to give families more
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to do. After hiding 4,000 eggs, cooking over 1200 pancakes, and adding extra
tables to the over full dining room, the event ended up a huge success! For details
on other events held by the Genoa City Lions Club go to www.genoacitylions.org.
The last time Easter was this early was in 1919.
32
NEWS: 27-A2
Notes from DG Augie
My year as Governor is coming to an end in just two months. It has been a great
opportunity for both my wife and I. We want to thank all Lions, Lioness, and Leos
for making this year very memorable. We have met so many Lions this past year,
and I know some of these acquaintances will become friends that we will keep
close contact with. Visiting Clubs have given us an opportunity to see what Clubs
are doing for fund raiser and just how they run their meetings, that we can share
their ideas with other Clubs. By the way as of April 16th I have 2 Clubs to visit, so
we want to say thanks to all the Clubs in my District that I have visited which
Donna and I have enjoyed greatly.
By the time you read this article your new officers should have been elected and
your PU101 been submitted. Now these officers all should make themselves
available and ready for Officer Training at the end of this month. You will have
some of the best leaders of the District training to help with any question you may
have for your position. The training will include all the new changes being made
with International and other items. One school is Wednesday May 21st at Ixonia
Elementary School, and the other is Thursday May 29th at Silverbrook Middle
School. Most important thing is have FUN serving in your elected position.
I sent a letter to all Clubs that have not given a contribution to Sight First II, so
if you are a Lion of one of the Clubs receiving the letter please discuss and make
some kind of commitment to this great program. Remember Lions are here to help
the blind. We have great state programs that every Lion should be looking into:
WLF, Lion Camp, Hearing, Eye Glass, Eye Bank, Bold, Transporting Eye Tissue,
and the Blind and Visually impaired children, I know there can be other programs
but these are ones we refer to the most that Lions should be supporting. Also look
into what can be done for your own Community.
Another subject is MMR reports; make sure these reports are submitted on time
to the right people which should be Zone Chairs and LCI. Also make sure your
Clubs have all Dues and other bills paid up to current date, so your Club does not
show up on the delinquent list.
Keep working on Retention at all times. Let‘s see if we can keep our Lions we
have in our Clubs. If your keep your meetings short and have speakers that are
interesting this will prove to be an asset to your Club‘s attendance. Ask for ideas
from all members of what they are interested in learning more about - fund raisers,
speakers or changes that would work for your Club. Keep everyone involved and
having FUN.
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27-A2 Calendar
May
3 Radio Days-WTKM 104.9
8 Reg. 2 Meeting Hustisford Lions- Clyman
14 Installation Officers Theresa Lions
15-17 State Convention-La Crosse
21 Officer Training-Oconomowoc
29 Officer Training-West Bend
June
23-27 International Convention
27-A2 Officer Training
Two training programs will be offered this year for incoming club officers in
District 27-A2.
Learn what is expected of your position in regard to being prepared to lead your
meetings, filing forms, tracking your funds, how to find new members retain
existing members and have fun doing it.
Program specifics will be mailed to each club president but please make plans
to attend one of the sessions.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ixonia Elementary School
N8425 North St
Ixonia, WI 53066
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Silverbrook Middle School
120 N Silverbrook Dr.
West Bend, WI 53095
Time for Officer Classes
6:30 pm Registration
7:00 pm General Session
7:15 pm Training Session
34
Mission To Mexico: How A Local Lion
Got Involved
Brenda Rumppe‘s purpose in life came into focus as soon as she looked to
improve the sight of others. ―I like helping people. When I was diagnosed with
breast cancer it made me realize life is short and you should help people while you
can,‖ she said. ―It gives you the best feeling to help people.‖ Rumppe looked to a
club with the motto ―We Serve‖ to accomplish that goal — the Allenton Lions
Club, of which her brother and father were members.
She then traveled with Lions members throughout the state on a vision mission
trip to Reynosa, Mexico, where they brought better sight to 3,500 people.
Throughout the year, the Lions collect used glasses from the general public to be
given to people in developing countries during five mission trips per year.
Throughout the world, one in four children cannot see well enough to learn to
read without glasses, and by age 40, 90-percent of adults experience a decrease in
the ability to read print and need glasses, according to information from the
Wisconsin Lions Foundation.
Those statistics are more troubling in developing countries, where the resources
to manufacture quality lenses is lacking and the cost to import glasses is far beyond
the means of the average citizen — making me need for donated glasses greater.
The Lions members use auto-refractor tests to determine the residents‘
prescriptions and match them to the closest pair of donated prescription glasses.
―You can always tell when you have the right one because their face just lights
up and they have a huge smile. It‘s the best feeling in the world,‖ Rumppe said.
In addition to fitting the residents with prescription glasses, the Lions also make
donations to the local orphanages — donating quilts and baby supplies. The Lions
have also donated a used fire truck and school bus to the local city.
Despite the thousands of people helped during the most recent trip on Feb. 7,
Rumppe said eyeglass donations have been running low this year.
―Kids‘ glasses are the hardest to come by,‖ and some of the most needed, she
said.
Those they help range in age from young children to the elderly. ―The oldest
one I saw was 86, but I believe there were older people there. Some of these people
have never had glasses before,‖ she said. ―Last year, one gentleman walked seven
miles to get to us, and people wait for hours. It makes you really appreciate what
we have in the U.S. These ladies and men, all they want to do is see.‖
Rumppe is hoping more people will donate their old glasses once they learn
what becomes of them. ―I think a lot of people don‘t realize where the glasses go
35
and what they‘re used for,‖ she said. ―I hope if people realize how much people
appreciate them, and then we‘ll get more.‖
Hartford Lioness and Lions Support
Local Food Pantry
The Hartford Food Pantry is an on going project supported by the Hartford
Lioness and Lions Clubs as well as other organizations within the Hartford
community.
As part of their on going involvement with the pantry the Hartford Lion‘s
donated two thousand dollars and the Hartford Lioness clubs donates one hundred
dollars each month.
Along with these cash donations, the clubs also run regular food drives and
have several members serving on the board of directors as well as serving as
volunteers.
Region 3 Zone 2 Makes Miracle
Happen
For 2007-2008, The Region 3 Zone 2 Lion‘s project was assisting the Klaeser
family of West Bend to raise money to purchase a motorized wheelchair for their
oldest son, Josh.
Zone 2 clubs donated $5,000 for the purchase of Josh‘s wheelchair. The clubs
involved in the Zone project were: The West Bend Lions and Lioness; Newburg
Lions; Allenton Lions; Hartford Lions; Richfield Lions; Kewaskum Lions; Kettle
Moraine Lions.
Josh is suffering with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) a degenerative
neuromuscular disease. DMD is the most common neuromuscular disease of
childhood whose symptoms can be described as a worsening and eventual loss of
muscle function, which begins in the lower limbs.
Josh, a fifth grader, attends Good Shepherd Lutheran School in West Bend. The
motorized wheelchair has profoundly helped Josh with his mobility and allowed
him the freedom to continue with his passion for computer work.
This is just another example how Lion make miracles happen one person at a
time
36
27-A2 Submissions Guidelines
All articles, announcements and pictures should be sent directly to Publicity
Chair/District Editor Lion Cary Kraemer. Submissions need to be sent in at least
two months before the actual date of the event. The deadline for the June
newspaper is April 20th.
Individual Club activities will also be posted on the club‘s page on district web
site if the club does not support their own website. For example, you can see the
Fredonia Lions club web page at www.md27a2.org/clubs/fredonia.htm
Upcoming Events
MAY
FRI, May 9 - Kewaskum Lions Texas Hold-Em Tournament at the Amerahn
FRI, May 16 - Fredonia Lions 3rd Annual ―Roaring Good Time Golf Outing‖ to
be held at The West Bend Lakes Golf Club Shotgun start at 10:30 am
— Lion Vern Bode, daytime Phone: 262-284-9441 vbode@sbcglobal.net
SAT, May 17 - Cedarburg Lions 4th Annual Spring Swing, The Bog, Saukville.
12:00pm
— John Stecker 262-377-4777 or Mike Reimer 414-228-4424
WED, May 21 - Officer Training, Ixonia Elementary School, 7:00 pm
— PDG Jerry Wille jerry@qlc-labeling.com
THUR, May 29 - Officer Training, Silverbrook Middle School, 7:00 pm
— PDG Jerry Wille jerry@qlc-labeling.com
FRI, May 30 - Watertown Lions Club Rose Day $15 donation for one dozen roses.
— Jerry Rabbach, jerbar@charter.net, 920-261-4091
JUNE
SUN, Jun 1 - Grafton Lions Chicken Roast; 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm., rain or shine
Veteran‘s Park.
— Cary Kraemer 414-455-7889 or e-mail carykraemer@yahoo.com
FRI, Jun 9 - Kewaskum Lions Annual Golf outing at Auburn Bluffs Country
Club
FRI, Jun 13 - Kewaskum Lions Texas Hold-Em Tournament at the Amerahn
FRI-SUN, Jun 13-15 - Thiensville-Mequon Lions Lion Fest
SAT, Jun 14 - Watertown Lions Club Truck Pull — Jerry Rabbach,
jerbar@charter.net, 920-261-4091
37
SUN, Jun 29 - Fredonia Lions Frebeka 5 Mile Run at Waubedonia Park Register
at the Park shelter
5 Mile Run-8:00 am
2 Mile Run KIDS-9:30 am
2 Mile Walk-9:00 am
Early Entry: Adult $13.00 Kids $ 9.00 Race Day Entry: Adult $14.00 Kids $10.00
— Lefty FOWLER 262-692-9667 jshoemaker@wi.rr.com
SAT-SUN, Jun 28-29 - Cedarburg Lions concession stand at Cedarburg
Strawberry Festival Downtown Cedarburg. Sat: 10am-6pm, Sun:10am-5pm
FUTURE EVENTS
FRI, Jul 11 - Kewaskum Lions Texas Hold-Em Tournament at the Amerahn
FRI, Aug 8 - Kewaskum Lions
Texas Hold-Em Tournament at the Amerahn
FRI, Sep 12 - Kewaskum Lions Texas Hold-Em Tournament at the Amerahn
FRI-SUN, Aug 29-31 - West Bend Lions Germanfest Brat Stand
THUR, Sept 25 - Kewaskum Lions Annual Steak Fry at the Amerahn
38
NEWS: 27-B1
Notes from DG Vern
It seems too much like a dream that time has again taken over and left only two
months to get a million things done. Our International President‘s theme
―Challenge to Change‖ is beginning to get started and we are so far, on the positive
side as to membership and also very good on retention. However now is the time to
enlist new members and retain the old ones. Your communities at the present have
a greater challenge for Lions to complete in the coming months.
The past months did present cold and nasty roads for my visitations. Thanks to
VDG Gary Bilke who made some visits. Lions International new policy is to have
VDG‘s make more visits.
Your club officers should have been elected by this time. The PU-101 forms
sent out by the secretaries to the proper officers. The next big event for the Lions
of Wisconsin is the 85th State Convention to be held in La Crosse on the 16th &
17th of May, 2008. Try and attend and take in the many excellent seminars and
speakers.
Let us also take a moment to remember Mothers Day.
Memorial Day should have a definite meaning to pause and reflect on all who
are serving and the ones that have served in the military, especially to deceased
soldiers who gave their lives so that we remain a free country.
I wish to thank all the Lions, Lioness and Leos of District 27B-1 for all their
efforts and cooperation in making this a fun year!
Lioness News
by ADP Betty Warren
By the time this comes out I hope all the snow is gone. We are sick of winter.
The State Convention is May 15 -17, 2008. I‘m sorry I can‘t be there. It will be a
good convention. It will be at La Crosse. The next meeting of Affiliate clubs will
be May 31, 2008 at Lions Camp, Rosholt for Past Presidents, Presidents, and New
Presidents coming in.
I went to Mexico again in February 2008. The weather was in the 80‘s. It was
hard to come back to snow. We went down by Tampico, Mexico. We did about
600 to 750 people a day.
It‘s time for new slate of officers. Club secretaries, as soon as you know the
names of the new President, Secretary and Treasurer of your club, please get them
39
to Vice Governor. We want the names, addresses and email addresses of the
officers so that they will have them for the new directory.
State Convention Parade of Checks
Fast Approaching
by WLF Director Tom Clausen
The Parade of Checks is right around the corner. If you haven‘t contributed at
the District Convention, the next opportunity is coming up soon at the State
Convention in La Crosse. Has your club decided on your annual donations for this
Lions year?
Please remember that it is important that every club support the Wisconsin
Lions Foundation. We have six projects that need your help. The flagship project
is our Lions Camp. Over 1,500 children and adults are hoping to spend a week at
camp this summer courtesy of your contributions. Your ―Annual Donation‖
supports the camp. This should be done first since the camp is the greatest portion
of the Foundation‘s budget. Then, if your club is so inclined, you can make
donations to the other programs.
The sight program, which is our Eyeglass Recycling Center and Children‘s
Vision Screening program, provides used glasses to missions in needy countries
and preliminary exams to children in Wisconsin.
The Hearing Program provides free hearing aids to needing individuals who
qualify.
Our Youth Program provides cash awards to three outstanding youth groups.
The Foundation runs a Diabetes Awareness Program that educates individuals
to the risks of diabetes, as well as sponsors programs for the state‘s health
professionals.
Pictured is the can from Lions Pride that some of you received at the State
Convention last year. Have you been plugging your loose change in the bank for
the past year?
One Foundation Director has already turned in his can and is holding the record
at $141.45. The label says, ―Pride is Personal.‖ If everyone took it upon himself
or herself to contribute to the Pride Campaign, our goal could be reached. We
must show the world that the Lions support our projects, not only with volunteer
time, but also with their financial support. Bring your can back to the convention
or mail in your support to the address on the label.
40
A Different Way To Do Things
by DGE Gary Bilke
I need to know what the clubs think of this idea...
The Lions Clubs International Policy Manual not only allows, but also
encourages the District Governor to do his club meetings at cluster meetings or
zone meetings. What this mean is that the District Governor could meet with
multiple clubs at the same time to satisfy the club meeting requirement.
The reason International prefers this method is they pay the District Governors
mileage to attend club meetings and it would save them a lot of money. However
they only pay 28 cents a mile. It also frees up the governor‘s time.
With the price of gas currently at $3.30 a gallon and expected to go over $4.00
a gallon this summer I do not think this is a bad idea, however it is different from
the way we have been doing things in this district.
I do understand that many of our club has special events that they hold the night
the governor is attending their meeting and I think it is important that we continue
with that but for other clubs it is just something they do because it is required.
As I have state before, the clubs run the district, so how do you want me to meet
with your club? Would you prefer that I attend one of your club meetings or should
we meet at a zone meeting? The choice is yours.
The state convention is coming up fast and I hope to see you all there .
From the Editor...
by Mary Jo Abler
I hope you are enjoying our newspaper. I encourage all Lions, Lioness and Leos
to submit information to be published. We now are able to publish articles every
month. If you have any questions, please email me, or call so we can discuss how
to get your club the publicity it deserves. This newspaper is only as good as the
articles submitted.
Clubs, when choosing your new leaders and chairpersons for the next year,
please appoint a Public Relations Chairperson. Have a person in charge of your
articles and announcements, and have them contact me.
It is the time of the year to be submitting your Club information for printing in
the Multiple District 27 Directory. All Clubs send the information, and please have
email contacts listed.
The Cabinet is doing what it can to keep cost down by doing much of its work
via email. We can all reduce the cost of postage by using this tool. With the cost of
a stamp again going up, we need to do what we can. Have you considered doing
your Club newsletter via email? This can help keep operations cost down.
41
Raising Money for Lions Pride
Campaign is Only a Click Away
While you‘re searching the Internet for bargains, gifts, sports scores and more
why not do some good?
A new search engine powered by Yahoo called GoodSearch supports Lions
Pride with every search and it doesn‘t cost you a thing — the money they donate
comes from their advertisers.
Every time you use the www.goodsearch.com search engine, the Yahoo-
powered site donates a penny to the charity of your choice. You simply choose
Lions Pride as your charity of choice, and with each search of the Internet you help
our efforts to ensure the future of Lions Camp and the other WLF Statewide
Projects.
Pennies??? Pennies from Heaven…they add up quickly, if 1,000 supporters
each search the Internet twice a day that would raise $7,300 a year. The more
people who use this search engine, the more money will come to Pride. You don‘t
have to be a Lion to help; so please spread the word to your friends and family.
Visit the web site www.goodsearch.com, then Enter ―Lions Pride‖ and click
Verify. It‘s that simple.
Editor note: Lions I have been using GoodSearch for a month or more, and have
had no problems. Check it out!
Club News
WAYSIDE MORRISON LIONS CLUB donated $500 towards the CP
Telethon through the Blind Mans Volleyball Tournament at the Coop Rec. Center
March 2nd.
Accepting the check from Lions Lee Leiterman, Robert Fritsch and President
Richard Kuchenbecker is Lloyd Loberger representing Cerebral Palsy.
EACH SPRING AND FALL the Sherwood Pride Lioness Club clean the
Handicapped Accessible Cabin at High Cliff State Park near Sherwood. Windows,
floors, appliances, bedroom and bathroom are cleaned in preparation of the
camping season and again before closing it down for the winter.
HAM AND EGG BREAKFAST by Lioness Dorothy Schmoock
Two Rivers Lioness club held their annual Ham and Egg Breakfast February 10,
2008 at Machuts Supper Club. The breakfast and raffle was a great success. This is
42
one of the fundraisers the club holds each year to generate money for Club
donations to the various projects it supports.
27-B1 Calendar
May
15 Council of Governors, La Crosse
16 WLF/Board of Directors, La Crosse
16-17 State Convention, La Crosse
30-31 DG & WLF Dir. Elect Orientation, St. Point & Lions Camp
June
7 Affiliate Clubs Advisory Meeting, Lions Camp, Rosholt
9 New Holstein Lions Golf Outing, Badger Creek, New Holstein
14 Pride Shoot Sporting Fundraiser, Johnson Creek
22 Lioness Affiliate Spring Banquet, Wautoma
43
NEWS: 27-B2
Notes from DG Tom
It‘s May already! This has been a wonderful year for Lion Mary and I. This
year, through the use of my monthly messages, my goal was to open doors of
opportunity for you and your Lions Club. Doors of opportunity within Lionism that
would help you build a better club, build better Lions, and build better
communities. Have you opened these doors?
You‘ve read about Leadership in Lions, Lions Camp, Diabetes, Lions Alert,
Quest, Leo Clubs, Youth Exchange, Zahara, Mission to Mexico and much more.
All of these are ways in which ―WE SERVE.‖ What have you done with this
information? What has your club done with this information? Have you used these
programs to make your community a better place to live? I think that‘s what we‘re
all about.
Part of belonging to any organization is investing in it. Not financially, but with
time and effort. Indeed, it is a responsibility of each Lion, Lioness and Leo to learn
as much as you can about what we do and why we do it. We all need to be
―Ambassadors of Lionism‖ in our towns and communities. Everyone should know
you are a Lion, Lioness, or Leo. Just as important, everyone should know why you
are a Lion, Lioness or Leo. Be Proud of who we are and what we have
accomplished. Wear your Lions Pin with Pride.
That‘s what Lions do!
Learning about Lionism is what it‘s all about. Another opportunity to learn is
here! Our State Convention is coming up in a couple of weeks. This is your door of
opportunity to learn what we do and why we do it. I challenge every Lion in B2 to
take a day, drive to LaCrosse and learn about Lionism. I know you‘re busy. We all
are. Take the time for Lions. No! Make the time for Lions. Raise your level of
personal commitment ―To Serve‖ your community through Lions. See you in
LaCrosse.
Region 2 Report
by Lion Albert ―Doc‖ Hanke, Region 2 Chair
There are 12 clubs in region 2. Zone 1 Chair Gerald Kallenbach from the
Niagara Lions, works with 6 clubs:
Florence Niagara
44
Wild River Crivitz Wausaukee
Goodman-Armstrong Creek
Zone 2 Chair Lion Dave Polashek from the Oconto Falls Club also has 6 clubs:
Coleman-Pound Lena
Marinette Oconto Falls
Oconto Peshtigo
Region 2 hosts an annual golf outing with all proceeds going to the Wisconsin
Lions Camp.
All clubs are busy with some kind of projects. And all these clubs donate
generously to local community projects and state wide projects
Zone 1 Activities
Florence just finished Calendar Sales and now is selling Easter Lilies. They
gave two scholarships. Shop with a cop for kids and donated to people to people
for youth ambassador.
Goodman-Armstrong Creek completed gun raffle and assisted Niagara Lions
with calendar raffle. Hosted Senior Christmas Dinner and served 150 in house and
50 home deliveries.
Niagara Lions host a community picnic, also sells roses and during the Lenten
Season have a Friday night Fish Fry.
Wild River Lions have a bake sale and Brat Fry and Quilt Raffle & Gun Raffle
and get ads on place mats.
Crivitz Lions have a Sportsman‘s Banquet and porky & pancake breakfast on
Palm Sunday.
Wausaukee Lions sell roses and Spring Bouquets and have a 9 pin bowling
tournament and also winter brat fry and porky-pancake breakfast and are also in
the 4th of July Celebration.
Zone 2 Activities
Coleman-Pound has a snowmobile swap meet, donated to a fire victim, holds
golf and softball tournaments, support local Booster Club band, and gave gas card
to persons for medical treatment.
Lena Lions hold a Dairy Fest in September and take tickets at Packer Games.
They also recognize a student of the month and had a fish fry in March
Marinette Lions hold a Sports & Hunting Dinner, sell roses, and ring bells for
Salvation Army.
Oconto has a bowling tournament also sells roses.
Oconto Falls operates the rope tow for the local tubing hill, decorated a tree for
Christmas, and donated to the Oconto Falls Food Pantry.
Peshtigo participated in Historical Days honored the top ten Students from all
Peshtigo Schools, also does the Rose Sale.
45
Wisconsin Lions Week To Be
Proclaimed At State Convention
Wisconsin Lions Week, which celebrates Lionistic services in Wisconsin will
again be observed during the week of the Wisconsin State lions Convention.
Inaugurated in 1989, Lions Week in Wisconsin is high1ighted by the traditional
reading and presentation of the Governor‘s Proclamation at the convention‘s
Friday luncheon. Each year the Governor of the State of Wisconsin is invited to
present the Proclamation.
The Wisconsin Lions Week Proclamation will cite various aspects of Lionistic
service including projects of lions International, activities of Wisconsin‘s Lions,
Lionesses and Leos, programs of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation and the
activities of local clubs.
The Lions Week Proclamation commends the Lions, Lionesses and Leos for
their humanitarian and civic services and calls for statewide recognition of the
value of Lionism. The Proclamation is presented to the Chairman of the Council of
Governors and then displayed at the Wisconsin State Office throughout the year.
DG Spouse‟s Corner
by Mary Mueller
Spring is finally coming (at least today it looks like it). What a great time to
travel to La Crosse! This years State Convention offers many chances for learning,
meeting new friends, and seeing old friends again. I encourage any one of you who
has not experienced a state convention to make the time to attend. La Crosse is an
interesting city on the mighty Mississippi and our conventions offer a chance to
learn more about Lionism and to hear about what‘s going on with Lions around our
state. You will feel a great connection with Lions across the state as you see that
we are all working to make our state and world a little better by raising funds and
having fun in our own clubs and communities. Some of today‘s problems don‘t
seem quite so formidable when tackled by a whole state of ―roaring Lions‖. Come
and enjoy the positive atmosphere of a city full of Lions roaring together.
Beware the Ides of…..April
by Harry T. Merriman, PID, CPA
46
The Ides of April – April 15th – Income Tax Day. The day that just about
everybody, regardless of politics, takes advantage of the opportunity to ―cuss out‖
the government as they file their income tax returns.
Everyone wants to take advantage of every lawful deduction to minimize their
taxes. In fact, the US Supreme Court has ruled that no one is obliged to pay more
that their fair share, and that everyone is entitled to claim every deduction the law
allows.
In claiming your tax deductions, be sure to keep in mind that a contribution to a
Lions club is NOT tax-deductible. Lions clubs are exempt from taxes under a
different section of the Internal Revenue Code (Sec. 501(c)(4)) than the one for
tax-exempt charities, which is Sec. 501(c)(3).
You can deduct contributions to LCIF, the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, the
PRIDE Campaign, the Wisconsin Lions Eye Bank, or – in 27-B2 – the Sturm
Humanitarian Fund. In addition, certain Lions Clubs have established their own
charities to which donations may be tax-deductible. If in doubt, or if the amount is
significant, be sure to consult with your tax advisor or obtain from the charity a
copy of their tax exemption letter received from the IRS.
Peace Poster Contest
by PDG Joe Leisgang
What is the Peace Poster Contest?
The Peace Poster Contest is a Lions International program involving
approximately 350,000 youngsters between the ages of 11 - 13 years old,
worldwide. There are four contest stages:
Local - District - State - International Levels
Getting the Peace Poster Contest in your school is an excellent way to have
local students display their artwork in very competitive contests and get a little PR
for your club.
How and what do I do to start this contest in my school?
1. Order a kit from Lions International for $7.95. Kits are available from
January 15 to October 1, 2008
2. Take the information to your school & meet with the Art Teacher.
3. Explain the program in detail. All instructions must be strictly adhered to, to
qualify.
4. Be sure to give them the deadline date (Your club can set the local date.
The 27-B2 District deadline - winning poster displayed at our District
Convention in November or get to District Governor by November 15.
47
5. All posters must envision the Contest Theme. The theme must be expressed
in art (no letters or numbers allowed). Theme for 2008 is ―PEACE BEGINS
WITH ME‖.
Each club determines the awards for their local contest. You can have multiple
local winners, however, only the First Place Poster qualifies for the District
Contest.
Our 27-B2 District Governor selects the District winner. The District Peace
Poster Chair will award a plaque to the winner. The presentation can be done at
the school in front of their classmates or at a Lions Club meeting.
The District winning poster is then entered into the MD27 State Competition.
The MD27 State winner is sent to the International Contest. The worldwide
International winner will be honored at the United Nations in New York.
I suggest you contact your school before summer vacation, so they can get the
contest on their agenda for next school year. Then in September verify that they
are going to participate.
Help your local students display their artistic talent!
Contact me with any questions, at 920-494-3149 or jaleisgang@sbcglobal.net.
Green Bay West Mission To Mexico
Donation
After 2 months of e-mail messages between Lion Dan Williams, Green Bay
West Lions, PID Ron Duffe, Bill Taubman and Serafin Gomez Villarreal a pickup
of Medical Supplies was finally made on Jan. 24, 2008 in a 53‘ trailer.
The product was picked up at the Green Bay Medical Mission Warehouse, and
the St. Vincent De Paul Store, Green Bay.
The following items were shipped: syringes, dressings, diapers, crutches, canes,
hospital sheets, scales, exam tables, gowns, wheel chairs and many other medical
items. Kay Daugherty , Coordinator of Green Bay Medical Mission estimated the
value of the medical items at approximately $10,000.
48
Lion M. W. Millard - The Lions Lion!
Historical records indicate Lion Muzz, as he is known statewide, joined the
Lions in 1952.
In 1955 he began his first term as an officer in the Sturgeon Bay Lions Club.
During his 50 plus years of service, he has held numerous offices, beginning with
Tail Twister in 1955. From 1957 to 1960 he held offices, including President in
1960. From 1961 through 1967, he held the position of Zone Chairman. In 1967 he
was elected Deputy District Governor and in 1968 District Governor.
As a dedicated Lion, Lion Muzz brought in 54 members during his 50 years of
service.
He has been an active participant in Lion activities, working on many projects
and committees, such as District Conventions, float committee, 50th Anniversary
committee, and State Bowling Chairman. He has been the top Rose salesman for
the club selling over 400 dozen one year! He has many years of perfect attendance
and continues to be active as a 96 year old Lion.
Lion Muzz has also been active in the community. He retired as Captain from
the Door County police Department. He also served on the Door County Board of
Supervisors for many years.
We hope you enjoyed this brief summary of the Lions Lion, Muzz Millard, who
spent over 50 years in living up to the Lions motto ―We Serve‖!
Catfish Extravaganza Fun For All
The Greenville Lions host their annual Catfish Extravaganza Aug. 1st-2nd,
2008.The two-day Extravaganza includes a family night at which people wager
Catfish Bucks on catfish races, enjoy demonstrations, play in inflatables, eat
catfish or chicken dinner, enjoy a free band, and win prizes during a helicopter
ping-pong ball drop; all before seeing extraordinary fireworks. The following
night, we will host a concert featuring Poison, Tesla, and Sebastian Bach; tickets
available at Ticket Star.
Proceeds benefit the community, 27-B2, MD27 and LCI.
27-B2 Calendar
May
6 Medina Dale Readfield
8 F-M Lions
12 Shawano Lake Lioness
14-18 State Convention, LaCrosse
19 Crandon Lions
June
49
4-7 Intl Pin Trade, Jefferson City
17-3 LCI Convention, Bangkok
50
NEWS: 27-C1
Notes from DG Leanne
The Honors Banquet was held in April. Cabinet members and Clubs were
thanked for their service to the district, the community and to Lions. One Melvin
Jones Fellowship and three Birch Sturm Fellowships were presented to deserving
Lions, as was a progressive Melvin Jones. Guest speaker IPDG Jim Schiferl gave
an excellent presentation. The food was good and the fellowship was great. Thanks
to everyone who played a part in making this an enjoyable evening and thanks so
much for attending.
The Thorp Lioness celebrated their 30th anniversary April 12. Congratulations
to President Joan Denzine, Secretary Colene Stuttgen, Treasurer Pat Malecki, and
to all the members of the Thorp Lioness Club. Guest speaker was Lisa Johnson,
who underwent a double cornea transplant. Her story is truly amazing.
The Unity Community Lions Club charter banquet is May 4 at the Colby Lions
Shelter. Our sincere THANKS to the Guiding Lions who participated in making
this club a reality – Jim Schiferl, LeRoy Dehnel, Dennis Krueger, Marcia
Hochhalter, and Adell Stelzel - have put in a tremendous amount of time and
talent.
Club Officer Elections will or have been held and Officer Training is being
scheduled. New officers, as well as those officers serving another term, should
attend. Things change and we need to keep up-to-date to better serve our clubs,
district and state. And don‘t forget other training opportunities that are available.
Also very important: PU-101 forms are due by May 15 at the latest.
The State Convention is May 15-17, 2008 at LaCrosse. Send your registration
form in soon. It will be an excellent opportunity for learning, fellowship and a
good time. We look forward to seeing you there.
February 2008 Mission to Honduras
Shows How “We Serve”
by Lion Pauline Schiferl, Mission to Honduras Team Leader and IPDG Jim
Schiferl
Departure: Fri., Feb. 16: The 2008 Honduras Lion Eye Glass Mission team
consisted of 15 Wisconsin Lions: Dr. Alan Ehrhardt, who was on his 40th mission
trip, two new recruits Lion Wayne Johnson and Lion Don Peterson as well as
51
veterans of mission work Lion Mike Lorbetske and his wife Emmy, PDG Richard
Nestingen and his wife Lioness Geraldine, Lion Roy Oberheu, Lion Bill Fenger,
Lion David Wagner and his wife Carolyn, Lion Ron Schively and his wife Jackie,
and PDG Jim Schiferl and his wife Lion Pauline who served as Team Leader.
Each of the Lion volunteers pays his/her own transportation and travel expenses to
go on these missions. The group‘s destination was San Pedro Sula, Honduras
where they were met by Gilberto, who was delayed by two hours because of traffic
congestion. Gilberto took the group to a hotel where they spent the night.
Arrival: Sat., Feb. 17: The Wisconsin Lions team met the medical team from
the Marshfield clinic, Ohio, New Mexico and other states. Everyone traveled by
bus, a six hour trip, to Olanchito and Trujillo. Although we arrived in the dark of
night, we were warmly welcomed by several Olanchito Lions. Once there, we
were shown to a hotel that would be home for the next five days.
Organization & Set-Up: Sun., Feb. 18: The following morning was glorious
with warm sunshine and balmy air. The group walked to church, where they
heard a lovely choir of young people. Back at the hotel they had lunch. The
Olanchito Lions rented a Mormon church to use for the mission. The Olanchito
Lions unloaded 36 boxes which had been shipped in October 2007 through
Missionary Health Service and transported from LeCeiba only a few days before.
Everyone sorted and set up so the mission would be ready for an early start on
Monday morning. In the boxes were processed used eye glasses, vitamins, medical
supplies for the hospital, defibrillators, surgical and obstetric supplies, orthopedic
supplies and quilts for one of their nursing homes and other needy people of the
community. The vitamins were funded by donations from the Lions and Lioness
of District 27-C1 through the Vitamin A project
Olanchito Mission: Mon., Feb. 18 - Thur., Feb. 21: Monday morning dawned
again to a hot humid day. Upon arrival, the court yard was already crowded with
people. Four wonderful, busy days were spent checking eyes and dispensing eye
glasses. Local residents hugged and thanked everyone over and over for their help.
The press and television media came to interview, thank us and publicize our
efforts.
Over the course of three and one half days the team screened about 1,500 adults
and children, fitting 1,440 with eye glasses. After the completion of the mission
the remaining used eyeglasses were donated to the Olanchito Lions to continue the
mission work with their people. They will use a focometer which was donated to
them in a previous mission year. None of the glasses go to waste. It is the goal of
the mission team that this project is an ongoing mission program.
The evening of February 20th was the last evening in the community of
Olanchito. The Lions gave us a big farewell, thanking us for all our efforts and the
supplies we brought to them.
52
On February 21st after completing the screening with patients in the morning,
the glasses and luggage were packed into one pickup along with the Lions from the
mission and Olanchito hosts. The rest followed in a van to Trujillo. We could not
believe how they got all of our equipment and luggage onto one pickup and a van.
However, we arrived in decent shape just in time for dinner that evening.
Chapagua Mission: Sat., Feb. 22 - Wed., Feb. 26: The following morning
breakfast was ready at 6:00 am. We retrieved all of the glasses from storage from
the night before. After packing everything on the wrong bus, we transferred to the
correct one and began a forty minute trip. Each morning and night we commuted
to the little village of Chapagua up a winding, dusty, pot-holey dirt road. About
fifteen villages around Chapagua are served by this one clinic. Here we set up in a
little school building next to the clinic where the Missionary Health medical and
dental team was working, referring patients for eyeglass fittings to us. We also
were able to refer patients to a free clinic if surgery or more aggressive treatment
was felt to be necessary. No air conditioning, 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. We had
electricity most of the time. We were just a block away from the clinic building
Pauline wrote a grant for from Lions Clubs International to repair and update after
Hurricane Mitch.
Hurricane Mitch and a recent tropical storm had raised havoc in this area.
Many homes were destroyed, as well as deaths of family members, livestock and
loss of crops. A medical and dental team visits the clinic in February and
September of each year to give on-going care. Wisconsin Lions have been doing
an eyeglass mission once every two or three years.
We saw approximately 750 patients and fit 730 with glasses, regular and or sun
glasses.
The medical team was seeing patients with an array of medical problems as
well as prenatal and well-child checks. Also, Chapagua is where the vitamins have
been distributed to all pregnant mothers and children under six years of age.
During the mission eye exams Lion Pauline met a young woman and her
daughter who had been born with only one eye. Her mother came in to have her
eyes examined and paid two limperas (about 36 cents) for her eyeglasses. Pauline
asked her about checking the daughter‘s eye. The mother declined indicating that
the daughter could see okay, but it appeared that she did not have the 36 cents to
have the daughter checked. We assured the mother that we could fit this 14-year
old daughter who could not see five feet in front of her. We fit the daughter with a
pair of glasses that got her very close to 20:20 vision. We changed their lives in
less than ½ hour. We have a policy of no charge for the exam and glasses, but with
respect for their culture a suggested 36 cents gets donated back to other projects in
the area
53
Local Projects: These poor Spanish-speaking natives of Honduras await
anxiously each year for the mission team to return and give them medical, dental,
and eyeglass aid. Many of them walk many miles to come to the Lions eyeglass
mission, some barefoot. They are mostly farm workers, crop workers, and craft
workers who carve out a meager income of about $2 to $5 per day. Some of them
have cows that they milk once a day and get from 10 to 15 pounds of milk.
Deer Hides For Camp Project Raises
$60,907.50
by PDG Bernie Stuttgen, Deer Hide Project Coordinator
As we look at the statement, ―Alone we can do so little, together we can do so
much,‖ we see that is true with our Deer Hides for Camp fundraiser. The deer hide
project has had another banner year!
This year‘s final total looks like this: (listed by pickup points around the state)
Thorp load # 1 1,733
Thorp load # 2 1,412
Turtle Lake 1,083
Rhinelander 846
Ashland 668
CAMP 629
West Salem 585
Milwaukee 509
Oakdale 347
Merrill 311
These hides were sold to our buyer who gave us $58,953. Tomahawk sold
separately and raised $1,161. Port Edwards also sold separately and raised
$793.50. All of these together bring our total this year to $60,907.50 for the
Wisconsin Lions Camp.
This past year a few more clubs joined and already calls from a few more clubs
have been received so the project continues to grow. Contact for the state-wide
deer hide project is
PDG Bernie Stuttgen
W10049 County Road X
Thorp, WI 54771
715.669.5588
lazysshires@discover-net.net
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Words Of Inspiration
From Helen Keller
Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything
good in the world.
Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn whatever
state I am in, therein to be content.
Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched.
They must be felt within the heart.
Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there‘s a
difference for me, you know, because in that other room I shall be able to see.
Sources:
www.quotationspage.com/quotes/Helen_Keller/ www.brainyquote.com
C1 Calendar
May
4 Arpin Lions, Unity Charter Night
6 Port Edwards Lions
15-17 State Lions Convention – LaCrosse
18-19 Family graduation – Iowa
20 Rosholt Lions
21 Greenwood Lions
22 Grand Marsh Lions
June
4 Bancroft Lions
7-9 Family gathering – Chicago
11 Loyal Lions
16 Berlin-Hamburg Lions
17 Vesper Lions
18 Marathon Lions
Special Invitation
Unity Community
Lions Charter Night
Colby Lions Shelter – Hwy 13
Sun., May 4
3 p.m. social
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4:30 p.m dinner
Make reservations with
Lion Adell Stelzel
715.223.8257
adellstelzel@yahoo.com
IPDG Jim Schiferl
715.223.6231
pschiferl@msn.com
56
NEWS: 27-C2
Notes from DG Harry
The 27C2 District Convention is now history. Linda and I want to thank all
Lions, Lioness, Leo's, spouses and guests for attending. I think everyone left the
convention with at least one new idea and one new friend. We also want to thank
our International Director Larry Johnson and his wife Rachel for their updates and
words of wisdom. Also, we appreciated the humor and spirit of enthusiasm from
Lion Len Quinn. He and his leader dog Gingder are always welcome to our
conventions.
May is elections time for most Lions and Lioness clubs. If your club has not
scheduled your officer elections yet, please do so immediately. Some have already
done so as I have received a few PU-101's already. For all the rest of the clubs, as
soon as the elections are held, have the secretary complete the PU-101 (either
paper copy or on the computer) and send a copy to LCI, 300 22nd St., Oak Brook,
IL 60523 Also, a copy (again either paper or via e-mail) must be sent to DG-E
Bob Schonberg ASAP. His address is in the directory. Bob needs that copy in
May so he can update the directory for all club information including the names,
addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of all club Presidents, Secretaries,
and Treasurers.
Lastly, I want to congratulate Lions Bob and Shirley for accepting the positions
of District Governor and Vice District Governor. Ladies in Lionism has a new
meaning for our District with Shirley to be our first Vice District Governor. Enjoy
Spring.
Lioness News
by ADP Mary Jane Hirtz
Winter is still here is this part of the state but hopefully Spring is not far behind.
Our 27-C2 Lioness have been busy all winter long with numerous projects not only
helping their own communities but also generously giving to numerous Lions
projects.
I‘ve received reports from eight of our clubs who have so far this year given
over $14,000 to their local communities and over $18,000 to Lions projects. They
have also given of many hours of time to projects as vision and hearing screenings,
running local blood drives, running local food pantries, clothing, hat & mitten
drives. This is certainly the true meaning of what being a Lioness is all about.
57
I‘m proud to report that we have 15 new members in the last two months. This
is great news as we continue ―TO SERVE TOO‖.
The 27-C2 Lioness welcome the new Rhinelander Leos. I was at their induction
dinner and what an enthusiastic group.
Please keep up the great work.
Boulder Junction Reading Buddies
On a snowy, icy and blustery Friday in late January, four Boulder Junction
Lions (Dick Schreuder, Jim Tait, Darrell Shelby & John Ader) walked into North
Lakeland Elementary School to begin a new adventure. They reached the first
grade classroom taught by Gigi Bohm to listen to first graders read. Each ―buddy‖
took two children to the library and spent half an hour listening to them read, while
helping them pronounce words correctly and understand what they were reading.
This experience is repeated each Friday for 14 weeks until school ends for summer
vacation. The Lions found that reading with these first graders helped them to see
the world through the fresh eyes of young and energetic girls and boys.
In March, Lion Jim Hornbrook and friends of the Boulder Junction Lions Liz
Schreuder, Barbara Just and Joanne Ader expanded the group of reading
―buddies‖. The first graders love the extra attention and several have commented
that the readers remind them of their parents/grandparents. The ―buddies‖ leave
the school each day with great admiration for Mrs. Bohm, the teacher that channels
all that energy into learning. They also are excited about the proximity to such
wonderful and promising young people. Each Friday‘s session is ended by Lion
Schreuder with the Swedish phrase: ―Tack så mycket‖ which means ―Thank you
very much‖.
St. Germain Supports Caring For Kids
The St. Germain Lions Club recently donated $5,000 to the St. Germain
Community Park- ―Caring For Kids Project‖.
The project was formed to provide a safe place for all children to play. The
playground will be relocated to a more centralized location by the pavilion,
bathrooms, drinking fountain and recreational fields.
The new playground will have a 2-5 year old play structure and a 5-12 year old
play structure.
The Lion‘s club is proud to be able to help fund this project and is able to do so
with the continued support of the community through its many fund raising
activities.
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27-C2 Club News Round-Up
CABLE & AREA LIONS CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE DINNER had
served 237 which was a record turnout in its 25+ year history. ―Jazznocracy‖
provided music. All profits go to the local scholarship fund.
DEFIBRILLATOR PRESENTATION Cable & Drummond Town Chairs Lion
Larry Ludzack and Lion Bill DeVries. Dr. Rob Puls is at the right. After the
presentation, 50 people attended a class on defibrillators and CPR given by Dr.
Puls and the Great Divide Ambulance Service.
DARE DONATION - Cable & Area Lions President David Reichert presenting a
$1,500 check to Bayfield County deputies Tom Renz and Larry Loch for the
county‘s D.A.R.E. program.
FIFIELD LIONS TEAM UP WITH GIRLS SCOUTS to deliver Easter Baskets
to area elderly. Supplies were purchased from the Fifield Grocery Store who‘s
owners also put the baskets together. Total project cost since 1995 about $2000.
Pictured from left to right are: Lion Pastor Mary Jo Laabs, Lion Myron Laabs,
Lion Bud Chafer, Megan Griesel from girl scout troop 371, Gary Griesel president
of Fifield Lions.
GLIDDEN LIONS SEMI-ANNUAL BLOOD DRIVE - Pictured are Lions Carl
Kubley and Mary Ernest donating their pint at the American Red Cross
Bloodmobile. The Glidden High School Student Council helps set-up and contact
donors and 8 students donated blood.
HAZELHURST ACTIVITIES - Karen Kocovsky received the Lion of the Year
Award and John Kocovsky received the President‘s Award. Karen and John have
been active members since they joined the Hazelhurst Lions Club two years ago.
THE HAZELHURST LIONS hold 3 pancake breakfasts one in May, July, and
August. These breakfasts comprise one element of our three major fund raising
activities that we sponsor each year. Proceeds derived from the breakfasts are used
to fund local community concerns and programs, as well as, contributing to the
Wisconsin Lion‘s activities.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS & 2007 at the White Tail Lodge. The profits
from the fund raisers went towards the Hazlehurst community needs and the
Wisconsin Lion Organization.
IRMA LIONS held their annual Lincoln Industries picnic at Lions Park in Merrill
on Oct. 13th. Attendees included Irma Lions and Lincoln Industries employees and
there families. The picnic included lunch & a baseball game played by all
attending. Peterson bus service of Merrill donated transportation.
59
HAM SHOOT is conducted by selling pie slices of a 10‘ diameter pie on paper
which is shot at by a shotgun, the person with the most holes in there slice on the
particular target wins the ham. 45 targets were sold.
LAKE TOMAHAWK LIONS washed 19,00 pairs of used eyeglasses, checked
the prescription, labeled, and bagged 16,346 pairs of glasses in January and
February. Nineteen club members worked 411 hours on this annual project. Also,
3 Lioness members worked 60 hours, and 8 wives or widows of club members
donated 117 hours.
LION OF THE YEAR AWARD to Lion Jim Hancock. Pictured are the Lake
Tomahawk that attended the ceremony. From left to right, are Lions Herb Breske,
Ron Laska, Tom Klitzman, Dave Johnson, Dan Dosemagen, Dan O‘Connell,
Dennis Hirtz, and Bob Zimmerman.
MERCER LIONS ACTIVITIES Sponsored a hugely successful Annual Easter
Egg Hunt on Sat., Mar. 22nd at the Mercer School.
THE MERCER LIONS PARTICIPATED in Diabetes Day on March 25th with
an informational table at Snows Family Market manned by Lion Dave Minisan.
MERCER LIONESS ACTIVITIES The community greatly appreciated the
brochures and free glucometers given out on Diabetes Awareness Day at the
Associated Bank.
SPRING LUNCHEON PLANNED for May 17th at the Mercer Community
Building from 1-4pm. A Buffet lunch will be served and with the ―Von Drake
Dancers‖ performing. During intermissions ―The Heavenly Strings‖ will perform.
Tickets are available from Lioness Ann Bayer 715-476-2517. $12.
MERCER CENTENNIAL PINS are being sold by the club for $5 and were
designed by Lioness Char Lambert. If interested in a pin call Lioness Louise 715-
476-7655.
PHELPS LIONS held their annual Easter Egg Hunt
on Mar. 22nd for children up to 12 years of age. Forty-four children participated
along with many adults watching the games.
ICE GOLF TOURNAMENT held at Northern Exposure Restaurant in Phelps
supported Leader Dogs for the Blind. Seventeen golfers participated. Pictured
above left to right are winners Barb Olsen women‘s 2nd place: 75, Andrea McCrea
women‘s 1st place: 71, Autumn McCrea child 2nd place: 98, and Rob Fisher men‘s
2nd: 49. Not pictured was 1st place child Michael Franzen with a 83 and 1st place
men‘s Walt Franzen with a 47.
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NEWS: 27-D1
Notes from DG Rollie
The State Lions convention is held this month May 15-18, at the La Crosse
Center, La Crosse, Wisconsin. The Oktoberfest in May should really be a lot of fun
just like old Germany. It is held from 6:30-10:00 May 15 and the beer and brat‘s
will flow. I plan to wear my lederhosen and a complete German outfit and ask you
all to, ―Think Leadership so we serve better‖. There should be a lot of other
German‘s in the German dress for the occasion. The Friday night Pig roast is an
opportunity to pig out for Pride. This is a fund raiser for the Wisconsin Lions Pride
Campaign. I hope to see many of you at the Convention.
Lions Club Secretaries the PU 101, new Lions officer‘s form was due April 15.
If you have not sent it in to me then the State Directory may be published with the
last years officer‘s. It pays to do things on time.
Lions Club Presidents it is time to have your planning done for the year 2008-
2009. Remember P to the 5th Power (p/5). Prior Planning Prevents Poor
Performance is what it means. Think Leadership so we serve better. You should
have your year planned and that means a budget developed, Committee‘s
appointed, program plans for the year and what you plan to do about a membership
campaign. Remember I joined the Lions Organization 47 years ago and my age
was 25 years old. How many young members will you get this next year.
I would encourage more Lions Clubs and members to sign up to be a
transporter for the Wisconsin Lions Eye Bank. I have been a transporter for several
years and the DeForest Lions Club has February and August as the months to be
called. Last August I made four trips and in February I made three but had six
calls. Three were when I was visiting a Lions Club out in the District. I also had a
call in March and went because it was an emergency and the Clubs that were
responsible couldn‘t make the trip. Trips are normally 40-50 miles. My trips have
all been from the Eye Bank to Portage, West Field, Johnson Creek or Beaver Dam.
One trip I took a corneas out for an operation and brought back corneas to be
processed. What a great feeling to be part of someone being able to see again. Its
great to be a Lion.
It‘s spring hunting season and I plan to be gone turkey hunting 4/27-5/2 and
5/3-5/11 bear hunting in Canada. I have bagged 2 bear, 2 moose, 1 elk and 1
caribou in Canada in the past seven years. I eat everything I shoot.
See you next month for the last time.
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27-D1 Calendar
May
15-17 State Lions Convention Lacrosse
June
4 Madison Evening Visit
12-28 Bangkok, Thailand
All Clubs are scheduled
Wanted: Lions to be Mentored
by VDG John Jenson
Lions with a desire to gain additional training and development have the
opportunity to become Protégé Lions. These Lion will grow in skill and
responsibility.
To have a successful and satisfying relationship with a Mentoring Lion, the
Protégé Lion should: Have a strong desire to a part of a mentoring partnership,
understand and be able to communicate goals and objectives, take responsibility
for meeting goals, be willing to accept both positive feedback and constructive
criticism, be open to trying new things and taking chances, periodically review and
assess the progress of the mentoring relationship.
Since the Mentoring Lion and the Protégé Lion have an enormous impact on the
resulting partnership, each mentoring partnership will evolve in its own unique
way. However, there are some common characteristics to be found in successful
and satisfying mentoring partnerships. Chief among the characteristics for a
successful and satisfying mentoring relationship is the dedication and enthusiasm
of each partner.
In addition the following are also essential to a successful mentoring
relationship: Both partners must show mutual respect and trust is essential
between the Mentoring Lion and the Protégé Lion. The mentoring process is a
journey of knowledge and growth that requires the building of a unique
relationship. Realistic assessment of abilities and expectations of the relationship
are also keys to success. Finally, a successful mentoring relationship requires time
and attention. It is essential to schedule a regular, uninterrupted block of time for
meetings, conversations, or e-mails.
If you are interested in joining the program as a Protégé Lion, express your
interest to your club president or district leader. For further information check out
62
the Lions Mentoring Program – Mentorship Guide on the Lions Clubs International
website.
There‟s Still Time to Reach Your
Goals
by ADP Tammy Rockenbach
Two months left in our Lionistic year. Have you accomplished all of your goals
for the year? There still is time to do just that. Did your club start a new service
project or take on another fundraiser? Share the news with everyone. Several
clubs have become stale. They do the same things year after year. Many of your
newer members probably have some ideas. Get them involved and they will stay
with the club. All of us are afraid of change, but without change we die. New
members do not want to try to infiltrate the ―Good Ole Boys (Girls) Club‖, but
what happens when we see all the ―Good Ole Boys (Girls)‖ unable to attend
meetings because of poor health? The new members are what will help us to
accomplish the goals that we have set for ourselves. Get them involved now and
keep them involved for the years to come.
Donation Brings Latest Technology to
Albany Police
by Amy Ross & Lisa Bloedel, Editors-Hometown Herald
On March 4th at 9:00 a.m., the safety of the Albany Police officers became
strengthened and the community received increased police protection.
Albany police chief, Bob Levitt, had spent years writing grants and making
phone calls trying desperately to get funding for a new squad car computer
system. This new system would allow officers to run license plate checks on cars
before pulling them over. Officers frequently put themselves in danger, as they
walked towards an unknown car with an unknown driver inside. They relied on the
county dispatcher who would understandably be busy sometimes, making this a
time consuming and often times unused and unreliable option.
Grant after grant was denied. As a last resort, says Levitt, asked for help from
the Albany Lions. He approached the group at their monthly board meeting to ask
for the $5,000 needed to purchase and install the in-car computer. ―They didn‘t
even hesitate to give the donation,‖ says Levitt.
63
Two months later, the computer system is up and running and is already being
used for arrests. With a new system officers are connected to a nationwide data
base allowing them access to criminal files across the country. Albany officers are
also better able to keep track of who is in the Village at all times since any
information they need is right at their fingertips; including serial numbers on stolen
and suspect items The system is also networked with other departments making it
easy for Albany officers to talk directly with other officers when the need arises.
The department‘s three full- time and six part-time officers have all undergone
training and were eager to begin using the new system.
According to Levitt, ―The generosity of the Lions shows the officers that people
care about them. I can‘t begin to thank the Lions enough for this donation,‖
Levitt continues, ―This is a huge safety aspect for our department and we are
now better able to protect the citizens, and are now up to par with the other
departments in the state.‖
Stoughton Lions Provide Furniture
Straps
At least four Wisconsin toddlers have died and numerous others have been
injured in the past couple of years due to furniture falling on them. Young children
love to climb and can suffer serious injuries when furniture tips.
The Consumer Products Safety Commission recommends that latches be in
stalled on lower drawers and furniture straps be used to secure furniture to a wall.
The Stoughton Lions recognized this danger a couple of years ago and have
been providing free furniture straps to the community ever since.
According to Lion Dick Kratz, ―We‘ve provided around 500 straps to families
with small children. My surprise has been the number of Grandparents that ask for
them.‖
Straps are currently available at: T. D. Automotive, the Stoughton Police
Department, Asleson True Value, Stoughton Garden Center and from any
Stoughton Lion.
Thank You
This Thank you is addressed to District Governor Roland ―Rollie‖ Manthe,
Lions, Lioness, and individuals who helped fund the purchase of specialized
equipment for the two blind students...
64
Logan Mish‘s mother wrote ―I can‘t thank you enough for what you have done
for my son. It is so nice to know there are such nice people out there. Logan has
made a lot of progress since he has received this wonderful equipment. His grades
went from F‘s to C‘s. Thanks to all of you. I hope one day we can help someone as
much as you‘s have helped Logan. Thank you again & again & again. Shelly (
Logan‘s Mother)‖.
Logan asked his mother to say, ―thanks for everything, Logan‖.
Isn‘t it great to be a Lion and help individuals in our communities. This is what
Lionism is all about.
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NEWS: 27-D2
Notes from DG Norm
The club visits have been very rewarding. All the clubs are doing great services
for the citizens of their area. Assistance to the projects of the District, the State,
and the International is provided by funding and volunteering. I am very proud of
the Lions in this District. Keep up the good work.
The 2008 State Lions Convention is May 15-17 at the LaCrosse Center. I
encourage the members of 27-D2 to attend all or part of this event. The Convention
Committee is providing more educational presentations to benefit everyone. You
will find more convention information in this newspaper.
DG-E Lion Mike Kelly is planning the 2008 – 09 District Lion year. Please
accept his offer to be a member of his Cabinet. It is very rewarding. Please get
your club new officers information to him when you know who they are. Do not
wait until the official election. This will get the correct information in the
Directory.
Members of the District Cabinet are available to assist you and your club in any
way. Please use their knowledge and assistance to expand and/or improve your
members.
The Club Secretary should have mailed the monthly membership report to the
DG, VDG, Zone Chair, Region Chair & LCI by today.
Lioness News
by Lioness Loretta Ewelt, ADP
Your club should have their 2008-09 officers selected. Please get your new
officer forms to me and VDG Mike. We want this to be correct in the new
directory. With great efforts on your part, mine and VDG Mike we can be
successful again.
Get ready for State convention. It‘s here in our backyard, LaCrosse. The
Lioness will be at hospitality night on Friday. Lionesses are asked to bring bars,
cookies, or candies, which don‘t need to be refrigerated. Since it is being held in
our district please help. If you can‘t bring them yourself let me know and we can
get them there for you. There will be a Past President social Friday evening at City
Brewery from 5 to 7 pm. On Saturday there will be a Lioness session from 9 to
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10:30 am: title ―What New in Lioness‖. It is going to be a great time! There are a
lot of seminars and things to do. Join us all.
The 27-D2 Lioness will be holding a raffle at the State Convention. We are
asking each club to contribute something valued at $25 to be raffled off. They can
be like the items we asked for Lions Camp Open house.
DG Norman‟s Schedule
May
1 Club Officer Training, LaCrosse
7 West Salem Lions
12 Prairie du Chien 25th Anniversary
14 Council of Governors Meeting
15- 18 State Lions Convention
28 Gays Mills Lions Visit
ADP Loretta‟s Schedule
May
1 Officer‘s Training
5 Onalaska Lioness visit
7 My club meeting
14 Cranberry Country Lioness visit
15-17 State Convention
17 College Graduation
31 State Advisory Meeting – Rosholt
Elroy Lions Radio Days
The Elroy Lions held their 39th Annual Radio Days on WNFM 104.9
Reedsburg on March 29 and 30. And it was another huge success.
Along with 30 motel packages were tickets to Crystal Grand performances,
Wisconsin Dells getaway packages and a beautiful wildlife print to be auctioned
off. There were plenty of trivia questions with the winners receiving nice prizes.
And of course there were the amateur radio announcers interviewing guests and
reading ads from the wonderful local sponsors who faithfully support us every
year.
As usual we had some great guests this year. First up on Saturday was a
representative of the Wisconsin Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
She had some interesting information on what it is, who gets it and why, what
symptoms it can cause, and how it‘s diagnosed and treated. She was followed
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by Cindy Kanarowski, the owner of Red Ridge Ranch riding stable at Mauston.
She spoke of their day camp for young horse lovers, trail rides and the special
shows and events at Red Ridge Ranch.
This coming September the Elroy Lions are adding to the Apple Dumpling Day
races they sponsored last year with a half marathon called the Elroy Tunnel Trails
Half Marathon. Tim Nelson an avid runner, and Lion Randy Board our
Lions Club‘s race organizer spoke on the upcoming races and some of what goes
into training for the longer races. Elroy Fair Board members were the final guests
of the day talking about the events in this year‘s Fair which will be June 26th
through the 29th. The theme this year is ―Lettuce Entertain Ewe‖.
Starting off the Sunday program was the popular host of Discover Wisconsin,
Stephanie Klett. This is the 12th consecutive year that Steph has taken the time to
join us for our Radio Days program. As usual she had interesting info on exciting
Wisconsin places and events.
Next on the program was the enthusiastic Wisconsin Lions Camp Operations
Manager Andrea Yenter. Anyone who has ever met Andrea will testify to the
dedication she has to the Camp and to the campers. As a former camper with
hearing problems Andrea knows what a boost a week long camping experience can
give to kids who have never had a chance to go camping like other kids. Since its
beginning in 1956, the Wisconsin Lions Camp has been dedicated to providing a
quality camping experience free-of-charge to Wisconsin residents with
disabilities. Typical camp activities include swimming, canoeing, sailing, paddle
boating, inner tubing, kayaking, rowing, fishing, archery, crafts, nature programs,
sports and games, overnight camping and cookouts, canoe trips, hiking trips,
challenge courses and much more! All program activities are targeted to the child‘s
abilities and are paced accordingly to provide each camper with a memorable
experience at the Wisconsin Lions Camp. Among the many things Andrea talked
about was the new Health Lodge just completed last year. Because of the extra
individual needs of the campers this has been a welcome addition.
The final guest of the weekend was Dan Peterson the Visitor Services Manager
at the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge. He spoke of the many programs
available at the Refuge and the advantages of the new visitor center that should be
completed in 2010. NNWR is where the whooping cranes are raised and trained for
the whooping crane reintroduction program. Dan said as of last Friday 7 whooping
cranes had returned to the refuge from Florida. There is much more to the refuge
than cranes. Some hunting and fishing is permitted in season. Nature observation
and photography are popular with a two tier observation tower and a wildlife
photography blind and many walking trails.
The weekend program ended with an hour long motels close-out and after it
was all over many of the hard working Lions celebrated with a much deserved
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pizza party. This is one of the Club‘s biggest fund raising projects but takes a lot of
work from all the members.
Final „07 Deer Hide Totals
by Lion Bud Greene
Once again our District did a great job collecting deer hides for our Lions
Camp.
On January 4th, 577 deer hides were loaded and sent to the hide buyer from
West Salem.
West Salem – 79
St. Joseph‘s Ridge – 66
Nicks Bar – 13
Fox Hollow – 5
Onalaska – 11
Mormon Coulee – 70
Desoto – 19
Seneca – 61
Stoddard – Genoa – 139
Coon Valley – 82
Mindoro – 32
Lion Jim Friske also took 362 deer hides to the buyer in Strum, WI. These were
collected from the following areas:
Elroy – 132
Oakdale – 129
Mauston – 59
Wilton – 27
I also took 10 more hides to the Camp so our 27D2 total for the 2007 Deer Hide
Project was 934.
Thank you to all who were involved in the deer hide collection, and if you
know someone who was involved be sure to thank them for their help. If it wasn‘t
for them we would not be getting the numbers of deer hides we are getting.
Planning for Next Year in Full Swing
by DG-E Mike Kelley
February and March are when Vice District Governors (VDG) are in the
process of building their cabinet for the year they will be Governor. The selection
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is a very important and time-consuming process as the cabinet is an extension of
the Governor. It‘s very heartwarming when you ask someone to take a cabinet
position and they agree citing their willingness to help promote Lionism. When the
incoming cabinet is complete, the VDG can give a sigh of relief, as he/she knows
there will be a lot of help and support for their year.
Officer Training for incoming 27-D2 officers will be held April 29 at New
Lisbon, April 30 at Richland Center and May 1 in La Crosse. More information
will be sent to all clubs. It is very important for new incoming officers to attend a
training session. The DG-E will work with the presidents and vice presidents while
the VDG-E will work with the other officers.
It‘s also a good time to socialize with other new officers and pick up new ideas.
Remember our motto is, WE SERVE, so we should try our best in Lionism.
Bus Donated for Mission
The Richland Center Lions Club donated a 77 passenger school bus packed full
of medical supplies, used eye glasses and school & sewing supplies to the February
Mission to Mexico.
The bus was donated by the Totino–Grace High School in Fridley, MN to the
Richland Center club. The club in turn made a donation to the school.
Richland Center Lions Dick and Lorraine Dalberg arranged the entire
transaction including driving the bus to Richland Center. Lion Bill Dutton
provided temporary storage for the bus and space to load it full. Supplies and
funding came from 27-D2, the Coon Valley and Boaz Lions, local medical
institutions, WLF and the Peace Methodist Church.
The Dalberg‘s, with grandson Justin Lee as an interpreter and Lion Sharon
Harness traveled to Altimira-Tampico, MX where the Mission fit 2,440 people
with glasses in 3 1/2 days.
Six students from the Universidad Autonoma de Tamaulipas in Monterrey, MX
came to Rio Bravo and traveled down to Altimira with us. Their school received
the bus. We were happy to have them work with us and they were thankful for the
bus. The Mexican people are very grateful for everything we do.
Warrens Lions Blood Drive:
by Lion Pat Hart
On Monday March 10th 2008 the Warrens Lions Club held its 4th annual blood
drive in conjunction with the American Red Cross. The event was held at the
Warrens Lions Log Building from 2:30 – 7:00PM.
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Pancakes, Sausage and Beverages were given to those who donated to the
event.
The method in which Lion Henry is donating his blood is different than most.
This process is known as ―Automated Red Blood Donation‖. This method with use
of the machine enables the donation of two units of blood at a time. Typically one
unit at a time is donated. This machine doubles the amount that can be retrieved
from a single donor.
PDG Dinner or Shot Gun Wedding?
THE CAMP DOUGLAS LIONS held the Annual PDG Night on Feb. 13th.
Attendees Lion Rolf and his wife Lynnette were surprised with a mock wedding in
honor of their 49th wedding anniversary! Pictured as the bride is Lion Gary Frei.
The groom (in the chef‘s hat of course) is Lion Jim Hayward‘s wife Terry. The
maid of honor is Lion Rob Stanton and the groomsman is Lion Rob Stanton‘s wife
Joleen. The Preacher (the tallest and most honorable) is Lion Jim Hayward. 14 of
the 22 Past District Governors and their wives attended.
News Briefs
PEACE POSTER CONTEST - The clubs planning to have a local student(s)
participating in the contest for 2008-2009 should begin now. The schools will
begin planning the classes for next year before the end of this year. You must get
the kit information to the class instructor. Every club should be promoting this
program. The District Governor needs the completed poster before November 15,
2008 for District judging. The winning poster must be submitted to the Council
Chairman no later than December 1, 2008 for judging. The winning poster will
sent Lions International for judging.
MEMBERSHIP REPORTS - Do you have members that are not receiving the
Lion Newspaper? Do you have new members? Do you have dropped members?
Do you have members that have an address change? If you answer any question
with a yes, your club dues payment could have an error and members may not get
proper communications. The club secretary is responsible for submitting the
Monthly Membership Report at the end of each month. As of March 12, 2008, we
have 1 club that last reported for May, 2007; 2 clubs that last reported for June,
2007; 1 club that last reported for July, 2007; 1 club that last reported for August,
2007; 1 club last reported for October, 2007; 2 clubs last reported for December,
2007, and 4 clubs that last reported for January, 2008.
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NEWS: 27-E1
Notes from DG Sam
It is not just a contest. It is a program to help young people and others think
about peace
Each year 350,000 11-13 year old students from around the world draw their
dreams of peace in a picture for our Lions Peace Poster Contest. The theme for
2008-2009 is ―Peace Begins With Me‖.
By creating a ―Peace Poster‖, students are working for peace and helping all of
us envision peace for our global village. In this process the students, their parents,
art teachers, judging teams, friends, Lioness, and Lions all are challenged to think
about peace.
Into our war torn lives, marked by hatred, prejudice, and killings, come the
Lions with their purpose of ―creating and fostering a spirit of understanding among
the peoples of the world.‖ The Peace Poster Contest is one way we live out this
purpose.
The Turtle Lake Lions Club has a simple yet effective way of implementing the
Peace Poster Contest.
A Peace Poster Contest Kit is ordered from Lions Clubs International.
A Lion meets with the art teacher and explains the rules and theme of the
contest.
The middle school art teacher works with the students in creating their vision of
peace.
A panel of judges chooses the top five posters.
The Lions give monetary prizes to the top five and a gift certificate to the
teacher. They also give a small prize to every student who submits a poster.
Pictures are taken for the local newspaper.
Each year at Lions‘ Day at the United Nations in New York, the winner from
the 350,000 entries is introduced and the student addresses the Lions gathered. It is
very special to hear the student explain their drawing and thoughts of peace. Lions
from around the world are giving these future leaders a way of working for peace.
The time is now for your club to be a part of changing the world. Make plans to
do the following:
1. Appoint a Peace Poster Committee for your club.
2. Order a ―Peace Poster Kit‖ from Lions Clubs International.
3. Talk with the middle school art teacher now so that in planning for the fall,
the Peace Poster Contest will be worked into the curriculum.
Lions and Lioness literally change the world.
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Our mission is service that makes a difference in the world. ―Together in
Service‖, we are working for peace.
Great Day on the Ice
Pictured are some of the winners of the Lake Holcombe Lions Ice Fishing
Contest held February 16th. Front row, left to right: Steve Herriges and Emma
Herriges, (Emma won $1,000 for her school in Chippewa Falls with the largest fish
caught by a student), a 20 1/2‖ northern; Walker Kalepp $100 for largest crappie
(11 3/4‖); and Scott Platson, $100 for largest northern (22 1/2‖). Second row:
Kevin Spaeth, $100 largest walleye (12‖); Roger Spaeth, $100 largest bass (14‖);
Lake Holcombe Lions Vice President Ron Plumer representing the club; Bud
Young $50 and Keith Stickney $50 a tie with these two for largest perch, both
caught 9-inchers. Missing are Jake Midmer, largest blue gill at 8 1/4‖; Becky
Young and Eriq Jones who tied for the second place prize of $500 in the student
competition, each taking $250 to their schools in Ladysmith and Flambeau. Also
missing is the student who took third place, Jacob Brock who took $250 home to
his middle school in Marshfield.
Costs Rising Faster Than Donations
Jeopardizing Camp and Other State Wide Projects
by Jerry Zais, WLF Director
During the past Lionistic year, 78 Lions and Lioness clubs gave $25.00 or less
as their annual contribution to the six Statewide Lions Programs. In fact, 57 gave
no donation. Of this group, 21 of that number came from our District, 27-E1. This
has a dramatic effect on the administration of these programs, to the point where
each of these programs faces serious changes. The most important program, of
course, is the camping experience which is the Genesis of the Wisconsin Lions
Foundation, but even that program is not covered by Lions donations.
Director Kaiser and I see the necessity to change this practice of non-giving, at
the very least on our District 27-E1 level. Our District Convention will be held in
the middle of April, and those clubs not having chosen to donate will be contacted
by one of us after that event, in the hopes that an annual giving can be
accomplished.
Make no mistake, our District has some very generous Lions Clubs, who
support our State Wide efforts, along with almost all of our Lioness Clubs. That
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generosity aids in keeping these Programs afloat, but are not assuring that the
rising cost of expenses in all areas of operation are being met. It is becoming an
increasing challenge to meet these expense requirements.
Would you please peruse the article recently submitted by our District Governor
Sam Kochel, relative to this focus on giving? He expresses it much better than I am
able to relay. And remember also, that Director Dave Kaiser and I are very willing
to attend one of your gatherings to explain in greater detail about the direction of
the WLF responsibility to administer our State Programs. Currently, 17 Clubs
have been visited by me, but there are 3 months still left this year, so if you are so
inclined, contact Dave or myself.
―WE SERVE‖
Successful Vision Screening Training
by Lion Tom Mlsna
Last November District 27-E1 had 25 of its members certified for vision
screening in Rice Lake. Tami Radwill traveled from Madison to put on the
training. A special thanks goes out to Tami and to Lions Eldon Vrieze and Karl
Schmid and their significant others for providing us with a wonderful location for
the training, not to mention their fabulous coffee and treats.
I will be contacting Tami to set up this year‘s training session for mid-October.
Please mention this to your club and remind the members that they need to be
recertified every 3 years.
I would also like a report from every club sent to either mlsnat@hotmail.com
or to me at:
19091 67th Avenue
Chippewa Falls WI 54729
Please include how many members you have that are certified, how many
would like to be certified this fall, and how many kids have been screened. I
would like to report on the total numbers, not an individual club. Please respond
even if your club has no certified members or has not screened any kids yet. If you
have a story about your screening experience, please send it. I would like to share
this with others so they can see what we get for pay backs for the work we do.
Submit Your PU101 ASAP
by Phil Duecker, 27E1 CS/T
Attention 27-E1 Secretaries: Please submit a copy of your PU101 for the next
fiscal year as soon as possible. We need this information to begin working on the
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State Directory for 2008/2009. You can send it to: DGE Karl Schmid, 2271 21st
St., Rice Lake, WI 54868
Lioness Support Relay for Life
by Lioness Phyllis Wilder ADP
Ah, spring has sprung. There is something invigorating about this time of year.
Everything is turning green and the first spring flowers are blooming. It recharges
the mind and soul. This is very evident in the P&A reports coming in. They are in
the planning stages of the fundraisers and service projects that go on throughout
the summer months.
One such project is supporting the American Cancer Society‘s Relay for Life or
Walk/Runs that are held in our communities.
Cancer has most certainly touched each and every one of us either by losing a
loved one or knowing the joy that they beat the odds and are now cancer free.
Although this isn‘t a Lions sponsored project, it illustrates the diverse
compassion we Lioness have in keeping with our universal motto ―We Serve Too‖.
Participating in ACS‘s Walk/Runs or Relay for Life is a gr-r-reat service project
as it benefits the cause and gives us excellent exposure to the public.
These are two things that are vital to our growth as a club. It also gives us the
opportunity to spread the word about Lionism!
Good Luck with all your projects planned for this summer and keep up the Gr-
r-reat work!
Siren Lioness Celebrate Success
Another great year for the Siren Lioness. The thrill of installing seven
new members was like icing on the cake for our Lioness Club this year.
As always our major fund raisers the summer BBQ and pie sale, and our annual
three-day Labor Day yard sale in conjunction with the Siren Lions were both huge
successes. We also raised $300 by baking and serving cookies at Christmas.
These FUN fund raisers enabled our club to contribute more than $3,000 to
various Wisconsin Lions Foundation projects and Campaign SightFirst II, $1,500
in scholarships to three qualified students and another $3,500 to community
referrals and requests. That in addition to donating food and other necessities to
the local food shelves, furniture and monetary donations to families in
need, Christmas gifts to the women and children‘s crisis shelter, providing lunches
for Habitat for Humanity, treats to Diversified Services and sending caps, school
supplies, toys and sunglasses to the Mission for Mexico.
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Our Yarn Tree project yielded 237 warm hats, scarves and mittens to children
in need. We also hosted our annual Santa Day providing, goodie bags, lunch and
pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus for the children of our community and we once
again aided the Siren Lions by helping decorate a Christmas tree at Fort Folle
Avoine Historic Park which is then raffled to raise monies for the Fort.
We‘ve had a very successful year and feel fortunate to be able to share and TO
SERVE.
Area Kids Love Annual Easter Egg
Hunt
SPOONER-TREGO LIONS annual Easter Egg Hunt for hundreds of local
children was another success! Shown are the main winners; many other prizes
were awarded for ―lucky‖ egg finders. A Lion member Easter Bunny with Lion
Dan Makosky directing made a fun morning.
Clear Lake‟s Latest MJFs
Left to Right: Clear Lake President Travis Hayden with Melvin Jones Fellows
Lyman Dreier, Alvin Paulson, Ronald Leibl and DG-Elect Karl Schmid.
Clear Lake Fund Raisers & Donations
by Edward J. Greschner
The Clear Lake Lions Club conducted five fundraisers from July 2007 to
March, 2008. Results of the funds raised totaled $7,825 in contributions to the
following: park playground equipment; donation to the Community Center; local
fire victims; Clear Lake Manor residents; Christmas hams to the local food pantry;
Polk County Drug Awareness Program; Wisconsin Lions Foundation; Lions Clubs
International Foundation; Mission to Mexico; SightFirst II Program; Leader Dog;
Wisconsin Lions Camp; and Amery's Leo Club Charter.
There was a three-generations club membership in November, and three
Melvin Jones were awarded in December.
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NEWS: 27-E2
Notes from DG Rod
During 1984 the Pointer Sisters had a hit record which contained the lyrics ―I‘m
so excited I just can‘t hide it‖. That is precisely how I feel about all the great things
that are happening right now in 27-E2.
All of the 45 Governor Visitations attended by me and Lion Judy to date have
been fantastic. We both appreciate the warm reception, new friends and delicious
food. Lions have also been patient in listening to me boast about Lions
International and the great things being accomplished by Lions Clubs in this
district. We have also learned many new things from the clubs we visited that will
make our home club, River Falls, even more successful.
We have three more certified Lions: Zone Chair/MERLO Extension Chair
Doug Fleming, VDG Forrest Nutter and MERLO Leadership Chair and PDG Dan
Geske. The addition of these Lions brings the number of District Lions who are
certified to over a dozen. In order to be appointed by the DG to be a mentor for
new clubs, Lions must be certified through a process established by LCI. Our
district is now poised and ready to handle the addition of new Lions Clubs.
27-E2 Lions just concluded the 23rd annual district convention. There were
over 240 registered Lions in attendance which included 16 ―first timers‖. I
appreciate the hard work put in by the convention committee and chairperson Lion
Judi Schmitt. The feedback has been great and will assist Lion Forrest Nutter of
the Eleva-Strum area Lions as he becomes District Governor and plans the 2009 -
24th annual convention. Look for additional convention reports on this page.
Last year 27-E2 Lions raised almost five hundred thousand dollars through
various fundraising activities in the communities of Western Wisconsin that are
fortunate to be the home of a Lions Club. Of that total amount some 75% or
almost $375,000 dollars were funneled back to those communities to assist the
needy and to improve the general well being of its citizens. During this past
convention parade of checks, with not all clubs reporting, $85,000 was donated to
various Lions sponsored activities from WLF to Camp Needlepoint.
The next big event for Lions is the MD27 State Convention that will be held at
the Convention Center next to the Radisson Hotel in LaCrosse. Only every few
years is the state convention held in a location convenient for our 27-E2 Lions.
With LaCrosse being as close as 30 minutes for some of our Lions this is an
outstanding opportunity for you to attend a state convention that includes
educational seminars, a river cruise and a bus tour of LaCrosse. So come and join
Judy and me in La Crosse May 16-17th.
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27-E2 Calendar
May
16-17 MD 27 State Convention
Radisson La Crosse
17 District Cabinet Meeting
Radisson La Crosse
20 River Falls Lions
Recognition Night
June
23-27 Lions International Convention
Bangkok, Thailand
Looking Forward
by DGE Forrest Nutter
As we look back at our just completed District Convention, I would like to take
the opportunity to thank all those who supported me as I ―more‖ officially take on
the role of Governor ―elect‖. I look forward to the challenges of the oncoming year
and want to let all those who have given (monetarily, time, labor and any other
way) to the District during the past year. I also want to thank those who have
already indicated a willingness to stay in positions, or just now have decided to
come into positions, on the cabinet for the next Lionistic year. Each year holds new
challenges, and I know that the knowledge and wisdom that those staying on
cabinet bring with them will help greatly and the energy and desire of the new
members will also serve us well. As I look to fill some still existing positions I
would hope that anyone who is interested will drop me an e-mail or give me a call,
even if it is only to say they have an interest for the future. I know the commitment
seems high at time, but the efforts are rewarded with the results we see.
Politics are a part of the world we live in and I hope that the politics that exist in
our organization does not cause some of you to turn away from the opportunity to
help and to extend you involvement in Lions to a step above what you have already
done. We certainly need new ―blood‖, not just new by age, but new by thoughts
and ideas and drive to do what is best. In meeting with some of the clubs I have
seen some dissatisfaction with what is going on, both in those clubs, at the District,
State and International levels. The way to make it better is to bring your hard hats
and boots and get involved. We need all of you, not just those that think as I do, or
as the past leaders do, but all of the Lions that have already said ―I want to make a
difference‖. You said that when you became a Lion. Have a great month and
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spring (if it ever gets here). Send me a note at Zonker@triwest.net, or give me a
call at 715-695-3487. I welcome the input.
27-E2 Has an Opening for a WLF
Director
The District E2 Cabinet is seeking qualified Lions of the District who may be
interested in becoming a Wisconsin Lions Foundation (WLF) Director.
PDG and WLF Director Marv Lansing resigned from the board effective March
19, 2008.
In his letter to WLF President Greg Pryor Lion Marv said ―I have been
impressed with the sincere dedication of both the Directors and the Foundation
Staff and I wish all of you well as you work to continue the success of the
Foundation‖.
District Governor Rod Rommel has appointed IPDG Dan Gaeu to fill in the
position until nominations and an election can be held at the E2 District Meeting at
the MD 27 State Convention.
In order to qualify for WLF Director Lions must have
been a club president and
served three years as a board of director for their club as well as
either a District Cabinet Secretary / Treasurer or Zone/Region Chair.
If you fit these qualifications and are interested in becoming a WLF Director
please contact District Governor Rod Rommel at rodrommel@comcast.net or
phone 715-425-2726.
River Falls Lions Club To Host E2
Golf Tournament May 10, 2008
There are only a few spots left for golfers to participate in the 2008 E2 District
Golf Tournament. Contact event chairperson Lion Fletcher Baker at 715-425-2484
to find out more about the event and to reserve your place as soon as possible.
The River Falls Lions Club will host the 27-E2 district golf outing Saturday
May 10, 2008 at Troy Burne Golf Course just South of Hudson on County Road F.
Troy Burne was carefully scripted out of 420 acres of rolling St. Croix Valley hills.
The course features 120 bunkers protecting generous greens. The front nine
incorporates sprawling mounds covered in native fescue grasses while the back
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nine dives into a quiet hollow surrounded by wooded acres including four man-
made lakes and a bubbling Burne, the Scottish name for a creek.
The event starts with registration at 10:30 AM Saturday May 10th. You can hit
unlimited balls at the driving range and take in a free chipping lesson by club pro
Dave Tentis. Lunch will be served at 11:00 AM and the four person best ball
scramble shot gun start begins at noon. The day will be toped off with a social
hour beginning at 5:00 PM followed by a dinner and an awards ceremony. You
will have an opportunity to participate in fun games and prizes. The price is
$90.00 per golfer with all food included, professional golf lesson, and free range
balls along with complementary beverages. The net proceeds from the event will
be divided equally between the Wisconsin Lions Camp and the St. Croix Valley
Free Clinic.
Troy Burne golf course was designed by golf pro Tom Lehman and has hosted
professional golf competition. Don‘t miss this opportunity to play one of the
regions top courses and to socialize with your fellow Lions.
Black River Falls Lion Wins DG‟s Pin
Raffle
For the past seven months when District Governor Rod Rommel made his
visitations to District Lions Clubs he dragged along a tag board with the outline of
all the USA states printed on it including a pin from each state from the 1993
Minneapolis International Convention. Governor Rommel at each visitation sold
raffle tickets to raise money for the district general fund. One ticket was draw at
the conclusion of the raffle at the Saturday Evening ―Celebration of Success‖ at the
District Convention held on March 15, 2008. Lion Jon Rush from the Black River
Falls Lions Club had the winning ticket drawn from the fish bowl holding over 800
raffle tickets. Governor Rommel personally delivered the beautiful and
professionally framed pin set to Lion Rush the Wednesday following the close of
the convention. Governor Rommel thanks all Lions and friends who purchased
chances to win the pin set.
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27-E2 Election Results In:
Eleva-Strum Area Lion Next District Governor
At the E2 District Lions Convention held March 14-15th Lion Forrest Nutter of
the Eleva-Strum Area Lions Club was elected E2 District Governor for the
Lionistic year of 2008-2009. Forrest has been a Lion for 19 very active years. He
has been his club‘s president twice, treasurer for three terms, zone chair and region
chair. Lion Forrest also served as Cabinet secretary/treasurer during 1994-1995.
Lion Forrest was elected last year as Vice District Governor. Forrest said ―I can
guarantee each Lion in our District that I will do my best to lead our District as we
enter the new Lionistic year. I certainly don‘t have all the answers, but I will work
to find those I don‘t have and will all ways do my best to represent all Lions of our
District in a strong and professional way‘. District Governor Elect Forrest will be
officially sworn in as governor at the Lions International Convention in Bangkok
Thailand and begin his duties for the district upon his return.
Alma Lion Elected VDG
Lion Connie LeCleir-Meyer of the Alma Lions club was elected Vice District
Governor for E2 at the 23rd annual District Convention held on March 14-15th at
the Plaza Hotel & Suites in Eau Claire Wisconsin. In his nomination speech PID
Ron Duffe stated that Lion Connie, if elected as District Governor next year would
be only the 6th female Lion Governor in the history of Lions in the State of
Wisconsin.
Lion Connie will serve as Vice District Governor for the 2008-2009 Lionistic
year. Connie is a seven year Lion who has served her club as a 100% president
and a 100% treasurer. She also served as club membership chair and lead or
assisted in numerous fundraisers for the Alma Lions. Connie has also served her
District Cabinet for the past six years as Zone Chair, Region Chair and Region
Director. Connie said ―I ask myself the question: What can I do to become a better
Lion? I would like to see those who serve receive the best of what we can offer
them, and it starts with taking a look at what we are now, and learn ways to
improve ourselves for the benefit of others we serve‖. Connie‘s father, Tom
LeCleir led the same District E2 as Governor in 1985-1986.
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Sahaja Gypsy Dancers Perform at
District Convention
Lions and guests attending the E2 District Convention Friday evening March
14th were treated to an entertaining performance by the Sahaja Gypsy Tribe of
Menomonie Wisconsin. Four of members of the ―Tribe‖ performed several
routines of belly dancing which kept the crowds attention for 45 minutes. The
group was accompanied by background music and drums. For the last dance all
Past District Governors of E2 along with Past International Directors Wayne
Heiman of Wisconsin and Scott Storms of Connecticut were participants to the
delight of the crowd.
News Briefs
ALTOONA LIONS Gordon (left) & Marie Kelley (right) presenting $500 to
Salvation Army in Eau Claire Wisconsin. Gordon and Marie also presented $500
to the St. Francis Food Pantry that same day.
ALTOONA LIONS Donate to Salvation Army and Food Shelf.
LION TOM RUTLEGE received Altoona Lion‘s Lion of the Year At the club‘s
Governors Night February 13, 2008.
CHIPPEWA VALLEY YOUTH CHOIRS performing at the District E2
Convention with Miss Wisconsin.
PEACE POSTER WINNER KATIE WETZSTEIN presented with $100 State
winners check at Convention. (left to right) Kristina Thompson, Miss Wisconsin;
Katie Wetzstein 13 years old, Peace Poster Winner; Diane Wetzstein mother of
Katie; and Doug Wetzstein, father
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CLASSIFIEDS
100 MD27 Contacts
COUNCIL CHAIR
TERRY PETERS
605 Broadmore Drive
Hartford, WI 53027
262-366-6591
tpeters@QG.com
IMMEDIATE PAST
INTL. DIRECTOR
WAYNE HEIMAN (Cheryl)
520 Grove St.
Manawa, WI 54949
608-596-2739
heimanwc@wolfnet.net
STATE OFFICE
Mary Lee Wiza
State Secretary
2809 Post Road
Stevens Point, WI 54481
715-341-2277
lionstat@sbcglobal.net
LIONS EYE BANK OF WI
David Butters
Executive Director
2302 International Ln, Ste 200
Madison, WI 53704
608-233-2354
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WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION OFFICE
Evett J. Hartvig
Executive Administrator
3834 County Road A, Rosholt, WI 54473
715-677-4969
877-463-6953
ehartvig@wlf.info
WLF-LIONS PRIDE CAMPAIGN OFFICE
Geri Schlender
Campaign Coordinator
3834 County Road A
Rosholt, WI 54473
715-677-7000
877-463-6953
pride@wlf.info
110 Upcoming Dates
MAY
15 Council of Governors Meeting, LaCrosse
16-17 MD27 State Convention; LaCrosse
30-6/1 DG & WLF Director Orientation;
Stevens Point & Lions Camp
JUNE
23-27 LCI Convention
120 Conventions/Trainings
STATE CONVENTION
May 16-17, 2008 - La Crosse
LCI CONVENTIONS
June 23-27, 2008
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Bangkok, Thailand
USA/CANADA LIONS
LEADERSHIP FORUM
Sept. 18-20, 2008
Saskatoon Saskatchewan
200 Anniversaries
APRIL
MAY
Green-Glen - 25 Years
JUNE
Oak Creek - 50 Years
Maine - 50 Years
600 Melvin Jones Fellows
A2 - Thiensville-Mequon
ROBIN OLSEN
D1 - Cottage Grove
ELLERY JENSEN
D1 - UW Madison
SARAH STEENBLOCK
E1 - Clear Lake
LYMAN DREIER
E1 - Clear Lake
RON LEIBL
E1 - Clear Lake
ALVIN PAULSON
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E2 - Altoona
HELEN ZUBALTIS
E2 - Eau Claire Noon
THOMAS PEARSON
610 Birch Sturm Fellows
D1 - DeForest
DG ROLLIE MANTHE
D1 - Madison Central
JODI BURMESTER
620 Knight of Sight Fellows
C2 – St. Germaine
DR. MIKE GELINAS
700 WLF Donations
Send Memorials/Gifts by issuing a check payable to WLF and in the Memo
Portion print, ―Sam Smith Memorial,‖ ―Brown 35th Anniversary,‖ etc.
Memorials/Gifts are deposited in the WLF Endowment Fund.
* Denotes Lions Pride Campaign Donations
IN MEMORY OF ........
GERALD “GERRY” ANDERSON
Oscar & Hazel Franseen
Ted, Nancy, & Joey Tamminga
CLETUS BAINBRIDGE
Joe & Jerry Goeman
WALTER BECKER
Mike & Diane McMeeken
ANABEL A. BERG
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Connie Huempfner
STEVEN P. BLANK
DG Norman K. Rowe
WILLIAM C. “BILL” BREY
Fredonia Lions Club
LEWIS BRUBAKER
Elks Brothers
JOSEPH “JOE” BURDEAU
Lyle ―Bob‖ Buckman
CLARENCE BUSS
Betty & Jim Guy, Jr. PDG
DOROTHY BUSSIERE
Lyle ―Bob‖ Buckman
PETER CAPPOZZO
Tom & Betty Clausen
CARL CHRISTENSEN
Ralph & Ginny Neumueller
PETER A. CHRISTENSEN
Michael & Rebecca Bark
James & Sharon Debo
Genny DeRoo
James & Debbie Dubiel
Melissa Frankiewicz
Jack & Eleanor Hobbs
Perry & Deborra Huyck
Patrick & Sandra Johnson
Michael Kendziora
Brian & Mary Zydzik
ELIZABETH CHRISTIANSON
Wm. & Jean Rapp
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ELLIS CHRISTIANSON
Lee & Mary Vrieze
LOREN CRAKER
Iola Lioness Club
GLENN W. “PETE” CROWELL
Daniel J. & Elvira B. Stevens
WILLEY CURTIS
Joe & Jerry Goeman
OTTO FESTGE
Madison Central Lions Club
ELSIE GERMINARO
PCC DuWayne ―Dewey‖ & Bev Carl*
Lynda & Patrick Ryan
MICHAEL W. HANSEN
La Von Glodowski
Waupaca Lioness Club
CARL HERALY
Don & Bea Pavlat
JOHN HOEPPNER
Eau Claire Noon Lions Club
ROBERT JAEHNERT
John & Carol Angiolo
MARILYN JONES
Sherry Calzolai
Rhinelander Lions Club
RICHARD KINAS
Ed & Dolores Prohaska
HARRY KING
Geraldine Becker
JOHN J. KISH
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DG Norman K. Rowe
ROBERT F. KLAKE
Raymond Guthman
MICHAEL KLEIN
Castle Rock Lions Club
MARY LOU KRENZ
Del Brahm Family
DONNA M. KRUEGER
Nancy Breckenfelder
JACK KUNATH
Dennis & Irene DeRosso
IRENE KURTZ
Jim Falls Lions Club
Lee & Mary Vrieze
HARRY G. LARZELERE
Joyce Ayotte
John & Carol Coleman
Joan L. Free
Leon G. Hansen
Greg & Helen Kreft
Glenn Pfeffer
Robert Schuh
FLOYD LEHMANN
PCC DuWayne ―Dewey‖ & Bev Carl*
Friends & Family
MICHAEL LUND
Edgerton Lions Club
KENNETH MAGNUSON
Brule River Lions Club
ANN MAGUIRE
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Ted & Ann Handrick
EINO MAKI
Eleanor Luedke
Neshkoro Lions Club
KATHRYN MALIN
Duane & Diane Froh
MR. & MRS. RAY MISCHO
Eugene & Berwyn Mischo
MARJORIE MOORE
Norman Moore
Wauwatosa Lions Club
HARRY W. NELSON
Jack & Joyce Kasper
KENNETH “KEN” NELSON
Lyle ―Bob‖ Buckman
MARY NESS
Wayne Ness
ROGER ODDEN
Pearson-Pickerel Lions Club
HENRY PIECHOWSKI
Larry & Sue Albright
Tom & JoAnne Dolata
Greater Greenfield Lions Club
Anna Koopmans
Pat & Rose Loughrin
Bob & Mary Quinn
JOAN POPKO
Dennis & Irene DeRosso
AL PUDLEINER
PDG Dick Schliewe
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JAC PURDON
Eugene & Berwyn Mischo
JOANN ROBERSON
Wausaukee Lions Club
BETTY SCHAETZEL
George & Georgia Fitzwilliams
NANCY SCHLITZ
Burlington Lions Club
THEODORE “TED” SCHOENHERR
Mike & Diane McMeeken
Bob & Donetta Ulrich
MARCELLUS SHERRY
DG Norman K. Rowe
PDG Virgil & Rita Thompson
JAMES “JIM” SLACK
Geraldine Becker
Dorothy Cornwall
PDG Gary & Dorie Solum
BILL SOLUM
Lee & Mary Vrieze
JOSEPH W. “JOE” STOKES
Daniel J. & Elvira B. Stevens
ORVILLE “BIG SWEDE” TODAHL
Carol Bonn
PDG WAYNE TYREE
Mike & Diane McMeeken
DONALD A. YORK
Scott & Laurie Henkel
HENRY ZGANJAR
North Milwaukee Lions Club
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FLORENCE CARPENTER ZUMACH
DG Norman K. Rowe
IN HONOR OF ........
2007 YARD OF THE WEEK
Don & Linda Brueggen
Steve & Lori Callister
Mark & Jill Davidson
Norm Deml
Steve & Brenda Feehan
Mike & Lynn Hickey
Hal & Mary Kumbier
―Frank‖ Fusheng & Haixia W. Lan
B J & Kirby Lentz
Todd & Deb Mahr
Michelle & Hannah Manske
Lowell & Mary Meier
Onalaska Lions Club
John & Julie Parsneau
Rod & Karen Soffa
Bruce & Candy Warhanik
Ruth Weaver
ARLINGTON LIONS CLUB
DG Roland & Lynn Manthe*
GERRY ANDERSON
Linda Kenkhuis
BLACK RIVER FALLS LIONS CLUB‟S 70TH ANNIVERSARY
Eau Claire Noon Lions Club
KATHY KLEIN‟S BIRTHDAY
Pat & Roxanne Ropella & Family
Robert & Jayne Ropella
DG ROLAND “ROLLIE” MANTHE
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Cobb Lioness Club*
Cobb Lions Club*
Highland Lions Club*
Iowa-Grant Lions Club*
Lake Wisconsin Lions Club
MINERAL POINT LIONS CLUB‟S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
McFarland Lions Club
DG TOM MUELLER
Shawano Lake Lions Club
DICK & GERI NESTINGEN
Mark & Linda Gelhaus
DG NORMAN ROWE
Cashton Lions Club
SHAWANO LAKE LIONESS CLUB‟S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
27-B2 District Affiliate Clubs
JANE SMART
Union Grove Lions Club
WAUPACA LIONESS CLUB‟S 30TH ANNIVERSARY
27-B2 District Affiliate Clubs
Attention Printers: Now Accepting Bids
The Wisconsin Lions State Office is seeking printing bids for the MD27
Constitution and By-Laws and the Multiple District Directory.
Interested printers should contact the State Office for the project specifications.
Mary Wiza
715/341-2277
Bid deadline: 5/04/08
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Set Your Goals Now
Excerpt from the Lions Learning Center Goal Setting Course
Goal Setting is the process of determining a desired result and then developing
a plan to achieve it. As a Lions leader, it is important for you to determine your
personal goals and to be able to assist others in establishing goals of their own.
What is a goal?
A goal is an outcome that you want to achieve by a specific point in time. It is
the end result toward which your efforts are directed. Goals can relate to your
personal life, your career, your finances, your education or your involvement in
Lions.
Goals are not the same as wishes. A wish is something you hope will happen.
Wishes are often vague and accompanied by the word ―someday‖.
Anytown Lions Club President wishes to grow her club. Until she identifies
what it means to grow the club and the steps that need to be taken, growing the
club is not a goal. Just as you would not attempt to build a house without a
blueprint, you cannot achieve your goals without a plan.
Why should you set goals?
Successful people set goals. By setting goals you can:
Achieve More
Be Successful
Increase Confidence
Have Clear Direction
Reduce Stress
Creating Goals
People often fail to achieve their goals because they don‘t define them properly.
Good goals are:
Specific:
Measurable
Actionable
Realistic
Time-bound
Developing Goals
Once you‘ve determined your goal, write it down. This will reinforce the goal,
make it a personal commitment and help you clearly visualize it.
The most effective way to write your goal is in the form of a goal statement.
This is a sentence that identifies a specific goal, the action that will be taken to
achieve the goal, a time frame and a measurable results. Check out this sample:
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The Anytown Lions Club will increase membership by 20% by adding 5 new
members in the next 90 days.
Learn More About Goal Setting...
www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/resources_learning_center.shtml
Positive Membership Growth &
Retention
by Mahendra Amarasuriya, International President
Unless you are an accountant or a mathematician, you may think that numbers
are boring. Most people think they have better things to do than listen to someone
quote a string of statistics – and if you are a Lion, you do!
But I have some numbers to share with you that I think are very exciting and I
think you will, too. For the first time in many years, all measures of recruitment
and retention show a positive trend. Through January 2008, LCI shows a net
membership increase of 4,283, which is the best first six-month period we have
experienced in many years. Most importantly, all constitutional areas and most
districts are showing great improvements over historic trend.
Due to the many community service projects that are conducted in the first half
of the calendar each year, membership traditionally grows by the thousands
between January and June, it will be truly exciting to watch the membership total
as it is documented by our new, timely reporting system. With your help, I
believe that we will be able to have an increase in overall membership. What an
outstanding legacy that would be for our leadership year!
But achieving this goal will not be easy and it requires that you take action
immediately. The next two months have traditionally been a time for club
recruitment drives. I urge you to take the next two months as an opportunity to
intensify your efforts to bring high quality new members into your club. By now I
am sure that you realize that the projects you have identified and planned will
benefit greatly from additional hands to share the work.
As you work to strengthen your membership, remember we have successes on
which to build.
The number of women and family members has reached an all-time high of
240,000, due largely to the innovative family membership program. These groups
should remain a primary focus of your recruitment efforts.
I am proud to say that more districts will be receiving awards for establishing
new clubs than any time in recent memory. Through January, the number of new
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clubs worldwide stood at 570. Keeping in mind that the majority of new clubs are
reported in between January and June, I am confident that we can establish more
than 1,250 by the end of our leadership year. Nurturing the potential for new Lions
Clubs, Club Branches, Campus and even Leo Clubs is an important part of
contributing to our worldwide extension. The excitement surrounding the
formation of new clubs can also help to energize and expand your own club.
These are wonderful numbers and clear evidence that our membership
initiatives are achieving results. But even more important is what the numbers
represent. They show that Lions and Lions Clubs are brimming with new
confidence, eager to accomplish our mission and proud to show the world that,
―We Serve.‖
I am grateful for the part your leadership has played in establishing this new
confidence.
Getting Started As A Digital
Photographer
Reprinted with permission from Dan Feildman,
http://www.learndigitalphotographynow.com/guide/
Digital and film photography are far more alike than they are different, but
digital image recording opens up many new, valuable and perhaps unanticipated
opportunities.
For starters, assume that everything you already know about getting good
pictures still applies.
You won‘t find it in the box, but every digital camera comes with a license to
experiment, test, tweak and screw up to your heart‘s content. With the cost of
another shot at nothing, why hold back? The pros typically take dozens of shots to
land a few keepers. Now you can do the same-and there‘s no better or faster way to
learn. Instant feedback is one of digital photography‘s most powerful advantages.
Sit down with your camera‘s manual as soon as you can (yes I‘m serious ).
Some cameras come with a basic printed manual to get started and a complete
manual that will come on CD. You should read both. Digital cameras are
sophisticated devices with capabilities you might not anticipate from your film
experience.
You might be able to fake some of the features some of the time, but you won‘t
be able to take full advantage of your investment without a read through the full
version of the manual. You won‘t regret it.
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• Think outside the box. Digital cameras have more uses than you might have
imagined (keep reading for more details....).
You don‘t have to memorize everything about your camera right away, but
using it should become second nature if you want to be good at it. So practice
every chance you get. Take pictures of your feet, hold the camera a few feet away
from your face and take an interesting self-portrait. The more you practice, the
better you‘ll get.
You may never get to some of your new camera‘s settings, but a few critical
settings demand immediate attention, and they won‘t necessarily be familiar from
your film experience.
If you haven‘t yet thought through the many trade-offs surrounding resolution
(the number of pixels recorded) and JPEG compression level, often referred to as
―quality‖, play it safe: Set your camera for the highest available resolution and the
highest JPEG compression setting for now and work out the details later.
When in doubt, don‘t hesitate to take advantage of auto-exposure and auto-
focus. Avoid auto-ISO for anything other than low-light action shots. Try the
lowest ISO setting your camera offers before venturing higher. Higher ISO settings
bring more image noise.
• Many digital cameras behave like color slide film-the best images are often
slightly underexposed, particularly when bright scene elements are involved. Use
exposure compensation to feel out your own camera‘s exposure sweet spots, but
count on some variation with photographic conditions. When in doubt, bracket
your exposures.
• Sooner or later, you‘ll have to deal with other purely digital recording mode
issues like white balance and in-camera sharpening, but it‘s usually safe to accept
camera defaults on those fronts for starters.
• If you use your camera‘s macro focus setting for a close-up, be sure to turn it
off right away. Many a non-close-up‘s been fatally blurred by a camera carelessly
left in macro mode.
• If your shots come out badly exposed, even in auto mode, make sure that
exposure compensation hasn‘t been left at an untoward setting.
One of the most difficult parts of digital photography that new users have
trouble getting used to is the inevitable time delay that occurs between pushing the
button on the camera and capturing the picture.
Digital cameras have more to do in preparing to take a photo than do film
cameras. Like film cameras, they have to focus the lens. However, they also have
to take a pre-exposure to get proper color balance.
The good news is that they are able to achieve better exposed, better color-
balanced, and in many cases better focused images than film cameras. The bad
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news is that this takes a fraction of a second and could cause you to miss a great
picture.
What can you do about it? There are a couple of approaches that are very
effective.
The simplest is to just push the shutter button down half way as you are waiting
for the action to develop. Keep it there until you are ready for the photo, and then
press the rest of the way.
Pressing half way signals the camera to immediately choose focus, color
balance, and exposure. The subsequent delay when you take your shot is now quite
small, comparable to film cameras. When I am shooting basketball games, I keep
the shutter button half depressed, and I get great action shots.
A second approach is to switch to manual exposure and focus. If lighting is
stable, as it is indoors, this works rather well. Most digital cameras have
tremendous depth-of-field, so focus is not critical. Set your focus for a typical
distance, and you will probably be happy with the results. If this is an indoor
sporting event, you will want the shutter speed as high as possible, so choose
maximum aperture and adjust shutter speed for proper exposure.
Next month: Photo Basics
A Simple Idea That‟s Changed the
World
Taken directly from LCI New Club Extension brochure (tk4.pdf)
Lions Clubs International (LCI) has been built on a simple philosophy— bring
community-minded people together, give them the opportunity to make a
difference and great things can happen. For more than 90 years, local Lions clubs
have applied this philosophy to meet humanitarian needs wherever and whenever
they exist. While more than 1.4 million Lions in tens of thousands of clubs
worldwide strive to build a better tomorrow, there are still people to reach and new
challenges to be met.
Your club can help meet these needs by chartering new Lions clubs in areas
where none currently exists or an additional club would further assist the
community. What better way to honor our proud past than by sharing our tradition
of service with a new community?
In addition to securing the continued health and vitality of Lionism, chartering a
new club benefits your club as well. Building a new club will instill a sense of
pride and accomplishment in your members.
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Just imagine the impact a new club will have to those in need… and to your
club, your district and the international association. It will be a positive growth
experience for all.
There are no limits to the number of Lions clubs that can be established in an
area, or where they can be organized.
Wherever a community need exists, a new Lions club can help. While
traditional communities may top the list of new locations for Lions clubs, think
beyond municipalities to consider business parks, major corporations, medical
complexes and shopping centers as well.
To charter a new Lions club you will need:
20 or more charter members
A sponsoring club, district cabinet or district committee
District governor approval
A completed charter application
Take the first step by identifying an area that could benefit from a new Lions
club, then contact your district governor who will put you in touch with Lions
trained to help you build the new club. Then, contact us!
The New Club Extension Kit has been created by LCI to help your club
continue the legacy of LCI. The kit contains effective guidelines for building a new
Lions club, as well as important administrative forms and recruiting brochures.
New Club Extension Kit Includes:
Guide to Club Formation: A step-by-step manual for chartering a new Lions
club
Making it Happen: developing service activities to meet community needs
Charter Night Booklet
Guiding Lion Booklet: An important tool to assist the
Guiding Lion duties
Recruiting Brochures
Charter Application
Report of Charter Members
Charter Membership Cards
Create hope for a better tomorrow. Introduce your club, prospective members
and an underserved population to the benefits of volunteering through new club
extension. Begin taking steps to ensuring the association‘s continued success by
ordering a New Club Extension Kit today.
www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/resources_districts.shtml#a2
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