THE WISCONSIN LION
September 2008
INSIDE
Family Night with the Green Bay Packers....................................................................................... 5
A ―Brand‖ New Day for Lions ........................................................................................................ 7
Youth Exchange: Opportunity to Learn and Grow for Students and Hosts Alike ........................... 8
LEBW Holds Annual Meeting & Steak Feed .................................................................................. 9
Fond du Lac Area Support Group .................................................................................................. 10
Cataracts Continue To Be Leading Cause Of Vision Loss And Blindness ................................... 11
It‘s a Great Day to be a Lion! ........................................................................................................ 12
WLF ............................................................................................................................................... 13
Message from the President ....................................................................................................... 13
Motorcycle Clubs Visit Camp.................................................................................................... 14
One Lion‘s Quest ....................................................................................................................... 15
It‘s magic - It feeds my soul....................................................................................................... 17
Blue Jeans at Work Boost Pride................................................................................................. 17
11th Annual Birch-Sturm Golf Outing ...................................................................................... 18
Inside WLF ................................................................................................................................ 18
Getting A Wisconsin Youth Into the Youth Exchange Program ................................................... 19
First Road To Milwaukee Pin Now Available ............................................................................... 21
2010 Forum Seed Money ............................................................................................................... 21
Recognizing Our Everyday Heroes................................................................................................ 21
NEWS: 27-A1 ................................................................................................................................ 24
Notes from DG Debbie .............................................................................................................. 24
Peace Poster Contest .................................................................................................................. 25
Anchors Away ........................................................................................................................... 26
27-A1 Bowling Tournament ...................................................................................................... 26
Lioness Sparkle and Shine In District 27A-1............................................................................. 27
Lions District Golf ..................................................................................................................... 27
Big Bend/Vernon Lions Partner with Superior Landscape ........................................................ 28
Highlighting Region 1................................................................................................................ 29
NEWS: 27-A2 ................................................................................................................................ 30
Notes from DG Joe .................................................................................................................... 30
Lionism Beyond Your Club: Lions Serving Lions .................................................................... 30
Club News.................................................................................................................................. 33
Upcoming Events ....................................................................................................................... 33
............................................................................... 35
SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES ............................................................................................ 35
DG Joe‘s Schedule ..................................................................................................................... 35
NEWS: 27-B1 ................................................................................................................................ 37
Notes from DG Gary .................................................................................................................. 37
Future Leaders ........................................................................................................................... 38
Lioness News ............................................................................................................................. 38
What The Peace Poster Contest Means To Me .......................................................................... 39
A 27-B1 Legend is Leaving ....................................................................................................... 40
2008 27-B1 Convention Registration Form – ............................................................................ 41
NEWS: 27-B2 ................................................................................................................................ 42
Notes from DG Jerry.................................................................................................................. 42
Wausaukee Lions To Observe 50th Anniversary....................................................................... 42
Victims of Our Own Success ..................................................................................................... 43
Building A Great Show: Iola Old Car Show & Swap Meet ...................................................... 44
How To Start A Leo Club .......................................................................................................... 45
Club News.................................................................................................................................. 46
DG Jerry‘s Calendar .................................................................................................................. 47
NEWS: 27-C1 ................................................................................................................................ 48
Notes from DG Jonathan ........................................................................................................... 48
Proposed Constitution And By-Laws Addition To Be Placed On The Ballot For The 2008 District
Convention ................................................................................................................................. 49
Hear Ye, Hear Ye..................................................................................................................... 49
Opening Eyes ............................................................................................................................. 50
Club News.................................................................................................................................. 51
27-C1 Calendar .......................................................................................................................... 51
2008 27-C1 Convention Registration Form – ............................................................................ 52
NEWS: 27-C2 ................................................................................................................................ 54
Notes from DG Bob ................................................................................................................... 54
................................................................................................................................... 55
.......................................................................................................................... 55
Tomahawk Thunder Parade Looking for More Blind/Visually Impaired Riders ...................... 56
Club News.................................................................................................................................. 56
27-C2 Cabinet Meeting Oct. 26 2008 ........................................................................................ 57
Mark Your Calendars... Upcoming 2008-2009.......................................................................... 58
27-C2 Cabinet Meeting Dates .................................................................................................... 58
NEWS: 27-D1 ................................................................................................................................ 59
Notes from DG John .................................................................................................................. 59
McFarland: Two is Better Than One ......................................................................................... 60
Let‘s Have A Great Year! .......................................................................................................... 60
District Care: 30 Years of Restoring Sight ................................................................................ 61
Lionistic Year Is Underway ....................................................................................................... 62
Two of 27-D1‘s Finest Moving On............................................................................................ 63
From I90 south take exit 185A & the church will be about 1 mile on your left.Club News ..... 63
Club News.................................................................................................................................. 64
Upcoming Events ....................................................................................................................... 64
NEWS FROM 27-D2 ..................................................................................................................... 65
NEWS FROM 27-D2 ..................................................................................................................... 65
Notes from DG Mike ................................................................................................................. 65
Schroeder Celebrates 50 Years .................................................................................................. 65
Camp Open House, Raffle Prizes & Goals ................................................................................ 66
Thanks for the Donations that Made A Difference During the 2007 Floods ............................. 67
La Crosse Area Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin Transporters Schedule ..................................... 68
Warrens Cranberry Festival - Sept. 26-28 ................................................................................. 68
Club News.................................................................................................................................. 69
NEWS: 27-E1 ................................................................................................................................ 70
Notes from DG Karl................................................................................................................... 70
What Do You Want To See? ..................................................................................................... 70
Meet Your Club‘s Zone Chair ................................................................................................... 71
VDG Notes................................................................................................................................. 72
Vision Screening For Our Kids Sake ......................................................................................... 73
Club Activities ........................................................................................................................... 74
2
NEWS: 27-E2 ................................................................................................................................ 75
Notes from DG Forrest .............................................................................................................. 75
Lions Campground at Four Seasons Park .................................................................................. 76
Eleva-Strum Lions Activity: Who Inspired You To Become Involved in the Community? ..... 76
Learning About Leadership ....................................................................................................... 77
District Articles for Lions Newspaper Needed .......................................................................... 78
Just What is the Governor Doing? ............................................................................................. 78
Cabinet Meeting Notice: ............................................................................................................ 79
27-E2 Community Service Contest............................................................................................ 79
CLASSIFIEDS ............................................................................................................................... 80
100 MD27 Contacts ................................................................................................................... 80
110 Upcoming Dates.................................................................................................................. 81
120 Conventions/Trainings ....................................................................................................... 81
130 Anniversaries ..................................................................................................................... 82
600 Melvin Jones Fellows ......................................................................................................... 82
610 Birch Sturm Fellows ........................................................................................................... 82
620 Knight of Sight Fellows ...................................................................................................... 83
700 WLF Donations................................................................................................................... 83
Lions Q & A: How Can I Find a Club Where My Children Live? ................................................ 87
MD27 State Directory: ................................................................................................................... 88
Dust Collector No More................................................................................................................. 88
Seeking MD27 MERLO Team Chairs (2009 - 2012) .................................................................... 89
Transfusion, Transition, Transformation ....................................................................................... 90
3
Volume 55, No. 8
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 Jerry Coonen, Chair
John Schwab, MERLO
Evett Hartvig, WLF
Peter Cerniglia, Lions Eye Bank
Greg Probisch, MD27 PR Chair
Dave Sievert, At Large
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
fundraising activity. Story length isn’t important as long as you cover all the
basics:
4
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
Family Night with the Green Bay
Packers
Picture it – Green Bay, Wisconsin – August 3, 2008 – Lambeau Field. Spectators
sitting in the front row of Section 127 turned around to view a sea of blue shirts
behind them–running all the way up to the top of the Section. Those were our
campers and families. It was a moment to realize that something truly unique was
going on. In section 127 and a large chunk of Section 131, was a gathering of three
hundred campers and their families (almost 1,500 people) – the largest such
gathering we, as Foundation Staff, have ever experienced. Thanks to the
generosity of the Green Bay Packers and the efforts of two of their staff; Cathy
Dworak and Jessie Micke, we were able to make this happen!
It all started two months ago, when our very own Executive Administrator, Evett
Hartvig, received a phone call from Cathy Dworak of the Green Bay Packers
Organization. Cathy asked Evett if she would be interested in complimentary
tickets to the Packer Family Night for our campers and their families; and if so,
5
would we have enough interest from the camper families to give out 1,000 tickets.
Evett‘s initial response was, ―Are you kidding? I‘m sure there would be no
problem finding 1,000 camper families to give the tickets to.‖ Well, that certainly
was an understatement, because it ended up that when Cathy found out that the
first 1,000 tickets were gone almost immediately after the letter went out from
Packer President Mark Murphy, she ended up giving us an additional 500 tickets.
Each ticket holder also received a free t-shirt that was worn during the event.
Evett, Dale, and Andrea, along with spouses and family members, were on hand
to pass out tickets and t-shirts. They heard so many comments, compliments and
thank-yous expressed that it was truly heart-warming. Several campers made signs
to display at the game. One of the favorites was ―This camper is having a ball!
Thank you Packers!‖ While the Staff was taking pictures, tossing t-shirts and
talking with the campers, the sky began to darken, it started to sprinkle and there
was a spectacular lightning show. While it was pretty neat to watch, that wasn‘t
the show we had come for!
The fans entered the stadium by the thousands, with lots of blue shirts mixed in!
Unfortunately, we were stuck waiting for almost an hour for the lightning to clear
up – which is understandable considering the amount of metal in the seats! While
we waited, the drum corps marched around the Atrium and Concourse, livening up
the fans with some rousing rhythms. Many of the Lions Camp camper families got
together in groups, talking and getting to know one another or renewed friendships.
Close to 8:00 p.m., the Packers came onto the field and fans got to their seats -
Finally! The lights, the noise, and immense size of the stadium were
overwhelming. Many of our campers were looking left and right, up and down,
trying to take in all the sights. Listening to the gasps and wows from campers was
just cool! They were truly excited! Once the scrimmage was started, a wave
started going around the stadium – once, twice, three times our section stood up
and joined in a loud cheer. T-shirts were shot out of pneumatic guns to sections-
adding to the fun. We saw some great passes, catches and a few hard tackles!
After the scrimmage, there was a drawing to give away jerseys off the back of
some Packers. Each time a section was announced, the crowd cheered or groaned –
depending on where they sat. Then, it happened. Section 127 was called. Our
section went crazy – one of our campers had won a jersey off a Packer! (Nick
Collins) Dale was snapping pictures left and right all night – to see all the great
pictures from Family Night check out www.wlf.info.
It was time for a finale – what could top all of this excitement? How about a
fireworks show? After a countdown – the lights in the stadium turned off – leaving
us in a brief moment of darkness and then…Boom! Crack! Pow! The fireworks
started shooting into the sky above the stadium rim – brilliant colors, loud bangs
and the smell of smoke all contributed to a dazzling experience at the end of a
6
terrific night. Andrea stayed with her family as the fans left, and many campers
came up to her and just gave her hugs, high-fives and more thanks about the
opportunity. Many of the campers had never been to Lambeau Field and they
could not stop talking about their experiences.
As your Wisconsin Lions Foundation Staff, we are so proud of being a part of
this experience. It was another reminder of what Camp can bring to the children
and adults with disabilities in Wisconsin.
A “Brand” New Day for Lions
As the Lions organization continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of
volunteers in America and around the world, an important part of that evolution is
the Lions brand.
Wikipedia defines a brand as a symbolic embodiment of all the information
connected to a company, product or service.
A brand serves to create associations and expectations. A brand often includes an
explicit logo, fonts, color schemes, symbols, or sound which may be developed to
represent implicit values, ideas, and even personality.
You may be aware, Lions Clubs International hired a branding agency to help us
refresh the Lions brand and image and position Lions as the premier service
organization in the world.
The first part of this re-branding is now complete and includes a revised logo and
series of PR materials to assist clubs in implementing the new brand that will be
introduced in the September Lion magazine.
Expect to see other components of the re-branding effort introduced over the
next year.
Check the PR Tools section of the LCI website for downloadable versions of the
new logo and other materials that will help you implement the new brand
(www.lionsclubs.org/ EN/content/resources_media.shtml).
7
Youth Exchange: Opportunity to
Learn and Grow for Students and
Hosts Alike
by Ray Tweedale, MD27 YE Chair
Question: What do you get when you bring 64 kids from 26 countries together for
a week?
Answer: The MD27 Youth Exchange Camp at Camp Vista.
Since 1985 the Lions of Wisconsin have taken part in hosting Youth Exchange
students and running a week long camp for those who visit Wisconsin.
Through the efforts of the M27 Youth Exchange committee we are able to offer a
program that is enjoyable for all involved. Our program is highly sought after
because of its size and how it‘s run. The youths that have been here report back to
their Lion Youth Exchange Chair about the quality of our camp and the fact that
they get to meet so many other youths from many other countries. It is like
attending multiple camps all in one.
We have standing orders with countries like Turkey, Tahiti and Mongolia to
receive the limit of four youths we accept from each country. The chairs in those
countries will always send us their four best youths knowing we can provide an
excellent experience for them.
This is a fact that the committee is proud of and hope we can see continued
support from MD27 to keep the ―highly sought after― status.
The Camp schedule includes plenty of opportunity for the kids to bond including
country presentations, un-Olympic games, bonfires and visits to various points of
interest including the Lions Eye Bank and State Capitol, and shopping.
Each year brings highlights, one of them this year was when Katrine from
Norway said she was so impressed about the vision programs the LIONS do that
she was going to pursue becoming a Lion herself when back home.
Another highlight is always the ―Un-Olympics‖ with zany versions of typical
sports like water-balloon volleyball, marshmallow drop, obstacle course, 2x4x4
people cross country skiing and watermelon football in the water.
If you or your club is interested in getting involved with the Youth Exchange
program, we can always use staff support at camp even for just a day.
We also have a big demand for host families who will share the family‘s culture
with a youth. Our current host families report that they gain much themselves by
the experience. Even though they are not required to take them on expensive and
or long trips (Dells, Six Flags, Chicago, and the like) most host families actually
8
use hosting as an excuse to finally take those trips and to explore sites of interest in
their own ―back yard‖.
Host families need not be Lions members. Many of our best host families are
retired persons who have the time and room available, while our second best are
families with children in the age range of 17-21.
Another area a club can help is to assist us in recruiting camp counselors. We
have had excellent counselors in the past and want to continue this tradition. If you
know someone who is outgoing and would enjoy being with a youth group such as
ours send their contact info to your District Chair listed on page 4.
Most of our counselors are college students looking for the international contact
and of course the experience is a great resume item. We often have campers who
come back to be counselors at our camp as was the case of Samantha from England
this year who was a camper in 2005.
Contact your District Chair if you would like to support the MD27 Youth
Exchange program. We do appreciate the $1,700 that every district puts forth to the
program.
LEBW Holds Annual Meeting & Steak
Feed
by Stan Carlson, 2008-09 LEBW President
A crowd of over 100 Lions, Lioness and their guests enjoyed a delicious steak
along with all the trimmings at the LEBW annual steak cook-out. Even though the
weather was hot and humid, this opportunity for fun and fellowship was once again
a great success. After the meal was served, many of those in attendance were taken
on a tour of the new LEBW facility at 2401 American Lane, about one block from
the present office location.
Upon completion of the tours, the Annual Meeting was held in the large
conference room of the new building.
PDG and Board President Del Plank called the meeting to order.
Dr. Neal Barney, LEBW Medical Director gave his report followed by David
Butters, LEBW Executive Director who reported on the performance and
accomplishments of the Eye Bank during the 2007-2008 Lionistic year.
Dr. Chris Croasdale brought everyone up to date on the progress of the Paraguay
Eye Bank project and what needs to happen next before we can proceed with the
formation of an eye bank in that country.
9
PID Peter Cerniglia then gave a brief outline of his plans for the Capital
Campaign which will kick off this year. The purpose of this campaign will be to
pay off the entire balance of the new building totaling $1.2 million dollars. Grants,
corporate donations along with club donations will be solicited throughout the state
of Wisconsin. More information on this will be presented in the next issue of this
newspaper.
The election of new board members was held. Elected to the board were PDG
Mike Tiber from D1 and PDG Eldon Vrieze from E1. Also appointed to the board
as the Council Representative was Governor Mike Kelley from D2.
President Del Plank presented three President‘s awards for outstanding service to
the LEBW. Receiving this prestigious award were, PID Phil Ingwell, PDG Jerry
Rabbach and PDG Darrell Talcott.
Following the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors met and the entire Board
along with the newly elected officers was officially installed by PID Phil Ingwell.
Officers for the coming year are: PDG Stan Carlson, President, PID Peter
Cerniglia, 1st Vice President. PDG Terry Peters, 2nd Vice President, Lioness
Linda Benjamin, Secretary, PDG Mike Tiber, Treasurer and PDG Del Plank,
Immediate Past President.
Fond du Lac Area Support Group
by Jerry Rabbach, LEBW Community Program Specialist
The Fond du Lac Area support group is going through a makeover... from
dispatch to clubs to transport.
The current group is made up of 37 transporters in eight clubs that share the load.
Our records indicate that they averaged 14 recovery trips a month over a five to
six year period. Since LEBW began shipping back to hospitals for transplant
surgeries this group of dedicated Lions now makes 20-32 trips a month to support
the 35 surgeons that perform the procedure. The rotation is amongst the individual
Lions, not by the club.
This group‘s major emphasis is transporting to Beaver Dam from Green Bay,
Appleton, Sheboygan and Manitowoc; and then back again to these same cities for
transplant surgeries.
The group‘s long time dispatcher, Lion Orv Doede will soon be moving from the
Fond du Lac area to Stevens Point. The ―makeover‖ of the dispatch position is in
motion and his two lieutenants are staying on while the new people learn the ropes.
10
So, to Lion Orv, Mary and Lion Tom, thank you for your leadership and
dedication to LEBW and particularly for Hellen Keller and all the people who have
benefitted from your years of tireless service.
Cataracts Continue To Be Leading
Cause Of Vision Loss And Blindness
There are currently more than 22 million Americans age 40 and older with
cataracts. It is the number one age-related eye disease, with more cases than
glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy combined. An updated
study from Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, Prevent Blindness America and the
National Eye Institute proves as estimated that eye disease diagnoses, including
cataract, continue to rise. The World Health Organization states that, globally,
cataract is the leading cause of blindness.
Cataract is a clouding of the eye‘s lens. Over time, old cells in the lens build up
and block light as it tries to pass through. Generally, a cataract does not cause pain,
redness or tears. Symptoms may include blurred or double vision, lights seeming to
be too dim or sensitivity to strong light. A milky or yellow spot may also be
noticeable in the eye.
Americans spend $6.8 billion every year on direct medical costs for outpatient,
inpatient and prescription drug services for cataracts, according to the 2007
―Economic Impact of Vision Problems: The Toll of Major Adult Eye Disorders,
Visual Impairment, and Blindness on the U.S. Economy‖ study funded by Prevent
Blindness America. And because of the aging U.S. population, it is projected that
more than 30.1 million Americans will have cataracts by 2020.
Fortunately, surgery to remove cataracts has a 95 percent success rate resulting
with patients vision of 20/20 to 20/40. In fact, it is the most frequently performed
surgery in the United States. Every year on average, 3 million Americans undergo
cataract surgery.
More than half of all Americans have cataracts by the time they are 80 years old.
However, although many associate cataracts with the elderly, it can occur at any
age. Congenital cataracts are present at birth. Newborns with cataracts in one eye
should undergo surgery no later than at 4 months of age, according to the
American Academy of Ophthalmology. For those with cataracts in both eyes, if
surgery is an option, one eye should be operated on within a few days of the other.
Cataracts can also develop during childhood. The probability of developing a
11
cataract later in life increases with age. However, there are also several possible
risk factors for cataracts, such as:
Intense heat or long-term exposure to the sun‘s UV rays
Certain diseases, such as diabetes
Inflammation in the eye
Hereditary influences
Events before birth, such as German measles in the mother
Long-term steroid use
Eye injuries
Eye diseases
Smoking
―Cataract is something that most of us will develop at some point in our lives,‖
said Bob Goldstein, President of Prevent Blindness Wisconsin. ―The key is to
understand what we can do now to help protect our vision in the future.‖
Organizations like the National Eye Institute recommend that sunglasses or a wide
brimmed hat worn outside year-round to block ultraviolet sunlight may help to
delay the onset of cataracts. Additionally, a diet of green leafy vegetables, fruit,
and other foods high in antioxidants may help to reduce the risk of cataracts.
For free information on cataracts in both English and Spanish, or to receive
―Your Guide to Cataract Surgery‖ and ―Medicare Benefits and Your Eyes‖ fact
sheets, call Prevent Blindness Wisconsin at (414) 765-0505 or visit
www.preventblindness.org/wi.
About Prevent Blindness Wisconsin: For 50 years, Prevent Blindness Wisconsin
has pursued its mission to prevent blindness and preserve sight. The agency
provides free vision screenings to preschool children, school age children, and
adults. It also provides public and professional education in vision health, safety,
and vision loss prevention.
It’s a Great Day to be a Lion!
by International Director Art Marson
It‘s a great Day to be a Lion…
Those were the words of Immediate Past International President Mahendra
Amarasuriya as he summed up the state of our Lions Association at the end of this
past year.
He went on to share many of the reasons he felt that way. Among them was the
recognition LCIF received as the number one non-governmental charitable
organization in the world by the Financial Times.
12
A second reason to be proud to be a Lion is that we were successful in reaching
our stretch goal of $200 million for Campaign SightFirst II.
Reaching the goal provides our Association many opportunities to contain and
eliminate the leading causes of preventable blindness, to combat emerging threats
to sight, and to support research and rehabilitation efforts to vulnerable
populations.
A side benefit is the opportunity to recognize many of the everyday heroes in our
association by presenting them with a Melvin Jones Award. Each of our clubs has
many Lions worthy of this recognition.
A third reason why it‘s great to be a Lion is that for the first time in 12 years we
are growing again.
Last year we experienced a sizeable increase in membership. This is a significant
milestone as it shows we have been successful in changing the image and make-up
of Lions Clubs as a result of the family membership, women membership, and
student membership programs.
We are a family centered organization dedicated to making our communities and
our world better. This is evident in my own La Crosse Lions Club and in many
other clubs in Wisconsin where I see the emergence of women in leadership roles
and clubs with several members from the same family.
You don‘t have to give up family time to be a Lion. Your family can share in the
work that we do as everyday heroes who reach out and touch people and create
those little miracles of service that help them improve their lives.
I‘m proud that each of the members of my immediate family is a Lion. It‘s a
worthy experience to share with your spouse and children.
Yes, it‘s a great day to be a Lion. Wear your lapel pin with pride. Share the
great news that we are an effective force in making our communities better by
asking someone to become a Lion.
WLF
Message from the President
Another summer camping season is behind us. Try to imagine all the great
memories these kids have as they anticipate returning next year. This was all
possible because of your dedication to Lions and to our Wisconsin Lions
Foundation. We are not ready to idle back for the winter just yet. As a matter of
fact, there will be lots of activity up at Camp in the next three months as the
Retreat and Conference Center (RCC) season begins. Groups from all over the
13
state will meet at our Camp. When you think about it, running the RCC is a great
way to spread the word about our programs. There are still many Wisconsinites
that have never heard about the Wisconsin Lions Camp. Bringing thousands of
people in over the nine months that the Camp is idle is an excellent way to
publicize our Camp.
Believe it or not, there are thousands of Lions, Lioness and Leos that have not
visited the Wisconsin Lions Camp. This month is your opportunity to see just
where all that hard work is going. On Saturday, September 13th, our Annual Open
House will be held for all to see the Camp in action. It is family weekend, so you
will be able to visit with our summer campers and their families. If you haven‘t
been up in a while, you have to come and see the new health lodge and the
expanded dining facilities. So make a complete sweep of the eyeglass recycling
buckets in your community and bring the used glasses and hearing aids with you
on the 13th. Enjoy our famous chicken dinner, walk the grounds and take a boat
ride on Lions Lake. Then stay around for the Sports Raffle drawing.
This is your reminder. Pack up your ticket stubs and mail them to the Foundation
office NOW.
We all know it takes money to run the WLF programs. Club donations ran behind
the previous year while expenses went up. Now is the time to plan your donations
this Lions year. As your president, I ask all clubs to continue to support WLF and
its activities. Thank you to all the clubs that extended themselves and gave
generous donations. This year we are stressing that all clubs make an annual
donation first before giving to special projects.
Last year‘s annual club donations were $674,000. Summer camp expenses were
$791,000. There are 572 Lions clubs in Wisconsin. Approximately 1,450 campers
enjoy our Camp. Consider these figures when determining your budget. All clubs
are different so we will never specify an amount, nor will we be sending you a bill.
All donations are accepted in the spirit of Lionism. Fortunately, the Foundation has
several sources of revenue which helps to balance the books. Increasing your
donation is critical to our continued success.
Thanks again for your continued support and let‘s make this year a 100% year.
Motorcycle Clubs Visit Camp
On Saturday, June 28th, 37 motorcycles, carrying 56 riders, rolled into Lions
Camp to present a check in the amount of $33,443.47 to WLF President-elect Tom
Clausen. Since this tradition started in 1995, these Southwestern Wisconsin Area
Motorcycle Clubs have donated $219,383.21 to Lions Camp. Their only
requirement is that the money needs to go towards projects and programs that
14
directly affect the kids. In the past, the money has been used for the High Ropes
Course, Climbing Tower, Challenge Course, Health Lodge, and Indian Hollow.
The money is raised by the clubs during their Annual Motorcycle Raffle and this
year they raffled off a Harley Davidson Road King.
Twenty-seven people, including Directors and their families, as well as
Foundation Staff were at Lions Camp to greet the bikers when they arrived.
Executive Administrator Evett Hartvig got a call from one of the club presidents
that morning, informing her that the group ran into some severe thunderstorms
with large hail and had to pull over to wait out the storm. Many of the bikers didn‘t
have rain gear along, so we were able to help them dry out by using the clothes
dryers at Camp. What we couldn‘t do is help relieve the pain some of them had on
their shoulders and arms from the large hail they had to endure.
The bikers are also involved with ―Project Linus‖, a non-profit organization
dedicated to ―Providing Security through Blankets,‖ for ill or traumatized children
and teens. For the past several years the bikers have obtained blankets through the
Wisconsin Heights Chapter of Project Linus and delivered them to Camp. Campers
use these blankets during their week-long camping experience and are able to take
them home when they leave.
One Lion’s Quest
by DuWayne ―Dewey‖ Carl, Chair, Lions Pride Campaign
My journey in Lionism began shortly after I re-enrolled at UW Madison. I shared
an apartment with fellow football team members and became good friends with
one in particular. One spring weekend in 1957, Tom Hoffman and I visited his
home in Manawa. [At the time I didn‘t know his father, Charles, had put the
money down to purchase Lions Camp (WLF was formed only a year earlier) and
was a close friend of Clarence Sturm, later President of Lions International and my
father-in-law.]
We went to Rosholt to help ready Camp for the kids who were coming in early
June. As a teen I loved working with younger kids in recreation activities. [I was
later to become an educator—teacher, coach, guidance counselor--for 17 years, so
even then the idea of helping kids with disabilities was heartwarming.] It was a
wonderful experience--a joy to see such a beautiful place for them to enjoy the
outdoors. Little did I know on that first visit how actively involved I would
become in serving the Lions of Wisconsin and their Wisconsin Lions Foundation
(WLF).
15
I‘ve had great experiences over the years.. I was a Director and later President of
the Foundation (‗86-‘87) and Chair of the Council of Governors (‗90-‘91).
Pinewood Lodge was built during my year as president. In the summer of ‗87 I
encouraged a group of football players from UW LaCrosse (my son was one of
them) to come and help do the landscaping around the Lodge. It was a great
opportunity for them to visit and see the Camp.
I spent a lot of time as a Director at Camp and was involved with the activities
and the campers. I believe if you want to really know the needs of Camp and what
is happening you need to spend time at the facility.
In 1981 a phrase was adopted to promote the 25th anniversary of the Wisconsin
Lions Foundation: ―The Pride of Wisconsin Lions.‖ Today—Clubs need to make
regular and larger Annual Donations—and as individuals contribute personally to
the WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund—we simply must prove that the Wisconsin
Lions Foundation is still the pride of Wisconsin Lions.
Your Wisconsin Lions Camp started with 135 campers in 1956, and today serves
near 1600; it has established itself as a recognized leader in the field of special
needs camping. The cost in 1956 was $30 per camper a week and today it hovers
around $600. Even more has changed. In addition to Camp, the Foundation is
responsible for supporting other statewide projects common to all Clubs. In the
last few years, operating costs have increased 57% while Club donations have only
grown by 20%.
Two things need to happen. First, Clubs‘ Annual Donations to WLF. The number
of Clubs making them must increase (the goal is 100%) and the dollar amounts of
their Annual Donations need to accelerate!
Second--and increasingly critical both near and long term--are personal donations
from individual Lions and their friends to the permanent WLF Lions Pride
Endowment Fund. It is absolutely essential to establish a large, reliable and
predictable source of interest income to support inevitably increasing Foundation
operating costs.
Why I am still involved with the Wisconsin Lions Foundation today? For me,
the answer lies in my continuing conviction that WLF is, and should always be, the
Pride of Wisconsin Lions. Our challenge is keeping it the Pride of Wisconsin Lions
… and to secure the legacy of service we began 52 years ago.
I challenge you to generously support the WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund
personally and to encourage your support with friends, associates and employers to
do the same (for information or help, ask for the Pride office when you call the
Foundation).
16
It’s magic - It feeds my soul
You are an adult critical care nurse and work in a hospital‗s cardiac cath lab. So
what do you do during a week‘s vacation?
If your name is Lynette Ender, you gather up your own two healthy near-teen
kids and head for Lions Camp for the third year in a row. You spend a week
serving as a nurse at the Health Lodge during the week that pairs visually impaired
and seizure disordered campers.
Why do you do this Lynette?
―Because it‘s magic. Each kid touches you in a different way. They need us so
much. And, so do the parents—they need a rest, or maybe a respite to just focus
on their other children. And it gives my own Leif and Emily a chance to step out
of their boxes and grow in different ways; they even sleep with the campers.
They‘ve learned empathy for those less fortunate and an appreciation of nature.
Nursing at Lions Camp just feeds my soul.‖
Lynette‘s father-in-law was a past president of the Wisconsin Lions Foundation
as was husband Eric. She and Eric are strong supporters and contributors to the
WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund.
―It is a privilege to help contribute financially. It saddens me that some Lions
don‘t take the time or make the effort to contribute in some way, to feel a spirit of
duty toward helping what Camp means for special kids. Our family has made
adjustments to our budget to help secure the future of Lions Camp through
personal giving to the Lions Pride Campaign. We believe doing for others enriches
us all.‖
Blue Jeans at Work Boost Pride
It seems there‘s little end to Lions creativity when it comes to ideas for
generating awareness and employer donations for the WLF Lions Pride
Endowment Fund.
Brussels Lion Jim Noll works for KI in Green Bay; it‘s the sixth largest
specialized furniture manufacturer in its industry with 10 North American plants
and some 3,000 employees.
The company‘s office employee dress code culture discourages wearing blue
jeans at work. Its Fun Committee was able to sell the idea of a Jean Day once a
month by charging anyone who wants to wear jeans $2, which goes to some
charity or organization they select. Jim suggested Pride as the cause and ―Jean
Day‖ became reality! What‘s more, the company has added to the pot for Pride!
17
‗Atta boy, Jim! And another ‗atta boy for being the first Zone Chair in B2 to
have all your clubs (7) become Pride Campaign contributors!
If you haven‘t explored your own company‘s matching gift program, corporate
foundation or considered other Pride support options, please do! Contact the Pride
office for ideas.
11th Annual Birch-Sturm Golf Outing
The weather was a bit warm, but that didn‘t stop 136 golfers from all over the
State from participating in the 11th Annual Birch-Sturm Golf Outing on Sat., July
19th. Over $13,000 was raised through registration fees, raffles, hole sponsors, and
hole events. There were 56 hole sponsors, including a major sponsorship from
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans – Portage County Chapter.
The WLF Board of Directors would like to thank the golfers, hole sponsors, and
volunteers for taking part in the Outing this year and for their continued support.
The team from Merrill defended their title by winning again this year. Team
members were Tom Betchwars, Eric Belgram and Tom and Andy Radloff.
Inside WLF
SPORTS RAFFLE FOR THE KIDS – Don‘t forget–September 9th is the
deadline for getting ticket stubs and money to the Foundation Office. The drawing
will be held during Lions Camp Open House on Sat., Sept. 13th. Please make a last
minute push to sell the tickets so we can make this a record breaking year for sales
– we‘ve already broken the record for the number of prizes. Check out our website
for an updated prize list (www.wlf.info).
2008 LIONS CAMP OPEN HOUSE – Make sure your reservations for the
chicken dinner at Lions Camp Open House are sent in by Aug. 29th. Registration
forms can be found on www.wlf.info.
FALL WORK DAY – Sat., Oct. 25, 2008 is the date to help prepare Lions Camp
for winter. Call 877-463-6953 or email Facility Mgr Dale Schroeder,
dschroeder@wlf.info, to register or download a form at www.wlf.info.
HANDICAP HUNT – WLF‘s Second Annual Gun Deer Hunt for disabled hunters
is scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2008. The Hunt is held under all DNR rules
and guidelines. Contact Facility Mgr Dale Schroeder at 877-463-6953, Ext. 306 to
find out how to participate.
ARRANGE A CLUB PRESENTATION - Help members learn more about the
WLF Lions Pride Endowment Fund! Lions Pride Ambassadors in each district are
18
ready, willing and able to tailor a presentation to your interests. They can explain
Campaign details—what it is, why it‘s needed, how members can help, giving
options and more. For Ambassador contact information, call or email at 877-463-
6953 or pride@wlf.info.
ESTATE PLANNING: THINK PRIDE. More and more Lions are building the
Lions Pride Endowment Fund into their estate plans. There are a number of
options for giving, many tax advantaged, from simple wills to living giving. For a
detailed overview of common options for sharing with your financial advisor, just
call or e-mail us and ask for our Safari Legacy Brochure.
Getting A Wisconsin Youth Into the
Youth Exchange Program
Participation in a Lions International Youth Camp and/or Exchange is often a
life-changing experience. The Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange
Program is not conducted for tourism, education, or employment. Instead, it is a
unique cultural learning opportunity. Most exchanges last about four to six weeks.
Host family stays can be arranged in any of the more than 190 countries in which
Lions clubs exist. Most exchanges last between four and six weeks and the
participant (ages 15 to 21) stays with one or more host families. Participants
experience life as part of the host family and enjoy excursions with the host Lions
club.
During their stay, Youth Exchange students spend one or two weeks at a camp
that brings together young people (ages 16 to 22) from around the world. Camps
usually include a host family stay (exchange) that lasts between one and four
weeks. More than 100 Lions youth camps in about 39 countries are held each year.
Activities vary and can include visits to places of historic or natural interest, sports,
and country presentations by camp participants.
If you are interested in becoming a participant, begin by contacting your local
Lions club or district youth camp and exchange chairperson.
Participants of the Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program must:
be between age 15 and 22
be sponsored by a Lions club
have a basic knowledge of the language of the host country.
be suitable to represent their community, sponsor Lions club, and country.
be willing to accept the customs of another culture.
19
provide proof of health, medical, travel insurance, and a liability release
agreement.
Contact your local Lions club to request sponsorship. Applications are available
from sponsor Lions clubs or youth camps, or download a participant application
form.
Travel arrangements for participants are usually made between the Lions youth
camp and exchange chairpersons in the sponsor and host countries. Details are
passed to sponsor/host Lions clubs and participants.
Financial arrangements for transportation costs (including actual fares, insurance,
airport fees, customs duties, and layover or overnight fees) are the responsibility of
the sponsor Lions club. Some camps require a camp fee. Costs may be paid by the
sponsor Lions club, by the participant, the participant's family, or a combination of
these sources. If you will need to raise funds, ask your sponsor Lions club for an
acceptance letter and other materials that will help you explain the program to
donors.
Arrangements for food and lodging are covered by the host Lions, during the
exchange.
Participants are responsible for personal expenses (approximately US$75 per
week) such as phone calls home, souvenirs, etc.
Information to help prepare participants for their experience can be found in the
Lions International Youth Camp and Exchange Program Guide.
For more information or to apply for next summer‘s Youth Exchange Program,
contact your district chair listed below:
A1: JOHN ZIINO C1: DIANE WASNIEWSKI
262-797-8746 715-693-6457
johnziino@aol.com ediwas@mtc.net
GARY PAYNE C2: CHRIS PATRITTO
262-594-2795 Hm 715- 561-2990
gpayne@centurytel.net patritto@hurley.k12.wi.us
A2: RAY TWEEDALE D1: BEN AUGUST
Res: 262-628-2299 608-244-2441
tweedale@charter.net ben@klicksights.com
B1: SANDY KING D2: DUANE FROH
608-586-5946 Res. Res.: 608-689-2586
skeeter@maqs.net zipper@mwt.net
B2: KAREN FISHER (Geno) SHAWN REDINGTON
715-754-2447 608-489- 3891
AL OSCARSON redington@countryspeed.com
715-732-9404 E1: STEVE JENSEN
hermanoscarson@yahoo.com Res: 715-483-3715
20
sjensen@centurytel.net Res.: 715-579-7425
E2: GENE KOCI gmkoci@yahoo.com
First Road To Milwaukee Pin Now
Available
ROAD TO MILWAUKEE PIN - This first in a series of three pins features
images of several Milwaukee icons and only costs $3/pin plus S&H. Order yours
today for January 2009 delivery by making a check out to:
2010 US/Canada Forum Host Committee and mailing it to:
LPTCW, c/o Rich Koch, PO Box 212, Thiensville WI53092
2010 Forum Seed Money
Attention Club Presidents: watch for a mailing from the 2010 Forum Host
Committee requesting clubs help with seed money for the 2010 Milwaukee Forum.
As with the last time we hosted the Forum, we are seeking donations of $5 - $10 -
$50 - $100 or whatever you can afford to help defray Host Committee expenses.
Any left over funds will be donated back to State projects.
Checks should be made out to: 2010 USA/Canada Forum Host Committee and
sent to PDG Gary Colton, Treasurer - 40 Lallier Ln., Fond du Lac, WI 59437
For more information check out www.milwaukeeforum.org.
Questions? Chair Mark Hintzmann at 920/261-7289 or dhent@charter.net.
Recognizing Our Everyday Heroes
by International President Al Brandel
Do you believe in miracles? Do you know any heroes? Every Lion certainly can
answer ―yes‖ to both of these questions. All he or she needs to do to see the
miracles is to take part in one of our service projects. The heroes are the Lions.
Maybe we‘ve seen too many movies or read too many flattering profiles of
heroes and expect a hero to be larger than life and miracles to be supernatural. But
I believe heroes are part of everyday life and miracles happen in the ordinary
course of a day. I learned at an early age from my parents about the importance of
service and how members of a community can contribute to their community.
21
Later, as a young Lion, I learned how a club‘s many acts of service, however small
and seemingly commonplace and unremarkable, add up to something very
significant and valuable.
During my presidential year I will salute Lions for performing miracles of service
and for being everyday heroes. I will promote some of our Lions‘ programs in
particular and focus on membership but I want to emphasize that our biggest asset
is our members. It‘s you. It‘s you in California. It‘s you in Canada. It‘s you in
China, France and Paraguay. It‘s the clubs in Germany, Russia and India. It‘s the
Lions in Japan, South Africa and Brazil.
Lions do the heavy lifting. You decide how effective Lions are. You exemplify
who Lions are. Unfortunately, probably due to a certain humility, individual Lions
tend to downplay their importance. ―I‘m just one Lion.‖ No, you‘re not. You are
Lions. ―I‘m not a club officer.‖ No, you‘re playing your part. You‘re doing service.
―We‘re just a small club.‖ No, you are the club in your community that your
community can‘t do without. If your community were to lose you, your community
would be worse off in so many ways.
All of you are miracle workers. You are a fantastic part of a worldwide
organization dedicated to improving the lives of millions. There is nothing I can
say to make this more of a miracle other than to thank you, to encourage you and
wish you the very best this year in making more miracles.
With this in mind, this year‘s International award program will recognize our
Lions Everyday Heroes by...
SALUTING those who exemplify what it means to create miracles through
service
RECOGNIZING Lions who are making a difference in the world
CELEBRATING the work we have done and continue to do around the globe
Lions Clubs International and 2008-09 International President Albert F. Brandel
proudly announce the International Hero Awards.
The Hero Award will recognize Lions making a difference in the world. Choose a
Lion, club, district or project that exemplifies the objects of the association. Your
nominee should exemplify what it means to create miracles through service. You
may include information regarding your nominee‘s impact on membership growth
and participation, club extension, innovative changes, public relations success, and
community impact and support.
Nominations will be accepted in three categories:
Lion – Everyday Hero District Service Project
Lions Club District
Lions Club President District Governor
Lions Club Service Project
22
Nominees in all categories must be nominated by a District Governor, Council
Chairperson, International Director or International Officer.
For more information on the Heroes program visit www.lionsclubs.org. Three
finalists for each category will be notified and then announced on the LCI Web site
(www.lionsclubs.org) and recognized at the International Convention.
23
NEWS: 27-A1
Notes from DG Debbie
In last month‘s article, I promised an engaging look at the Lions International
Convention happenings in exotic, exciting and romantic Thailand. The country
delivered that and much more. However, the best memories, the ones that will stay
with me for life were encountered at LCI‘s DG School and at the Convention.
Spending two weeks with enthused and dedicated Lions from around the world
created many outstanding experiences that are burned into my memory forever.
The DG School was held in Pattaya, Thailand, a picturesque city nested on the
shore of the Gulf of Siam. The entire day was spent attending classes. The evening
allowed talking with and making new friends. LCI dazzled us all with a
―Broadway Introduction‖ to our new International President, Al Brandel. A
remarkable story was shared about several Lions Clubs in South Africa‘s District
410A who Teamed Up for over 37 years to feed more than 60,000 impoverished
people EVERY DAY! Now that‘s Team Work to the max!
LCI Convention was held in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. The traffic on the
streets and highways was chaotic, with buses, trucks, cars, motorbikes, ―tuk tuks,‖
and even the occasional elephant battling for space. However, the people I met
there soon made me forget about the traffic tribulations. My husband, Red, and I
formed many lifetime friendships with people from around the world.
The International Parade was held on a very sunny, hot, and steamy day. Our
discomfort was soon forgotten as we encountered hundreds and hundreds of
smiling, cheering Thai people that lined the parade route. Many had worked long
hard days for just a little pay, but still stood and chanted, ―USA, USA‖, and
―Wisconsin‖ as we marched by. Shaking hands or just touching their hands
delighted them as we walked by. Toward the end of the parade route one older,
tired and life-worn woman was suddenly full of life and smiles when I handed her
a small American flag that I had carried in the parade. The look in her eyes touched
my heart! I no longer felt my sore feet. At that moment I was walking on air.
Many stories were told in Thailand about ―everyday heroes‖ that have performed
―miracles through service.‖ Our District 27-A1 has many of those ―everyday
heroes‖! I would like to hear from all of you. Tell me about your stories and I will
highlight them in future 27-A1 District pages. Remember, even simple acts of
kindness are miracles to the people that are receiving them.
24
Peace Poster Contest
―Peace Begins With Me‖ is the theme of the 2008-09 Peace Poster Contest. Lions
clubs can sponsor the program in their community for children in local schools or
organized, sponsored youth groups. Students, ages 11, 12 or 13 on November 15,
2008, are eligible to participate. Through the contest, students are encouraged to
visually depict their interpretation of the contest‘s theme.
Lions clubs may purchase a contest kit through the Club Supplies Sales
Department. For an order form, visit the Lions Clubs International website or call
Lions International in Oakbrook, Illinois. A kit must be purchased for each contest
sponsored. The contest must be sponsored by a Lions Club.
Judging – each poster is judged on originality, artistic merit and expression of the
theme. Posters advance through several judging levels: local, district, multiple
district and international. At the international level, judges from the art, peace,
youth, education and media communities select one grand prize winner and 23
merit award winners.
Awards – One international grand prize winner will receive a trip to a special
award ceremony with the sponsoring club president and two family members at
Lions Day with the United Nations in New York City, New York, USA (subject to
change). There the winning artist will be presented with an engraved plaque and a
cash prize of US $2,500. Each of the 23 merit award winners will receive a cash
award of US $500 and a certificate of achievement.
Promoting – To download the fill-in-the-blank Peace Poster press release, visit
PR Tools under News & Events on the Lions Clubs International website. The
Peace Poster Brochure and the District Peace Poster Chairperson‘s Guide are also
available. Contact your local school art teacher and the teacher in charge of the
gifted/talented student program. This contest is a perfect way to challenge them.
Start by sending a letter and then follow up with a phone call. You might even
want to make a visit to the school principal.
Timeline with deadlines: Entries not meeting the deadlines will be disqualified
January 15
Kits go on sale from the Club Supplies Sales Department at LCI
October 1
Deadline to purchase kits from the Club Supplies Sales Department at LCI
November 15
Postmark deadline for a club to send one winning poster (per contest sponsored)
to the District Governor
December 1
Postmark deadline for a governor to send one winning district poster to multiple
district council chairperson
25
December 1
Postmark deadline for a club not belonging to a district to send one winning entry
to the Public Relations Department at LCI
December 15
Postmark deadline for the multiple district council chairperson to send one
winning poster to the Public Relations Department at LCI
February 1
International winners will be notified on or before this date.
Anchors Away
MUSKEGO LIONS PARADE FLEET IS IN FULL SWING. Just completed
were parades in Menomonee Falls, Wauwatosa and East Troy. Upcoming parades
include Ixonia and Muskego. The fleet is commanded under the steady guidance of
Lion Admiral Jack Spoerl. The fleet‘s goal is to join other Lions in the upcoming
parade at the International Convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 2009. We
thank the Wisconsin Lions Newspaper for spreading the word on our availability.
Many of our contacts were a result of the article we placed in the Wisconsin Lions.
Please contact Lion Jack at Lincoln State Bank 414-529-4414 if you would like to
have the Muskego Fleet in your parade. - by Lion Tracy DeAngelis
27-A1 Bowling Tournament
The Tichigan Lake and Waterford Lions Clubs are busy preparing for the 27-A1
Bowling Tournament to be held Sat., Nov. 1; Sun., Nov. 2; and Sat., Nov. 8, 2008.
On Sat., Nov. 1 and 8 the times are 9:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. On Sun., Nov. 2, the time
is 12 noon.
This Tournament is open to Lions, Lioness and Leo Teams of District 27-A1
Team Event Only. Entry Fees are $15 per person or $75 for a five person team.
Checks are to be payable to Tichigan Lake Lions Club and sent to:
Bowling Chairperson
PO Box 81
Waterford, WI 53185
For questions, please contact 262-706-3062 or tszeklinski@fred.com.
Entry deadline date is Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008.
26
Get your entries in early to avoid the last minute rush and perhaps
disappointment in not making it into the line up.
Tichigan Lake and Waterford Lions look forward to two fun-packed weekends
with our fellow Lions, Lioness and Leos.
Lioness Sparkle and Shine In District
27A-1
by Lioness Mary Squire, ADP
The Northeast Area made up of the Lioness Clubs of Franklin, Hales Corners,
New Berlin and Waukesha Noon donated $105 to the United Women Veterans
Conference.
Vera Roddy, a member of the United Women Veterans, attended the New Berlin
Lioness Club Meetings and presented a program on the difficulties and needs of
the Women Vets. Lioness Roxanne Majewski, Northeast Area Chairperson,
presented her the check from the Northeast Area.
United Women Veteran‘s big project is the Women Veterans Conference held
annually at Ft. McCoy the last weekend in September. They are expecting around
250 Women Veterans from around the State of Wisconsin and a few from
neighboring states to attend the conference.
The Lioness are planning on making the United Women Veterans a district
project and look forward to deepening the relationship between the Lioness and the
Women Veterans.
Lions District Golf
by Lion Dan Eberhardt
Come join us on Saturday, September 27, 2008, at Evergreen Golf Club in
Elkhorn for the Annual District Golf outing.
A putting contest starts at 11 a.m. with golf starting at 12 noon. Dinner will begin
immediately following the golf at approximately 5:30 p.m.
Many prize holes and a ―Hole-in-one‖ for a car are on the agenda. There are also
many raffle prizes to be given away.
Prior to September 12th the cost if $75 per golfer, or if you have a foursome it is
$280.
After September 12th the cost will be $80 per person.
27
You can visit the District web page at www.wilions.org and click on District Golf
outing.
You may also check the course out at: http://evergreengolf.com/golf.html.
We are looking for hole sponsors. If you are sponsoring a business the cost is
$100. For an individual hole sponsorship the cost if $50.
Make your checks payable to ―Franklin Lions Golf.‖
Any questions, please contact Dan Eberhardt at dshardt@yahoo.com or 414-571-
7161.
SEE YOU ALL AT DISTRICT GOLF!
Big Bend/Vernon Lions Partner with
Superior Landscape
by Lion Joan Weber
District 27-A1 was fortunate to secure two corporate sponsors to help support the
Lions‘ efforts in the 2008 District Convention. These Corporate Sponsors are
Superior Landscape and Supply, Inc. and Bubb‘s Catering (also known as All
Occasion Catering). They will be with us for two years as sponsors.
Superior Landscape and Supply, Inc. is having a customer appreciation day on
Saturday, September 6, 2008 and the Big Bend/Vernon Lions will be serving the
food at this event.
During the day customers will experience
special one day discounts
manufacturer rep demonstrations
radio remotes by W.O.K.Y and 97.3 the Brew
fire safety equipment exhibits—children‘s displays
prizes, give-a-ways and food provided by Big Bend/Vernon Lions Club.
From 6 p.m. to midnight live music by Country Storm will be on tap
Superior Landscape and Supply, Inc. President, Ron Gasser, is a strong
proponent for helping pay back to the community.
His organization helps to support burn injured youths to attend camp. He is
raffling off an electric golf cart which has been customized to help raise money for
these burn injured victims. Raffle tickets are available at
Superior Landscape & Supply
S65 W22065 National Ave.
Waukesha
28
The cost of the tickets is $5 each or 3 for $10 and the drawing will be at 9 p.m. at
the customer appreciation event held at their place of business.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Highlighting Region 1
District 27-A1 has five regions and ten zones. These regions and zones are under
the leadership of Lion volunteers who understand the need to expand their
leadership to higher levels of Lionism.
This month we are featuring Region 1 under the capable leadership of Chair Bill
Fenger of the South Milwaukee Lions. Lion Fenger can be reached at 414-762-
5643 or e-mailed at fenger37@yahoo.com. He has two zone chairs helping to
cover the needs of Region 1.
Zone 1 is comprised of the Caledonia, Greater Kenosha, Kenosha Noon, Paddock
Lake, Racine, and Sturtevant Lions Clubs. Zone 1 Chair, Lion Rich Bryant of the
Greater Kenosha Area Lions has been a Lion for three years. He has served as a
trustee, vice-president, and president in his club. Bryant says, ―I would like to get
clubs to work together to make every event more fun.‖ Be prepared for great
programming coming your way in Region 1, Zone 1.
Zone 2 involves the Cudahy, Milwaukee Bay View, Milwaukee South Shore
Noon, Oak Creek, St. Francis, and South Milwaukee Lions Clubs. Lion Jackie
Ove is the Chair of Zone 2.
Ove has been a Lion for eight years serving as club secretary for six years,
president, both last year and this year. Ove says, ―It takes each and every one of us
to make a difference in our community. It can be done individually, but being in
the Lions Club makes it a lot more fun. I think what is neat about most of the
clubs in this zone is that they help the community on an individual level by giving
to those who need glasses or a ramp and community wide, by donating to local
food pantries or supporting statewide organizations. Participating in the Lions
programs such as WLF, and in Lions International makes it the total package of
serving.‖
It looks as though Region 1 is geared for an exciting year.
29
NEWS: 27-A2
Notes from DG Joe
I had another great experience! This one took place at the Youth Exchange
Camp in Dundee. I got to spend a day with some of the most amazing young adults
involved in the Youth Exchange Program. Camp Vista is noted to be one of the
best camps in the world for Youth Exchange. It is said that Wisconsin hosts the
most youth. This year we had 63 Youth Exchange campers (aged 15-21) from 26
countries in which included three from Wisconsin.
One of the campers, the Tahitian youth, performed a native dance and talked
about the islands that make up Tahiti. Another was a Taiwanese youth that talked
about the businesses and their native culture. It‘s just awesome to see all of these
young adults from such different countries and the diversity of cultures coming
together to form what we hope to be life-long friendships! I only wonder why
couldn‘t our world take a page out of this book and learn from our youth. This
Youth Exchange Program and Camp Program wouldn‘t be possible without the
dedication of Lion Ray Tweedale, the Youth Exchange State Chair.
If you or anyone that you know would like to participate as a Host family next
year, all you need to do is let Lion Ray know. Being a Host family requires only a
place to sleep and meals, in ―exchange‖ for the young adult to participate in daily
family activities for about 2-4 weeks. If you would like any more information or
would like for Lion Ray to visit your club for a talk – give him a jingle. So in
closing I‘d like to say ―Hats off to Lion Ray for an excellent job that he is doing
for our district and state!‖
Now - the ―gettin‘ down to business‖ section. I‘m asking that you to please get
your club activities into the paper. Don‘t send posed photos. Send photos of
members participating and serving the community as well as the people enjoying
your activity. Lion Cary Kraemer does a great job of filling in the gaps. So let‘s
help him out by letting everyone know what you‘ve been up to during this summer.
Let everyone know what you as Lions are doing and who you are. Please call or e-
mail me for a visitation date.
Lionism Beyond Your Club: Lions
Serving Lions
by Lion Barry J. Boline
30
When people in our communities need help, be it wheelchair ramps, eye glasses,
hearing aids or the like, we hope they will call on Lions.
Collectively, we have not done a very good job of advertising our service to the
communities we want to serve. Things are changing, however. International
President Brandel realizes the need to better publicize what we do.
The International Association of Lions Club is spending money in greater
amounts than ever before on advertising and our leadership is accepting that we
cannot continue as we have and expect to remain the number one non-profit in the
world.
Individual groups, too, face needs that often seem too difficult to meet. Problems
with the fear of committing to a new project, the uncertainty of being able to find
new members and the doubt of meeting our membership retention goals lead some
clubs to the mire of thinking that they are on their own. Please be assured Lionism
does not end at the outskirts of your community.
While we often refer to the world community as Lions Club International, do not
forget that the formal name of our organization is ―the International Association of
Lions Clubs‖.
While Lions Clubs serve the communities, the Association serves the Lions
Clubs.
The District Cabinet is not simply a group of Lions who have ascended beyond
the club level. Quite the opposite.
The members of the District Cabinet were appointed to SERVE. Their service is
different from the service we all do as Lions but just as important. Their service is
to the clubs.
Club level Lions are by necessity generalists. If there is a need for a wheelchair
ramp, we are carpenters. If there is a need for medicine, we are doctors.
District Cabinet members are specialists. Each Cabinet member has the task of
providing support to the clubs in the district in his or her area of expertise.
For example, suppose your club wants to do a diabetes awareness campaign. The
District Diabetes Awareness Chairperson can provide you with handouts, booklets,
brochures, etc. – – everything your club needs to undertake the project is there for
the asking – – but your club needs to ask.
Recently, my home club wanted to participate in the Peace Poster Program. We
had no idea what to do or how to do it. After we made contact with the Peace
Poster Chairperson, we had all the information we needed to order the materials,
contact the schools and we had a full understanding of the process involved.
Without the help of the District Cabinet, we would be in the dark, not knowing
which way to go.
There are 40 different Cabinet positions (in addition to the Zone and Region
chairs) who are ready and willing to provide support to your club. From
31
Membership to Sight Projects to Pin Trading, the District Cabinet is here to serve
the Lions Clubs.
Over the years, clubs have gotten the idea that the District is almost like a
separate Lions Club, doing its own service to the State as a whole. This is not the
case.
The District‘s role is not to go out and provide services that the 50 clubs in the
District aren‘t providing. The District‘s primary role is to empower the various
clubs to serve their communities.
The District Membership Chairperson is not responsible for going out and getting
new members – – his job is to give every club that asks for support whatever they
need to implement a club membership program that is meaningful and that shows
results. The same goes for Public Relations, Retention and all the rest.
Your club president, secretary and treasurer should have received a copy of the
2008 Multiple District Directory. In addition to having the names, addresses and
phone numbers of the various State Lions officers, the Directory contains the
information on every Cabinet Chairperson listed by that person‘s particular area of
expertise. Encourage your club officers to use the Directory.
Call upon the District Cabinet to serve your club. All the Cabinet Chairpersons
are volunteers and we all know that a volunteer without work to do won‘t be a
volunteer for very long.
In the coming months with the new leadership in our clubs, our District and our
State, there will be changes.
Van der Post in Venture to the Interior wrote ―Life is its own journey, pre-
supposes its own change and movement and one tries to arrest them at one‘s peril‖.
Change is good.
New projects, new ideas and new members bring new life into Lionism.
Don‘t arrest change, embrace it. Lions in the 21st century will be about building
on what we have done and assimilating new ideas.
You are not alone on this journey of service. Every one of the 1.3 million Lions
in the world is on the same journey, walking in groups of 2 or 20 or 50 or 100
together.
Ask for their ideas, walk in their footsteps and appreciate every Lion for what he
or she can offer.
Show them your appreciation by asking for their service.
―We Serve‖ means more than service to communities. Of course, we serve our
communities, but we serve one another as well. Just as our communities need their
local Lions club, just as the clubs need the District, we all need one another.
Clubs in different communities can share ideas on projects.
Clubs in different states can share ideas on fundraisers or retention techniques.
Clubs in different countries can share differences in their cultures.
32
These are not theoretical ideas. They are challenges to you and your clubs.
Reach out for new ideas. Accept that to serve we must allow ourselves to be
served.
We must realize that we serve one another together.
We should need our clubs.
We should need our Districts.
We should need the International Association.
In short, we should all NEED EVERY LION.
Editor‘s Note: This is the second in an ongoing series of articles that will be
written by a member of your district cabinet for the A2 page.
Each month a different cabinet member will offer their thoughts and insights
about their role on the cabinet, things going on in the district or on Lionism in
general.
Club News
THE MENOMONEE FALLS LIONS CLUB hosted the District 27-A2 Golf
Outing at Kettle Hills Golf Club. One hundred and fifty-two Lions and guests
participated in the event on June 23rd held under warm and sunny skies. Over
$8,500 was raised from the event. The Menomonee Falls Lions wish to thank our
many sponsors and the golfers for contributing to the outings success. The
Menomonee Falls Lions dedicated the outing to the memory of Lion Hans Tietgen,
and also wish to recognize the contributions of the late Lion Marty Bass.
THE WATERTOWN LIONS have been greatly involved in youth baseball this
summer. The City of Watertown Park & Recreation Department offers baseball
instructions and competition to boys and girls ages 7 through 12. League play
begins in May and runs through July, weather permitting. Games are played at
Brandt Quirk Park early evenings on Monday through Thursday nights. As one of
the Watertown Lions Club fund raising projects, the club members are in charge of
the concession stand Monday through Thursday evening during the competition
season. At the end of the season, one third of the Clubs concession profits is given
back to the City of Watertown Park & Recreation Department for the youth
baseball program. Besides the yearly cash donation, the club sponsors two youth
teams each year. ABOVE: Lions Doris Quinn, Del Hintzmann and Craig Schueler
Upcoming Events
SEPTEMBER
33
SUN SEP. 7 - Newburg Lions Golf Outing and dinner at the West Bend Lakes
Golf Club.
— Bart Bartholomew 262-338-0432
TUE, SEP 9 - Hartford Lions 4th Charity Golf Outing & steak dinner at the
Hartford Country Club.
— Bruce Pollock 262-628-9391 or Dick Facette at 262-670-1096
FRI, SEP 12 - Kewaskum Lions Texas Hold-Em Tournament at the Amerahn
— info@kewaskumlionsclub.org
SUN, SEP 14 - Thiensville - Mequon Lions Tailgate Party at Skippy‘s
MON, SEP 15 - Grafton Lions
Golf Outing at Fire Ridge Golf Club
— Dick Reick 262-377-4190
FRI-SUN SEP 19-21 - Menomonee Falls Lions Roasted Corn and Baked Potato
Stand at the BIG PIG GIG Barbecue Rib Cookoff.
— Don Newbauer 262-502-0389
THUR, SEP 25 - Kewaskum Lions Annual Steak Fry at the Amerahn
— info@kewaskumlionsclub.org
SUN, SEP 28 - Fredonia Lions 35th Anniversary Celebration - 4:00 p.m. at The
Five Pillars Restaurant
OCTOBER
District Bowling Tournament - Hosted by the Fredonia Lions Oct. 18, & 19, 25
& 26, 2009
— Marsha Beger 262-692-9275
SUN, OCT 26 - Fredonia Lions Fall Chicken Roast, carry out only 10 am to 2
pm at Fredonia Fireman‘s Park
SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES
All club related articles, announcements and pictures should be sent directly to
Publicity Chairman/District Editor Lion Cary Kraemer.
Please understand that ―check presentation‖, ―handshake‖ and ―club award‖
pictures will not be considered for inclusion in the state newspaper.
When submitting a picture, please include some detailed information that can be
shared with readers. Fundraiser information needs to be submitted at least two
months before the actual date of the event.
The deadline for the October newspaper is August 20th. Club information will
also be posted on the club‘s page on district web site if the club does not support
their own website.
Visit the district website at www.md27a2.org
34
The Fredonia Lioness/Lions invite you to take part in the 27-A2 Bowling
Tournament, October 18, & 19, 25 & 26, 2009
Raffle prizes will include:
(2) 2009 Packer Tickets by Visitor‘s Bench-50 yard line
Westgate Resort Vacation - Orlando, Florida - One Bedroom Suite - April 18th
thru 25th, 2009
Fire Ridge Golf Package
To register or for more information, contact Lion Marsha Beger 262-692-9275.
SUN, OCT 26 - Fredonia Lions Fall Chicken BBQ, carry out only 10:00 am to
2:00 pm at Fredonia Fireman‘s Park
SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINES
All club related articles, announcements and pictures should be sent directly to
Publicity Chairman/District Editor Lion Cary Kraemer.
Please understand that ―check presentation‖, ―handshake‖ and ―club award‖
pictures will not be considered for inclusion in the state newspaper.
When submitting a picture, please include some detailed information that can be
shared with readers. Fundraiser information needs to be submitted at least two
months before the actual date of the event.
The deadline for the October newspaper is August 20th. Club information will also
be posted on the club‘s page on district web site if the club does not support their
own website.
Visit the district website at www.md27a2.org
DG Joe’s Schedule
SEPTEMBER
9 Theresa Club Meeting
11 Region 3 Zone 2 Hartford
13 Camp Open House
16 Columbus Club Meeting
17 Region 2 Zone 2 Meeting
18 Saskatoon Forum
24 West Bend Club visit
28 Fredonia 35 years celebration
29 Lioness Cab. Mtg. - Oconomowoc
OCTOBER
1 Beaver Dam Club Bayside
35
3-4 Council of Gov. St. Point
7 2nd Cabinet Meeting Iron Ridge
10-11 District Convention 27C1
14 Richfield Club Richfield Fire Hall
15 West Bend Lioness/Lions Club
16 Clyman Club
23 Region 3 Zone 1 Port Washington
28 Merlo Meeting
31-1 District Convention 27B2
36
NEWS: 27-B1
Notes from DG Gary
I have stated many times, and it is a matter of fact, that the district does not run
the clubs but rather the clubs run the district. With this idea in mind I am proposing
that we make some changes in the way we do business both in our district and in
the multi-district.
The way we do business right now, everyone on the district cabinet, with the
exception of the Vice District Governor and the WLF Directors, are appointed by
the District Governor. Most districts have 45-65 members on their cabinet. This is
done in accordance with our MD27 Constitution that states all these positions are
to be filled by appointment.
Let us take a look at what this really does.
To run for Vice District Governor, District Governor, WLF Rep or even
International Director sometime in your past, you must have been a Zone or
Region Chair. With the MD27 Constitution requiring that the District Governor
appoint the Zone and Region chairs, the District Governor in effect is picking who
will be in position to run for these offices.
There is a better way.
The LCI Constitution clearly states that the zone and regional chairpersons may
be ELECTED or appointed under procedures provided in the MD27 Constitution.
If the clubs in any given zone are allowed to elect their Zone Chair, then the
clubs, not the District Governor, will be determining who is qualified to run for the
above state offices. This is the way it should be.
To make this happen all we have to do is change our MD27 Constitution to
conform to the International Constitution.
Next, for years it has been left up to the district to develop new clubs and we all
know where that has gotten us. The truth is, every new club has to be sponsored by
a current club in good standing. I believe every club, or at least every zone should
have a new club development committee aided by the District MERLO Team to
develop new clubs in their zone.
It has been proposed to the Council of Governors that we discontinue printing the
Multi-District Directory and put the information on a secure website that you
would need an access code to enter. This would save the Multi-District about
$9,000 annually. I would like to hear what you think about it.
My calendar is filling up fast; if you would like me to visit your club please let
me know. If you would rather do your District Governors visit at a zone meeting
your Zone Chair has more information on that.
37
Hope to see all of you at the District Convention. It should be a good one
Future Leaders
by PDG Gary Colton, Leadership Chair
I remember the year I became President of my Lions Club. I had been a Lion for
six years and it truly was my first time as a leader. Although I had been a member
of other organizations, I had never been selected to be a leader. To be a leader
many believe you need to be tall, good looking, articulate, popular, and have a
presence. Although I may have looked the part, I didn‘t feel I had the leadership
qualities.
Then came my big break, I became a President. I remember my first meeting... I
was so nervous, but with help from some seasoned members, the meeting went
better than I expected and with time I improved.
As time passed, I took a position beyond the club level where I met and watched
my peers at the district level and the rest is history.
What does all this have to do with future leaders? Do Lion leaders have to be
natural born? Can Lion leaders be developed and nurtured? Do we miss our future
leaders because we are looking for certain characteristics?
These are questions we must answer for ourselves, but I know one Lion leader
who could have been missed.
How do we recognize future leaders? Certainly, not by a single list of ―must
have‖ traits. I believe that most leaders are made not born. We can teach anyone
with a true desire to help others to be good a leader.
As far as self-teaching or mentoring of future lion leaders, Lions Club
International has developed excellent materials and booklets that can be
downloaded or ordered at www.lionsclubs.org or by calling (630) 571-5466.
Forums and Seminars are also available for every Lion who wants to lead whether
currently or in the future. Each District holds Club Officer training sessions every
year. Multiple Districts usually hold leadership training annually. Regional Lion
Leadership workshops are sponsored by Lions Club International, which also holds
Emerging Lions and Senior Lions Workshops.
For Multiple or District information you can contact me at
coltontax@charterinternet.net or call (920) 922-7432.
Lioness News
by Kay Zornow, ADP
38
Fall is upon us; this is one of my favorite times of the year. The cool nights &
warm days, with the start of the beautiful colors around us. With the kids back at
school, and our summer vacation behind us, we have time to focus again on our
Lioness activities. We put lots of hours working on our projects and fundraisers.
This is all worthwhile when we receive a smile, thank you and see someone benefit
from our work.
Keep in mind the Sports Raffle for Kids. The drawing will be held at the Lions
Camp Open House Sept. 13. If you haven‘t been to the camp this is a great
opportunity to see the camp.
Please nominate a Lioness for the Birch-Sturm Fellowship that will be given to
an outstanding Lioness, at November‘s district convention. Send nominees to me at
W5037 Schaefer RD, Menasha WI 54952 or klzornow@yahoo.com. Put ―Lioness‖
in comment box or call me at 920-989-1865.
What The Peace Poster Contest Means
To Me
by Dawn Christensen, Peace Poster Chair
Six years ago, when our infant club first began, I had little idea what The Peace
Poster Contest even was. Our then treasurer, Colleen Stobb, expressed her interest
to the club, of overseeing the contest and what she needed to do it. She was
enthusiastic and everyone agreed she should go ahead. It sounded like a good idea.
I love conventions and try to attend every one. Sadly Colleen passed away a few
years ago and our club was heartbroken. You really come to realize how much a
person does once they‘re gone. One member stepped up and offered to take over
her treasurer duties. I really wanted to oversee The Peace Poster Contest, which I
knew, was dear to her heart. All of our members had to fill in the gaps left by her
passing. Little did I realize how much I was about to also get passionate about The
Peace Poster Contest.
This project is so easy to coordinate and so amazingly rewarding. All you have to
do is order an inexpensive kit, hook up with an art teacher in your school district,
and the rest just seems to run itself. The art teachers are more than willing to help
because the contest becomes a project in their curriculum. Most middle schools
have a monthly assembly where a member of your club and the principal can
award prizes for the best posters.
Our club uses a local artist to do the judging, but it could just as easily be
someone else or even a panel of judges. The kids work very hard on the posters
and try with great conviction to follow the rules and stick to the theme.
39
They all look so great every year. They are really all winners. Then when you
talk to a few of them about their work, your jaw nearly drops hearing about their
thoughts and ideas on world peace. My jaw nearly dropped when I realized that
only about 10 clubs out of over 70 in our District were running The Peace Poster
Contest.
This project is not only easy; it‘s inexpensive and extremely rewarding. So,
please order a Peace Poster Kit today and run a Peace Poster Contest. It meant a lot
to Colleen and now it means a lot to me. And I‘m hoping it will mean a lot to our
entire District. What does The Peace Poster Contest mean to me? IT MEANS A
LOT. Thanks for your support.
A 27-B1 Legend is Leaving
by PDG Tom Koch, Historian
PDG Lion Orv Doede and his wife Lois are moving to the Stevens Point area.
Doede, 27-B1 Legend, has served the Fond du Lac Noon Lions and 27-B1 for 58
years; including 49 years of perfect attendance. 31 years as Fond du Lac Noon
Lions Secretary/Treasurer; and 36 years on the District cabinet (longer than any
Lion has served in our district). He‘s held numerous positions and has received 34
DG Appreciation awards and has been a delegate to 32 District, 46 MD27 and 12
LCI Conventions.
For the past 23 years, Lion Orv has been our District Historian. It is amazing the
history he has compiled. Every DG‘s year is highlighted with all the major
activities that took place, including records of each of their cabinet members. He
also has records of many of the awards given to club members in our district over
the years. Lion Orv has a picture of each cabinet since he served. He has a district
pin for each of the years of our district which he has turned over to the new
historian, PDG Lion Tom Koch of Rosendale. Many Districts in our state do not
have a historian, but 27B-1 has. Anyone who served on our District Cabinet is
recorded and many memories have been saved by Lion Orv.
Needless to say, Lion Orv Doede will be missed on our District Cabinet. Of
course, he will still be around to talk about the history for anyone interested. Please
thank him when you see him. He certainly should be commended for his service.
40
2008 27-B1 Convention Registration
Form –
November 7th - 8th - Fox Hills Resort, Mishicot, WI
Date
Club
Contact
Phone
Email
Fees by 10/24
Registration - Lions, Lioness & Guest $8
Registration - Leos & Children $2
Friday Fish Fry $14
Saturday Lunch $13
Saturday Banquet $20
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
FOR EACH REGISTRANT ALONG WITH THEIR MEAL REGISTRATION
Name
Title:
Lion Lioness Lion/Lioness Leo Guest
Delegate Alternate
Checks payable and mail by 10/24/08 to: 27-B1 Convention
Mail to: PDG Steve Pautz, 124 Riverwood Dr., Mishicot WI 54228
snpautz@verizon.net
41
NEWS: 27-B2
Notes from DG Jerry
Vision - the act or power of seeing with the eyes. The most important item we as
Lions members should be involved in. Just imagine all the good things that will
occur from the $200 million the Lions raised for Campaign Sight First II. Money
that will be spent here in the USA and around the world.
All clubs in District 27-B2 are involved in vision projects in some form or
another. Whether it be eyeglass recycling, eye transport, Mission to Mexico, vision
screening, or helping families in need for eye exams or new glasses. Thank you
Lions for the miracles in service that you provide for your community.
One item of good sight that is overlooked is vision therapy. Not all people are in
need of this service, but many children are. One case of vision therapy our club
was involved with was a child whose eyes were not able to focus forward but only
to the side. His parents were told the only cure was surgery on the muscles that
control eye movement. The cure rate was 25-50%. Not very good odds. Before our
club learned of this disability we heard a speaker talk about the good things eye
therapy could do for vision correction. We contacted the family on the possibility
of what eye therapy could do. They agreed to give it a try.
With our financial help, after several sessions, a noticeable change happened. We
knew it might take a few years of therapy if this was going to be successful. At age
16 this child was able to get his drivers license. His grades had improved
dramatically. Before graduation from high school he became employed and now
has full time employment. Were the dollars spent worth it? You be the judge.
Wausaukee Lions To Observe 50th
Anniversary
The Wausaukee Lions Club is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its Charter in
1958. The date is Sunday, October 26, 2008. The location is the Trillium, 10508
Kotke Rd, in Crivitz. Doors open at noon followed by a buffet chicken dinner at
1:00 p.m. The cost is $14 per person. Contact Lion Doc Hanke at 715-856-6781
(dorisanddoc@centurytel.net) or Lion Jane Fritz at 715-856-6406
42
(ctn98194@centurytel.net) to get additional information or to make reservations.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Victims of Our Own Success
by WLF Director PDG Steven D. Schlender
As I get ready to embark on my fifth year of representing B2 as your WLF
Director, I look back at what we accomplished and what still needs to be done to
ensure the Wisconsin Lions Foundation continues into the future.
As Lions, Lioness and Leos we support so many important projects in our own
communities and throughout the state. Scholarships, wheel chair ramps, cancer,
fire victims, natural disasters, Eye Bank, Sight First II, building projects, the list is
endless and Lions & Lioness are there to help. We Lions honor our motto…We
Serve.
When a group of Lions asked their fellow Lions in Wisconsin to help blind
children go to Camp, the Lions answered and the Wisconsin Lions Camp and the
Foundation became a reality.
Through the years, beyond your annual donations, whenever the WLF needed
any additional support, the Lions have always come through.
When I started getting involved in Lions beyond the club level there was a call
for help building Pinewood Lodge and Lions came up with the money in short
order. Then came the call for new cabins, once again the Lions showed their
support and enough money was raised before anyone thought possible. We had our
Dining Hall improved to handle our growing needs. Then the WLF came to Lions
for a new Health Lodge and again in record time Lions, Lioness and others raised
$680,000 and the Health Lodge is now a reality. Our generosity for tangibles is
phenomenal.
The sad part of the equation is that a few years back we reached a point where
our annual donations do not cover the cost of running Lions Camp. A study was
conducted and showed that our annual donations over the past ten years were up
20%; unfortunately the costs over that same period were up 57%.
At this time, annual donations in 2007-2008 throughout the State are down 5.6%;
at this rate we will not reach the level of last year‘s annual donations of $680,721.
The Camp budget alone for 2008-2009 is over $800,000. That does not include our
other statewide projects, eyeglass recycling center, etc. The total budget for 2008-
2009 is $1.7 million.
We need annual donations to increase and we need to find more ways to increase
revenues. The WLF started the Lions Pride Campaign, with the goal of raising $25
43
million because they saw the trends and were planning for the future. When the
goal is achieved the WLF will receive approximately $1 million to help offset the
cost of running all our statewide projects. This year the Lions Pride Endowment
Fund has begun to contribute to the operating cost.
We need this campaign to be a success and reach its goal as soon as possible.
Without increased Annual Donations and 100% support of the Lions Pride
Endowment Fund we will most likely succumb to our own success.
Building A Great Show: Iola Old Car
Show & Swap Meet
Nearly 100,000 car enthusiasts spent July 10th - 13th in Iola where they marked
the 36th Annual Iola Old Car Show & Swap Meet. This nationally recognized
premier Old Car Show featured ―Roadsters, Ragtops and Rumble Seats‖ from the
start of automotive history up through 1979.
The show boasted 4,428 swap spaces featuring Old Car paraphernalia, about 682
Old Cars 1995 and older were for sale and 1,500 camp spaces were booked during
the show dates.
Another popular exhibit is the ―Blue Ribbon Concourse‖ that features close to
2,000 selected quality cars from every era.
The unique thing about this car show is that it not only sponsored in a village
with a population of only 1,100 but that almost all-volunteer help handles it. There
are four full time employees who administrate and organize the various features of
the show. They handle the scheduling and operational logistics of 122 non-profit
service organizations from a four county area, which involves 3,000 workers who
donate 29,000 hours of work. Profits from the show are divided among these
organizations that in turn use the funds for community service activities. Many
scholarships, park and recreational developments, fire departments, under privilege
programs, etc. have benefited from this event.
The show originally started as a spin off from an Iola Lions Club Chicken dinner
fundraiser. The club invited a few Old Car Collectors to bring their vehicles as a
means to attract a few more people to enjoy the dinners served. The first show only
had 14 vehicles and served about 600 dinners.
The last few years have averaged sales of 5,500 chicken dinners plus hamburgers,
brats, hot dogs, barbecues, pizzas, french fries, breakfasts, steak dinners and over a
ton of cheese curds are served to the hungry crowd. The show truly provides a
―Taste of Wisconsin‖ as most of these products are produced in the state.
44
How To Start A Leo Club
For the sponsoring Lions Club
Meet with your club to explain the responsibility of sponsorship
Choose an advisor from the club – one that likes to work with the young people
Request a Leo Club Organization kit from International (Leo-65)
Commit to pay the $100 organization fee. This fee includes a Leo club officer‘s
kit, a sponsor kit and 20 new member kits. If there are more than 20 members, add
$5 for each additional member kit.
Commit to pay the annual club sponsor fee of $90. This fee pays for things like
communications, awards, records and web site maintenance.
Determine if your Leo Club will operate under another organization such as a
school, church or other community group. History shows that Leo clubs operate
better when they are supported by an organization where they already gather
frequently. The most successful are those who operate with schools and meet
during school hours. Seek out a strong co-advisor from the organization and your
club will thrive!
Plan an Installation Ceremony with your newly formed Leo Club.
For the Leo Club
Announce the date of your formation meeting. Use letters and local media to
promote it.
Explain the philosophy of the Leo Club at these meetings.
Talk to those in attendance of some of the activities that the Leos will be
involved with.
Vote to accept your members, elect officers and accept the Leos Constitution and
By-Laws.
Set your meeting date and time.
The role of the Leo advisor is to be a motivator, educator, counselor and role
model.
The philosophy of the Leos is to ―...to provide the youth of the world (with) an
opportunity for development and contribution, individually and collectively, as
responsible members of the local, national and international community.‖
The Leo club motto is:
Leadership - Leos develop skills as organizers, time managers and motivators of
their peers.
Experience - Leos learn the importance of cooperation through community
service.
45
Opportunity - Membership provides young people with a chance to excel, to
develop positive character traits, and to receive recognition for their contributions
to the community.
Club News
CROOKED LAKE PLAYS PART- In June of 2007 a tornado went through the
Town of Riverview and destroyed the fire station. Only one year later, June 7,
2008 the community was able to pull together and celebrate the grand opening of a
beautiful new fire station. The Crooked Lake/Mountain Lions Club assisted in
parking cars for the celebration and took the opportunity to present the fire chief
with a donation.
McCASLIN LIONS HELP COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS WITH FUND
RAISING - One of the McCaslin Lions many community projects is to provide a
food booth for area organization‘s fund raising. The booth is located at the
Lakewood Supervalue. Shown above are the McCaslin Lions using the booth for
their own fundraising.
THE BEAR CREEK LIONS were delighted to have their float, ―The World Does
Rotate‖, participate in the 50th Rodeo parade in Manawa ...on July 5th... It was a
great day for a parade...The float was ahead of the Wisconsin University Marching
band. ..what fun. ..they hopped on the float and had a short ride. ..the Music was
great. The float took third place in the patriotic division. Congratulations, Manawa.
What an awesome responsibility for a community.
THE BELLEVUE LIONS CLUB ran their annual Slo-Pitch Tournament and
Community Picnic again this year in June. We had a pretty good day on Saturday
and all the ball games were completed. Sunday was a different story!! It was one of
the rain storms of the century - it rained almost all day - it didn‘t just rain, it poured
most of the day. We did not get to play any of the ball games, and there were not
many attending the picnic either. But one of our ingenious members decided that
we needed to do a drive through booyah service to help keep all the people dry,
that did come with their kettles to take Booyah home. We did sell out our Booyah -
thanks to that wonderful idea! The rain finally did stop at about 3:00 in the
afternoon, and people did start to come in. We still ended up having a pretty good
weekend (for fundraising), as we had tickets sold for our raffle ahead of time, and
there was much effort from all the members to make the best that we could of it.
46
DG Jerry’s Calendar
SEPTEMBER
7 Personal
8 Algoma
13 Lions Camp
14-23 Saskatoon
OCTOBER
4 Council meeting
7 Crivitz, Wausaukee
14 Kaukauna
16 Grand Chute
25 Wrightstown
27 Wedding Anniversary
30-1 District Convention
DECEMBER
2 Howard-Suamico.
47
NEWS: 27-C1
Notes from DG Jonathan
The Lions and clubs of 27-C1 are great supporters of our Lions Camp and can
proudly say that we place the most Youth Exchange students in the State, but we
have incredible untapped potential in the area of Leo Clubs.
We have many fine schools and teachers in our district. We have not only
colleges, but other schools where men and women of any age continue their
education. We have all the things we need to have a great youth program. So why
do we only have two Leo Clubs and no Campus clubs?
We are very thankful for those who help our two existing Leo Clubs. But we can
do so much more. In last month‘s state newspaper, just across the page from my
article, was a story about a Leo Club in a neighboring district. Wow, what a club!
I am convinced we can do that here in C1. Why not? A Leo Club introduces the
joys of service to young people. Some high schools require volunteer service to
graduate. Even without this requirement students love to help others and take pride
in that accomplishment. Many churches during the summer months sponsor
―servant events‖ where students pay to go work for free. Why can‘t they have a
ready-made organization help them do it all throughout the year?
When they graduate from high school, what can they do with all that desire to
serve? You realize that some of the counselors at our Lions Camp are college
students. We can take advantage of that experience to get them interested in other
ways of service unique to a campus setting. Students love to travel. Wouldn‘t it be
great to have some of them spending spring break on a mission trip to Mexico or
handing out vitamins in Central America? We can encourage them by giving
scholarships to those who are interested in the medical profession, maybe in the
areas of research concerning diabetes or eyesight or hearing. Maybe one of these
young people will come with a cure for diabetes or find new ways to improve
hearing.
I do want to end this column by saying that these are not the only ways to get
young people involved in Lionism. Just by sharing serving with your own families
can lead your own children to become Lions. At the Rozellville club visit in July,
Jerry Spindler recalled how his children helped get the ball diamond ready for play
after rain. Those children have now become active members of local clubs. They
saw how much Dad loved serving and wanted to have that experience. What a
great story!
48
Let‘s have more of those great stories this year. If you are interested in serving by
taking on the position of Leo Clubs chair please let me know. Have a great year of
service!
Proposed Constitution And By-Laws
Addition To Be Placed On The Ballot
For The 2008 District Convention
PURPOSE: To allow the District Cabinet to donate $25 from District Funds to
the Wisconsin Lions Foundation upon the death of a Cabinet member‘s spouse
and/or child.
WHEREAS: The Constitution and By-Laws or the Policy Manual do not provide
for this donation.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: Article IX – Donation from District
Funds to be stated as follows: Upon notification of the death of a Cabinet
Member‘s spouse and/or child, the District Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer shall cut a
check in the amount of $25 to be donated to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation in
memory of the deceased spouse and/or child.
This being a change to the Constitution, a two-thirds majority vote is required.
This would be effective immediately following the close of the 2008 District 27-
C1 Convention.
Hear Ye, Hear Ye
How can we keep our fund raisers sanitary?
How does a sight-impaired individual get around in today‘s hustle and bustle?
Does anyone really appreciate all our efforts in fundraising?
What is the latest research in our efforts to fight diabetes?
How might we recruit and start a new club in our area?
These questions and many more will be answered at this year‘s District 27-C1
Convention to be held at the Mead Hotel and Conference Center in Wisconsin
Rapids on October 10th and 11th. Low room rates, a central location and a family
atmosphere, are all good reasons for joining us this October.
49
Friday night will again feature the WLF Auction and we ask you to bring items
for the auction to be sold. All proceeds for this evening will go to the Wisconsin
Lions Camp. Don‘t forget those convention ads. Sell two pages and receive your
club‘s ad free. Free beer and soda will be available, as well as a cash bar.
Set aside Friday and Saturday October 10th and 11th to meet old friends and
make new ones. Come join everyone for fun, fellowship and information. Help
make this the best convention ever.
Your convention co-chairs:
Lion Diane Wasniewski
715.693.6457
PDG & PCC Georgia Lutz
715.344.4961
IPDG Leanne Pearson
715.424.4721
Opening Eyes
Special Olympics Opening Eyes should open our eyes. By providing a generous
grant, Lions Clubs International partners with Special Olympics and the Vision
Therapy Center, Inc. of Brookfield, WI to conduct two of these programs each year
– one at the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh campus during the winter Special
Olympics and one at Stevens Point during the summer Special Olympics.
In between events, the Special Olympians visit a tent city to have their eyes and
other health issues addressed. Before the day was over, many received glasses free
of charge to help make their lives just a little more tolerable.
Above: Lion volunteers use auto-refractors furnished by the Wisconsin Lions,
special exams by optometrists and other professionals who recently set up 11 work
stations to administer eye exams to summer Special Olympians at UW-Stevens
Point.
50
Club News
CASTLE ROCK LIONS CORNEA TRANSPORTERS RECEIVE
AWARDS - Castle Rock Lions (left to right) Frank Partipilo, Don Dry,
Donna Dry and Rich Buhalog, were presented with Transporter Awards.
Transporter Lion Joe Partipilo was not available. These volunteers both
pick up and deliver donated corneas for transplantation. They are part of
the Wisconsin Lions transport relay system, which is unique in the
United States. The Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin, in Madison, issued
these awards.
ROCHE-A-CRI LIONS BUILD ACCESSIBILITY RAMP- The
ramp is almost ready to use when Lion builders Tom Sutter (left) and
Rick Koch take a moment for a photo with Sally Coln, Lester Peck‘s
niece. Mr. Peck needed help to enter or leave his home. The Roche A
Cri Lions were able to help by building a ramp to his front door.
LIONS CELEBRATE SUMMER AND SERVICE - Picnics are great
ways to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship and area Lions consider them
celebrations of their community work. The newly established Unity
Community Lions club decided to host a picnic and invited their local
city officials and workers to show them their appreciation for the
partnership their new club is developing with them.
THE ABBOTSFORD LIONS begin the Lionistic year with a steak-fry
family picnic at Red Arrow Park and invite prospective members.
Abbotsford Lions Tail Twister Bonnie Weix was in rare form as the club
members kicked off the year ―Committed to Serve‖. Summer toys were
collected as the price of admission which will be donated to the local
Head Start program.
27-C1 Calendar
SEPTEMBER
18-21 USA/Canada Forum, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
OCTOBER
3-4 COG Mtg, Stevens Point
7 Town of Texas
10-11 District Convention,
51
Wisconsin Rapids, Hotel Mead
20 Curtiss
27 Rothchild-Weston
31 B2 Convention - Wittenberg
NOVEMBER
1 B2 Convention - Wittenberg
2-7 Interim Ministry Class - St. Louis
4 Colby
8 Cabinet Meeting - Grand Rapids Lions Club House 10AM
with lunch after the meeting.
DECEMBER
8 Roche A Cri
2008 27-C1 Convention Registration
Form –
October 10th - 11th - Hotel Mead Convention Center, Wisconsin Rapids
November 7th - 8th - Fox Hills Resort, Mishicot, WI
Date
Club
Contact
Phone
Email
Fees by 10/24
Registration - Lions, Lioness & Guest $5
Friday Auction & Snacks, Soda/Beer - 7pm FREE
Saturday Lunch (meatloaf & lemon chicken) $14
Saturday Banquet - Roast Sirloin Au Poivre $18.50
Saturday Banquet - Pork Milanaisie $18.50
Saturday Banquet - Superior White Fish $18.50
PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION
FOR EACH REGISTRANT ALONG WITH THEIR MEAL REGISTRATION
Name
Title:
52
Lion Lioness Lion/Lioness Leo Guest
Delegate Alternate
Checks payable and mail by 10/1/08 to: Lions District 27-C1 Convention
Mail to: Lion Diane Wisniewski, 1903 Vanderwaal St., Mosinee, WI 54455 715-
693-6457
ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
You are responsible for making your own hotel reservations.
There is a block of rooms reserved. $79 per night. Call Hotel Mead and
Convention Center at 715.422.7000
53
NEWS: 27-C2
Notes from DG Bob
Change is happening here!
The budget is approved, the team has been organized and now it is up to you.
Budget - MD27-C2 new Budget has been built and approved by our Cabinet
(meeting held 8-03-08). The Budget includes the following line items:
Marketing Support
PR Marketing Support
Web Site Support
Club Officer Orientation
Membership Development
These 5 individual areas are indeed important to club network support and will
only be fully implemented with your help.
Team
DG and VDG Role - Where the Rubber meets the Road.
Communicators
Planners
Delegates
Facilitator
Collaborator
Regional Role - Chief Administrative Officer
Motivator
Prospector
Organizer
Expeditor
Zone Role - Administrative Officer
Agendas
Objectives
Assignments
Over viewer
Communication - This all starts with your individual Clubs by appointing one
member to chair the position of Internet Communication. This is the manner in
which your District will keep the individual Clubs, Regions and Zones in ―real
time‖ communication.
54
Call, write or e-mail your Internet Communication Chair‘s name, along with your
club name, e-mail address and phone number to your Zone and/or Region chair(s)
and join the ―real time communication network.‖
District PR - Clubs will need to arrange the information of who is who in their
areas. Public Relations your new team will communicate correctly to the media
sound your horn.
Send this information to you Zone Chair. Send any events of your club to your
zone. Simply present any information to your Zone. Communication is KEY to any
plan. What is happening, NOT what has happened.
Club Visits - Contact your Zone or Regional chair to schedule visits with VDG
Shirley Lemke and DG Bob so we can set these visits on our agendas.
MD 27 Directory - Books have been distributed to your regional team. Each Club
get 2 Books. Later this month our district ―who‘s who‖ will be posted on at
www.md27c2.org.
Thank you for your support. Remember without a plan all you have is a wish.
―Change is good‖
Each month we have an entire page to fill with interesting stories and photos of 27-
C2
Lions,
Lioness and
Leos in action.
Please submit your club‘s stories
and ideas to DG Bob or
27-C2 Editor Ricky
55
Tomahawk Thunder Parade Looking
for More Blind/Visually Impaired
Riders
For the past four years the Tomahawk Lions have led the Thunder Parade for the
September Tomahawk Fall Ride. (They run a ―Brat and Burger‖ stand downtown
during the parade, too!) They joined forces with the Arbor Vitae HOG group (who
provide drivers) to give rides in the parade.
The parade is about 18 miles long and is hailed as the ―Opening‖ of the Fall
Ride. The parade has had as many as 25 blind or visually impaired people riding in
the event. Most come from the NCTI (Northcentral Tech) in Wausau, but the
Tomahawk Lions would like to invite blind or visually impaired people from
throughout the region to participate. Two years ago the club had a visually
impaired refugee from Katrina riding along.
The club is hoping that getting the word out in the Wisconsin Lions Newsletter
will help attract more blind or visually impaired participation in the event. The one
difficulty the club has encountered with the activity has been the limitation of
providing transportation for the blind/visually impaired riders to and from their
hometowns.
There is a bus that picks up at NCTI, which is available to anyone who can get to
Wausau or Merrill.
Anyone interesting in riding a Harley Davidson in the upcoming Tomahawk
Thunder Parade, set for Friday, September 12, should call Orrin Kolberg at 715-
453-7106 or email o.kolberg@verizon.net for more information. ALL riders must
be at least 18 years old. Helmets are not provided. Participants must be at the
parade staging grounds in Tomahawk by 5:30 p.m.
Club News
PHELPS LEADER DOG RECOGNITION - At a recent Phelps Lions Club
Meeting, Lion President Larry Bickelhaupt presented Gordon and Anita Kinner
with a miniature brick representing the brick that was purchased by the Phelps
Lions Club in memory of Gordon‘s brother Clarence, a charter member of the club.
The brick will be installed at the Lions Leader Dog School in Rochester, Michigan.
56
Over 12,000 blind people have become self- sufficient through the use of a Leader
Dog.
PHELPS LION’S CLUB STEAK FRY A SUCCESS - Over 390 beef tenderloin
steak dinners were served at the recent Phelps Lion‘s Club steak fry. ―Everyone
had a wonderful time, Bill Hassey and his orchestra were fantastic, and the weather
was terrific,‖ said Lion Rubin Peppler, event chairman. ―This year‘s event tops all
previous years.‖ Sunrise Lodge on West Shore Drive donated the potatoes, rolls
and salad with fixings. Fifty percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Phelps
Library. Pictured left to right Lion Tom Koerner, Lion Mike McAdams and Steve
Doyen man the grills.
RHINELANDER LIONS JULY 4TH KIDDIE PARADE A HUGE SUCCESS
- The Rhinelander Lions 4th annual Kiddie parade had 200+ entrants in five
divisions: bikes, trikes, motorized, costumes and pets. All entries received a cash
prize from the Rhinelander Lions. Bike Class winner Kaden Umland is pictured
with his ―American Flag.‖ entry,
THE TOMAHAWK LION’S CLUB WORKED THEIR “BRAT &
BURGER” stand during the Annual Memorial Day Car Show.
PDG KNOTT’S LEADERSHIP RECOGNIZED - IPDG Harry Helwig
presented PDG Dennis Knott with the Presidential Leadership Medal.
27-C2 Cabinet Meeting Oct. 26 2008
Cabinet members and other interested Lions, the second Cabinet Meeting of the
year is scheduled for Sunday, October 26th at Lake of the Torches Casino in Lac
du Flambeau.
Lunch will be served at 12N with the District 27-C2 Cabinet Meeting starts at
1:00 PM sharp.
The MERLO team will meet immediately following the full cabinet meeting.
Lake of the Torches Casino
12865 Rocky Point Ln,
Lac du Flambeau, WI 54538
(715)588-7920
Customer Service (888)599-9200
Look for signage on Hwy 51 to direct you to Resort.
57
Mark Your Calendars... Upcoming
2008-2009
27-C2 Cabinet Meeting Dates
Sun., October 26, 2008
1:00 PM
No Packer Game Bye Date
Sun. January 25, 2009
1:00 PM
Weekend between Play off and Super Bowl
Fri, April 17, 2009
3:00 PM
District Convention weekend
58
NEWS: 27-D1
Notes from DG John
Your District Cabinet met in Albany on Sunday, July 20. We enacted several
changes that we hope will encourage more Lions to participate in the running of
the District.
First, based on a report from the Long Range Planning Committee, the format of
the Cabinet meetings will change beginning with the October 26 meeting in
Platteville. The meetings will now begin with lunch at 12 p.m., followed by the
cabinet meeting at 1:00 p.m. The meeting of the MERLOW team with the Region
and Zone Chairs will follow the Cabinet meeting at approximately 3 p.m. with
adjournment by 4 p.m. This change will reduce the time commitment required for
the meeting to approximately four hours.
Second, at the suggestion of the Long Range Planning Committee the format of
the meeting will change. Committee reports will now be due to the Cabinet
Secretary/Treasurer by the Friday preceding the meeting, preferably in electronic
format. Copies of the reports will be available at the Cabinet meeting on Sunday
for review prior to the meeting with the opportunity for discussion or questions
during the meeting. In addition to the regular reports of the WLF Directors, the
Lions Pride Campaign, and the Eye Bank, two or three other committees will be
asked to give a more in-depth report on their activities with discussion to follow.
All reports that are filed will continue to be a part of the official minutes of the
Cabinet meeting.
Third, we approved the administrative budget for the 2008-2009 Lionistic year.
As a part of the budget the Cabinet also approved a dues reduction for those Lions
that qualify for half dues under International‘s dues structure. Examples being
family members, Leos to Lions, and student members.
Finally, the Cabinet approved the transfer of the remaining funds that were
donated for the equipment for the visually-impaired students to the Activity Fund
to be designated as a District Emergency Fund. It will be disbursed by the District
Governor with the approval of the Cabinet. Typically the types of grants coming
out of this fund would be for disasters or to assist local clubs with major funding
needs. The District would accept donations from clubs to help build or replenish
the fund as needed. Other Activity Fund projects were given the authority to solicit
donations from the clubs in the district.
If you would like to join the District Cabinet, please contact the District Governor
to discuss the opportunities available to you.
Your District Cabinet needs you.
59
McFarland: Two is Better Than One
McFarland, Wisconsin is located just southeast of Madison on Lake Waubesa.
The village boasts a population over 7,300 and is growing.
Like most small Wisconsin communities, there are numerous civic, religious and
school organizations in which to volunteer. Unlike most Wisconsin communities,
McFarland boasts both strong Lions and Lioness clubs that work together and
independently to meet community needs at home and beyond.
In many ways the clubs mirror one another... both meet once a month; both have
about 58 members, and both have an average member age around 59. They both
also have a strong group of ―core members‖ who provide consistency and support
to all club activities.
The Lions were chartered over 45 years ago and are known for their relationship
with the village and the physical labor and funding they provide for numerous
community projects. A good example of these strengths coming together is the
club‘s work on community playgrounds. In the past two years alone they‘ve built
three new playgrounds.
The Lioness, who will be celebrating 31 years in October, were originally made
up of Lions wives; today only 35% of club members are Lions spouses. This club
is also highly visible in the community through projects such as their annual teddy
bear drive for Hospice. Last year this project netted over 100 teddy bears.
Together the clubs hold the annual Memorial Day Chicken BBQ & Bake Sale;
march in a variety of parades, conduct children‘s vision screening; ring bells for
the Salvation Army, raise awareness of the diabetes epidemic and transport corneas
for the Eye Bank... all the while having a good time and wearing their very
recognizable club shirts.
These clubs aren‘t resting on their laurels, the Lioness are just beginning a
community needs assessment to make sure that the clubs continue to meet the
needs of this growing Wisconsin community.
Let’s Have A Great Year!
by Lioness Julie Baglama, ADP
As I begin my club visits I hope to be as inspiring as past presidents—a special
thanks to IPDP Tammy who helped us document our clubs‘ activities with her
60
Making Memories theme. She captured memories from all of our clubs into a
memory book that will be displayed at the 2009 District Convention.
All 13 27-D1 Lioness Clubs are great at raising money... whether it‘s for the
local community or to support a Lions/Lioness/Leos program. I hope to encourage
clubs to be sure to also serve the community and to take on a new project if the
need be.
At the district level, I will encourage clubs to send in articles and pictures to
this newspaper and their local paper; to attend their area meetings and/or a District
Cabinet meeting; attend a special orientation session; visit the awesome Lions
Camp on September 13th and any other Lions sponsored projects; come to the
2009 District and State Conventions for camaraderie; and to receive either a
LEBW Gift of Sight or Knight of Sight award.
Above all, I hope that all Lionesses take the time to realize our value to the
local community and the Lions/Lioness/Leo family. Let‘s have a great year as ―We
Serve Too!‖
District Care: 30 Years of Restoring
Sight
by Lion Doc Esser, LCIF/CARE Chair
For 30 years the clubs and 27-D1 have provided primary support for Dr.
Guillermo de Venecia‘s Free Rural Eye Clinic in San Fabian, Philippines. This
commitment has provided nearly $25 million that has gone to provide 23,220 eye
operations and operate the clinic as it is today.
Dr. Gil, a Lion and retired ophthalmologist and UW Hospital & Clinic Medical
school professor, has volunteered his time for the past 30 years to restore sight to
some of the 350,000 Philippino‘s blinded by cataracts. Dr. Gil knew he could not
operate on all people who needed surgery but thought that he could make a dent.
Over the years, he has trained numerous medical professionals who have assisted
in restoring sight to those in need. Many of whom now volunteer their time and
talent to further the cause.
Last year alone, from December 2007 to May 2008 Dr. Gil and his volunteers
conducted 1,060 cataract surgeries and 291 other eye operations for an annual total
of 1,354 operations.
Clubs planning to donate to this worthwhile project should mail their checks by
November 1st and make them out to 27-D1 with CARE in the memo to:
27-D1 CS/T Scott Grover
61
282 Dewey St., Oregon 53575
To arrange a club presentation from Dr. Gil, contact Doc Esser at 608/798-2147
or lcesser@chorus.net. Thanks for your continued support.
Lionistic Year Is Underway
by VDG Rick Daluge
The 2008-09 Lions year is well underway and the District‘s first Cabinet meeting
has been held, as well as a series of Zone Meetings.
If you missed the first zone meeting and you are a club president, secretary,
treasurer, or membership chair, I hope that you will make every effort to attend the
next one. In fact, any Lion is welcome to attend their zone meeting to learn more
about upcoming events in the district, learn about tools to increase membership and
improve leadership, and share news and information among the other clubs in the
zone.
Remember that your Zone Chair is a dedicated Lion that has volunteered to be of
service to a group of clubs so please use your Zone Chair as a resource for your
club.
Our district needs to work hard on membership this year. At the conclusion of
June, we ended the year with a +2 members over last year. While this is better than
a loss, it is not a very positive sign that of all the new members inducted, we still
only netted a plus two. I know that DG John wants to stress retention and
orientation activities this year to improve our membership numbers. I am sure there
are people that you interact with weekly that would be good Lions. We simply
must ―ask‖ them to consider membership in the world‘s largest service
organization.
As Lions, we have a lot to be proud of in our communities and throughout the
world. But we often fail to tell people about ourselves. Be sure to do a news release
on your current officers if you have not done so yet and also let the press know of
your service and fundraising projects. Our International President‘s theme of
Miracles Through Service is great, so be sure and tell the story locally how your
club serves your community. People like to join a winning team, so don‘t be afraid
to tell folks what we‘re all about and what we have done in the community.
I look forward to seeing many Lions over the next few months as ―We Serve‖.
62
Two of 27-D1’s Finest Moving On
My and Roger Babcock who have dedicated untold hours, energy and service to
the Lions, Lioness and Leos of 27-D1 and beyond will be moving to Florida this
Fall.
Before they leave, they are hosting a Babcock Bash on Saturday, October 11th
from 1pm to 4pm at the Central Christian Church, 2460 Milwaukee Rd., Beloit. All
friends are welcome. No gifts please. Food and drinks will be provided.
From I90 south take exit 185A & the
church will be about 1 mile on your
left.
63
Club News
WI DELLS PRESENTS ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP - WI Dells Lions
President Guy Svehlek presents Jessica Cwik with a $1,000 scholarship to
Marquette University.
WI DELLS TRANSPORTS KIDS TO CAMP - Immediate Past WI Dells Lions
Club President Leon Fiebranz transported three local WI Dells youth to and from
the Wisconsin Lions Camp in Rosholt. Left to right, Traci Schultz, Jenny Swenson,
Keegan Golz and Fiebranz.
STOUGHTON LIONS Virgil (Doc) Martinson (an active serving Lion since
1952) and Steve (Boggie) Burrell (an active serving Lion not quite as long) were
recently recognized for their many years of leadership.
SUN PRAIRIE LIONS monthly Raffle Calendar drawing on July 3rd. Matthew
McCutcheon, son of Lion Mark McCutcheon, assisted the Lions this month by
being the ―official draw person.‖ Witnessing the event
was Lion Jim Koenig.
Upcoming Events
SEPTEMBER
SAT, SEP 6 - Sun Prairie Lions Blues Fest - 10 hours of great blues music for
only 10 bucks! Some of Wisconsin‘s best blues artists! Gates Open 11:00 AM
— www.spbluesfest.com
SUN, SEP 21 - Beloit Evening Lions 32nd Annual Autorama 8am to 4pm. Car
show - 1,250+ participants and 300 vendors.
—www.beloitautorama.com/index.html
FUTURE
SAT, OCT 18 - Beloit Noon Lions 85th Anniversary - The Beloit Inn. 5pm
cocktails, 6pm roast beef/chicken buffet, 7pm program. $20/person.
—Lion Daryl Porter, 608/362-7915 mndporter8@charter.net
64
NEWS FROM 27-D2
Notes from DG Mike
My partner in service, Myrna, and I had our first club visitation on July 8 in
Onalaska. It was a great experience for Myrna and me. We are excited about our
upcoming visits.
I have received nine requests so far and am looking forward to hearing from you.
The visit request form was in the June newspaper or you may e-mail me at
mikemyrna@mwt. net. The sooner you report the better chance for your first
request to be granted.
I would like all cabinet members to put these dates on your calendars for
upcoming cabinet meeting dates;
Oct. 19, La Crosse
Jan.25, n Viroqua
District Convention, Feb. 13-14, Tee Pee in Tomah
Mar. 15, Richland Center
At the International Convention in Bangkok there was a resolution for the
creation of another Vice District Governor. It‘s not mandatory, but it could be a
great learning tool. I hope there is some interest in our district. Let Kathy and me
know.
Lions Camp is having an Open House September 13. Their famous chicken
dinner will be served as well as a tour of the grounds. This is a great club outing to
rejuvenate older members who haven‘t been there in some time and to jump start
new members to increase their enthusiasm.
I can‘t believe how fast summer has been going. I know summer brings about
many club activities. Busy club members are happy members. Make sure to
involve your new members. Have a great rest of the summer.
Schroeder Celebrates 50 Years
Lion Carl Schroeder, Kendall, received his pin for 50 years as a member of the
Kendall Lions Club at the 2008 June meeting.
Carl‘s father, Otto Schroeder, a charter member of the Kendall Lions served as
it‘s first president 60 years ago. Carl became a dedicated member 10 years later
and through the years has served in almost all of the office positions. In 1998 he
received the prestigious Melvin Jones Award.
65
Schroeder has served as an ―emcee‖ for a number of organizations, in Kendall,
that use this unique talent. He took over his father‘s business in 1946 and now is
enjoying retirement.
Camp Open House, Raffle Prizes &
Goals
by Lioness Patty Overturf, ADP
It has been a busy Summer. Many clubs raise much of the money for their budget
during the summer months. I hope the weather cooperated with your fundraiser. It
is time to do those budgets for the coming year.
It‘s not too late to decide to attend Open House at Lions Camp on September 13.
There will be blind/visually impaired, deaf/hard of hearing, cognitively disabled
and diabetic campers and their families to answer questions and help with tours.
This is a wonderful opportunity to bring a prospective member to see what
Lions/Lioness do. August 29th was the deadline for ordering chicken dinners, so
pack your own lunch and enjoy the day!
A reminder of the Lioness Raffle at Lions Camp Open House. We are asking
each Lioness Club to donate a raffle prize with a value of $25 or more. All of the
profit from the raffle will benefit Lions Camp. The easiest to mail are gift cards –
Kwik Trip gas cards, Wal-Mart gift cards, etc. You may also make a donation in
the form of a check with the notation Camp Open House Raffle to:
Lioness Lorraine Lasky
3125 Michigan Ave.
Stevens Point, WI 54481
If you are mailing, please mail early! Of course, if you are going to Camp,
deliver it yourself – just let Lioness Lorraine know you will be bringing something
(715-343-9554) and have it there early.
Hopefully you have been actively selling your Sports Raffle for the Kids tickets.
Please remember that all ticket stubs and money need to be turned into the
Foundation Office no later than September 9, 2008.
Now is a good time to consider doing the Peace Poster Contest. The kits from
International are not very expensive and it is a worthwhile youth project. Our
District has not had too many entries the last few years, so I encourage you to give
it a try.
My goals for this year are:
Encourage Lioness members to ask friends to join their club.
66
Encourage Lioness clubs to improve on membership retention.
Encourage Lioness clubs to publicize what they do.
100% donation to Wisconsin Lions Foundation
100% donation to LCIF – minimum being $25 per club.
Let‘s have a GREAT year letting everyone know the wonderful things that we
Lioness do for our communities.
I am looking forward to visiting each club. Please make your request for a club
visitation as soon as possible.
God Bless You All.
Thanks for the Donations that Made A
Difference During the 2007 Floods
by PDG Aloysius Lueck
On August 18th and 19th, 2007 parts of District 27-D2 had a total of 18 inches of
rain. Some of the houses had up to 4 feet of water in their garages and basements.
Walls were buckled in under the houses. Water had such force it tipped some
railroad cars over near the entrance to Goose Island Park and Campgrounds. On
Highway 35 a house came down off the hill with a person in it. It blocked Highway
35 off entirely.
After the storm then District Governor Lion Norman Rowe applied for a grant
from Lions International and received it. It was divided among six different areas:
Shelby, Stoddard Bergen, Desoto, Gays Mills, Soldiers Grove and Chaseburg.
Some of the money was used to buy groceries and meat to replace that which was
lost due to no electricity.
PDG Al Lueck said ―I had the privilege of going shopping with 20 different
families. We met many people that we knew from past years and had lost contact
with. District 27-D2 and 27-E2 donations were received and were very much
appreciated.‖
The people in District 27-D2 that were affected by the storm would like to thank
Lions International and the Lions from District 27-E2, and also the many, many
people who helped with the distribution of the money. The people greatly
appreciated the gifts and the thoughtfulness of the Lions.
Donations were also given to several area fire departments for the equipment lost
during the flood. The Shelby, Desoto, Stoddard Bergen, Gays Mills and Soldiers
Grove fire departments each received a $500 check.
67
La Crosse Area Lions Eye Bank of
Wisconsin Transporters Schedule
As one of the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW) 29 support groups, the La
Crosse area transporters group primarily serves the Gunderson Lutheran and
Franciscan Medical Centers in La Crosse.
This support group provides almost 100 members that have volunteered to be
available to make the transport of eye tissue from La Crosse to Tomah, as well as
the transport of corneas for surgery from Tomah back to La Crosse. Two surgeons
provide corneal transplant surgeries in the La Crosse medical facilities.
On a monthly rotating basis, the listed clubs are available to several La Crosse
Area dispatchers with Lions Al and Margaret Lueck serving as the primary
dispatchers.
With the LEBW switching to the in-situ procedure of obtaining corneal tissue,
which allows a wider window of time to get the tissue to the LEBW lab in
Madison, the transporter trips have been at more desirable hours of the day or
night.
To remind the support group members of their month of service, the following
schedule is provided.
2008 February North La Crosse
September La Crosse March Coon Valley
October UWL April Chaseburg
November West Salem May Mormon Coulee
December Onalaska June Brice Prairie
2009 July La Crosse
January French Island
If you or your club is interested in joining the group, contact PDG Jerry Rabbach
at 608.233.2354 for more information.
Warrens Cranberry Festival - Sept.
26-28
The Warrens 37th Annual Cranberry Festival (Cranfest) will be September 26-
28. Warrens, Wisconsin is the ―Cranberry Capital of Wisconsin‖. Residents
68
welcome 110,000 visitors to one of America‘s biggest festivals. This is the major
fundraising event for many civic organization in the area including the Lions and
the Cranberry Country Lioness. Lions from other clubs also help with the parking.
Club News
JONATHAN STEVENS, a 2008 graduate of Prairie du Chien High School, was
awarded a Lions Club scholarship. He is the son of Tracy and Jenny Stevens and
the grandson of long-tim Lion Club member, Pat LaBonne. He plans to attend
Madison Area Technical College to major in criminal justice.
Prairie du Chien Lions Club members Ray Tippery (far left) and Maury Oehler (far
right), pose with several victims from Steuben, WI, who suffered losses during the
flood of 2008. The monies for groceries, clothing, and other items were provided
by LCIF (Lions Club International Foundation) and district 27D2 of the Wisconsin
Lions. Help was also given to victims from Gays Mills and Soldiers Grove, WI.
This is the second year in a row that the Lions of Prairie du Chien obtained monies
to help flood victims in those cities.
ON SATURDAY, JULY 12, 2008, the members of the Prairie du Chien Lions
Club set up ―shop‖ on the two entrances to St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien.
The purpose: To collect donations on behalf of the Prairie du Chien Chamber of
Commerce to defray the costs of the annual July fireworks display. It was also a
fundraiser for the Prairie du Chien Lions Club -- to fund the scholarships awarded
annually. Top, Lions Tammy and Mark Otteson are prepared to collect donations
as motorists and pedestrians enter the island to view the fireworks. Below,
Jonathan Stevens, a 2008 Liond Club scholarship awardee, helps by collecting a
donation from a motorist entering the island to view the fireworks. The Prairie du
Chien Chamber of Commerce and Prairie du Chien Lions Club send a heartfelt
―thank you‖ to all those who donated to the event. The Prairie du Chien Chamber
of Commerce and Prairie du Chien Lions Club send a heartfelt ―thank you‖ to all
those who donated to the event.
PANCAKES IN THE PARK ALL SUMMER LONG - For nearly 40 years the
Wilton Lions have served pancakes in the park every Sunday morning from
Memorial Day to Labor Day. In spite of continued questionable weather, bikers
from Illinois and Minnesota took time for breakfast before hitting the Elroy-Sparta
State Trail. Area residents also breakfast with the Lions. Gina Rae (front center)
and Ben Johnston (hidden) share breakfast conversation with Lion Don Nelson
(white cap).
69
NEWS: 27-E1
Notes from DG Karl
All Wisconsin Lions have a lot to be proud of and cherish. At or near the top of
any listing of our treasured assets would appear our esteemed Eye Bank. More
precisely, it is officially named the Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW). We
know that it is one of the best Eye Banks in the country.
If you are current on state Lions news, you know that our Eye Bank has recently
moved into a Lions owned building. We had been renting space before the move
and now our Eye Bank has its own home with room to expand.
Increased support for the Eye Bank during this time of transition is at the top of
my list of goals for this year. I‘m asking the Lions, Lioness, and Leos of 27-E1 to
join in that support effort. Every 27-E1 club is asked to include the Eye Bank in
your giving this year. Every amount, large or small, will be greatly appreciated in
this time of special need.
Of course I want to be involved and here is my plan to help raise some funds and
have a little ―tasteful‖ fun. The award-winning Norske Nook Restaurant and
Bakeries will donate 12-inch pies to be auctioned off during my visits to your
clubs. Here is how it will work. On the day that I will visit your club, Lion Judi and
I will pick up a pie at the local Norske Nook and pay $6 for the pie tin deposit. The
pie is auctioned off at your club meeting with the proceeds going to the Eye Bank.
If you buy the pie, you get to enjoy a fresh delicious pie, and then you can return
the pie tin for the $6 deposit. A yummy way to lend a hand to the work of the Eye
Bank, don‘t you agree?
There are ―Miracles In Sight‖.
What Do You Want To See?
by Lee Vrieze, Technology Chair
Do you need a picture of DG Karl for your wall? Is there some Lions
information that you would like to be able to access online? Is the information
currently online what you need or desire?
The District 27-E1 web site has undergone several recent changes, including a
new look, and updates for the 2008-09 cabinet – please check it out at
www.md27e1.org! We would love your feedback on both what you see, and more
importantly, what you don‘t see. Additionally, if you have content (e.g. pictures, a
70
document, a link, etc) that you would like to see on the site, please send it to Lee
Vrieze (lvrieze@centurytel.net).
A number of ideas are being considered to make this web site better. We are sure
that many of you also have ideas. So again, please send any ideas or content
submission to Lee at the email address above.
Meet Your Club’s Zone Chair
All Lions Districts in Wisconsin are divided into Regions which are subdivided
into Zones each with a designated Zone Chair. Our District 27-E1 has four regions,
each with two zones, thus a total of eight Zone Chairs.
Do you know who the Zone Chair is for your club?
REGION 1 Siren
ZONE 1 Webster
Brule River Chair Jerry Spies
Hawthorne 715-472-8034
Lake Nebagamon jspies@lakeland.ws
Pattison Park ZONE 2
Poplar-Wentworth Amery
Superior Evening Clayton
Chair Jeff Soderlund Clear Lake
218-348-4384 Dresser
jeffsodie@hotmail.com Osceola
ZONE 2 St. Croix Falls
Minong-Wascott Unity
Shell Lake Wanderoos
Spooner-Trego Chair Ken Stensven
Solon Springs 715-483-9681
Chair Rudy Kessler kestensven@centurytel.net
715-468-4496 REGION 3
kessfarm@centurytel.net ZONE 1
REGION 2 Almena
ZONE 1 Chetek
Danbury Cumberland
Frederic Prairie Farm
Grantsburg Rice Lake
Luck Turtle Lake
Scott A & H Chair Betty Rogers
71
715-945-2356 Hawkins
Brogers47@centurytel.net Ladysmith
ZONE 2 Lake Holcombe
Birchwood Chair Pat Denison
Chequamegon 715-239-3965
Hayward pbmmt@hotmail.com
Lac Courte Oreilles ZONE 2
Seeley Boyd
Stone Lake Cadott
Winter Chippewa Falls
Chair Steven George Hallie
715-945-2356 Jim Falls
sgeorge@indianheadtel.net Lake Wissota
REGION 4 Stanley
ZONE 1 Tilden
Bloomer Chair Larry Bradley
Bruce 715-382-4538
Cornell lldfb@centurytel.net
If you got this far, you most likely found your own Zone Chair. Good.
Now if you are a Club President or Secretary, do your club a favor and contact
your Zone Chair to set a date when he or she is invited to your club meeting for a
visit. The Zone Chair does not need an invitation to visit you, but your asking will
help get things going and everyone will benefit. Your Zone Chair will be happy to
hear from you. And you will get the chance to meet another great Lion!
Zone chairs hold meetings four times a year and officers from each club are
expected to attend these meetings. This is where the Zone Chair keeps you
informed as to what is going on at the District, State and International level. Zone
Meetings are usually held after a District cabinet meeting.
VDG Notes
by VDG Ray Stanley
This being the new year of my life as your Vice District Governor, it will bring a
change in the way being a Lion the past years has been for me.
First: it will be very busy. My first goal is to attend as many zone meetings as
possible. This is where you can find out not only what happens with all the clubs,
72
but how each Region and Zone chair intends to bring a successful year about. So
please let me know when the zone meetings are scheduled so I can plan to attend.
Second: it will be a time to learn and execute for the next two years. Needless to
say I must first be a good VDG. There is lot to learn and my intent is to be as
prepared as I can in order to carry out these duties. At the same time, whatever my
goals are, I will need to plan and be ready for the challenge.
This year I will be MERLO chair, this is very important to the future of Lions.
I‘m sure everyone knows how hard it is to retain membership. Retaining members
is a priority, if we don‘t have them we can‘t have Extension, Retention, Leadership
or Orientation. It would be very nice if a new club could be started if possible.
Should anyone have thoughts of where one could be started please contact me!!
Feel free to contact me at any time... stanmarkt@amerytel.net; phone: (715)-268-
2091; fax: (715)-268-9882. Address: 818A Wapogasset Lake Lane; Amery, WI
54001.
I look forward to serving as your VDG and with your help it will be a good year.
We Serve!!
Vision Screening For Our Kids Sake
by Lion Tom Mlsna, Vision Screening Chair
It‘s time to get some new members trained for Vision Screening and to recertify
those whose certification has or will soon expire. Remember that your vision
screening certification lasts for only three years.
Some of the benefits of visions screening are detection of: Nearsightedness
(Myopia), Farsightedness (Hyperopia), Cataracts (cloudy or opaque area of lens),
Presbyopia (inability to adjust from distant to close objects), Glaucoma (increased
pressure within the eye), Astigmatism (distortion of images no matter how far
away), Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
Children should have their eyes tested at age three. Is your club doing the best
they can to protect the children in your community? This is an excellent
opportunity to make sure it is.
The MD27-E1 vision screening training will be Sat., Nov. 8th from 2p.m. to
4p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 35 W. Messenger St., Rice Lake.
Contact me on or before Oct. 15th with the names of those attending from your
club. 19091 67th Ave., Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 or 715/723-4797 or
mlsnatom@hotmail.com (use vision screening in the subject line).Get your youth
committee involved, order the poster kit now, kits are available until October 1.
73
When school starts in the fall the kit will be available to share with your school art
teacher.
Let‘s all join hands for ―Peace Begins With Me‖ and have great participation
from District 27-E1.
Club Activities
THE LAKE HOLCOMBE LEOS did several hours of community service after
school was dismissed for the summer. They helped clean all the lockers in the
school which includes elementary, middle and high school.
CORNELL LIONS CHARCOAL CHICKEN - Cornell Lion Don Klass serves
some of the Lions famous charcoal chicken to diners during the 3rd of July
celebration held in Cornell at the Mill Yard park. The Lions built the kitchen area
seen here in the pavilion. In the background is his wife, Lion Connie Klass getting
the coffee. The Cornell Lions are known all around the area for their delicious
charcoal chicken.
74
NEWS: 27-E2
Notes from DG Forrest
As the days go speeding past I have to at times slow down to think about what
needs to be done next — whether it is Lions, teaching, grandchildren, children,
dogs, horse or spouse related. This brings to the front an idea that has been apart of
my life for many years, not always in a clear and understandable way, but always
there: All you can do is the best you can do.
As a police officer and then as a teacher I always tried to let those around me
know that none of us are superman or superwoman. We are just us; just a man, a
woman, a Lion. As I have talked to other Lions, I have tried to make this thought
clear. I firmly believe that many leave a club, and many clubs fail, because they
don‘t understand that simple concept.
As a member of the Eleva-Strum Area Lions I know that we are not going to
build the first sky scraper in either of our communities. We are going to
accomplish the things that we can accomplish, we are going to do the things we
can do, not the things that we can‘t possibly do.
I am an advocate for setting goals that are somewhat difficult to achieve, but still
I feel we need to set goals that we can achieve. If our goals are always set too high,
we never get the satisfaction of accomplishing the good things that might well
improve the lives of many, or even just one.
Still, as members of both the Wisconsin Lions and Lions Clubs International we
will always be able to be a part of the organization that achieves far more than we
could ever achieve as one small club.
No one club can achieve all the good that Lions International does, but we are a
part of that greater organization and of the greater goals that are ultimately
achieved. When we make a contribution to the Wisconsin Lions Foundation, or
Lions Clubs International Foundation, we are a part of the greatest service
organization in the world and all the great things that are achieved by both our state
and international organizations.
Your own club might help someone get a pair of glasses, or a hearing aid, or
build a ramp to make some person‘s life easier and better. As a part of the greater
Lions organizations we help tens of thousands who have suffered disasters greater
than most of us will ever see, and hopefully never be a part of.
Still, it is the local clubs that make a difference in the lives of people right in your
own communities and making those differences are miracles to those we help.
Go out, do good, and as a member of your Lions Club be a part of International
President Brandel‘s Miracles through Service.
75
Lions Campground at Four Seasons
Park
The Independence Lions Club undertook its largest project to date with the
development of a campground adjacent to the existing Fours Seasons Park. The
campground is located at the confluence of the Trempealeau River and Elk Creek
in the city of Independence.
The project was started by the Lions Club and was assisted by the city, Elk Rod
and Gun Club and Independence Days Committee. The Lions, with the help of the
city, applied for a grant from the Department of Natural Resources to fund $18,000
of the total cost of over $40,000. The Lions club contributed close to $14,000
including 800 labor hours valued at $5.15 per hour.
There are eight RV sites and four rustic tent sites that have electricity, picnic
tables and fire pits. Charcoal grills are currently being built. A large shelter is
located in the center of the campground. There are also lighted walking trails. The
Lions rebuilt an existing handicapped fishing pier on Elk Creek in the campground
area. There is also a canoe launching area.
The adjacent Four Seasons Park has restrooms, basketball and tennis courts,
horseshoe pits, playground equipment, baseball diamonds, park shelters and
charcoal grills.
Reservations can be made by contacting the Independence City Clerk‘s office at
(715) 985-3055.
Eleva-Strum Lions Activity: Who
Inspired You To Become Involved in
the Community?
by Lion Ron Potter-Efron
One goal we have at our club is to make our general meetings as interesting as we
can. Here‘s one activity we did over a period of two meetings this spring.
76
We asked each willing member to tell us a story, usually from childhood, about
someone in their lives who inspired them to become more generous and altruistic,
starting them on the path that eventually took them to becoming Lions.
Members often cited a mother or father, of course. It seems the best way to
become a caring person is to have caring parents. For example, one teen-aged
future Lion was amazed to see his father kindly and animatedly converse in sign
language with a stranger seeking help. He didn‘t even know his dad knew sign
language. Some people recalled not so much a particular person but their entire
neighborhood, farming community, or family. Maybe the best way to become
involved in the community is to be born into a real supportive network.
As we talked people recalled long-deceased friends, neighbors, and co-workers.
There were a few tears and several long pauses. Fortunately, there was a lot of
laughter as well, as when we discussed the world‘s largest tricycle that was put
together by one of our Lions to help out at a community fund raiser.
A few members had doubts about this activity. To them it smacked of boasting,
definitely not something people do much of around our two small towns. Or they
felt that helping out was just a natural thing we do so why even talk about it? Still,
almost everybody did share their stories eventually.
We‘re glad they did because in doing so we acknowledged our debt to those
wonderful people who showed us what it means to care for others with kindness,
generosity, and compassion.
Learning About Leadership
by VDG Connie LeClaire
I had the distinct pleasure of sitting in on the first 2008 – 2009 Council of
Governors meeting in Stevens Point. My husband Mike came with me, and we
were introduced to this year‘s Council members and allowed to sit in on their fully
packed agenda. What an experience that was! I learn best by observing, so this was
a great way for me to truly get a feel for how upper leadership works their magic!
We met the other Vice District Governors and their spouses, and we all seemed to
get along exceedingly well!
From the looks of it, next year will be exciting for us all! Our group is an
enthusiastic mixture of individuals from all walks of life, whose ideas and beliefs
may differ slightly, but we have one thing in common… we believe in what we
have been tasked to do, and we want to do it to the best of our ability!
77
We are fortunate to have two Past District Governors as mentors this year – they
will teach us the ways and means of Lions leadership and answer our numerous
questions about protocol, policy and practice. There‘s quite a bit to know!
I recognize that the 2008 – 2009 District Governors Council has many difficult
topics to discuss and work through, and from what I heard and observed, those
discussions were not easy at times! Listening to how issues are brought forth,
discussed and worked through really opened my eyes to the necessity of working
efficiently so LCI, the districts, clubs, club members, and the community we serve
can benefit from our work.
We have an important job to do, so let‘s get it done in an effective way! A lot of
energy was expended at the Council meeting, but it was fun and worthwhile. I‘m
ready for the challenge!
District Articles for Lions Newspaper
Needed
This is the opportunity for your club to get free publicity for its good works and
efforts. Send an article by the 25th of the month to zonker@triwest.net describing
your clubs activities/fundraisers or general good deeds.
Photos may be attached and it is best to have the articles in a word format.
The article will be published in the Lions Newspaper which will be sent to all
Lions households in Wisconsin.
Just What is the Governor Doing?
I am really looking forward to the opportunity to visit each of the clubs in 27-E2,
but my calendar is filling up quickly.
So please get your request for visitation dates to me ASAP. Include your first and
second choice of visit dates, meeting time and location along with any other details
that will help me prepare for my visit. Send these requests to zonker@triwest.net.
September Visitations:
24 Augusta Lions
78
Cabinet Meeting Notice:
October 19
1pm
Plaza, Eau Claire
27-E2 Community Service Contest
DG Forrest announces a new District 27-E2 Lions Club contest to begin
immediately and end with the 2009 State Convention. This contest promotes
cooperative efforts between District clubs while providing service activities to their
home communities.
This contest will be for the purposes of promoting two things within out District:
Community Service Projects (per International President Brandel‘s initiative
Miracles through Service) and a joint effort between two or more clubs to
accomplish this objective
This activity can be a fund raising activity involving two or more clubs to achieve
a stated goal with the ultimate purpose being some community service project. The
activity may also be an act of community service that two or more clubs join
together to achieve. Examples of service activities can include organizing blood
drives, park clean ups, building ramps for persons in need, food drives or fund
raisers to support domestic abuse or sexual assault shelters for victims. The key is
that it must be a community service project and it must be a joint project involving
two or more clubs.
First prize will be $200 and a plaque for the winning clubs and second prize will
be $100. The projects can be accomplished anytime between now and the start of
the state convention. A written summary of the activity, clubs involved and
contacts within each club should be sent to
DG Forrest Nutter
N46477 Moe Valley Rd.
Strum, WI 54770
Questions can be directed to
zonker@triwest.net
715-695-3487.
79
CLASSIFIEDS
100 MD27 Contacts
COUNCIL CHAIR
WALLY NATYNSKI
605 Broadmore Drive
Hartford, WI 53027
262-366-6591
wnatynski@wi.rr.com
INTL. DIRECTOR
ART MARSON (Jo)
717 S. 19th St.
LaCrosse, WI 54601
608-784-5578
MarsonA@westerntc.edu
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
WISCONSIN LIONS FOUNDATION OFFICE
80
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
September
27 PDGO Meeting; Stevens Point
120 Conventions/Trainings
STATE CONVENTIONS
May 15-16-2009
Chula Vista; Wisconsin Dells
May 21-22, 2010
2010 Ramada; Stevens Point
INTERNATIONAL
CONVENTIONS
2009 Minneapolis, Minnesota July 6-10, 2009
2010 Sydney, Australia
June 28- July 2, 2010
USA/CANADA LIONS
81
LEADERSHIP FORUM
Sep. 24-26, 2009
Memphis, TN
130 Anniversaries
SEPTEMBER
Wausaukee - 50 years
600 Melvin Jones Fellows
In the August issue, MJF recipient Roger Nassen was incorrectly identified as Lion
Lee Leidel. Our apologies to both.
B2 - Iola
ROGER NASSEN
E2 - Hudson
LEE LEIDEL
A2 - Clyman
GEORGE JORDAN
E2 - Fountain City
RICH ABTS
E2 - Eleva Strum
WAYNE LARSON
610 Birch Sturm Fellows
A2 - Clyman
NEAL KOHLHOFF
C1 - Rozellville
GERALD “JERRY” SPINDLER
E2 - Eleva Strum
82
WAYNE LARSON
620 Knight of Sight Fellows
A1 - Delavan
DICK HUMMEL
A1 - Delavan
STEVE CARLSON
700 WLF Donations
Send Memorials/Gifts by issuing a check payable to WLF & 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 ........
ART BEYERSDORF
Robert & Mary Conroy
MARILYN BITTICK
Neshkoro Lioness Club
FRANCES & GREGAR BRANDLI
PDG Glen & Louise Spring*
RALPH BREECHER
IPDG Norman K. Rowe
NORBERT BRUNHOEFER
Greendale Lions Club
BEVERLY CARL
PDG Rev. Harvey Frye*
PIP Everett ―Ebb‖ & Jay Grindstaff*
DON CLARK
Colby Lions Club
RALPH COWLES
Roberts Lions Club
JAMES ―JIM‖ FARRELL
83
Lyle ―Bob‖ Buckman
Harry Krysiak
MORGAN A. FLETCHER
Mukwonago Lions Club
DOROTHY FREDERICK
Ted & Ann Handrick
JERRY GOODWILL
PCC Curt & Dianne Kjendalen
Pearson-Pickerel Lions Club
CECLIA GRACYALNY
Cecelia Gracyalny Memorial Fund
PETER JOHNSON
Louise K. Johnson
FRANK KLINGELHOETS
Geraldine Becker
HAROLD KOLLMORGAN
Tom Clausen
RAY KORN
PCC DuWayne ―Dewey‖ Carl*
MARJORIE KRUEGER
Lyle ―Bob‖ Buckman
EARL LIDDLE
Joe & Carol Persons
PAUL ―MOOCH‖ MAHONEY
IPDG Norman K. Rowe
EARL MIELKE
Marion Lioness Club
MARGARET OESTREICH
Roger & Marge Westphal
JOE SCHNEIDER
Port Edwards Lions Club
JUDY SOUHAK
Milwaukee South Shore Noon Lions Club
LUCILLE SPORS
Tom & Betty Muench*
CARL & RUBY STEVENSON
Genoa Lions Club
Stoddard Lions Club
ELEANOR WIDRAN
PDG Bob & PDP Joan Welch
84
CAROL J. YOUNG
Jack & Joyce Kasper
Dennis, Judeen, & Kate Knott
Butch & Carol Peterson
Mike & JoEllyn Van Lieshout
In Honor of ........
HENRY CHECK‘S BIRTHDAY
PDG Glen & Louise Spring*
COLBY LIONS CLUB
Unity Community Lions Club
AL GOLDSTEIN
Marvin & Mildred Conney*
PID WAYNE HEIMAN
Shawano Lake Lions Club*
AP MARY JANE HIRTZ
27-C2 Affiliate Board
DAVE & MARY LOU HOWE
Roger & Marge Westphal
BUD & TOBY HYLAND
Manitowish Waters Lions Club*
Robert & Dian Paneitz*
IOLA LIONESS CLUB‘S 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Marion Lioness Club
Shawano Lake Lioness Club
GREG JOHLL
Cottage Grove Lions Club
DG MIKE KELLEY
New Lisbon Lions Club
DR. LLOYD MAASCH‘S 80TH BIRTHDAY
PCC DuWayne ―Dewey‖ Carl*
Dennis & Pat Daniels
Loren & Louise Ebert*
PDG Joe & PADP Audrey Leisgang*
PDG Ken & Mary Seering*
DOREEN MROTEK
IPDG Sam Kochel
BOB NEWTON
Terry Shircel
ESTHER RONDEAU
Tom Rondeau
85
SHAWANO LAKE LIONESS CLUB‘S 25TH ANNIVERSARY
Marion Lioness Club
DORIE & GARY SOLUM‘S 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
PDG Robert & Dianne Bayerl*
Dorothy Cornwall
Lloyd & Pat Hoffmann
PDG Tom & Mary Keller
IPDG Sam Kochel
Pat & Doreen Mrotek
Stuart & Diane Rivard
PDG Bob & Phyllis Shakal
PDG Eldon & Nancy Vrieze
LILLIAN WINCH‘S BIRTHDAY
PDG Glen & Louise Spring*
86
Lions Q & A: How Can I Find a Club
Where My Children Live?
by Lion Jodi Burmester
At a recent family event Uncle Bob Burmester, a long-time Reedsburg Lion,
asked me how he could find Lions Clubs in the communities his three adult
children live in.
He went on to explain that the majority of his club members are around his age
and have kids living all over Wisconsin; and that he felt a pretty good percent of
these adult children of Lions would be interested in joining a club if a local Lion
was to ask.
Well Uncle Bob, and all, here‘s a couple of ways you can find a club and local
contact:
If you are looking for a Wisconsin Club, you can check in the MD27 Lions
Directory that is published each July. Your Club President and Secretary each have
a copy of the directory and a story outlining what‘s included in the directory can be
found on this page.
If you are internet savvy, and are looking for a club, you can visit the LCI
website and with just a few clicks find a club anywhere in the world.
Go to www.lionsclubs.org
Click on ―RESOURCES‖
Click on ―I AGREE‖
Click on ―SUBMIT‖
You are now at the Club Locator page. In the U.S. you can search for clubs in
one of two ways:
If you know the club name:
Click on ―SEARCH BY CLUB NAME‖
Type in the name of the club you are looking for
Click on ―FIND CLUBS‖
A list of clubs with that name in it will appear
Click on the one you are looking for
If you know the community:
Click on ―SEARCH BY SATE/PROVENCE‖
Select a State
Select a letter to view a list of clubs in that state that starts with that letter
A list of clubs with names beginning with the letter you selected will appear.
Click on the one you are looking for
87
Keep in mind that the information in both these directories is only as good as the
information provided by your club secretary.
Editor’s Note: I often get questions about the newspaper and other Lion topics
that lead to articles. This question prompted my realization that there are a lot of
questions that you would like answers to and maybe don’t know who to ask. So
here’s your chance to ask. If you have a Lions related question, send it to
editor@wisconsinlions.org and we’ll find the answer for you and perhaps share it
in an upcoming issue.
MD27 State Directory:
Dust Collector No More
Want to know more about LaFarge‘s successful Easter Egg Hunt? How to develop
a diabetes education program? Where the state curling bonspiel will be held? What
the resolution on the state ballot is referring to? Or how to get an article published
in the Wisconsin Lion Newspaper?
Check out one of the best kept secrets in MD27 - the Wisconsin Lions State
Directory. This book contains over 275 pages of :
state, district and local club contact information
dates & locations for sports events & conventions
MD27 Constitution & By-Laws.
Each year your club president and secretary receive a printed copy of the directory
- usually at the first zone meeting of the year (sometime in August).
Following is a synopsis of the information available in this year‘s directory.
Prior to Table of Contents
2008-‘09 WI Leadership Directory
Page 2
Key to reading the club listings
State convention, bowling & curling dates & locations
International convention dates & locations
USA/Canada Forum dates & locations
WI Lion Newspaper information
Page 3
International officers, international director & past international director contact
information
Page 4
88
2008-09 District Governors
Page 5
WI Lions state office, WI Lions Foundation & related service program contact
information
Page 6 - 19
Past District Governor‘s Organization
Page 21 – 214
Page 21-44: A1
Page 45-64: A2
Page 65-85: B1
Page 87-108: B2
Page 109-124: C1
Page 125-141: C2
Page 143-163: D1
Page 165-186: D2
Page 187-200: E1
Page 201-214: E2
Contact information by district for:
district cabinet chairs & committees
region & zone chairs
the president, secretary & treasurer of each Lions, Lioness & Leo club.
Information on club size, meeting date & location is also provided.
Page 215
Lions Eye Bank of Wisconsin (LEBW) board and meeting info
Page 216 - 219
Wisconsin Lions Foundation (WLF) board and meeting info
Page 220-224
Alphabetical Lions/Lioness/Leo club index
Section 2(tan sheet)
MD27 & WLF Constitution & By-Laws
So, next time you want to find a Lion in Wisconsin, let your fingers do the walking
through the MD27 State Directory.
Seeking MD27 MERLO Team Chairs
(2009 - 2012)
by PDG John Schwab, MD27 MERLO Chair
89
Applications for the positions 2009-2012 MD27 Membership, Extension,
Retention, Leadership* (2) and Orientation (MERLO) Chairs are now being
accepted.
These six Lions play are responsible for planning, organizing and implementing
all aspects of MD27‘s MERLO program and trainings.
The MD27 MERLO team supports and trains all 10 district MERLO teams and
conducts a variety of trainings throughout the year. Availability to travel on
weekends is a must.
If you are interested in applying for any of these roles, please submit the
following information:
Applicant Name
District
City/State/Zip
Phone (day & eve)
Cell
Email
Years as a Lion
Club Positions held
District Positions held
Complete applications should be sent on or before 12/15/08 to:
CC Wally Natynski
3333 5th Ave #6B
South Milwaukee WI 53172
* Due to the heavy work load, Leadership requires a team effort with two co-
chairs. Those interested in the Leadership roles must submit joint applications.
Transfusion, Transition,
Transformation
The number of Lions in Wisconsin has been in a steady decline for some time.
We have fewer Lions to serve the increasing needs of our communities.
Through the years, many programs have been introduced to address this crisis
with varying degrees of success. Even with all these efforts, the crisis continues...
Facts:
The average Lion is now age 57.
The average number of Lions in a U.S. club has declined from 40 to 30.
The total number of U.S. Lions have declined from a high of 570,000 Lions in
1978, to 450,000 today.
90
If the current rate of decline was to continue, clubs would become extinct in
America within less than 20 years.
Lions clubs are challenged to change to survive in an increasingly competitive
environment.
A couple of years ago a comprehensive membership and retention program was
created and implemented with promising results.
The program, Triple T or TTT, is designed to provide a transfusion, transition
and transformation from dying relic to vibrant club.
TTT Responds To The Challenge
TTT was developed over a two year period with input from New Mexico,
Colorado, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Alberta, British Columbia, Northwest Territory,
and Wyoming Lions.
TTT development is continuous with contributions from Lions wherever the
program is presented.
TTT is a realistic approach to recruiting, involving, and retaining Lions at all age
levels.
TTT advocates a transformation, but certainly not at the expense of sacrificing
the integrity and basic values of Lionism.
TTT is an approach to interactive learning media that has been proven successful
with Lions throughout the United States and Canada.
A TTT Success Story
MD-44 has a membership problem – our membership has continued to go down.
I also believe it starts with the leadership in our clubs & districts. Showing the TTT
program to the clubs have resulted in clubs changing to help in the areas of
membership and retention. Many clubs are realizing that in order to attract new
members a reason has to be given to join. They also realize that existing members
need a reason to stay. The TTT program has helped in many ways for everyone to
understand. Ideas that have come from the Triple T program have been used with
success. Orientations are being conducted more than ever and the need to train
Lions for leadership roles has made it to the top of the list thanks to TTT.‖
- PDG Ed Farrington, MD 44 MERL Team
After researching the TTT program and looking at its potential to help every club
in Wisconsin, the MD27 Leadership Team and Council of Governor‘s has
scheduled a TTT Training October 25 in Stevens Point.
This Train the Trainer session is designed for Lions interested in learning the
TTT program who are committed to training and supporting clubs in their home
districts implement the program.
If you are interested in making a difference and are available for a long-term
training/support commitment, contact your District Governor to save your seat at
the TTT Training
91