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The Illinois Lion, Lioness, Leo

MD1 e-Magazine (Lite) Vol. 3 - Issue 10, March 2016

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From Council Chair:

Fellow Lions, I can now see the forest for the trees. It’s March. Spring is just around the corner and for those of you that know me real well, of course you know what March means to this baseball fan…. It’s Convention Time. That’s right, that great time of year when we plan 9 District Conventions and get them done in about 6 weeks. Of course followed by our State Convention, which is held in mid May. District 1-M holds their Convention in October and I always enjoyed that convention because we get to again see our Lion friends that we haven’t seen, probably since the USA/Canada Forum way back in September or was it the MD-1 Mid Year Forum? I bring these facts up to show you what a busy schedule we Lions have for ourselves. We are always attending planning sessions, training sessions, committee meetings, District and State meetings and of course our own club meetings. Why all the meetings you ask? Training and teaching makes our jobs as Lions an easier task to manage. We need good, quality Lions to step forward and take on the leadership roles in our Clubs, our District and our State. As Lions we didn’t get to where we are today by not taking advantage of the tools offered through LCI to train and nurture our Lion leaders. All of the training tools are available to you through LCI, no matter what position you have in the organization. There are positions open for state chairpersons to be filled at the state convention. There are Districts that need to fill officer positions at their

conventions in the very near future and I’m sure the clubs need Lions to step up and take an office in the club. It just takes the “Heart of a Lion” to step up and take on the next step, to do more and help more and at the very least, make a difference. You can make that difference. We will see you around the State as we attend the District Conventions and of course we will see you at the State Convention at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois May 20 – 22, 2016. Incoming Lion President, Bob Corlew and his wife Lion Dianne will be the guest speakers at our convention. Be sure to get your reservations in early, enjoy the Circus Theme and everything that the committee has planned for you. Thank you for your service, Lion Steve Council Chairman santonlions@comcast.net

Editorial: Let Us Celebrate!

Hope you have received MD1 Con-vention Special Issue, which I pub-lished last week. This issues has all the detailed as provided by districts

for their District Conventions in forthcoming months – March and April. Look at this magazine once again and see which districts you are interest-ed in attending this year’s conventions except Dis-trict 1M which completed their convention in 2015 November. District 1A’s convention hotel has become very popular this year and two more districts – 1F and 1J are having their conventions also at Westin Hotel, Itasca. Many Lions never attend District Conventions and they do not know what they are missing! Largest part of any convention is fellowship, friendship and to show off your leadership. For all new lions, con-vention is a must to learn knowledge and earn friendship.

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During these conventions I always think about peace on this beautiful earth. If all human beings become Lions club members and become one in their goals and mission, there will be no destruc-tion of peace. You can see all happy faces with cheers of fellowship. Because we all lions come together as one big family. Love and laughter fills lions’ atmosphere and brings friendship. Even though we belong to various religions, countries, colors and languages we keep our differences at home and lend our hands for the growth of human-itarian work.

Look at this simple Lion who became the President of the US on January 20, 1977. Coming October 1st he will be celebrating his 92nd birthday. Through his Carter Foundation he achieved tremendous acts of kindness – building homes for the needy. A Nu-clear Scientist wearing jeans and a shirt and he is using hammer and nails to build homes by himself. Lion Jimmy Carter received for the second time Grammies Award for his work – “A full life; reflec-tion at 90” an audio version of his memoir in the category of Best Spoken World Album. We must remember that no matter how big and famous person you are, for Lionism you are equal to all lions in the world – You Are A Lion.

-Austin D’Souza, Your Editor. ILStateEditor@gmail.com

Gov Gary & Marcia: --> A SPOUSE SPEAKS…..

What an amazing year this has been! Who would have thought that the Governor year would be so much fun while be-ing really busy! We now are on the down-hill side of the year and planning our own District Conventions. I see it as a party to celebrate our year and to kick-off the year for our incoming Governors. My name is Marcia Meyers, partner in service to Governor Gary Meyers of District 1D. I am a 5 year member of the Lena Lions Club, a very active club only about 8 miles south of the Wisconsin border (or what we lovingly call the Cheddar Curtain). Governor Gary and I have been married for 46 years and were blessed with 4 wonderful children (daughter Lynn is GLT of District 1D) and 5 beautiful grandchildren! I have worked as a church secretary and then as church office administrator for over 30 years. As you can imagine, my career has led me also to many volunteer possibilities. When Gary joined Lions and absolutely went “all out” with Lionism – he naturally asked me several times over the years to also join. But I was happy that he enjoyed being a Lion (or Lion King as our oldest granddaughter called him) and left him to do his own thing. But in February 2011, we took our first Medical Missions Trip to Honduras. While there, I witnessed first-hand what Lions Club Inter-national does in a developing country. With the help of our own optometrist we distributed hun-dreds of glasses to those who came through our medical brigade in 4 days. These are the same glasses that the Lions gather in our very own com-munities. We also saw a 12 year old boy with cata-racts in both eyes. By the time he left, he had an appointment to have these cataracts removed and Lions Club International was paying for the surgery! When I got home I told Gary “Why Don’t you ask me to join Lions now?” I saw in this developing

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country some of the programs that we talk about in our home club and I wanted to be a part of that organization. So the end of June that year I drove 2 ½ hours home from a youth camp (where I was on staff) to become a Lion. After the meeting, I drove 2 ½ hours back that night as a Lion! Governor Gary chose Special Olympics as a gover-nor’s project. We were thrilled to hear Tim Shriver, head of Special Olympics, as the main speaker at the International Convention in Hawaii last sum-mer. Since then we have volunteered at Special Olympics bowling, volleyball and the winter games. Last March, Gary participated in the Polar Plunge, which is to raise money for Special Olympics. As we visited the various clubs during the year, we have passed around an “ice bucket” and now have col-lected over $10,000 in donations! It has been a wonderful experience as during these visits we hear of many Special Olympics triumphs. We have heard stores of families with special needs chil-dren, relatives, neighbors and friends and just how Special Olympics has helped in the lives of these athletes. Amazing! I am very excited about our Governor’s Spouses Project of “Duffels for Dignity” that we have been working on this year. Working along with the other spouses: Sue, Luanne, Jerry, Pam, Mary, Marsha, Janet and Jani have been a joy and a privilege. All of us have been selling cards, gathering supplies to put in the duffels and taking the cause of the pro-ject to our districts. At this time we have distribut-ed 50 duffel bags to organizations that are dealing with children being removed from their homes, sometimes temporarily, and placed in foster care. I am thrilled that the group is considering the Safe Family movement that is based in my district and will help give families a “time out” when needed before the situation calls for foster care. Recently Governor Gary and I attended the 60th wedding anniversary celebration of PDG Robert & Lion Donna Plock. What a wonderful family cele-bration! As I looked around the room I noticed many celebrating with them were from our Lions family! We had Governors, Past District Governors, upcoming Governors, a Past International Director,

Zone Chairmen and many – many – many Lions! What a family we have accumulated in the past few years! They have been there to celebrate with us and also mourned with us as Gary & I buried both of our fathers in the past 18 months. As the 2015-16 Governors and spouses, we look forward to passing the honor on to the upcoming Governors. I have one bit of advice that was given to us. Enjoy the year – it is over way too quickly! The places we have been and the wonderful Lions that we met along the way made our year memo-rable. The meetings, celebrations, festival, fund raisers, etc. have been the icing on the cake! Marcia Meyers District 1D mvmeyers@hotmail.com

THE DUFFELS

FOR DIGNITY

PROJECT

CONTINUES

TO PROSPER! The next distribution

of Duffels will be to

the CASA McHenry

County (District 1-J).

Pam Fowler from Dis-

trict 1-J has been working with this organization

and will be donating 40 duffel bags in various

sizes along with small blankets and stuffed ani-

mals. In addition, the Elburn Lions Club has do-

nated books to also be included with this dona-

tion. Pam is finalizing the date to meet with this

group to make the donation, which should be in

the next 10 days.

I have included some information on what

(CASA) is:

Every day children are taken from their homes

and placed into temporary foster care because

they have been abused or neglected. These chil-

dren often fall through the cracks of our over-

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burdened court system, unseen and un-

heard. Court Appointed Special Advocates

(CASA) of McHenry County helps give these

children voices in court so they might thrive,

know hope and ultimately find a safe permanent

home. CASA advocates make a life-long differ-

ence for children, one child at a time.

The spouse’s met at the February Council meet-

ing to discuss what district they will focus on

for the next donation. The Spouses decided that

the next donation would be in District 1-D to the

Safe Family Movement. This organization is a

movement of families helping children and par-

ents in distress.

Stay tuned for future updates for additional do-

nations to the different Districts in the MD-1. I

would like to thank you again for all of the dona-

tions that we have received from all over the

state. I can assure you that it will be put to

good use.

If you know of an organization in your District

that could possibly be a candidate for the Duf-

fels for Dignity project, please feel free to con-

tact your District Governor’s Spouse or send me

an email at anton173@comcast.net. Please in-

clude the name of the organization, their mission

and a contact name.

Again, we cannot thank MD-1 enough for their

support of the “Duffels for Dignity” project.

Lion Gail Anton

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP CORNER: Jama Wahl

This is the third in a series of articles based on Blueprint for Club Success (DA-STPBG EN 5/15). This document is

available to download from the LCI website.

LCI provides great tools to assist clubs. This ten-page document is filled with ways for clubs to plan for success.

This guide suggests four areas for clubs to consider.

1. Assessing your club’s status 2. Establishing your goals 3. Developing your blueprint 4. Putting your blueprint into action

In this article we are going to consider establishing your club’s goals, which is found on page 2 of the document as well as forms available in the appendix.

Following the assessment, the next step is to establish club goals. Goals need to be SMART. That means specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time sensitive. If your members are not up on writing SMART goals, consider having at least one Lion take the Goals Setting Course offered on the Lions Learning Center and share with the club or take it as a club. If your club has many, many goals, it may mean the goals need to be prioritized into short-term goals and longer-term goals. Another tool offered by LCI is the Blueprint for a Stronger Club Goal Statement Form that is a writable PDF. It is available at

http://members.lionsclubs.org/EN/lions/strengthen-membership/blueprint-goal-statement-form.php

This document helps clubs to write and submit their goals to LCI.

To help your club prioritize your goals consider writing a goal in the following areas: service activities, membership growth, leadership development and club operations.

Once the goals are established, consider the tasks that must be accomplished to meet the goal, the challenges/obstacles to reaching the goal, possible solutions to the challenges, as well as the human and material resources needed to accomplish the goal. A planning process worksheet is provided in the Blueprint for Club Success.

From here an action plan is needed. This is essentially a document that details who will do what when and how will the club know it has been done. The goals and action plans are to be reviewed and revised regularly to be sure that

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goals are met. An Action Plan Worksheet is also provided as a resource.

Clubs that know what they want to accomplish and have a plan to get there are likely to provide more meaningful service to their communities and be more relevant to their members. These are clubs that “get’er done” and have fun doing it!

At the December Council meeting, the Council of Governors approved a MD1 Regional Lions Leadership Institute to be held August 26-27, 2016 at the Ramada, 3281 Northfield Drive, Springfield, Illinois. Each district is eligible to send three up and coming leaders to this event, making a total of 30 participants. Potential candidates could be, but are not limited to -a Lion showing potential to take on leadership at the club level -a club leader showing leadership potential to move up to do district work -a new Zone Chair wanting to enhance his or her leadership skills -a Lion headed to become a Region Chair or Second Vice District Governor In short, a Lion who is interested in taking on the mantel of leadership and willing to invest time ad energy to develop personal leadership skills. The only cost to the participant is the travel to and from the event. Housing and meals are covered by MD1 and an anticipated grant from LCI. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact your District Governor NOW! Candidates’ names and contact information are to be submitted by APRIL 1, 2016.

GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP CORNER: Did You Save It? In today’s digital age most of us are, at the very least, somewhat familiar with computers. A few of us might only use them to send and read

emails. Others will use various versions of Word to write miscellaneous documents. Some will use spreadsheets to keep track of different things.

There will be some that utilize the mathematical formula features in spreadsheets to automatically get answers to entered data. Then again, there will be some that can make a computer do things that I have yet to learn. Regardless of your computer abilities, one of the first things you learned was to save the work you have already done. If you don’t; that work is gone forever. Thus my question at the top of this article: Did you save it? How on earth does that question apply to Lionism? Let’s change the word “it” to “them”. In this case, the “them” are our existing Lions members. To those who read this column on a regular basis, you know that I have repeatedly encouraged you to seek out potential new members for your club. That is true. We should all keep the front door to membership open at all times. But what about the back door? How many Lions have slipped away through that door? Any member that slips away through the back door will eventually be dropped from their respective club’s membership roster. There are some legiti-mate reasons for dropping someone. Maybe they stopped paying their dues. Maybe they stopped attending meetings. Has anyone asked why? The answers to those questions are critical. There are some steps that must be taken before anyone is dropped. Is the sponsor of the potential drop available to have a one-on-one conversation with that Lion? If not, a past president should do so. That conversation should attempt to determine the reason why that member is not paying their dues or not attending meetings. If the potential drop is experiencing some difficulties, having noth-ing to do with your club, you might suggest Mem-ber-At-Large status. They could maintain their membership, on a limited basis, until that difficulty has passed. Then they could get back to full-fledged membership. If they claim that your meetings are boring, try to “spice them up”. Is your Tail Twister engaging in “fun” stunts? Do you have interesting speakers, if any? Contact me via. my contact information be-low and I will be happy to offer some suggestions

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to do both. Or, you can wait until next month’s installment. Lion Paul Gergolla, PDG MD-1 GMT Coordinator Phone: 630-858-8073 Email: lionpg1@aol.com

To: All Lions Clubs of Illinois From: MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws Re: Amendments for 2016 MD-1 Convention

Below are five amendments being brought forward by the MD-1 Council of Governors for consideration by the certified delegates at the 2016 MD-1 Convention, to be held May 19-22, 2016. All amendments originated from the Council of Governors and will require a 2/3 affirmative vote in order to pass. Your MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws Committee recommends approving all five amendments. Yours in Service,

Bud Wahl

PID Bud Wahl, Chairperson MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws Committee

Lions of Illinois, Inc.

RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION

& BY-LAWS CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE IX, STATE REVENUE,

Section 6

Subject: This proposed amendment would eliminate the requirement that all regulatory reports be performed by a third party accounting firm.

WHEREAS, Section 6 of Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue, directs that all regulatory reports be performed by a third party accounting firm; and,

WHEREAS, the State currently is obligated to pay the third-party accountant $325 annually to prepare the quarterly payroll reports – which are part of the financial records and bookkeeping of the State – even though the State Secretary-Treasurer actually prepares and submits them to ensure they are completed on time; and, WHEREAS, the third-party accountant will charge an additional, to-be-determined amount, to review the complete set of financial records; and, WHEREAS, using an accountant to prepare the quarterly payroll reports, review the quarterly compiled financial statements and PeachTree files, and serve as the Lions' Registered Agent is becoming an expensive proposition; and, WHEREAS, the State Secretary-Treasurer has prepared and submitted all quarterly and annual payroll tax reports and payments on time and without issue using the online reporting and payment systems provided by the IRS, IL Dept. of Revenue, and IL Dept. of Employment Security; and, WHEREAS, the Council Chairperson reviews and approves these reports and payments monthly; and, WHEREAS, the main responsibility of the Council Treasurer is to oversee the work of the State Secretary-Treasurer on all fiscal matters, which includes payroll reports/payments and all financial recordkeeping; and, WHEREAS, MD-1 By-Laws Article II, Section 10 states the State Council 'shall demand of and receive from the State Secretary-Treasurer financial reports semi-annually, or more frequently if necessary' and said financial reports include an income statement which sets forth all payroll taxes paid to-date for the State Council to verify; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 6 of Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue be amended, effective at the close

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of the 2016 State Convention, by eliminating the last sentence as shown by the strikethrough below:

"The State Council of Governors shall provide for an audit of the annual financial statements to be performed annually by certified public accountants licensed in the State of Illinois. All regulatory reports shall also be performed by a third party accounting firm, and reported to the Council of Governors."

Lions of Illinois, Inc. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS BY-LAWS - ARTICLE II, DUTIES, Section 10 Subject: This proposed amendment would clarify the Council of Governors as the specific body given the authority to enter into and approve any and all contracts on behalf of the Lions of Illinois. WHEREAS, Section 10 of Article II of the MD-1 By-Laws, entitled Duties, states the Council of Governors has the authority to make all contracts for the State Convention, but does not extend that authority to any other events or activities held on behalf of the Lions of Illinois; and, WHEREAS, the Council of Governors is the deliberative body for the Lions of Illinois and formulates all administrative plans and policies affecting the welfare of the Lions of Illinois; and, WHEREAS, the Council of Governors is ultimately responsible for the fiscal responsibility of all funds collected from the Lions of Illinois and therefore should be the sole body entering into any contractual arrangements on behalf of the Lions of Illinois; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 10 of Article II of the MD-1 By-Laws, entitled Duties, be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 State Convention, by eliminating the phrases

as shown by the strikethrough and adding the phrases shown in bold below:

"The State Council is the deliberative and the assisting body in the formulation of administrative plans and policies affecting the welfare of Lionism within the State. It shall make all contracts and arrangements for the State Convention, and shall approve all bills relating thereto. With the exception to events and activities planned and supervised by any MD-1 Host Committee pertaining to hosting an International Convention or USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Illinois, the State Council shall have the authority to approve and administer any and all other contracts for events and activities held on behalf of the Lions of Illinois, and shall approve all bills relating thereto. Furthermore, it shall approve any and all arrangements made for such events and activities held on behalf of the Lions of Illinois. It shall designate a depository for all the State Funds Administrative, International Convention, Promotional and Magazine Fund, and shall authorize the payment from such Funds of all legitimate expenses pertaining to the administration of the affairs of the State. It shall set the amount of corporate surety bond for the State Secretary-Treasurer, and shall approve the surety company with which the State Secretary-Treasurer shall be bonded. It shall demand of and receive from the State Secretary-Treasurer, financial reports semi-annually or more frequently, if necessary. It shall demand of and receive reports from all Standing Committees, which shall include complete financial reports from all Committees whose State authorized projects may be financially supported.in any way involved in the collection of funds for the support of projects authorized by the State. All such reports received from the State Secretary-Treasurer and from all Standing Committees shall be subject to approval by the State Council. It shall make provisions for an audit, at the end of the fiscal year, of the books and accounts of the State Secretary-Treasurer. It shall, in the event of a surplus being left in the State Administrative, International Convention, Promotional and Magazine Fund, make provisions for placing the same in the hands of the succeeding

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State Council, together with all books and records. It shall publish a synopsis of its actions following each Council Meeting in the State Magazine.”

Lions of Illinois, Inc. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE VIII, STATE CONVENTION, Section 12 CONSTITUTION – ARTICLE IX, STATE REVENUE, new Section 8 BY-LAWS – ARTICLE III, STANDING COMMITTEES, Section 3 Subject: This proposed amendment would clarify the State Office/State Secretary Treasurer as the sole body given the authority/responsibility to collect payment of any and all registration and other fees for events and activities hosted and/or sponsored by the Lions of Illinois. WHEREAS, Section 12 of Article VIII of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Convention, states a State Convention registration or hospitality fee shall be collected, but does not define who collects the fee; and, WHEREAS, Section 3 of Article III of the By-Laws, entitled, Standing Committees, makes reference to a Standing Committee potentially collecting funds and when so, requires either the Chairperson or Treasurer of the Committee to make bond, and when funds have been collected by a committee there is no record of any bond being established; and, WHEREAS, The State Secretary Treasurer is required to be bonded by our Constitution and By-Laws and is the only body that is financially insured as such, and has direct access to making timely deposits in financial institutions approved by the Council of Governors; and, WHEREAS, Nowhere in the Constitution and By-Laws does it state who has the authority and/or

responsibility to collect registration fees and other charges related to other events and/or activities held on behalf of the Lions of Illinois; and, WHEREAS, A provision is needed in the MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws that specifically states who has the authority and responsibility to collect any and all funds on behalf of the Lions of Illinois; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 12 of Article VIII of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Convention; Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue; and Section 3 of Article III of the MD-1 By-Laws, entitled Standing Committees, be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 State Convention, by eliminating the phrases as shown by the strikethrough and adding the phrases shown in bold below:

Constitution, Article VIII, Section 12 "A registration or hospitality fee, the amount of which shall be fixed by the State Council, shall be collected from each delegate, alternate and guest attending the State Convention. Said fee shall be collected All fees (registration, meals, etc.) pertaining to the State Convention, shall be remitted directly to the State Office by the registrant and under the supervision of and for the State Council, and shall be used by it for defraying the actual cost of entertainment and other expenses of the convention.” Constitution, Article IX, New Section 8 “The State Office shall be the sole entity responsible for collecting any and all funds on behalf of the Lions of Illinois. As such, all fees, registrations and other related charges of any kind pertaining to any state committee, event or activity of the Lions of Illinois, (with the exception of an MD-1 Host Committee and its hosting of an International Convention or USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Illinois), shall be remitted directly to the State Office by the Lions Club, Lion, or any other person or organization.” By-Laws, Article III, Section 3 “The State Chairperson of any committee, (except an MD-1 Host Committee and its hosting of an

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International Convention or USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Illinois), which promotes collection and transmission of moneys from Lions Clubs, or any other person or organization, to various receiving agencies, or handles money in other ways, or if committee funds are handled by a Treasurer, then such Treasurer, shall be required to make bond in such amount and with such sureties as shall be approved by the State Council. shall have all such moneys remitted directly to the State Office by the Lions Club, Lion, or any other person or organization.”

Lions of Illinois, Inc. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE VII, DISTRICT REVENUE, Section 1 CONSTITUTION – ARTICLE IX, STATE REVENUE, Section 1 Subject: This proposed amendment would clarify that Lions Clubs placed on Status Quo by Lions Clubs International will not be billed Sub-District or Multiple-District per capita tax (dues for members) while on Status Quo. Once the Lions Club is back in good standing, Sub-District and Multiple District per capita tax would be in order. WHEREAS, The MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws is not clear on whether or not Clubs placed on Status Quo by LCI should pay per capita tax (membership dues for each member); and, WHEREAS, Lions Clubs International does not bill Clubs placed on Status Quo for International per capita tax (membership dues for each member); and, WHEREAS, Sub-District and the Multiple District billings for per capita tax should coincide with the policies and practices of Lions Clubs International; and,

WHEREAS, A provision is needed in the MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws that specifically states per capita tax will not be billed to Status Quo Clubs in MD-1 so the Sub-Districts and the Multiple District will have the same policy and practice as Lions Clubs International; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 1 of Article VII of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled District Revenue and Section 1 of Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue, be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 State Convention, by adding the sentence shown in bold below:

Constitution, Article VII, Section 1 " To provide revenue to defray the Administrative expenses of each District, an annual per capita District Administration Fund Tax, the amount thereof for each District to be determined by each District Governor and his/her Cabinet at the first cabinet meeting, shall be levied upon each member in each District, and shall be paid in advance by each Club in the district in two semi-annual payments on September 10 and March 10 of each year, billing of same to be based upon the roster of each Club as of the last day of June and the last day of December respectively. Said tax shall be collected from each Club by the District Secretary/Treasurer of the District of which the club is a member, excepting new and reorganized Clubs, which shall pay a pro-rated per capita tax beginning the first day of the second month following the date of their organization. In addition, Lions Clubs placed on Status Quo by Lions Clubs International shall not be billed for said tax until they are brought back to good standing.” Constitution, Article IX, Section 1 “Beginning with the fiscal year commencing on July 1, 2013, and ending at the end of Lions fiscal year 2016-2017, an annual per capita State Administrative, International Convention, 2017 International Convention MD01 Host Committee Fund, Promotional Fund and Magazine Fund Tax of Eleven Dollars and thirty cents ($11.30) shall be levied upon each member of each Club in the State and shall be paid in advance by each Club in two

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semi-annual payments as follows: Five Dollars and .65 ($5.65) per member prior to September 10 and Five Dollars and .65 ($5.65) per member prior to March 10 of each year, billing of same to be based upon the roster of each Club as maintained by Lions Clubs International as of the last day of June and the last day of December respectively. This tax shall be collected from the Clubs in each District of the State by the respective Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer/Cabinet Treasurer excepting, however, new and reorganized Clubs shall pay a prorated per capita tax beginning the first day of the second month following the date of its organization. In addition, Lions Clubs placed on Status Quo by Lions Clubs International shall not be billed for said tax until they are brought back to good standing. Each Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer/Cabinet Treasurer shall forward payment so collected to the Lions of Illinois State Secretary Treasurer by September 10 and March 10, respectivelly.

Lions of Illinois, Inc. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE IX, STATE REVENUE, Section 1 Subject: This proposed amendment would raise the cap in the Promotion Fund from $50,000 to $100,000, without a dues increase or assessment. WHEREAS, the Promotion Fund cap has been set at $50,000 since the early 1980’s; and, WHEREAS, the cost of living increase from 1982 through 2015 has been calculated by the American Institute for Economic Research as 246.88%; and, WHEREAS, promoting a candidate from MD-1 for the high offices of International Director or International Vice President incurs expenses for printing and various other campaign election materials; and,

WHEREAS, raising the Promotion Fund cap would allocate more funds for promoting a candidate from MD-1 in a very competitive atmosphere with fewer U.S. International Directors being elected every year onto the International Board; and, WHEREAS, raising the Promotion Fund cap DOES NOT affect the per capita membership dues in any way, (no dues increase) nor does it create any type of assessment to members; and, WHEREAS, the Council of Governors has the ultimate authority and control over the Promotion Fund and approves any candidate’s campaign budget and expenses, thereby executing fiscal responsibility of the Promotion Fund; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT paragraphs five and six of Section 1, Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue, be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 State Convention, by eliminating the words shown by the strikethrough and adding the words shown in bold below: (Constitution, Article IX, State Revenue, Section 1, paragraphs five and six) Fifty Cents (50¢) per capita of said Fund shall be used exclusively for the promotion and election of candidates from Illinois to the International Board of Directors or to the offices of Third Vice-President, Second Vice-President, First Vice-President and President of Lions Clubs International, provided, however, that the balance to be held in such Fund shall be limited to and maintained at Fifty One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($50,000 100,000). After this limitation has been reached, this Fifty Cents ($.50), or the balance thereof after bringing the Fund balance back up to Fifty One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($50,000 100,000), shall be applied as follows:

A. 35% thereof shall be allocated to the International Convention Fund, to be used

exclusively for out of country outgoing District Governor’s convention expenses.

B. 35% thereof shall be allocated to the Residual Fund.

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C. 30% thereof shall be allocated to the State D. Administrative Fund.

Any amount in excess of Fifty One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($50,000 100,000) held in the Promotion Fund as of May 21, 1989 22, 2016 shall be allocated and transferred to the foregoing Funds in the percentages indicated above.

Are you interested in helping individuals with print disabilities and don’t know how? Read the article below –

Bookshare is looking for individuals, clubs and Dis-tricts to perhaps simply buy a subscription for an eligible individual in an underserved community or, as another example help proofreading textbooks

for U.S. students with print disabilities. If you, as a Lion, are looking for a way to serve – Bookshare may be your answer!

As part of the Lions Reading Action Program, clubs and districts have an important opportunity to ad-dress inequalities related to literacy, particularly among individuals with vision loss. Through our partnership with Bookshare, the world’s largest online accessible library of copyrighted content for people with print disabilities, Lions can help indi-viduals with print disabilities have the same ease of access to print materials as people without disabili-ties. There are many ways for Lions to get involved with Bookshare as a district, as a club or as individuals:

Reach out to individuals with print disabili-ties including veterans, seniors and students (and their parents) to raise awareness about Bookshare. Distribute flyers at places like schools, churches, senior centers, veteran centers, ophthalmologist offices, eye clinics and dyslexia centers. U.S. clubs: Download a brochure appropriate to your venue and audience.

International clubs: Subscription fees and title availability vary by country. Please contact us and tell us in which country you are located. We’ll send you a customized flyer for distribution. Sponsor Bookshare subscriptions for eligible indi-viduals in underserved communities. Seniors, vet-erans, or students outside the U.S. may not be able to afford a Bookshare subscription. Please contact us with information about your desired sponsorship. Do you know a specific indi-vidual or group of individuals who would like to join Bookshare? We’ll need to know where they live (which country), confirmation that they have an email address and access to an Internet-

enabled computer, and confirmation that they will be able to provide proof of disability. (Click here for a list of qualifying disabilities.)

Contribute image descriptions to textbooks. Imag-ine trying to learn a subject and not being able to see the images accompanying the text. A descrip-tion of the image helps convey the meaning. Please contact us. Be sure to include your club name and location (city, state, country).

Scan and/or proofread books to be added to the Bookshare collection, including textbooks, fiction, non-fiction, and more (U.S. only). We especially need help proofreading textbooks for U.S. stu-dents with print disabilities.

LION JUDY TOFT

DISTRICT 1A RAP CHAIR

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State Alert Corner:

Greetings March Readers of 2016

The ALERT program is quietly taking legs. Soon it will not be so quite when we find out that several Clubs have teamed together and

formed a plan. These Clubs have seen a need in their community. Due to a lack of trained manpower at the time of need, these Clubs are learning how to fill those empty positions. They are working with local authorities to learn proper techniques and gaining the respect that from this training they can be relied on when called. We need to remember that no matter how well we are trained in our respective field, if the local authority knows nothing about you, they will not use you. The month of March is another marker that we can use to take a few steps to be safe. In the fall and in the spring, we change our clocks. Your local fire department usually asks you to also change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Hopefully in your residence you have smoke detectors and take this opportunity to keep your batteries fresh. Like many things we do, don’t keep this action a secret either. Tell your family, friends and neighbors to do the same. You might just save someone’s life. One more item for you to think about. How many members of your club are trained in CPR? I know many of us have enjoyed chicken, pork and ribs. What would happen if something happened at your meeting or event? If no one could step up, you will not enjoy your next CPR meal. Consider at an upcoming meeting or do one on the side and learn CPR. That is cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The ALERT program will continue to evolve and LCI understands that we need to evolve with it. We need to help LCI do this by keeping them up to date with our progress. We know clubs are preparing but stop keeping it a secret. What you are doing might be part of the model for the future. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or just ask questions. A question never asked remains one unanswered. Lion Jim Kiser, State Alert Chair LionJImKiser@gmail.com 630-660-7944

This month's issue of Newswire focuses on improv-ing service, membership and impact by making CONNECTIONS. Connect with your community by completing a Centennial Community Legacy Pro-ject; connect through social media by spreading #DignityHarmonyHumanity; connect Lions and Leos to strengthen membership; and more.

Lions clubs world-wide are encour-aged to make a lasting impact by completing a Cen-tennial Communi-ty Legacy Project during our Cen-tennial Celebra-tion. As a visible gift, your Centen-

nial Community Legacy Project will be a lasting re-minder of how vital your club is to serving and con-necting your community. From a new city entrance sign to an eye clinic, there's an opportunity for eve-ry club to be involved. Visit the Centennial Com-munity Legacy Project page for the Club Centennial Planning Guide, brochures, FAQs and other re-sources to help your club choose a project and start building your Lion legacy today.

Lions + Leos = Stronger Clubs, Greater Service

Together, Lions and Leos accomplish great things. Through connections with Leos, your Lions club can gain fresh ideas for service activities, build capacity to do even more service, and strengthen membership by inviting Leos to become Lions. To continue making an impact by becoming a Lion, Leos should complete the new Leo to Lion Certification Form.

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Lions of Illinois 2016 State Convention Attention all MD-1 Lions:

2016 State Convention book ads are available for purchase. Any individual, organization, Lions Club or District can purchase a Convention book ad.

A full page ad is $50 and is approximately 3.75” x 10.5” in size.

A half page ad is $30 and is approximately 3.75” x 5.25” in size.

Ads should be saved in a “.jpg” file format and submitted electronically to the State Office. Facsimile or hard copy ads will not be accepted. Ads should be in a reproducible black/white or grayscale format. Grayscale is

recommended for photos.

Ads and payment must be received by the State Office by 5:00 pm April 22, 2016 to be included in the Convention book.

Payment for ads should be mailed with the form (below) to the State office at: Lions of Illinois, Inc., POB 127, Hopedale, IL 61747-0127.

Ads can be submitted via email to lionsofillinois@yahoo.com or by saving the ad on a CD, DVD, or thumb drive and mailing it to the State Office.

If you have any questions regarding Convention book ads, please contact the State Office at 217-632-7775 or by email at lionsofillinois@yahoo.com.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

2016 State Convention Book Ad Form

Name: __________________________________________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person (if club or organization:_________________________________________________

I wish to purchase (check one): Full Page Ad - $50 Half Page Ad - $30

Enclosed is my payment of $ ; Cash Check #

(Please mail ad and payment to: Lions of Illinois, Inc., POB 127, Hopedale, IL 61747-0127)

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

Persons interested in the position of Chairperson of the Council of Governors for the 2016-2017 Lions year are being sought.

To be eligible, a candidate must be a Past District Governor, having served as an MD-1 Governor within the previous five Council years (2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016) or be a sitting Governor on the 2016-2017 Council. The Council Chairperson for 2016-2017 also must be from a District other than the current Chairperson’s District (District 1-A). More information regarding eligibility is available at www.LionsClubs.org.

The duties and responsibilities of the Council Chairperson are detailed in the Lions of Illinois Constitution and By-Laws and the Policy Manual, both of which are posted on the MD-1 website, www.illinoislionsMD1.org.

Candidates must send a letter of intent and a resume to the State Office to be received no later than March 31, 2016 in order to be considered for the position. The mailing and e-mail address for the State Office is listed below. Applicants will be advised by mail or e-mail of the time of their interview.

LIONS OF ILLINOIS, INC. POB 127 HOPEDALE, IL 61747-0127

lionsofillinois@yahoo.com

Post Office Box 127 Hopedale, IL 61747-0127 Ph 217-632-7775 lionsofillinois@yahoo.com

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IMPORTANT NOTICE

Applications for State Committee Chairpersons for the 2016-2017 Lions year are being accepted.

To be eligible to serve as a Chairperson of a State Committee, a candidate shall have served at least one year as a district appointee to the State Committee s/he seeks. This requirement may be waived by the District Governors Elect if no application is received with the appropriate requirements or if they are not in favor of any applicant.

Positions are for a one year term unless denoted otherwise. A brief description of the duties and responsibilities of each State Committee Chairperson may be found in the Lions of Illinois Policy Manual, which is posted on the MD-1 website, www.illinoislionsMD1.org, along with a list of the current State Committee Chairpersons.

Candidates must send a letter of intent specifying the State Committee Chairperson position being sought and a resume to the State Office, which is to be received no later than March 31, 2016 in order to be considered for the position. The mailing and e-mail address for the State Office is listed below. Applicants will be advised by mail, e-mail or telephone of the time and location of their interview.

Applications are being accepted for the following State Committee Chairperson positions:

Alert Lioness

Campaign & Liaison Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP)

Constitution & By-Laws Midwest Breakfast

Information Technology Publicity & Public Relations

International Convention State Convention

Leo & Youth Activities/Quest State Magazine

Applications also are being accepted to fill two (2) positions on the Finance Committee, each of which are for a three year term beginning July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2019.

Please submit letters of intent and resumes to:

LIONS OF ILLINOIS, INC. POB 127 HOPEDALE, IL 61747-0127

lionsofillinois@yahoo.com

Post Office Box 127 Hopedale, IL 61747-0127

Ph:217-632-7775 lionsofillinois@yahoo.com

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(This month’s cover picture. Photo by Al Benson) Donating Dollars--Plainfield resident Michelle Needham, left, donated $500 to Deborah Collins, Fox Valley United Way administration director, at Aurora Noon Lions Club's biweekly luncheon meet-ing Monday, Feb. 1. Needham, Noon Lions presi-dent, designated the Lions' gift to the United Way's 10th annual "Souper Bowl of Caring." The drive Saturday, Feb. 6, benefits Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry and Kendall County Food Pantry. Be-cause the Geneva-based Northern Illinois Food Bank supplies pantries with food worth $8 for each $1, the Noon Lions' donation is worth $4,000. When is $500 worth $4,000 in food to a local food pantry? When Aurora Noon Lions Club designates a second annual $500 donation to the Fox Valley United Way Souper Bowl of Caring. On Monday, Plainfield resident and Auro-ra Noon Lions President Michelle Needham pre-sented a $500 check for the 10th Souper Bowl to Deborah Collins, Fox Valley United Way administra-tion director. The occasion was the Noon Lions biweekly mem-bership luncheon meeting at Luigi's Pizza in Aurora. The Souper Bowl fundraiser, part of a national ob-servance Saturday, Feb. 6, will benefit Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry and Kendall County Food Pantry.

Because the Geneva-based Northern Illinois Food Bank supplies the pantries with food worth $8 for each $1, theNoon Lions' donation is worth $4,000. In partnership with local groceries, Fox Valley Unit-ed Way will recruit volunteers--students and adults--to greet shoppers and accept food and monetary donations. Shoppers will be asked to purchase one food item from a suggested list. Food donations will be collected in bins near the store's exits. Cash donations will also be accepted. Michael Meyer, Fox Valley United Way CEO said, "These contributions provide significant support to the Aurora Area Interfaith Food Pantry and the Kendall County Food Pantry. "Last year, this event gathered 3,200 pounds of food and collected over $7,800. “This event is a win-win-win for the community. “Students get a chance to learn about hunger and how a few hours on a Saturday can make a huge difference for those in need. "Food pantries receive much needed assistance after the holidays. "And our participating grocery stores join in our mission to LIVE UNITED—reaching out a hand to folks in difficult financial times." Meyer said volunteers will be at each participating food store from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to accept dona-tions. Locations are Jewel-Osco stores on Eola Road and W. Galena Boulevard in Aurora; Veterans Parkway in Yorkville; Orchard Road and Rte.30 in Oswego and N. Route 47 in Sugar Grove. Prisco’s Family Market on Prairie Street in Aurora will also participate. .

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Jewel-Osco President Mike Withers said, “The Souper Bowl of Caring is a premier event. Jewel-Osco is excited once again to partner with the Fox Valley United Way. “Hunger remains an important issue. It’s essential that we do all we can to help stock the shelves of our local pantries.” Meyer added, “Last year’s event was our most suc-cessful ever, providing more than $63,000 worth of food that was made available to the neediest in Kane and Kendall counties. “This year, we know that we can make an even greater impact. Our volunteers are truly passionate about addressing poverty in their own communi-ty.” Founded in 1922, Fox Valley United Way provides support to 49 social service agencies serving resi-dents in Aurora, Big Rock, Bristol, Hinckley, Little Rock, Millbrook, Montgomery, Mooseheart, North Aurora, Oswego, Plano, Plattville, Sandwich, Sug-ar Grove and Yorkville.

The Genoa Lions Club teamed with the Cortland Lions Club and thirteen other local Lions Clubs, to provide a special weekend of adventures, including cross country snow skiing for those who are visually impaired. When was the last time you

heard a person with a Seeing Eye dog or a white and red cane, talk about their weekend skiing in Waterman?The Ski for Sight event is held annually and sponsored by many local Lions clubs. This

year’s event began Friday January 29 when the participants checked into their motel rooms, with skiing on Saturday in Waterman and continued through Sunday with breakfast in Cortland and then on to either Bingo in Elburn or Bowling in DeKalb. This is another example of how by collectively putting our limited resources together we can have a bigger impact and provide a memorable experience for many. This opportunity gives our special skiers something exciting to talk about with their family and friends. Each year at the end of January, at 7a.m.on a Sunday morning, the Cortland Lions Club and the Genoa Lions Club team up to prepare and serve breakfast to about 150 brave, visually impaired people. When you have the experience of a lifetime to work with a

group of people whose lives are normally tentative and structured and see their courage to do something many of us would not consider, it brings a whole new meaning to living outside the box. Each club does a part and contributes financially to make this weekend event a success. The Lions want this annual weekend event to continue and to grow. However, the larger it becomes,the greater will be the need to raise more funds. We would like to have every person who is visually impaired in the Chicagoland area to have the opportunity to experience cross country skiing. The Genoa Lions Club is proud to be a part of what Lionism is all about, the Lions International motto is “We Serve”. If you would like to help the Lions to continue this annual event please contact your local Lions club to contribute.

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The above group photograph is from the Cortland Breakfast for Ski-for-Sight. The Genoa Lions are wearing the yellow vests and the Cortland Lions and other local Lions representatives are not.

The Oakville Lions Club hosted their Annual BBQ in February. Portions of the profits from this fundraiser go to the Regional Eye Care Committee, a regional group that provides expensive procedures for vision impaired people. Above picture - Lion Randy Matthews is checking some of the smoked pork steaks and Lions Gary Schuetz and Andy Jankowski are making slaw.

Pictured from left to right: Lion Seth Anderson, Dr. Teri Reed, Ms. Rhonda Himert and Lion Don Fuller.

Oregon Lions Learn About Little Free Library: Dr. Teri Reed and Ms. Rhonda Himert presented a pro-gram about the Little Free Library to the Oregon Lions Club on January 28th. Both are educators and

reading specialists for Oregon School District 220, and are aware of the importance of good reading skills. . They have recently placed three Little Free Libraries in the boundaries of the Oregon School District to allow children and families immediate access to free books. Currently there is one at Ore-gon Park West near the Splash Pad, one at Conover Square Mall next to Lifeline Pantry, and one at The Church of the Bretheran next to Loaves and Fishes Pantry. Members of the community are encour-aged to take a book, read it and return it, as well as contribute to restocking if possible. If you need more information about these libraries it can be found on their website: Littlefreelibrary.org.

Ann Haas, executive director of the Rock River Cen-ter, spoke at the February meeting of the Stillman Valley Lions. She spoke of the many services the center provides to the senior citizens of the area - Medicare counseling, transportation, education, low vision services, games, drivers ed. and other quality of life programs. She mentioned that their "new" facility is full (service statistics expanded by 62% in 2 years) and reviewed their funding situa-tion. About 1/3 of their funding comes from state and federal grants and they are one of the area's United Way agencies. Due to financial cutbacks by the State of Illinois, over half of United Way agen-cies are using up their cash reserves, more than 1/4 are contemplating having to close if the situation continues, about 1/3 have had layoffs and 6% have been skipping payrolls according to Ann. "Taking care of the least of these" is apparently not a pre-vailing philosophy in Springfield.

Stillman Valley Lions pictured with Ms. Haas are Tom Goral who is on the committee for the RRC

What's Cookin' fundraiser to take place at

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Barnacopia on March 12, and SV Lions President Marty Typer who also is Vice President of the RRC

board.

Lion Erv Safranek welcomed Leo Bibi Dekhkanova to the Paw Paw Lions Club. Bibi is an exchange student attending Paw Paw HS. Bibi's home is Ta-jikistan. She joined the Paw Paw LEO Club shortly after her arrival to Paw Paw, IL in August, 2015. Since then, Bibi has completed over 100 service hours in the community through many opportinities provided through the school, local churches, various humanitarian organizations and of course through the Paw Paw Lions Club. As a Lioness, Bibi plans to begin a LEO Club when she returns to Tajikistan. Bibi is very thankful to the Paw Paw Lions, especially their oldest and only remaining original Paw Paw Charter member, Lion Erv, 91 years old. Lion Erv was as the biggest supporter of chartering the Paw Paw LEO Club in October of 2014 and he is instrumental in the continued success of the Paw Paw Lions. Lion Erv Safranek will be celebrating his 70th anniversary as a Paw Paw Lion this year.

As recipients of the Young Professionals of Gales-burg "20 Under 40" award. Photo show 7 young and energetic members of Glesburg Lions Club. From left to right: Joseph Ri-ley, Tom McIntire, Sara Robison, Rita Wilcox, Josh Gibb, C.C. Wilcox and Chris Bayer.

ALTAMONT LIONS - The Altamont Lions will be hosting the Lions Basketball event for ages pre-K (4-5 yrs) through 6th grade. Sign-up forms have been delivered to the grade schools. First child fee will be waived if parent is willing to coach.

Lion Tom Rector (C) is awarded a Lions of Illinois Foundation fellowship. Trustee and President, PDG Jim Strange (L) and Executive Director of the Lions of Illinois Foundation Mario Gumino (R) are pre-senting the award.

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Lion Steve Stice delivers a donation to the Alta-mont Community High School soccer team. -----------------------------------------------------------------

Executive

Director of the Lions of

Illinois Foundation

Mario Gumino re-ceiving a $525 check from Jim Sheldon of the Alta-mont Lions Club. Dona-tion is going to Camp

Lions.

Leslie Wendling at the Alta-mont Grade School ac-cepts a do-nation from the Alta-mont Lions Club for the Project Backpack program.

STRASBURG LIONS --The Strasburg Lions wel-come 5 newest Lions: Zed Brehmer, Ron "Bubba" McClain, Mindy Willenborg, Chuck Wade and Janice Wade! The club is proud and excited to have a community and school system that wants to be Lions and help others!! We have 11 new mem-bers since July, 2015!!

ARTHUR LIONS -- During the Arthur Lions Club Christmas Party, Lion Harry Bell was presented with a Melvin Jones Award! ATHENS LIONS -- With the closing of Grant's Cafe, it became necessary for the Athens Lions Club to find a new place to hold our monthly meetings. We are happy to announce that the American Legion Post at 108 W. Jefferson has offered us the use of their hall. Our first meeting was held on Wednes-day, January 6, at 6:30 pm. Regular meetings going forward will be on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 pm at this new location. CATLIN LIONS -- The Catlin Lions Club will

hold their annual breakfast on March 12 at the Cat-

lin United Methodist Church from 7:30 to 11 AM.

Menu includes pancakes, sausage, eggs any way

you like them, drinks. Attend for breakfast and then

head to Arcola to the 1M District Forum and take

part in the seminars! Make a day of it, Lions!!

BISMARCK LIONS -- Bis-marck Lions held their an-nual Pancake & Sausage breakfast Sat-urday, Febru-ary 5. The weather co-operated this year and they served over 1100 people from 7 AM to 1 PM. They

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also sell packaged meat and sold out. Great event.

PARIS LIONS -- WELCOME NEW LIONS -- Saundra Little, sponsored by Lion Amy Hill and Dreama Sollars, sponsored by Lion Bonnie Sollars (not pic-tured) were inducted into the Paris Lions Club by VDGE Lori Bennett. MATTOON CLUB – The Mattoon Lions Club 70th anniversary celebration was held on Saturday, Jan-uary 30. The American Baptist Men and youth cooked and served the banquet.

Check out Lion Jim Ingram, District Membership Chair as he is explaining to CST Lion Brad Cash and Zone Chair Lion Darren VanDuyn how “headlights” help with Membership. It looks like everyone was enjoying the evening. Six awards were given – 3 Foundation Fellows, 2 Melvin Jones Fellowships and 1 Lion of the Year.

Lion Don Gose receives a Melvin Jones Fellowship

Mattoon Lions Club Honors Award Recipients: Pictured above (l to r) are Lions Jim Arnholt, Lions of the Year, John Pugh, President, Sharon Fox, a

new Melvin Jones Award recipient and Don Gose also a Melvin Jones recipient. Lions Arnholt and Gose received their awards at the clubs 70th Anniversary Celebration on Jan. 30st. Three Foundation Fellow awards are to be presented at an upcoming meeting. Awards recipients are selected on their contribution to the Mattoon Lions club and service to the local community.

LION GUY "BILL" LOMAX Past International Director

1994-1996

Past International Director Guy "Bill" Lomax passed away Friday evening, February 19, 2016. PID Lomax was elected to the Board of Directors at the International Convention in Phoenix, and served as Director 1994-1996.

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Past Director Lomax joined the Leaf River, Illinois, Lions Club March 1, 1962. He had perfect attendance for many years. Along with serving his club, district, and state in many offices, including District Governor 1968-1969, he was chairman of "Operation Farm Week-end", a very successful program bringing inner city children to spend a weekend in the rural environment of Leaf River.

PID Bill was Director of Field Services for "The Society for the Prevention Blindness", and was later instrumental in organizing the Lions of Illinois Eye Donor Registry. PID Bill was responsible for starting the Mobil Glaucoma Screening Unit, which he operated for three years. He served as President of the Lions of Illinois Foundation 1979-1980. Civic involvement has included: Bank Director, President of the local school foundation, Trustee of his local Fire Protection District, Village Board, Masonic Lodge, Moose Lodge, and Ogle County

Farm Bureau. He was a member of the Methodist Church. He retired from the insurance business which he started. PID Bill has three daughters, one son, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Condolences may be sent to the Lomax family at Box 255, Leaf River, IL 61047

Oregon Lions were entertained by John Lindhorst at their Valentine Party on February 11 at the VFW in Oregon. John is the owner and operator of Uku-lele Station America situated at 1000 Washington Street in Oregon. Pictured from left to right : Lion Jan Champley, John Lindhorst and Dr. Seth Anderson of the Ore-gon Lions Club.

(Pictured L-R: Lion Duane Thompson, Allan Wild-man, James Hanrahan and Lion President Ronald Church)

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TAMPICO LION MEMBERS HONORED FOR PERFECT ATTENDANCE At the January meeting of the Tampico Lions Club President Lion Ronald Church honor Lion Duane Thompson and Lion Allan Wildman with 2013 to 2015 perfect attendance and Lion James Hanrahan with 2014 to 2015 perfect attendance and membership and guest in attendance applause for appreciation. Tampico Lions Club also planned their annual pancake breakfast fundraiser to be held at the Tampico Grade School on Sunday March 6th from 8am to 1pm. A donation at the door of the cafeteria will be accepted for this all you can eat breakfast. Tampico Lions Club s Club also planned their second fundraiser of the year by selling roses to be delivered by the members on Saturday before Easter March 27th in the morning. Members will be calling previous customers for orders of roses and if you would like to order roses please call 815-535-3665 for delivery on the 27th of March. Tampico Lions Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 7pm in the Old Town Pub and Grub restaurant on Main Street in Tampico. All meal meetings are open to the public interested in Tampico Lions Members and your first visit will be paid for by the lions for your meal. Questions call Secretary Lion Terry Gaskill 815-535-3665. Tampico Lions Club supports of need of eye glasses in exams for people in the Tampico area. Please contact your local lions club if you need help with this benefit for the public and live outside of the Tampico area. If you do not have a Lions Club in your area and interested in MD

MD1 Council Meeting Photographs.

starting or restarting a Lions Club in your area please contact Global Membership Team Lion Michael Peavy (Kim) by calling 815-312-0722 or email: mjpeavy417@gmail.com (l to r) Selina Mende, Naperville Noon Lions Club Peace Poster Contest 2nd Place Winner, Lion Ylena Sinclare, Chair of the NNLC Peace Poster Contest, and Lion Bob Hull, President of NNLC. Selina was presented with a Certificate of participation and a $15 gift card as the winner of their 2015-2016 Peace Poster Contest. She is an 8th grade student at Cowherd Middle School in Aurora and will be entering Aurora East High School in the fall. Selina said she enjoyed participating and the competition of the contest.

Pictured from the left, with years of service, are Sycamore Lion Ray Puentes (25 years), Lion Tim Higham (25 years), Lion Bud Wallace (55 years), District 1-J Governor Lion Bob Fowler, Lion Dale Stevens (55 years) and Lion Jerry Brantner (35 years). Missing from the photo: Lion Dave Finney (15 years) and Lion Al John (25 years).

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(l to r) Selina Mende, Naperville Noon Lions Club Peace Poster Contest 2nd Place Winner, Lion Ylena Sinclare, Chair of the NNLC Peace Poster Contest, and Lion Bob Hull, President of NNLC. Selina was presented with a Certificate of participation and a $15 gift card as the winner of their 2015-2016 Peace Poster Contest. She is an 8th grade student

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at Cowherd Middle School in Aurora and will be entering Aurora East High School in the fall. Selina said she enjoyed participating and the competition of the contest.

Warrenville Lion Keith Andrews (representing 1st VDG Lion Maria Andrews) and District Governor Lion Bob Fowler get ready to throw the first ball down the alley at the District 1-J Bowling Tourna-ment.

Glendale Heights Barangay Lions were just one of the more than 50 clubs that participated in the an-nual fundraising for the District 1-J administration. Per GHB Lion Jess Galvez, “A spirit of warm cama-raderie, rollicking fun, and raucous high-fives filled

the packed and noisy Fox Bowl during the 6-hr. marathon bowling tournament.

At the De-cember

meeting, Sandwich

Lions brought do-nations of toys for the club’s annual Toys for Tots Drive. Sand-wich Lions Club Pres. Lion Gary Lemke is shown with Bill Meyer who repre-

sents the local Toys for Tots program.

Waterman Lion Bob Bend, standing on left, helped serve guests at the Ski-for- Sight banquet, which is part of a three-day activity hosted by clubs in the Southwest Region of District 1-J. The banquet itself was hosted by Waterman Lions Club. Its members, volunteers and members from many other clubs helped serve the meal. Although there was no

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snow for skiing, participants could hike paths, get hay-rack rides and ice fish at Shabbona Lake State Park, where much of second day’s activities took place.

Shown receiving anniversary awards at a recent Sandwich Lions Club Meeting are: (l to r) Lion Tom Martin (40 yrs.), Lion Ray Hendron (35 yrs.), District 1-J Governor Bob Fowler (presenter) and Lion Mike Burgin (20 yrs.)

Sandwich Lions prepare to serve lunch at the Ski

For Sight event last month.

2016 Ski For Sight Chairman, Waterman Lion PDG Dave Stryker, visits with participant Barbie Steiner from Chicago. A wrap-up meeting to discuss the future of the activity is planned for 6 PM on March 20 at Shabbona Lions Club Depot.

Dear Lions, You continue to amaze me every day. No matter where I go, I see Lions and Leos embracing our spirit of service. Your dedication to service is admirable and you make me proud to share your stories with Lions and the world. When you step out into your community, you show the world that "We Serve." You understand the need to serve locally and globally, and you know that LCIF helps extend your reach. Seeing young Lions in action has shown me that service is not bound by age. I recently visited three young and very enthusiastic clubs. A Branch Lions Club made up of young

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businessmen and women in Malaysia has taken on some global environmental projects. The new Campus Lions Club at Texas State University understands and supports LCIF because LCIF has responded to the recent flooding and tornadoes in their area. I visited with Leos in Mumbai who support LCIF because LCIF helped fund a much needed local blood bank. I love being a Lion, and I love what LCIF does to support what we do as Lions. If I had to sum up LCIF in one word it would be "hope." Like my song says, "Because we care, we're always there, LCIF." In this spirit of service, I appeal to all Lions. Recently, cities in India and Paraguay have suffered from devastating floods. Multiple District 300 Taiwan is recovering from a tragic earthquake in Tainan. With the generous support of Lions from around the world, LCIF awarded grants for relief efforts in each of these areas. Please consider making a donation to LCIF's Disaster fund so that our foundation can continue to respond immediately whenever and wherever disaster strikes. Together in Service,

Joe Preston, Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation

PCC Fred Peska attended the Lena Lions Club dinner meeting on February 24, 2016. PCC Fred talked to our club about the Lions of Illinois

Foundation he also handed out the new member packets from Lions of Illinois Foundation to all of our new members. Also PCC Fred Peska talked about the foundation. PPC Fred also handed out hand books on to improve our clubs make them better and stronger. These books were purchased by District 1D Governor Gary Meyer he wanted every club to have one book.

Lions gathered at the District 1A Annual Bowling at Willowbrook Lanes.

District 1A VOICES – a 501 (C)3 will be holding Sav-ing Kids Sight program throughout the district.

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Limited Edition Shadow Box of Lions Clubs Interna-tional Centennial Convention which will be held in Chicago in 2017.

District 1A First Lady Lions Sue Zarada holding Cowboy and Cowgirl baskets filled with candies for Bowlers at the Willowbrook Lanes.

District 1A Lions gathered here – Ready to Bowl.

Past President of USA Lion Jimmy Carter – a great Lion and a Strong Humanitarian.

This year’s USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum will be held in Omaha, Nebraska on September 15, 16 and 17, 2016. Attend and explore your hidden leadership talents and become a strong leader in your community.

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ZC Lion Gail Anton received International Preston’s 2014-2016 Leadership Medal. Next to her are Governor Ralph Zarada and Immediate Past District Governor Terry D’Souza.

A new member – Deranz Brown was inducted by Governor Ralph Zarada at the Cabinet Meeting. You can see his sponsor ZC Lions Cathie Wilkerson from Chicago Chatham Lions Club.

MD1 Centennial Challenge Coordinator PCC Dan McMillan pinning District Centennial Challenge Co-ordinator pin on PDG Austin D’Souza.

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“One of the best hotels ever!” We just returned from our stay in Springfield. We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this hotel. The staff was very friendly, the beds were extremely comfortable, and the location was perfect for visiting all of the historic Lincoln sites. We ate in the hotel restaurant three times during our stay. My husband said it was the best burger he ever had! I had the prime rib and it was excellent. Our server was Sean - very friendly and very prompt to attend to our every need!

“Possibly the best hotel in town” I am in Springfield often and this is my favorite hotel. Clean, well-appointed, comfortable rooms. One deficit is the walls are thin and you can hear every word, sneeze and flush. Great breakfast buffet includes made to order omelette.

Room service menu is quite limited and not the best, but it's good enough if you're exhausted or don't feel like venturing out of your room. There's always a conference or other activity so rooms book up, you'll need a reservation. Front desk staff could be friendlier, but otherwise good “One of the best hotels ever!” We just returned from our stay in Springfield. We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this hotel. The staff was very friendly, the beds were extremely comfortable, and the location was perfect for visiting all of the historic Lincoln sites. We ate in the hotel restaurant three times during our stay. My husband said it was the best burger he ever had! I had the prime rib and it was excellent. Our server was Sean - very friendly and very prompt to attend to our every need!

RECENT REVIEWS for the ABE LINCOLN:

SOME OF THE TOP THINGS TO DO in SPRINGFIELD:

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library &

Museum

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Dana-Thomas House, a Frank Lloyd

Wright ‘Hidden Treasure’

Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials

Lincoln Memorial Gardens

Lions of IL State Convention

The Abe Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, IL, site of the:

2016 State Convention May 20th through May 22nd, 2016

SAVE THE DATE and plan on joining us for some: FUN, FELLOWSHIP & FULFILLMENT!

More to come next month!

Rates for Convention = $99 + tax per night!

COME EARLY OR STAY AFTER THE

CONVENTION AND ENJOY ALL

SPRINGFIELD HAS TO OFFER!

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MD1 State Monthly e-Magazine Edited & Published by PDG Austin D’Souza for Lions, Lionesses and Leos of Illinois. e-Mail Address: ILStateEditor@gmail.com

Mail your articles, pictures and news items to above e-mail address.