April 2019 Page 1

March was a month that neither Frank nor Iwill soon forget. To wake up not feelingquite right and making a doctor’s

appointment on a Monday afternoon to beingrushed to Yale for a quintuple bypass surgery thevery next day, we now understand how quickly lifecan change. Frank came home the followingSaturday and continued to improve each day.Please keep those doctor’s appointments, get yourcholesterol checked, and listen to your doctor.Frank did all those things and still had a problem.We both appreciate the outpouring of concern andoffers to help with whatever was needed. It trulyreminds us that Lions are very much a family. Forthose clubs whose visits I postponed due to Frank’ssetback, I will be in touch shortly to reschedule.

The April issue of the Lions Tale is devoted to ourGlobal Leadership Team (GLT) which covers allthe training available to our Lions, regardless ofhow long you have been involved in Lionism.When you first joined Lions, you were (hopefully)given an orientation that explained the basics ofLions Clubs International and how your club fits inthe organization. Training sessions and workshopsare available at our conventions and conferences.Our State Convention will be held May 3 – 5, 2019.Check out the website for available seminars athttp://www.e-district.org/sites/md23/page-9.php.

Various training sessions are held throughout theyear to answer specific needs. Towards the end ofour Lions’ year, the district holds training forincoming officers as well as other training ofinterest, which we call District Leadership Institute(DLI). The DLI will be held on June 15th at theBacon Academy in Colchester. This month theMD23 GLT will hold an Emerging LionsLeadership Institute (ELLI) over two days. So,there are lots of training opportunities available toyou. If you or your club have a specific need or

idea, please contactour GLT Coordinator,PDG Keith Lemire.

If you are fortunateenough to attend theannual USA/CanadaLions LeadershipForum, you will betreated to a selectionof seminars thatnumber into the 100s.There is something foreveryone. In additionto all of theseopportunities, there isonline trainingavailable from Lions Clubs International throughthe Lions Learning Centerhttps://lionsclubs.org/en/resources-for-members/resource-center/lions-learning-center.

The USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum alsoprovides Lions Universityhttps://lionsuniversity.org/. Through LionsUniversity you will find three levels of courses tomeet your training needs. You can even earn aLions Bachelors, Masters, or a Doctorate throughthe Lions University!

Please take advantage of all these trainingopportunities. You are never too busy to learnsomething new and it may help you in your Lions’life as well as your professional life. Why doLions offer so many training opportunities? Wewant to prepare all of our Lions for leadership, andwe are always looking for leaders.

In Lionism & Peace,

Governor Laura

Volume 45, Issue 4 April 2019

Lions Club InternationalDistrict 23c

April 2019 Page 2

The Governor made a few visitations inMarch and they were all close to home.Norwich Lions were very welcoming asshown in the pictures below. Thanks toLion Cam Farlow for the pictures.

Governor Laura presented her pin and banner toNorwich President Tom Keaney.

This picture shows PCC (1978-79) Mario Gualtieri accepting a40-year membership chevron on behalf of Lion Rose Slaga.

Earlier I Governor Laura presented PCC Mario with her pin.

Governor Laura presented her banner toDistrict LCIF Chair Art Mueller.

Governor Laura presented her pin and banner toWaterford President Sam Bellucci

Waterford Lions welcomed Governor Laurawith open arms. Thanks to Zone Chair BillMartin for the pictures.

President Sam, in turn, presented a check for Camp Rising Sun!

April 2019 Page 3

GLOBAL ACTION TEAM

Service through Leadership-Our Best Kept Secret

The Global Action Team encompasses the three keycomponents to the success of Lions Clubs International,the number one service organization in the world.Leadership, Membership and Service. Leadershipdevelopment is critical to the overall success of anyorganization including your Lions club. The GlobalLeadership Team provides the vision, the guidance andthe motivation necessary to positively impact your cluband in doing so, helps LCI serve millions worldwide everysingle day.

As Lions, we all have a responsibility to encourageparticipation in Lions Leadership developmentopportunities. We all have a responsibility to identifyingpotential new leaders. As Lions, we all have aresponsibility to empower each other to serve asleaders. Perhaps our future Lion Leaders are our bestkept secret? Perhaps that Lion sitting next to you is yourfuture club president, future district governor, futureInternational director, future International president?Perhaps that next Lion leader, is you?

The Lions Leadership Profile is a checklist designed tohelp you identify future potential leaders, let’s see howmany boxes you tick off…

□ Have you expressed an interest in pursuing a leader ship position within your club, the district or multiple districts?

□ Have you completed the Lions MentoringProgram?

□ Have you served as a club officer?

□ Have you attended an LCI sponsored Leadership Institute such as a Regional Lions Leadership In stitute, an Emerging Lions Leadership Institute, a Senior Lions Leadership Institute or a Faculty

Development Institute?

□ Have you attended a District Club OfficerTraining Institute?

□ Have you completed any online Leadership courses at the Lions Learning Center?

□ Have you attended a Multiple DistrictConvention or USA/Canada Forum?

□ Have you ever presented or facilitated a Lions Leadership training?

Whether you checked all of the boxes or none of them,the secret is out, you are a leader because you are aLion. You are a leader in providing the most sincere andloving service to mankind on the planet because youare a Lion. I encourage you to be your best self, Iempower you to be your best Lions self. Our nextDistrict Leadership Institute will be June 15, 2019 atBacon Academy in Colchester, it’s the next step tobeing that leader.

PDG Keith Lemire,District 23C GLT Coordinator

April 2019 Page 4

LIONS 23c

Friends of Assisi Food Pantry members receiving theMelvin Jones Award include (l-r): Assistant DirectorMindy Dion-French, volunteer Joshua Krug, socialservices and spiritual Director Laura Kroll, financialadministrator Colleen Brignole, food coordinating teamleader Molly Truesdale, Director Jean Cyr, and LionsClub President Thomas Kohl. (Janice Steinhagen /Courant Community)The staff of Danielson’s Friends of Assisi Food Pantryshowed up en masse to receive the Lions Club’s highestaward from the local chapter.On paper, at least, the award went to the pantry’sdirector, Jean Cyr. But, said Lions Club PresidentThomas Kohl, “We wanted to give it to everyone in theorganization. It’s for all of you. We really, reallyappreciate you all. You all deserve it.”Cyr and her staff were presented with the Melvin JonesAward, named for the man who founded the Lions in1917, at the Feb. 7 meeting of the Killingly Quiet CornerRegional Lions Club at Quinebaug Valley CommunityCollege. The award acknowledges the good work doneby the pantry, which has served the Danielson/Killinglyand Brooklyn area for more than 27 years.“We love the Lions,” said Cyr. “Your motto is ‘Weserve.’ We get that, because that’s what we do.”

The State Convention isfast approaching…

Cabinet Chairs and Lions Clubs – if youwant a display table on Saturday May 4th,please email your request to Zone Chair

George Finlayson as soon as possible to:gfinlayson@comcast.net

April 2019 Page 5

2019 MD23 Lions – State ConventionPocket Guide

Friday, May 3rd

3:30 – 6:30 p.m. Registration – Main Entrance6:00 – 7:00 p.m. VDG Nominating Speeches

Main Ballroom7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Cocktail Party with 2nd VP

Judge Haynes and Lion DonnaMain Ballroom

7:00 – 10:00 p.m. Social Events – Toga PartyMain Ballroom

9:30 – 10:30 p.m. 2nd VDG HospitalitySuite – Room 353

Saturday, May 4th

8:00 – Noon Registration – Main Entrance8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Delegate Certification – Jersey8:30 – 11:50 a.m. Seminars: See reverse side for

details.12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Luncheon – Main Ballroom

Leo of the Year AwardKeynote – LCI 2nd VPJudge Haynes H. TownsendPeace Poster Contest WinnersParade of Checks

2:30 – 3:15 p.m. Necrology Service – A, B, C3:15 p.m. Pin Traders Meeting – Kent4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Registration – Main Entrance

Saturday Evening Program

5:00 – 5:30 p.m. Pictures with 2nd VP JudgeHaynes and Lion DonnaGarden Foyer

5:00 – 5:45 p.m. Cocktail Reception – Garden

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Flag Ceremony, Banquet,Awards PresentationsMain Ballroom

8:00 – 10:00 p.m. DG Nominating Speeches2nd VDG RafflesMain Ballroom

10:00 p.m. 2nd VDG HospitalitySuite – Room 353

Sunday, May 5th

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. Registration – Main Entrance

8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Delegate Certification/Voting –Crown Room

8:00 – 10:30 a.m. Breakfast – On Your Own

10:30 – 1:00 p.m. Business Meeting – Crown* Introduction of New Officers* DGE speeches*Additional MD23 Reports

2019 MD23 Lions – State ConventionPocket Guide

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Saturday Seminars, May 4th

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

“Let’s Talk About Service”PCC Ken, PDG Nancy Tucker and

GST Team members[Avon Room]

“LCI Forward: Is Your Club Ready toAccept the Challenge?”PDG Dr. Shaukat Khan

[Berkshire Room]

“Let’s Get Social – Bada Bing, Bada Boom!”[All things social media; promoting club

events/projects; use of MyLion app]Lions Melissa Smith and Roland Dunham

[Cheshire Room]

9:40 – 10:40 a.m.

“How to Host a SuccessfulDiabetes Screening Event”Lions Candice and Alan Smith

[Avon Room]

“Boring Meetings Suck: Putting anEnd to Boring Club Meetings!”

[Tail Twisting at its Best!]Lion Tracey D'Addario

[Berkshire Room]

"My LCI - The How To's – Simple and Sweet"Second VDG Frank Rowe and

Lion Teri Schlosser[Cheshire Room]

10:50 – 11:50 a.m.

“Town Hall Meeting”“Things You Always Wanted to Know About LCI,

But Didn’t Know Who to Ask!”LCI 2nd Vice President

April 2019 Page 6

Hello from the Low Vision Center, I am the District Governor’s Liaison this year.The Low Vision center continues to change lives and bring hope to those with lowvision needs. In 2018 we serviced over 300 clients, giving them devices likemagnifiers, large print note pads and other items to help them maintain a littleindependence.

We could not do this without you! We currently are offering the best service wecan based on the funds we receive from you the Lions of District. We also needyour support at our Annual meeting. As President of your club you are a delegate,if you cannot attend someone in your place can vote. This year the AnnualMeeting will be held at Masonic Care in Mystic on June 7th , please save the date.The annual meeting offers end of the year reports and voting for new boardmembers. The board will have multiple openings for the upcoming year so pleaseconsider running for a spot and help us continue to help those with low visionneeds. Our technician Carol will be there to share testimonials and give us anoverview of what she does. Meet our technician Carol:

We look forward to seeing you June 7th.

Respectfully submitted

Nancy Tucker

LIONS LOW VISION CENTER

April 2019 Page 7

KILLINGWORTH LIONS …Interesting new member induction ceremony where several of their Melvin Jones Fellows

from the club participate in speaking parts of the ceremony…

April 2019 Page 8

Campaign 100 Lions ClubInternational Foundation (LCIF)

Empowering Service

Club LCIF Coordinators Leading Their Clubs to SuccessDistrict 23-C LCIF Co-Coordinators Kate Delaney and ArtMueller welcomed 11 attendees representing 11 clubs to atraining session Saturday morning, March 30, 2019. We thankthe St. Joseph’s Polish Society Hall in Colchester for providingthe venue for us.

A Club LCIF Coordinator Manual provided the helpfulstep-by-step recommendations toward achieving LCIF’s goalof raising $300 million by June 30, 2021. Internationally, wehave over 1.4 million members. The theory is that, if each andevery member donates $100 each year, we can attain that goal.Easy? No. Not everyone can afford to offer an individualdonation of $100 each year. That is where club coordinatorscome in. They will be educating club members about LCIF andits services. How many of us know the LCIF mission? It is “Tosupport the efforts of Lions Clubs and partners in servingcommunities locally and globally, giving hope and impact-ing lives through humanitarian service projects andgrants.” One of the Campaign 100 brochures lists 8 WorldNeeds to address: visually impaired, youth (victims of bully-ing), diabetes, natural disasters, measles, childhood cancer,hunger, and water-stressed areas. What will $100 fund? A fewexamples: 2 cataract surgeries, Quest Learning curriculum toan entire classroom for one year, measles vaccinations to 100kids.

Club LCIF Coordinators have available to them informationalbrochures to share with club members, including a Campaign

100 Pledge Form for individual donations. Your club LCIFCoordinator will be asking for your assistance in raising funds.

One such fund-raising effort is on Connecticut Lions’ Nightat Dunkin Donuts Park. It is a Hartford Yard Goats gameon Friday, June 21, 2019,; game time, 7:05; gates open, 6:00p.m. ticket price $10.00. A portion of each ticket price will

benefit the Lions International Foundation and YOUR LionsClub. For more information on this event, contact your ClubLCIF Coordinator.

Your District 23-C Co-Coordinators, Lions Kate Delaney (860388-6454) and Art Mueller (860 235-5441) will gladly attendone of your club meetings to offer more information aboutLCIF and Campaign 100.

LCIF CLUB COORDINATOR TRAINING

Club LCIF Coordinators ready to learn

Lions John Quercia, Jim Moos,Art Mueller & Kate Delaney

PCC Nanette Burdick, ZC Allen Guiot & Lion Art Mueller

April 2019 Page 9

AROUND THE DISTRICT

Comedian Jeff Wade welcomes everyone toa highly successful Comedy Night

Fundraiser in February.

District LCIF CoordinatorsKate Delaney & Art

Kate Delaney at Coordinator Training

Lion Art Mueller at Coordinator Training

April 2019 Page 10

East Hampton Lions hostUS Coast Guard Jazz Band

Concert following thepresentation of

Wartime Medals to veterans.

EAST HAMPTON LIONS

April 2019 Page 11

GOVERNOR’S AWARDS NIGHT

WOW! We have the best, hardworking Lionsin any district! You make me very proud tobe part of this. What a great evening andwhat a great showing of support for your clubofficers and your Special Award Recipients!It’s wonderful to show appreciation for thoseofficers leading your clubs and taking respon-sibility for the daily care and feeding of ourLions! Those Special Award Recipients haveearned our appreciation and gratitude bygoing above and beyond.

I want to thank my zone chairs and regionchairs, and committees for their helpthroughout the year.

I really want to thank everyone who helpedin organizing this wonderful event, especially1st VDG Diana Grise’.

April 2019 Page 12

Killingworth Lions Club has 49 years of service undertheir belt. Their dedicated and talented leaders run theclub like a well-oiled machine. They have been greatrole models at our zone meetings, sharing their memberresource booklets for member orientation and individualprojects. Their newest project includes supporting theHaddam-Killingworth Youth and Family Services, fo-cusing on youth “Vaping” challenges (relating to theOpioid epidemic). They are currently planning theirvery successful, if not nefarious, Sporting Clay Tourna-ment on April 7th, their Bird and Bat House plant sale,Easter Egg Hunt, May 1st “Night of Giving” and manymore. District 23C Region 1, Zone Report

Although the winter months may be quiet, the clubs inZone 2 has been productive. And speaking of leadership,we have some great leaders in these clubs

The Clinton Lions sponsored their annual PancakeBreakfast in conjunction with a KidSight screening theSunday before Superbowl LIII. One Hundred percent ofthe food and money raised in the event went toFAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES, a local communityorganization that gives food and financial assistance tolocal needy families. A shout out to President Mike Smithfor a great first year of leading and strengthening this clubwith new members. Kudos to Mike’s assistant, Bette-LouRush, who takes on both roles as Secretary and Treasurer.Thanks also to Bette-Lou for assisting with registration atthe Melvin Jones Banquet.

Deep-River/Chester Lions have been helping theircommunity since 1950. They continue to cut and splitbundles of firewood to sell at the Deep River HardwareStore. After selling out of Christmas Trees they used theirproceeds to host their annual Senior Citizen Dinnerincluding a free raffle, making 100 to 150 seniors happy.Another shout-out to President Doug Carlson andSecretary Kim Lee (did you know Lion Kim is PDG ArtDavies daughter?!). President Doug and Secretary Kimwork extremely well together. President Doug has alsotaken the challenge of grooming his son, Tim, for nextyear’s presidency! Many thanks to the Deep RiverHardware Store for being the holding spot for Lions topick up our KidSight screening kits.

East Haddam Community Lions continue to thrivewith a membership of over 60 members, led by mostlyfemale Club Officers (Lions International PresidentGudrun Yngvadottir would be proud)! Club membersare busy getting ready for their annual 5K April Fools runand their annually celebrated authentic English tea partyon May 11th, complete with hats! They constantlysupport their social services department with goods andservices for their needy.

REGION 1, ZONE 2

EHCL Past President Artie Davis,President Jiffy Spencer, & Lion Barbara Davis

Linda & Governor Laura Rowe

April 2019 Page 13

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REGION 1, ZONE 2

Lyme/Old Lyme Lions hosted their annual scholarshipbreakfast on Super Bowl Sunday. Funds raised are usedto help fund scholarships awarded to graduating seniorsat Lyme-Old Lyme High School. The breakfast featureddemonstrations by the “TechnoTicks” (Robotics studentsfrom Lyme-Old Lyme High School), great food, raffles,and live music provided by Braiden Sunshine (who ap-peared on The Voice). They also cooked breakfast for alocal soup kitchen on March 23rd which they do two tothree times a year.

Portland Lions chartered less than a year are getting theirfeet wetter and wetter! They successfully conductedvision screenings for all public elementary schools andtwo nursery schools. They are setting out eyeglass andhearing aid recycling containers and encouraging thecommunity to donate. The Portland Lions walking team,“Brownstoners”, will debut at our District 23C Journeyfor Sight Walkathon along with their “Project Graduation”parents and students. Support this new club at their firstWaverly Center Open Mic Coffeehouse on April 12th andthe 2nd Friday of each month thereafter. Check DistrictDoings for details!

EHCL presents Gov Laura with eyeglasses

Lion Don Grise as Roman Statesman atGovernor’s Awards Banquet

April 2019 Page 14

JOURNEY for SIGHT Walk-a-Thon

(Reprinted from Lion Marie Salpietro’s Facebook posts)

This year the entire district is involved in the planningand we are hoping for a greater response! (directionsand sign-up sheet included with Lions Tale)

10 reasons for Lions Clubs to participate in the District23C Lion's Journey for Sight Walkathon on April 27,2019 at McCook Park and the Niantic Bay Boardwalk:

#1: ALL proceeds will benefit so many people andchange lives! Clubs designate one district project todonate 50% of their pledges to (Camp Rising Sun,Childhood Cancer Research, Connecticut Lions EyeResearch Foundation (CLERF), CT Radio InformationSystem (CRIS), Diabetes, Hearing Preservation,Homeless & Hunger, Lions Clubs InternationalFoundation (LCIF), Lions Low Vision Center, andService dog programs) The other half goes to whatevercharity or community need the club chooses!

#2: Meet Lions from all over the district, talk with friends old and new!

#3 FREE LUNCH!

#4: BRING THE FAMILY!

#5: Nice easy walk on level ground and handicapped accessible with benches up and down the park and boardwalk for taking a break, or to enjoy the view.

#6: GREAT location!

#7: Inviting other groups can result in potential members for your club, while increasing your total pledges.

#8: NO OVERHEAD, all profit!

#9: Eyeglass Collection Extravaganza on same day, same location.

#10: You don't have to plan it! District committee plans the event.

District Lions Get Ready for Journey ForSight on the Niantic Boardwalk on April 27th

April 2019 Page 15

27th Annual District 23-CLions Journey for Sight 5K Walkathon

Saturday, April 27, 20198:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

McCook Point Park & Niantic Boardwalk, Niantic CT

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?• All Lions and Leo Clubs (individually or as a club), their families, friends, and anyone who would like to join in the fun.

Lions clubs can invite groups such as Project Graduation, Scouts, Sports groups, Senior Centers or any other groupswho would like to walk on behalf of a Lions club for a split of the proceeds.

WHEN WILL THIS TAKE PLACE?• Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (last walkers to start by 11:30 a.m.). The walkathon will take

place rain or shine. Check points will be set up along the route with refreshments along the way. Lunch will beprovided to all participants after the walk.

WHERE WILL THE WALK TAKE PLACE?• The walk will begin at beautiful McCook Point Park in Niantic where you will register at the pavilion and then proceed

along the path to the Niantic Boardwalk which is a level walkway that is wheelchair accessible. Dozens of benchesline the boardwalk which overlooks the ocean.

DIRECTIONS:FROM NORWICH AREA: Take I-395 south to I-95 south. Take exit 74 towards Niantic (CT 161). Turn right on East PattagansettRd. Turn left on Main St. CT 156 and take 2nd right on to McCook Place.FROM DANIELSON AREA: Take US 6 west and turn left onto Providence Pike to US 6 east. Merge to I-395 south towardsNorwich to I-95 south. Take exit 74 towards Niantic (CT 161). Turn right on East Pattagansett Rd. Turn left on Main St. (CT156) and take 2nd right on to McCook Place.FROM NEW LONDON AREA: From Boston Post Rd (US 1 south) turn slight left on Rope Ferry Rd. (CT 156). Continue to follow4.09 miles to a left on to McCook Place.ARE PETS ALLOWED? No, only service dogs are allowed in the park and on the boardwalk.WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?

• Get pledges for the walk. Bring your pledge sheet to the walkathon to register your total pledges under your club’spledge sheet before beginning your walk. Collect your pledge money and turn it over to your club.

WHERE WILL THE PROCEEDS GO?• 50% of pledges collected will go to your club for whatever charitable cause they choose. The club will choose one of

the following district projects to send the other 50% of the proceeds on behalf of their club: Camp Rising Sun,Childhood Cancer Research, Connecticut Lions Eye Research Foundation (CLERF), CT Radio Information System (CRIS),Diabetes, Hearing Preservation, Homeless & Hunger, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), Lions Low VisionCenter, and Service dog programs.

SURROGATE WALKERS:• Will be provided for individuals willing to get pledges but unable to walk. If you would like a surrogate walker

assigned to you, please notify Journey for Sight chairman Marie Salpietro at mcsalpietro@comcast.net or by phone ortext at 860-573-5369.

WHAT DO WE DO WITH PLEDGE MONEY COLLECTED?• Lions and Leo Club members: Turn in money to your club chairperson or Treasurer no later than May 18, 2019 . Club

Treasurers: Send a check to the cabinet chairperson listed in the district directory for the project designated by theclub for 50% of your club proceeds. Checks for CLERF, LCIF, Lions Low Vision Center, and service dog foundationsshould be made payable to the organization; all others should be made payable to “District 23C” with designateddistrict project listed on memo line of check.

OUTSIDE CLUBS WALKING ON BEHALF OF YOUR CLUB:• As arranged by sponsoring club

RECOGNITION AND AWARDS:• All participating Lions and Leo Clubs will receive a “Journey for Sight” banner patch or a yearly chevron for each year

they participate.

April 2019 Page 16

27th Annual District 23-C LIONS JOURNEY FOR SIGHT 5-KWalkathon

Saturday, April 27, 2019McCook Point Park and Niantic Boardwalk

District 23-C Chairperson Marie Salpietro (860-573-5369

Name of Walker ____________________________________ Club or Organization ______________________________

Address __________________________________________________________ Telephone __________________________

WAIVERIn consideration of your acceptance of this form, I hereby for myself, my administrators, my heirs and assigns, waive and release any and allclaims for damages I have against the organizers of this event, their associates and representatives. I also agree to obey a ll traffic laws, exerciseall safety precautions, avoid littering and respect the property of others. Parent or guardian must sign if participant is under 18.

Signed _____________________________________________ Parent or Guardian ______________________________________

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

SPONSOR PLEDGE SHEET

SPONSOR’S NAME ADDRESS TELEPHONE

PLEDGEPER

KilometerTOTAL

PLEDGE

TOTAL PLEDGES _____________(Please feel free to make additional copies of the pledge sheet as necessary.)

April 2019 Page 17

LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONALDISTRICT 23-C CONNECTICUT

Official Minutes Cabinet MeetingTaftville LionsMarch 4, 2019

CALL TO ORDER: AT 7:00 p.m. by VDG DianaGrise’

FOLLOWING WERE IN ATTENDANCE: 1stVDG Diana Grise, Cabinet Secretary JulianneShilosky, PDG

PAST DISTRICT GOVERNORS: CC HilaryKumnick; DG Harry Schue; PCC Nanette Burdick,PCC Kenneth Tucker; PDG Nancy Tucker; PDGEdwin Fisher; PDG Mary Krogh; PDG KeithLemire; DG Harry Schue (23B)

REGION CHAIRPERSONS: Michele Wyatt,Greg King (acting)

ZONE CHAIRPERSONS: George Finlayson,Heather Harris, Eileen Akers; Terri Schlosser;Raymond Shinkiewicz and Bill Martin

CABINET CHAIRMEMBERS: Kate Delaney,Art Mueller, and Sandy Welles; Robert Fowler; ArtMueler; Roland Dunham II; Bill Burdick; SueFisher; Carol Kearns (23B) members who helpedhost our dinner.

FOUR POINT OPENING: The Pledge ofAllegiance was led by , One Verse of America wasstarted by ZC George Finlayson, invocation givenby 1st VDG Diana Grise’, and the Lion’s Toast wasled by RC Michele Wyatt. The thought for the daygiven by RC Greg King.

SECRETARY’S REPORT: The minutes of thelast meeting (January 14, 2019) had been distributedto cabinet members. CS Julie Shilosky asked forany additions, corrections. RC Michele Wyatt madea motion to accept, seconded by ,C Greg King.motion passed.

TREASURER’s REPORT: Presented by CS PDGJulie Shilosky and distributed via e-mail

OPENING REMARKS: VDG Diana Grise’ gaveopening remarks and turned the floor over to 23BDG Harry Schue for some remarks. He spoke abouta multiple district diabetes camp here in CT.

ZONE/REGION/ AND CABINET CHAIR . onfile

GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP TEAM: PDG GeorgeSalpietro reported: There was a meeting of themembership committee, RCs, ZCs, VDGs and DGon February 22nd to discuss the status ofmembership and clubs. Each ZC gave a healthreport on the clubs of their Zones and they were alsoasked to project in real numbers where they felt theirclubs would end the year in membership. Todetermine an accurate count they had to predictdrops as well as new members. At the beginning ofthe meeting our District was at a net -12 and aftermuch deliberation it was predicted that the Districtwould end the year with a net gain of 20. Themechanics of this number were the counting of newmembers that have already been inducted and notyet reported as well as the drops not yet reported.This was also done by forecasting the clubs thatwere holding membership nights and what theyhoped their success would be. So with all that said,as of today, March 2nd we are at a net minus 16.Now I know what you’re saying to yourself, “That’sgoing in the wrong direction,” and you would becorrect. But I’m here to tell you that this is thehardest working group of ZCs that I’ve ever workwith and they are not going to let our Governordown!!! So, I’d like to report that there are manyMembership nights being talked about and manyscheduled. I feel very positive that we will end theyear with a net gain. Since I am not seeing any moreCabinet Meetings on the district calendar for thisLions year in our directory, I’d like to thank DGLaura for giving me the opportunity to serve thisyear and for all the challenges that it brought, whichhas kept me on my toes!

April 2019 Page 18

GLOBAL SERVICE TEAM: Presented by PCCKen Tucker reported: VISION; The district’sGlobal Service Team committees continue to reachout to clubs and zones to assist Clubs, under thewatchful eye of Cabinet Chairs PCC Ed and LionSue Fisher, continue to screen children as part ofKidSight USA. Over 13,000 children have beenscreened this Lions year and the number of clubmembers trained has increased. Separate reportswill be given for CLERF and Low Vision later thisevening. ENVIRONMENT; Chairman Don Grisehas contacted all clubs and is encouraging them toconduct an environmental project, partnering withother organizations in their own communitiessomewhere around Earth Day which is April 22,2019. He is also looking into a district wide projectaround the same time for those clubs that would liketo participate. DIABETES; Lion Deb Updykereports that she is willing to visit clubs to discussdiabetes related activities. She is willing to conductscreenings upon request. PEDIATRIC CANCER;Camp Rising Sun will be reported on later thisevening. St Baldricks “Brave the Shave” will bediscussed under Old Business. HUNGER ANDHOMELESS; In January, clubs were contactedand asked to collect supplies to be distributed tolocal social service agencies, shelters, food banks,etc. in their communities. February collectionswere for dental care items. Several clubs respondedand over 600 dental care items were collectedduring the month of February. Great job. Clubs areasked to collect shampoo and conditioner duringMarch. A word of thanks to Pam Lafaille forcoordinating the collection. Cabinet Chair AnnieStockton is working on a district wide serviceproject at the Gemma Moran Food Bank in NewLondon to be held on May 11th. More informationwill be forthcoming. Governor Laura found out thata father and his 15 year old son was living in abroken down travel trailer. Two sleeping bags werepurchased and donated. Since the last cabinetmeeting, I have submitted a development plan andcompleted two required courses from the LionsLearning Center and received an operating budgetof $250 to be used to promote service in our district.

KIDS SIGHT Report by Ed and Sue Fisher - KIDSIGHT REPORT 1/14/19 – 3/2/19 Continuing atrend since the beginning of 2019, screenings havecontinued to slow down. This is to be expected sincemost of the school screenings are done in the fall.Results reported for the above-referenced timeperiod are as follows: Number screened: 952 Number passed: 844 Numberreferred: 105 Number aborted 3. Thepercentage of referrals for that time frame was11.6%, which has been pretty consistent for thedistrict this year. Overall for the year, the districthas conducted 15010 screenings with 1737 referrals.In reviewing District demographics, 27 clubs haveparticipated in screenings during the 2018-2019Lions year. The newer clubs have really embracedthe Kid Sight program. Both the Portland andEllington clubs have been very busy in theirrespective school systems. The Middlefield Lionshave expressed interest in getting involved and weare scheduled to attend a meeting this spring topresent the program. Their goal is to be trained andinto the schools for next fall. Recently, we wereadvised by Dan Uitti that CLERF has received agrant for $100,000 to buy more KidSight WelchAllyn Spot and accessories. As a result eachDistrict will get 4 Spot cameras. The grant coversprinters, some ink, paper, cases, duffle bags andeverything that is needed to build up our teams. Wewill be looking to place these cameras in areas thatare not currently being served and with Lions whoare doing a lot of screenings who do not currentlyhave equipment.

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP TEAM: Presented byPDG Keith Lemire -reported: The deadline toregister for the Emerging Lions Leadership Institutehas been extended to next Monday, March 11, 2019.The Institute will be held April 27th and 28th at theConnecticut Association of Schools in Cheshire.This is a two day workshop beginning at 9 am eachday and ending at 4 pm. Both a continentalbreakfast and lunch will be provided. Registrationfee is $100 and the deadline again is next Monday.The training focuses on personal, professional and

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Lions leadership development and is targeted toLions who have not yet served as club presidents.As a reminder from my last report, the MD23 GLTcommittee will be providing several informativeseminars at our annual state convention on SaturdayMay 4, 2019. The seminars will encompassmembership growth, service projects, social media,grant writing, conflict resolution, boring meetingsand a Taste of Italy. More information to come.Our District Leadership Institute is scheduled forSaturday, June 15th at Bacon Academy inColchester. The Institute will provide ourtraditional core seminars for club presidents,secretaries, treasurers, membership directors andtail twisters. We will also have a seminar for ournew LCIF club coordinators and an updated seminaron LCI’s MyLion app. We hope to have a fewadditional seminars that are uniquely different fromwhat we have had in the past, hoping there will besomething for everyone.

CAMP . RISING SUN – no report given

LCIF – Presented by CC Art Mueller –Coordinator PDG Mary Krogh reports – SAVE thedate for our Lions Day at the Yard Goats. Ticketsare $10, $2 will go to the club and $1 will go toLCIF on the club’s behalf.

MELVIN JONES - THANK YOU …THANKYOU, THANK YOU. For your support in makingthe banquet a success. 71 people were honoredwith either a Melvin Jones Fellow or a ProgressiveMJF. 246 people attended and 27 clubs from ourdistrict were represented. The award representedover $85,000 donated to LCIF. To our votingmembers of the cabinet, Thank you for voting at thelast meeting to front $500 for the extra expenses thatwe were incurring because of our InternationalGuests. Even without our gift, the $500 was notnecessary. The event, like all our HumanitarianDinners was self supporting including coveringadditional expenses. The event went off without ahitch and it was obvious that the Lions impressedFather Doherty, if we didn’t he would not have donewhat he did. The only negative aspect of the event

was the phone calls I made to LCI. The first onewas fantastic! I told them they would be receivingover $10,000. They were ecstatic and the praise Ireceived really made me feel great. They wereimpressed with the event before the gift and the gifttook them over the top. And then the second call totell them they were not receiving it and our districtwas. It did not go well especially when I told themI would not ask Father to reconsider They got overit and I told them we would make every effort tobecome a 100% club for our governor so please,zone chairs, please try to have your clubs donate.SAVE THE DATE – January 18th, 2020 will be ourHUMANITARIAN BANQUET and yes it will be atSt. Clements and yes, we will be paying for it nextyear.

CLERF – reported by Burgess’ - Sorry we aremissing the Cabinet Meeting. We are on a BahamaCruise so hopefully we are relaxing on a beach inthe sunshine and warmth. CLERF and OpeningEyes visited one club, one Night of Giving and onezone meeting. There are four club presentationsscheduled. We also attended the Board of DirectorsMeeting for CLERF. (that's why we are on vacation.)

KIDS SIGHT PROGRAM – reported by theFishers: The Lions of District 23C have had aproductive first three months of the Lions year.Over the summer Lions conducted screenings atsummer camps, fairs, farmers markets and a fewdaycare centers. In September the emphasis hasbeen more on daycare centers, head start programs,and elementary schools throughout the District.Since July 1st - 1870 children have been screened.Results are as follows: Number screened: 1870;Number passed 1643; Number referred: 221;Number aborted:6 - The overall percentage forreferrals from 7/1/18 through 9/29/18 is 11.8%. Theupdated Screening Accounting Sheet is allowing usto analyze the types of vision problems we areencountering. The most common conditions we arenoticing are astigmatism, myopia, anisometropiaand strabismus. All of this information is beingforwarded to the LCI national data base by DanUitti. Ed and I have attended two Zone meetings to

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date. Our goal has been to reach out to clubs that arenot yet involved in the Kid Sight program with thegoal of getting invited to their clubs to present it. Inaddition we answered questions for clubs who havebeen involved in the program, and we have offeredto visit clubs that have new members who may notknow how Kid Sight works. One of our other goalsis to train members of more clubs in conductingscreenings so they can reach out in their owncommunities. The Mansfield Lions and theEllington Lions are now able to do that. We expectSeptember and October to continue to be very busyscreening months as the schools and daycare centersfulfill mandatory vision screening requirements.

LIONS LOW VISION – PDG Nancy Tuckerreports –Club visits Taftville and Bolton Regionalon schedule. Looking forward to nights of giving.March 16th there is a comedy night fundraiser at theGroton Elks.Limited tickets still available. After alot of use and years the LLV van has been sold,PDGCS Julie Shilosky is the proud new owner,Carol uses her own vehicle for transportation.January board meeting Carol was in attendance andgave the board an overview of what she does, it wasenlightening and informative.

CONVENTION REPORT: Reported by PDGNancy Tucker –

OLD BUSINESS:

St Baldrick’s – St Baldricks “Brave the ShaveMystic Hilton, April 7, 2019, 1-4 pm Fundraisinggoal - $60,000 Currently 44 volunteers have signedup and many of the volunteers are also shave-ies.There have been 7 teams formed and a total as oftoday of $5,216 has been raised. Committees areworking very hard to make the event successful.Our first sponsorship donation for $500 wasreceived last week. Two fundraising activities thatwill be donated to St Baldricks: Mystic Hilton ishosting the “Battle of the Briskets” on March 31st

and $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to St.Baldrick’s. We will be volunteering at twolocations to park cars for the Mystic St. Patrick’s

Day parade on March 24th. All proceeds will bedonated to St. Baldrick’s. A Facebook page, aTwitter account, and an Instagram account havebeen established. A 30 second public service adwill be distributed soon and articles will beappearing in some of the local print media. All ofthe efforts expended for this event is to donatemoney for research to find cures for kids withcancer. We have one month to go before our event.Please sign up and volunteer. It will change yourlife. See myself, Diana Grise or District GovernorLaura for details.

NEW BUSINESS:

Grant from LCI – In a special meeting held beforethe regular meeting, a recommendation from thevoting members of the executive board was made toapply for a District Community Impact Grant grantfrom LCI. Having received $10,000 from Roncalli,We would, as a district be eligible because of lastyears donations to LCI. A motion was made by CCHilary Kumnick and seconded by ZC Teri Schlosserto prepare the application for the grant. Discussionwas held and a vote was taken. Motion carried.Leo of the Year. There were two applications heldby 1st VDG Diana Grise’ and the voting memberswill receive electronic copies for a vote as to thewinner. Votes must be received by 3/15/2019.

BENEDICTION: CS Julie Shilosky adjournedthe meeting at 8:50

NEXT MEETING: The next cabinet meeting willbe announced if we are to have one.

Respectfully Submitted by,

Lion Julianne Shilosky, PDGLions District 23C Cabinet Secretary 2018-19All report available from Cabinet Secretary uponrequest

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Wine Tasting EventFor the benefit of

2nd Vice District GovernorHeidi Zacchera

Saturday, March 232:00-5:00 pm

Camp Happy Hill87 W. Avon Rd, Unionville

Donation: $20

RafflesNon-alchoholic refreshments and Hors d’oeuvres

Contact: PDG Dave Yadach (860) 810-7154

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“La Dolce Vita” - The Good LifeMay 3-5, 2019 | May 3, 3:30pm - 6:30pm RegistrationConnecticut Lions Annual State Convention by Multiple District 23Print Registration FormYou can register and pay with a card, and as a group online www.ctlions98th.eventbrite.comPlease use form for each attendee. Registration and payment are required for all guests.First & Last Name Badge Name

Email Phone

Billing Street Address Billing City, State and Zip

Current Position What is your district, club or veteran branch?

Is this your first Lions Annual Convention? (Circle One) YES NO

Convention Ticket (Required) $20 each $

Saturday Lunch Tickets12pm (Optional) $30 each

☐ Chicken Piccata, Caesar Salad, Risottoand Cannolis

$

☐ Grilled Vegetables and Rice(Vegetarian, Vegan, & Gluten Free)

$

Saturday Cocktail Reception & Banquet Tickets5pm (Optional) $42 each

☐ Pan-Seared Chicken Breast toppedwith mozzarella and tomatoes cream sauce☐ Pork Saltimbocca toppedwith prosciutto and sage demi glaze

$

☐ Butternut Squash Ravioli with a sagecream sauce

$

☐ Grilled Portobello Mushroom stuffedwith spinach and sun-dried tomatoes(Vegetarian, Vegan, & Gluten Free)

$

Total Due $

PAYMENTYou may mail this form with check by April 22 check made out to to Multiple District 23 Lions and mailed toColette Anderson, 14 Oak Ridge Drive, Meriden, CT. 06450.You can also register and pay by credit card and buy multiple tickets together online! www.ctlions98th.eventbrite.com

QUESTIONSConvention Chair - George Salpietro gjsalpietro@outlook.comRegistration Chair - Colette Anderson colette0024@yahoo.com

RED LION HOTEL 100 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT 06416Special Rate is $99 for standard room plus tax | Reserve your room before April 3, 2019. May be accepted past this date.Mention the "Connecticut Lions State Convention” | Call 1-860-288-4985 | Parking is Free

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We have amazing Lions who have volunteered to serve the district on various committees.Please consider their charities when you are planning your Nights of Giving.

They have worked hard this year to keep you informed.

2018-2019Committees Committee Members Email Phone

Camp Rising Sun/Pediatric Cancer

Research

PDG Bill Allen pdg84@atlanticbb.net 860-439-0158

PDG Keith Lemire lionkeith23c@yahoo.com 860-448-0201

CLERF PCC Dave Burgess bad1976@sbcglobal.net 860-208-4646Lion Betsy Burgess betsyburgess0@gmail.com

CRIS Radio Eileen Akers e.g.akers@sbcglobal.net 860-889-7860

Diabetes

Lion Deb Updyke Liondeb0411@gmail.com 860-691-1257Lion Sheri AnnColquhoun sheriann8@yahoo.com 860-514-0769Lion Bob Fowler riraf@charter.net 860-614-8585

Environment Lion Don Grise' Donald.grise@gmail.com 860-456-1980KidSight USA Lion Sue Fisher ednsue@charter.net 860-423-7851

PDG Ed FisherHearing Preservation PDG Keith Lemire lionkeith23c@yahoo.com 860-448-0201

Homeless & HungerInitiative

Lion Annie Stockton anniestockton2@hotmail.com 860-617-4591Lion Pam LaFaille plafaille@gmail.com 860-608-0804

Journey for Sight Lion Marie Salpietro mcsalpietro@comcast.net 860-573-5369LCIF Lion Art Mueller LionArt70@yahoo.com 860-887-8742

Lion Kate Delaney cornfieldkate@comcast.net 860-388-6454Lions Low Vison

Center PDG Nancy Tucker lions2@comcast.net 860-908-0024Peace Poster Lion Melissa Yuchniuk kan0424ml@yahoo.com 860-608-4860

Lion Sharon Kanaby skanaby@sbcglobal.net 860-892-5246

Service Dogs Lion Wendy deBarroswith Lion Sandy Welles swelles@snet.net

860-859-2370 (W)860-443-1558 (S)

Lion Eileen Akers e.g.akers@sbcglobal.net 860-889-7860Lion Charlene Picard cpicard1@comcast.net 860-334-6511

Veterans Outreach ZC George Finlayson gfinlayson@comcast.net 860-536-8061(incl. Stand Down) Lion Walt Keach walterfkeach@gmail.com 860-536-8390

Lion Denise Murphy denise.murphy@comcast.net 860-535-3643Youth Outreach(includes Leos &

Lions Quest) Rich Griswold r.griswold@snet.net 860-228-9253

District Committees & Contacts

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The Lions Tale PublicationThe Lions of District 23-C Newsletter

News of Clubs activities, District projects, Committees, Zone Reportsand any other items of interest to Lions should be sent directly to theeditor. Copy may be included in the text of an email or as a Wordfile (.doc, .docx) attachment. Flyers may be be completed .pdf files.Submit graphics/ photos as .gif, .jpg or .png

Deadlines for submissions are as follows:

March 11, 2019 May 10, 2019

Please be aware of deadline date as any submissions after deadline may or may not appear in respectiveissue based on time and layout constraints…

Please submit to: editor@lionsdistrict23c.org

Editor: Lance Gladue