District 1A Governor's Monthly e-Newsletter for the Month of March 2021

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Lion Millie Koller, Queen of Open Area in District 1-A, a caring, loving, sharing, affectionate sweet soul, wife of PDG Ralph Koller from Brookfield LaGrange Park Lions Club passed awar on March 1, 2021 to reach her heavenly father. It was an incredibly sad moment to her husband PDG Ralph, their family, friends, Brookfield LaGrange Park Lions, and all District 1A lions, lions from Multiple Disgtrict 1 and several friends world over.

Lion Millie Koller Brookfield-LaGrange Park Lions Club Past President and Distrcit 1A Lions Past First Lady.

It is with deep sadness and profound sense of loss to inform you the ultimate passing of Lion Millie Koller on early morning of Saturday, 27th of February 2021. Wife of PDG Ralph Koller for 63 years.

Please include the Koller family in your prayers, so they may find strength and comfort to carry on during these difficult times.

Lion Millie was a member of Brookfield-LaGrange Park Lions Club for 20 years.

She was a Past Club President and Director. She served District 1-A as First Lady in 2002-2003.

Lion Millie was the District 1-A Open Areas Chairperson for over 10 years, which was very dear to her.

Eternal rest grant unto Lion Millie's soul, O Lord and let the perpetual light shine upon her.

May she Rest in Peace At this time, there will be no scheduled services due to COVID-19 restrictions.

A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Lions of Illinois Foundation under Lion Millie Koller's name.

Any further questions, you may direct them to: - PID Dan O'Reilly Stickney-Forest View Lions Club 2 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

Greetings Lions and Leos of District 1-A

Hope everyone is doing well and healthy. Now that vaccines are available, I know that some of you have gotten their first dose of vaccines and others already in their second dose. That is great news for all of us. hopefully, we can all soon go back to normal life. All the clubs will have more opportunity to provide services to those in need in our community and in the whole world. May the Lenten season continue to heal the world and protect the people from the Covid-19 Pandemic.

District 1-A Updates: Convention Theme: “Around the World in District 1-A“ We are extremely disappointed that we are unable to have the District Convention event this year in person due to the ongoing concerns about the Covid-19 Pandemic. But we are excited about hosting our first time ever a Virtual District Convention, scheduled on March 20-21, 2021. The District 1-A Convention Committee are working extremely hard on planning for our first time ever Virtual Convention for everyone to enjoy and have fun. I am confident and proud that they will do their best to present a convention that we all can be proud of.

I would like to thank our Convention Chairperson, PCC Steve Anton, and the Convention Co-Chairpersons, PCST Dawn Grogan and PDG, PCST Harold Burkett for providing the leadership necessary in 3 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

preparation for this annual event. And a special thanks also goes to all the Committee Members for their unending supports.

Here are the Convention highlights of the 2 days events: * Keynote by 3rd VP Dr. Patti Hill * Greater Chicago Food Depository * LIF Annual Meeting * Peace Poster & Peace Essay Awards * Presentation of Club Banners * Costume Contest * Bloody Mary Toast * Nomination & Seconding Speeches * Awards * Necrology Service * Voices Annual Report * Election of Officers * Acceptance Speeches * Governor Farewell Speech I would like to invite all the Lions, Leos, and friends to join us and register at our District Website: District 1-A Lions e-District Houses: lions1a-us.org Below is the link to register for the District 1-A Convention, March 20-21, 2021. It will be done online through the zoom platform. There is no charge to register. All attendees are required to register to 4 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

attend the convention. Also, you must be registered with the convention if you are voting as a delegate from your club. Please take the time to register both you and your significant other if you are both voting members.

After you register with this link, in due time the meeting link will be sent to you to use for both days. Should you have any questions, feel free to contact PCC Steve Anton at santonlions@comcast.net https://usO2web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZltdqrrjksG9M9jdE9OUTtt1b3fz-RffU9 Club Visit Updates: I attended the Stickney-Forest View Lions Club hybrid meeting on Monday, March 1, 2021. I was honored to have inducted 4 new members in person. Some members of their members joined via zoom. I also presented Guiding Lions Certificates for completing the training last September 27, 2020 to PID Dan O’Reilly and RC Tom Elsey. A Special thanks goes to PID Dan O’Reilly for sponsoring the new members. Happy to see some Lions in person. Welcome and congratulations again to the newest members Zoe, Lynn, Marty, and Marty Jr. Thanks again Stickney-Forest View Lions Club for inviting me. I am so proud of all the great service activities and fundraisers you have done this year.

Lions Clubs International Updates: I would like to share this important information that was reported during our MD-1 Council of Governors Meeting last February 27 5 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

I would like to share this important information that was reported during our MD-1 Council of Governors Meeting last February 27, 2021 via Zoom from ID Bob Block.

Here are the resolutions that were passed and approved from the Executive Officers.

A. Charter and entrance fees are waived from January 1 - June 30, 2021.

B. No clubs in good standing on December 31, 2020 will be suspended or canceled through June 30, 2021 for the late payment of dues. Full payment is required to be received before June 30, 2021 to avoid suspension or cancellation. Note that clubs that are placed on financial suspension on December 31, 2020 will remain on suspension until full balance is paid. Those clubs will still need to address their outstanding dues to make the necessary arrangements with the Accounts Receivable Dept. at LCI to avoid cancellation scheduled for March 31, 2021.

Please check out and share to all the members about our MD1 eMagazine for the month of March 2021 for more important information shared by Dr. Austin D’Souza, PDG, MD1 Lions of Illinois State e-Magazine Editor. Stay well and be safe always. Thank you and looking forward to seeing you all at our Virtual District 1-A Convention on March 20-21, 2021. Do not forget to register and have fun with us. Thanks for reading!

Lion Marilyn Mclean District 1-A Governor GovMarilyn1a@gmail.com 6 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

Hello Lions and Leos,

Please SAVE THE DATE:

2021 53rd Annual District 1-A Virtual Convention

Saturday, March 20th, and Sunday, March 21st

In as much as we wanted to have our District Convention done in person this year, but due to the ongoing concerns about the Covid-19 Pandemic, which is changing the way we live, work, and serve, the Executives and the Convention Committees have decided to transition the 53rd Annual District 1-A Convention to a virtual via Zoom event. Although we are disappointed that we will not be able to host this event in person as we normally do each year, we are excited about hosting our first ever virtual District Convention that we can safely connect with our Lions in District 1-A and Multiple District 1.

Our International guest and keynote speaker will be International 3rd Vice President Dr. Patti Hill from Alberta, Canada. She will be sharing information on Saturday, so do not miss out this great opportunity to meet her. There will be Business meeting and Voting for District Officers. Our theme this year will be “ Around the World in District 1-A”. Dress your favorite International costume. I and II Prize winners for the “Best International Costume” will be announced on Sunday and given certificates. To be eligible you must be present to win. PCC Steve Anton, Convention Committee Chairperson will be sending out the details for the conventions and the Zoom link to join as soon as they become available. Let us make our first time ever virtual convention a success. It will be fun and different. Come and join us, there will be no registration fee. Please share this information to all the Lions Clubs members, family, and friends. Thank you and looking forward to seeing all of you there.

Your friend in service, Lion Marilyn Mclean District 1-A Governor 2020-2021 7 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

BY FVDG Lion Gail Anton

This month’s article has to do with………...Do you get the District Newsletter? Do you read the District Newsletter? The reason I am asking is I had some conversations with some fellow Lions from our District and happened to refer to the District Newsletter and they told me they do not receive it. I did some research, and the Newsletter is sent by our Cabinet Secretary Treasurer each month and is also distributed to Facebook by our Newsletter Editor.

I am going to do my own poll on this subject. Let me know by March 10th if you received and read the newsletter via email (anton173@comcast.net). All Lions that respond to my question will be entered into the famous Lion Gail Raffle and will win a gift card.

The ball (or newsletter) is in your court. I look forward to your emails.

All Lions who have submitted articles to the newsletter are ineligible for this raffle.

(ZC’s:It is your responsibility to see that every lion gets this newsletter)Ed. 8 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

AROUND THE WORLD IN DISTRICT 1-A DISTRICT 1-A CONVENTION UPDATE The District 1-A Convention Committee has now planned for the first time ever a Virtual Convention for this Lion Year. Governor Marilyn McLean has asked us to do the best that we can to present a convention that we all can be proud of. I think that we have accomplished the request. Sure, there are going to be some differences that we have grown accustomed to, but change is good when done properly and efficiently.

Currently, we are working on a registration system that will fit our needs.

Everyone has a way to do this, but we must use the best way to register our guest. You will be updated on this as soon as the decision is made. We have scheduled a two (2) day convention running March 20-21, 2021.

Lion Third Vice President Dr. Patti Hill is still our guest for the convention but unfortunately, she will not be in person, but she will be addressing those Lions in attendance. We will be holding several of the events during these two days although it will be different as we are not able to meet in person.

On Saturday, March 20th, we will have instructions for the Costume Contest, Presentation of Banners, Bloody Mary Toast, a presentation by the Greater Chicago Food Depository, a report from the Lions of Illinois Foundation, Nominations and Seconding Speeches, a keynote address by Dr. Patti Hill, Governors’ Awards and perhaps we will have some Melvin Jones Fellowships to distribute. Keep in mind though, the awards that will 9 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

be given will be announced and distributed by Governor Marilyn when she visits the recipients at a future date. We will close Saturday with the instructions for the voting on Sunday morning for the certified delegates.

On Sunday, March 21st, electronic voting will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. The convention will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the Costume Contest winner, the Peace Poster and Essay winners, our Necrology Service, Special Awards (Lion, Leo, and Citizen of the Year), a VOICES report, Election Results and Acceptance Speeches and the Governors Farewell Address to the District. As with the awards on Saturday, all awards announced on Sunday will be distributed by Governor Marilyn McLean when she visits the recipients at a later date.

It has always been the position of the Convention Committee that we present the business of the District in a timely fashion, and to enjoy the friendship and comradery of the Lions. Even in a pandemic year, as we are apart, we believe that this still, is what we do best. We will be sending more information as it becomes available.

Thank you,

PCC Steve Anton Convention Chairman

PCST Dawn Grogan Convention Co-Chairperson PDG, PCST Harold Burkett, Jr. Convention Co-Chairman 10 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

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DISTRICT CANDIDATES: 1. Gail Anton for Governor 21-22

2. Tony Zartler for I VDG 21-22 3. Tom Elsey for II VDG 21-22 4. Ralph Zarada PDG for LIF Trustee 21-23

5. Hina Trivedi for VOICES Director 21-24

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To All the District 1-A Lions, We are all aware that during our Annual District 1-A Convention in March, one of the exciting events is the drawing of the District 1-A Grand Raffle which proceeds will benefit a group or organization chosen by the current District 1-A Governor. After consulting the financial situation with some of the district officers, namely ID Bob Block, PID Dan O'Reilly and PDG Mike Smiegelski, it is with the best option to cancel the Grand Raffle as we cannot afford to lose money and we do not have an allotted budget to cover up any loss.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic's social distancing, I can not imagine how we can promote the sales of these 300 tickets at $100.00 each and at the same time people are financially hurting to have an additional expense. We can not pursue this fundraising not knowing how we can distribute and sell them without an inperson approach. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call. We are all in this together.

Thank you so much Stay safe and well.

-DG Marilyn McLean 19 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

DISTRICT 1A OFFICERS FOR 2021-2022 DATE:

December 28, 2020

TO: Clubs in Good Standing in District 1-A FROM: Lion John Chisum, Resolution & Nominating Chair, District 1-A SUBJECT: Resolution and Nominating Procedures Resolution/Endorsement Procedures for Elected District 1-A Officers, Lions of Illinois Foundation Trustee and Voices 1-A Directors Subject to the provisions of the International Constitution and ByLaws, any active member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in good standing in District 1-A seeking endorsement as a candidate for the office of District Governor, First Vice District Governor, Second Vice District Governor, District 1-A Lions of Illinois Foundation Trustee for 2021/2023 or V.O.I.C.E.S Lions 1A Directors shall:

(a)Deliver such endorsement by mail with dated postmark from a chartered Lions Club in good standing in District 1-A a resolution endorsing such candidate to the District 1-A Cabinet Secretary indicating his/her intention to run for office to; Lion Andy Liamaga, Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer District 1-A 5323 N. Kildare Ave. Chicago, IL 60630 (b) Any resolution endorsing a candidate for the District 1A offices mentions above will be read at the, February 6, 2021 District 1-A Cabinet meeting, if received on or before, January 31, 2021. (c) Each notice so delivered shall be presented by the Nominating and Resolutions Committee to the District 1-A cabinet, February 6, 2021 for

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review of qualifications. After presentations to the District 1A cabinet, if there are no objections, the Nominating Committee shall place in nomination at the March 2021 District 1-A Convention the names of all candidates so qualified. (d) Any chartered Lions Club in good standing in District 1A may submit a resolution nominating a qualified active member of said club for the office of District Governor, First Vice District Governor, Second Vice District Governor, District 1-A Lions of Illinois Foundation Trustee 2021/2023 or V.O.I.C.E.S Lions 1A Directors.

Each club shall furnish with the said notice of the nominee’s intention to run for office evidence of his/her compliance with the qualifications for said office set out in the International Constitution and By-Laws. (e)

Candidates seeking endorsement for the office of District Governor must

currently be serving as First Vice District Governor. (f) Candidates seeking endorsement for the office of First Vice District Governor must currently be serving as Second Vice District Governor. (g) Candidates seeking endorsement for the office of Second Vice District Governor must submit sufficient evidence that he/she has meet the following qualifications: 1) Candidate is an active member in good standing of a chartered Lions Club in District 1-A. 2) Candidate is endorsed by his/her Lions Club.

3) Candidate has served as Club President and Club Board of Directors.

5) Candidate has served as Region or Zone Chairperson or Cabinet Secretary and/or Treasurer.None of the above being accomplished concurrently. *******

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From your Global Action Team

Global Membership Team Coordinator News

By GMT Coordinator Daniel O’Reilly Membership Take advantage of the LCI Board extended waiver of the entrance and charter fee from January.

1 through June 30, 2021. In our 1st six months 38% percent of our existing clubs took advantage of the waiver, adding 72 members. Add 72 members in the second half and we will have achieved the Governor’s Goals for the year in membership.

North American Membership Initiative The North American Membership Initiative is working with in CA 1, as of today, our constitutional area is only 216 down for the year. Let’s do our part to help turn CA1 to a positive. If each club adds one new member by June 30th , we will have done our part.

Governor’s Goals

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New Club Development We will continue our efforts in the “West Loop Lions Club” which has generated some genuine interest from the residents and local businesses alike. As the city begins to open back up, we will continue are extension plans there.

The NoAMI committee continues to put out feelers and follow up leads.

Please forward me the information of any areas where you feel a club is needed, would be supported and any contacts. to help get the club started.

Membership Satisfaction – Leadership Support The pandemic has taken its toll on 2 more clubs, plans of turning their charters in this year. Our GMT will work in those two areas to save the Charters, by restarting a club within a year from the Charters being turned in. Saving one hundred fifty years of service to their communities and our District.

If your club is heading in this direction, do not hesitate to ask for help, we have Lions willing to help!

Global Leadership Team Coordinator News

By GLT Coordinator Thomas Elsey New Member Orientation Training The March New Member Orientation Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 18, 2021 at 6:30pm Sign Up Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEvf2uqT8tH9Av_A4v2bI-vahxKfd7--Tz 23 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

While the training is designed for new lions and their sponsor/mentors, all interested Lions are invited to attend a session. The anticipated time needed for the training is 1 ½ hours. A Q&A session at the end of the training will be held.

Our April New Member Orientation will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 6:30pm. Please think about attending this valuable orientation to Lions.

Sign Up Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcpdeuspj0uHNf52Si9JQ m4XWYal66jQbpd

Guiding Lion Program If you are interested in becoming a Guiding Lion and were not able to attend the last training, please contact me at thomas.elsey@gmail.com.

Public Speaking Skills Development The Second session for the Public Speaking Skills Development training will be held virtually on Thursday, March 25, 2021 beginning at 6:30pm This course presents Planning a speech and how to develop speech content in an effective manner. Included in the course are practical tips and checklists. Depending on your experience, you can use this course for review or to learn new leadership skills in public speaking.

Sign Up Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdOyuqzkrGNE6O8Ga gj_ekBOzpfgBnS_G

• Third Session – Presenting/Delivering your Speech (Tentative Date: Thursday, April 29, 2021) ▪ Further Development of Speech Content ▪ Delivering the Speech • Fourth and On-Going Meetings, Training and Feedback for Improving Public Speaking Skills 24 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

o Practicing Different Types of Speeches • Potential Groupings for Public Speaking Competitions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Global Service Team Coordinator News

By GST Coordinator Richard Castillo

Update on the Greater Chicago Food Depository Virtual Campaign/Service Project

Our Hunger Pilot Grant application was submitted to LCIF for review. But we still need your help to raise the remaining $2, 262.10 for the $25,000 goal amount for our grant match. For the 53 other clubs in District 1A, you still have time to help support by either making donation to our District 1A Lions Club-Campaign: https://www.myfooddrive.org/drive.php?4afd015224 page on the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) website.

If your club doesn’t have a club debit card, you can still participate; our partners from Greater Chicago Food Depository are accepting checks that can go towards our virtual campaign. I’ve provided a point of contact below where checks can be mailed, along with indicating District 1A's virtual 25 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

campaign and their specific team (The Name of your Club). They will add your donations to the system, so they appear on our district campaign page on the Greater Chicago Food Depository website. If your club is planning on sending in a check, please reach out to me, your GST Coordinator Richard Castillo at LionRichardc@gmail.com so that I can ensure your donation gets counted to our overall total.

Mail to: Nicole Ramos Greater Chicago Food Depository 4100 West Ann Lurie Place Chicago, IL 60632 Please indicate which Virtual Food Drive: 1A Lions Clubs 2020 Campaign Team Name: (Your Club Name) Example: Chicago Windy City Lions Club We are asking you to please share our virtual campaign with your family and friends as well as your networks on Facebook. If you need assistance or would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities feel reach out to me directly.

Service Reporting Training District 1 A MyLion Training Register if you are still having issues reporting your service projects on MyLion.

When: March 26, 2021, 05:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) Register in advance for this meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMvdO6urTwsH9V2biBssb zCfzWD_OSortd_ Service Project Ideas Diabetes: • Watch a Video about LCIF funded diabetes program: Video 26 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

• Plan future Strides event: Strides for Diabetes Awareness • Take the online Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment Diabetes Service Project Planners: • Type 2 Diabetes Screening Project Planner •

Diabetes Support Groups Project Planner

Other Diabetes: • Twenty-Five Other Diabetes Service Project Ideas • Conduct Virtual Diabetes Awareness Workshops Vision: • District 1A Volunteer Organization Involved in Charitable Expressions of Service (VOICES) become a screener • Lions of Illinois Foundation Vision Programs & Services- Used Eyeglass Collection Hunger: • Volunteer with our community partners Greater Chicago Food Depository • Feed My Starving Children • Volunteer at PCC Austin Farms in Chicago LCI Hunger Service Project Planners: • Food Collection Initiative Project Planner • Direct Food Service Project Planner Environment: • District 1A Bags for Bed Project Collecting plastic bags to make beds for the homeless • Friends of the Chicago River and information on volunteer opportunities • Adopt-A- Site Litter Cleanups in Cook County Forest Preserves

LCI Hunger Service Project Planners: • Tree Planting Project Planner 27 District 1A Governor’s Newsletter

Childhood Cancer: • Ronald McDonald House Chicagoland • Ann &Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago by supporting community event

LCI Childhood Cancer Project Planners: • Childhood Cancer Entertainment Event Project Planner • Other Service Project Ideas List: Childhood Cancer ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Governor Marilyn and Fellow District 1 A Cabinet Members I am happy to announce that I once again have VSP Gift Certificates for Lions Clubs in 1A to give to needy people in their Communities. There are a few changes with the certificates that you should know about.

1. We no longer need the recipient to have a SS number to receive eyeglasses.

2. There are now three types of VSP Certificates two are the same Adult and Youth. The new one is a certificate for glasses only if people have a previous exam. I am happy to work with any Lion or Lions Club to get Certificates for them. The recipient income needs to be lest then twice that of poverty level about 25,500.00 a year and about

9,000.00 for each family member.

What I need is the persons name, Address, Phone Number and Date of Birth. If any Lions need more information please have them call me at 708-307-6357.

I would Like to thank Governor for giving me this opportunity to serve.

Lion Mike Smigielski PDG ---------------------------------------

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