1A Governor's June 2017 Monthly e-Newsletter

PICTORIAL ISSUE OF GOVERNOR’S INSTALLATION & CABINET AWARDS!

From the time I was elected 2nd Vice District Governor, three years ago it was then I started thinking that It Is really Incredibly tough and difficult to lead Lions or particularly, to become District Governor of District 1A - Mother District Lionism in the World for that matter.

In June 2016 FELLOW LIONS, LEOS:

In June 2017

First, I would like to thank all the Cabinet Members, Region Chairs, Zone Chairs and hard working chairs of the various committees. I wish I could mention all your names but in the interest of time, allow me to express my appreciation collectively to all of those of you who in one way or another made my term as Governor a success. I would like to especially mention the support and understanding of the First Lady Lion Edna, my family and my home club, the Chicago Philippine Lions Club.

Long before, when Edna was not yet a Lion, many of her friends from outside Lion were telling that she was the most courageous woman they ever knew, because they never met any woman who could do what Edna was doing. She was sleeping with a Lion.

With all its glories and honor, being Governor was not an easy ride. There were bumps along the way, but it was also a blast. I would not exchange this governorship for anything else. Until now, I must admit it is still an on-going learning process. It is a 24-7 job and never a dull moment. At times, I did not know if I was coming or going. Nonetheless, my experiences and encounters with various Lions, those in high places as well as on the club levels are equally meaningful to me. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to serve Lionism in such a prestigious position. All together, we worked as a well-oiled machine, and it is such a privilege for me to hold this prestigious position of Governor.

To name some of our accomplishments for the year, we chartered four (4) clubs: the Chicago Nepalese Centennial Lions Club last September 30, 2016 with 34 members and the Berwyn Centennial Lions Club last December 16, 2016 with 28

members, Chicago One World Centennial Lions Club last April 25, 2017 with 20 members and the Chicago Eagle’s Wings Lions Club last May 8, 2017 with 31 members. This is a total of 113 members.

You see, we have this great resource and power through all our old and new members since; I strongly believe that “EVERY LION COUNTS.”

Thank you and enjoy the rest of the year.

Your Governor, Ernie Lapid ejlapid@yahoo.com

District 1A Governor Elect:

I have attended the International Convention in Fukuoka, Japan in 2016, as I have done two years hence, in Canada and in Hawaii. I have attended Council Meetings in Springfield, in Peoria and Region Meetings and Governor’s nights here in our district. When time permitted, I attended a good number of club meetings.

It gives me great pleasure to be involved in the preparation of the historic Centennial International Convention. Could you imagine, we are all part of history, the celebration of 100 years of Lionism, a legacy we can pass on to future generations, wonderful stories of the celebration to tell our grandchildren and great grandchildren? We can tell them of the many cultures from across the world, all in one place, the parade of nations, meeting new friends and getting reacquainted with old ones. They are great stories.

I commend the 2017 Host Committee Chair PDG Bob Block and all the chairs of various committees as we welcome approximately 35,000 Lions from all over the world. As the mother District of Lionism, it is most appropriate that we host the convention and the venue is Chicago. It is also heart-warming that, the Chicago Central Lions Club, where founder Melvin Jones started, is alive and strong, well-represented by Past International Director Phil Tom.

Lion Pat Duda with her husband Lion Bob Duda Mexica Lions Club I Vice District Governor Elect:

Lion Howard Swacker with his wife Karen from Thornton Lions Club II Vice District Governor Elect:

In conclusion, thank you again to all of you. I am most humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve as Governor of District 1-A. It is one of the best things that ever happened in my life.

ZC Joan McMillan with her husband PCC Dennis

District Cabinet Secretary:

CS Lion Brenda Block with her husband PDG Bob Block from Calumet City Lions Club District Cabinet Treasurer:

Lion Ron Schammart from River Grove Lions Club District Chaplain:

UPCOMING EVENTS: June 8 – Centennial Convention Host Committee Meeting at Lions Headquarters June 10 – District 1A Incoming Officers Training 8:30 to 11:00 Willow Spring School - Free June 10 – Centennial Convention Volunteers Training 11:00 to 2:00 Willow Spring School - Free and Light Lunch will be served June 23 – Chicago One World Centennial Lions Club Charter Nite with Chancellor Bob Corlew, Hilton Hotel, Northbrook June 25 to June 29 - World District Governors Elect School, Hyatt Regency, Illinois Center Chicago June 30 to July 4 – Lions Clubs International 100th Convention at McCormick Place, Chicago July 7 – Chicago Eagle’s Wings Lions Club Charter Nite With Chancellor Bob Corlew at Café La Cave, Des Plaines August 5 – Steak & Lobster Nite by River Grove Lions Club

Want to learn more? Watch our inspiring service framework video and visit the service framework webpage today!

Participate in LCI’s Community Legacy Project Lion Deranz Brown from Chicago Chatham Lions Clubistrict Cabinet Treasurer:

That’s all folks!

District 1A Governor’s Monthly e-Newsletter. Edited & Published by Dr. Austin D’Souza, PDG for Lions, Lionesses and Leos of Illinois. e-Mail Address: govaustin@gmail.com Mail your articles, pictures and news items to above e-mail address.