Governors newsletter jan, 2016

January, 2016 Governors Monthly Newsletter, District 1A, Lions Clubs International

GOVERNOR RALPH ZARADA SPEAKS: Fellow Lions of District 1A I hope you outstanding season

had an holiday

It is January of 2016; I am turning the corner and heading towards the finish line. We have 6 months to go in this 20152016 leadership year. As I look back at the past 6 months, I feel that much has been done at the district level. But there is still much that has to be done before the end of my term. I hope that you have made great strides in accomplishing your club goals for this year.

Back at the beginning of my term I made some remarks regarding Leadership at my installation. In this month's article I would like to take a moment and reflect on being a leader in today's current environment.

In today's world being a leader is a tough job.

There is a target on you and people are constantly taking shots at you for a decision or a policy decision that you make. So who in their right mind would want to take on a role as a leader?

Finding people with the proverbial "right stuff" to jump on board the leadership roles is getting

tougher. This vacuum is sometimes allowing mediocre talent to rise to the top with the talented being left behind and taking lesser roles. We have good followers so it would stand to reason that we must have good leaders. We just have to find them and help them develop their skills to become skilled leaders. And encourage them to step up.

So how do we market and sell leadership roles. It is a tough sell. In Lions there is not only an investment of time but also of money. There are also the challenging times that will lead to disappointment. With all that being said, the return of your investment of time and money will be well worth it. As I look back at my career as a Lion from being a club level officer, Zone Chair, Vice District Governor; attending Lions Advanced Leadership training and Governor training seminars. I have had the opportunity to interact with many people that have touched my life that I would not have met if I were not in a leadership position. All these have expanded my vision of the world and made me a better person. I cannot think of a better reason to say "Jump in. The water is fine". Please consider taking on a leadership position and take advantage of these great opportunities to grow and blossom as a person.

This past month I was privileged to be able to install the new officers and induct 15 members of the Illinois College of Optometry LEO Club in

December. Present at the gathering were Dr. Sandy Block Faculty Advisor, Lions Dennis and Joan McMillan, Frank and Robin Kirar and Lion Ed O’Farrel . This club has a solid foundation of leadership in their new officers and President Javier Rodriquez. They also have a strong membership base which will lead them well into the future. I was very gratified for being asked to be part of their legacy.

I also received a letter from our International President Dr Yamada congratulating me on achieving membership growth and chartering new clubs in the district. This award not only recognizes me but also the many lions that have put the time and energy in achieving these goals. Thanks for making me look good. A governor is only as good as the people that he is surrounded with.

Important reminders 

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Please start giving some thought to who you will nominate for the District Convention awards: Edward M. Elbert Lion, Lioness, and Leo of the Year and Richard M. Daley Citizen of the Year.

If you’re considering running for the office of Second Vice District Governor, you will need to start preparing your nominating resolutions to make sure they are filled out correctly. If you need any further information or have any questions please email DG Ralph Zarada (ralph.zarada.1A@gmail.com) or Lion Ken Accola (jere32@att.net).

Save the date for the MY (Mid-Year) Forum, which will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016.

Mark your calendars for the District 1A Convention "Cowboy Up Lions" will be held April 1-3, 2016. Get your Western on!

Please schedule your Governor's visit. There are only 6 months left in the year.

Also keep Lion PID Bill Lomax in your thoughts and prayers. He was admitted to Freeport Hospital, after suffering a fall and is experiencing some health issues. PID Lomax is a 50+ year member of the Leaf River Lions Club and was very active as the President of the Lions of Illinois Foundation. He supported the very successful program of the mobile glaucoma detection unit of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness and assisted with testing as the unit traveled to local communities.

-Governor Ralph Zarada Editorial: Happy New Year to all Readers!

We have six more months to compete current Lionistic Year and three more months to celebrate our success during our District Convention which starts on April 1st. “Cowboy Up Lions” is the theme for this year’s convention. We all will become Texans for the convention to suite Governor’s theme. We will be imitating cowboys and girls with our convention dresses and we will be decorating our hospitality rooms to fit the theme.

It is nice to hear that now we have two new clubs this year in District 1A. Chicago Ridge with 53 new members and now Broadview with 20 new members. Broadview Lions Club will celebrate their Charter Nite on January 10, 2016, i.e., coming Sunday.

First International Vice President Chancellor Bob Corlew and his lovely wife Lion Diane will be the guest of honors for this event which will be held at Skylite West Banquets, 7117 West Ogden Avenue, Berwyn. Social hour will start at 4:00 p.m. and the dinner will be at 5:00.

Stickney Forest View Lions Club will be the sponsor and Lion Maryann will be waiting to receive your RSVP’s. See attached flyer in this newsletter and make your reservation.

January is the month for Mid-Year Leadership Forum in District 1A. This year’s forum will be on January 30, 2016 at Moraine Valley Community College. 9000 W. College Pkwy., Building M Palos

Hills, IL from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be very interesting sessions on various aspects of leadership. VDG Ernie Lapid and District 1A Leadership Chair Janice Wiggins will be waiting to receive your RSVP’s on time. See attached flyer and publicize this event in your club. Encourage new members to attend this event. Start 2016 with more knowledge on leadership so that one day you can climb the ladder and reach the stars.

year term. First, you have to have served as a Club President and secondly, you cannot currently hold an elected office for District 1-A. The election of officers is held during the District 1-A Convention.

Lion Steve President, V.O.I.C.E.S. -CC Steve, V.O.I.C.E.S. President

HELPING TO SERVE IN THE COMMUNITY

-Lion Austin D’Souza, Ph.D., Editor

January, 2016 As promised, V.O.I.C.E.S. has acquired the 4-plusoptix cameras that we had ordered and the committee has had its training session and we are ready to roll out our Kids Sight Program for the District. On behalf of the V.O.I.C.E.S. committee, Thank You for your support and your belief in the program. It has taken a long time to get to this point and we appreciate your patience.

So what is the next step? If your club is hosting a health fair or would like to test some pre school children in your community, all you have to do is contact Lion Jeff White at isellum@sbcglobal.net and reserve your date. He will help you with the paperwork necessary for your event. The V.O.I.C.E.S. committee is available to come out and visit your club or region meeting and explain the camera, its use and the process we will use to help you hold your event.

We are looking forward to an exciting year for V.O.I.C.E.S. a year of growth, and expansion to move the organization forward. We have openings for 3 Directors this year. If you would like to become a part of the V.O.I.C.E.S. committee, please send a letter stating your intention to run for one of the spots to Lion Brenda Block, Cabinet Secretary, at csblock1a@aol.com There are only 2 requirements to serve on the committee for the 3-

As stated by Thai Midwest President Chantimar Sriaroon - “Our volunteer efforts for "Feeding the Homeless 2015" has been completed!” Cold, wet, and exhausted? Excellent team work! This task should be considered one of your best holiday gifts you have given to the community. You should be proud of yourselves. Thank you very much, for all of your support and help. These special thanks were extended to Wat Phrasri, Wat Buddhadham, Royal Thai Consul General and Madam, Mayfair Lions Club, Chicago Fil-USA Lions Club, Chicago Philippine Lions Club, Thai Midwest Lions Club members, Asian Chronicle USA, Filipino American Lions Club, and other Lions,

Leos and friends who helped to make the day a complete success.

This special community service was again held at the Thai Buddhist Temple, 4740 N. Racine Avenue.

We entered through the back of the temple and were met by extremely friendly people with a simple hello and were escorted to the front of the temple where we were greeted with over 300 large plastic bags which had already been filled with non perishable foods of all types along with socks, hats, hand sanitizers and the like. All items, including hats, gloves and small blankets had been donated by stores, business and people who simply care about what happens to others and do what they can to help.

Despite the cold drizzle which continued, tables were set up outside for those residents of the community who came by and quietly waited in line for their chance to get one of the bags and look through the used clothing that had been collected for them. This is the second year our club members have participated and I am truly amazed at the patience these people have – they do not push or shove - they simply wait their turn. The people waiting are not all adults but also children of all ages who are residents of the area.

people are living outside and surviving. It was a very thought provoking conversation – you really don’t’ have much to say in response - but he wished me well, said thank you and walked off into the rain.

We had an opportunity to talk with some of the monks who resided at the temple – what a delight they were – they loved to have their picture taken and went out of their way to pose with anyone who wanted a photo. One of the monks even ”fast talked” my daughter into having her photo taken with him after they found out that she had spent over three (3) weeks in Thailand. I believe this gentleman was duly impressed with Colleen and her ability to communicate with him. We found we do not shake hands with the monks but rather politely bow!

The “2015 Feeding the Homeless” is over and now the Thai Club is looking towards 2016 to begin the collection process again.

Unless something unforeseen happens – I definitely will be returning again to be a part of this very unique community service project as it reminds me why I am a Lion.

On behalf of:

I had an opportunity to talk with the Royal Thai Counsel General who was very interested in what I had to say about what Lions do. Additionally, I had an opportunity to talk with one of the people in line who told me that he was going to have to leave the room where he currently is staying. Unless he finds something else in the area he plans on going over to the local bridge underpass where other

Lion Judy Toft, Lion Harriet Fliegel and Colleen Toft Griffin!

District 1-A 2016 Mid-Year Forum Saturday, January 30, 2016

The 2016 Mid-Year Forum, scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2016, will provide meaningful workshops and seminars with topics ranging from diversity to membership to motivation. We’ve been working diligently to put together a forum that will provide current information of benefit to all Lions and help to inspire and reinforce why we are all part of this great service organization.

No matter what position you hold in your club, this year’s forum offers programs to help all of us build and maintain stronger clubs. We hope our members have a good time networking and catching up with old and new Lions friends from around the District.

Program format Just like last year, attendees can build their own program and participate in sessions based on topics that interest them.  The morning consists of 15 sessions scheduled in three different time slots. Each session will last 40 minutes and participants can choose to attend one session in each time slot.  In the afternoon, there will a Roundtable discussion for Club Presidents, and membership and social media workshops.

The registration fee for the 2016 MY Forum—including breakfast, lunch, and a commemorative pin—is $25.00 per person. The registration form is included later in this newsletter.

Come and join us for a day of learning, discussion, and friendship. Contact IVDG Ernie Lapid (ejlapid@yahoo.com or 773-780-5455) or Lion Janice Wiggins (janicewiggins@comcast.net or 708-341-7123) for more information.

District 1-A 2016 Mid-Year Forum Saturday, January 30, 2016 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Moraine Valley Community College. 9000 W. College Pkwy., Building M, Palos Hills, IL

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The District 1-A 2016 Mid-Year Forum will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Building M, Palos Hills.

The MY Forum provides meaningful workshops and seminars with topics ranging from diversity to membership to motivation. We’ve been working diligently to put together a forum that will provide current information of benefit to all Lions and help to inspire and reinforce why we are all part of this great service organization.

No matter what position you hold in your club, this year’s forum offers programs to help all of us build and maintain stronger clubs. We hope our members have a good time networking and catching up with old and new Lions friends from around the District.

The registration fee for the 2016 MY Forum—including breakfast, lunch, and a commemorative pin—is $25.00 per person. Make checks payable to: District 1-A Lions.

Completed registration form and fee must be received by Saturday, January 23, 2016. You can pay at the door – just let us know you’re planning to attend so we can have enough food!

Come and join us for a day of learning, discussion, and friendship. Contact IVDG Ernie Lapid (ejlapid@yahoo.com or 773-780-5455) or Lion Janice Wiggins (janicewiggins@comcast.net or 708-341-7123). .................................................................................................................................

REGISTRATION FORM Please complete one form for each person attending.

Name: ____________________________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________ Email: ______________________________ Club name: _____________________________ Lion Officer Position: _________________ Cost is $25.00 per person. Make checks payable to: District 1-A Lions Registration due: Saturday, January 23, 2016.

Mail check and completed registration form to: Lion Janice Wiggins 1028 Westchester Blvd. Westchester, IL 60154 708-341-7123

This year, let the kids wake up to 'A Book on Every Bed'

wrapped book on their beds, delivered in the night by Santa.

This year, let the kids wake up to 'A Book on Every Bed'

Thus was born "A Book on Every Bed."

Ask Amy: Advice for the real world December 18, 2015 DEAR READERS: This is one of my favorite days of the year because this is the day I get to step out from behind my desk and advocate — simply and sincerely — for literacy. I choose this particular day because it is my mother’s birthday. She was a reader, writer and teacher, and I can think of no better way to honor her memory than to ask other readers to participate in the "Book on Every Bed" project.

This year I have partnered with Reach Out and Read (reachoutandread.org), a national organization which gives children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together. As the organization’s member doctors tell us, "Books Build Better Brains!"

Santa does the work: Here’s how it happens: You take a book (it can be new or a favorite from your own childhood).

You wrap it. On Christmas Eve (or whatever holiday you celebrate), you leave the book in a place where Santa is likely to find it. When I communicated with David McCullough about borrowing his idea, he was very clear: Santa handles the delivery and places the book on a child’s bed.

This week many of us are scurrying around, looking for the "perfect" gift. And yet, looking back through our own holiday memories, we realize the best gifts arrive in the form of traditions or objects that we can look at and know exactly where they came from. We invest these simple possessions with meaning and memories, particularly when we connect them with nurturing relationships. (In fact, during a recent family discussion, my older cousin told our aunt that she still has the book "Madeline" our aunt gave to her, around 60 years ago.)

In the morning, the children in your household will awaken to a gift that will far outlast any toy: a guided path into the world of stories. And as our friends at Reach Out and Read remind us: give not just the gift of the book, but also provide a caring adult to share reading it aloud. An adult’s interaction with a young child over a book is what brings the story alive and gives reading the immense power it has to build brain circuitry. No amount of access to the latest screen or gadget can equal the powerful intimacy of sharing a book.

According to a position paper from the American Academy of Pediatrics (and many other studies), early literacy has a direct bearing on educational success later in life. We don’t need a study to tell us this, however. Reading opens the door to all good things. Literacy offers both connection and escape.

I know this for sure: No matter who you are or what you do, reading will unlock untold opportunities, mysteries and passions.

I’m so proud to advocate for a gift-giving tradition that is straightforward, inexpensive and reaps boundless and lifelong rewards.

A "borrowed" concept: Like all my best ideas, this was stolen (borrowed, really). Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David McCullough (author of the books "Truman," "John Adams" and his new book, "The Wright Brothers") once related in an interview that every Christmas morning during his childhood, he and his siblings awoke to the gift of a

When you have a book and the ability to tell, read and share stories, you gain access to the universe of others’ imaginations. In honor of my mother, I’ll pass along some of her wisdom: When you have a book, you are never alone.

In the years I’ve advocated for this idea, I believe we have exceeded our original goal for 1 million children to wake up on Christmas morning to a wrapped book, and so this year’s appeal will be for parents, grandparents, teachers and librarians to continue to spread this concept in their families and communities. For suggestions on excellent

books for children, visit reachoutandread.org or speak with your local librarian.

Throughout the year, I enjoy hearing from people who tell me how they have adopted this project and adapted it to the needs of their community. Reach Out and Read clinics sometimes hand out "prescriptions to read"; maybe this could be just what the doctor ordered for this year. Thank you all. Keep it going.

To view a silly "instructional" video of me and my two favorite young readers — and to share your own stories and photos — visit my Facebook page: facebook.com/Adickinsondaily or follow me on Twitter (at)Askingamy.

Ask Amy: Advice for the real world December 18, 2015 – Chicago Tribune

collected and distributed – with a new goal of 10,000 by the end of March.

I am quoting from the last two paragraphs of the article: “You wrap it. On Christmas Eve (or whatever holiday you celebrate), you leave the book in a place where Santa is likely to find it. When I communicated with David McCullough about borrowing his idea, he was very clear: Santa handles the delivery and places the book on a child’s bed.

In the morning, the children in your household will awaken to a gift that will far outlast any toy: a guided path into the world of stories. And as our friends at Reach Out and Read remind us: give not just the gift of the book, but also provide a caring adult to share reading it aloud. An adult’s interaction with a young child over a book is what brings the story alive and gives reading the immense power it has to build brain circuitry. No amount of access to the latest screen or gadget can equal the powerful intimacy of sharing a book” Would like to hear from every club in the District that they have collected at least one book and “played it forward” by providing the intimacy of sharing a book!

A very special and blessed Christmas to you all!

A personal note to say a big THANK YOU from your District 1A Rap Chair to each of you who either individually or as a club already took the time to collect gently used books and donate them schools, churches, community centers and the like in their areas where the need to provide children with the tools to enjoy their own personal book is very great. The attached article by AMY who writes for the Chicago Tribune says much for this continuing need.

There about three (3) months to go in this year long Lions project – the goal originally was 5,000 books – the District is now at approximately 7,000

LION JUDY TOFT DISTRICT 1A RAP CHAIR 773-763-0662

1A Governors Monthly e-Magazine. Edited & Published by PDG Austin D’Souza for Lions, Lionesses and Leos District 1A e-Mail: govaustin@gmail.com