The Illinois Lion & Leo - MD1 Lions of Illinois e-Magazine for the Month of January 2022

MD1 e-Magazine (Full) Vol. 9 - Issue 7, January 2022

Lions Clubs International Float at the Rose Parade on January 1, 2022 in Pasadena, California 1 The Illinois Lion & Leo

MD1 Concil Chair Speaks:

I hope everyone had a Wonderful Christmas and are enjoying the New Year. This is a suitable time to reflect on the year past and to consider how much our clubs have done and the effect we have had on the lives of those in our communities. Many of our neighbors and many unknown to us have had a better year because of our clubs and the work we do.

Now is the time to begin planning our service projects for 2022, what can we do this year to continue the work of last year.

This is also a time to remember those lions we lost in 2021. Though

jebarsanti72@gmail.com they are no longer with us, their service to their communities is a lasting legacy, and one that will be remembered. On a personal note, a lion who when District 1-J governor started our current District 1-J governor, DG Lori Chassee, and me on our journey to lions’ leadership has passed away.

PDG Leo Snyder appointed DG Lori and I as Zone Chairs, beginning our progress to District Governor and mine to Council Chair. I know I speak for DG Lori as well as for myself when I say he will be missed. He was an inspiration to all lions and realized the importance of FUN in what we do.

Again, I hope this is a New Year full of success, and one in which we all realize our goals and have fun doing it.

John Barsanti Council Chair, MD-1 2021-2022 ---------------------------------------------

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FROM MD1 GLT CHAIR:

By the time you peruse this diatribe, Christmas will be past and a new year upon us. So much has changed in the past two years. Be thankful we can nearly live a life we once were accustomed to having. Think back to last year. Our club and cabinet meetings were held on Zoom. I attended the USA/Canada Forum from my easy chair in my office. Likewise, I attended our virtual state convention.

Those clubs that were limited in Zoomtype meetings used conference calls to meet.

These are examples of leadership overcoming that cruel virus; leadership in that someone discovered a way for us to continue to meet, hear each other’s voice, and have face-to-face online

meetings, while being able see each other. Leaders at LCI, the Lions of Illinois, Inc, the Lions of Illinois Foundation, the districts’ leaders, and the clubs’ leaders said this virus will not kill Lions.

Or did it?

I know of clubs that still are not meeting. Some reasoning is the personal fear of contracting the virus.

Some are because their meeting place closed or restricted gatherings.

Fundraisers were cancelled and never restarted for fear of someone contracting the virus.

It is these clubs that need leadership. It is these zones where the zone chairperson needs to encourage those clubs to reconvene.

It is these districts where the governor needs to reach out and offer assistance.

And fundraisers?

If you fail to have a fundraiser, how do you help child needing eyeglasses? If you fail to have a fundraiser, who will replace you in awarding scholarships? If you fail to serve your community, will your community fail to support you? The

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list of if you could continue. But now, you should be grasping the obvious.

What is the obvious?

We need those Lions leaders in a club to step up. We need leaders to literally roll up their sleeves, and start the ball rolling. Because if we

fail to meet and serve our communities, we will fail.

I will end this month’s dribble with a quote from Henry Ford, “Whether you think you can or whether you think you can’t, you’re right.”

-PDG Larry McGuirre

Campaign 100: We Keep Getting Closer, Let’s Add a Legacy of Love Humanitarian Service by Lions Clubs International Foundation.

With this campaign, along with Sightfirst I and II, the love and caring of Lions has spread around the globe. Most recently to our friends in the south central Midwest.

2022 Is The Home Stretch for Campaign 100.

As we roll into 2022, we head down the home stretch for Campaign 100: LCIF Empowering Service, the greatest effort for

Recent International total is close to 81% of our 300 million dollar goal. In the next few months, please think LCIF more than usual, as our charitable arm grows to help individuals around the world. One person helping another a million times over is an incredible feat. You are that one person. Join your fellow Lions in responding and

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meeting the humanitarian need all around us.

1-F: Lion PDG Molly Penny (847) 707-8646 pennys246@comcast.net Simply get in touch with 1-G: Lion Jerry Eiffert, C: (217) lionsclubs.org/en/donate. You can 854-7909 jeiff@frontiernet.net also TEXT LCIF 243-725.

Or 1-H: Lion Al Henning, C: (309) contacting your district 333-5274 allenhenning@ymail.com Chairperson: 1-J: Lion Ed Carter, PDG, C: 630-330-1341 edward0022@att.net 1-A: Lion PDG Joan McMillan, 1-M: Lion Kevin Mendenhall, R: (708) 389-590, C: (708) 539-3297 PDG, R: (618) 553-1776 govjonimac@gmail.com kmendy1@yahoo,com 1-BK: Lion PDG Sue Wolf (815) MD1 Lion ID Robert Block 474-5474 swolf13333@gmail.com Multiple District Chairman (219)1-CN: Lion PDG Ann Ragsdale 671-0287 lionbobblock@gmail.com (618) 719-5177 MD1 Lion PDG William Jordan dgann1617@yahoo.com Co-MDC (847) 436-6850 1-CS: Lion Ruben Owen, PDG, lionbillzc@yahoo.com C: (618) 317-5106 MD 1 Lion PDG Ann Ragsdale rso1119@hotmail.com (see above) 1-D: Lion PCC Pamela Graney A Happy and Caring and R: (815) 397-7298, C: (815) 378-0348 Sharing 2022 to all of you. pgraney54@comcast.net --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Obituaries:

Leo H. Snyder, Jr, age 81, of Huntley, passed away Saturday, December 25, 2021, at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington with his loving family by his side.

He was born October 23, 1940, in St. Charles, the son of Leo and Pauline (Heinz) Snyder Sr. Leo was a pillar of the community who had an enormous heart to help those people that were in need of anything.

A loving father, compassionate grandfather, wonderful great grandfather, and a dear friend to many people. He loved to help people in any area of

their lives whether it be the small things like providing a ride when our cars broke down all the way up to setting up fundraisers to help with devastating tragedies. Leo was also a long-time member of the South Elgin Lion’s Club and the Past District Governor of 1J. He will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his children Sue Byrd of North Brook, Jeff of DeKalb, Jayme Owens of Nebraska, Kim (Geske) Snyder of Hampshire, Carol (Gary) Snyder Cutkosky of Georgia; and Mark (Lisa) Snyder of Aurora; 18 grand children; 31 great grandchildren; siblings Lois (Richard) Carmack, James, and Paulette Cochran; dearest friend Bonnie Bradbury; and many other dear relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandchildren Brian Owens and Samantha Snyder, siblings Lorraine and Raymond, and wife Nancy who passed away in 2010.

May his sould Rest in Peace.

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Charles E. “Chuck” Meyer, 83, of Coal Valley, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, in UnityPoint Health – Trinity Rock Island, after a fall at his home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.

Charles Earl Meyer was born December 4, 1938, in Peoria, Illinois, to Earl and Mildred (Maston) Meyer.

He graduated from Kingsford, Michigan High School, and married Coral Dibble Bowles on April 28, 1973, in Canton, Illinois. She died September 1, 2014. He was employed at Eagle Food Warehouse in Milan for 40 years. He was very active in the Lions Club, serving as District Governor in 1991-1992, was president of the Coal Valley Lions

Club several times, and wrote the District Newsletter for several years.

He served as Coal Valley Township Clerk and on the Coal Valley Cemetery Board, and was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Coal Valley. Chuck enjoyed crossword and logic puzzles, reading, and his computer, and especially loved being with people.

Chuck is survived by siblings, Jim Batterton, Gale Batterton, Margaret Chilcote, and Lois Elledge; numerous nieces and nephews and their children; a daughter Shelly and her family; daughters, Rebecca Abbott and her husband Charles, and Jennifer Bowles; a grandson, Matthew Abbott; and a sister-in-law and friend, Elnor Simmons. He was preceded in death by his wife, Coral; his father, Earl Meyer; his mother and stepfather, Mildred and William Batterton; and siblings, Glenn Batterton, Dale Batterton, and Kathleen Steckler.

Chuck’s family invites friends to share stories and condolences at Trimble funeral home.com.

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Gordon J. Grande, 89, of Freeport, Illinois, a veteran of the Korean Conflict and a long time school administrator passed away at 5:50 p.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 in Manor Court in Freeport, Illinois.

Mr. Grande was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin on February 6, 1932 to Arthur H. and Myrtle J. (Jorgenson) Grande. He attended elementary schools in Milwaukee through the fifth grade after which his family moved to Forreston, Illinois in 1943 where he graduated from high school in 1950. He then attended Northern Illinois State Teacher's College in DeKalb and was awarded a Bachelor's Degree in Education with a major in social science and a minor in mathematics.

After graduation, he was united in marriage to Carol J. Woessner of Shannon, Illinois. Following his basic training in the Marine Corps at Quantico, Virginia, Carol joined him in Alexandria, Virginia while he attended officer's training. They then reported to Camp Pendleton in California.

Following his four year stint in the Marine Corps, he accepted a teaching position in the Pearl City School System. After two years, he was promoted to the position of high school principal. While in Pearl City, he was active in the Lions Club, Masonic Lodge, attended the Bethel United Methodist Church in Shannon, and completed the requirements for a Master's Degree in School Administration at Western Illinois University.

In 1963, he accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools in the Durand School District, a position he held for 24 years retiring from school administration in 1987. He then recruited for the Morrison Institute of Technology in Morrison,

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Illinois until retiring in 1996.

While in Durand, Mr. Grande was active in the community and was named Citizen of the Year in 1979.

Gordon was a member of the Durand United Methodist Church and participated in the church choir for more than twenty years. He was a 61 YEAR LIFE MEMBER OF THE Masonic Lodge and was also a member of the American Legion since 1993. In 1973 he was instrumental in organizing a Lions Club in Durand and served as its charter president and served as a 100% President again in 1998. Since assisting in the organization of the club, he has achieved 53 years of perfect attendance.

In 1986-1987 Gordon served the District with distinction as a 100% District Governor.

He also represented District 1-D for four years as a Trustee of the Loins of Illinois Foundation.

Mr. Grande was proud of the people of Durand for their continual support of the school system.

During his twenty-four year tenure, the school never lost a school tax referendum or a school building referendum.

Gordon felt that the most enjoyable years of his life were the times his family spent camping with the Bill McCorkle, Ken Krienke and Don Waller families. There were no telephones, no knocks on the door or problems that needed immediate attention.

Surviving are his three sons: Brian (Linda Emerson) of Durand; Kevin of Freeport; Allen (Shannon Nelson) of Madison, WI; grandson Adam of Durand; one brother LeRoy of Rockford, IL; sister in law Mary of Racine, WI and numerous nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his wife Carol, his parents, infant twin brother Clifford Lee and his brother Arthur.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 7, 2022 at Durand United Methodist Church with Pastor Brenda Byrne officiating.

Burial will be in Chapel Hill

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Cemetery in Freeport, IL. A visitation will be held at McCorkle Funeral Home - Durand Chapel 101 W Main St Durand, IL from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday.

In accord with Mr. Grande's wishes, any memorial money will be given to the Durand Lions Club to be used only for community projects.

To view additional details about Gordon's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/g ordon-grande.

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DISTRICT 1A CHRISTMAS PARTY 2021

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SOME 1A LIONS GATHERED AT RC

BRENDA STEVEN’S RESIDENCE:

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DISTRICT 1A ON CHANNEL 9 WGN: Collected items to donate victims in Kentucky and Illinois.

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Pres Joe, Sean, Jerome & Ed met at the Community Center to do our (now) Annual Tree Decorating (note in the last picture Lion Kathleen got a little wound up in our task). The tree turned out, in the pole taken informally that morning, BEAUTIFUL – and worthy of your votes. I’ll try to let you know when the on-line voting begins.

Sycamore: Saturday morning Lions Kathleen, Kathy, John T., Kim, Tony,

In the evening, many Lions and their special guests enjoyed our Traditional Sorento’s Christmas Party. A new feature this year, the costume award (the last few years

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only Lion Joe was involved). Pictured you will see participants; Pres Joe (sorry the flashing twinkle lights don’t show well), Heather, Santa Christensen (with “Rum Belly”), Mrs. (Jane) Grinch & Grinch Genz. Those 2 on the right walked away with the honors. And, lest we forget, Lion Bickner went home with the Fruit & Nut Basket (a tradition since 1982) provided by Lion John & Linda Toles.

Glad to see so many of you this weekend. Get that first weekend in December, 2022 reserved. It always is a fun weekend.

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Saturday, December 4th, at the first gift wrapping event for the Goodfellows 2021 season, the Sycamore Lions Charities presented the Goodfellows with a

$1500 donation. For a second year, the Goodfellows were unable to adequately plan for their normal largest fundraiser party – yet the need continues to expand. With the additional needs and the limitations for fundraising due to the pandemic, the DeKalb/Sycamore Goodfellows would ask, if you are able, to make a donation to their cause, providing clothing, shoes and boots to those in need during the Christmas season. You can make your donation by mailing your donation to: Goodfellows Dekalb/Sycamore, c/o Law Office of Riley Oncken, 212 S. Main St, Sycamore, IL 60178.

Pictured are: Goodfellow Riley Oncken, Lions Joe Woodward & Pete Springmire, Goodfellows Sandy Lancaster, Joel Barczak, Jason Weilbaker, & Elizabeth Williams with infant.

--------------------------------------Kudos (in rear) and Koda visited Highland Lions Club’s meeting on November 23, 2021. Their raisers, Marcia Benard and Sue Ellen Choate, gave a presentation on

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guide dogs and service dogs.

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Several members joined in the Morrison Christmas Walk. Pictured is Lion (Darlene Smith) perched in the convertible. Left to right is Martha Kophamer, Jim Blakemore, Keith Hamstra and Bob Countryman.

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Morrison Lions members donate caps, mittens, and scarves. This year the collection was delivered to the elementary schools for school nurses or teachers to distribute to children who may not have the warm items or to some who have forgotten or lost them. Pictured with the colorful display is left Darlene Smith and right Flora Stralow.

Let's call it "The Lion Gets to Ride" –

On Wednesday 12/8/21 Marion

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Lions Club hosted 68 Students and 26 Teachers to a Christmas Party.

Santa visited and provided each Student with a gift. This was our 51st year hosting (last year we provided the gifts to the students but could not host an in-person event). We offer special thanks to Santa for stopping by, to Fazoli’s and Pepsi MidAmerica for the lunch and to Heartland Christian Church for providing the room and helping Santa’s Elves in wrapping each gift.

--------------------------------------The Darien Lions hosted a kids Halloween Party on 10/31 . Over 650 children were treated to free ice

skating, games , prizes lots of Candy and ice cream , and a special magic show --------------------------------------Chester Lion Ann McGuire is shown helping State GLT chairperson Larry

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the club members are shown lining up to.

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McGuire assemble training manuals for the upcoming GETS/VGETS school.

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Dixon Noon Lion Tom Halla (left) lectured on home wine making and tasting at regular club meetings in November and December. Some of

Don’t throw that old and broken string of Christmas Tree Lights in the garbage, recycle them. The Genoa Lions are collecting your old, used, burned out, or extra Christmas Tree light strings again this season.

Look for the red cans, adorned with Christmas lights and Lions Club logos, starting the third week of November through the end of the

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year. The cans can be found at Drew Kuhn’s Christmas Tree stand in front of the Masonic Temple in Genoa and at Tobinson’s Ace Hardware, and Genoa City Hall on 2nd street.

The Genoa Lions thank these establishments for their continued support of this program. Genoa Lions Chad Pacey and Todd Merritt are in charge of this initiative and can be reached at GenoaIlLions@gmail.com.

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The Genoa Lions have donated $360 to the Genoa Area Community Food Hub a program of the DeKalb

County Community Gardens. The “Big” check was presented to Ms. Haleigh Hunger of the Hub on Monday (11/22) by lion Vice President Ron Sheahan and Lion Treasurer Todd Merritt. Volunteers were preparing to distribute food and other necessary consumables to residents experiencing food insecurity, often due to the adverse impact of Covid-19. The remodeled Hub opened in 2019 and the Genoa Lions wanted to support and serve the Genoa area residents.

Please contact Haleigh H. at (815) 761-7313 if you want to donate time or money to this vital cause.

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On Saturday December 4th from 5

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to 7 the Polo Lions Club held a Christmas dinner fundraiser. The menu was ham, baked potato, green beans, macaroni salad, roll and for dessert a cookie. There was no set price it was donation only.

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enjoyed by the seniors in Capron Lions community.

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Capron Lions President Art Vermett presented Lion Ray Johnson with the Melvin Jones Award.

Ray Johnson has gone above and beyond to serve both our club and the community. Congratulations Ray --------------------------------------Senior Gather Holiday Meal A Holiday meal and Bingo was

Congratulations to Kirkland Lions Shannon and Chris Mitchell who have a new baby girl, Sloane Ellory Mitchell. We all look forward to seeing her at our varied Lions events in the future.

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The Kirkland Lions Halloween costume contest was a huge success. We are very appreciative of our Chairman, Lion David Block, for organizing and making the event possible. Lion Jim Woodward and newest member, Lion Joe McClintock, served as Judges. Lion Rich Wince led each group of participants around in his Lion costume. This was our first ever outdoor event. We were thankful for the nice weather and all participants who came out with their friends and families.

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Our November meeting was held in our Kirkland Lions Hall with a nice meal catered by HyVee. Our guest speaker for our meeting was our newly inducted member, Lion Joe McClintock. Lion Joe gave a very informative talk about home solar energy installation, costs, pros cons, and savings provided by government clean energy programs. Thanks Lion Joe! ---------------------------------------

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Elgin ROPE Holiday Event. The Elgin Police Department hosted their Resident Officer Program of Elgin (ROPE) Holiday Neighborhood Tour on Tuesday, December 14.

Lions Club Members traveled with Santa and officers to visit families in the community.

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Salvation Army’s All-Volunteer Day On Saturday, December 11, Schaumburg Hoffman Estates Lions Club Members participated in the Salvation Army’s All-Volunteer Day at the Jewel-Osco in Schaumburg. Our club raised just under $2,000 with onsite and online donations. Thank you to all who volunteered!

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Adopt a Senior Program: On Thursday, December 9 Lion JoAnne delivered Schaumburg Hoffman Estates Lions Club's donations to the Schaumburg Township "Adopt a Senior" program. We sponsored 10 seniors, purchasing every item on their wish lists, plus a few extra treats to let them know how much we appreciate them!

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PADS

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of

Elgin Food Serving

On Sunday, November 28 Elgin Lions Club Members prepared burgers, mac & cheese, baked beans and desserts!

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Basket Brigade Lions Club Members volunteered to pack the Thanksgiving Food baskets and delivered baskets to local families.

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purchased 20 coats in various sizes from a department store that offered a generous discount for the Schaumburg Township Coats for Kids Project.

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This year's Trivia for a Cause was hosted at new location at the St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Schaumburg. Approximately 70 people attended. All enjoyed this great event co-hosted with the Schaumburg AM Rotary Club.

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Coats for Kids Project: Lion Mary Jo 33 The Illinois Lion & Leo

The Pike County LEO Club has had a busy year serving in the community . In early May, the LEOs spent two afternoons preparing, flower plots, and planting flowers at a local nursing home. They planted flowers in multiple flowerpots on their patio, planted Hosta’s along the side of the building where the patio is located, and planted perennials around the patio and in the front entrance. The LEOs maintained the flowers throughout the summer.

The LEOs helped Pittsfield's "Picture

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different times than there were local volunteers! They painted 22 picnic tables, a merry go round, climbing geo-dome, and swing sets at the park. This included lots of sanding and preparing the wood and the metal prior to painting.

Pittsfield" organization spruce up the tables and playground equipment at Pittsfield's King Pool and Park area. There were actually more LEOs who helped at two

The LEOs decorated a golf cart for the annual Halloween Golf Cart parade held in Pittsfield on October 30, 2021. The LEOs designed their own theme entitled "Being a LEO is like being a deck of cards and the jokers are always wild?" LEO Phoenix Bacon dressed up as the Joker. The club earned money

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through their nacho/cheese/pretzel

stand during the Pittsfield Fall Festival to help purchase candy to throw out to the children at the parade. They also helped the Pittsfield Lions club with the kids

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Laynie Hart, Brett Ator, Rynleigh Priest, and Ethen Allen.

--------------------------------------The third Council of Governors meeting was held December 4th in Springfield, IL. The meeting began with a prayer given by State Chaplain DG Shelia Perkins.

Rides.

In December the2022 Pike County LEO club officers were installed.

They are treasurer-Mariah Thomas, President-Ethan Darnell, VicePresident-Vinny Olson, and Secretary-Molly Springer.

Four new club members joined:

Among the many speakers that morning was International Director Bob Block. ID Bob spoke on how

International is rebranding itself, the International Convention scheduled to be held in Montreal, and

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congratulated the State for its positive growth in membership.

There were 6 entries in the State Peace Poster Contest. The winning poster came from District 1-J and was entered by the Barlett Lions Club. Maahi Shah from Barlett Elementary School was the artist.

The entry moves on to the next level of competition.

The evening prior to the council meeting the Governors and other

Lions got to relax and enjoy the Holiday Hospitality room. Lions got the chance to act out items associated with the season by playing charades. An ornament exchange along with great food and fellowship filled the evening with holiday joy.

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The Bonfield Lions held their annual Christmas Party Fundraiser.

Attendees bring wrapped gifts which are auctioned off at the party.

The funds raised benefit local charities.

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The Braidwood Lions annual ‘Storytime with Santa’ was a huge success. Many families came out to visit with Santa, listened as he read Christmas stories, and have some pictures taken all to support their playground equipment fundraising effort.

The Crete Lions made donations to Alicia's House, Angels on Assignment, and the Crete Public Library District.

Making the presentations was President Michael Hakenjos.

DG Shelia presented his 45 years of service Chevron to Lion Ray Meredith.

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Members of the Frankfort Lions, PDG Sue Wolf, Lion Ray Schmitz, along with Lion Keith Ogle (Mayor of Frankfort) and his wife Lion Kim, help Frosty, Rudolph and Santa at the Frankfort Park District’s Polar Express.

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The Frankfort Lions deliver food baskets to 27 families in December.

--------------------------------------The Frankfort Club hosted a dinner meeting for members from the Frankfort Oasis Organization.

OASIS for the Visually Impaired, is a Christian non-profit, all volunteer

organization serving adults who are blind and visually impaired.

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Members of the Joliet Noon Lions brought new toys to their Noon meetings. 28 toys were collected

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and taken to Joliet Tire & Auto as the club’s participation in the annual Toys for Tots Campaign. Lion Bobbi and PDG John Joseph Honiotes made the delivery of toys.

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their way of saying thank you for making their luncheon meetings a pleasant experience.

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The Joliet Noon Club has been meeting at the Silver Spoon Restaurant in Joliet since August.

Their weekly waitress, Alicia, is expecting her second child in January.

Members brought packages of newborn diapers which were given to her at the December 9th meeting.

President Phil Martinez made the presentation.

The following week Alicia surprised the members by giving each one an $8.00 restaurant gift certificate to say ‘thank you’ for the diaper donation. At that same meeting the members ‘passed the hat’ and presented Alicia with $180.00 as 41 The Illinois Lion & Leo

The Joliet Noon Lions participated in the annual ‘Wreaths Across America’ in which wreaths are placed at the headstones of their 7 veterans at Abraham Lincoln Cemetary. Two of the volunteers laying wreaths sent photos back to the club.

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PDG John Joseph Honiotes had the honor of presenting Milestone Chevron Awards to Lion Pat Kaveney,15 years, Lion Isabell Camillo, 10 years, and to Lion Bill Drilling in recognition of his 50 years of service as a member of Lions International.

--------------------------------------The Lemont Lions honored member Lion Tom Drez in presenting him with an International Life Membership certificate. Lion Tom is IT Chair for the State and

District 1-BK. Presenting the honor was IPP John Goushas. During December, the Lemont Lions welcomed two new members, delivered poinsettias to 6 area Nursing Homes and Rehab Centers, and placed memorial plagues at the base of the trees in the Lions Grove section of one of the Lemont Parks to honor their recently departed members.

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Following their December meeting, members of the Mokena Lions headed downtown to partake in their annual tradition of decorating a tree.

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Theater. Santa and his helpers were there to hear the kids tell their Christmas wishes. The Onarga Lions made up special goody bags for each kid attending.

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Morris Lion Paul Weitz is one of the volunteers helping the Salvation Army during the holiday season.

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The Onarga Lions Club participated in bringing ‘Santa’s Winter Wonderland’ to the Onarga 45 The Illinois Lion & Leo

fundraiser.

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Streator Hardscrabble Lion Ben Hiltabrand, his son, and volunteer Tanner took their turn in ringing the bells for the Salvation Army -------------------------------------Shabbona Lions conduct their December Draw-Down Raffle

Westmont Lions Club had Dr. Dallas give a presentation on diabetes for World Diabetes Day. Screening for blood sugar levels was also done.

--------------------------------------Sandwich Lion PDG Nancy Rex (left) presented Matthew Frantzen with a plaque honoring his late father Lion James Frantzen as a Lions of Illinois Foundation Fellow.

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Thank you to all the Geneva Leos at Geneva High School for helping out with the Pancake Breakfast with Santa. What a great fun group of kids!

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Maple Park Lions handed out goody bags to children at the Ho Ho Ho To Go visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus on Main Street ---------------------------------------

The Itasca Lions volunteered at the DuPage County Toys For Tots Sorting Facility in early December.

Their task was to empty a 55’ trailer of toys and sort the collected toys.

“What a great service project!” they say.

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Bloomingdale Lions celebrated its 60th anniversary of the club with a Holiday Party planned by Lions Camille, Karen, and Sharyn. The 47 The Illinois Lion & Leo

program & wonderful meal ended with an anniversary cake.

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Bartlett Lions Club had several entries for the Peace Poster Contest from two schools in the area. The winners, along with their families, teachers, and administrators were honored at a recent club meeting. The winning students received a $100 check and a certificate. The facility was also given a certificate of appreciation. (l to r) Bartlett Elem. School Principal Mr. Signatur, Art Teacher Shaine Lemvig, winner Maahi Shah, Peace Poster Chairperson Lion Cheryl Lemvig, President & Zone Chair Lion Andy Watson, Eastview Jr. High winner Liesel Pedro, Art Teacher Rachael Patterson, Fine Arts Administrator of School District U46 Jaime Giraldo.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------was a roaring success. Chairman of the event, Lion Jim Zambon, reported the club netted $9,886.80 from the event. Approximately 75 Lions & guests attended the raffle.

There were two big winners of $5,000 each.

--------------------------------------Crystal Lake Lions Club's Annual Sycamore Lions Club donated Fall Raffle at D'Andrea's Banquets funds to purchase an airway training 48 The Illinois Lion & Leo

manikin to help Sycamore Fire Department EMTs learn how to intubate patients. It was donated in memory of Sycamore Lion Gene Listy who was a firefighter for over 50 years and a member of Lions for 20 years.

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New Lions in the Malta Lions Club again!! (l to r) Malta Lions President Larry Fullington, Sponsor Lion Vicke Heins, New Malta Lions Annie & Steve Alfer, Sponsor Lion Denny Heins and 2nd Vice President Lion Annette Meares.

--------------------------------------Elgin Lions Northern Illinois Food

Bank ready to serve the needy.

Naperville Noon Lions 5K Turkey Trot was back in person after a year off due to COVID-19. This Naperville family tradition attracted 5,435 registered runners on a cloudy and cool Thanksgiving morning.

Runners came from 42 states and as far away as Germany, Italy and Hawaii. For those that take running seriously, the fastest male time was 14 min 45 sec and the fastest female time was 16 min 53 sec. Ninety percent of the runners were from Illinois, and of those, 54% where

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from Naperville. The oldest runner was 91 years old.

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New Crystal Lake Lion Chris Morgan (c) and Sponsor Lion Norm Vinton (l). Lion John Landon, PCC (r) did the honors of inducting the new members.

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New Crystal Lake Lion Tony Colatorti (r) and Sponsor Lion Kevin Byrnes (l).

Aurora Noon Lions Club awards $500 to the Salvation Army Corps on November 18th. (l to r) Aurora Salvation Army Capt. Gabriella Rangel, Capt. Joaquin Rangel, and Aurora Lions Club President Lion Arvid Meyer. The Rangels briefed Lions on Aurora Salvation Army activities after the meeting.

The 3rd and last new Crystal Lake Lion, Rob Cruise (r) with his Sponsor, Lion Derek Benton (l).

--------------------------------------Bartlett Lions Club inducted three new members at its November 2021 General Meeting. Lions Jo-Ann and Jim Caliendo are returning transfers from another Lions Club and Allan

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Costello is a former Bartlett Lion who is re-joining. (l to r) New Lion Jo-Ann Calendo, Sponsor Lion Leslie Anderle, Lion Jim Caliendo, PDG Lion John Hilliard, Club Secretary & Zone Chair Lion Joanne Watson, Lion Allan Costello, and President & Zone Chair Lion Andy Watson.

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A new Carillon Lions Club Eyeglasses collection box has been added at Jewel. The Clubhouse also has another collection box along with 3-4 others located in various communities.

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Picture caption: Sycamore Lion President Joe Woodward proudly showing the Clubs People’s Choice Award Plaque from the Park Districts Holiday Community Tree Decorating Contest. The Lions beat out ten other Park District Partnering Service Groups to win this competition. Lion Joe is 51 The Illinois Lion & Leo

standing proudly in front of the Scouts, City of Sycamore, Sycamore clubs winning display at the Rotaract, Sycamore Rotary, Community Centers’s Patio. Other Sycamore Kiwanis, Family Services participating organizations were Agency of Dekalb county, Santa’s Sycamore Library, Kishwaukee Tree- Gnome Tree and Sycamore Special Recreation Association, Girl Park District.

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Congrats Lions for winning the LEISHMAN PUBLIC SPIRIT AWARD for Most outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial participant! @RoseParade @LionsFloat 52 The Illinois Lion & Leo