MD1 State e-Magazine, April, 2016

The Illinois Lion, Lioness, Leo MD1 e-Magazine (Lite) Vol. 3 - Issue 11, April 2016

42 CHILDREN ENJOYED 2016 TAMPICO LIONS EASTER EGG WALK WITH OVER $200 IN PRIZE MONEY AND CANDY.

LIONS IN ACTION IN MD1 Chicago Jose Rizal Lions Club Inducted 12 New Members in March,2016

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Springfield, register for the convention and enjoy everything that is planned for you.

From Council Chair:

Well, Lion Gail and I have returned home from the latest convention, emptied the luggage, changed out the clothes and repacked for our next convention. We hope to see you there.

Thank you for your service to Lionism, Lion Steve Anton Council Chairman santonlions@comcast.net

It’s Convention Season in MD-1 and the Lions of Illinois know what that means, living in hotels every weekend as we visit each other’s conventions. The districts all host a convention but each one is unique upon itself. All the districts do the business of the district by electing their officers for 20162017 and voting on resolutions.

Editorial: MD1 CONVENTION IN MAY Many districts in MD1 already completed their conventions and getting ready to bringing the new Lionistic Year in their districts.

They present a variety of seminars such as Leader Dog, Eye Health, Social Media, LCIF, LIF, Canine Companions and many other interesting topics.

There are usually information tables where the Lions can pick up information for upcoming events such as the USA/Canada Forum, 2017 International Convention, the Mid Year Forum and the MD-1 State Convention.

We elected our new officers for 2016-2017 – the year of Centennial Celebrations for Lions all over the world.

All Lions in MD1 also set their eyes on State Convention next month in Springfield. On May 20th to 23rd Lions will fill the rooms and banquet halls of the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center roaring. Fun and frolic, fellowship and camaraderie, hugs and kisses, food and cheers will fill this hotel with music and dance. Biggest attraction of this convention will be Chancellor Bob Corlew and his lovely wife Diane Corlew coming to Springfield to grace our occasion. He will be the incoming president for our International Organization – Lions Clubs International.

There are long hours put in by a great number of Lions to make those conventions as enjoyable and beneficial as possible. Please take the time to register for as many as you can and come out to show your support for your district and for your fellow Lions.

Our MD-1 State Convention is going to be held at the Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois in mid May. There is more detailed information inside this magazine. Our guest speaker this year will be the incoming President of Lions Clubs International, Chancellor Bob Corlew and his wife Lion Dianne.

What are we waiting for? Come on Lions, Lionesses and Leos of MD1 – register to this convention in huge numbers and make it a great convention to show our support to our own candidate for International Vice President in 2018 – PID Bud Wahl.

PID Bud and Lion Jama worked hard for Lionism in the past years for MD1 and they are still very active like shining stars on lionistic skies.

Your Convention Chairperson, Lion Sharon Peska and her committee are working hard to make this convention an enjoyable experience for all of the Lions. The best way to thank Lion Sharon and her committee for all of their hard work is to come to

Come and attend this MD1convention; bring your own camera to take a picture with Chancellor Bob 2

and Diane Corlew or let me know when you are with him. I will click a picture and place on facebook for you. Council Chair is encouraging all of you to attend this convention and make the efforts of Convention Chair Sharon Peska’s various events a successful one. Come and see MD1 Convention Circus. Four meal package is only $66 per person and the hotel rate per day is $99 plus tax.

To tell a little about myself, Vickie and I have four children, five grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. We live in a small town on the Kaskaskia River in southern Illinois, New Athens. I am a Lion, 1-CS Birdies Coordinator, District Convention Fund Raiser and incoming president of the New Athens Club. I am a retired 42 year railroad Conductor/Switch foreman, a Mason and Shriner, I belong to the Village of New Athens' Zoning board, a member of the board of directors of the New Athens Home for the Aged and sit on St. John's UCC Church Council. I am looking forward to slowing down.

I will be waiting for you to click your photograph at the convention.

-PDG Austin D’Souza, Your e-Magazine Editor ILStateEditor@gmail.com A SPOUSE SPEAKS…..

Since I have been associated with the spouses I have been impressed with all of the ladies, especially the Duffels for Dignity project. What a great project and a great cause. The ladies have done a wonderful job putting it all together. Many children have benefited from their efforts. Many more will also benefit.

I wish the incoming spouses the best. I hope if they don't pick up our project, they create one and are as successful as ours has been. I wish the best to all our Illinois Lions and thanks for your support.

A SPOUSE SPEAKES Hello, my name is Lion Jerry Luter.

District Governor Vickie Luter of 1-CS, only male the Governors am the (HOG) the I've had a with that has been year with going on attention It has and for the most part fun.

Lion Jerry HOG (Husband of Governor) District 1-CS mvmeyers@hotmail.com

THE DUFFELS FOR DIGNITY PROJECT CONTINUES TO PROSPER!

My wife is I, being the member of Council of Spouses; I council husband of governor. lot of fun this year. It a whirlwind something or needing every day. been busy

CASA of McHenry County presentation that DG Lion Bob and First Lady Pam Palmer made on March 1st. Pictured with them is Executive Director Kelly Pokharel. 40 duffel bags of assorted sizes, blankets, books, and Beanie Babies were presented.

They were simply delighted and 3

LCI provides great tools to assist clubs. This tenpage document is filled with ways for clubs to plan for success.

This guide suggests four areas for clubs to consider.

1.

2.

3.

4.

Assessing your club’s status Establishing your goals Developing your blueprint Putting your blueprint into action

In this article we are going to consider developing your club’s blueprint, which is found on page 3 of the document. expressed how great their needs are for these types of items. (Picture above)

Following the assessing of your club’s status and establishing and prioritizing club goals, the next step is developing the club’s blueprint.

As noted on page 3, this is essentially outlining the steps to be taken to achieve the club goals. To simplify this process, LCI provides a Planning Process Worksheet for each of your goals. This helps to clarify the tasks, identify possible obstacles, consider potential solutions, and locate needed resources. Once completed, the club is ready to develop your plan.

Your Blueprint for a Stronger Club will put each goal into specific actionable steps. In addition, it will outline what goal is being pursued (goal statement), how it will be achieved (action steps), when each step will be completed, who will be responsible for the step, and how the club determines when each step has been completed.

The Action Plan Worksheet is an additional tool that can be used to develop a plan to achieve each goal. Together, the plans for each goal comprise your Blueprint for a Stronger Club.

First Lady Marsha Hamilton from District 1G presenting a check from the "Duffels for Dignity" Spouse's Project to Jeff Rasche from the Chaddock School located in Quincy IL. Melvin Jones went to this school in the late 1800's when it was known as Chaddock College. It was renamed the Chaddock School, which now helps troubled children from all over the United States.

-Lion Gail Anton

In addition to your club members themselves, LCI offers a variety of resources and tools to assist as your club moves forward to ASSESS your club’s status, ESTABLISH GOALS, and DEVELOP YOUR BLUEPRINT FOR A STRONGER CLUB. By going to www.lionsclubs.org and using the search box, your club members can find the Blueprint for a Stronger Club Planning Process Worksheet and the Action Plan Worksheet in addition to other resources

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP CORNER: Jama Wahl This is the fourth in a series of articles based on Blueprint for Club Success (DA-STPBG EN 5/15).

This document is available to download from the LCI website.

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available through the Club Quality Initiative and the Leadership Resource Center.

The second question about it being interesting could apply to both children and adults. If something is assumed to be boring beforehand it could become difficult to get participants. The same applies to club meetings. One way to help raise interest in club meetings is to have guest speakers who will have interesting topics. One place to look for such speakers is to review the list of organizations to which your club makes donations. Request that those groups provide you a speaker to explain the details of what they do. Good timing could be achieved if that speaker were to make a presentation to your club and then receive your donation at the close of that presentation. Be sure to take a few photos of the check presentation. These photos, with caption, should then be submitted to your local newspapers so your community knows what you are doing. Add the photos to your website and/or Facebook page.

The tools to support strong club growth, leadership, and service are available. Let’s use them!

-Lion

Jama

Wahl,

MD1

GLT

Chairperson

jamawahl@yahoo.com

GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP CORNER: Is It Fun? Is It Interesting?

These are two questions that could evoke many responses.

The first question is one that could be asked by a small child wondering if some newly proposed activity might be fun. After all, what’s the point of doing something if it’s not fun? In last month’s article I mentioned that I might offer some suggestions about “fun” Tail Twisting in this month’s article. I have attended club meetings where the Tail Twister went from member to member collecting 50 cents or a dollar from each and that was it. I have witnessed other Twisters offering raffle tickets for an undisclosed item. The drawing would be made at the end of the meeting with the prize being revealed only at that time.

Other suggestions include local government officials. Don’t invite them during the election campaign season. You want them to talk about what their office does, not to toss their “talking points” at you. Is your local library doing any new and exciting things via traditional methods or online?

What is your school board hoping to accomplish with increasingly limited funds? Does your sheriff or police chief have any cautions to offer as you go through your daily life? Could your park district or county forest preserve district remind everyone of all of the facilities and programs that they offer?

What social services are offered by your town or county to those truly in need? I think you get the point. Check your phone book, if you still use one, and determine which agencies could provide speakers that should be interesting. When any such speakers are scheduled be sure that your members invite some of their friends to attend to hear the speakers. It could become a recruiting tool.

How about some Tail Twisting variations? I conducted three that were themed. The prize was encased in an appropriately sized box that was covered in plain brown paper and no markings. Members could look at the box and test it for weight, but NO shaking. Theme 1: Washington’s Birthday.

The box’s content: 1 box of pie crust mix and 1 can of cherry pie filling. Theme 2: Spring has arrived.

The box’s content: a mix of flower and vegetable seed packets. Theme 3: Christopher Columbus Special. The box’s content: a one pound box of spaghetti and a jar of spaghetti sauce. Once the winner had been determined after the drawing, that member became the center of attention as everyone wanted to know what the prize was. Using your imagination should enable you to come up with even more ideas. Keep Tail Twisting fun.

Don’t forget that the Tail Twister should also be a greeter by making guests feels at home.

If your meetings are fun and interesting, your members will want to attend as many as possible.

It will also be easier for your members to extend invitations to non-members. That’s a potential win-win. That sounds good to me.

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Lion Paul Gergolla, PDG MD-1 GMT Coordinator Phone: 630-858-8073 Email: lionpg1@aol.com

risk. Another topic discussed was togo bags or ready bags. This is a bag easy to retrieve and carry that has your needs in it in case you have to leave in a hurry. If you already have a bag set up, keep it up to date.

An important part of the plan in Algonquin is the involvement of the towns Public Works Dept. Go to www.ipwman.org to learn about 100’s of Public Works Depts. forming a network to help each other out. Did you know there was such a thing? Check with your town, that may be a way for your club to get involved.

Remember, keeping your plan a secret is not doing anybody any favors. It might be your plan that inspires clubs to step up and become ALERT. Next month we will learn about a group of clubs working together to benefit their area.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or just ask questions.

A question never asked remains one unanswered.

State Alert Corner: Greetings April Readers of 2016: In March everyone took steps to move their clocks forward because that is what we do this time of year. Did you do the next step to go along with that? Change your smoke detector batteries or at least make sure the detector works. I hope so, so your family can stay safe.

This time of year we welcome the warm weather but not what comes with it sometimes. Depending on where you live, the severity of storms can be challenging. Most towns and cities help us prepare for severe storms with sirens. Does your area test these sirens on a weekly basis? If yours does, it usually happens on a certain day and at a certain time. After a while it becomes white noise just as if you lived by a fire department. Now when that siren goes off at 8:00 pm on a Friday night, you better know what it means.

The sirens cannot always be heard indoors so there are a few other ways to Alert you. When the tv is on and we are watching our favorite show, severe storm warnings and watches scroll across our sets.

These warnings usually cover a huge area to reach a smaller one of those effected to save lives. Cell phones will often go off making noise and when we check them, you will find an alert on them.

Another option for you is to get a weather radio.

For some people this will be the only way to notify them of something heading their way.

The whole point of informing you about the ALERT program is to get people to do something about it.

I was fortunate to attend the Algonquin Lions Club in the middle of March and learn about their program they have been working on. In their area, they have a water issue in cases of high rains. The town has a plan in place to react but cannot do it alone. That Algonquin Lions will assist to fill the void. One action would be knocking on people’s doors to make sure they are aware of the potential

-Lion Jim Kiser State Alert Chair LionJImKiser@gmail.com 630-660-7944

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) PID Bud Wahl MD-1 LCIF Chair Our multiple district goal this Lions year for LCIF is 50% club participation and $185,000 in donations. As of the end of February, we have 118 clubs with a total of $61,752 in contributions.

Now is the time for ALL clubs to consider a Melvin Jones Fellowship for a deserving Lion in your club.

If only ½ of our clubs in the state (256) gave a MJF this year, we would exceed our goal of $185,000.

MJFs can be restricted to be used toward the Measles Initiative, Youth, Hunger, Vision or Area of Greatest Need. Certainly there is a deserving Lion in YOUR club worth recognizing with a $1,000 donation to LCIF in the form of a MJF.

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your schedule you need to still contact me and let me know you are interested.

By making a contribution to Lions Clubs International Foundation and the Melvin Jones Fellowship Program, you not only recognize the service of a fellow Lion, but you also make an impact on our service throughout the world.

Millions count on us for clean water, food, vision services, a roof over their head, health services, and much more. Every dollar donated to LCIF by clubs, districts, AND individual Lions goes directly to providing the needed services. Not one penny is used for administrative purposes! Please consider making a difference in the lives of others by making YOUR donation today!

If you are interested in making this trip to Leader Dog you need to respond and let me know how many in your party and which date you would prefer. We are unable to go sooner because of the scheduled tours Leader Dog is having for incoming Governors and others involved with their Kennel Campaign. We could tie into those tours, however I’ve been told they will be of a much shorter and not as in depth as our prior tours have been.

I think for the amount of travel time, to lessen the actual time at Leader Dog would be a disservice to those making the trip. This would again be a day of travel out with next day having the tour and travel home.

Contact me, PID Bud Wahl, if you need further information regarding LCIF, at pidbud@frontier.com Thank you in advance for your consideration.

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As for cost, when we went in 2014 a single was $195 and double was $310. I don’t expect it to be much higher than before but I am not able to get price quotes until I know how many will be taking the trip. You will have the cost of the entire trip before you need to send any money. I just need to know how many want to go and which date when I start getting price quotes. If numbers are too high for one bus and we need two or separate trips, it all makes a difference.

Leader Dogs for the Blind District 1 D Trip

Please call 815 738 2761 or email pandrew@lrnet1.com if you have questions and to get your name on the list. I would like to know by April 15, 2016. Don’t wait too long!

I know it seems a long way off but six months goes by in a hurry and to set up a coach trip to Leader Dog does require considerable lead time.

Not just scheduling with Leader Dog but Hotel arrangements. With a bus full of people those reservations need to be made several months in advance to ensure rooms and get better rates.

Don’t miss out on this informative and inspiring trip!

-PCC Paul Lindstorm, MD1 Leader Dogs Coordinator pandrew@lrnet1.com

I will be going to Leader Dog in August because of serving as State Chairperson for the Leader Dog Kennel Campaign. The District 1 D bus trip will be in late October or early November. The dates being discussed are October 27 & 28 or November 3 & 4 2016. It is very likely if the requests are there that additional trips may be planned so if neither of those dates will work in 7

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all regulatory reports be performed by a third party accounting firm.

Constitution and By-Laws -PID Bud Wahl, MD-1 C&BL Chair

Resolution #2 – Contracts: This proposed amendment to Article II, Section 10 of the By-Laws would clarify the Council of Governors as the specific body given the authority to enter into and approve contracts on behalf of the Lions of Illinois.

This year, the 2015-2016 Council of Governors brought forward five proposed amendments to the MD-1 Constitution and ByLaws. All five proposed amendments originated from the Council of Governors.

The MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws Committee was directed by the Council to write the language for all five proposed amendments. Once written, the five proposed amendments were presented to the Council for their consideration. The Council of Governors approved the language for all five proposed amendments and agreed to have them presented to the delegates at the 2016 MD-1 Convention for their voting consideration. The Council of Governors, and the MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws Committee recommend adoption of the five proposed amendments.

Resolution #3 – Fees: This proposed amendment to Articles VIII, Section 12 and Article IX new section 8 of the Constitution; and, to Article III, Section 3 of the By-Laws would clarify the State Office/State Secretary Treasurer as the sole body given the authority/responsibility to collect payment of any and all registration and other fees for events and activities hosted and/or sponsored by the Lions of Illinois.

Resolution #4 – Status Quo Clubs: This proposed amendment to Article VII, Section 1 and Article IX, Section 1 of the Constitution would clarify that Lions Clubs placed on Status Quo by Lions Clubs International will not be billed Sub-District or Multiple-District per capita tax (dues for members) while on Status Quo. Once the Lions Club is back in good standing, Sub-District and Multiple District per capita tax would be in order.

The proposed amendments have been posted in the March issue of the state magazine, and because of a technical glitch with some of the bold text not showing up in bold, they have been requested to be posted again in the April issue, with all bold text so indicated.

Resolution #5 – Promotion Fund: This proposed amendment to Article IX, Section 1 of the Constitution would raise the cap in the Promotion Fund from $50,000 to $100,000, without a dues increase or assessment.

Below is a brief summary of the subject of each of the five proposed amendments. They will be voted on by the certified delegates at the 2016 MD-1 Convention, to be held May 19-22, 2016. All amendments will require a 2/3 affirmative vote in order to pass. Your Council of Governors and the MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws Committee recommend approving all five amendments.

Yours in Service,

Lions of Illinois, Inc. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE IX, STATE REVENUE, Section 6

-PID Bud Wahl, Chairperson MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws Committee Resolution #1 – 3rd Party Accounting: This proposed amendment to Article IX, Section 6 of the Constitution would eliminate the requirement that

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Subject: This proposed amendment would eliminate the requirement that all regulatory reports be performed by a third party accounting firm.

receive from the State Secretary-Treasurer financial reports semi-annually, or more frequently if necessary' and said financial reports include an income statement which sets forth all payroll taxes paid to-date for the State Council to verify;

WHEREAS, Section 6 of Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue, directs that all regulatory reports be performed by a third party accounting firm; and,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 6 of Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 State Convention, by eliminating the last sentence as shown by the strikethrough below:

WHEREAS, the State currently is obligated to pay the third-party accountant $325 annually to prepare the quarterly payroll reports – which are part of the financial records and bookkeeping of the State – even though the State SecretaryTreasurer actually prepares and submits them to ensure they are completed on time; and,

"The State Council of Governors shall provide for an audit of the annual financial statements to be performed annually by certified public accountants licensed in the State of Illinois. All regulatory reports shall also be performed by a third party accounting firm, and reported to the Council of Governors."

WHEREAS, the third-party accountant will charge an additional, to-be-determined amount, to review the complete set of financial records; and, WHEREAS, using an accountant to prepare the quarterly payroll reports, review the quarterly compiled financial statements and PeachTree files, and serve as the Lions' Registered Agent is becoming an expensive proposition; and,

Lions of Illinois, Inc. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS BY-LAWS - ARTICLE II, DUTIES, Section 10

WHEREAS, the State Secretary-Treasurer has prepared and submitted all quarterly and annual payroll tax reports and payments on time and without issue using the online reporting and payment systems provided by the IRS, IL Dept. of Revenue, and IL Dept. of Employment Security; and,

Subject: This proposed amendment would clarify the Council of Governors as the specific body given the authority to enter into and approve any and all contracts on behalf of the Lions of Illinois.

WHEREAS, Section 10 of Article II of the MD-1 By-Laws, entitled Duties, states the Council of Governors has the authority to make all contracts for the State Convention, but does not extend that authority to any other events or activities held on behalf of the Lions of Illinois; and,

WHEREAS, the Council Chairperson reviews and approves these reports and payments monthly; and, WHEREAS, the main responsibility of the Council Treasurer is to oversee the work of the State Secretary-Treasurer on all fiscal matters, which includes payroll reports/payments and all financial recordkeeping; and,

WHEREAS, the Council of Governors is the deliberative body for the Lions of Illinois and formulates all administrative plans and policies affecting the welfare of the Lions of Illinois; and,

WHEREAS, MD-1 By-Laws Article II, Section 10 states the State Council 'shall demand of and

WHEREAS, the Council of Governors is ultimately responsible for the fiscal responsibility of all funds 10

collected from the Lions of Illinois and therefore should be the sole body entering into any contractual arrangements on behalf of the Lions of Illinois;

provisions for an audit, at the end of the fiscal year, of the books and accounts of the State SecretaryTreasurer. It shall, in the event of a surplus being left in the State Administrative, International Convention, Promotional and Magazine Fund, make provisions for placing the same in the hands of the succeeding State Council, together with all books and records. It shall publish a synopsis of its actions following each Council Meeting in the State Magazine.”

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 10 of Article II of the MD-1 By-Laws, entitled Duties, be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 State Convention, by eliminating the phrases as shown by the strikethrough and adding the phrases shown in bold below: "The State Council is the deliberative and the assisting body in the formulation of administrative plans and policies affecting the welfare of Lionism within the State. It shall make all contracts and arrangements for the State Convention, and shall approve all bills relating thereto.

With the exception to events and activities planned and supervised by any MD-1 Host Committee pertaining to hosting an International Convention or USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Illinois, the State Council shall have the authority to approve and administer any and all other contracts for events and activities held on behalf of the Lions of Illinois, and shall approve all bills relating thereto.

Furthermore, it shall approve any and all arrangements made for such events and activities held on behalf of the Lions of Illinois. It shall designate a depository for all the State Funds Administrative, International Convention, Promotional and Magazine Fund, and shall authorize the payment from such Funds of all legitimate expenses pertaining to the administration of the affairs of the State. It shall set the amount of corporate surety bond for the State SecretaryTreasurer, and shall approve the surety company with which the State Secretary-Treasurer shall be bonded. It shall demand of and receive from the State Secretary-Treasurer, financial reports semiannually or more frequently, if necessary. It shall demand of and receive reports from all Standing Committees, which shall include complete financial reports from all Committees whose State authorized projects may be financially supported.in any way involved in the collection of funds for the support of projects authorized by the State. All such reports received from the State Secretary-Treasurer and from all Standing Committees shall be subject to approval by the State Council. It shall make

Lions of Illinois, Inc. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE VIII, STATE CONVENTION, Section 12 CONSTITUTION – ARTICLE IX, STATE REVENUE, new Section 8 BY-LAWS – ARTICLE III, STANDING COMMITTEES, Section 3 Subject: This proposed amendment would clarify the State Office/State Secretary Treasurer as the sole body given the authority/responsibility to collect payment of any and all registration and other fees for events and activities hosted and/or sponsored by the Lions of Illinois.

WHEREAS, Section 12 of Article VIII of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Convention, states a State Convention registration or hospitality fee shall be collected, but does not define who collects the fee; and, WHEREAS, Section 3 of Article III of the ByLaws, entitled, Standing Committees, makes reference to a Standing Committee potentially collecting funds and when so, requires either the Chairperson or Treasurer of the Committee to make bond, and when funds have been collected by a committee there is no record of any bond being established; and, WHEREAS, The State Secretary Treasurer is required to be bonded by our Constitution and By11

Laws and is the only body that is financially insured as such, and has direct access to making timely deposits in financial institutions approved by the Council of Governors; and,

directly to the State Office by the Lions Club, Lion, or any other person or organization.”

By-Laws, Article III, Section 3 “The State Chairperson of any committee, (except an MD-1 Host Committee and its hosting of an International Convention or USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Illinois), which promotes collection and transmission of moneys from Lions Clubs, or any other person or organization, to various receiving agencies, or handles money in other ways, or if committee funds are handled by a Treasurer, then such Treasurer, shall be required to make bond in such amount and with such sureties as shall be approved by the State Council. shall have all such moneys remitted directly to the State Office by the Lions Club, Lion, or any other person or organization.”

WHEREAS, Nowhere in the Constitution and ByLaws does it state who has the authority and/or responsibility to collect registration fees and other charges related to other events and/or activities held on behalf of the Lions of Illinois; and, WHEREAS, A provision is needed in the MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws that specifically states who has the authority and responsibility to collect any and all funds on behalf of the Lions of Illinois; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 12 of Article VIII of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Convention; Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue; and Section 3 of Article III of the MD-1 By-Laws, entitled Standing Committees, be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 State Convention, by eliminating the phrases as shown by the strikethrough and adding the phrases shown in bold below:

Lions of Illinois, Inc. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE VII, DISTRICT REVENUE, Section 1 CONSTITUTION – ARTICLE IX, STATE REVENUE, Section 1

Constitution, Article VIII, Section 12 "A registration or hospitality fee, the amount of which shall be fixed by the State Council, shall be collected from each delegate, alternate and guest attending the State Convention. Said fee shall be collected All fees (registration, meals, etc.) pertaining to the State Convention, shall be remitted directly to the State Office by the registrant and under the supervision of and for the State Council, and shall be used by it for defraying the actual cost of entertainment and other expenses of the convention.”

Subject: This proposed amendment would clarify that Lions Clubs placed on Status Quo by Lions Clubs International will not be billed Sub-District or Multiple-District per capita tax (dues for members) while on Status Quo. Once the Lions Club is back in good standing, Sub-District and Multiple District per capita tax would be in order.

Constitution, Article IX, New Section 8 “The State Office shall be the sole entity responsible for collecting any and all funds on behalf of the Lions of Illinois. As such, all fees, registrations and other related charges of any kind pertaining to any state committee, event or activity of the Lions of Illinois, (with the exception of an MD-1 Host Committee and its hosting of an International Convention or USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum in Illinois), shall be remitted

WHEREAS, The MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws is not clear on whether or not Clubs placed on Status Quo by LCI should pay per capita tax (membership dues for each member); and, WHEREAS, Lions Clubs International does not bill Clubs placed on Status Quo for International per capita tax (membership dues for each member); and, 12

WHEREAS, Sub-District and the Multiple District billings for per capita tax should coincide with the policies and practices of Lions Clubs International; and,

International Convention MD01 Host Committee Fund, Promotional Fund and Magazine Fund Tax of Eleven Dollars and thirty cents ($11.30) shall be levied upon each member of each Club in the State and shall be paid in advance by each Club in two semi-annual payments as follows: Five Dollars and .65 ($5.65) per member prior to September 10 and Five Dollars and .65 ($5.65) per member prior to March 10 of each year, billing of same to be based upon the roster of each Club as maintained by Lions Clubs International as of the last day of June and the last day of December respectively. This tax shall be collected from the Clubs in each District of the State by the respective Cabinet SecretaryTreasurer/Cabinet Treasurer excepting, however, new and reorganized Clubs shall pay a prorated per capita tax beginning the first day of the second month following the date of its organization. In addition, Lions Clubs placed on Status Quo by Lions Clubs International shall not be billed for said tax until they are brought back to good standing.

Each Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer/Cabinet Treasurer shall forward payment so collected to the Lions of Illinois State Secretary Treasurer by September 10 and March 10, respectively.”

WHEREAS, A provision is needed in the MD-1 Constitution and By-Laws that specifically states per capita tax will not be billed to Status Quo Clubs in MD-1 so the Sub-Districts and the Multiple District will have the same policy and practice as Lions Clubs International;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 1 of Article VII of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled District Revenue and Section 1 of Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue, be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 State Convention, by adding the sentence shown in bold below:

Constitution, Article VII, Section 1 " To provide revenue to defray the Administrative expenses of each District, an annual per capita District Administration Fund Tax, the amount thereof for each District to be determined by each District Governor and his/her Cabinet at the first cabinet meeting, shall be levied upon each member in each District, and shall be paid in advance by each Club in the district in two semi-annual payments on September 10 and March 10 of each year, billing of same to be based upon the roster of each Club as of the last day of June and the last day of December respectively. Said tax shall be collected from each Club by the District Secretary/Treasurer of the District of which the club is a member, excepting new and reorganized Clubs, which shall pay a pro-rated per capita tax beginning the first day of the second month following the date of their organization. In addition, Lions Clubs placed on Status Quo by Lions Clubs International shall not be billed for said tax until they are brought back to good standing.”

Lions of Illinois, Inc. RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE LIONS OF ILLINOIS CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS CONSTITUTION - ARTICLE IX, STATE REVENUE, Section 1 Subject: This proposed amendment would raise the cap in the Promotion Fund from $50,000 to $100,000, without a dues increase or assessment.

WHEREAS, the Promotion Fund cap has been set at $50,000 since the early 1980’s; and,

Constitution, Article IX, Section 1 “Beginning with the fiscal year commencing on July 1, 2013, and ending at the end of Lions fiscal year 2016-2017, an annual per capita State Administrative, International Convention, 2017

WHEREAS, the cost of living increase from 1982 through 2015 has been calculated by the American Institute for Economic Research as 246.88%; and,

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WHEREAS, promoting a candidate from MD-1 for the high offices of International Director or International Vice President incurs expenses for printing and various other campaign election materials; and,

Any amount in excess of Fifty One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($50,000 100,000) held in the Promotion Fund as of May 21, 1989 22, 2016 shall be allocated and transferred to the foregoing Funds in the percentages indicated above.

WHEREAS, raising the Promotion Fund cap would allocate more funds for promoting a candidate from MD-1 in a very competitive atmosphere with fewer U.S. International Directors being elected every year onto the International Board; and,

----------------------------------------------------------------This month's issue of Newswire focuses on improving service, membership and impact by making CONNECTIONS. Connect with your community by completing a Centennial Community Legacy Project; connect through social media by spreading #DignityHarmonyHumanity; connect Lions and Leos to strengthen membership; and more.

WHEREAS, raising the Promotion Fund cap DOES NOT affect the per capita membership dues in any way, (no dues increase) nor does it create any type of assessment to members; and,

Lions clubs worldwide are encouraged to make a lasting impact by completing a Centennial Community Legacy Project during our Centennial Celebration. As a visible gift, your Centennial Community Legacy Project will be a lasting reminder of how vital your club is to serving and connecting your community. From a new city entrance sign to an eye clinic, there's an opportunity for every club to be involved. Visit the Centennial Community Legacy Project page for the Club Centennial Planning Guide, brochures, FAQs and other resources to help your club choose a project and start building your Lion legacy today.

WHEREAS, the Council of Governors has the ultimate authority and control over the Promotion Fund and approves any candidate’s campaign budget and expenses, thereby executing fiscal responsibility of the Promotion Fund; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT paragraphs five and six of Section 1, Article IX of the MD-1 Constitution, entitled State Revenue, be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 State Convention, by eliminating the words shown by the strikethrough and adding the words shown in bold below: (Constitution, Article IX, State Revenue, Section 1, paragraphs five and six) Fifty Cents (50¢) per capita of said Fund shall be used exclusively for the promotion and election of candidates from Illinois to the International Board of Directors or to the offices of Third Vice-President, Second VicePresident, First Vice-President and President of Lions Clubs International, provided, however, that the balance to be held in such Fund shall be limited to and maintained at Fifty One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($50,000 100,000). After this limitation has been reached, this Fifty Cents ($.50), or the balance thereof after bringing the Fund balance back up to Fifty One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($50,000 100,000), shall be applied as follows:

Lions + Leos = Stronger Clubs, Greater Service Together, Lions and Leos accomplish great things.

Through connections with Leos, your Lions club can gain fresh ideas for service activities, build capacity to do even more service, and strengthen membership by inviting Leos to become Lions. To continue making an impact by becoming a Lion, Leos should complete the new Leo to Lion Certification Form.

A. 35% thereof shall be allocated to the International Convention Fund, to be used exclusively for out of country outgoing District Governor’s convention expenses.

B. 35% thereof shall be allocated to the Residual Fund.

C. 30% thereof shall be allocated to the State Administrative Fund.

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Lions of Illinois 2016 State Convention Attention all MD-1 Lions: 2016 State Convention book ads are available for purchase. Any individual, organization, Lions Club or District can purchase a Convention book ad.

A full page ad is $50 and is approximately 3.75” x 10.5” in size.

A half page ad is $30 and is approximately 3.75” x 5.25” in size.

Ads should be saved in a “.jpg” file format and submitted electronically to the State Office. Facsimile or hard copy ads will not be accepted. Ads should be in a reproducible black/white or grayscale format. Grayscale is recommended for photos.

Ads and payment must be received by the State Office by 5:00 pm April 22, 2016 to be included in the Convention book.

Payment for ads should be mailed with the form (below) to the State office at: Lions of Illinois, Inc., POB 127, Hopedale, IL 61747-0127.

Ads can be submitted via email to lionsofillinois@yahoo.com or by saving the ad on a CD, DVD, or thumb drive and mailing it to the State Office.

If you have any questions regarding Convention book ads, please contact the State Office at 217-632-7775 or by email at lionsofillinois@yahoo.com.

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2016 State Convention Book Ad Form Name: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone:

____________________________________________________________________

Address:

____________________________________________________________________

Contact Person (if club or organization:_________________________________________________ I wish to purchase (check  one):  Full Page Ad - $50  Half Page Ad - $30 Enclosed is my payment of $ ;  Cash

 Check #

(Please mail ad and payment to: Lions of Illinois, Inc., POB 127, Hopedale, IL 61747-0127)

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The Abe Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, IL, site of the: 2016 State Convention May 20th through May 22nd, 2016 SAVE THE DATE and plan on joining us for some: FUN, FELLOWSHIP & FULFILLMENT! More to come next month!

Rates for Convention = $99 + tax per night!

RECENT REVIEWS for the ABE LINCOLN: SOME OF THE TOP THINGS TO DO in SPRINGFIELD: Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum Lincoln Home National Historic Site Dana-Thomas House, a Frank Lloyd Wright ‘Hidden Treasure’ Lincoln Tomb & War Memorials Lincoln Memorial Gardens Lions of IL State Convention

COME EARLY OR STAY AFTER THE CONVENTION AND ENJOY ALL SPRINGFIELD HAS TO OFFER!

“One of the best hotels ever!” We just returned from our stay in Springfield. We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this hotel. The staff was very friendly, the beds were extremely comfortable, and the location was perfect for visiting all of the historic Lincoln sites. We ate in the hotel restaurant three times during our stay. My husband said it was the best burger he ever had! I had the prime rib and it was excellent. Our server was Sean - very friendly and very prompt to attend to our every need!

“Possibly the best hotel in town” I am in Springfield often and this is my favorite hotel. Clean, well-appointed, comfortable rooms. One deficit is the walls are thin and you can hear every word, sneeze and flush.

Great breakfast buffet includes made to order omelette.

Room service menu is quite limited and not the best, but it's good enough if you're exhausted or don't feel like venturing out of your room. There's always a conference or other activity so rooms book up, you'll need a reservation. Front desk staff could be friendlier, but otherwise good “One of the best hotels ever!” We just returned from our stay in Springfield. We thoroughly enjoyed staying at this hotel. The staff was very friendly, the beds were extremely comfortable, and the location was perfect for visiting all of the historic Lincoln sites. We ate in the hotel restaurant three times during our stay. My husband said it was the best burger he ever had! I had the prime rib and it was excellent. Our server was Sean - very friendly and very prompt to attend to our every need!

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MD1 State Monthly e-Magazine Edited24 & Published by PDG Austin D’Souza for Lions, Lionesses and Leos of Illinois. e-Mail Address: ILStateEditor@gmail.com Mail your articles, pictures and news items to above e-mail address.