November 2014 governor's newsletter

NOVEMBER 2014

GREETINGS TO YOU & YOURS. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL. A month of Blessings and graces.

Thank God for letting us see and hear the goodness of the world around us and for being able to serve others. Each day is God’s gift to each of us. What we make of it, is up to us.

Each day is an opportunity to touch a life and make a difference in someone’s life. The smile on my face doesn't mean my life is perfect. It means I appreciate what I have and what God has blessed me with. Touch a life and make a difference!

District 1-A lions in these past four months I have visited many clubs and attended region meetings, met many lions, listened to your achievements, your projects and your accomplishments. And I have come to realize that District 1-A YOU ARE the true definition of our motto “WE SERVE”.

Hope your Clubs had a good course of action to achieve your fundraising goals. October we all have worked hard at our different spots for Candy Days. From reports I have heard it was a fairly successful one. Don’t forget to file your report with LIF upon conclusion of your campaign.

Postmark deadline for a club/zone/region peace posters to reach the District Governor is November 15th. District governor to send one winning Peace Poster entry to the State multiple district council chairperson is December 1st.

The Lions of Illinois MD 1 State Leadership Forum will be held November 8 th 2013 at the Park Regency Hotel in Bloomington, Ill. The Forum sessions will start at 10am and end at 3pm.

Many Lions are working hard to bring a lot of very good information on many different topics.

Please come and learn more about Lionism and visit with many Lions from all around the State of Illinois. You will have fun and learn a lot too!

Lions, I am happy to report, all regions (1-6) have completed their 1st region meeting of the year. They did stick to their deadlines. The next 2nd region meeting to be completed by February 15, 2015 an extension because of the holidays. Thank you Region/Zone Chairs in keeping up with the deadlines. I am also happy to report the month of October was also a good membership growth month.

As you will see below: CLUB

Bellwood

Brookfield LaGrange Park Calumet City Chicago Ecuadorean Chicago FIL-USA

Chicago Heights Chgo Mt. Greenwood Chicago Puerto Rico

#0f New

New Member's Name

Members 3 Jill A Eisele Twana Jenkins Peggy Stanko 1 Todd Nyberg 1 Ashley Lake 1 Juan Carlos Escalante 4 David Arroyo Priscilla C Patiu Jon Christopher Briones Sam Famanas 1 1 13

Oak Lawn Oak Park-Riverson Forest

1 2

Palos

3

Maharlika Mayfair River Grove

1 1 6

Emma J. Weathersby Mary Young Rafael Alvarado Iris J Alvarado Nancy Humphrey Isidro Molina Fernanda Morgado Esther J. Perez Luis A Perez Amy A Vega Charles Velazquez Myra Rodgrguez Rafael Ruiz Pamela Melinauskas Quang V. Nguyen Robert S Pearson Kris J. Kirkeiner Gretchen T. Lane Sharon Brannigan Mike Lebarre Brent Woods Jocelyn Cava Zano Nancy S. Perlman Kristi Caeti Sean Flynn Christine Rice

Sponsor's Name

Ted Steiskal Ted Steiskal Ted Steiskal Philip Bochniarz Robert Lake Victor Ortega Peregrino Patiu Peregrino Patiu Chris Briones Marilou Delacerda Lawrence Weathersby Pam Pomper Rafael Alvarado Rafael Alvarado Rafael Alvarado Rafael Alvarado Rafael Alvarado Rafael Alvarado Rafael Alvarado Rafael Alvarado Rafael Alvarado Rafael Alvarado Leticia Chaidez Mary Fitzgibbons Mary Fitzgibbons George Pearson Tina Gaddy John McParland April Schrader April Schrader April Schrader Rhodora Cava Jerrie Abrahamsen Majorie Manchen Majorie Manchen Majorie Manchen

Year-to-date Spon'd July - October 2014 3

1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 12

1 2 1 1 1 3

1 1 4

Stickney Forest View

TOTAL FOR OCTOBER 2014

7

W. Sean Toohey Dana Kovacevich Michael Kuras Heather Shlah Frank Torres Leandra M. Torres Lisa D. Torphy Desiree D. White Ruth Ann Iglinski

Majorie Manchen David Guerin Todd Woods Dan O'Reilly Dan O'Reilly Dan O'Reilly John Torphy Jeffrey White Rosemarie Guleiva

2 1 3

1 1 1

46 -Terry D’Souza, District Governor

Editorial:-

PDG Austin D’Souza, Ph.D.

At 8:30 p.m. during our II Cabinet meeting which held on November 6, 2014 at Scottish Home, North Riverside, our Past International Director Dan O’Reilly expressed these words: “New system works, meeting is almost over @ 8:30 p.m.”

Yes, in the history of District 1A Cabinet Meetings, this meeting ended very early just because our Governor introduced a change. We had all committee reports well in advance in “Cabinet Newsletter” publication. All cabinet members knew about chairpersons’ report and there were fewer questions. Meeting went on smoothly and quickly even though PID Bud Wahl with his wife Lion Jama attended the meeting to request District 1A support for his run for II International Vice President. Change works if team members work as a team. Even though few did not send their report for publication, everything went on well.

This new change will give cabinet members to discuss new issues and focus on District growth – especially in the field of Membership and Leadership.

So far District is 31 plus in membership. If this trend continue till the end of current lionistic year, our District will be plus in membership after many years. Now only thing we need is membership growth and simultaneously some new clubs. There are rumors from Global Membership Team that there are some new clubs in District 1A communities are underway. Yes, we can do it and there is nothing impossible we work as a team to reach our goals as lions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CLUBS: THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS 300 W 22ND STREET OAK BROOK, ILLINOIS 60523-8842 USA TELEPHONE: 630/571-5466 FAX NO: 630/571-1683 October 28, 2014 Dear Cabinet Treasurer, Please review the information and resources online at: http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/common/pdfs/dg_ checklist.pdf. Feel free to refer to it in your communications to club officers. We want to ensure the district team and club officers have the most up to date information that may assist in efforts to grow and maintain current club balances. Your assistance is very important in reinforcing the importance of paying all club balances on a regular and timely basis, updating membership, and reviewing updates on line.

Please feel free to contact Accounts Receivable and Club Account Services for assistance.

Best regards, Melinda Plott Accounts Receivable and Club Account Services Manager Melinda.plott@lionsclubs.org Payment receipt concerns: accountsreceivable@lionsclubs. org 630-203-3810

Billing and club account status: membershipbilling@lionsclubs.org 630203-3820 On line registration and payment: www.lionsclubs.org click MyLCI/Submit Reports DG Check list for Club Account Status Review  DG RECAPS are emailed to you at the

beginning of each month, reflecting club aging.  Encourage club officers to register online. Treasurers can pay online if the club approves.  Clubs can pay online by visiting www.lionsclubs.org. Click the “submit reports” link, after logging in, click CLUB, STATEMENT followed by PAY NOW. You may pay by Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express credit. Debit cards are accepted.  Club balances should be paid according to the terms established by the association; however, to avoid suspension, balances should be paid no later than 90 days after billing.  Club balances outstanding beyond 120 days can cause clubs to be placed on suspension if balances are equal to or exceeding US$20/member or $1,000, whichever is less over 120 days.  Anticipated high risk of suspension in November and May can be avoided with prompt club payments.  High cancellation rates can be avoided in December and June if payments are received prior to the 29th of the month following suspension.  Clubs can be reactivated within 12 months following cancellation, if eligible. Full payment along with a Reactivation Report is required, signed by you.  Club Treasurers can view statements online and avoid mailing delays.

Please encourage club treasurers to check the opt-out option on the

association’s website to discontinue receiving mailed club statements.  Clubs in Good Standing are eligible to participate in local elections. The current dues billing must be paid leaving no International dues and fees greater than US$10.00 unpaid and balances over 90 days must not exceed US$50.00.  Beginning July 1, 2015, clubs will automatically be placed on Financial Suspension if balances beyond 90 days are equal to or exceeding US$20/member or $1,000 or greater, and cancellation will occur after the 28th of the month following suspension if full payment is not received. As a result, anticipated high suspension will be reported in October and April.

Also, clubs canceled more than twice will be ineligible for reactivation.

The

first quarter of the 2014-2015

year is almost over. In this month's article I would like to talk about our first quarter membership.

The numbers that I have are to 10/20/2014. We still have a few more days to go before the quarter closes. These numbers may change as the final tally comes out on October 31st. Here are a few thoughts that I would like to share with you.

During the first quarter (July 2014 to October 2014) 47 new members were added to 15 clubs in our district.

We dropped 45 members from 17 clubs and 6 members passed away. If we do the math, we have a negative growth for the first quarter of the year.

We cannot do much about the passing on of our older Lions. It is reflection of the age distribution demographic in our district. As leaders and Lions we try to replace these Lions with new Lions so we can continue our mission.

The drop members are areas we need to work harder at. When I look at the numbers, a majority of the drops are due to nonpayment of dues and nonattendance.

This indicates that we need to do better at the club level for orientation, sponsorship and mentorship for

members so we can reduce these numbers and keep the members we have worked hard to recruit. Here are a few questions we have to ask ourselves when it comes to doing our part in reducing the drops within the district. There are probably more that could be asked.

But let's start with these.  



Does your club have a retention and mentorship program in place?

Do the sponsors of new members understand their roles regarding their relationship with the sponsored member in keeping them involved in club activities and meetings?

When a member leaves our association do we advise them that they are always welcomed to come back when they are ready?

If you have answered YES to these questions, then you have done what is needed to reduce the drops. If your answers are NO then you have some work to do. These are just a few of the questions that need to be asked.

Each of them needs to be answered by each club individually so that they can stabilize their membership and grow their clubs and the district. Recruitment is only one piece of the puzzle; the other pieces are Orientation, Mentorship and Retention. They all fit together to form a solid foundation and building blocks for a great club One of my duties as First VDG is to help coordinate and work with our District GMT Coordinator. Lion PDG Harold Burkett is our District GMT Coordinator. It is my contention that he has the toughest job in this district. I applaud him for standing up and taking on this role.

Lion PDG Harold and I have recruited a few Lions in our district to join us in developing plans and options to stabilize and grow the district over the next three years.

He needs our help and he needs a few more lions especially from the southern part of our district to help him move this district forward. Please feel free to contact Lion Harold (harold.burkett@att.net) or Lion Ralph Zarada (ralph.zarada.1a@gmail.com) if you want to join this team.

Just a few more random thoughts before I close.

We have an opening for the Second VDG for the 20152016 leadership years. I have not heard of anybody

throwing their hat into the ring. If you are interested in getting into an executive leadership role on the cabinet, please share your intention with any of the officers on the cabinet so that you can be prepared to assume the role. The district needs leaders and it is important that we maintain the succession of leaders in the district.

The Mid Year Forum date and venue has been set. It is January 24th, 2015 at Moraine Valley Community College 10900 S 88th Ave, Palos Hills, IL 60465. The hours will be from 8:30am to 2:30pm. Below is the trademark logo and pin that we have designed. Many thanks to Lion Rich Polanek of the Elmwood Park Montclare Lions for helping with the design.

All attendees to the forum will receive one. We are putting together a series of topics and presenters in a classroom format. The Lion who attends the forum will be able to choose the topic(s) he or she would like to attend. We will have a continental breakfast. We will also have lunch with a keynote speaker and afternoon workshops for Social Media, Membership and Roundtable discussions for RC/ZC and Presidents.

Mark your calendars MY Forum January 24th, 2015.

More info to follow.

In Lionism, -Lion Ralph Zarada, First VGD District 1A

Lions Clubs International Peace

Poster

Contest

*

You are invited to submit a Peace Poster created by a student from a local school, or organization. Please consider obtaining the information about this worthwhile contest. If you need additional information you can contact Lion Rex Nyquist, Chairman from District 1A Lions at historytennis@yahoo.com.

Posters need to be submitted for consideration to Governor Terry D’Souza by Nov. 15th, 2014.

Please contact Lion Rex @ 847-824-5540 or Gov. Terry @ 708-771-3177 or email at teamterry@gmail.com

LIGHTS ON AFTER SCHOOL COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT Launched in October 2000, Lights On After School We brought four Halloween books with is to read is the only nationwide event celebrating to the kids as part of an after school program at afterschool programs and their important role in the community center our Lions Club supports and the lives of children, families and communi- ties. my first book to read, picked by the kids was The effort has become a hallmark of the about an old lady that was not afraid of anyafterschool movement and generates media thing. I plunged in to the task, reading the first coverage across the country each year. The pages and then showing the pictures to the group.

Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On After- The book was about walking down a dark path at school to draw attention to the many ways night and suddenly the old lady heard a sound, afterschool pro- grams support students by Clump-clump, she was being followed by a pair offering them opportunities to learn new things— of shoes. I had all the kids say Clump-clump and such as science, community service, robot- ics, Tae then went to find she was followed in order by a Kwon Do and poetry—and discover new skills. pair of pants that went Wiggle-Wiggle, a shirt that The events send a powerful message that millions went Swish-swish, a black hat that went Tip-tip more kids need quality afterschool programs and finally a carved pumpkin that yelled BOO! As And so, Lion Georg Toft, Lion Judy Toft and almost each new sound was made the kids all joined in new Lion Nancy Perlman came to the Albany Park shouting the words for each thing that followed Community Center on Thursday Afternoon, the old lady home. This ain’t so bad I thought, as October 23rd and became a part of the Lights On I neared the end of the story, three young ladies After School Program and—what a treat! To be joined me to hold up the book and show the able to read to the kindergarten kids was definitely pictures, guess I was not doing it right. I asked one a highlight of remembering why we were lions! of the girls if she could read the words on the The kids were a part of the 40 page, to my surprise she started to read the words different languages spoken at one at a time. So I finished the story, the old lady the Center and were more than made a scareexcited that someone had crow of the items that brought some very special followed her home and the things for them to be a part pumpkin head was happy of—it was like a 100 watt light and did not say Boo b ulb turning on at full wattage. anymore unless a crow When they were told there came by, my helpers sat were Halloween stories to down and I again felt inside read the why I am a Lion. excitement ramped up even higher. They all sat on the floor in a round circle and waited very Then we made Halloween book marks the club patiently for Nancy to read “Pinkalicious” a bought the kits for the kids, and we spent the next Halloween about a young girl in a town were all half hour making witches, monsters and werewolf’s, the teachers put the kids names on their crafts and the electricity went out and how she saved the as we left I got some high fives and a hug from one town. All the girls wanted to be Pinkalicious.l of my helpers.

When they found out about the Halloween book marks and they had to make them all by One of the moms was standing the doorway themselves the excitement rolled around the watching, a smile on her face, as I walked by she room. The girls all wanted the witches and the whispered Thank You. Her smile and thanks was boys were happy with the monster or wolfman. It probably the best gift I have re- ceived in a long took about 15 minutes to complete the bookmarks and try them out in the books to time. I will remember it always. make sure they worked and they could take them home with them.

Lion Judy did the second book “The Night Before Halloween” which totally mesmerized them as they got into the sounds of the book. After that was over we all took turns telling what we did on Halloween when we were their age—even their

teacher got in the game!.

Lion George described his being in a room with 17

little kids all by himself. “Imagine if you will, 17 pairs of excited eyes staring at you, 17 big smiles, all missing their two front teeth; sitting on the “story rug” hands folded in their laps waiting for you to make a fool of yourself. I had some concerns, the last time I read to a five year old was over thirty five years ago and now 17 of them faced me, waiting.

BY: PCC GEORG TOFT AND PCST JUDY TOFT—MAYFAIR LIONS CLUB

INVITE VETERANS TO YOUR CLUB! Dear Lion, Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11 th and is a time for all of us to pay tribute to the men and women that have served our country. Make plans now to reach out to veterans and offer them the opportunity to continue to make a difference and change lives in their community.

Lions Clubs International Lions Clubs International & LCIF | 300 W. 22nd St. | Oak Brook, IL | 60523 | USA Click here to unsubscribe

The Involve a U.S. Veteran program waives the charter or entrance fee for any qualifying veteran who joins a new or existing Lions club. Eligible veterans include retired U.S. military personnel or honorably-discharged members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard Services, Marines, National Guard, Navy or Reserves. Those currently serving in the National Guard or Reserves are also eligible. This special pilot program is offered only in the United States.

As service members leave the military and come home, Lions clubs provide them an opportunity to get involved in their communities and serve. Visit the Involve a U.S. Veteran Web page to learn more about this special program. You can download a fact sheet, promotional flyer, certification form and a sample press release to help promote your Lions club.

Sincerely, Scott Drumheller Executive Administrator & Secretary

Greetings Fellow District 1-A Lions, Your Convention Committee has already started to put together the 2015 District 1-A Convention.

The dates of the convention are March 27 through March 29, 2015. Governor Terry has decided that her convention theme will be “Who’s Your Superhero?” The convention logo is

pictured above and the committee would like to thank Lion Rich Polanek for designing the logo again this year.

As your Convention Chairman, I will be asking the Cabinet at its meeting on November 6th to approve a convention registration and meal package of $85.00 again this year. The committee has budgeted the convention so that there would not have to be a price increase. We will again hold our convention at the Westin Chicago Northwest Hotel in Itasca, Illinois. The room rate this year will be the same as last year, $85.00 and that reservation has to be made with the hotel.

The Convention International Guest this year will be First Year Director Karla Harris from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

As usual, we will conduct the business of the District by electing our new district officials, distributing awards, and hearing our foundation reports. Speaking of District Officers, we are seeking qualified Lions to run for the positions of 2nd Vice District Governor, Lions of Illinois

Foundation Trustee and three Directors for V.O.I.C.E.S. You can contact Cabinet Secretary Brenda Block at csblock1a@aol.com with your intentions to run for an office. She will help you to file the necessary paperwork with the district.

If you have any questions about the convention, feel free to contact any of the following chairmen: PDG Steve Anton, Convention Chairman santonlions@comcast.net PDG Harold Burkett, Convention Co-Chairman harold.burkett@att.net PCST Dawn Grogan, Convention Co-Chairman dgrogan498@aol.com Thank you, -PDG Steve Anton District 1-A Convention Chairman

UPCOMING EVENTS IN DISTRICT 1A  CHRISTMAS PARTY ON DECEMBER 7, 2014 AT FOUR POINTS BY HOTEL SHERATON CHICAGO O’HARE AIRPORT, 10249 W. IRVING PARK ROAD, SCHILLER PARK, IL 60176. ADMISSION IS ONLY $28 WITH FREE WINE ON TABLE AND CASH BAR. THE PARTY IS FROM 12 TO 4 P.M. WITH SANTA’S ARRIVAL. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL ZC GAIL ANTON – 708-479-4779 OR E-MAIL: anton173@comcast.net  MY FORUM ON JANUARY 24, 2015 AT MORAINE VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, 9000 W. COLLEGE PARKWAY, PALOS HILLS, IL 60465. ADMISSION $25 PER PERSON WITH CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST AND LUNCH. FREE SEMINARS AND KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT LUNCH. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL I VDG RALPH ZARADA – 708357-1984 OR E-MAIL: ralph.zarada.1a@gmail.com  BOWLING ON FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 21, 2015 AT WILLOWBROOK LANES, 735 PLAINFIELD ROAD, WILLOWBROOK, IL 60527. FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL LION LEILANIE MAGANA – 773-425-1747 OR EMAIL: hawaii218@gmail.com  CONVENTION – THE WESTIN CHICAGO NORTHWEST, 400 PARK BLVD., ITASCA, IL 64143. FROM MARCH 27 TO 29, 2015. LOTS OF FUN WITH THEME “WHO IS YOUR SUPER HERO?” FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: PDG STEVE ANTON – 708-514-4215 OR E-MAIL: santonlions@comcast.net

HOLD YOUR CLUB’S GOVERNOR’S VISIT ASAP! CALL GOVERNOR TERY@708-785-0286 TO SCHEDUE AN APPOINTMENT. LESS THAN 8 MONTHS LEFT AND YOU SHOULD HURRY UP NOW!! DO NOT FORGET TO INVITE YOUR RC AND ZC FOR THE EVENT. DISTRICT 1A WEBSITE: lions1a-us.org. DO NOT FORGET TO VISIT OFTEN FOR UPTO DATE INFORMATION

Governor’s Newsletter Edited & Published by PDG Austin D’Souza, Phd., govaustin@gmail.com for District 1A Lions.