Lions Roar March 2019

LIONS CLUB OF PORT OF SPAIN NORTH

LIONS

ROAR

A Publication of the Programme & Communications/Interclub Committee LCPOSN

VOL. 2

ISSUE 1 & 2

INSIDE THIS ISSUE Midnight Robbers

1

Youth Affairs

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MARCH 2019

THE MIDNIGHT ROBBERS OF THE 34TH POS CUB PACK

Senior Citizen’s Luncheon 4 Club Branding

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Health Committee

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Club Visit

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To Trinidad with Love

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Santa’s Helper

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Spotlights

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5th Wednesday

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Reminders

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Brian Teasers

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Ten questions with...

Cub Scouts strike a pose during the festivities at the National Cub Scout Carnival Extravaganza held at the Scout Headquarters on Sunday 17 February, 2019. Story 14 continues on page 2.

This Issue’s Spotlight Global Causes Global Causes present significant challenges to humanity, and Lions Clubs International believes it is our turn to meet them. Every cause carries a symbol that is equally significant. These causes are:

Diabetes

Vision

This is a global epidemic, affecting an increasing number of men, women, and children all over the world. As Lions and Leos, we see and feel the effects of diabetes in our communities and are doing something about it together.

Lions have had a long history of serving the blind and visually impaired, and remain committed to continuing this mission. LCI’s Strategic Objective is to prevent avoidable blindness and improve quality of life for people who are blind and visually impaired. (Continued on page 4) 1

MIDNIGHT ROBBERS (continued from page 1) On Sunday 17 February, 2019 the 34th POS Cub Pack participated in the National Cub Scout Carnival Extravaganza at the Headquarters of the Cub Scout Association, Port of Spain. The boys won 1st prize in the Traditional Mas category. They received a trophy and $1000 for their winning rendition. In a telephone interview, Lion Marcia recounts the steps taken to produce the winning Band - The Midnight Robbers of Love and their plans for the future.

JD: What stood out, in your mind, about the boys’ performance for the judges?

MG: We were just original! Two boys introduced the band in English and Spanish which was a unique part of the performance. Because we have a new Spanish population in Trinidad, we added in this part to make it more reflective of our new and growing culture.

JD: What inspired the twist on the “Robber Talk” ?

MG: When I started to study the “Mocking Pretender Speech,” I came to the realisation that there were many negatives throughout the speech that was mainly inappropriate for young boys especially when trying to foster positivity in their attitudes toward life. Instead, the speech was altered to reflect more “love talk” which is inspired by a new type of robber.

JD: The costumes were well executed, what was the process to make these?

MG: We got the boys’ measurements and a seamstress sewed the actual costume but the boys together with their parents decorated the costumes. The parents were so helpful and committed. Without them the boys’ success would not be possible.

JD: Were there any challenges along the way?

MG: Yes. Due to the number of events that were happening simultaneously at the school, some of the parents found themselves financial stretched which affected participation from a few cubs. I would like to thank the Board of POS North for sponsoring two of the Cubs as well as the banner for the band.

JD: The boys were so brave on stage, how did you get them to do such a sterling performance?

MG: I gathered them together and taught them about fostering the character trait of boldness. This encouraged them to be brave both on and off stage.

JD: Do you think that in time to come, the Cubs will transfer to our Leo Club Program?

MG: As some of the cubs are getting older, it is definitely possible. Some will be writing the Secondary Entrance Assessment (SEA) exam soon and they will be going off to Form One. Their age will be just right for the Leo Club.

JD: So what’s next for the 34th POS Cub Pack?

MG: We have some exciting plans coming up.

The boys are currently working on Cub Scout badges such as photography, scientist, cyclist, book reader, chef and athlete. Also we are in contact with another Pack from Swansea, Wales (the home of Scouting). They are interested in becoming pen pals with us.

The Akela there is of Trinbagonian heritage and she is just as excited as we are.

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CHRISTMAS WITH A DIFFERENCE

ON THE ROAD TO PATRIOTISM

The Youth Affairs Committee embarked on a project entitled “Engendering Patriotism” at three Primary Schools in our area - St Ann's RC, La Seiva RC, and the Maraval RC Schools. The Committee partnered with the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago who engaged the students with their thematic exhibition “On the Road to Independence.” Members assisted students in decorating the school using buntings in patriotic colours.

On the topic of Children’s Christmas Party Celebrations 2018, our Zone Chair called for a more thoughtful approach.

Hence, the Youth Committee answered the call by reengineering the Christmas Party to reflect the needs of the students by giving them the gift of Educational supplies.

Students were handpicked by the Principals of the schools in the charter area and they were treated to a day of fun by our Club on December 8, 2018.

PEACE POSTER

CUBS’ DAY OUT

The Youth Committee distributed Peace Poster Kits to three schools in our area. The theme for the contest was 'World Peace'.

On 25th October, 2018, the Cubs together with their parents and eight Lions enjoyed a day at the National Museum and Art Gallery, learning about T&T’s history.

34TH POS CUBS TO THE RESCUE

Cubs, parents and Lions solicit donations outside Massy Stores, West Moorings for residents affected by floods.

34TH POS CUB PACK TURNS 2 On November 24, 2018 the reboot of the 34th POS Cub Pack celebrated its second anniversary in fine style with a formal ceremony that not only honoured the Cubs for their hard work but also AKELA RECEIVES SCOUTING the parents/guardians who PATCH tirelessly contribute of their time and talents to ensure Lion Marcia Griffith receiving a the success of the Cubs in all their ventures. Lions were Lions Club Scouting Patch from also present at this event as supportive sponsors. Hats off Lion Patricia Quamina at the Senior to you 34th POS CUB Pack!

Citizens’ Luncheon 2018. Congrats Lion Marcia!

Members of the 34th POS Cub Pack met the officers of the St James Police Station to honour their efforts in protecting community on October 25th, 2018..

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GENEROUS LION Lion Marcia donated a microwave to the Home Economics Department at the Bishop’s Centenary College.

SENIOR CITIZENS’ LUNCHEON 2018 The Annual Senior Citizens’ Luncheon went off without a hitch.

Club members were out in their numbers as well as supporting family members, Partners in Service, Leos and the 34th POS Cub Pack. A special Thank You goes out to the Prisons Band for their wonderful music, Berment Caterers for the delicious meal and Lion Patricia Quamina and her team of decorators. See you in 2019!

FROM PDG TO DG Past District Governor, Lion Gerard Jackson (right) shares a moment with District Governor Rudolph Augustin during the his visit to the Club on 28 November, 2018.

The Young and the Blessed - Leo Simone Hoyte (left) poses with Lion Randolph Charles during the Senior Citizens’ Luncheon at the Maraval Community Centre.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE SENIOR CITIZENS’ LUNCHEON

REPRESENTING PORT OF SPAIN NORTH ABROAD Lions Patricia Quamina and Anderson Baptiste participated in the NBC Fair and Fitness Expo 2019 in Washington DC on Saturday 12th January, 2019.

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CLUB BRANDING At the beginning of the Fiscal Year 2018-19, Lion President Brian expressed the need to acquire a Club Pin for the illustrious Port of Spain North, a venture which was initiated in past years but was never officially realised. The current Programme and Communication Committee, headed by Lion Clarence, quickly jumped at the task.

The first burning issue on the docket was what emblems should be used to symbolise the Club. Initial ideas brought places such as Queens Hall and Fort George into the conversation. However, they did not successfully inculcate the beauty and tradition of Trinidad and Tobago. A suggestion was brought forward by Lion Gerard which would spark the commencement and execution of the design phase:

The Hummingbird - An emblem symbolising our cosmopolitan beauty and also immortalises the saying “The Land of the Hummingbird.”

The Pan - The birthplace of pan is in Port of Spain whether Laventille, Belmont or “Round d’ Bridge,’ the first strokes of music were brought to life in the Capital City. Port of Spain has many pan sides that are historical and also still exist today.

The Colour - The committee then agreed that the pan should be chrome and silver to symbolise the steelpan in its truest form. The red, white and black are just a reminder of our home, our flag and our nation—Trinidad and Tobago.

The Upper and Lower Crests - These were decided by our General membership, the top shows our charter year while the bottom states our forever motto.

Our first delivery of the pin was received on 1st November, 2018 which was issued in both gold and silver.

Global Causes (continued from page 1) Environment

Hunger

Lions and Leos serve to strengthen the relationship between the community and its environment. We have seen how our stewardship of natural resources can improve quality of life and increase engagement in our local communities. LCI’s strategic objective is to sustainably protect and restore our environment to improve the well-being of all communities.

Lions and Leos serve to improve human flourishing, and we see how the global hunger and nutrition crisis bears upon our local communities. Community improvement depends on the thriving of its members. LCI’s strategic objective is to ensure all community members have access to nutritious foods.

The family is a nucleus around which most communities are built. The next generation’s ability to thrive is closely tied to the supports of the local community. Lions and Leos have seen and felt the effects of cancer Childhood Cancer on children and their families, and continue to bring hope through tangible service and support. LCI’s objective is to help those affected by childhood cancer survive and thrive.

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FROM THE DESK OF THE HEALTH COMMITTEE CHAIR The total number of spectacles distributed for our fiscal year thus far is five (5).

FEBRUARY’S GUEST SPEAKER

We are also in the process of donating a walker/walking chair to an elderly person in need.

The Club is partnering with DRETCHI to provide a young man with prosthetic ears through our Fundraising Barbeque carded for April 6, 2019 PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S APPRECIATION

Thank you Lion Gerard for all your input and astute thoughts on Club matters. We also say thanks for all your contributions on the Club, District and Multiple District Levels. We are proud that you are part of our Club!

Lion President Brian, presents our Guest Speaker, Lion Andy Charles with a certificate and Club pin during the first Regular Meeting for February 2019.

POS NORTH LIONS WORKING AT ST JAMES KIDDIES CARNIVAL 2019 Above: Lions Robert and John direct participants.

On Sunday 24 February, 2019, ten Club members came out to assist the St James Working Council during the kiddies carnival event. The 34th POS Cub Pack also took part in the festivities.

Left: Lions assist during the festivities.

Lion Sigler Jack strikes a pose with members of the 34th POS Cub Pack.

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L to R: Lions Sigler, Alan, Yvette and Brian hard at work.

VISIT TO TUNAPUNA LIONS CLUB Lion Falana visited the Tunapuna Lions’ Regular Meeting on September 22, 2018.

FEELING THE HEAT On Saturday 3rd November, 2018, eight Lions from the Club volunteered to assist with a fundraising Barbeque at the Lady Hochoy Home.

CONGRATS LION KAFI ON YOUR SUCCESS!

In photo: Lion Dennis (off centre) fires up a pit while (from l to r): Lions Maud, Brian, Rex and Grant assist in the background.

SANTA’S WORKSHOP

Lions from POS North collaborated with Diego Martin West and Sangre Grande Lions on a project put on by the Lions Club of Port of Spain Central to treat children with Pediatric Cancer to a day of fun at Lions Cultural Centre.

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CONGRATULATIONS LION CYNTHIA

E

From November 10 -12, 2018, Lion Cynthia attended the Advanced Lions Leadership Institute held in Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada. Congrats on attaining your certificate.

Photo (l to r): Lions Malcolm Kirwan (Past Council Chair), Cynthia ReddockDownes, Shabiki Cazabon and Maria Byron.

OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH DRETCHI REACHES NEW HEIGHTS

Through our partnership with the Trinidad and Tobago Association for the Hearing Impaired (DRETCHI), the Club was invited to both attend and participate in their two-day exposition in celebration of their 75th anniversary.

Club members manned a booth sharing information on Lions and their work in Trinidad as well as on the global stage.

S P O T L I G H T O N L E O S

VISIT FROM OUR ZONE CHAIR On September 5, 2018 the Club hosted Zone Chairperson for Zone 3A, Lion Jacqueline Newallo-Christian at our Regular Meeting.

Lion Jackie shared the District Governor’s goals for the fiscal year 2018 –19. She also presented Lion Brian with a token of friendship.

Over the past few months, our Leos have been involved in many projects such as their Stationery Drive and annual “Back-to-School” project.

Most notably however, was the Disaster Relief Project that was executed as a Multiple District 60 Leo Activity on November 2 - 3 during the recently concluded Mid-Year Conference. The project was extended further to November 10 - 11 when Lion members accompanied Leos to distribute hampers to those devastated by the flooding which took place in late October.

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CONGRATS LION PAULA Lions University which forms part of the USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum offers courses on The Bachelors, Masters and PhD levels.

Congratulations Lion Paula for achieving your Bachelors in Lions Leadership!

SANTA’S HELPER

JBF COLLABORATES WITH LIONS

Lion Jennilyn presents one of six hampers to needy families in the St James area as part of a Christmas Hamper distribution exercise put on by the Club.

On October 6, 2018, members of the Club participated in the Just Because Foundation’s Cancer Awareness Walk and Fun Day held at the National Stadium. The Club also donated $2500 in prizes.

WALK FOR SIGHT 2018 Club members as well as Leos participated in the Walk for Sight around the Queen's Park Savannah in commemoration of World Sight Day on October 13th, 2018. This venture was put on in part by the Volunteers for World Sight Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). This event brought to the forefront the need for eye care in Trinidad and Tobago. The Club contributed the $1000 to the event.

DINING WITH THE STARS 2018

Lion Angela Duke (left) shares a moment with Lion Pat Bhola (right) during Dining with the Stars 10 ~ An Enchanted Evening.

The tenth installation of Dining with the Stars was held on September 29 , 2018 themed ‘An Enchanted Evening.’ This prestigious event showcases the culinary talents of some of the members of the Club as well as other Clubs and friends of Port of Spain North. For this installment, our District Governor, Lion Rudolph Augustin was in attendance and he had the pleasure of seeing first hand what our Club members can do.

THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2018 A most interesting and intriguing way to mesh leadership and computer skills training. This was the general sentiment voiced at the Computer Literacy and Lions Leadership Course that took place between October 15 and December 3, 2018.

The participants learnt some new leadership skills while polishing up some old ones. Most importantly, they learnt some new tricks in technology that would make them more efficient in delivery of services.

The graduation took place at the Radisson Hotel on 10th December, 2018. A second instalment of the L to R (back row)—Lions Anwar Hollingsworth, Rex Griffith, Janelle Duke, Thomas George, Oswald Bruce, Brian Balfour and Clarence Mitchell. (Front row) Marcia Griffith, course is currently in the works.

Claire Bruce (PIS), Patricia Bhola, Angela Duke and Sigler Jack.

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DIABETES AWARENESS MONTH 2018

AN EVENING WITH HIS WORSHIP

In commemoration of Diabetes Awareness, Nutritionist Ms. Kizzie Hope was engaged as the feature speaker for the evening. She presented an interactive session about Diabetes and the types of food that can be consumed as a diabetic patient. She stressed the importance of a balanced diet as well as a diligent exercise regime for a healthy life whether as a diabetic patient or not.

Seven members attended Lions Club of POS Central’s Regular Meeting on 2nd October, 2018. Their specially invited guest for the evening was His Worship the Mayor of Port of Spain, Joel Martinez who discussed his plans for the City and the opportunities for Lions to collaborate and contribute.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S VISIT On November 28, 2018, our District Governor paid a visit to the Club to conduct the Club Audit. This was done in two parts, first he met with the Club Officers at the Board Meeting. He then attended the Regular Meeting where he met with Club members. It was a grand affair which all members, including the District Governor, enjoyed.

DIEGO MARTIN WEST VISITS

BRIGHT SMILES AT ZONE MEETING

Members of the Diego Martin West Lions Club visited our Regular Meeting on November 7, 2018. They participated in our interactive session for Diabetes Awareness 2018.

Zone 3A had its meeting on 24th November, 2018 at Pier One, Chaguaramas. Six Club members as well as one Leo was in attendance. The guest speaker at this meeting was the District Governor, Lion Rudolph Augustin.

Photo (From L to R): Lions Brian, Cynthia, Sigler, Falana and Thomas.

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HERE’S TO MORE FIFTH WEDNESDAY SOCIALS! At the beginning of the Fiscal Year, Lion Brian suggested the resumption of the Fifth Wednesday Social.

The idea of the redesign concept was first conceived at the Programme and Communications Committee level where Lion Janelle co-opted Lions Renisha and Falana into revamping the Social. Thus, the first Fifth Wednesday renamed “Electric Wednesday” was born. At this Social members were encouraged to learn the Electric Slide and also bring along their games. The Social was a resounding success receiving positive reviews from members as well as welcomed anticipation for a ‘follow up’ Social.

The concept grew further and under the direction of Lions Falana and Renisha, with assistance from Leo Simone and Lion Janelle, a second Social was born. This was the beginning of the informal committee to oversee event management. The second Social entitled “A Costume Party” saw Club members bringing forward their best ideas coupled with games and karaoke. Members from visiting Clubs were in attendance as the event offered a preview of what was to be expected at the Mid-Year Conference. This Social was also a success.

The concept for the third Social took the form of a Back-in-Times Mini Inclusive Lime. Members were advised that there would be a cover-charge for the event which would include the price of food.

The event was the definition of enjoyment.

Lion Robert poses in his Iron Man Costume

As we tarry on during the second half of this Fiscal Year, the re-engineered Fifth Wednesday will remain on the itinerary with a few more interesting avenues to be explored. Stay tuned for more information!

PAINT ON LIONS! PAINT ON! Lion Brian paints a section of the playground at the Ascension Anglican Primary School.

Next Month’s Guest Speaker ~ To be announced Semi-Annual Barbeque Fundraiser ~ Saturday 6 April, 2019 DC Shell Productions ~ Aladdin and the Bollywood Princess Multiple District 60 Convention ~ May 9 –12, 2019 (Guyana)

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Club Pins are still available. There is now a limited number of gold pins so act soon!

Coffee mugs are available with the Club’s logo at a cost of $65 per mug. Available in both gold and silver logos.

Specialty Coffee mugs are also available at a cost of $80. A form must be filled so that correct spelling is attained. Gold logo only!

REMINDERS

Club logos—Branding is now available for Shirts, T-shirts and Polos. Embroidery and screen printing are available. Members can bring any number of garments as listed above for branding.

However, a white shirt is encouraged for formal events. The costs are as follows: Embroidery—$40 Screen Print—$15 Suggestions for purchase of garments—Detour Stores. Stephenson’s, Miguel Moses, York, Elite, Zoom Caribbean.

Recipe Contributions for Club Diabetic Cookbook are currently being accepted until March 9th, 2019. The categories within the book are as follows:

Breakfast Soups and Salads Main Dishes Drinks/Teas Desserts Please contact either Lion Rex or Lion Janelle for further details or to submit recipes.

Meeting dates for March 2019:

March 6 - no meeting due to Ash Wednesday observance March 13 - General Meeting (Nominations) March 20 - Board Meeting March 27 - General Meeting

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO HISTORY TITBITS THE 1919 VICTORY CARNIVAL 2018 marked 100 years since World War I ended. The Caribbean people who fought in this war would return to change the course of our history in the colonies as we know it. Carnival in Trinidad however, was banned during the latter part of the War years (1916—1918). Despite talk from British Colonial authorities of banning it for good, Carnival resumed in 1919 with a “Victory Carnival” marking the historic victory in war. This event was organised by the newly established Trinidad Guardian newspaper (1917). By their actions, Carnival gradually became a national expression with extensive media coverage.

(Source- Carnival: Culture in Action: the Trinidad Experience by Milla Cozart Riggio)

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SOLUTIONS

LIONS WORD SEARCH

THE CLUE MAKER CROSSWORD View the picture below and use it to fill out the crossword puzzle. Have fun and good luck!

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Ten Questions with Lion Randolph Charles Q.

What is your best memory to date in Lionism?

A. The construction of the Infant Block of the Cascade School for the Deaf.

This was a building constructed by the hands of Lions themselves, mixing cement, laying blocks, painting. One PIS still has a scar from that project, on her arm, which she proudly wears. This project was the embodiment of teamwork, diligence and camaraderie.

Q.

What inspires you as a Lion?

A. The community has brought me to where I am today so I consider it my duty to give back to my community and by extension my nation, especially the less fortunate.

Q.

What are some of the negatives that you have experienced in your Lionistic career?

A. The lack of appreciation by some of our members of the real purpose of Lionism.

Q.

What skills/strengths did you bring to Lionism?

A. Management and organizational skills. There is also discipline which was as a result of my training and

coming out of an appreciation of the need to organize young people so that they can appreciate the need for them to assume leadership roles in their communities. I also chipped in with my networking skills which were applied to our fund-raising efforts, very essential for the success of several of our outreach programmes.

Q.

What do you consider the most cherished values to which Lions should aspire?

A. Honesty, Integrity, Professionalism.

Q.

What has been your greatest joy as a Lion?

A. A gratifying sense of humility to be able, with others and through Lionism, to provide relief, comfort and joy to those whom we have the privilege to serve for example, the physically and mentally challenged, the blind, the infirmed and the youth.

Q.

What message do you have for Lions going forward?

A. Total participation in and commitment to the principles of Lionism. we need the presence of members at projects, meetings and all Lions activities. Additionally, Lions must assist in identifying needs in their communities to be converted into projects to be undertaken by the Club.

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Have a story, photo or good news to share?

Please send to Lions Gerard or Janelle to be included in the next newsletter!