District 1A Governors Newsletter March, 2016

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

GOVERNOR RALPH ZARADA SPEAKS: The month of March is here and Easter is quickly approaching – that means we are approaching the end of the Lions leadership year and getting ready to begin another. March is also the month of the Corned Beef and Cabbage celebrations taking place throughout the District. Please support the clubs that are putting on these events.

March also means that our District Convention is just around the corner. So “Cowboy Up Lions” and join Lion Sue and me, and your fellow Lions, April 1-3 at the Westin Northwest in Itasca. The room rates and cost for attending the convention have not changed from last year. The weekend promises to be a lot of fun. In addition to the hospitality suites, which will open at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, other highlights include:   

The Parade of Banners, which will open the convention on Friday night.

The Governor’s Banquet, which will take place on Saturday night.

The Election of the District officers takes place on Sunday morning, followed by the District Breakfast.

Go to the District website (http://www.edistrict.org/sites/1a/) and click on the convention link for more information and to register.

We still have some work to do as we move forward with this leadership year. There are four months left to accomplish the goals I set for my term as District Governor. Here is an update on the progress towards meeting those goals. 







Provide service to more individuals through the expansion of Lionism into two communities/areas not serviced by a Lions Club.

We have added two more clubs to the district and are working on adding more clubs to the District Promote recruitment of 100 new members by June 2016.

As of February 2016, we have a positive net gain of 100 new members so far this year.

Encourage each club to promote and implement one community service project that includes the participation of non-Lions by March 2016.

We have YTD 34 clubs that have reported their service hours on MyLCI. There are 38 clubs that have not reported their service hours. Don’t keep your good work a secret, let me hear about your community service projects!

Promote and encourage increase in women members, changing the current demographic distribution from 29% to 35% by year end.

As of February 2016 we are at 34.6%.





Reduce dropped members in the District to 130 (50% decrease from five year average) by year end.

As of February 2016 we are at 112 members dropped YTD. Promote the use of the Blueprint for a Stronger Club at all District Governor’s meetings (Region meetings) throughout the leadership year.

I and Lion Harold have been promoting the program at the Region meetings so clubs can have a plan to develop and build a foundation for a stronger club.

There are several important amendments/resolutions and the election of a Second Vice District Governor for the 2018-2019 leadership year that need to be voted on at the Convention next month: Resolution #1 This proposed amendment would remove the language regarding the collection of the $1.00 for the on line Lions View magazine and placing the collected funds in Restricted fund R-06.

Resolution #2 This proposed amendment would add language to Section Three (3) Finance under the District Budget to allocate $1.00 per member for the subscription to the on line Lions View magazine to the District Dues A-03 budget line item. Dues will be increased to $5.00 per member.

Resolution #3 This proposed amendment would place the District 1A Constitution and By-Laws in compliance with the amendment recently passed at the 2015 LCI Convention, effective July 1, 2016, which mandates that clubs must have International dues and all District (sub, single, and multiple) dues paid at least 15 days prior to the close of credential certification of the respective convention in order for Club delegates to have the right to vote.

The complete text of the resolutions is in the monthly Governor’s newsletter.

Your vote is your voice. It’s your opportunity to be heard and to have a say in important issues that affect

the District. Make sure to send your Club’s delegates to the Convention.

And don’t forget: There’s still time – please contact me to schedule your Governor’s visit.

Lion Sue and I look forward to seeing all the Lions of District 1A at the District Convention next month.

Please come by and say hello.

God bless all the Lions of the District 1A, Lion Ralph Zarada, DG

Editorial: DISTRICT 1A IS + 100 Since 3 days of March, 2016 District 1A is + 100 in membership. This was Governor Ralph Zarada’s goal when he became our Governor for the year 2015-2016.

Congratulations Governor Ralph, you did it with flying colors. All Lions in District 1A are very proud of your achievement; keep up the good work and God bless.

Now retention is very important to retain our members and to keep these +100 numbers steady and keep growing further. I wish nothing but the best to our Governor Ralph. This membership growth was started last year when Governor Terry ended her lionistic year with + 95 members. If governor to be Ernie Lapid successfully keeps this trend, we will have 2,000 members in our Mother District of Lionism – District 1A. Remember Lions, nothing is impossible in this world if we work hard to reach goals.

And now fellow Lions, Lionesses and Leos, it is time to celebrate all achievements of District 1A convention, which will be starting on April 1st – April fool’s Day. There will be huge surprises organized by Convention Chair CC Steve Anton.

You won’t believe unless you see it in your own eyes. Send your registration as soon as possible and reserve your seat.

Convention will start with Parade of Banners. My dream is to see all clubs in District 1A to take part and show off their banners with club award

patches. Each participating club will receive a Banner patch from Governor Ralph.

Little birdie told me that there are 3 candidates running for II VDG position. Last contest for Vice District Governor in District 1A was in 2002 when Late CC Georg Toft and PDG Ralph Koller ran for the same position. This is the first time we will be seeing 2 female Lions and one male Lion running for this prestigious Second Vice District Governor’s position. Let’s see who will be the winner to lead our District for the year 2018-2019. This race will bring more delegates and more registrations to our convention. Governor Ralph’s goal for convention is 600 registrants. I am pretty sure that he is going to win this goal too with flying colors. Good luck Governor Ralph!

-Lion Austin D’Souza, PDG, Editor

RESOLUTIONS: Resolution 1

Summary: Remove the language regarding the collection of the $1.00 of the On Line Lions View magazine and placing the collected funds in the Restricted fund R06

The above described revisions to the District 1A Policy Manual will become effective at the close of the 2015 District 1A Convention, subject to the approval of the certified delegates at the 2015 District 1A Convention.

"The district budget shall be established by the Governor, Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer, First Vice District Governor [LCI, Article III, Section 2 (k)] The Second Vice District Governor may assist in planning [LCI, Article III Section 3 (m) and said budget may also be reviewed by the finance committee prior to presentation to the cabinet for approval at the first cabinet meeting. The budget is based upon the income from dues of the membership as of July 1, each year [$4.00 per member collected semiannually] and anticipated income of events scheduled by the district. In addition, the district shall collect $1.00 per member for subscription to the online Lions View magazine, those funds placed in the restricted account for same; and $10.00 per year for the multiple district dues [LCI Article 4, Section 4 (b) 5)] said funds collected will be forwarded to the multiple district and proper receipt secured by the cabinet treasurer."

Resolution 2

Whereas, the funds have not been used for expenses against the R-06 account related to the publishing of the On Line Lions magazine.

Whereas, no record of expenses has been charged against the R-06 account related to the publishing of the On Line Lions magazine.

Whereas, the funds collected for the magazine are essentially pass through to the restricted fund R-06 and are not part of the District budget.

Whereas, the current level of funding in the Lions View (R-06) is sufficient to offset any costs associated with any future expenses related to the publishing of the Lions View Magazine on line.

Now, Therefore, Be it resolved that Section Three: Finance, District Budget of the District 1A Policy manual be revised to remove the $1.00 collected per member for the online Lions View Magazine.

Summary Add language to Section Three (3) Finance under the District Budget to allocate the $1.00 per member for the subscription to the on line Lions View magazine to the District Dues A-03 budget line item. The dues per member will be increased to $5.00 per member Whereas, the dues of the District 1A membership have not been increased in several years and the costs associated with funding the operation of the District have increased, Whereas, the collection of the $1.00 per member subscription for the on line Lions View magazine is already being levied and collected by the District, Whereas, that said funds from the $1.00 per member subscription be allocated towards the

district dues per member in Budget Line Item A-03 increasing the dues per member to $5.00, Now, Therefore, Be it resolved that Section Three: Finance, District Budget of the District 1A Policy manual be revised to increase the dues collected per member by $1.00 (from the online Lions View Magazine subscription A-06) and be allocated to the District Dues A-03 budget line item. The District dues of the membership will increase to $5.00.

The above described revisions to the District 1A Policy Manual will become effective at the close of the 2015 District 1A Convention, subject to the approval of the certified delegates at the 2015 District 1A Convention.

"The district budget shall be established by the Governor, Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer, First Vice District Governor [LCI, Article III, Section 2 (k)] The Second Vice District Governor may assist in planning [LCI, Article III Section 3 (m) and said budget may also be reviewed by the finance committee prior to presentation to the cabinet for approval at the first cabinet meeting. The budget is based upon the income from dues of the membership as of July 1, each year [$5.00 per member collected semiannually] and anticipated income of events scheduled by the district. In addition, the district shall collect $1.00 per member for subscription to the online Lions View magazine, those funds placed in the restricted account for same; and $10.00 per year for the multiple district dues [LCI Article 4, Section 4 (b) 5)] said funds collected will be forwarded to the multiple district and proper receipt secured by the cabinet treasurer."

Delinquent Dues resolution 3 Summary: This proposed amendment would place District 1-A Constitution and By-Laws in compliance with the amendment recently passed at the 2015 LCI Convention, effective July 1, 2016, which mandates that clubs must have international dues and all district (sub, single, multiple) dues paid at least fifteen (15) days prior to the close of credential certification of the respective convention in order for club delegates to have the right to vote.

WHEREAS, Section 3, entitled Club Delegate Formula of Article IX, entitled District Conventions and Elections of the Lions Clubs International ByLaws, was recently amended at the 2015 LCI Convention, mandating that clubs must have international dues and all district (sub, single, multiple) dues paid at least fifteen (15) days prior to the close of credential certification of the respective convention in order for club delegates to have the right to vote; and, WHEREAS, Section 2 of Article VI of the District 1-A Constitution states delinquent dues may be paid at any time prior to the close of credential certification; and, WHEREAS, All district (sub, single, multiple) Constitution and By-Laws must be in compliance with the LCI Constitution and By-Laws; and, WHEREAS, This amendment is necessary to place District 1-A in compliance with Lions Clubs International; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT Section 2 of Article VI of the District 1-A Constitution, entitled District Convention be amended, effective at the close of the 2016 District 1-A Convention, by inserting the phrases in the last sentence of Section 2 as shown in bold and deleting the phrase shown in strikethrough below: “Delinquent dues must be paid and good standing acquired at least 15 days prior to the close of credential certification may be paid and good standing acquired at any time prior to the close of credential certification, as such closing time shall be established by the rules of the respective convention.�

These resolutions will be voted upon by the delegates who attend District 1A convention on Sunday, April 3, 2016.

The V.O.I.C.E.S. Committee is very pleased to have been

FROM VOICES PRESIDENT:

The V.O.I.C.E.S. Committee is very pleased to have been contacted 4 times already with clubs asking to reserve a date to host an eye screening in their areas. All of the efforts and hard work of the committee has finally been realized as we head out to do the very first screening this month. Look forward to next months Governors newsletter for a look behind the scenes as to how the screening went.

Lion Gail Anton has asked the V.O.I.C.E.S. Committee to take the 4 cameras down to the State Convention in May and host a seminar on their use and screen some local children. Incoming Lion President Bob Corlew and his wife Lion Dianne are supporters of the Kid Sight program and will be lending a hand in the screenings.

When we as a committee first started looking at this program, we relied on some old Lion friends from District 1-B now known as District 1-BK. PCC Rick McHale, DG, PDG Charlie Seifert and PDG Paul Benetazzo helped us through the very first steps of putting the program together. The committee wishes to thank them for their time, energy and understanding as we laid the foundation of the plan together. Now it is District 1-A and the V.O.I.C.E.S. Committee that is leading the way through Illinois with the promotion of the Kid Sight Program. Districts 1-J, 1-H and 1-CS are currently either purchasing the cameras or are in the beginning stages of putting their programs together.

Yes, it is a very exciting time in V.O.I.C.E.S. and it’s a very exciting time to be a Lion in District 1-A. If you would like to reserve a camera to do eye screenings at your club or to have one of the V.O.I.C.E.S. committee members come to your club and explain the program, please contact Lion Jeff White at isellum@sbcglobal.net to set the wheels in motion.

The V.O.I.C.E.S. Board of Directors, wish to invite you to the Annual Meeting of V.O.I.C.E.S., the Charitable Arm of District 1-A, as they present their required report and awards. It will be held on Saturday April 2, 2016 immediately following the Second Plenary Session of the District 1-A Convention.

Thank you, CC Steve Anton President, V.O.I.C.E.S santonlions@comcast.net

FROM THE SADDLE Well Buckaroos, its 1 month until the District 1-A Convention and it’s time to get those registrations in. Governor Ralph and First Lady Sue are expecting you to shine those spurs, put on some fine duds and of course wear your best hat as you “Cowboy Up” and enjoy the 48th Annual District 1-A

Convention, April 1 through April 3, 2016 at the Westin Chicago Northwest Hotel in Itasca, Illinois.

Northside Lions Club in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. He is a First Year Director and is looking forward to visiting with the District 1-A Lions. His keynote address will be given at the Governors Banquet on Saturday evening.

On Sunday we will have our Third Plenary Session and the Election of Officers for District 1-A. Be sure to have your club represented with all of the delegates and or alternates that it should have.

That is 1 delegate and 1 alternate for each 10 members or major portion thereof that are listed with LCI as of February 1, 2016. You must be registered with the convention and certified to vote by Cabinet Secretary, Lion Brenda Block, to be able to vote.

All forms that you will need that pertain to the convention can be found on the District website at lions1a-us.org Thank you for your service,

The Convention will get underway on Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. as we open “The Long Branch Gambling Hall” that will feature some games of chance with one winner receiving room credit for a one night stay in the hotel during the convention this year. Just for fun, a chance to ride “Bob” the bucking bull and one winner will receive a complete meal package for this year’s convention.

Both of these prizes are non-transferable and must be used during this years’ convention. The convention officially opens at 7:00 p.m. with the Parade of Banners. Afterwards, the Mont Clare/Elmwood Park Lions are hosting, with the help of the Convention Committee, an old time photo booth where you can have your picture taken and get a copy of it on Saturday afternoon.

On Saturday, every registered convention guest can attend our “Second Annual Bloody Mary Toast” as we honor all of the clubs in District 1-A that are celebrating a major service anniversary. After the First Lady’s Lunch we will once again have the ‘Gift Basket Auction” which always brings lots of competition and laughs. Our Second Plenary Session and the annual meeting of the charitable arm of the District, V.O.I.C.E.S., will follow that for it’s annual report.

Our International Guest this year is International Director Roderick Wright from the Barkers Point

CC Steve Anton, Convention Chairman-District 1-A

The “Edgar M. Elbert” Lion, Lioness and LEO of the Year will be presented at the “Governor’s Banquet” on Saturday evening, April 2, 2016 The “Richard J. Daley” Citizen of the Year will be presented at the District Breakfast on Sunday morning, April 3, 2016 GUIDELINES To authenticate your entry, the cover page must be on club stationary, and contain the ‘daytime’ phone number of the person submitting the entry.

The length of the entry ‘will not’ be a consideration.

E-mail entries will not be accepted.

Multiple entries on a single nomination will NOT be accepted!

(5) submit Six (6) copies of your entry by U.S. Mail. Entries with less that 6 copies will not be considered or returned.

(6) Should your nominee be chosen, you will be notified. It is ‘your’ responsibility to see that he/she attends the appropriate convention function and is seated with your club.

Lion Richard K. Huels, PDG, 11364 S. Millard Avenue, Chicago, 60655 If you have any questions….. 773-239-1087 or cpd8640@aol.com

THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2016 TAKE NOTE: THIS DATE IS “FIRM” … NO EXCEPTIONS!!

(FIRM)

2016 “I am asking every club to give serious consideration to “Ponying” up an entry in this year’s “roundup”, I know I can count on the Lions to make this the best “rodeo” ever!!!”

Ralph Zarada, District Governor

STORY OF THE MONTH:

Just want to share you all St Stanislaus Kostka Parish "Providence Soup Kitchen" opened its doors to the homeless & needy guests close to 30 years.

Last Monday, Feb 22, 9:30am-1:30pm. Lions Elizabeth, Anita, Delfin & myself helped together with my morning church group at Resurrection

Conception Church (Park Ridge). If you are planning to go, St Stan wants us to be there around 9:30 am to assists in preparation like cutting bread, onions, chicken, washing dishes, etc. We are not allowed to take pictures of the guests (homeless) though.

Some of you may recall we help St Stan raise funds for the church pews chairs, flooring, etc. couple years ago thru dinner dance (Chateau Ritz) with the leadership of St Gregory the Great Parish Charismatic Prayer Group (Bible Study). Thanks to all who support and please visit the church, open 24/7.

Thanks to Lions Anita, Delfin and Elizabeth for taking time to be there and serve the needy! God Bless you all...

Lion Yoly Zoleta Chicago Filipino American Lions Club Send your special articles with pictures so that we can publish them on Governor’s Newsletter.

E-mail address: govaustin@gmail.com, Editor – Governor’s Newsletter

Immaculate Conception (Park Ridge) serve nutritious and healthy meals to the 70 plus homeless. They feel Blessed in their way own way and we are Blessed & privileged to serve each one in God's name. If you have time every one is welcome to come and serve. St. Stan church is serving hot meals from Monday to Friday (11:30 am to 12:30noon). I go and serve on Monday with my friends from Resurrection Immaculate

I am looking for photographs and news items to publish on MD1 Monthly e-Magazine. Show the world of Lionism what your club is doing. E-mail your articles, photos and news items to: ILStateEditor@gmail.com -Lion Austin D’Souza, Editor Do you want your club activity photograph to be published on Chicago Tribune? Send them to Lion Austin – govaustin@gmail.com

Club Secretaries: When you send your Monthly Membership Report on MyLCI do not forget to include your club activities with photographs on Club Services.

Your photograph may go international and the world of lionism.

Report service activities and get recognized.

Books, Books and more Books – District 1-A has now reached the 7,165 mark in its quest of 10,000 Book Mountain!

Has your club been collecting – have you distributed books – have you included residents of senior citizens facilities in your District wide book collecting community service project?

Have you turned in your book count to date?

Are you in need of locations that will pick up books you have collected?

Do you have questions about this District wide book collecting project? Send me an e-mail!

LASTLY – PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR BOOKS TO THE DISTRICT 1A CONVENTION – GET THEM ALL DISTRIBUTED IN YOUR COMMUNITY

District 1A Governor’s Monthly e-Magazine Edited & Published by PDG Austin D’Souza for Lions, Lionesses and Leos of District 1A. e-Mail Address: govaustin@gmail.com Mail your articles, pictures and news items to above e-mail address.