Lions District 18-B Newsletter

Lions Clubs International
District 18-B
Newsletter

Web-site http://galions.org/18b

Jack L. Kennedy , District Governor

Welby L. Stayton, Cabinet Secretary
Richard S. Mizell, District Newsletter Editor

This is being written on Sept. 2^nd, and I have received more reports and information than at this time last month. Thank you for responding to my request in last month’s newsletter. To restate the point one more time, there cannot be a Lions Club without at least a minimum of activity. Report your activities! Of course in District 18-B, we have a lot of activity. We just sometimes forget to report them. Thank you for your continuing service.

During my club visits, eighteen since July 1st, I have outlined International President J. Frank Moore, III’s theme for the year, Light the Path to Service, and wrote about part of it last month. Because the Theme was outlined so well in last month’s Lions Magazine, I’m going to take this newsletter issue to discuss two areas I’d like us to improve in District 18-B in 2001/2002. We will continue with the International Theme in coming issues.

Before we begin, congratulations to Region Chair Lenard Johnston for such a great quote in The Lions Magazine. Wasn’t it nice to see District 18-B recognized at the International Level? Keep up the great work, Lenard. Although Lenard got the spotlight this time, he’ll be the first to tell you that many other Lions in Region Three, Zone Two were very actively involved in helping to build the Habitat house. Each of you MAKES ME PROUD TO BE A LION.

The two areas are: COMMUNICATION AND FUN. It should be a no-brainer that the better we communicate, THE MORE WE KNOW AND THE SMARTER WE ARE THE MORE SERVICE WE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE. The easiest way I know to improve our communication is to simply attend more Region and Zone meeting. Most of the time you will either learn something useful for your club or will teach another Lion something useful for their club. OR BOTH! Another easy way is to use the District Newsletter to “advertise” your clubs projects, meetings, etc. I trust that most of you are aware that the newsletter is being published “on line” as well as in hardcopy. The on line version may be amended (that is articles or announcements added) at any time. You do not have to wait until the next issue. If you are not a “computer person” and I’m not much of one, you may still use the newsletter as a great communication tool. Simply submit an article or announcement to the editor. “ Advertise” your club raffle, or other project and get wider participation. During our Organizational Meeting we did an exercise designed to increase Lion to Lion communication. If you were there, have you followed up? How long has it been since you talked with a Lion from another club about how you could improve our service efforts? Too long? You can change that today! Call or write or walk across the street. It’s never too little or too late to discuss helping a fellow human who needs help.

In order to improve communication on the State level let me report that The Council of Governors met in Athens August 10 and 11^th. We issued a proclamation concerning Liberty Day and asked our own PDG Chuck Shurtleff to be the State Coordinator. I’m sure you will hear from PDG Chuck about Liberty Day and the great opportunities clubs will have to support the concepts of the Constitution of our Democratic Republic while generating favorable publicity for the clubs. Perhaps it will also help attract new members.

An Ad Hoc Committee, chaired by our own VDG Jerry Kaiser, recommended that the Council extend the time allowed for clubs to submit information to qualify for recognition in the Millennium Membership Program adopted last year. The motion was approved and I have already submitted the information to State Membership Chair PDG Dan Stuart. He will issue the proper certificates within a short time. We had thirteen clubs in District 18-B that had a net increase in membership of at least one member last year, thus qualified. I know many clubs gained many new members, but a net increase was required. Another instance of RETENTION, actually, the lack of retention, really hurting us! We MUST keep the members we induct and lead them into being dedicated Lions.

On Sunday after the Council Meeting, The Athens Unit of Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic hosted a lunch and a tour of their facility. They provide a service which is virtually unknown to many Lions Clubs and which can be a great service opportunity. Any Club may enroll a single person for $100.00 or an entire school, etc. for only $300.00. The enrollee then may check out the recording for their use. The program is geared for educational usage, but there are many novels and other books, including The Lions Magazine, available. The program was first started for blind college students, many of who were veterans returning from World War Two, and who could not enter college because of the lack of proper educational aids. Today the program actually assists many more learning challenged and dyslexic patrons than blind persons. I AM SORRY TO REPORT THAT DISTRICT 18-B contributed less to RFTBAD than any other District in Georgia last year. We can do better!

In another effort to improve our communication let me report on Labor Day weekend travels. On Saturday Lion Evelyn and I ate Bar-B-Que chicken with the Bellville Club. Can you believe 350 to 400 plates of Bar-B- Que in Bellville? Believe it!! And the best part is that everything except the chicken was donated, even the grills and cooking gas. Virtually every member was busy doing something to make the lunch a success. That’s cooperation!

On Monday morning (at six am) it was down to Kingsland and The Catfish Festival, Boy, what a show. We arrived just in time for the Kingsland Lions Club’s Pancake, bacon and sausage breakfast. Who would have believed how many people they fed .The club rule was “you don’t leave hungry”. I’m not telling how many pancakes I ate, but I heard some talk about changing the rule if I attend next year. If you enjoy breakfast, arts and crafts and country music (for country music fans, how about Diamond Rio) go to The Catfish Festival next year and see a great Lions Club in action. On Monday night it was The Savannah Hostess City Club and learning about their Basket of Spirits and Garage Sales. (If I win the basket we’ll all have a party.)

The main reason I report these trips is so the District will be aware of what other clubs are doing, thus be able to participate if they wish or get an idea for a project of their own. I could not have attended (and would have missed great fellowship, food and the opportunity to spread the word about Lions of District 18-B) if someone had not TOLD ME ABOUT THE EVENTS OR PROJECTS. COMMUNICATION! COMMUNICATION! AND MORE COMMUNICATION!

Not just to “advertise “ ourselves, but also in order to increase membership, thus increase our opportunities for service.

FUN is the second area we need to improve on. It seems to me to be another no-brainer that without FUN we will never attract younger members or be able to RETAIN the new members we induct. As volunteers we understand that the only pay we’ll ever get is the satisfaction of helping others. That does not mean we must wear sackcloth and ashes in the process. We have some outstanding Tail Twisters in this District who do help us to have FUN, but we don’t have enough for them to be everywhere all the time. At the District Rally Oct. 13^th you’ll have several ways to have FUN. Especially with your kids and grandkids. Bring a potential member or two or three, and their children and let them see Lions doing good works while also having FUN. With your participation and help we can do it! Lion Jennifer Eisenhart is developing activities for the children in addition to the miniature golf and paddle boats already at the park. The District Governor has challenged PDGs to a game of horseshoes. I have a “ringer” on my team!

Most likely, the Collins Charter Night will have been completed by the time you are reading this. As of Sept. 1^st. there were over 100 reservations! What a great response from a great District! Just another reason YOU MAKE ME PROUD TO BE A LION!

Look for another article explaining The Millennium Membership Program and GET ON BOARD!

September 17        3^rd Monday           Hinesville                        7:00 p.m.
September 18        3^rd Tuesday          Jekyll Island                     6:30 p.m.
October 1                1^st Monday          Patterson                          7:00 p.m.
October 2                1^st Tuesday         Rincon Noon                      NOON
October 2                1^st Tuesday         Savannah Port City          7:00 p.m.
October 4                1^st Thursday        Odum                                 7:00 p.m.
October 8                2^nd Monday         Statesboro                         7:30 p.m.
October 9                2^nd Tuesday        Jesup                                 6:30 p.m.
October 15              3^rd Monday         Reidsville                            7:00 p.m.
October 16              3^rd Tuesday         Hazelhurst                          7:00 p.m.
October 18              3^rd Thursday        Golden Isles                       7:00 p.m.
October 22              4^th Monday          Woodbine                          7:30 p.m.
October 23              4^th Tuesday         Rincon Savannah River    7:00 p.m.

ALAMO: Submitted MMR timely. Appointed Camp and Lighthouse Directors before Aug 31. Donated 200 Amp. Electrical Service to Little Theatre. Participated in Forth of July Celebration with Lions Club Booth.

ALMA: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Appointed Associate Directors timely. Averaged 92% attendance at Aug. meetings. Inducted three new members. Had one publicity item published? Worked on final arrangements for Big Buck Contest. Completed assignments for football game parking. Made $1391.00 on annual Blueberry pancake Breakfast. Worked on Flag project. Donated $125.00 to community project.

BAXLEY: Submitted reports timely. Paid District dues timely. Appointed Associate Directors to Camp and lighthouse timely. Had 69% attendance at meeting in August. Spent 40 hours on club administration. Spent 13 hours in community service. Ordered Peace poster Contest Kits. Contributed $100.00 to: Camp, Lighthouse, Eye Care Center, RFTBAD, and to local Athletic Boosters.

BELLVILLE: Submitted all reports timely. Inducted two new members, both under the age of 30! Averaged 75% attendance. Spent $250.00 on community services. Worked 115 hrs on club administration and 165 hrs on community service products. Made $80.00 memorial contribution to Camp. Sent five pair of glasses to Lighthouse. Had two contributing members to LCIF and one member of ten million club. Published Club Newsletter.

BLACKSHEAR: Submitted all reports timely. Had 65% attendance at meeting. Purchased four pair of glasses at a cost of $220.00. Entertained Region and Zone Chairs at meeting.

BLOOMINGDALE: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Made $159.00 in broom sales. Purchased one pair glasses.

BRUNSWICK-GATEWAY: MMR received timely. Associate Directors appointed for Camp and Lighthouse. District Dues paid timely. No other activities reported.

BULLOCH: MMR received timely. Spent 100 hours on Club administration planning and preparing projects for new Lions year. Spent 70 hours on community service projects and 60 hours on Sight related activities. Provided 7 eye exams at cost of $280.00. Purchased 3 pairs of glasses at cost of $255.00. Collected 50 pairs of used glasses. Received electronic media publicity from two radio stations and one television station. Spent 40 hours setting up Club Website. Donated $500.00 to local student for scholarship. Paid District dues timely.

CLAXTON: August MMR received timely. Reported July activities of 52 hrs on club administration. Induction of two new members. Spent $65.00 for glasses. Averaged 85% attendance at meetings. Held Honors night on July 3^rd and recognized Lion Elmer Brewton for 50 years of LIONS MEMBERSHIP. Several Other members were honored for their valuable services and contributions. In August had 72% attendance at meetings. Spent 5 hours on club administration. Spent $57.00 for glasses. Paid District Dues timely.

CLINCH COUNTY: Reports received timely. Inducted one new member. Sent 15 pair of glasses to Lighthouse. Purchased two pairs of glasses. Hosted the District Governor and Lion Evelyn one meeting. Hosted Region and Zone chairs another meeting. No report of number of hours worked.

COBBTOWN: Reports received. Paid District Dues timely. Worked on upcoming pancake supper plans. Several members performed work for hospitalized member.

COLLINS: Club Officers and members continue plans and preparations for Charter Night festivities featuring Past International President Jim Ervin as keynote speaker. At end of August had received over 100 reservations!!

DARIEN: - Reports received timely. Paid District Dues timely. Spent 15 hours on club administration. Averaged 65% attendance. Purchased glasses.

DOUGLAS: Reports received timely. Lost one member by resignation in good standing. Paid District Dues timely. Expended 60 hours on club administration. Averaged 50% attendance. President attended Zone meeting. Had four club news items published. One news item published by a glasses recipient. Purchased 38 pairs of glasses at cost of $3420.00. Spent 412 hours on community activities.

FOLKSTON: Reports received timely. Paid District dues timely. Averaged 90% attendance at club meetings. Spent 176 hours on community service. Spent $180.00 on eye exams and glasses. Had three news items published including pictures. Entertained Red Cross Director, a Lion who presented program. Turned in 197 pairs of eyeglasses, 32 lens and 9 hearing aids to Lighthouse.

GARDEN CITY: Received reports timely. Paid District dues timely. Hosted District Governor and Lion Evelyn. Hosted three exchange students as well as their host families. Made tentative plans to involve the exchange students in up coming club activities including broom sales, White Cane Day and the Clubs’ famous Bar-B-Que dinners.

GLENNVILLE: Reports received timely. District dues paid timely. Appointed Associate Directors to Camp and Lighthouse before Aug 31. Averaged 48% attendance for month. Hosted District Governor and Lion Evelyn. Spent 3 hours on club administration. Collected 22 pairs of used glasses. Published Club newsletter. Had two articles published in newspapers.

HINESVILLE: No reports.

JACKSONVILLE: July report received. Aug. report received timely. Averaged 77% attendance in Aug. Paid District dues timely. Appointed Associate Directors to Camp and Lighthouse timely. Spent 5 hours on club administration. Spent $630.00 in improvements on Lions property. Performed 34 hours of community service.

JEKYLL ISLAND: Membership report received timely. District Dues paid timely. Activities not reported

JESUP: Submitted reports timely. Averaged 64% attendance in August. Spent 2 hours on club administration. Appointed Associate Directors to Camp and Lighthouse timely. Hosted Camp Director Shannon Nettles for program on Camp. Received local newspaper coverage. Became a 100% Contributing Club to LCIF Contributing member Club. $440.00. Was treated to a catfish dinner by Lion Ray Chadwick while meeting at his farm.

KINGSLAND: Reports received timely. District dues paid timely. Spent 10 hours on club administration. Averaged 80% attendance for month. Hosted District Governor and Lion Evelyn. Completed plans for Pancake Breakfast at Catfish Festival on Labor Day. Collected 150 pair of used glasses.

LIBERTY COASTAL: No reports.

LYONS: Reports received timely. District dues paid timely. Associate Directors appointed timely. 65% average attendance at Aug. meetings. 26 hours spent on club administration. 96 hours spent on community service projects. Spent $80.00 on glasses. $100.00 on community needs. Club hosted program on Lighthouse.

MCRAE: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Averaged 61% attendance at Aug. meetings. Purchased one pair glasses. Donated $25.00 to Camp

METTER: Hosted DG who installed Officers and one new member. Conducted regular meetings. Made gift to new Collins club. Submitted reports timely. Purchased one pair glasses.

PATTERSON: Reports received timely. District Dues paid timely. Associate Directors appointed timely. 10 hours spent on club administration. Averaged 90% attendance at Aug. meetings. Hosted Chicken& Grits fund raiser, Bar-B-Que Dinner and Red Cross Fund Drive. Performed 1265 hours of club administration and community service combined.

PEMBROKE: Reports received timely. Paid District Dues timely. Appointed Associate Directors timely. Inducted one new member. Averaged 75% attendance at club meetings. Hosted VDG and Zone Chair who presented programs on Lighthouse and Children’s Eye Care Center.

PORT WENTWORTH: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Appointed Associate Directors timely. Hosted DG and Lion Evelyn. Working on new fund- raiser and community service project. Continue to operate Softball Field. Did not report number of hours worked.

REIDSVILLE: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Appointed Associate Directors timely. Hosted meeting to complete plans for District Rally. Averaged 81% attendance at Aug. meetings. Spent $185.00 on glasses, $200.00 on community projects. Made $200.00 contributions to Lighthouse, Children’s Eye Care Canter and Leader Dog. Hosted program on Leader Dog Program. Mailed info packets re District Rally to all club presidents. Made $200.00 contribution to local Library.

RICHMOND HILL: Submitted Membership report timely. Paid District Dues timely. Did not report activities.

RINCON SAVANNAH RIVER: Membership report received timely. Activity Report transmitted. Unable to open. District Dues paid timely.

SAVANNAH: Reports received timely. District Dues paid timely. Associate Directors appointed timely. Averaged 57% attendance in Aug. Sent DG copy of Club Newsletter. Completed plans for annual Christmas Tree Sale. Number of hours worked not reported.

SAVANNAH CHATHAM SOUTH: Reports received timely. District Dues paid timely. Associate Directors appointed timely. 54 hours spent on club administration. Averaged 61% attendance in Aug. Submitted article to newsletter. Collected 452 pairs of glasses. 1216 lens, 170 cases. Purchased $450.00 food for Inner City Shelter. Spent 74 hours in community service. Member lion Dr. Mark Manocha treated 900 patients and performed 26 cataract surgeries while on medical mission in Africa. (USA value of about $80,000.00 in kind service.)

SAVANNAH HOSTESS CITY: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Spent 32.5 hours on club administration. Averaged 100% attendance in Aug. Provided 74.5 hours of community service. Had one publicity article published. Donated $25.00 to Breast Cancer campaign.

SAVANNAH PORT CITY: Paid District Dues timely. Club planning for neighborhood broom sale in October

STATESBORO: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Appointed Associate Directors timely. Dropped one member by resignation in good standing (health). Spent 34 hours on club administration. Averaged 32% attendance in Aug. Collected 100 pairs of glasses, 30 lenses. Contributed $214.83 to Camp. Spent $76.50 on glasses.

WAYCROSS: Reports received timely. District Dues paid timely. Associate Directors appointed timely. Spent 50 hours on club administration. Averaged 88% attendance in Aug. Had four publicity items published. 640 hours spend in community service. Sold $153.00 in brooms and mops, $340.00 in Flag contracts. Hosted Region and Zone Chair who presented DG goals program. Hosted DG and Lion Evelyn on August 14

WAYCROSS OKEFENOKEE: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Appointed Associate Directors timely. Inducted one new member. Spent 30 hours on club administration. Averaged 58% attendance in Aug. Sent DG copy of club newsletter. Had five publicity items published. Spent $85.00 on community projects. Hosted DG and Lion Evelyn the evening of Aug. 14^th.

WILMINGTON ISLAND: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Spent 40 hours on club administration. Had one item published in newspaper. Performed 135 hours of community service. Hosted a program on Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic. Conducted broom sale.

WOODBINE: Submitted reports timely. Paid District Dues timely. Spent 22 hours on club administration. Averaged 73% attendance in Aug. Spent 81 hours in community service. Purchased two pairs of glasses at cost of $90.00. Club prepared and served meal for Elementary school and US Navy officials on 8/24 at cost of $610.00. Donated $200.00 to Reading program at school. Spent 632 hours and $437.00 repairing Lions Club facility.

Send a Kid to Camp Day is here. This important fundraiser for the camp is scheduled for September 8. Clubs have received information from the camp and should have scheduled their fund raiser. This year’s fundraising goal is $60,000.00. Please do your part for your camp. For more information contact the camp or Camp V.P. Billy Marshall

It has been reported that several clubs in our district has not reported the appointment of their associate directors. Please make your selection now and report it to the Camp and DG Jack.

Are you looking for a quality inspiring program for the induction of new members or new officers? Are you looking for new ideas to make that moment for a new Lion special? The answer may in asking a past district governor to make that special presentation. A complete list of PDG are listed in the State Directory and on our web site.

In the effort to improve the Georgia Lions Web sites there have been some changes made. Our web site is on a dedicated web server. We now have our own web address. Our District web site is http://galions.org/18b/ This address will reach all of District 18b resources including all clubs. Each club that does not already have a web site now has a web page. All clubs are now listed on Lionnet.com. This web site contains listings for over 5,000 Lions Clubs worldwide. To access your club web page use the following example, http://galions.org/18b/ClaxtonLionsClub.htm There are no spaces in the club name and the address is case sensitive. Clubs are encouraged to make use of these web pages. Activities and projects can be listed on the page by contacting the Information Technology Chairman, Rick Mizell by mail or e-mail. No phone calls please.

Kits for the 2001-02 Lions International Peace Poster Contest, "Lighting the Path to World Peace," are on sale through October 1, 2001. To participate, clubs must order a 2001-02 Peace Poster Contest kit (PPK-1) for each school or youth group a club sponsors. Kits may be purchased through the Club Supplies Sales Department at International Headquarters for $7.95 plus shipping, handling and applicable taxes. Carefully review the "Official Club Rules" in the kit, as deadlines have changed from last year.

Dr. Mark Manocha of the Savannah Chatham South Lions preformed charity work in Africa. In Ajalli Nigeria, Lion Manocha examined and treated over 900 patients with eye problems. He also preformed 25 cataract surgeries. A Lion giving a new look on life to a lot of people.

Our District Raffle for 2001/2002 will be in a somewhat different format this year, but still offer a chance at great prizes. Tickets will be only $1.00 (or 6 tickets for $5.00, twelve tickets for $10.00 or twenty-four tickets for $20.00) and will give the purchaser a chance to win any one of at least six or seven prizes.

The Grand Prize is an R C A Compact Disc Player with a five-disc changer as well as a dual cassette player. Discs may be loaded while another disc is playing so the music never stops. First prize is an American Harvester convection Oven, with an expander ring, which cooks and browns any meat or prepares a whole meal in only minutes. There is also a relaxation Rock Garden Waterfall and an Aroma Therapy machine. In addition there will be three or four Beef Loins cut into ¾ inch steaks and packed their own coolers ready for the trip home.

As usual the drawing will be conducted at the State Convention (in Athens). You do not have to be present to win, but you will have more fun if you are.

Lion Thoris Yeomans, assisted by Lion Anne Kasbohm will direct the Raffle. Each Region and Zone Chair will have a supply of tickets and a supply will be mailed to each Club President.

Of course we will continue the tradition of door prizes at our District Meetings without taking up too much time.

The District Raffle is an integral part of District financing and a way to have fun and win valuable prizes. Participate and “Keep the Pride Alive” in District 18-B.

The web site address for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation has changed to http://galions.org/lighthouse . Many thanks to the clubs who sent in donations the past 2 months. Your gifts make it possible for the Lighthouse to operate. The Lighthouse provides services to those in need at all times. Your continued support is also needed. Also please submit your associate directors names if you have not already done so. This is important in getting valuable information to you. The Joint Meeting of the Camp and the Lighthouse is October 20-21 in Warner Robbins. For more information contact either the Lighthouse or the Camp.

d. Any nomination submitted for consideration where the individual is not selected for induction may be updated and resubmitted for consideration the following year.

e. The nomination letter is to be submitted to the President of the Past District Governor's Association and must be postmarked no later than December 5.

f. Each club may submit a maximum of two (2) living and (2) deceased nominations each year.

The AMD Alliance is a nonprofit alliance of vision and seniors organizations working to raise awareness of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and an understanding of available options for treatment, rehabilitation and support services. Lions Clubs International is an associate member of this international group.

AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness in people over 50 in the Western world, yet awareness remains low. AMD Alliance International has scheduled September 23 29, 2001, as Retina Week for the Prevention of Blindness, which will serve as the cornerstone of the AMD Alliance International campaign to raise awareness of AMD and retinal degeneration across the world. The alliance invites all interested organizations to take part in the week to further AMD's five calls for action:

For more information, please contact Marika Konings at [email protected] . If your Lions club participates, please provide information about your activity to Deborah O'Malley at [email protected] .