January 15, 2002

This will reach you for your perusal in mid January. After the holiday season has ebbed and life has calmed from the festivities of the season. I trust your holiday season was as good as ours. Thank you for the gifts, cards and friendship that came our way. Evelyn and I appreciate it and hold each of you in high regard.

Most of us in District 18B have more to be grateful for than we can count. From being able to worship as we please to having the opportunity to make what we will of our lives and circumstances. We also have the friendship and care of almost 1300 fellow Lions here in our District. Perhaps it is the proper time to reflect on those who do not have the blessing we enjoy. Certainly it is true that LIONS SERVE, in many ways all around the world. But if we really think, can’t we think of one more way our Club might serve in this New Year. Can’t we have at least one new VISION leading to one new SUCCESS that results in some group or family or person receiving help they need AND which we have not provided before? Our entire Association began with the vision of Melvin Jones to help those in need. Mr. Jones was a forward thinker in 1917, but even he could not have imaged today’s world. However, if he were still around, I’ll bet you he would think of a new project or two or three. The aftermath of September 11, 2001 has resulted in more awareness of service opportunities and also resulted in more people needing help. We don’t have to be near ground zero to know about layoffs and reduction in workforce or downsizing or timidity on the part of business to continue expanding. Our increasing population has added much to our cultural richness and helped many businesses fill their manpower needs. It has also brought men, women and children who need help. Our technological improvements have certainly increased our productivity, but it has also created technologically disadvantaged workers. There are many other examples in your town, which you know about first-hand. In 2002 it is time to really move into the New Millennium with new “VISIONS and new SUCCESSES.” “WE SERVE” is not static, but must move with the changes in the world and accept new challenges.

One new challenge that will be easy, will be worthwhile and will be fun is to join Int. President J. Frank Moore, III in LIGHTING THE PATH IN SERVING YOUTH. Don’t you know someone in your school system that could be a LEO Club sponsor? Have you talked with that person about a Leo Club? It’s not too late but the year is almost one-half over.

Perhaps the most exciting and potentially the best Public Relations tools in Lionism today are the YOUNG LEADERS IN SERVICE AWARDS and THE YOUNG AMBASSADORS OF THE 21^ST CENTURY AWARDS. By recognizing the accomplishments of young people we can ‘reward’ them for their efforts, make them feel good about SERVICE, encourage them to continue in service AND involve their parents. Check the information available on www.lionsclubs.org , or contact the manager of the Youth Programs Department directly at: [email protected] . As OUR President, Lion Jim is fond of saying: Young people are not 50% of our population, but they are 100% of our future. If we don’t get them involved now, tomorrow will be too late! Do we have JUST ONE CLUB (Hopefully, several) IN DISTRICT 18B READY TO MEET THE CHALLENGE of involving the young people of their community in a LEO Club or other Lions program. Just a little leadership goes a long way when you get young people involved. They already have the energy and the brainpower. Show me a VISION involving young people, and I’ll show you a SUCCESS that keeps on succeeding.

Thank you for the good work you have done with membership thus far this year! As of Dec. 31^st we are at 1283. Last July we were at 1248! However, we LOST 55 LIONS during that same period. There were a few deaths, and a few resignations because of understandable circumstances, but mostly we JUST LOST MEMBERS! ACTIVE CLUBS lose few members. They are too busy working on Lions Projects to get bored or mad and they have too much fun to leave for any other reason. Before you lose another member, plan a new project or assign them a new job or ask them to share their vision and make it a new Club project. VDG Jerry wants 1400- 1500 members next year! I’ve promised him that we will have at least 1350 by July! Help me keep my promise.

DG Jack

ALAMO: December reports not received timely

ALMA: December reports not received timely

BAXLEY: December reports not received timely

BELLVILLE: December reports submitted timely. Spent 6 hours on club Adm. Averaged 85% attendance at Club meetings. Sent DG copy of club Newsletter. Spent $15.00 on Community Projects. Reports submitted within three days of last meeting.

BLACKSHEAR: December reports submitted timely. Averaged 60% attendance at Club meetings. Sec./Trea. and four members attended Zone meeting. Displayed banner. Held “Ladies Night’ Christmas Party. Held semi-annual Boston Butt Sale.

BLOOMINGDALE: December reports submitted timely. Five members conducted Broom Sale, raised $ 326.00. Sold $45.00 worth of recycled cans. Worked on refurbishing Playground.

BRANTLEY COUNTY: Submitted December Reports timely. Spent 150 hours on Club administration. Contributed $200.00 to Camp, $500.00 to Lighthouse. Collected 45 pairs of glasses, 20 lenses. Sold 250 Bar-B-Que sandwiches at Christmas parade as well as Cokes and Pickles.

BRUNSWICK-GATEWAY: December Membership report submitted timely. Activities not reported.

BULLOCH: Submitted December reports. Worked 35 hours on Club Adm. Spent 40 hours on Lions Project. Purchased 2 pairs of glasses at cost of $130.00. Collected 30 pairs of glasses. Received publicity items in newspaper and on radio re Cozy Coats Project.

CLAXTON: December reports received. Averaged 84% attendance at December meetings. Worked 130 hours in community service, 86 hours in Lions projects. Worked 64 hours on Club Adm. Purchased 5 pairs glasses at cost of $320.00. contributed $200.00 to needy family. Are providing transportation for member receiving medical treatment. Hosted DG and Lion Evelyn. Honored Lion Elmer Brewton for over fifty years of service, 24 years as Club Secretary. Lion Elmer retired as Club Secretary but is continuing as an active member!

CLINCH COUNTY: December reports submitted timely. One member received Bronze Millennium Membership Sponsor Award for having sponsored a new member. Purchased one pair of glasses. Donated $200.00 to Lighthouse. Presented Lion Sterling Newton the Clinch County Lion-of-the-Year Award.

COBBTOWN: Submitted December reports. Worked 15 hours in community service. Displayed American flags.

COLLINS: Submitted December reports timely. Spent 30 hours on Club Adm. Conducted first fund- raiser, a Bar-B-Que Chicken Dinner on Dec. 1^st. sold 450 plates, made about $1800.00 profit.. Sold about $250.00 worth of brooms. Purchased 2 pairs of glasses at cost of $144.00.

DARIEN: Submitted December reports. Spent 5 hours on Club Adm. Spent $300.00 on eye-care. Had one publicity item published.

DOUGLAS: Submitted December reports timely. Inducted two new members. Spent 40 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 54% attendance at Club meetings. Purchased 47 pairs of glasses at cost of $4230.00. Worked 281 hours on community projects. Collected 404 pairs of glasses, 100 lenses, 181 cases.

FOLKSTON: Pending

GARDEN CITY: Pending

GLENNVILLE: Submitted December reports timely. Averaged 59% attendance at December meetings. Provided copy of club Newsletter to DG. Spent $170.00 on community projects.

HAZELHURST: Pending

HINESVILLE: Submitted December reports worked 15 hours in community service projects. Averaged 59% attendance ay December meetings. Spent 6 hours on club Adm.

JACKSONVILLE: December reports submitted timely. Spent 5 hours on club Adm. Averaged 71% attendance at Club Meetings. Contributed $250.00 each to two families who suffered house fire. Contributed $250.00 to family with terminally ill father. Worked 30 hours on community service project.

JESUP: Submitted December reports timely. Worked 6 hours on club Adm. Averaged 50% attendance at Club meetings.

JEKYLL ISLAND: December Membership Report submitted timely. Activities not reported.

KINGSLAND: Pending.

LIBERTY COASTAL: Submitted December membership report. Activities not reported.

LYONS: Submitted December reports timely. Paid Dist. Dues 12/31/01. Spent 30 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 78% attendance at December meetings. Purchased one pair of glasses at cost of $60.00. Contributed $100.00 to community project, $100.00 to Camp.

MCRAE: Submitted MMR timely. Activities not reported.

METTER: Submitted December timely. Averaged 50% attendance at club meetings. Hosted District Governor at first monthly meeting. Purchased two pairs of glasses. Displayed American Flags on Pearl Harbor Day (DEC. 7^th). Co-sponsored Annual Children’s Christmas Party that entertained 110 children., worked 20 hours on project. Made a $1500.00 Memorial gift to Candler Hospital Foundation. Purchased $500.00 worth of brooms in preparation for broom sale. Held annual Christmas Party Dec. 18^th.

MILAN: Pending

ODUM: Submitted December reports timely. Worked 20 hours on Club Adm. Worked 138 in community service in Hospital Auxiliary. Hosted DG ,Lion Evelyn and three Past District Governors at annual Christmas party. Contributed $1000.00 to Camp, $300.00 to Lighthouse, $100.00 to Leader Dog, $100.00 to RFB&D, $550.00 to various local community groups.

PORT WENTWORTH Pending

PATTERSON: Submitted December reports timely. Spent 8 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 60% attendance at December meetings. Collected 65 pairs of glasses, 10 lenses. Worked 153 hours in community service. Hosted zone meeting on Dec. 3^rd and Christmas dinner Dec. 17^th. Collected for Salvation Army on Dec. 15^th.

PEMBROKE: Submitted December reports timely. Worked 50 hours on community project. Purchased two eye exams and glasses. Marched in Christmas Parade with ‘invisible dogs’ carrying sign which said the blind could not see the dogs either. Hosted refreshment stand during the parade. Hosted Christmas party with DG and Lion Evelyn and several PDGs as guests.

PORT WENTWORTH: Submitted December reports timely. Began Turkey Shoot Project which is proving successful. Held Christmas Banquet and raised funds for Camp. Have membership campaign in process.

REIDSVILLE: Submitted December reports timely. Averaged 81% attendance at December meetings. Spent $165.00 on eye-care, $125.00 on community project, $100.00 for eye surgery patient. Hosted DG and Lion Evelyn at Christmas Party where all guests donated toys and supplies for needy children. Worked 70 hours on Club Adm.

RICHMOND HILL: Submitted Membership report timely. Activities not reported.

RINCON: Pending

RINCON NOON: Submitted reports timely. Hosted PCC Stan Bazemore who inducted one new member. Co-hosted Christmas party with Rincon Savannah Club. Hosted DG and Lion Evelyn Spent 95 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 60% attendance at Dec. meetings.

RINCON SAVANNAH RIVER: Submitted reports timely. Co-hosted Christmas party with Rincon Noon Club.

SAVANNAH: Submitted December reports timely. Worked 1350 hours on Christmas tree sales project. Netted about $14000.00 on the project. Lion Trot Hurd hosted annual Christmas party.

SAVANNAH HOSTESS CITY: Submitted December reports timely. Averaged 100% attendance at Dec. meetings. Contributed $100.00 to Lighthouse. Worked 16 hours in community service. Donated $110.00 to various community charities. Donated $118.00 to “adopted” family, $100.00 to LCIF. Provided copy of Newsletter to DG. Provided ‘Bell Ringers’ for Salvation Army.

SAVANNAH PORT CITY: Submitted December reports timely. Dropped one member, reason 1. Worked 11 hours on club Administration. Conducted Broom, mop and Coloring Book Sale on December 8 at Kroger’s on Mall Blvd. Club gave 25 hours on Community Service. Club members contributed Christmas gifts to the children of St. Mary’s home.

STATESBORO: December reports submitted timely. Spent 20 hours on club Adm. Donated $200.000 to LCIF, $300.00 to Melvin Jones Fellow Fund, $200.00 to Lighthouse, $200.00 to Children’s Eye Care Center, $100.00 to RFB&D, $250.00 to Leader Dog, $ 250.00 to Statesboro Recreation Dept (sponsor Little League team), $250.00 to GSU Teaching Scholarship Fund. Sold $650.00 worth of brooms. Hosted annual Christmas Party

VIDALIA: Submitted December timely. Spent 6 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 77% attendance at December meetings. Submitted article to District Newsletter. Spent $2015.00 on community projects.

WAYCROSS: Submitted December reports timely. Dropped one member, reason 7. Spent 55 hours on club Adm. Averaged 95% attendance at December meetings. Had one publicity item published. Provided a Christmas party for 15 children and 5 adults at cost of $300.00. Worked 18 hours ringing bell for Salvation Army and raised $327.00. Contributed $390.00 to Camp

WAYCROSS-OKEFENOKEE: Submitted December reports timely. Spent 40 hours on Club adm. Averaged 98% attendance at December meetings. Twenty eight members, including President, Secretary and treasurer attended Zone meeting. Displayed banner. Had two publicity items published. Worked 240 hours on community service. Donated $427.00 to community projects. Honored Lions Walt Herrin and Henry Brasington as Life Members. Thirteen members rang bell for Salvation Army. Family night on Dec. 17 had 85 attendees. Provided DG with copy of Club Newsletter.

WILMINGTON ISLAND: Submitted December reports timely. Spent 25 hours on Club Administration. Averaged 80% attendance at December meetings. Spent $50.00 on community project. Contributed $320.00 to LCIF to become 100% contributing Member Club.

WOODBINE: Submitted December reports timely. Spent 16 hours on Club Adm. Averaged 80% attendance at Dec. meetings. Spent $125.00 on glasses. Contributed $50.00 to Camp.

One order of business to be conducted at the District Convention is the election of officers. This year the following offices are up for election: District Governor, Vice District Governor, and Vice President of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind. The following are procedures for nominations as specified by the constitution.

The Hazlehurst Lions Club is the proud sponsors of the 2002 District 18-B Convention. It will be held February 22-23, 2002. All activities will be held at Outback Range and Recreation Center. Please mark this weekend on your calendar and make plans to attend. This will be an exciting event that you will not want to miss. Outback is located approximately seven (7) miles outside of Hazlehurst on Kirkland Still Road. Telephone (912) 375-0765

Events get underway on Friday evening, February 22nd with a dinner at 7:30 p.m. This dinner gives attendees an opportunity to meet in a casual setting to renew friendships, make new friends, and spend some time with our special guests, International Director Bob Miller and his wife, Lion Judy.

Saturday morning we will offer several tours to give you a taste of "country life" in the rural south. Activities at Outback will also be available for a nominal fee. Tours and activities will be suitable for your entire family.

Afternoon events will begin at 1:30 p.m. with several seminars: Vice District Governor Jerry Kaiser will ‘teach’ Lionism 101, a comprehensive orientation program for new Lions. Every Lion with less than three years tenure as a Lion who attends the seminar, and passes the test, will receive a District Governor’s Points Contest Voucher for 50 points which they may give to their Club. There is no limit on how many may attend from each Club. Fifty points will be awarded for each ‘new Lion’ who attends and passes the test.

There will be no points awarded for Lions with more than three years tenure, but I’ve heard that that it is surprising how much you can learn or remember when given the proper stimulus.

District Governor Jack will conduct a seminar about YOUTH PROGRAMS IN LIONISM TODAY. How many are they? What are they? How easy it is to become involved. How rewarding it is to become involved with the youth of today.

Hopefully we will have Lion Mark Miller and Lion Leslie Miller to discuss Leo Clubs and The Georgia Lions All State Band. Information regarding the International Program of Recognizing Youth who have performed community service will be available and discussed.

Every Club Officer who attends will receive a District Governor’s Points Contest Voucher for 25 points, which they may give to their Club. The Cabinet meeting will begin at 3:00 p.m. Convention activities will conclude with a banquet and address from I. D. Miller at 6:00 p.m.

The convention hotel will be McDonald's Lodge. Room rates will be $50.40 per night (including taxes). Please contact the hotel at (888) 844-8207 or (912)379-1770 to make your reservations. Be sure to let them know that you are part 

of the Lions Club Meeting. Reservations should be made no later than February 20th. For more information contact DG Jack Kennedy or Convention Chairman Lonnie Roberts, PCC, P.O. Box 1300, Hazlehurst, GA 31539. Telephone (912) 375-9800 H (912) 427-5816 W or e-mail [email protected]

Lion Jennifer Eisenhart, from the Savannah Port City Lions Club will provide supervised activities for children and grandchildren ages 3 to 12. If you were at the District Rally you will recall how much FUN the kids had with Lion Jennifer and her son, Lion-to-be Matthew.

Our constitution requires us to report our activities each and every month. When you report on club activities each month, you are placing your club in the spotlight. Celebrate your achievements! Brag about what you are doing in the cause, “WE SERVE.” If you do not have any activities to report. Report on what you are planning. If you are not planning anything, SHAME on you and your President. Get busy and create something new. Light a fire in your club. Be innovative, Lions Clubs were started for that purpose, to help those in need.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Millions of Americans are at risk of losing their eyesight to glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in the United States. At higher risk for developing glaucoma are African-Americans over age 40, everyone over age 60, and people with a family history of the disease. During Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, community leaders and health professionals are encouraged to provide sight-saving information to those who are at higher risk. The National Eye Institute (NEI), one of the Federal government's National Institutes of Health, has a free Glaucoma Community Education Kit that contains a variety of resources and materials that you can use to plan and conduct successful campaign activities. To request your resource guide, call (800) 869-2020, or visit NEI's Web site at http://www.nei.nih.gov/ . (From the site's main menu, select "National Eye Health Education Program.")

With the Lions year half over is it time to get busy and support your Lions Lighthouse. As of November 30, 2001, District 18-B has contributed a total of $11,390.11 to the Lighthouse. Thanks are due to the following clubs who have helped the Lighthouse in its service to those who are less fortunate; Baxley, Bellville, Douglas, Golden Isles, Hinesville, Jesup, McRae, Metter, Reidsville, Rincon, Savannah Hostess City, Savannah Port City, Statesboro, Waycross Okefenokee, and Woodbine. These clubs are on the path to be successful clubs.

What is a successful club, you might ask? It is a club that participates and supports all causes of Lionism. To those clubs who have not given to the Lighthouse, your support is needed. Last year the Lighthouse served over 12,000 people who came to the Lighthouse seeking assistance. None of this would be possible without the support of Lions like you.

April is White Cane month. The statewide goal of $175,000 is reachable only with your support and dedication. I am asking that all clubs in district 18-B be a part of this cause to raise funds for White Cane. The funds you raise makes it possible for the Lighthouse to provide sight saving services. Please make plans now for your White Cane Fundraiser. Information has been mailed to each club director or president. If you need further assistance, please contact Lighthouse VP Rick Mizell at (912) 925-9782 by e-mail at [email protected]  or the District White Cane Chairman Lion DeWayne Ladner at (912) 826-5264 or by e-mail at [email protected] 

Restored the positions of Immediate Past Council Chair and Past Council Chair to their previous position in the official order of precedence and recognized District Constitutional and customs and practice in protocol matters.

Agreed to submit proposal to International Constitution. to allow affiliate members to be members of like service clubs.

Authorized video-teleconferencing of Board Meetings when necessary.

Approved Charter cancellations of 389 Clubs with 5,596 members.

Dropped the $50.00 charge for merger of clubs.

Approved budget of Revenues and Expense for 2002/2003 requiring a

$2,177,123 deficit. (to be funded from on-hand reserves)

Approved Policy revision that will require determination of revenues and prohibit deficit budget.

Approved Policy requiring all proposals to be reviewed by Finance and Operations Committee to provide projected costs before being considered for implementation.

Approved the appointment of Gary M La Petina as Executive Administrator/Secretary of the Association, effective Dec. 1, 2001.

Approved Group Leaders for District Governors Elect Seminar ( Last year Georgia was represented by Dr. John Pierce and Dr. Beverly A. Roberts, the first female instructor)

Approved grant applications of $3,805,259.

Agreed to amendment of Operations Manual to allow donations to the September 11th Fund be used toward Melvin Jones or progressive Melvin Jones Fellowships. (Effective date not reported. Will find out.)

Will form partnership with U. S. Blind Golfers Association for three years at $100,00 funding level.

Provided for Staff and Trustees to actively solicit contributions from corporations, foundations, governmental sources and the general public.

Extended President’s Retention Campaign and Retention Chairman for two full fiscal years, 2002/2003 and 2003/2004

Granted induction fee waiver to spouses of deceased Lions with ten (10) or more years of service.

Recommended implementation of First Vice President’s growth initiative

“Building a Better Tomorrow”

Requested Constitution and By-Laws Committee to prepare an amendment for consideration that eases the sanctions against dual membership

Increased the number of Presidential Medals by 150 for year 2002-2003 and Leadership Awards by 250

Increased number of Ambassador of Goodwill Awards by 5 in 2002-2003

Approved proposed collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and other service clubs organized to provide adult mentors for young people in need.

Established a new Lions Clubs International Hearing Aid recycling Program. (HARP)

Click here to sign up for e-mail notification of new Newsletter Issues

Archive Index Page