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Governor‘s Comments...

INNOVATION—

The second letter, N, represents NEW MEMBERS. These are the future of our clubs, district, multiple district, and Lionism. Every Lion should seek to replicate himself or her self by sponsoring a new member and mentoring the new Lion to a leadership position. It seems, though, that the number one question clubs are asking is “How do we find new members?”

So, let’s get started.

First, get a pencil. Why? To make a list of the people in your community you believe are strong candidates for membership. Consider your co-workers, neighbors, fellow church goers, and people you know from other activities. Don’t rule people out. Scan the local newspaper and include community leaders who would value Lions membership. Don’t leave a person off your list just because they may be too young or too old.

Second, arm yourself with information to sell Lionism. Put together a presentation and be able to answer questions. Include what a Lion can do. How a Lion will make a difference in the community. The leadership skills that a person will build as a Lions to include the opportunities to attend Lions Leadership Seminars. Be able to explain that Lionism is a world-wide organization with many opportunities to meet and work with Lions at state conventions, the USA/Canada Forum, and International Conventions. Point out that the new Lion will share the prestige of belonging to the world’s largest community service organization with almost 1.4 million members. Include that fact that Lions are eliminating preventable and reversible blindness worldwide through Lions SightFirst. Be up to date on what Lions are doing in your district and multiple district. Do you know the MD 18 Lions projects—Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Emory Children’s Eye Care Center, Leader Dogs for the Blind, and Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic? Can you explain what these organizations do and why are they are Lions projects? Oh, don’t forget to include the friendship and fellowship they will enjoy as Lions.

Now, make your point and close the sale. After briefing the prospective member on the values and benefits of membership, invite the prospect to a club meeting to see your Lions Club in action. Give some background on the meeting format. And—get the prospect involved. Make the person feel included. Invite the prospect to additional meetings and provide more detailed information about your club such as current projects, meeting dates, dues structure, etc. Then—close the sale and ask that important question—Will you be a Lion?

Your work is not over yet. You, the sponsor, should complete the membership form. Make sure that the new member has a prompt and dignified induction and assumes an active role in the life of the club. Remember the Mentor Program. Keep close to your new member and keep him or her active. The more involved they become, the more they will realize how much they are getting out of Lions.

Don’t stop now—keep up the good work. Go back to that list and work it again. If every Lion in 18B would invite three prospects and one of the three becomes a member, we would add more hands to every Lions project. We are our own future.

DG Lil

DATE                 CLUB                                                                 TIME

August 18           Alamo                                                                7:00 pm

August 19           Bulloch                                                               7:30 pm

August 25           Darien                                                                7:00 pm

August 28           Richmond Hill                                                      7:00 pm

September 2       Liberty Coastal                                                   7:00 pm

September 4       Brunswick-Gateway                                            7:00 pm

September 8       Woodbine                                                           7:30 pm

September 9       Garden City                                                        7:00 pm

September 11     Patterson                                                            7:00 pm

September 15     Milan                                                                  7:00 pm

September 16     Claxton                                                               7:00 pm

September 18     Port Wentworth                                                   7:30 pm

September 22     Alma                                                                   7:00 pm

September 23     Jesup                                                                  6:00 pm

Club Secretaries are reminded to use the 2003-2004 District Governor’s Activities Report form. If you use an older form, you can lose points as categories have changed. Don’t forget to send the form to the DG postmarked by the 5^th of the month.

Keep VDG Rick up to date on email addresses! He can’t send an e-newsletter without the correct addresses. This service is available to all Lions.

Again, if you don’t have a useable LCI logon and password, email [email protected]. Please DO NOT PHONE!

I would like to send a letter congratulating all new Lions. The electronic reporting system with LCI does not give me the names and addresses of new Lions. If your club would like me to send this letter, please list new Lions with name and address, on the bottom of the DG Activities Report.

Many thanks to all the Lions of 18B who attended the August 3 Cabinet Meeting. We had 96 in attendance. Let’s keep up the good work. Remember, the cabinet meeting is the perfect place to see what is happening in your district, multiple district and on the international scene.

Please have patience with me for a while. Things like the club reports for the newsletter, etc. may not be completely correct. Chuck was writing the column and keeping up with activities and membership reports for me. May I ask that if you email or send anything to me, you include your club name on the report. I found two activities reports for the DG Points Contest that did not have a club name; therefore, I am unable to record the points. The worst is that it will take time for me to determine which clubs have not filed an activities report for the month of July so that I can backtrack and request another report.

LCI has extended the deadline for clubs to file their June and July membership reports ON LINE. If your club does not file on line, the report AND the activities report for the DG Points Contest are still to be postmarked by the 5^th day of the next month. If you file online, your activities report to me was to be postmarked to me by the 5^th day of the next month. The deadline for these was not extended.

Alamo Lions Club: . Membership report received on time.

Alma Lions Club: Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

Baxley Lions Club: Reports received timely. International, State and District dues paid on time. With deep regret we announce the recent passing of Lion Elizabeth Feltham. We ask your prayers for Lion Jim. All Lions of District 18-B extend our deepest sympathy to Lion Jim and to the Baxley Lions Club.

Bellville Lions Club: Reports received timely. International, State and District dues paid on time. 2 club members attended International Lions Convention in Denver. $119 spent on eyeglasses and exams. Two newspaper articles. Club newsletter sent to the Governor.

Blackshear Lions Club: Reports received timely. International, State and District dues paid on time. Displayed flags on July 4^th. International, State and district dues paid on time. 2 members attended Lions Day at the Camp.

Bloomingdale Lions Club: .Reports received timely. International, State and District dues paid on time. 100% attendance at club meetings! Donated $100 to Leader Dog, $100 to Recording for the Blind, $100 to LCIF and $100 to the Lighthouse. 13 pairs of used eyeglasses collected for the Lighthouse. Donated $100 to Union Mission for the homeless. .

Brantley County Lions Club: Two new members!!! Reports received timely. International, State and District dues paid on time.

Brunswick-Gateway Lions Club: Reports received timely. Donated $650 to the Vision Center. Had two media articles. Sponsored an individual to Leader Dog School to arrive for the class beginning Aug 3. Donated $500 to Leader Dog School and $740 to Vision Center in June also.

Bulloch Lions Club: Paid International, State and District Dues on time. No activities reported

Claxton Lions Club: Reports received timely. Paid International, State and District Dues on time. Spent $65 on eyeglasses and exams and donated $100 to community betterment projects.

Clinch County: Reports received timely. Paid International, State and District Dues on time. Purchased one pair of eyeglasses. Sponsored a camper at the Camp for the Blind.

Cobbtown Lions Club:

Collins Lions Club: Membership report received. Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

Darien Lions Club: Reports received timely. Paid International, State and District Dues on time. $100 donated to the Camp.

Douglas Lions Club: One new member!!! Paid International State and District Dues on time. Reports received timely. Club newsletter sent to Governor. $1,800 spent on eyeglasses and exams. 624 hours worked on community betterment projects.

Folkston Lions Club: Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

Garden City Lions Club: .All reports received timely. International, State and District dues paid on time.

Golden Isles Lions Club: Reports received timely. 100% attendance at club meetings. Displayed flags on July 4.

Glennville Lions Club: Received reports on time.

Hazlehurst Lions Club:

Hinesville Lions Club: Eight members attended cabinet meeting. Reported 2 new members.

Jacksonville Lions Club: Reports received timely. International, State and District dues paid on time. 80% attendance at club meetings. Worked a total of 55 hours on community betterment activities. Club members cut grass and cleaned yard for a family that had a death.

Jekyll Island Lions Club: Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

Jesup Lions Club: Two new members!!! Paid International, State and District Dues on time. Reports received timely. Sponsored a candidate to Leader Gog School for class beginning Aug 3. Club newsletter sent to Governor. One Media article submitted. Donated $50 to Leader Dog, $50 to LCIF, $300 to the Lighthouse and $50 to the Camp for the Blind.

Kingsland Lions Club: Three new members!!! Reports received timely.

Liberty Coastal Lions Club: Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

Lyons Lions Club: Reports received timely. One new member! International, State and District dues all paid on time. Purchased one pair of eyeglasses. Donated $1000 for community betterment projects. Displayed flags on Independence Day.

McRae Lions Club: Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

Metter Lions Club: Reports received timely. International, State and District dues paid on time. $128 spent on eyeglasses and exams and 10 hours worked on community betterment projects.

Milan Lions Club: . Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

Odum Lions Club: Reports received timely. Paid International, State and District Dues on time. Sent 58 pairs of used eyeglasses to the Lighthouse. Spent $150 and worked 150 hours on community betterment projects.

Patterson Lions Club: Membership reports received timely. Two Lions attended Lions Day at the Camp.

Pembroke Lions Club: Reports received timely. Paid International, State and District Dues on time. One media article

Port Wentworth Lions Club: Reports received timely. One reinstated member. 97% attendance at club meetings!

Reidsville Lions Club:

Richmond Hill: Reports received timely. Paid International, State and District Dues on time. Had one new member and one reinstated member

Rincon Lions Club: Membership report received but no activities reported except for installation of officers.

Rincon Noon Lions Club:

Rincon – Savannah River Lions Club. Membership report received on time.

Savannah Lions Club: Reports received timely. $800 spent on eyeglasses and exams. $500 donated to Leader Dog.

Savannah-Chatham South Lions Club: Reports received timely. $75 spent on eyeglasses and exams. Donated $300 and worked 19 hours on community betterment projects.

Savannah-Hostess City Lions Club: Paid International, State and District Dues on time. 35 hours community service.

Savannah-Port City Lions Club: Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

Statesboro Noon Lions Club: Membership report received on time

Vidalia Lions Club: Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

Waycross Lions Club: Reports received timely. Displayed 260 American flags on July 4. Worked 38 hours on community betterment projects. 83% attendance at club meetings. Had 5 media articles.

Waycross-Okefenokee Lions Club: One new member!!! Paid International, State and District Dues on time. 200 hours worked on community betterment projects. 48 pairs of used eyeglasses and 46 cases turned into the Lighthouse. 11 members attended lions Day at the Camp.

Wilmington Island Lions Club: Reports received timely/ Paid International, State and District Dues on time. One new member! Club newsletter sent to governor. 120 hours worked on community betterment projects. Conducted broom sale at Kroger‘s.

Woodbine Lions Club Paid International, State and District Dues on time.

It is not too early to start thinking about the Georgia Lions State Convention. The State Convention is the perfect time to meet other Lions from across the state. Make new friendships, renew old friendships. Celebrate the activities and the success that we had in serving our community. For the Lions of District 18-B, the journey is not far. The convention will be held in Savannah at the Riverfront Marriott.

There will be much to do and see at the convention. Plan now for an exciting weekend.

The date of the convention have changed. The new dates are June 18-20. The change is due to a scheduling conflict that occurred with the scheduling of the G-8 Summit conference the second week in June. More information will be coming concerning the availability of rooms and room rates.

September -           Diabetic Awareness                        Trot Hurd
                              Environmental Awareness              David Ellis

October -               Children’s Eye Care Center            Martha Bovee
                              Youth Opportunities                       Anne Kasbohm

November -           Leo Clubs                                       Winston Walker
                              Youth Exchange                              Bob Smith

December -           Recordings for the Blind                 Billy Marshall
                             Cultural & Community Activities    John Blair

January -               White Cane Day                              Kay Spurley
                              Liberty Day

February -             Youth Outreach                               Steve Bellmoth
                              GA Lions All State Band               Marjorie Nesmith
                              International Convention                VDG Rick Mizell

March -                 Golden Chain Awards                    Stan Bazemore
                              Outstanding Blind Award              Janet Ward
                              Outstanding Deaf Award
                              Anne Sullivan Award                    Frank Jones

April -                   LCIF                                              Jerry Kaiser
                              State Awards                                 Welby Stayton

May -                     Send a Kid to Camp Day               Thoris Youmans
                              Leader Dogs                                  Evelyn Kennedy

Each year the Lions of Georgia select one recipient for the Outstanding Deaf Award. Nominations for this award must originate from a Lions Club and are sent to a State committee composed of Lions from each of the six districts. The committee makes the selection from the applications submitted and the recipient is identified at the State Lions Convention. Identification of the recipient is usually announced as part of the Friday night ceremonies.

This award is presented to a hearing impaired person (not necessarily a Lion), residing in the State of Georgia, whose outstanding achievements and contributions are an inspiration to others. Each recommendation submitted must set out plainly the depth and scope of the accomplishments or services and the period of the services rendered as well as the general effect of the accomplishments on the community.

The deadline for nominations is April 10, 2004 and all nominations must be sent to the Chairperson of the State Committee not later than that date (April 10). Copies of the nomination package are also to be sent to the District Governor, the District’s representative on the State Outstanding Deaf Award Committee and the State Office. From all nominations submitted the State Committee will select one recipient and the decision of the State Committee is final.

The Chairperson for the State Outstanding Deaf Award Committee is Lion Shirley Cash, 23- Portsmouth Ct., Roswell. GA 30076. At this time there is not a representative for District 18-B If you are interested in serving on this committee please contact District Governor Lil..

The recipient of this award will receive an award plaque and will also receive a man and lady’s hospitality book from the Council of Governors. All other expenses involved with his or her attendance at the State Convention must be absorbed by the Club making the nomination or by the recipient. The State Office will secure the award plaque and have it available for presentation at the State Lions Convention in Savannah.

All clubs in District 18-B are encouraged to seek out possible recipients for this award. There are individuals in each of our communities that are hearing impaired who have made significant contributions to our communities. If you have such a person in your various areas, please take the time to prepare a nomination for those individuals and send in the nomination. But remember, the nomination MUST be in the hands of the state chairperson, Lions Shirley Cash and DG Lil Shurtleff on or before April 10, 2004. Don’t wait until later in the year, start looking NOW!

The Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind.

The Camp had 126 campers this year. We would like to have had 200.

Although the camping season is over for this year, there is still much to be done.

The Board of Directors of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind is asking for your HELP! We would like to spread the word about our great camp by promoting our annual “Send A Kid to Camp” fundraiser. This year the date of September 13th has been designated as Send A Kid to Camp Day. This project will help raise some much-needed funds for your camp while also bringing public awareness to the facility.

Please contact me if you would like more detail on this project.

M. P. Jones,
Vice-president 18B

The Lions of District 18-B lost one of their own on August 6 with the sudden passing of Past District Governor Chuck Shurtleff. Lion Chuck was an inspiring Lion to many. He was also a great motivator for the Boy Scouts in Hinesville. He was active in many ways, he served as 100% Vice District Governor, 100% District Governor for District 18-B. Lion Chuck was an active supporter of the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind and Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation where he served as Vice President. Lion Chuck served his club in many capacities including newsletter editor and he served Multiple District 18 as the Liberty Day Chairman giving that committee a vigorous start. Lion Chuck was also serving the District as chairman of the Membership Committee and as a member of the Outstanding Deaf Award Committee.

Lion Chuck recently took on a new title as spouse of the District Governor. He was somewhat hesitant to wear his new spouse name badge at the International Convention in Denver because he was proud of the service he had performed when he was District Governor. He surprised many at the Lighthouse Seminar last month when he introduced himself as the spousette of the District Governor. Lion Chuck had the knack of turning any situation into a positive one. When asked how he was doing at the International Convention, Lion Chuck would always answer that he was having so much fun that he needed to hire someone to help him enjoy the fun more.

PDG Chuck was a great Lion whose shoes will be hard to fill.

Each year the Lions of Georgia select one individual to receive the Anne Sullivan Award. The purpose of this award is to recognize an individual for outstanding achievement in working with handicapped children. The award is sponsored by the Macon Cherry Blossom Lions Club. Each Lions Club is allowed to submit a nomination for this award.

Nominations for this award originate with a Lions Club, must include complete biographical data on the nominee and must clearly state the basis on which the Club is making the nomination. All informational material must set out plainly the depth and scope of the accomplishments or services which have been rendered or the general effect of the accomplishments on the community.

The original of the recommendation must be sent to the Chairperson of the Multiple District 18 Anne Sullivan Award Committee. The Chairperson this year is Lion Jack Claxton, Box 1000, RWSIR 361, Warm Springs, GA 31830-9361.

Copies of the recommendation are to be sent to the District Governor and to the district 18-B member of the state Anne Sullivan Committee. District 18-B’s representative to this committee is Lion Frank Jones, 412 Pear Orchard Drive, Hinesville, GA 31313.

The deadline for nominations is April 23, 2004 and all nominations must be sent to the Chairperson of the State Committee not later than that date (April 23). From all nominations submitted the State Committee will select one recipient and the decision of the State Committee is final.

The recipient of this award will receive an award plaque and will also receive a man and lady’s hospitality book from Macon Cherry Blossom Lions Club. All other expenses involved with his or her attendance at the Georgia Lions State Convention must be borne by the Club making the nomination or by the award recipient. The State Office will secure the award plaque and have it available for presentation at the State Lions Convention in Savannah.

All clubs in District 18-B are encouraged to seek out possible recipients for this award. There are individuals in each of our communities who work with or are actively involved with disabled children and who have made significant contributions to our communities. If you know if such a person, please take the time to prepare and send in a nomination. But remember, the nomination MUST be in the hands of the state chairperson, Lions Jack Claxton and Frank Jones on or before April 23, 2004. Don’t wait until later in the year, start looking NOW!

Each year the Lions of Georgia select one recipient for the Outstanding Blind Award. Nominations for this award must be made by a Lions Club and are sent to a State committee composed of Lions from each of the six districts. The committee makes the selection from the applications submitted and the recipient is identified at the State Lions Convention. Identification of the recipient is usually announced as part of the Friday night ceremonies.

This award is presented to a blind person (not necessarily a Lion), residing in the State of Georgia, for some outstanding achievements or unusual Services performed for his community or club. Each recommendation submitted must include full biographical data on the nominee and state clearly the basis on which the club is making the nomination. The nomination must set out plainly the depth and scope of the accomplishments or services and the period of the services rendered as well as the general effect of the accomplishments on the community.

The deadline for nominations is April 23, 2004 and all nominations must be sent to the Chairperson of the State Committee not later than that date (April 23). Copies of the nomination package are also to be sent to the District Governor, the District’s representative on the State Outstanding Blind Award Committee and the State Office. From all nominations submitted the State Committee will select one recipient and the decision of the State Committee is final.

The Chairperson for the State Outstanding Blind Award Committee is Lion Ron Horn, 156 Tim and Sally Lane, Moultrie, GA 31768. District 18-B’s representative to this committee is Lion Janet Ward, 210 Mockingbird Lane, Statesboro, GA 30461.

The recipient of this award will receive an award plaque and will also receive a man and lady’s hospitality book from the Council of Governors. All other expenses involved with his or her attendance at the State Convention must be absorbed by the Club making the nomination or by the recipient. The State Office will secure the award plaque and have it available for presentation at the State Lions Convention in Savannah.

All clubs in District 18-B are encouraged to seek out possible recipients for this award. There are individuals in each of our communities who are vision impaired and who have made significant contributions to our communities and/or our clubs. If you know if such a person, please take the time to prepare and send in a nomination. But remember, the nomination MUST be in the hands of the state chairperson, Lions Ron Horn and Janet Ward on or before April 23, 2004. Don’t wait until later in the year, start looking NOW!

“Create A Brighter Tomorrow” is the theme of the 2003-2004 Peace Poster Contest. Clubs can sponsor the contest not only in schools, but in church groups, boy & girl scouts or any youth groups ages 11, 12, or 13 on November 15, 2003. The youths select a medium as outlined in the contest rules to draw, paint, or sketch their interpretation of the contest’s theme.

Lions Clubs may purchase a contest kit through the club supplies for only $7.95. A kit must be purchased for each school or youth group sponsored.

Each poster is judged on originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme.

This is a great opportunity to have the community see that Lions clubs are interested in more than just the buying of eyeglasses. Usually the sponsoring club awards an appropriate prize for the first place. With the winner being honored either at a club meeting or at a school function.

Deadlines: October 1, 2003 Deadline to purchase kits.

November 15, 2003 Postmark deadline for a club to send one winning poster (per contest sponsored) to district peace poster chair Lion Brenda Nease 110 Rommel Ave. Garden City, GA 31408

If you want to know how to have successful ticket sales for the Camp for the Blind truck raffle – Just ask the Bloomingdale and the Garden City Lions Clubs.

The Garden City Lions had the truck for two week-end’s in front of Gaster Lumber, the Black-eyed Susan Restaurant, and the Kroger in Garden City and sold over 1,000 tickets (their goal is to sale 1500 more tickets before October!!)

On another weekend on Friday the truck was at the Wal-Mart in Statesboro where the Statesboro Noon Lions sold over 400 tickets. That Saturday at the Wal-Mart at Pooler where the Bloomingdale, Garden City, Savannah Port City, Savannah, Port Wentworth and the Bellville Lions sold over 800 tickets. The Bloomingdale Club showed the way to get the public to open their pockets and buy or donate to the Camp and sold about 40% of the sales. Then the Garden City Club finished the day strongly by selling the last 40% of sales.

It is amazing how much can be accomplished when you just ask.

For any information on this very important Camp for the Blind financial project contact Lion M. P. Jones, 18 B Vice President for the Camp, (912) 352-4942 2301 Loraine Drive Savannah, GA 31404

Charity Navigator gave LCIF its four-star rating for its short-term spending practices and long-term sustainability. The New Jersey-based non-profit rates 2,500 of the nation's largest charities to help charitable givers make prudent decisions.

Innovations: The Gateway to Leadership is the theme of this year’s USA/Canada Forum. Innovation is key to developing our leadership skills. Each one of us whether in a leadership role or wanting to become a leader should consider the opportunities offered by attending the Forum. There is still time to register, there is still time to book transportation. September is an excellent time to visit Portland, Oregon, take time to sightsee and learn about Lionism in action. The dates of the forum are September 18-20.

Clubs do you have a member who is willing to step up to a leadership role within your club but does not have the means to get to the forum. Why not consider sponsoring that Lion to the forum. The return in knowledge gained will more than offset the cost of sponsorship and perhaps that Lion will remain a Lion for a lifetime.

The USA/Canada Lions Leadership Forum is more than lectures. It is an opportunity to meet and compare experiences with other Lions from across the United States and Canada. During the forum there will be opportunities to tour the surrounding area and see what Oregon is like.

For more information contact District Chair, VDG Rick or the web go to http://www.usa-canada-lions-forum.com

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