Governor‘s Comments...

INNOVATION: THE GATEWAY TO OUR FUTURE

I had originally planned to write on International President Lee’s theme, using the “a” to A+ Programs, but the holiday season is upon us.

During the holidays, we pause to remember those who have made each and every one of us the Lions that we are today. Over the years, I have known many good and great Lions each of which have contributed a part of their lives to Lionism. The holiday season started with Thanksgiving. Have each and everyone one of us given thanks for the programs of Lionism that help so many? SightFirst that supports projects to combat the causes of blindness around the world; LCIF and Habitat for Humanity that has provided homes for those less fortunate such as the one 18B built in Blackshear a few years ago; LCIF and their grant program that helped us build the multipurpose building at the Camp; Our Camp that provides a much needed program for the sight impaired, both young and old; The Lighthouse with its connections to give so many the medical care they need; Emory Children’s Eye care Center and their genetic research into the causes of blindness among our infants; Leader Dogs and Southeast Guide Dogs, who breed, raise and train the companions that aid our sight impaired to be productive members of our community; Recordings for the Blind and Dyslexic for the hours spent in recording textbooks for students; Our Georgia Band and Youth Foundation; clubs who sponsor the Peace Poster contest; and all our clubs who give so much back to their communities. If we said grace and remembered all that Lions do, it would go on forever.

This month we have Christmas and Hanukkah, both celebrations of a new light, one in the rebuilding of the Temple and the other in the coming of the Christ Child.

Ask yourself as you take time to listen to the stories of each, have you lit the light of Lionism for other to see? How many times do you praise the works of Lions around the world to your friends who are not Lions? Do they know that you are a part of the world’s largest service organization dedicated to helping the sight impaired and those less fortunate? As we attend holiday parties, wear your Lions emblem with pride. Let others know of the many, many good things that Lions do around the district, the state, and the world.

This is the season of giving—give something of yourself to help others. Give your talent, time, and treasure if possible to make this season a season of light.

May each of you be blessed with the spirit of the season. May the peace of the season abide within you. May each day of your life be a day of giving of yourself to others so that you and others are better for that day.

Merry Christmas and Peace, Lil

December 19         Rincon Lions Club

January 5               Baxley Lions Club

January 6               Savannah Port City Lions Club

January 15             Odum Lions Club

January 19             Reidsville Lions Club

January 20             Hazlehurst Lions Club

January 30-31       MD 18 Council

January 31-Feb. 1 Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind Meeting, Warner Robins

February 14          18E District Convention

February 16          Hinesville Lions Club

February 21-22     Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation

February 27-29    18 B District Convention, Camp for the Blind Waycross

Alamo Lions Club: No MMR or activities reported

Alma Lions Club: TWO new members!

Baxley Lions Club: Sold over 375 pancake breakfasts to community. Had entry in Peace Poster Contest.

Bellville Lions Club: New Member! Served food for Bike Ride with help of Claxton High School FCC

Blackshear Lions Club: Had concession stand at annual Pecan Festival

Bloomingdale Lions Club: Visited a children’s center with gifts of clothing, food, goodies, cookies, books, and toys.

Brantley County Lions Club: Donated to the Lighthouse. Arranged for 6 eye exams and glasses.

Brunswick-Gateway Lions Club: New Member! Also purchased eyeglasses and had a mop and broom sale.

Bulloch Lions Club: MMR received; no activities reported

Claxton Lions Club: .Received MMR and DG activities report on time

Clinch County: Donated to RB&D. Bought eyeglasses

Cobbtown Lions Club: Purchased eyeglasses. Preparing for Cobbtown Christmas

Collins Lions Club: Helped with Tattnall County Hospital Festival at hot dog stand.

Darien Lions Club: MMR received. Purchased eyeglasses.

Douglas Lions Club: Four new members!!! Donated to Lighthouse and Camp in honor of PDG Walter Wilson. Purchased eyeglasses for community

Folkston Lions Club. Celebrated 60^th Anniversary with PIP Jim Ervin as guest.

Garden City Lions Club: No MMR or DG activities report

Golden Isles Lions Club: MMR received; no activities reported

Glennville Lions Club: MMR and DG Activities Report on time.

Hazlehurst Lions Club: No MMR or DG Activities report

Hinesville Lions Club: New Member!! Attended Folkston’s 60^th anniversary. Presently selling Christmas trees.

Jacksonville Lions Club: Held special night to present Melvin Jones Fellowship Award.

Jekyll Island Lions Club: MMR received on time. No activities reported.

Jesup Lions Club:. Had program on use of American Sign Language and a special Veterans Day program

Kingsland Lions Club: Had a turkey shoot.

Liberty Coastal Lions Club: MMR received on time. Purchased eyeglasses for a young lady.

Lyons Lions Club: Attended zone meeting; purchased 2 pairs eyeglasses; worked on community projects; had program on Leader Dogs.

McRae Lions Club: New Member!! Purchased eyeglasses for community.

Metter Lions Club: Purchased eyeglasses. MMR on time

Milan Lions Club: Hosted zone meeting with 14 members attending

Odum Lions Club: Had 139 community volunteer hours.

Patterson Lions Club: MMR received on time.

Pembroke Lions Club: District Chairperson Trot Hurd presented program on Diabetes Awareness.

Port Wentworth Lions Club: No MMR or DG activities report

Reidsville Lions Club: New member!!! No activities reported

Richmond Hill: MMR received; no activities reported

Rincon Lions Club: With other 3 Lions clubs in Rincon sponsored Christmas Parade

Rincon Noon Lions Club: No MMR or DG activities report

Rincon – Savannah River Lions Club MMR received on time. No activities reported.

Savannah Lions Club: Purchased 15 pairs of eyeglasses. Presently selling Christmas trees.

Savannah-Chatham South Lions Club: No MMR or DG activities report

Savannah-Hostess City Lions Club: . Three new members!!!

Savannah-Port City Lions Club: Working with Mysterious Santa project in Savannah.

Springfield Lions Club: No MMR/DG Activities report.

Statesboro Noon Lions Club: No MMR or DG Activities report.

Vidalia Lions Club: MMR received and sponsored a Leader Dog in training.

Waycross Lions Club: Had speakers on community events, Okefenokee Business Expo, and city government.

Waycross-Okefenokee Lions Club: A new member! MMR on time.

Wilmington Island Lions Club: Filled cards for Leader Dogs. Had low country boil on Tail Twister Night.

Woodbine Lions Club MMR received on time. Held steak dinner fund raiser; attended Folkston’s 60^th anniversary.

January -      White Cane Day Kay Spurley
                    Liberty Day Winston Walker

February -   Youth Outreach Steve Bellmoff
                   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 M. P. Jones
                    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

Benny Bennett of Waycross is the winner of District 18-B’s LCI Peace Poster Contest. The young artist interpreted this year’s theme, Create a Brighter Tomorrow, with a dove of peace representing the nations of the world scattering droplets of golden light on the world. He is a 7^th grade student at Ware County Middle School. The poster was sent on to the multiple district contest.

He was sponsored by the Waycross-Okefenokee Lions Club.

I would like to thank all the clubs who sponsored a Peace Poster Contest in their area. It is a great way to have the youth of our community involved in an international project. Almost 500 youth participated in this year’s contest throughout 18B.

Lions Clubs all over the world serve together with Scouts. Clubs can support this youth activity by sponsoring a Boy Scout troop or Venturing Crew. In the United States, Lions Clubs sponsor more Boy Scout troops than any other non-religious organization. As of July 2002, Lions sponsored more than 2,938 Boy Scout units which included 92,311 Scouts.

The new Lions Clubs Award for Scouts is the Lions Clubs-Boy Scouts of America Community Service Award. Lions Clubs can present this award to scouts who participate in joint Lions Clubs/Scouts service projects. Scout Leaders can request the new award for every Scout who fulfills the following criteria: Meet with the Scoutmaster and Lions to discuss community needs and identify joint service project; set goals and timeline for project; obtain permits or materials necessary; work together to carry out the service project; document the service project; and meet with the Scoutmaster and Lions after the project. A Lions Club-Boy Scouts of America Community Award patch is given to the individual Scout to sew on his or her uniform.

In addition to the award, there is a banner patch for any Lions Club that sponsors a Scout unit.

A Lions certificate is available for presentation to young men who have attained the highest Boy Scout rank—that of Eagle Scout. Less than 1.5 percent of boys who enter Scouts obtain the rank. Scout leaders may contact their local Lions Club and request the certificate. An award certificate and letter from LCI will be sent to the club for formal presentation.

To learn more about the relationship between Lions and Scouts, materials are available. A video, “Lions International and the Boy Scouts of America” featuring PIP Jim Ervin is available from BSA (www. bsa.scouting.org), a kit, “Scouting: Community Outreach Resources for your Lions Club”, and a brochure “Scouting: Community Outreach for your Lions Club” are also available from your local Boy Scout council or bsa.scouting.org.

More information is in the October issue of The Lion.

Club Secretaries are reminded to submit their MMR and District Governor’s Points Contest Reports for December even if your club takes the month off. Club Officers are also reminded that even though your club may be inactive during the holidays, it is important that you continue to think of projects for your club. Remember community needs continue even during the holidays.

Cathy C. Byrd               Brantley County Lions Club

Don L. Snelsine            Hinesville Lions Club

Ray Williamson, Jr      Waycross Okefenokee Lions Club

Elizabeth Grantham      Douglas Lions Club

Stacey Hill                   Douglas Lions Club

Jessica Fuller               Douglas Lions Club

Deidre English             Douglas Lions Club

Kelly Fordham             McRae Lions Club

Sheila LeClair              Savannah Hostess City Lions Club

Eva Avery                    Savannah Hostess City Lions Club

Craig Avery                 Savannah Hostess City Lions Club

Tyron Sellers               Alma Lions Club

Roderick Rentz            Alma Lions Club

Alice Ritenhurst           Brunswick-Gateway Lions Club

Betty Riggs                  Bellville Lions Club

Jackie Trim                 Reidsville Lions Club

Chairman John Blair is working on starting a Lions International Stamp Club in District 18-B. Lions who are interested in joining are invited to contact Lion John for more information at (912) 964-4202 or [email protected].

The Lions International Stamp Club (LISC) was formed at the International Convention in Atlantic City in 1951 by dedicated Lions with a common bond of Lionism and Philately. Melvin Jones, the founder of Lionism, was an avid stamp collector and charter member of LISC.

The purpose of LISC is to foster and develop the hobby of stamp collecting among Lions and their families, Leos and Lioness, and to strengthen Lionism through International Goodwill.

LISC has a Constitution and Policy which governs its activities, together with elected officers and committees to carry out its projects and goals. It is an affiliate organization of Lions Clubs International with its annual meeting held each year during the International Convention.

Membership is open to any Lion in good standing, with Associate membership for any immediate family member of a Lion, Leo or Lioness.

Members can participate in activities such as Stamp Exchange and Used Stamp Collection Programs for charitable and community service. New Issue Services or just the collection of Stamps and First Day Covers which bear the Lions emblem. Some of the current service projects are: 1. Stamps for the Wounded Program (USA) 2. Deaf and Blind Children’s School (Australia) 3. Lions School Projects in South Africa, Canada and Netherlands 4. Eye Camp Sponsorships and Special Olympics Sponsorship (UK Lions) 5. Catholic Mission at Burkina Faso (Italy Lions)

Over 100 Countries have issued postage stamps with the Lions Logo in recognition of Lions Club activities in their countries. The first Lions stamp was issued by Cuba in 1940 at the 24th International convention in Havana.

Members of LISC receive a quarterly newsletter “The Philatelist” which includes articles on Lions Stamps and covers together with many offers to members. Each year a limited issue LISC Trading Pin is struck.

At the February 28 cabinet meeting/district convention, 18B will elect a district governor, a vice district governor, and a vice president to the Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind. All candidates must submit a letter certifying their qualifications and intent to seek office to the District Governor at least thirty days prior to the convention. Also, each home club must submit a letter of endorsement of the candidate to the district governor. The deadline for both letters this year is January 29.

Candidates for district governor must have served or be serving as vice district governor. Candidates for vice district governor shall: (1) be an active member in good standing of a Lions Club in good standing; (2) secure the endorsement of his/her club or a majority of clubs in 18B; (3) have served or will have served as president of a Lions Club for a full term or major portion thereof and a member of the Board of Directors of a Lions Club for no less than two additional years, as a zone or region chairman or cabinet secretary or cabinet treasurer for a full term, and none being concurrently.

Candidates for the position of vice president of the GLCB must be a Lion in good standing and have served at least one full term as a regular director/officer or as a region/zone chair and associate director of the Camp. Each vice president will be elected for a two-year term and will be eligible to succeed himself/herself for one additional consecutive term.

If you qualify, please consider the two open positions. I ask all past district governors to actively recruit a Lion to serve in one of the positions listed above. For more information, please contact the district governor or Lion M. P. Jones, the present vice president of the Camp.

RFB&D is the nation’s educational library for people who cannot effectively read standard print due to a visual, perceptual or other physical disability. They are a national nonprofit volunteer service organization celebrating 50 years of service as the world’s leading provider of educational materials in recorded and computerized formats.

RFB was originally founded in 1948 by a visionary woman named Anne T. Macdonald to aid blinded World War II veterans in obtaining an education under the GI bill of Rights. The organization was officially incorporated in 1951. In 1995, the name was changed to Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic to reflect our growing population of members with learning disabilities. RFB&D’s vision is for all people to have equal access to the printed world.

Ninety percent of the more than 76,000 people served by RFB&D are students ranging in academic level from kindergarten through graduate school.

The Lions of Georgia support RFB&D through donations and through volunteer hours. Recently through the support of the Lions, RFB&D in Athens was one of the first units to install digital recording equipment.

RFB&D nation-wide has 32 studios in 17 states. Nearly 5,500 volunteers produce more than 4,000 new educational textbooks on tape and computerized form each year. Their library includes over 80,000 titles and they distribute one quarter of a million texts on tape and computer disk to people with print disabilities each year. The Lions Magazine is recorded and is made available to Lions at no charge. If you know of a Lion who is visually impaired, contact RFB&D for a free subscription.

For more information, contact RFB&D at (706) 549-1313 or PDG Billy Marshall at (912) 653-4933

The Birth of a Dream
by: Author Unknown

"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve."

Would you agree with the statement that a dream is born from an idea-a simple idea conceived in the mind?

Back in the 19th century two brothers had an idea which eventually became their passionate and consuming dream. Their relentless pursuit of that dream was rewarded with an accomplishment that changed world travel.

On Friday December 17, 1903 at 10:35 AM, the Wright brothers (Wilbur and Orville) achieved their dream. They flew "the world's first power-driven, heavier-than-air machine in which man made free, controlled, and sustained flight." This memorable feat took place at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on a cold windy morning.

The dream started with an idea that was planted in their minds by a toy given to them by their father. In the words of the boys, "Late in the autumn of 1878, our father came into the house one evening with some object partly concealed in his hands, and before we could see what it was, he tossed it into the air. Instead of falling to the floor, as we expected, it flew across the room till it struck the ceiling, where it fluttered awhile, and finally sank to the floor." This simple toy made of bamboo, cork and stretched rubber bands, fascinated the Wright brothers and sparked their lifelong interest in human flight.

The Wright brothers were great thinkers. They enjoyed learning new things. Initially, they recycled broken parts, built a printing press and opened their own printing office. Their interest moved to bicycles and in 1893, they opened the Wright Cycle Company where they sold and repaired bicycles. But Wilbur (the older brother) had his mind set on something more exciting. He decided to seriously pursue flying.

The brothers spent many hours researching, testing their machines and making improvements after unsuccessful attempts at human flight. What started out as a hobby soon became a passion. With determination and patience they realized their dream in 1903.

The next time you hear or see an airplane or travel on one, remember where it all started. A simple idea conceived in the minds of two young men who did not finish high school. Believe it or not, they did not have a University degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics or any other subject. They were not scientists in the true sense of the word. In fact, many of their peers who did not witness their accomplishment, had trouble believing that two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio did what they claimed.

What idea or ideas are YOU working on? Have you said you can't do this or that because you are not a scientist? Have you limited yourself by saying you are not smart enough? Or have you joined the majority in saying that everything has already been invented or discovered?

Since the introduction of the first generation of personal computers in 1981, we are able to do many things more efficiently. With a super computer between your ears and the personal computer at your finger tips, your dream can be achieved. First, give birth to that dream with an idea. A simple idea that ANYONE of us can conceive!

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

Previous Newsletters