Governor‘s Comments...

Building on Service to the Community through New Leaders

As we start the new year, it is the custom of many to begin the year with new year’s resolutions. Perhaps it is the promise that one makes to one’s self or to others to alter their behavior in such way as to lose a few pounds or save a few dollars for a rainy day. For many these promises are quickly forgotten and we fall back to our old routine.

Most of us when we accepted our life changing invitation to be become Lions, started out in the role of being a POL (Plain Old Lion). Being a POL is not really a bad situation unless you are called to ever increasing levels of responsibility. As we gain experience serving as Lions, we are called to a higher level of service such as chairperson of a certain committee. We are called on to accept responsibility and to coordinate activities with the goal to gain success in the project. Most of the readers of this newsletter are in many ways, leaders of one sort or another.

Each of us because of our service are being called to a higher level of service. Our leadership is always changing. We always need new leaders to fill the positions of leadership within our clubs and within our district and state. Being a leader can be a times a challenge and many people are fearful of the challenge because they fear that they may fail or it seems that the time commitment is too much. One of the unfortunate facts of our declining membership is that we have fewer members who can serve as our leaders, both in the club and in the district. In a few weeks, we will meet in our District Convention. We will gather to meet with a distinguished visitor from Lions Clubs International. We will celebrate the service of a few distinguished Lions as we will induct them in the Hall of Fame. Others will be recognized as well for their service to the Lions.

But there are some simple facts that cannot be ignored. At the convention, we will be electing officers for the District. These are the District Governor, Vice District Governor, and Vice President for the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation. To date, we have no nominations for Vice District Governor. There are many qualified Lions in this District who would do a fine job of serving. If you have served as president of your club and as a director of your club and have served as zone or region chairperson or Cabinet Secretary or Treasurer. Then you are qualified to serve. The rewards of serving are tremendous. If you are concerning about lack of training, there are many resources that are available. As Vice District Governor, you will receive probably the best information and training of any VDGs anywhere in the world. For those who wish to learn leadership skills for being a club officer or zone or region chairs. There are the Emerging and Senior Lions Leaderships Institutes that LCI sponsors. Closer the home is the Southeastern Lions Leadership Institute for both new and senior Lions. Information is published in this newsletter and on the web at galions.org. The resources are here to help you all you need is the time and willingness to step forward and accept the role of Lion Leader.

I am always available for advice as well as our Leadership Development Chairperson PDG Jerry Kaiser. Please let us know if you have questions.

DG Rick.

Rick’s Travels

Alamo– No Reports

Alma– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 25 hours on club administration and 20 hours on community projects. Donated $2,500 for gifts and supplies to local Convalescent Home. Help local Chamber with Christmas Parade.

Baxley– Reports received by mail. Added 1 new member. Club worked 21 hours on club administration and 70 hours on community betterment. Club hosted DG for their Christmas Party. They collected funds at the party to help the Fair Haven home for battered women and children in Jesup and Children’s Services in Baxley. Club had 2 articles in the newspaper.

Bellville– Reports received by mail. Club worked 15 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 25. Sent DG copy of newsletter. Spent $98 on local eyeglasses. Collected used eyeglasses and hearing aids.

Blackshear– Club reports received by mail. Average attendance is 12. Club held a Boston Butt Sale and Christmas Party.

Bloomingdale– Club reports received by mail. Club worked 10 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 11 out of 11. Club spent $65 on local eyeglasses and held a broom sale.

Brantley County– Reports received by mail. Dropped 2 members, no activities reported.

Brunswick Gateway– No Reports

Bulloch– No Reports

Claxton– No Reports

Clinch County– No Reports

Cobbtown– Reports received by mail. Held Christmass Cobbtown style. Club sponsored Cobbtown’s Fireman of the year.

Collins– Reports received by special delivery. Average attendance is 10. Club spent $290 for gifts for children. Collected 125 pairs of eyeglasses.

Darien– MMR sent to PDG Lil, no activities reported.

Douglas– Reports filed on-line late. Club worked 65 hours on club administration and 450 hours on community betterment. Club spent $5104 on local eyeglasses. And $1,000 for Tsunami Relief. Club also decorated a Lions Club Christmas tree in town square.

Folkston– Club Reports filed on-line. Club worked 12 hours on club administration and 520 hours community service. Club spent $600 on community betterment projects. Club had 1 article published on the visit of RFB&D Director Bill Pass’ visit to the club. Club distributed 100 food baskets to area families. Club members are collecting clothing, books, pens, pencils and other needs for our wounded solders in military hospitals. They are asking other clubs to help with this project.

Garden City– Reports received by mail. Reports were on time in spite of the Secretary forgetting to put stamp on first envelope. Club worked 30 hours on club administration and community projects. Average attendance is 10.

Golden Isles– Reports filed on-line. Has 2 articles published in newspaper. Average attendance is 18.

Hazlehurst–  No Reports

Hinesville– Reports filed on-line. Sent DG copy of club newsletter. Hosted Dg in December, PDG Lil inducted new member. DG Rick presented PDG Lil with a Melvin Jones Fellowship. Club held a December social where a member of the Georgia Lions All State Band performed and spoke on his experience with the band. Club added 2 new members.

Jacksonville–  Reports filed on-line. Club worked 6 hours on club administration and 100 hours on community betterment projects. Club voted to send $250 to LCIF for Tsunami relief. Collected 4 pairs of eyeglasses.

Jekyll Island– MMR received on time.

Jesup– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 20 hours on club administration. Club spent $584 on local eyeglasses.

Kingsland– No Reports

Liberty Coastal– Reports for Oct, Nov, Dec received. Club made contributions to the Camp

Lyons– Reports received by mail late. Club worked 18 Hours on Club Administration. Average attendance is 21. club provided 1 pair of eyeglasses and $100 community betterment. Club supported Lyons Christmas Parade with a contribution.

McRae– Reports received by e-mail. Club worked 3 hours on club administration and had an average of 10 members present at meetings.

Metter– MMR filed on-line, activities report filed on-line. Club hosted DG in January. Average attendance is 7. Club spent $100 on local eyeglasses. 15 hours on community betterment projects.

Milan– Reports received by mail. Report they had no activities during month.

Odum– Reports received by mail. Members worked 180 hours on community projects. Club added 2 new members and dropped 2 members due to death.

Patterson–  MMR received by mail. No activities report received.

Pembroke– No Reports

Port Wentworth– Reports mailed on time. Club distributed 75 food boxes in partnership with Good Samaritan Organization and local churches.

Reidsville– No Reports

Richmond Hill–  No Reports

Rincon–  Reports e-mailed on time. DG met with club at annual Christmas Party. Club sponsored a used eyeglass collection at a local elementary school collecting 129 pairs of eyeglasses.

Rincon Noon– No Reports

Rincon Savannah River– Club has been placed on Status Quo by LCI.

Savannah– Reports received by fax. Club worked 110 hours on club administration and 1,191 hours on community projects that included Leos and members working on the Christmas Tree project. Club also collected $890 for Salvation Army.

Savannah Chatham South– Reports filed on-line late. Activities reported.

Savannah Hostess City– Reports e-mailed on-time. Club took the month off and celebrated the holidays with a party meeting on December 7th. Full report promised for January.

Savannah Port City– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 7 hours on club administration and 40 on community betterment projects. They are selling coloring books and Leader Dog stuffed animals. Sent 4 used hearing aids to the Lighthouse. Club celebrated the holidays with Savannah Chatham South Lions. 1 LCIF Contributing member with $100 donation to Disaster Relief.

Springfield– No Reports

Statesboro Noon– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 51 hours on club administration and 229 hours on community betterment projects. Club spent $75.00 on local eyeglasses and $150 on Community Betterment. Sent $39 each to Leader Dog, RFB&D, LCIF, GLB&YA, and Lighthouse. Club held a Hot Dog event at Walmart. Members had a pizza night for boys at Joseph’s home for Boys. They provided a video game for the home’s use.

Vidalia– Reports received by mail late. Club worked 7 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 9. Club spent $97.00 on local eyeglasses and $2,000 for food gifts cards for the poor.

Waycross– Report received by e-mail. Average attendance is 19. Collected 212 pairs of eyeglasses. Club members worked 16 hours with Salvation Army, they also sold brooms and mops. Club sponsored a Christmas party for Children.

Waycross Okefenokee– Reports received by mail. Average attendance is 35. Club contributed $150 to Empty Stocking Fund, $40 to LCIF. Collected Eyeglasses and sent DG copy of newsletter.

Wilmington Island– MMR received by mail. Activities filed on-line. Club worked 18 hours on club administration and 15 hours on community betterment projects. .

Woodbine– Club reports filed on-line. Club worked 16 hours on club administration and 43 hours on community betterment projects. Club spent $80 on local eyeglasses.

Club Secretaries are reminded to send in the Membership and Activities reports on time. It is important that we recognize the accomplishments of each club in this newsletter. Club Presidents please encourage your members to report their community activities to the club secretary.

For the first half of this Lions year, the top 20 clubs in the points standing have been listed. To these clubs I congratulate them on their record keeping and success in service. To the other clubs, I ask those secretaries to make an additional effort to report the activities of your club. During the second half of the year I will not report the top twenty clubs as an incentive for all clubs to strive to be the best in the district and claim bragging rights for next year.

Club Anniversaries for January

The following clubs have anniversaries this month according to LCI records. * Indicates last reorganization date.

Become a Certified Guiding Lion or Instructor

A Certified Guiding Lion is a valued leader who has been trained to guide a new club through its first two years, enabling the new club to be independent and productive. If you are a motivator, team builder, communicator, listener and an enthusiastic Lion, consider completing this course to build and develop your skills. You can take the course at your own pace or attend a group session given by a facilitator in your district or multiple district. For more information order the Certified Guiding Lion Kit. If you are interested in facilitating a Certified Guiding Lion group training program, request the Certified Guiding Lion Instructor’s Guide and Power Point Presentation available on CD ROM.  Request all materials from the New Clubs and Marketing Department by e-mail  [email protected]  or call 630-571-5466 ext. 306.

Welcome New Members

In Memoriam

Members Dropped

Code Explanation

1 Resigned in Good Standing

2 Dropped for non-payment of dues

3 Dropped for non-attendance

4 Dropped for non-attendance and non-payment of dues

5 Transferred in good standing

6 Moved (Dues unpaid)

8 Other

Membership Gain for December 2004 +5

Membership Loss for December 2004 -9

Net Change in Membership 18-B -4

Monthly MMRs

Clubs are reminded to file their Monthly Membership Reports to LCI and DG Rick each month. According to LCI records the following clubs have not filed in the past 60 days. Club Presidents are urged to work with their club Secretaries to see that these reports are filed on time. The date following the club is the last report received.

Bulloch, 8/04, Claxton, 7/04, Glennville, 6/04, Hazlehurst, 4/04, Richmond Hill, 7/04.

Dear Lions of District 18-B,

The tsunami disaster in South Asia has prompted a tremendous outpouring of support from Lions around the world, and Lions in the affected countries are working day and night to bring life-saving supplies to victims. Thanks to Lions, lives are being saved and communities will be rebuilt.

LCIF has awarded US$470,000 in grants to Lions in India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Malaysia. This includes US$220,000 in emergency grants for Lions to secure and deliver food, water and blankets and a US$250,000 major catastrophe grant for longer-term relief.

Following is a more complete account of the relief efforts of LCIF and Lions. You will be proud to learn of how important Lions have been and perhaps be even more motivated to offer your support. On behalf of Lions of South Asia, I humbly thank you for your interest and compassion.

Sincerely,

Dr. Tae-Sup Lee

LCIF Chairperson

LCIF Tsunami Relief Update

Bulletin 2 – Jan. 5, 2005

Lions in Action

Supported by LCIF, several thousand local Lions are now providing immediate relief aid such as food, water and clothing from the west coast of India to Thailand and south to Indonesia. Local Lions in hundreds of places are at the scenes of the disaster, helping to organize relief and ensuring that people get vital relief supplies. Lions from nearby nations also have sent volunteer workers. The Taiwan Lions, for example, sent a medical team to Sri Lanka. The service of Lions is enabling communities to take care of their children, elderly, those with disabilities and other especially vulnerable people.

Here are a few examples of how local Lions are helping victims in South Asia:

· In Sri Lanka, Lions are working 16-hour days in organizing relief aid and are a key partner of the government’s relief agency and of the country's president.  Enhancing their ability to assist in the relief, Lions hold key positions in the community. The former president is a Lion, as is the current Minister of Housing.  District 306-B sent 60 truckloads of food and supplies to several relocation camps. Lions receive police escorts for the deliveries. District 306-A is organizing the installation of tents at new relocation camps in southern Sri Lanka at the government's request.

· In Indonesia, Lions are contributing greatly to relief efforts in some of the hardest hit areas. Thirty clubs near Medan provide logistical support for aid shipments to Bandh Acheh and send out four trucks of materials daily. They also are providing shelter, food, and clothing to refugees who have entered Medan. Lion-doctors from Jakarta and Medan are providing medical treatment. Lions also are making preliminary plans to support the educational needs of orphans.

· In India, 20 Lions’ ambulances and a team of 80 Lions volunteer medical doctors are providing first aid near Chennai. Nearly 70 clubs fanned out in the region from Parassalla to Haripad to distribute food and clothes at the relief camps. Lion-doctors conducted free treatment at relief centers.

In Thailand, Lions in Bangkok have sent water tanks and trucks loaded with supplies to Phuket. Lions are working with government officials and relief agencies to provide for basic needs at relocation camps.

Generosity of Lions

LCIF’s grants for the tsunami disaster, made possible, of course, by prior donations by Lions, now total US$470,000 and will climb much higher as needs are continually assessed and requests for assistance are made. Additionally, Lions throughout the world are making pledges of support, including US$120,000 from the Lions of Sweden and US$200,000 from the Lions of Korea.

Hundreds of clubs and individuals also have sent funds to LCIF. The Vancouver Metropolitan Lions Club in Canada, for example, sent LCIF a check for US$6,600. Club President Raymond Wong told LCIF, “Everyday we saw on the news that the amount of casualties are increasing by the thousands.  We share the same view of most Lions that we have to do something to support the unfortunate people who have to deal with this great tragedy. We hope this small token of donations can bring some immediate help to the people in those regions. In the meantime, I have taken the initiative to ask the other clubs in our district to support this great cause.”

LCIF’s Long-Term Aid

LCIF provides immediate relief and long-term reconstruction after a disaster. LCIF is not only helping people stay alive after the tsunami but it also will rebuild communities for years to come. The real impact of LCIF’s assistance to South Asia will be fully realized in the next several years as LCIF partners with Lions to rebuild homes, schools and community centers. This long-term approach plays to the strength of LCIF and Lions, who belong to their communities, understand local needs and know how to get things done.

LCIF’s prior success with disaster relief in South Asia bodes well for its initiatives in response to the tsunami. LCIF has recently assisted with aid and reconstruction in the aftermath of two major natural disasters in India.  In 2001, US$2.5 million was mobilized to assist communities rebuild after the Gujarat earthquake.  The funds built 734 homes for people displaced by the earthquake, 20 primary schools, and a general hospital.  In 2000, LCIF assisted with almost US$500,000 to assist rebuild areas affected by the Orissa cyclone.  A total of 360 homes, nine community centers, five schools, and two orphanages were constructed. 

How to Donate

LCIF established the South Asia Tsunami Disaster Relief Fund (#5105) for Lions, clubs, districts and others to assist relief efforts by Lions. The funds are supporting immediate needs such as food and water and will support long-term reconstruction needs.

U.S. donors can:

·        Mail a check to LCIF. Make the check payable to LCIF and write “tsunami relief” in the memo field. Send the check to LCIF, 300 W. 22^nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services.

·        Make a credit card donation with a MasterCard, Visa or American Express by calling LCIF at 630-571-5466, ext. 517 or 554. Call between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST.

 Since this is a donation to a specific initiative, it is not eligible for Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition. The main purpose of the MJF program is to encourage and recognize Lions who donate unrestricted funds to LCIF to support all of the foundation's grant program and to provide for our annual funding.  Allowing MJF recognition for donations to a specific disaster could cause a sharp drop in unrestricted donations and impact LCIF’s ability to fund its many programs.

However, donations for tsunami relief are counted toward an individual’s and a club’s cumulative giving totals to LCIF, which help qualify an individual and club for various recognition programs. Also, the names of individuals and clubs that make significant donations will be posted on a new Web site LCIF is creating on the disaster. All donors will be recognized in special reports in the near future,

Note that LCIF is unable to accept offers of goods such as blankets, clothing or food. It is not logistically feasible for LCIF to process and transport such donations.

Why Donate to LCIF

Lions who donate to other relief agencies or Lions districts that donate directly to another district affected by the tsunami are to be commended for their generosity. But donating to LCIF carries several important advantages.

Donations to LCIF are a highly efficient and effective way to help people impacted by the tsunamis. Every donated dollar goes directly to relief efforts; LCIF’s administrative costs are paid for by interests on investments.

The donations empower local Lions who are familiar with the needs of their community to meet the most critical needs of their community. There are 73,000 Lions on the ground in the hardest hit regions of India, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Indonesia who are able to come to the aid of those most in need. LCIF has a long history of disaster relief and filling in the gaps not covered by other relief agencies.

LCIF’s grants are often matched by grants from other agencies. Thus donations made to LCIF are eventually leveraged by other grants, maximizing the power and reach of a single donation.

LCIF takes a comprehensive, coordinated approach to disaster recovery, instead of piecemeal solutions. LCIF strategically plans long-term recovery efforts by working with committees of leading Lions and by working with government officials and other non-governmental organizations. Quite frequently, the government officials and non-profit leaders are Lions themselves, immeasurably increasing LCIF’s ability to move projects forward to a speedy completion. In Sri Lanka, for example, the Minister of Housing is a Lion, and the Lions there are actually working in coordination with the government to direct other aid agencies. 

Accountability

As a rule, LCIF does not send funding to local Lions districts without knowing precise needs and without assurance that the local Lions are avoiding duplication of efforts. Donors can rest assured also knowing there is strict oversight of grants:

·        All Emergency Grants are awarded solely on the basis of a detailed application from the affected district. A specific action plan must be presented and must include which villages and how many people will be helped and what relief items will be purchased.

·        Districts provide final reports that must include documentation, receipts and bank account statements for the funds disbursed, along with photos of the relief effort and other details.  In South Asia, those final reports are audited and double-checked by LCIF’s office in Bombay.

·        LCIF has been awarding Emergency Grants in these countries for 30 years and has vast experience in ensuring proper coordination and accountability.

·        The local Lions who are spending the Emergency Grants also use their own funds and in many instances spend double or triple the amount that LCIF awarded them, which speaks to the care in which Lions use LCIF funds.

LCIF will continue to keep you updated through these bulletins. Also, in the near future, LCIF  will have a new Web site containing the latest information on the tsunami disaster. Its address will be www.lions-tsunami.org.

More funds will be awarded by LCIF in the coming days as needs are assessed.  Your generosity is deeply appreciated and your continued support is desperately needed.

Special Note to Lions of 18B

The Family of Lion R.C. Cunningham Thanks you for your many contributions, and expressions of sympathy and Love. Your contributions and support of the Lions Camp for the Blind and other Lions projects are a fitting tribute to his memory. His long time devotion to the Lions and the many Lifetime friendships developed were a very important part of his life. Many of our fondest memories are being with him as he worked and fellowshipped with his fellow lions.

Thank You Again,

The Family of Lion R.C. Cunningham,

Lucy, Rita, Ray, and Freddie

Letter to the Editor (Blackshear Times)

Subject: The Blackshear Lions Club Needs Your Support

As I grow older I have come to realize more and more how precious Time Is. It seems that we have so little of it and so many demands upon it.

For over forty five years the devoted members of the Blackshear Lions Club have been placing Flags out in an effort to raise contributions for the many Lions projects. Currently there are five members that place over 240 Flags out during ten National Flag Days a year.  Did you know there are over twenty National Flag Days a year (www.usflag.org) plus a number of State and local days that could be considered?  Some may ask why The Blackshear Lions Club do not place the Flags out every National Flag Day.  The answer is simple it is more than our current membership can do.  Everyone of the five members who are currently placing Flags out donate over forty hours a year, plus the use of their trucks and fuel cost.  To ask them to do more would not be fair.

The average age of our club membership is sixty plus and even though each and every member is honored to be able to SERVE this community, we are in need of new members willing to give of their time in service to others. Our membership is open to everyone and we would like to extend an invitation to come and check us out.  We meet on the second and  fourth Thursday of the month at 7 pm at The Blackshear Lions Club on Azalea St.  For more information about what Lions do check out www.galions.org or call me at 449-0501 I would be glad to answer any and all of your questions I can.

We would like to Thank all the Families and Business that support our Flag Program with your help we have been able to assist many Local, Lions Camp for the Blind, and International projects/needs.

Yours in Lionism, Respectfully,

Art Naas
The Blackshear Lions Club
Membership Chairperson   

Share Success Through Service Banner Patch Award

Lions clubs that initiate at least one new youth or children's activity or significantly expand an existing activity between July 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005 are eligible to receive President Kusiak’s Share Success Through Service Banner Patch. E-mail your questions to [email protected] , or complete the online form at http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/share_success_form.php3  to obtain President Kusiak’s Share Success Through Service Banner Patch.

District Elections

District 18-B will hold its annual elections at the Cabinet Meeting on Saturday February 26 in Statesboro. We will be electing a new District Governor, Vice District Governor and Vice President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.

The qualifications are as follows:

Vice District Governor– Must have served as President of a Lions club, also served as Club Director for 2 years. District service, at least 1 year as Zone or Region Chairperson or Cabinet Secretary or Cabinet Treasurer. This should be a Lion in good standing who is willing to advance the cause of Lionism in the District and the State. This is a three year commitment that has many rewards.

Vice President- Same requirements as Vice District Governor and must have served as District Director to the Lighthouse for a majority of a three year term. This should be a Lion in good standing who is active in the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation and is willing to advance the cause of the Lighthouse in providing service to those in need. This term is for two years with a two term limitation.

Applicants must be nominated by their club or a majority of all other clubs. Nominations must be received by the District Governor before January 25 in order to be placed on the ballot. Voting will be by certified delegates of each club present at the convention. Clubs will be allotted 1 delegate for each 10 members or majority thereof. Past District Governors also have the right to vote and do not count in the number of delegates each club has. For additional information about voting procedures, contact Lion Jon Lichner, Credentials Chairperson or PDG Jerry Ney, Nominations and Elections Chairperson.

The 20+ Club Net Membership Increase Award

The 20+ Club Net Membership Increase Award is an ambitious new program, presented by International President Clement F. Kusiak. It challenges clubs to achieve a positive net growth of 20 or more members in 2004-2005. Clubs who achieve this increase will be awarded a special 20+ Club Net Membership Increase Award banner patch. In addition, club presidents will receive a diamond pin commemorating their achievement. For more information, e-mail the Membership Operations Department at [email protected]  or call 630-571-5466 ext. 340.

DISTRICT 18B CONVENTION  

 THE MOST IMPORTANT CONVENTION
ANNOUNCEMENT EVER!!

In view of the declining membership in District 18B, (and MD18) this years convention is the opportunity we need to begin building our district to the membership and activity level we are capable of achieving and that ‘our clients’ need and deserve.  What better way to start than to have the best convention ever!

Can you remember the last time you did something different at a district convention? Can you remember the last time you had FUN at YOUR district convention?  Have you ever attended a district convention? This will be your chance! First, your attendance at the cabinet meeting AND the banquet, will earn your club 500 points in the DG contest.

Second, you will have several chances to win unusual prizes. Third, you will have an opportunity to meet and socialize with a sitting International Director, Lion Walter R. “Bud” Wahl from Streator, Illinois, rub elbows with three Georgia candidates for International Director and discuss the affairs of the world with our own past International President and Directors.

You will be housed in a clean, comfortable, modern and reasonably priced motel. The Hometown Inn ($45.00). You will attend all convention meeting in one location that offers a beautiful concept and vista for meetings and will house all exhibits as well as meetings.

 The first organized function will be a “PARTY GRAS in the ‘BORO” at 6:00 pm on Friday, at Snella’s Place. Activities will  include hand shaking, neck hugging, exploit exaggerations and beverages and ‘hor oeuvres designed to release your inhibitions and sharpen your senses. FUN will be available, but you have to be present to catch it! You will dine on excellent cuisine Friday night cooked by Lion Dr. Joe Goodwin, a grilling chef extraordinaire with special sauce by Lion Evelyn.

Lion Senator Jack Hill from Reidsville, the Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee will be our special guest and will discuss the Georgia State Budget process. Believe me, he has information we need to know.

On Saturday you may eat breakfast with our International guest and District leadership at Shoney’s with reserved seating. (Dutch treat). At 8:45 we will gather to tour a real winery, Meinhardt Vineyards, where they grow the grapes and produce the wine. The tour will end with cheese and tasting samples.

The Past District Governors Association will hold it’s annual luncheon at R Js Restaurant at noon on Saturday. The cost will be $12.00 and PCC Stan Bazemore and PDG Jerry Kaiser will provide more information within the next few days.

The third cabinet meeting of the Lions year will be held at Snella’s Place at 1:30.

The Lions of Georgia Camp, Lighthouse and Band and Youth Foundation will have their exhibits` displayed and we will have some vendors present.

 On Saturday night the banquet program will begin at 6:30 at Snella’s Place. The banquet meal will not be rubber chicken or road kill meatloaf. A great program will conclude with the keynote address by International Director “Bud” Wahl.

A hospitality room will be open Friday and Saturday evenings to provide a chance for more discussion and fellowship.

  By attending the convention, you have an opportunity to interact with Lions from district 18B and from around the state to learn how they provide service in their area and let them learn from you.

Don’t forget that SERVICE is our purpose AND that it is possible to have fun while we help others. If SERVICE is in your heart, the District 18B Convention is the place to be!

The convention packages will be mailed Jan. 14 and 15 with more details, reservations forms and maps.

Knight Rider Leo Club Charter Night

The Lions of Savannah, Savannah Chatham South and Savannah Port City would like to invite the Lions of District 18B to the Charter Night celebration of the newest LEO club in District 18-B. It will be held at Windsor Forrest High School in Savannah on Friday, January 21 at 7:00. Directions to the school from outside of Savannah. From I-95 take exit 94 (Abercorn Extension), head east towards Savannah. Once you reach the city limits go to the 5th traffic light and turn right on Windsor Road. Windsor Forrest High School is about 1/2 mile on the right. Signs will point you to the meeting. There will be refreshments and dessert after the program. There is no cost for attending.

Come and see the activities that our youth are doing for the community.

WALTER R. “BUD” WAHL
INTERNATIONAL DIRECTOR

Walter R. “Bud” Wahl, of Streator, Illinois, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as a director of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 86^th International Convention, held in Denver, Colorado, USA, June 30-July 4, 2003.

Director Wahl is a licensed financial advisor and has worked in the healthcare field as a risk manager and a foundation coordinator.

A member of the Streator Hardscrabble Lions Club and a Lion since 1981, Director Wahl has held many offices within the association, including club membership chair, club president, zone chair, district LCIF and Extension chairs, district cabinet secretary-treasurer, district governor, Lions of Illinois Foundation board member, parliamentarian to the Council of Governors, multiple district Strategic Planning Committee member and council chair. Additionally he has served as associate editor of the state Lions magazine and as a presenter at numerous club, district and state seminars.

In recognition of his service to the association he has received numerous awards, including the club Award of Merit, two club Lion of the Year Awards, the 100% District Governor Award, the Lions of Illinois Foundation Key Ambassador Award, two International President’s Awards, the International President’s Leadership Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International Key Membership Award and the International Extension Award. He also is a Melvin Jones Fellow.

In addition to his Lion activities, Director Wahl is active in numerous professional and community organizations, including serving as president of the Community Players of Streator board of directors and as a United Way volunteer since 1977. In the past, he served on the boards of Fine Arts for Fine Causes, Streator Community Credit Union, Streator Unlimited, and as a volunteer for the American Red Cross.

Director Wahl and his wife, Jama, also a Lion, have one daughter, who is also a Lion.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month

Dear Fellow Lions,

In honor of Glaucoma Awareness Month in January, the Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) invites any interested Lions to share EyeCare America's Glaucoma EyeCare Program helpline 1-800-391-EYES(3937) at your meetings and activities. Callers who are at increased risk for glaucoma and are uninsured may qualify for a free glaucoma eye exam. Those at-risk include African-Americans over 40, everyone over 60 and people with a family history of glaucoma. This year-round program operates 24 hours, seven days a week. There is a Glaucoma Awareness Month poster available with the LEHP logo at http://www.eyecareamerica.org/eyecare/public/takealovedone_pub.cfm .

If you have any questions about LEHP write [email protected]  or visit www.lehp.org . If you have any questions about EyeCare America or would like to receive posters or template letters to editors, please visit www.eyecareamerica.org  and click on "partner campaign materials" or call EyeCare America staff toll-free at 877-887-6327, 8-4, M-F, (PT). EyeCare America is the public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The Glaucoma EyeCare Program is co-sponsored by Pfizer Ophthalmics.

Thank you,

Stephen Yearson

Lions Eye Health Program

Southeastern Lions Leadership Institute

This is your opportunity to expand your knowledge of Lionism and sharpen your leadership skills by attending the Southeastern Lions Leadership Institute. This learning program has been endorsed by Lions Clubs International and features the skills of our most experienced Lions teachers. Whether you are a new lions, a Lion who will serve as Club President or a Lions who wants to serve on the District level. This Institute is for you.

Topics to be discussed include goal setting and meeting management, group dynamics and team building, personality and leadership styles, problem solving and conflict resolution, delegation and mobilization of volunteers, diversity and inter-cultural communication, protocol, Lion fundamentals, mentoring, and public speaking.

The institute will be located in the conference faculty of Camp Dogwood, Sherrills Ford, North Carolina. The date is Thursday April 14 through Sunday April 17. Cost is $110 which includes cost of lodging and some meals.

Application deadline is April 1. Forms can be requested from DG Rick or on-line at http://galions.org/leadership

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