Governor‘s Comments...

Share Success with our Youth

Have you ever thought about your future. Most of us when we were young did not give much thought about what our future might be. We were full of energy and motion. Our teachers and mentors tried to impress on us the need to plan for tomorrow. Now we can see clearly what those people were trying to tell us. Now as we face our later years, it is more and more important for us to reach out to the youth of our communities. It has been stated by many that “The Youth is our Future.” A few months ago, a Lion in one of the clubs I was visiting was commenting on how much trouble youth was causing in the community. I responded to that Lion that there is always hope, if you reach out and touch our youth in ways they will respond.

Our youth have needs to belong just as we do. They have a spirit of community just as we do. If shown the way, they will become involved. They will become a vital part of community service if we just take the time and ask. In August, I received a e-mail message from a Lion in Savannah. He had been contacted by a school counselor who was interested in getting group of high school students involved in community service. They had already completed a few projects on their own, but they longed for someone to organize them into a club so they may accomplish more. Lion Steve Bellmoff saw a need and took action. He brought the idea of having a partnership of Lions Clubs with the goal of forming a new Leo Club. Within a short time, information packets was sent by LCI to Lion Steve. A meeting was scheduled with the school and a presentation was made. The decision was made that day to allow the Lions the opportunity to start recruiting members. Starting a Leo club in some ways is as difficult or maybe more difficult than starting a new Lions Club. There were the many planning meetings. Scheduling conflicts that had to be resolved. Recruiting of Lions to serve as Advisors and attracting potential members. There were self-doubts that were felt from time to time that this task would be to much. Then we would see the Leo members come together. Working on projects that collected food for the needy for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The tremendous effort they showed in every project they worked.

It certainly was a joy to see those young people at the charter night last month when the Knight Riders Leo Club was formally organized. Those in attendance was shown a slide show of what this new club had accomplished in the last few months. Also they showed us the plans they have for the future. They are in deed bold plans. They are plans that in deed need to be shared with the Lions of District 18-B and the rest of the world. These are Leos who have a found a vision and a mission. This is a success that begs to be told to each one of us. It is very important for us to reach out and share success with our youth, not only in Savannah, but in every part of District 18-B.

In a few days, the Lions of District 18-B will come together and celebrate our success in Lionism at our District Convention. At the cabinet meeting, the ROTC Color Guard of Windsor Forrest High School will present the colors. This will be your opportunity to meet with these new Leos and tell them of the pride that we share with them as “We Serve” in our community.

DG Rick.

Rick’s Travels

Alamo– Reports filed by email and online. Club made numerous trips to help local man receive cornea transplant with the assistance of the Lighthouse.

Alma– No reports received.

Baxley– October reports finally reached DG on 1/28 was postmarked 11/2. Full points for month awarded. January reports received by mail on time. Club worked 15 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 14.

Bellville– Reports received by mail on time along with newsletter. Average attendance is 25. Club contributed $250 each to Leader Dog, RFB&D, Lighthouse, Emory, and Camp. $1,000 to LCIF

Blackshear– Reports received by mail on-time. Average attendance is 12. Spent 120 on local eyeglasses. $100 to Leader Dog, RFB&D, Emory. $380 to LCIF, 100% Contributing Member Club. $393 to the Camp.

Bloomingdale– Reports received by mail on-time. 1 new member. Club worked 78 hours on club administration and 31 hours on community service. All members present at meetings. Club is working with Elementary School with installation of new Baseball Diamond, Light poles and replacement of all playground equipment.

Brantley County– No reports received.

Brunswick Gateway– Reports received by mail, on-time. Club contributed items to local nursing homes, was featured in local newspaper. Spent $990 for local eyeglasses. Reported drop of 1 member, however they had not reported the addition of this member.

Bulloch– No reports received.

Claxton– Reports received by email on-time. Club worked 50 hours on club administration and spent $195 on local eyeglasses. Average attendance is 7. Sent $50 to the Camp.

Clinch County– MMR received by mail, late. Club dropped 3 members. No activities reported.

Cobbtown– Reports received by mail on-time. Planning for Pancake Supper on March 8.

Collins– October reports received by mail in January, postmarked 11/2. Full points awarded. January reports received by mail on time. Average attendance is 14. Club worked 150 hours on Community Projects and spent $150 on the Community.

Darien– No reports received.

Douglas– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 46 hours on club administration and 425 hours on community betterment. Club sent another $1,000 to LCIF for Tsunami Relief. Spent $2,728 on local eyeglasses. DG passed through Douglas on MLK day and observed the display of flags in downtown area with banners proclaiming that the Lions were displaying the flags. This club knows how to make its presence known in the community.

Folkston– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 10 hours on club administration and 700 hours on community betterment projects. Average attendance is 11. Club spent $400 on local eyeglasses and $1,200 on Community Betterment. Club sent $550 to LCIF for Tsunami Relief. They mailed a box of articles to the wounded soldiers and plan to ship another box soon.

Garden City– Reports received by mail on-time. 1 new member. Club spent $120 on Local Eyeglasses.

Golden Isles– Activity report submitted on-line. No MMR report since 10/04. Average attendance is 14. Club spent $665 on local eyeglasses and $1,300 on Community Betterment Projects.

Hazlehurst–  No reports received.

Hinesville– Reports received by email on-time. 1 new member. Average attendance is 24. Sent DG copy of club newsletter. Club worked 300 hours on community betterment projects. Sent $100 to Leader Dog and had program on Leader Dog by Lion Evelyn Kennedy.

Jacksonville–  No reports received.

Jekyll Island– No reports received.

Jesup– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 10 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 15. Club spent $175 on local eyeglasses. Sent $50 to Leader Dog, LCIF, Camp, $200 to Lighthouse

Kingsland– No reports received.

Liberty Coastal– Reports received by mail on-time. Club sent $100 each to Camp and Leader Dog.

Lyons– Reports received by mail on time. Average attendance is 21. Club spent $80 on eyeglasses and $100 on Community projects. Club sent $150 to the Camp and held program on the Camp.

McRae– Reports received by e-mail on time. 3 hours worked on club administration. Average attendance is 7.

Metter– Reports received by mail on time. Club worked 5 hours on club administration and 10 hours on community betterment projects.

Milan– Reports received by mail on time. Average attendance is 12. Sent $100 to LCIF for Tsunami Relief. DG made official visit.

Odum– Reports received late. Collected 69 pairs of eyeglasses. Worked 160 hours of administration and community service.

Patterson–  MMR received by mail on-time. No activities reported.

Pembroke– No reports received.

Port Wentworth– MMR mailed on time, no activities reported.

Reidsville– No reports received.

Richmond Hill–  No reports received.

Rincon–  No reports received.

Rincon Noon– Reports filed on-line. 6 hours worked on club administration. Average attendance is 12. $56 spent on Community Betterment.

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

Savannah– Reports received by fax on time. Average attendance is 30. Club spent $895 on Local eyeglasses.

Savannah Chatham South– No reports received.

Savannah Hostess City– Reports received by mail on-time. Club worked 129 hours on Community Service. Spent $475 on Community Projects. $325 Tsunami Relief, $200 Leader Dog,$200 to the Camp, $100 to Lighthouse, $200 to LCIF

Savannah Port City– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 5 hours on club administration and 55 hours on community betterment. Sent $200 to LCIF for Tsunami Relief and $50 to Camp for Truck Tickets.

Springfield– No reports received.

Statesboro Noon– MMR not submitted, activities reported on 2/15 on-line. 1 new member. Club worked 167 hours club administration and 266 hours community service. Club spent $55 on local eyeglasses and $150 on Community Betterment. Club sent $50 each to Leader Dog, RFB&D, GALB&YA, Lighthouse and Camp. $150 to LCIF

Vidalia– Reports received by mail, late. Club worked 3 hours on club administration, spent $696 on local eyeglasses and $500 on the community.

Waycross– Reports received by e-mail on time. 1 new member. Average attendance is 18. Collected 245 pairs of eyeglasses and 3 hearing aids. 3 articles in newspaper.

Waycross Okefenokee– No reports received.

Wilmington Island– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 48 hours on club administration and 5 hours on community service. Club sent $200 to LCIF for Tsunami Relief and $79 to the Camp for Truck raffle.

Woodbine– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 42 hours on club administration and 57 hours on community projects. Average attendance is 27. Club spent $240 on local eyeglasses and $250 on the community.

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.

Club Anniversaries for February

The following clubs have anniversaries this month according to LCI records.

Membership

What is the single most important part of an successful organization? It is its members, without members there can be no participation in club activities. Fund raisers cannot be held. Those in need are not helped to overcome their adversities. At one time there was a great outpouring of support by our communities for groups such as the Lions. Over the past few years that emphasis on community service has shifted more towards other goals such as work or simply making a living. This has been reflected in the membership of this District during this Lions year. We continue to grow in some areas, while in other areas, we are losing a significant number of members. District 18-B for this year is on the way to leading the state in an area we do not want to claim. That is we are leading the state in the number of dropped members. At the rate of drops we will fall below 1200 members by July. The last time District 18-B was at 1200 members was around 1930.

It is most important for all clubs to rally together, take a long hard look at the programs we offer to our members and to the community. How do we conduct our meetings. Do we make our meetings attractive, do our members enjoy themselves at these meetings? Are we reaching out to those people who would be an active member if asked? Club Presidents are asked to bring this issue before the clubs. Activate your membership chairpersons and your membership committees. Make it a point to start a membership campaign now.

Several years ago PDG Chuck Shurtleff would publish in this newsletter an article with the title, “How close are we to becoming a transitional district?” A transitional district is a district with below 1250 members. We have crossed that threshold and the clock is now ticking. Now lets get busy.

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 January 2005 +7

Membership Loss for January 2005 -22

Net Change in Membership 18-B -15

Longtime Lions Honored

The following Lions in District 18-B have served their communities in many capacities, they are celebrating 40-50 years of service. These Lions when adding all their years of service together adds up to 1,772 years.

Dear Lion Richard,

In honor of AMD Awareness Month in February, we invite you to share EyeCare America's Seniors EyeCare Program helpline with your community. It's 1-800-222-EYES(3937). Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is still not well known, yet approximately 1.65 million older Americans have this disease that can cause vision loss. Callers who are 65 and older may qualify for a comprehensive eye exam and care for up to one year at no out-of-pocket cost. This year-round program helpline operates 24 hours, every day.

If you have questions or would like to receive Lions/ECA posters, please visit www.lehp.org  or www.eyecareamerica.org  . If you would like to tailor template letters-to-editors, please call EyeCare America staff toll-free at 877-887-6327, 8-4 (PT).

The Lions Eye Health Program (LEHP) is funded by a SightFirst grant from the Lions Clubs International Foundation and by educational grants from Eli Lilly and Allergan, Inc. EyeCare America is the public service foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

Thank you.

Stephen Yearson

Lions Eye Health Program

 CAMP FOR BLIND WINTER MEETING:

First of all I want to thank all the lions of our district who helped sell raffle tickets on the truck raffle.  It was very successful and the camp will get over $23,000 for operational purposes. Joyce Smith, Tallahassee, Florida, won this years raffle drawing.

For next year’s raffle, the prize will be either a 2006 Chevrolet pick-up or $15,000 in cash money.

I would like to report that there are many positive things happening at the camp right now getting prepared for this years camping session. There are two (2) work weekends coming up rather fast and they are: April 1-3^rd and April 22-24^th.  Brenda and I are planning on being at both work weekends. 

Our new office and health complex is well on its way of starting to break ground. Some minor changes to the floor plans are taking place at this

time and once that is accomplished the slab will be poured and the plumbing done.  Then we go forward with our grant request.

As always I’m available to give a program to your club or zone meeting on the camp, contact me at (912) 964-4518 or e-mail me at [email protected].

PDG Jerry Kaiser, VP Georgia Lions Camp for the Blind

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

WHAT IS PUBLIC RELATIONS?

Public relations involves all forms of communication – written, verbal and non-verbal. It includes writing news releases and distributing promotional flyers. Equally important are actions often taken for granted, such as wearing a Lions lapel pin and marching in a parade.

Good public relations—informing the community that your club built the park, conducted the vision screening or collected the eyeglasses—will help foster community support.

Public relations can even support your club’s membership efforts. People want to belong to a successful and reliable organization. By actively promoting your club and its worthwhile activities, you’ll be projecting a positive image in the community and showing that your club is worth joining.

So tell people about all the good your club is doing in the community.

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!

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 30 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.

Bloomingdale, 12/04, Bulloch, 8/04, Glennville, 6/04, Golden Isles, 10/04, Hazlehurst, 4/04, Reidsville, 10/04, Richmond Hill, 7/04, Rincon, 12/04, Savannah Chatham South, 12/04, Springfield, 11/04, Vidalia, 12/04.

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.

Obtaining New Members

New members are vital to the success of any club’s program. It is the club membership committee’s responsibility to encourage members to seek out potential Lions. New, quality members increase the ability of the club to provide greater service and they unquestionably constitute the future leadership of the club. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that every Lion can be a sponsor.

A club membership growth program should be planned and promoted by the membership committee. Every club member must support it; membership growth is everybody’s business.

Preparing a Prospect List

• Prepare a list of prospects early in the year.

• Give each club member a blank card with instructions to write the names of persons considered to be good prospects.

• Check on new business in the area. These often bring new persons to the community.

• Assign each member to a small area of the community to check for potential members. (Don’t forget schools and other institutions.)

• Combine the lists, eliminate duplication, and make one combined prospect list.

• Present this list to the club membership. Explain that names have not as yet been screened. Ask–and assign–each Lion member to fill out an Invitation- Application for Membership (ME-6) for one or more potential candidates.

Screening Prospects

The reputation of a Lions club is mirrored by the reputation of its members. Selectivity is important because Lions clubs depend upon public support for their activities.

1. Screen each name thoroughly on the basis of

a) good moral character and reputation;

b) interest in service and

c) good credit or financial standing.

Remember, your club must grow–but wisely. You need active Lions.

2. Follow procedures strictly to ensure that every prospect is treated fairly and equally; that only qualified and committed prospects are brought into your club.

3. Submit list of recommended names to board of directors for final approval. This is now the approved prospect list.

4. Use this list, with additions, throughout the year.

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