Governor‘s Comments...

Share Success with Community
Involvement

As Spring approaches we begin to start thinking about many things. Sprucing up our homes and planting new plants. As Lions we put our talents to good use as we implement our projects to raise funds for our causes. Now stop and think for a moment. When we are working with our projects do we take the time to really make our community aware of who we are and what we are doing for the community? Do we simply just go about the task of raising funds and leave the average citizen thinking, “Here is another group raising funds for some unknown cause?” When we are out in the community wearing our special Lion’s shirts or Lion’s Vests. Do we take the time to speak with the public and tell the Lions story? Are our members aware that Lions Serve the Community, providing many services such as help for the Blind and Deaf. We are here in times of disaster, ready and willing to provide a helping hand to those in need.

It is very important that we share our success with our communities. Always remind them that we are here and why we are here. That our motto is “WE SERVE.” This is our mission for our community. But most of all we need to attract our fellow citizens to become involved with community service. This is our opportunity to attract new members to help us with our projects.

It should be obvious to most Lions in this District that our membership has dropped tremendously since last July. As of the end of January LCI has our membership at 1225, this is a loss of 57 members. With this drop in members District 18-B has become the 3rd largest district in terms of membership. District 18-D now has more members than us and we need to change that back.

Attendees to the District Convention last month in Statesboro heard visiting International Director Bud Wahl tell the district that we are a transitional district. This is a status dictated by the LCI Constitution that each district must maintain at least 35 clubs and 1250 members. The effect of being a Transitional District affects the District Leadership the most. It means in the future we will not be allowed to elect our District Governor. The District Governor is chosen by the International Board of Directors. Also the Lion who is chosen by the International Board will have to pay for more of his or her expenses out of pocket. The Multiple District also loses prestige on the International Level. It means that the International Officers will be less likely to visit this state.

Your MERL-W team met on March 8 to discuss ideas on how to energize this district in the coming months. Our goal is to regain our membership to the level of 1282 we had in July. I am calling on each club and each club membership Chairperson to develop and initiate a new member drive and when we bring new members in to Lionism, it is very important that we provide orientation training for those members.

This year we are going to try something new for District 18-B, a new opportunity for learning. We are bringing a Lion’s University to 18-B. Plans are not complete but in addition to training for incoming officers we plan to offer courses in other subjects such as Productive Fundraisers, Information Technology, Membership Development and other topics. Tentative date is Saturday, May 14. Please reserve this date on your calendar.

Remember in order to Share Our Success with our Community it must begin with our on membership. It is up to each one of us to invite and involve a  new member.

DG Rick.

Rick’s Travels

Alamo– No reports received.

Alma– MMR filed on time. No activities report received.

Baxley– Reports received by mail. Club worked 23 hours on club administration and 188 hours on community projects. 4 members attended District Convention. Club sent $150 to Leader Dog and South East Guide Dogs, $300 to LCIF, $500 to Lighthouse and Camp. Associate directors attended Camp and Lighthouse directors meetings.

Bellville– MMR and activities reports received by mail on time. Club worked 22 on club administration and 244 hours on club projects. Club had 8 members present at District Convention.. Club sold 239 Truck Raffle Tickets for the Camp. Spent $1,355 on the community. Sent $300 to LCIF and $50 to the Camp. Club also collected used eyeglasses for the Lighthouse.

Blackshear– MMR and activities reports received by mail on time. Average attendance is 12. Spent $60 on local eyeglasses, displayed flags on Presidents Day. Purchased new sign for clubhouse. Lion Mike Anderson named Citizen of the Year by Chamber of Commerce.

Bloomingdale– MMR and activities reports received by mail on time. Club worked 112 hours on club administration and 58 hours on Community Projects. Average attendance is 12 out of 12. Club Spent $60 on local eyeglasses and $300 on the community. Club sent $100 each to Lighthouse, Leader Dog, RFB&D and LCIF.

Brantley County– MMR received on time. No activities reported.

Brunswick Gateway– No Reports Received.

Bulloch– No Reports Received.

Claxton– Activities report received by e-mail late. MMR for March already filed, no February report. Worked 10 hours on club administration and 20 hours on community project. Average attendance is 10.

Clinch County– Reports received by mail. Club purchased 4 pairs of eyeglasses plus eye exams. They are working on a Spring Project.

Cobbtown– Reports received by mail. Club is working on a pancake supper on March 8 and a Senior Citizen Fish Fry for April 26.

Collins– Reports received by mail. Average attendance is 14, 100%.

Darien– Sent reports to PDG Lil Shurtleff.

Douglas– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 48 hours on club administration and 520 hours on community projects. Club provided $3,784 in sight services to the community. They are planning their White Cane Day activities and looking for prospective campers to sponsor to the Camp. They collected 750 pairs of used eyeglasses.

Folkston– Reports filed online. Club worked 10 hours on club administration and 850 hours on community projects. They sent another box of clothing and etc to the soldiers in the hospital at a cost of $600. They also hosted a Star Student banquet. They presented the Star Student with $250.

Garden City– Reports received by mail. They had an average of 10 members in attendance. Nothing else reported.

Golden Isles– Activities report filed on line. MMR report not filed. Average attendance  is 15. Club worked 6 hours on community projects.

Hazlehurst–  No Reports Received.

Hinesville– Reports received by e-mail. Club worked 230 hours on community projects. Average attendance is 17. 2 new members. They were recognized by ID Bud Wahl as being the newest members present at the District Convention (6 days). Sent $150 to the Camp.

Jacksonville–  Reports filed on-line. Club worked 6 hours on club administration and 225 hours on community projects. Club is 100% LCIF contributing Members

Jekyll Island– Mailed MMR report to DG. They are working on their major fundraiser this month. They are sponsoring a Golf Tournament.

Jesup– Filed reports on line. Reported 1 member moved away. They have already filed the March MMR report showing 2 new members. Club worked 5 hours on club administration, spent $245 on local eyeglasses and had an average attendance of 13.

Kingsland– No Reports Received.

Liberty Coastal– Reports received by mail. Average attendance is 17. Sent $100 to the Lighthouse.

Lyons– Reports received by mail. Club worked 37 hours on club administration and 48 hours on community projects. Spent $30 on local eyeglasses and $100 on the community. Sent $418 to the Camp, collected 476 pairs of eyeglasses. Held a program on White Cane.

McRae– Submitted reports by email. Worked 4 hours on club administration. Displayed flags in community. Average attendance is 8.

Metter– Mailed reports to DG. Worked 5 hours on club administration and spent $100 on local eyeglasses plus $30 for community projects. Average attendance is 7. They collected and mailed to the Lighthouse a large box of eyeglasses.

Milan– Reports received by mail. 2 new members. Club worked 5 hours on club administration and 20 hours on community projects. They spent $2,650 on the community by purchasing 100 chairs and 16 tables for the Milan Theater and Community Center.

Odum– Reports received by mail. Club worked 20 hours on club administration and 120 hours on community projects.

Patterson–  MMR received by mail late. No activities reported.

Pembroke– MMR report filed no Activities Reports Received.

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

Reidsville– MMR report filed, no activities report received.

Richmond Hill–  No Reports Received.

Rincon–  Reports emailed on time. Club is working on White Cane event with Rincon Noon. Club has selected officers for 2005-06. In January the club sent $200 for Tsunami Relief, $75 in Memory of Lion Carlton Phillips and $550 to help a family with travel expenses for Cancer Treatment.

Rincon Noon– Reports filed on line. Club worked 10 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 8. Club sent $500 to LCIF for Tsunami Relief and $77 for Safe Shelter.

Savannah– Reports fax to DG on time. Club worked 320 hours on club administration. Spent $1,500 on local eyeglasses and $1,000 on community projects.

Savannah Chatham South– No Reports Received.

Savannah Hostess City– Reports received by mail. 100% attendance. Club worked over 200 hours on community projects and is planning a yard sale in May.

Savannah Port City– Reports filed online. Club worked 7 hours on club administration and 24 hours on community projects. 6 members attended District convention. Sent $200 to LCIF

Springfield– No Reports Received.

Statesboro Noon– Reports filed on-line. This club has performed above the call of duty. They hosted a very successful District Convention under the leadership of PCC Jack Kennedy and President Lion Joe Bill Brannon. Club worked 312 hours on club administration and preparing for district convention. Also worked 182 hours on community projects. Club had 12 members at cabinet meeting and 13 members at District Banquet. They also participated in a Wellness Health Fair and did Optometric Vision Screenings by Lion Dr. Krystal Bragg. Then they collected used eyeglasses and hearing aids.

Vidalia– No Reports Received.

Waycross– Reports received by e-mail. Average attendance is 19. 3 members attended District Convention. Club brought 150 Pairs of eyeglasses and 2 hearing aids to convention. Club sold brooms and mops.

Waycross Okefenokee– January reports reached DG after printing of last newsletter. Postmark was 2/1, activities received full points. Club is sending DG copy of newsletter. Average attendance is 35. Club is collecting used eyeglasses and cell phones for the Lighthouse.

Wilmington Island– Reports filed on line. Club Worked 25 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 14. They had 6 members at District Convention. Planning on conducting a White Cane Project for March 16th. It will be a Broom Fair and Hot Dog Sale at Wal-mart, where American Idol 1st Runner-up, Diane Degarmo will be appearing.

Woodbine– Reports filed on line. Club worked 37 hours on club administration and 75 hours on community projects. Spent $200 on local eyeglasses. 2 attended District Convention. Club held Fish Fry Fund Raiser.

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. February is the 10th month of this year’s points contest. Clubs are reminded that the contest ends on April 30. There is still time to report your club’s activities.

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.

Brunswick Gateway 1/05, Bulloch, 8/04, Darien, 1/05, Glennville, 6/04, Golden Isles, 10/04, Hazlehurst, 4/04, Kingsland, 1/05, Richmond Hill, 7/04,  Savannah Chatham South, 12/04, Springfield, 11/04, Vidalia, 1/05.

Club Anniversaries for March

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

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 February 2005 +12

Membership Loss for February 2005 -5

Net Change in Membership 18-B +7

Many thanks to those clubs who reported new members in February. You are reminded to support your new members by getting them involved in your club and enable them to become aware of the services we as Lions perform in the community.

The doctor approached the family of the patient with a very grave face.  What is happening, asked the family?

The District 18B MERL-W team and the Multiple District MERL-W team feel like the family—the Lions on the teams are asking the clubs—What is Happening?

The latest report arrived from LCI shows that this year, the clubs in District 18B have dropped 109 Lions.  WHY?  The MERL-W team can understand a drop because a Lion dies.  BUT, why are Lions being dropped for other reasons?

If a Lion moves out of your club area, the club should transfer that Lion to a club in the new location.  Did you know, though, that a Lion can remain a member of your club?  That Lion can become an associate member of a club in their new location.

If a Lion does not come to meetings, has the Membership Chair contacted that Lion to ask why?  Or better yet, has the Lion who sponsored the non-attending member contacted him or her?  Maybe the Lion has had a change of work hours or extreme family matters have come up.  All that Lion needs is to be placed on member-at-large status.

Does your club use the affiliate member category?  There are many people who want to be Lions or want to continue to be Lions but cannot attend all meetings.  This category is for them.  My son, due to his work hours, cannot attend meetings yet he is willing to help with Lions projects.  He is an affiliate member of our club.

Lions Clubs International does not require a Lion to attend every meeting.  I have met former Lions that tell me they were dropped by their clubs because they could not attend 100% of the meetings.  I have met people who tell me that they cannot be a Lion as they cannot attend all the meetings.  This is not correct.  Do not lose a good Lion because your club practices an out-dated rule.

If you need help with retention or have a retention question, contact your district retention chair—me—Lil Shurtleff, 912-876-8324 or [email protected].

State Convention

Time is rapidly approaching for the Lions of Georgia State Convention. It will be held at the Atlanta Airport Marriott in Hapeville on May 27-28-29. Registration packets have been mailed to each club. One of the important decisions the Lions of Georgia will make is the election of one Lion who will represent the Lions of Georgia as Candidate for International Director. We have three qualified Lions who are running for this honor. All three have spoken at all District Cabinet Meetings this year. Also they have visited many clubs in District 18-B.

In order to conduct a fair and above board election, the elections procedure as specified in the International Association of Lions Clubs Constitution have been thoroughly studied. As a result of this, the elections procedure is as follows. Each club is allowed 1 delegate for every ten members or major portion there of. That means if your club has 21 members, you are allowed 2 delegates. If your club has 25 to 34 members, you are allowed 3 delegates. Past district Governors have automatic voting privileges and do not count in the club delegate total. According to the IAOLC Constitution a voting delegate must be registered to attend the Convention where the voting is to take place. Also the club must report to the district governor the names of the delegates no later than 30 days prior to the convention. Blank Delegate cards will not be issued at the convention.

If you have members who wish to attend the Convention and would like to vote, the club must vote to elect them as delegates (up to the number allowed by the membership of the club). The names need to be submitted by e-mail, fax or letter to DG Rick by April 28. Also those Lions listed as delegates must have been registered at the Convention in order to be certified.

Registered delegates will receive delegate cards at the convention along with instructions as to how to vote.

International Convention

This year the International Convention is in Hong Kong from June 27 to July 1. There is still time to register and attend if you act now. You will need a valid passport to attend Hong Kong. If you wish to visit China, you will need a visa as well. The official delegate hotel for Georgia is the Marco Polo Hong Kong. Room rates are about $115 per night. Other hotels rates are between $85 and $230 per night. Air fare from Savannah starts at $1,272 per person.

The Georgia delegate will meet at the Georgia Breakfast. We will also greet the world at our annual Georgia Jamboree. Information on the convention is online at http://lionsclubs.org .

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

District Convention

Our District Convention that was held in Statesboro was very successful due to the dedicated planning and work of the sponsoring Lions of the Statesboro Noon Lions Club and the University Club Branch. 65 Lions, Leos and Guests had fun at the Party Gras Evening on Friday Night. Activities included a wine tasting and a hat wearing contest. The Leos of the Knight Riders Leo Club served as judges for this fun event.

Our District Cabinet meeting was well attended as well. We discussed the activities of our district. Our District Banquet was attended by 123 Lions, Leos and Guests. The ROTC Color Guard of Windsor Forrest High School presented the colors for the event.

International Director Bud Wahl and Lion Jama gave an inspiring message for us to remember. The Past District Governors Association inducted three new members in to the District 18-B Hall of Fame. Inductees were Lion Jon Lichner of Savannah Port City, PDG Lil Shurtleff of Hinesville, and Convention Chairperson, PCC Jack Kennedy of Statesboro Noon.

DG Rick Mizell was presented with a Melvin Jones Fellowship and PCC Jack Kennedy was presented with a Progressive Melvin Jones. PCC Jack was also presented with a International President’s Certificate of Appreciation.

Three other certificates will be presented to deserving Lions at a later date.

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