Governor‘s Comments...

This month I will introduce the theme for District 18-B, “Passion to Soar to New Heights”.  The Eagle is my symbol for this year and it reflects our strength and lofty desire to sail above the turmoil and strife of this world and brighten the future for all we serve.  Our program for the year will entail:

· Passion to Serve -  Service is the foundation of Lions Clubs International.  Through avenues such as SightFirst, Lions Quest, Lions Services for Children, environmental awareness, and other adopted service programs, Lions can reach even greater levels of excellence in service.

· Passion to Grow -  Service is not possible without members. And, increased membership translates into greater service by Lions clubs.  A new initiative, entitled Plus One, emphasizes the power of one in growing membership:  when each club grows by just one member, and each district by one club, 60,000 additional Lions will be available to serve humanity. Lions must also amplify the role of women in the association and advance the growth of our future leaders through Leo clubs.  To excel in providing service, Lions must be passionate about membership growth.  

· Passion to Lead -  Leadership is essential to the present and future success of Lions Clubs International.  Lions serve best when supported and inspired by effective leaders, and when they have the opportunity to become leaders themselves. Excellence in leadership arises from quality training of officers and Lions faculty, and successful orientation programs for new members. 

· Passion to Promote -   Lions routinely accomplish great things, often with little or no public awareness of their efforts.   Several forms of media, including the Internet, are resources that can be used to expand public knowledge of Lions Clubs.  Promoting the service of Lions clubs is also an effective way to attract new members.

· Passion to Perform-  The passion to perform humanitarian services for others is at the very heart of Lionism.   Lions Clubs International Foundation is just one successful example of Lions reaching out to the world.  The programs of LCIF have touched millions of people in countless ways.  May the passion to excel in humanitarian services never cease to inspire Lions to find innovative new ways to help humanity.

In a few weeks we will hold out first Cabinet Meeting in Hinesville. All Lions are invited to come and participate in making your district a success. Along with our goals of passion to serve we will also try in every way to put FUN and FELLOWSHIP back into all of our meetings.

Within the next few months your zone chair will be visiting your club. The zone chair’s responsibility is to get to know you and your club. Your zone chair is your guide to a greater level of service. Zone chairs are reminded to begin your planning for your first zone meeting. Club Presidents and Secretaries are also reminded to make plans for your year of service. Let me encourage you to use your District and State Officers, as well as your District MERL team.  Put them to work for you in training and help with advice on how to better grow your membership and serve your community.  Understand that I, as an individual can accomplish very little but WE collectively can accomplish many things.  WE must work together in order to insure our success.

I am a full time Employee of a Real Estate company in Richmond Hill, but I plan on visiting each and every club.  I will make every attempt to accommodate your needs but there may be times that we have to work together.  Let me know if we need to change any of the visitation dates.  I look forward to meeting with your club.

The passion of a Lion is not to be underestimated. It is passion that drives Lions to give so freely of themselves, their time, and their resources in deference to others.  It is passion that has made Lions Clubs International the world’s largest service organization.   And it is the goal of the 2005-2006 International Program that passion may continue to unite Lions throughout the world in a common mission, a quest for unparalleled excellence, a Passion to Excel.

Lew Waldrop

District Governor 18-B

DG Lew’s Schedule

Alma– MMR filed with LCI, no activities.

Baxley– Reports received by mail. Club worked 18 hours on club administration and 30 hours on community projects. Average attendance is 13.

Bellville– Reports received by mail. 1 new member, 4 members dropped. Sent DG Newsletter announcing the installation of new officers with induction by PCC Jack Kennedy. Copy of A-1 report also included.

Bloomingdale– Reports received by mail Club worked 126 hours on club administration and 28 hours on community projects. They conducted a broom sale.

Brantley County– MMR received by mail. No activities reported 1 member dropped.

Claxton– Reports submitted timely by email. Club worked 10 hours on club administration and 7 hours on Community Projects. Average attendance is 9. Club spent $75 on local eyeglasses and collected used eyeglasses and hearing aids for the Lighthouse

Clinch County– Received MMR by mail, no activities reported.

Cobbtown– MMR received by mail. No activities reported.

Collins– Reports received by mail. Dropped 1 member. Club worked 6 hours on club administration and 200 hours on community service. Club sent $15 each to LCIF and Lighthouse. They are working on a Beautification project for Collins.

Douglas– Reports filed timely on-line. Club worked 46 hours on club administration and 436 hours on community projects. Club spent $2,992 on local eye services. Club also reported 1 new member and 1 reinstated member. They are sponsoring a Camper to the Camp for the Blind.

Folkston– Reports filed online. Club worked 10 hours on club administration and 400 hours on community betterment. Club spent $160 on local eye services and they are helping area families who are homeless because of fire.

Garden City– MMR received by mail. No activities reported.

Golden Isles– Reports received timely on-line. Club worked 36 hours on community projects.

Hazlehurst– Filed MMR report online. Reported death of 2 members. No activities reported.

Jacksonville– Reports filed online. Average attendance is 12. Club worked 6 hours on club administration and 200 hours on the community.

Jekyll Island– MMR filed with LCI, no activities.

Jesup– Reports filed online. Club worked 5 hours on club administration and spent $805 on local sight services. Average attendance is 12.

Lyons– Reports received by mail. Club worked 42 hours on club administration and 32 hours on community projects . Club spent $80 for local eyeglasses and $100 on community projects. Club displayed flags on Flag Day. Dropped 2 members.

McRae– MMR filed with LCI, no activities.

Metter– Reports received by mail. Club worked 5 hours on club administration and 8 hours on community projects. Average attendance is 6.

Milan– Reports received by mail. Partnered with Masonic Lodge to sponsor Blood Drive. Held a Pancake Breakfast to help a sick child.

Odum–  Reports received by mail. Club worked 208 hours on community projects.

Port Wentworth– MMR received by mail. They held Installation of Officers.

Reidsville– MMR filed with LCI, no activities.

Rincon– MMR filed with LCI, no activities.

Rincon Noon– Reports filed online. Club worked 15 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 10. Club raised $21 for Effingham County Safe Shelter.

Savannah– Reports submitted timely by fax. Club worked 310 hours on club

administration. Club spent $650 on local eye services and $1,000 on Community Projects. They sponsored 2 Melvin Jones Fellows

Savannah Chatham South– MMR filed with LCI, no activities.

Savannah Hostess City– MMR filed with LCI, club reported working 120 service hours for the community and spent $160 on the community.

Waycross– Reports submitted by mail. Submitted 1 newspaper article, they produced a Patriotic Flag Display and their average attendance is 16.

Waycross Okefenokee– Reports received by mail. Club worked 475 hours on club administration had 2 articles published in local newspaper. Club sent $1,000 to LCIF for sponsoring a Melvin Jones Fellow.. Report also included copies of the club’s newsletter.

Wilmington Island– Reports filed online. Club worked 23 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 11..

Woodbine– Reports filed online. Club worked 37 hours on club administration and 86 hours on community projects. Average attendance is 23. Club spent $300 on the community.

What do the following clubs have in common? They are Alamo, Alma, Blackshear, Brunswick Gateway, Bulloch, Darien, Glennville, Hinesville, Kingsland, Liberty Coastal, Patterson, Pembroke, Richmond Hill, Savannah Port City, Springfield, and Vidalia. These 16 clubs failed to file MMR reports to the DG and LCI. They also failed to report activities. As we start a new year in Lionism it is important that each club file the necessary reports to LCI and DG Lew. These are important reports for several reasons. 1. it gives an accurate count of the total membership in the district. 2. the activities each club performs is reported in this newsletter and this newsletter is read by Lions in District 18-B and by Lions from around the world. The work your club performs is seen by many more people than you can imagine.

Secretaries please remember to submit your reports each month. For those who have access to the web, the address to report activities is http://galions.org/18b/mmr. LCI now has the A-1 report available year round. Clubs have the option to report activities monthly, quarterly or annually. Go to http://lionsclubs.org for more information. Only club officers can file reports with LCI. Club passwords are required. This password is provided on request or by looking at the bottom of the billing statement from LCI. You will also need to know your member number to log in.

Did You Know?

Did You know that the Lions Programs are categorized into 7 categories?

· Community Services

· Diabetes Awareness

· Environmental Services

· Hearing and Speech Action and Work with the Deaf

· International Relations

· Lions Opportunities for Youth

· Sight Conservation and Work with the Blind

Lions Adapted Service Programs fulfill the following criteria: Exemplify the “We Serve” motto and are relevant to Lions Clubs Internationally.

· Meet an important community or humanitarian need

· Achieve measurable outcomes which benefit  service recipients

· Provide "hands-on" involvement by Lions

· Include leadership roles for Lions

· Promote public awareness of Lions service

· Are sustainable

International Convention

This year’s International Convention was held in Hong Kong. For those who missed this convention missed a wonderful experience. Meeting fellow Lions from around the world. Experiencing a different culture and trying new foods.

The International Parade was held at night. This was a unique experience. This year the Lions of Georgia sponsored a candidate to serve as International Director. ID Beverly Roberts won election and is now serving as Georgia’s International Director. Congratulations, Lion Beverly.

MD18 also received International Recognition in the Web Site Contest. MD18 received an Honorable Mention. This web site has won either Honorable Mention(2002, 2005) or First Place (2003, 2004) for the last 4 years. Work is underway to update the web site for the new Lions year. Webmaster for the site is District 18-B’s IPDG Rick Mizell.

All constitutional amendments were passed by the delegates

Club Anniversaries for July

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 June 2005 +1

Membership Loss for June 2005 -12

Net Change in Membership 18-B -11

*Please note that the above information is from paper MMR reports received from IPDG Rick and from the WMMR web site before 7/10/05. Access to the WMMR system is presently not possible because of an virus infection on the LCI server. This has also affected the LCI email server as well.

CAMP FOR THE BLIND:

July 23^rd is approaching fast and this year we are expecting a larger crowd of lions from across the great state of Georgia than ever before. That’s right; Saturday the 23^rd is Georgia Lions Day at the Camp for the Blind.  This year’s theme is: “Sailing the Seven Seas”!  This year’s meal will consist of marinated chicken (“of the sea”), Caribbean side dishes, and key lime cake.  Cost of the meal is $8 with advance reservations and $10 at the door.  Thanks go out in advance to the Okefenokee Lions Club for cooking the meat this year for the camp.

Schedule of events for the day:

9:30-10:30 am (Lions versus campers’ fishing competition)

                          (Lions versus campers’ goal ball competition)

10:45-11:45      (Wacky Olympics (track)

12:00-1:15 pm (Lunch in Activity Building)

1:30-2:30 pm   (Camper Program in Activity Building)

7 pm                 (Camper Talent Show in Activity Building)

Sunday (July 24^th)

10:00-12:00 pm (Executive Committee Meeting in Arts & Crafts Bldg)

Dress is casual, most will be in shorts and all are welcome.  Bring the

kids along, make it a family outing! 

“Call now and let us know you are coming down!”  Contact Lion Doy Barks at (478)923-5649 or e-mail: [email protected].

Jerry

18-B Vice President

LCIF

As we begin a new Lion’s year, we are reminded of the services LCIF provides to the world. Through Lions support LCIF makes possible the kind of services that would otherwise go unfilled. LCIF grants make it possible for Lions Service Projects to become reality. LCIF also provides help for many communities in times of disaster. It is time once more to reach out and help our neighbors through yet another hurricane disaster. With the impact of Hurricane Dennis in Florida, Alabama, and Mississippi, countless people are in need of assistance. LCIF is there working with those local Lions Clubs to make that assistance possible. That assistance is only made possible by your kind support. You can earmark your donations for “Disaster Relief” (This type of donation does not count towards Contributing Member of Melvin Jones Recognition).

Meeting A Blind Person and Their Guide Dog

This article is from the Southeastern Guides Dogs, Inc Web Site, www.guidedogs.org.

Guide Dogs are considered to be “on duty” when wearing their harness. It is a natural impulse for most people to want to stop and pet a guide dog, but the guide dog should not be petted or disrupted while working. An attempt to pet a guide dog in harness can distract the dog from its job, placing the owner’s safety in jeopardy.

When a guide dog is out of harness, permission should always be asked before reaching to touch or pet a guide dog.

Do not offer food or treats to a guide dog. This can be distracting, and the handlers carefully monitor their guide dogs’ diet. A guide dog is able to do its job most efficiently when a recommended diet is followed.

Calling out the dog’s name or making distracting noises can break a guide dog’s concentration and ability to work. Guide dogs are friendly and they will want to respond to the attention you are giving them, but please remember they are working as a blind person’s eyes.

A person using a guide dog wants to be treated like an independent person. If you want to offer assistance simply ask, “May I help you?” If they respond yes, approach them on their right side and offer your left arm for assistance. You should not take hold of the guide dog’s harness or leash; this will confuse and startle the individual.

Guide dogs enjoy playing and when off duty they are treated the same as most pets are. Southeastern recommends specific toys for play and as with petting you should always ask the handler’s permission before offering any toys.

Just as you and I are not perfect, guide dogs will make mistakes. The handler has received extensive training in giving humane and proper corrections and they will need to give a verbal and/or leash correction when a dog makes a mistake. Lots of praise follows once the dog has corrected its actions.

Some Other Tips in Assisting the Blind and Visually Impaired

Always introduce yourself, as the person may not recognize or remember your voice. When leaving a room use the person’s name and let them know you are leaving.

Speak directly to the person and not to a family member or friend. Use a normal tone of voice, as visually impaired does not mean deaf.

Using words as “look,” “see” or “watch” are not offensive and are understood to be a part of everyday normal conversation.

If you believe someone is in a dangerous situation voice your concern in a calm manner, but do not rush up to them, push, pull or grab the person.

When providing directions avoid such phrases as “over there.” Be specific and descriptive in providing giving detail such as “the room is the third door on your left,” or “ across the street then turn right.”

Pictures are enjoyed by everyone including the blind and visually impaired who may want to share their special moments with family members and friends. Photography is acceptable.

Offer your assistance in guiding the person. If the person has a guide dog the dog generally will be on the left and you should approach them on their right side and offer your left arm. Remember to let them grab your arm.

Using the clock method you can tell the person where their food is located on a plate or where other dishes are located on the table.

In a large open area try to find a place where a chair, wall, rail or some other item can be touched by the person. Being in an open space can make the person confused and fearful.

Either leave doors open all the way or closed. Partially opened doors or cabinets can be a safety hazard. Do not leave items such as your shoes on the floor.

Remember the blind and visually impaired enjoy and are capable of doing the same things as sighted people, however, they use many different methods to achieve their desired results. Be supportive and never place limits on anyone.  

 The Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project: is based on the idea of a continuum of care, which includes cooperating with hearing care professionals, serving the low-income individual and combining resources. Local Lions clubs and hearing programs can become involved in several ways including the recruitment of hearing care professionals, identification of eligible recipients and sharing expenses. Through the Lions AHAP, LCIF is distributing the hearing aid at a cost of $90-$120 (depending on volume ordered). The hearing aids, software and manuals are shipped directly to audiologists or board certified hearing instrument specialists. The price does not include fees for hearing tests, ear molds, batteries and hearing aid fittings.

Lions, hearing care professionals, and individuals interested in the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project will find valuable information in this section. A

project overview, technical specification brochure, user’s manual and PowerPoint presentations are just a few of the resources that will increase understanding of the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project.

You can also contact Lions AHAP at LCIF:

Deborah Stamm

LCIF Humanitarian Programs

300 West 22nd Street

Oak Brook, Illinois 60523

Tel. 1-877-243-2823, then dial 630-571-5466 ext 615

Email: [email protected]

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