Governor‘s Comments...

Annual Visits have continued to impress me with the depth of devotion that our club of this district have for their communities.  I applaud you all for the many things that you do and ask that you make a real effort to tell your communities what you are doing for them.  Don’t think of it as bragging but think of it as information and maybe even recruitment.  If they see that you are interested and are doing something positive for your community they are much more likely to want to belong to our wonderful organization.

Our District Rally was held on October 8, 2005.  I was a little disappointed in the attendance but for those that came it was a wonderful time and for the newcomers it was a great opportunity to learn something about how we came to be the largest service organization in the world. 

I want you all to start making plans for coming to the District Convention in Hinesville on February 24 – 25.  It is anticipated that the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division will be making it’s way back around the same time so don’t wait until the last minute to make your plans.  I would love to see about 300 of us gather at Club Stewart.  I guarantee you won’t find a better audience to be with and the food will be excellent.

The 89th Annual Lions Clubs International Convention will be held in Boston, Massachusetts, Friday, June 30 through Tuesday, July 4, 2006.  Plan now to join us in Boston next summer!

DG Lew

  DG Lew’s Schedule

Alma– MMR filed with LCI, Average attendance is 18.

Baxley– Reports received by mail. Club worked 25 hours on club administration. Sponsored 2 Peace Poster Contestants.

Bellville– Reports received by mail. Sent DG Newsletter announcing the Statesboro Kiwanis Fair Oct 10-15.

Bloomingdale– Reports received by mail Club worked 63 hours on club administration and 120 hours on community projects.  Spent $60 on eyeglasses.

Brantley County– MMR received by mail. No activity reported.

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

Cobbtown– MMR received by mail. Turned in 1000 pairs of glasses to the Lighthouse.

Collins– Reports received by mail.  Club worked 313 hours on club administration and 522 hours on community service.  Planning for Octoberfest and provided Hurricane Katrina Support.  Spent $150 for eyeglasses

Douglas– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 58 hours on club administration. Planning for Big Buck Contest in October.

Folkston– Reports filed online. Club worked 150 hours on club administration and 790 hours on community betterment.

Garden City– MMR received by mail. Club had 100@ attendance on September 27^th.

Georgia Southern University Campus Club – Report Received by mail.  Club spent 50 hours on club administration and 100 hours on community betterment. 

Golden Isles– Reports received timely on-line. Club worked 48 hours on community projects.

Hazlehurst– Filed MMR report online. No activities reported.

Hinesville - Reports filed online. Average attendance is 35. Club worked 175 hours on community betterment.   5 members attended District Rally in Metter

Jacksonville– Reports filed online. Average attendance is 15. Club worked 6 hours on club administration and 200 hours on community betterment.

Jekyll Island– MMR filed with LCI, no activities.

Jesup– Reports filed online. Club worked 10 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 15.

Liberty Coastal – MMR received by mail.  No activities report.

Lyons– Reports received by mail. Club worked 18 hours on club administration and 16 hours on community projects. Club spent $59 for local eyeglasses and $100 on community projects. Displayed flags on Independency Day.

McRae– MMR filed with LCI, no activities.

Metter– MMR received by mail. No activities report.

Milan– MMR received by mail.  No activities report.

Odum– Reports received by mail. Club worked 230 hours on community projects, 20 hours on club projects. 

Okefenokee- MMR received by mail.  Published 2 articles in the local paper.  Club worked 475 hours on club administration

Port Wentworth –  MMR Received by mail.  Spent 40 hours on community service & provided ball park for church league.

Reidsville– MMR filed with LCI.

Richmond Hill –  MMR filed on time by mail.  One new member.

Rincon– MMR filed with LCI.  Club worked 25 hours on club administration.  Average attendance is 12.

Savannah - Report submitted by mail.  Club worked 230 hours on club administration & spent $725 for 19 pairs of eyeglasses.  Held a broom fair and collected $1250.

Savannah Chatham South– MMR filed with LCI, Average attendance 14.

Vidalia –  MMR received by mail.  No activities report.

Waycross– Reports submitted by mail. Average attendance 17.  Posted 2 patriotic flag displays.  Received presidents retention campaign patch.  Donated $1000 to LCIF & $100 to Satilla Miracle League.  Published 3 newspaper articles.

Wilmington Island– Reports filed online. Club worked 70 hours on club administration. Average attendance is 13. 

Woodbine– Reports filed online. Club worked 37 hours on club administration and 63 hours on community projects. Sponsored a very successful Zone meeting that 35 members from 5 clubs attended.

Editor Note-There are no club anniversaries in October. Due to technical difficulties, the listing of members changes are not available for this issue. I should have this information in the next newsletter.

LCIF

Dear Lions of District 18-B,

Donations are pouring into LCIF to aid victims of Hurricane Katrina. Every day we also receive numerous reports of how Lions nationwide are assisting the relief effort. Hundreds, if not thousands, of clubs have collected and transported goods, provided services for evacuees, raised funds or even traveled to the Gulf Coast to lend a hand. Here are just a few examples.

· A 14-person Lions Disaster team from Nevada ands California loaded up pickup trucks and motor homes with food, clothing and supplies, headed east to Mississippi and set up a central command post at the Gulfport Lions Deaf Center. Quickly realizing that families in need had no way to come to them, the Lions broke up into four-person teams and traveled deep into rural areas to deliver supplies. Grateful recipients said the Lions were the first relief personnel they had seen. The Lions, who had to battle hordes of nasty mosquitoes, also helped the distressed residents with debris removal.

· The daughter of Past International Director Jack Weber persuaded her students at a Long Island, New York, school to donate the funds they raised for Katrina victims to LCIF. The amount is expected to be several thousand dollars.

· The Waverly Lions Club in Iowa is gathering 1,000 pounds of construction-related tools and supplies such as hammers, saws, nails and screwdrivers for a Lions warehouse in Mobile, Ala., that is serving hurricane victims. Other clubs in the Waverly Club’s zone were challenged to match that amount.

· Spearheaded by the Liberty Lions Club, many Lions clubs in Indiana filled a semi-tractor truck with food, clothing, baby supplies and toilet paper and had a trucker drive it to the Lions’ warehouse in Mobile.

Lions from District 2-S2 in the Houston area provided vision screenings for 3,000 evacuees at the Reliant Center and the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. About 2,000 of those screened were fitted with replacement eyeglasses. LensCrafters and Wal-Mart partnered with Lions on the Lions Eyeglasses for Katrina Evacuees Project. The Lions Eye Bank of Texas trailer is now being used to reach evacuees in other locations who may need eyeglasses.

LCIF also is moving ahead with assistance to those affected by Katrina. The steering committee for hurricane relief arranged for a mobile eye van belonging to the Alabama Lions to provide vision exams and dispense eyeglasses in Mississippi. Vision Service Plan (VSP) has generously agreed to provide optometrists to staff the van (in addition to volunteer Lions), and the University of Alabama-Birmingham is providing the necessary equipment. Uncovered expenses will be paid for by LCIF from the US$200,000 Major Catastrophe grant it previously awarded. Undoubtedly, this project will not only help people with their eyeglass needs but also uncover eye disease in its early stage and prevent blindness.

Lions also have provided children in Mississippi whose schools were destroyed with a “school in a box,” a UNICEF kit with school materials and supplies. Lions delivered 23 kits, each of which serves 80 children, to the St. Martin school district, which had two of its three schools destroyed, and Bay Waveland school district, which has only one school open out of six.  The kits contain 39 kinds of school items including books, pencils, erasers, scissors, chalkboards, plastic cubes for counting and a set of three laminated posters (alphabet and multiplication and number tables). The kit allows a teacher to establish a makeshift classroom almost anywhere.

The school superintendents who received the kits “expressed their deep appreciation for our efforts and asked that we keep them in our prayers,” said International Director Howard Jenkins of Mississippi, who, along with Past International Directors Al Brandel of New York and Lowell Bonds of Alabama, spearheaded the effort to help the schoolchildren. Jenkins and Bonds serve on the steering committee set up by LCIF to coordinate Katrina relief. The school kit operation is the first time the U.S. government permitted UNICEF to aid in an American disaster. Lions are one of only four distribution organizations.

LCIF has received US$1.5 million to date from Lions for Hurricane Katrina relief. LCIF will use the funds to address unmet needs of those affected by the hurricane including: 1.) providing shelters with unmet substantial needs such as food, clothing, personal hygiene items and bedding, 2.) offering health services such as eyeglass distribution, and 3.) meeting needs of Lions camps and facilities housing victims of the disaster.

Donations to LCIF for Hurricane Katrina from Aug. 29 to Nov. 30, 2005, are eligible for Melvin Jones Fellowship recognition. To count toward an MJF, the donation must be a single US$1,000 payment from a donor. The Melvin Jones Fellow does not have to be named when the donation is made.

The relief efforts of Lions and LCIF have resulted in many newspaper and radio stories. In some cases one Lions’ project has led to multiple stories. Lions Tod Curtis and Frank Stove from the Mount Prospect Lions Club near Chicago piloted a plane to Slidell, La., to deliver 1,500 pounds of donations. The two Lions brought back with them two evacuees who were reunited with their families staying at a shelter near Chicago. Lion Frank Salato handled the public relations and did a great job. At least three newspapers and three radio stations ran stories.

Lions in the Gulf Coast are tremendously grateful for the assistance of other Lions. As just one example, District Governor Ann Sanders of 8-L in Louisiana wrote to LCIF, “I thank God for all the Lions that have come forward to help. I have had phone calls from all over the U.S. and was very glad to hear from them. I also have received e-mails from across the ocean. God bless you all and all at International.”

I have one final piece of news. Fortunately, Hurricane Rita was not as devastating as feared. But there was widespread damage. LCIF has approved or will approve shortly several US$10,000 Emergency Grants to allow Lions to distribute vouchers for food, clothing and medicine.

You, too, can help publicize the relief efforts of your clubs and districts. Our special Web site on Katrina has a list of dos and don’ts in dealing with the media as well as a generic press release. The site is http://www.lions-katrina.org/public_relations.shtml

The Web site also has a Help Link to connect Lions who want to help with Lions in the Gulf Coast. Lions in the Gulf Coast: please regularly view this page and contact those Lions who can provide the services and goods you may need. The site is http://www.lions-katrina.org/help_link.shtml

Earthquake Relief

The powerful earthquake in Pakistan and India that killed tens of thousands and devastated the lives of millions has deeply touched the hearts of all Lions. I want to personally convey my deep condolences and pledge the support of LCIF in helping Lions help their communities recover from this tragedy. Web information is at http://www.lionsclubs.org/EN/content/lcif_pakistanearthquake.shtml

LCIF issued a Major Catastrophe Grant of US$200,000 to assist with both short and long-term needs. LCIF also quickly issued three US$10,000 Emergency Grants so Lions in the affected areas can quickly help people get food, water and medicine.

LCIF also created a Pakistan Earthquake Relief Fund for Lions, Lions clubs and others to make designated donations. Mail a check payable to LCIF and write “Pakistan earthquake relief” in the memo field. Send the check to LCIF, 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523, USA, Attn.: Donor Services. Or donate by credit card with MasterCard, Visa or American Express by calling LCIF at 630-571-5466, ext. 517 or 554. Lines are open between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CST.

A committee has been put in place, chaired by Past International Director Nilofer Bakhtiar. This committee will assess needs in the area and help direct Lion relief efforts.

LCIF also has taken steps to alert the general public that it is accepting donations for its Pakistan earthquake relief. As it did following Hurricane Katrina, LCIF has been listed on the Network for Good Web site, which solicits and accepts donations on behalf of high-profile charities for major catastrophes. Network for Good is the Internet's leading charitable resource. http://www.networkforgood.org/topics/international/earthquake/southasia100805.aspx

On behalf of International President Ashok Mehta and the LCI Board of Trustees, I want to express our profound sadness over the terrible suffering in Pakistan and India and reassure the Lions of those countries and around the world that LCIF is partnering with Lions to assist communities in their recovery.

Yours in service,

Clement F. Kusiak
2005-2006 LCIF Chairperson

CAMPAIGN SIGHTFIRST II:

Campaign “SightFirst II” was kicked off at the International Convention in Hong Kong this past summer.  Our goal is to raise $200 million dollars in the next 3 to 5 years for reversible or preventable blindness throughout the world.  As District coordinator I will be working with a selected group of lions throughout the district to work with the clubs in the district for fund raising.

Many of us was around for SightFirst I years ago, we were asked to have fund raiser, make special donations towards the campaign.

We all know of the wonderful work that has been accomplished with the first Sight program, with the building of hospitals, training of personnel, surgeries and it goes on and on.

As new information is received I will disseminate it throughout the district.

Jerry Kaiser, PDG

District Coordinator

PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S HALL OF FAME

It’s that time of the year when club presidents and/or Past District Governors need to prepare nominations for the 2006 Hall of Fame nominees.  Applications must be submitted and received by December 5, 2005,  to be eligible for the nomination process.   Each application must also have a $35 check accompany it made out to the Past District Governors Association to cover the cost of the plaque.  If your nomination is not chosen for this year’s induction, the check will be returned.   A letter and nomination form has been mailed to each club president.

Mail all complete materials to:  Lil Shurtleff, PDG, President, 18-B Past District Governors Association at:  1107 Kelly Drive, Hinesville, GA  31313. 

Camp For the Blind:

I’m asking all clubs within our district to dig a little dipper and see if you could make any kind of donations (small or large) to the camp.  Send any of your raffle ticket sales to me, even if you haven’t sold all the tickets that were sent to your club. And please continue to finish selling the rest.  (Bottom-line, we need the funds right now.

Also, I would like to reintegrate that the purpose of the truck raffle fundraiser is to generate additional funds for our camp budget.  This is over and above what clubs have in their annual budget for donations to the camp. If each lion in our district would only sell ten (10) truck raffle tickets that would generate approximately $12,400 of additional funds just from our district.  Another way to look at it, ten (10) tickets or $10 is like missing two (2) “big-mac” hamburgers & fries!

I have additional tickets if any clubs are planning a major ticket fundraiser. Remember, all tickets and monies must be turned in prior to February 5^th, 2006.

The grant has been submitted to Lions Clubs International on our new office/nursing building. They have called back and verified several items and the grant will be presented to the board of directors at there next meeting.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Rincon Noon Lions Club for having me return to speak on the camp and for the $1,000 donation.

Jerry Kaiser, PDG

V.P.

Plan Now for the Convention

It is not too early to start making your plans to attend the 18-B District Convention on February 24, 25, and 26,  2006, in Hinesville, Georgia—home of the 3^rd Infantry Division and Fort Stewart as well as the home of District Governor Lew Waldrop and his family.

Events are scheduled for Friday to Sunday.  On Saturday morning, you can either play a round of golf or visit historical sites in Liberty County.  The Past District Governors Association luncheon and meeting is scheduled for noon.  All clubs are asked to attend the cabinet meeting at 2:30 pm in the new Army Education Center.  And—our banquet will be at Club Stewart!

International Director Terry Graham and his wife, Jean, from New Castle, Ontario, Canada, will be our special guests.  Come and help show them our Southern hospitality.

More information will be sent to each club president in the next two months.  Start today by reserving these dates to come to Hinesville.

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Lions of District 18B, the following is a message I received about a recent victim of Hurricane Katrina who is also a graduate of Leader Dog School for the Blind. You will note that the man was reunited with his companion fortunately but remember when we make plans for our own local area disaster facilities to note that some people have animals as not as pets but as partners. Urge our communities to have an available space for those people with animals designated as life companions when a situation occurs. It is always heartbreaking to think about leaving a beloved pet but remember when that animal provides a service that allows it's "owner" to have a productive life, it is more critical. Hopefully this situation will never arise but it is something as Lions we need to think about in our area. We need to think about what we would do if we had to evacuate our homes & where would we go with the animals we love and then think about being blind or deaf & having to leave your home, your lifestyle & your partner.

Thanks for supporting Leader dogs for the Blind.

Evelyn Kennedy, District 18B Leader Dog Chair

Blind Katrina Victim Reunites With Guide Dog

A New Orleans man is one of the lucky ones. James Mercadal is back with his partner of five years, someone who's truly his best friend in every sense of the word.

"The day of the hurricane, I was in my home and it was just my dog and myself and the good Lord," Mercadal said. Mercadal tried desperately to ride out the storm. "I was lying on the floor in the den and the next thing I felt was my feet getting wet," Mercadal said. A neighbor rescued Mercadal from his flooding house, but told him he had to leave his dog behind.

But Jake isn't just a beloved pet, he's Mercadal's guide dog. "Without him, I feel like I'm blind again," Mercadal said. Mercadal was relocated to a Red Cross shelter in Houston. He was desperate for news, but never lost hope that Jake would be found. "Life without him is a thought I refuse to have," Mercadal said. Church members contacted Leader Dogs For The Blind, the organization that trained Jake, for his microchip identity number and a photo and posted fliers on over 20 Internet sites.

"People just went to work so fast, all the volunteers," shelter volunteer Shelly Thornton said. The moment when the waters receded, National Guardsmen came to post the missing dog notice on Mercadal's front door.

They found Jake waiting patiently for his master. "All I can say is God answers prayers," Mercadal said. After nearly three weeks and a six-hour car ride, Jake found his way home to his master.

Region II Meeting & MERL-W meeting

After several years of talking about and the planning meetings that started during Past District Governor Rick Mizell’s term as governor, we are finally ready to have region training.  Region I had this training on October 2^nd with a good response. REGION II (Bellville, Bulloch, Claxton, Cobbtown, Georgia Southern, Hinesville, Jesup, Liberty Coastal, Metter, Odum, Pembroke, Statesboro Noon) will have a combined region/zone & MERL-W meeting on Sunday October 30, 2005 at the Claxton Lions clubhouse starting at 2pm. Of Course any and all Lions are welcome.

It will be a great time of sharing a wealth of information about what Lions are all about.  The meeting should be two hours or less.  We will have five of our Lions to give information on

1. What we have accomplished as Lions.

2. How to be the best secretary in the district

3. Have fun with membership

4. My name is Jack and I am the president

5. Leadership a dying art.

Of course there will be time for questions & answers. I am very excited about this great opportunity for all of the lions in our region to learn about and update our knowledge about our great organization.  And the best part is that we do not have to travel out of our region.

Remember that this is a chance to get points for the District Governor’s contest plus there will be a special prize to the club that has the greatest number of Lions and guest in attendance.

President, Secretary, or Treasurer 75 points each

Club Members 50 points each

  Guest 25 points each

Display club banner 250 points

Directions to the Claxton Clubhouse

From Claxton:  Go east on Highway 280 toward Pembroke.  In Daisy, at the blinking caution light turn left on to Daisy/Neville Road (Highway 250).  Go approximately 4 or 5 miles, cross the Canoochee River.  Take the first dirt road to the right (there is a Lions sign off the side of the road).  At the next dirt road turn right and stay straight to Claxton Lions Clubhouse.

Meetings plans for Regions 3 and 4 will be announced at a latter date. 

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