Governor‘s Comments...

Thanks to all who made the District Convention in Hinesville a big success.  Our guest was International Director Terry Graham.  We thoroughly enjoyed his company and his kind words of encouragement and thoughtful insight.  It was a little soggy on Saturday but we enjoyed ourselves in spite of the weather.  The banquet was held at Club Stewart with 133 Lions in attendance.

         Congratulations to Joe Bill Brannon on his election as our new District Governor Elect.  He has a big challenge ahead of him but I feel he is well suited for the challenges.  Please say yes if he calls you and asks you to be on his staff.  We need your help in guiding our District as we attempt to recover our strength and continue to do the great things we have done in the past for the citizens of Georgia and our local communities.

Congratulations also to Lion Dewey Hayes for his election as our V ice District Governor Elect.  Dewey is also extremely qualified for this job and we all look forward to his leadership in the coming years.

Congratulations to Brenda Nease on being elected as our new Vice President for the Camp for the Blind.  Brenda will continue the strong leadership and dedicated service we have become accustomed to seeing from the Vice Presidents of the camp.   

 DG Lew

Alma– MMR received by mail on time.  Club has 31 active members.

Bellville– Reports received by mail. Sent DG Newsletter.  Club made $659 with the recent Sausage, Eggs and Grits Supper project.  Club planning to prepare and serve breakfast for the Cancer Relay fro Life event on April 29^th.  Plans are being made for the Chicken Bar-B-Que Dinner Friday, April 7^th at the Bellville Methodist Church.

Blackshear- Reports filed online.  Club spent 15 hours on club administration and 100 hours on community projects.  Club spent $80 on local eye services.  Average meeting attendance was 10.

Bloomingdale– Reports received by mail Club worked 66 hours on club administration and 75 hours on community projects.

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

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

Claxton- Reports filed online.  Club spent 20 hours on club administration.  Average club attendance was 8.

Cobbtown– MMR received by mail. Club put on a Pancake Supper on March 7^th.  Club planning for the Senior Citizens Fish Fry on April 25^th.

Douglas– Reports filed on-line. Club worked 28 hours on club administration. Club spent $3,608 on local eye services and $500.00 on community activities.  Congratulations Dewey Hayes on your election as Vice District Governor Elect.

Folkston– Reports filed online. Club worked 200 hours on club administration and 800 hours on community betterment. Club donated $160 for eyeglasses.  Held dinner for Star student and star teacher.  We also donated 200 to the boy scouts.  Donated time to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge for their wings over the swamp day.  The 4 H club sent us a guest speaker who spoke on what the 4 H does and how we help.

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

Golden Isles– Reports received timely on-line. Club worked 22 hours on community projects.  Club spent $250 on Eyeglass.  Published 2 newspaper articles.  Steak Raffle went real well.

Hinesville -  Reports filed online. Average attendance is 32. Club worked 89 hours on club administration and 125 hours for community betterment.  Donated 250 eyeglasses 45 lenses and 100 eyeglass cases to the lighthouse.  Club sponsored District Convention and the Hospitality Suite on Friday night.  President and 8 members attended the cabinet meeting.  Club donated total of $620 to Campaign Sight First II. 

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

Metter– MMR received by mail. Club spent $207 for Eyeglass exams.  Club displayed flags on President’s day.

Milan– MMR received by mail.  No activities report.

Odum–  Reports received by mail. Club worked 193 hours on community projects, 20 hours on club projects.  Sent 39 Pair of glasses and 15 cases to the Light House.

Port City– Reports submitted online. Club worked 15 hours on club administration and 48 hours on community betterment.

Port Wentworth- Report received by mail.  Club worked 20 hours on club administration and 40 hours on community service.  Provided Ball Park for the community.  Spent 8 hours preparing for club Fund Raiser.

Reidsville– MMR filed with LCI.  Club sold 325 meals at the Pancake Fundraiser.  Secretary and another Lion attended the district Convention.  Provided exams and 6 pairs of glasses to needy. 5 news releases in local paper.

-Rincon Evening-  MMR filed online.  Average attendance is 8.  Club is small but strong at heart.  Club operates a re-cycle paper container, which is serviced 2 to 3 times a week by International Paper.

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

Savannah Port City-Reports filed online.  Club spent 45 hours on club administration.  Took 40 Cell phones to the Lighthouse, approved one sight services application for the Lenscrafters’ Gift of Sight program. Spent 40 hours on administering the Lenscrafter’s Gift of Sight program, and entertained Lions Rob Hurst and Catherine Heberle from Hyde Park & District, London, Ontario Canada.  Lions Rob, Catherine, and Jennifer Eisenhart also had lunch together in downtown Savannah.  Had 4 members present at the District Convention.  (All know what a “looney” was.)

Savannah- Reports filed online.  Club worked 391 hours on selling mops and brooms.  There will be additional mop and broom sells in March.

Statesboro Noon-   Report filed online.  Club spent 79 hours on club administration.  On February 4^th participated in Health Fair at mall & did a Screening for Diabetes & Vision, screened over 60 individuals & referred 11.  8 members attended the District 18B Convention in Hinesville.  Lion Joe Bill Brannon was elected to fill un-expired term of resigning VDG Darrell Parker & was then elected to District Governor-Elect position.  Hosted Hospitality suite following Convention Banquet.  3 members attended Winter Camp for the Blind meeting.

Vidalia- Report received by mail.  Club worked 5 hours on club administration. 

Waycross- Reports filed online.  Secretary Tom Gattis passed away Feb 14, 2006.  Our prayers go to the Family of this great Lion.

Woodbine– Reports filed online. Club worked 27 hours on club administration and 56 hours on community projects.  Club donated $250.00 to Boy Scout of America in Feb. Club held fish fry as fund raiser, worked 46.0 mhs, raised $475.00

Club Anniversaries

The following clubs have anniversaries for March. These dates are according to LCI records.

Camp for the Blind:

The Georgia Lions’ Camp for the Blind, Inc. celebrated the ground breaking of the new Administrative / Health Building on February 24, 2006.  This addition will allow us to expand the number of campers served during our summer program and is the result of the generosity of the Lions of Georgia, the Lions Club International Foundation, the Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit and the Building Block Fund.

Roger Marsh of Harry Moses Construction of Vidalia, Building and Grounds Manager Hershal Morgan, Camp President Lion Ed Ressler, Executive Director Kimberly Miller, and Past District Governor and former President of the Camp Lion Hank Barks spoke of the collaborative efforts toward this achievement.

Campaign SightFirst II

I received some calls during the last month on just what does it take to be a “model club” during this campaign!  Model clubs set fundraising goals as a personal goal to raise $400 per member in their lions club.  In every endeavor, there are those who stepped out and lead by example and then there are those who always seem to follow.  Information from Lions Clubs International has informed our group coordinators that over 950 Lions Clubs from all regions of the world have volunteered to serve as model clubs.  Also noted, that these 950 model clubs raised over $1.5 million in the first six (6) months of the campaign and have pledge a minimum of $20 million to the campaign.

Past International Dr. Tae-Sup Lee, chairperson of Campaign SightFirst II says, “their actions are a powerful example of what can be accomplished when Lions Clubs take the power to change the world into their own hands”. As of right now, I have not heard of any lions club within District 18B stepping up and taking the lead and declaring they want to be a “model club”!

Your group coordinators will be contacting your lions club very shortly for a closer look at this campaign and also to get a commitment on your clubs goals.

Thanks

Jerry Kaiser, PDG

Group Coordinator

Savannah Lenscrafters “Gift of Sight”

Editor’s Note– This article is provided to provide information about a program that Lenscrafters is conducting to help those in need in our community. As with any service, whether it is through the Lions or a corporation entity, there is a need to develop procedures and guidelines to which this service is defined and provided. This particular “Gift of Sight” Program is a partnership between the Lions Clubs of the Savannah area and the Lenscrafters stores in Savannah. Each Lenscrafters is free to set its policies concerning the administration of the program.

An issue occurred in the past several months where the two stores in Savannah were being inundated with requests for eyeglasses and services from many sources including several Lions clubs. While it is a good time to provide glasses and exams for needy persons, it is also necessary to remain within budgetary constraints wherever possible. Lenscrafters did not have the personnel or the experience to manage the process necessary to screen the applicants. Because of the difficulties, Lenscrafters almost decided to discontinue the program in Savannah. As a last resort they decided to seek a partnership with a Lion who would volunteer their time to help screen the applicants and continue this valuable service. Lion Jennifer Eisenhart was approached by Lenscrafters to serve as that person.

Lion Jennifer has put forth a lot of effort and time in setting up this program. After several meetings with Lenscrafters and consultation with the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, the following guidelines have been adopted and agreed to by Lenscrafters and the Lions of 18-B. Because of the assistance given by Lion Jennifer, Lenscrafters has agreed to increase the number of eyeglasses available at no cost and to provide additional eyeglasses at a reduced rate of $50 per pair. Please bear in mind that in order for this program to work properly, Lion Jennifer or her designated representative are the only ones that should contact Lenscrafters for services or for information about services being provided to individuals. Because this is a health service, HIPPA rules do apply. Also because this program covers the Savannah area, no single club has priority over services provided. Requests will be rated according to need as set forth in these guidelines.

Savannah Lenscrafters Gift of Sight Procedures

All applicants must fill out either the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation sight services application or the Savannah Port City Lions Club sight services application. Forms available online at http://galions.org/lighthouse

No one who has received eye care from a Lion’s Club in the last 12 months is eligible for consideration (except in the case of dire emergency).  If a person has received services from a Lion’s Club in the last 24 months, they will only receive consideration after applicants who have never received services.

All approved applicants will be prioritized by the following criteria:

1 – school children in need

2 – adults who need glasses for their job (or to obtain a job) and are supporting children.

3 – adults who need glasses for their job (or to obtain a job) who do not have children

4 – non-employed adults in need (senior citizens will take priority over other unemployed adults)

Financial need is determined by the criteria set forth by the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation combined with any special circumstances verified by the club in question.

All clubs must rank their applicants and then provide the name, age, rank, and contact information for the recipient of benefits to Lion Jennifer Eisenhart, or in her absence, the designated member from the Savannah Port City Lions Club.  Depending on availability, a certificate for services will be issued, or if unavailable, the person will be put on a waiting list based on rank and date of application.

Applications that are not screened by a participating Lions Club can be mailed to the Savannah Port City Lions Club, P O Box 13772, Savannah, GA 31416.

In the case that a club has an eligible person that cannot wait, the club can purchase the needed glasses (single vision or bifocals) from Lenscrafters for $50.  This does NOT include the eye exam.  It will be up to the club to secure the exam by other means.

Also, any cost for services not covered by the Gift of Sight program are the responsibility of the referring club.

Applications can be obtained by email (PDF format) from Lion Jennifer Eisenhart at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Jennifer Eisenhart (Savannah Port City Lions Club)
Connie Saddler (Management - Lenscrafters)
Donna Marchant (Management - Lenscrafters)
Mohamed Gamin (Management - Lenscrafters)
Melissa Sicilia (Management - Lenscrafters)

Georgia Lions Lighthouse

Have you heard that the Lighthouse is the official charity of the Atlanta Air Show, April 29th and 30th at Dobbins Air Base?

We will be manning the concessions booth and will receive a percentage of the sales. We need your club to man a booth for the day(s).

We will be publicly recognizing the clubs who have committed to help us with this event in Sunday’s Board meeting. Please bring your sign up form to the meeting….Not able to attend the meeting? Fax your registration form to 404-636-5549 by noon on Friday February 17th and we will make sure your club is recognized as well!

The Facts on the Air Show:

·     Atlanta Air Show is at Dobbins Air Base in Marietta, GA.

·     Hours are 8am to 5pm

·     We will need to man 30 booths both Saturday and Sunday

·     Booths need 5-7 volunteers each, and we are asking clubs to take a booth for the day(s)

·     There will be door prizes for volunteers, a hospitality hut, and plenty of refreshments

·     Volunteers will receive a VIP parking pass and special entrance to the Air Base.

·     Call Becky Aliffi or Christina Lennon with any questions at 404-325-3630.

Lions / clubs interested in helping

Contacting LH President

Jon Winters

Jon M. Winters, PDG, President

Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation

Work Cell: 706-833-0458

Home #: 706-592-9622

Or the Lighthouse

GLASB Mission

The Georgia Lions All State Band is a Georgia Lions supported youth activity with the goal of providing a great opportunity for middle and high school musicians from across the state of Georgia to enjoy a rewarding musical experience with some of the best directors in Georgia.

Participation allows the student the opportunity to showcase their musical talents with other gifted musicians from across the state. The band each year performs before the Lions of Georgia each year at its State Convention and travels to the Lions International Convention (US Convention Cities) as Georgia Ambassadors to the world.

2006 Schedule of Events

Membership is open to any band student in grades 8-12 during the 2005-2006 school year. The 2006 GLASB will again perform for the State Convention of the Lions of Georgia and the International Convention.

The schedule of events is as follows:

Wednesday, June 7 thru Saturday, June 10, 2006-State Convention-Columbus, Georgia

Tuesday, June 27, 2006 leaving Atlanta for International Convention, Boston, MA Depart Boston to return to Atlanta on Sunday, July 2, 2006 (Exact departure and arrival times will be announced later)

Performances include the International Parade and the Georgia Jamboree (Concert and Jazz Bands)

Sightseeing opportunities are included in the schedules

Cost: $580.00 per student Includes the following for State and International:

All meals and sightseeing trips Housing and transportation Uniform shirts.

Your support is needed. See the GLASB web page at http://galions.org/glasb

Former Member and Spouse Entrance Fee Rebates Available

Effective December 2005-June 2006, former members and existing members’ spouses who join a Lions club will receive a rebate for the US$25 entrance fee.

Former Member Eligibility Requirements

The individual rejoining an existing Lions club must have dropped in good standing

A period of 6 months or more must have elapsed since the drop date. Former members within a 6-month period should apply using the Transfer/Reinstated Membership provision.

The club adding the member must be in good standing at the time the membership application is completed and the number of former Lions members eligible for the rebate may not exceed 50% of the club’s membership size based on its membership roster as of July 1, 2005.Clubs submitting the MMR by mail or fax

Send the completed rebate form and MMR, now including the new member(s) name, to:

Club Records and Billing Department
Lions Clubs International
300 West 22nd Street
Oak Brook, IL 60523
Fax: 630-571-1691

 New Members

Deceased Members

Dropped Members

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 2006 3

Membership Loss for February 2006 -18

Net Change in Membership 18-B -15

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