CHAPTER 5
By Hugh Inglis

GEORGIA LIONS DISTRICT 18-D
1970-1980

1970-1980 International Directors
Joe B. Davis, Decatur
Edwin C. Daniel, North DeKalb

1970-1980 State Officers:

District Librarians
Sam B. Wilson, Carnesville
Robert A. Holbrook, North Decatur
Hugh A. Inglis, Athens

1970-1980 Clubs in District 18-D

In 1970 District 18-D had 54 and in 1980 the District Directory listed 57 Clubs.

Membership in District 18-D

Lioness Clubs in District 18-D

Leo Clubs in District 18-D
One sponsored by Towns County Lions Club
One sponsored by Snellville lions Club

STATE CONVENTIONS

DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES

The attendance was about 700 persons each year.

PAST DISTRICT GOVERNORS RESIDING IN 18-D

GEORGIA LIONS LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION

Name, Purpose, Trust Fund, Membership

The name of the corporation is "Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc." referred to hereafter as "Lions Lighthouse" and the designated phrase to be used with this name is "A Sight Conservation Project of Georgia Lions Clubs."

The purpose of this corporation is to foster Sight Conservation and restoration and shall be administered as set forth in the powers given in the Constitution and By-Laws.

Primary emphasis will be directed toward the Youth of Georgia who are not eligible for any specified government or employer program; but within resources available, assistance will be rendered to any citizen of Georgia not otherwise eligible or capable of obtaining assistance.

To help those already blinded through a program of counseling and guidance in their period of rehabilitation.

To encourage and participate in eye research programs through direct grants to such agencies as are designated by the Board of Directors.

To operate such eye banks in the State of Georgia may be approved by the Board of Directors.

Trust Fund

A "Trust (or Endowment) Fund" shall be maintained to insure a permanent and continuing program of the Lions Lighthouse Foundation, ministering to and assisting needy citizens of Georgia requiring ophthalmological and/or optometric care, and to promote the Sight Conservation Program.

Membership

Each member of an active Lions Club in Georgia Multiple District 18, is automatically a shareholder in the Lions Lighthouse and, as such, is privileged to give it his wholehearted support, both morally and financially. He has official representation on the Board of Directors through the Associate Director from his local club as appointed by his Club President. Also, his attendance is urged and desired at all Lions Lighthouse Meetings, particularly at the Meeting held annually in conjunction with the part of the State Convention.

Past Presidents of Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc.

OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, AND
HEARING AID BANK
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GEORGIA LIONS LIGHTHOUSE FOUNDATION, INC.

The official location is: 1711 Tully Circle, N.E., Suite 116,
Atlanta, Georgia 30329; Telephone (404) 325-3630

The officers are: President, Treasurer, Secretary and Administrator. The Vice Presidents: One from each of the Districts (A, B, C, D, E &F) From each of the Multiple Districts are: Six Directors; Three Trustees from each of the six districts is one Lion member on committees as follows:

Constitution and By-Laws

Eye Bank

White Cane Sales

Club Program and Education

Sight Conservation

Finance

Hearing Conservation

Public Relations

The Lighthouse also has the District Governor and Cabinet Advisor from each District.

Two Lion Members from each District to represent the Hearing Aid Bank Board of Directors.

The Georgia Lions Eye Bank, Inc., Executive Director and Technician.

The Georgia Lions Eye Bank, Augusta--Executive Secretary

The Peach Bowl, Inc.--Executive Director

District Governor Ray A. Eastmoore is responsible for the launching of the White Cane Sale in 1976.

Trust Fund

The Citizens and Southern National Dank is managing the Lighthouse Trust Fund. Fund Balance June 30, 1980 -- $663,369.84.

LEADER DOGS FOR THE BLIND

Founded in1939 by a group of Michigan Lions, the purpose is to train dogs to lead blind persons and provide facilities and means whereby blind persons may obtain leaders. The non-profit organization is served by a National Board of 30 trustees. The training school and executive offices are located in Rochester, Michigan.

There is no charge for a Leader Dog or any part of the four weeks training program. It costs the school about $4,500 for each team.

See District 18-D Contributions in the table.

By the end of June 1980, 68 Georgians had received 89 Deader Dogs; and the total number of dogs furnished to date, including replacements, was 5,451 dogs to 3,532 Deader Dog Graduates (people).

RECORDING FOR THE BLIND

District 18-D has located in it at Athens, Georgia one of the few units in the Nation. Here volunteers read textbooks into recorders and the tapes are furnished blind students.

For about10 years, Athens Lions Club and Classic City Lions Club have supported Recording for the Blind as a club project. For the past three years, the President and a special committee have worked with the District Governors publicizing the services and the need of this chapter. The response in District 18-D has been good and the District Governor lists it for the 100% Goals for local clubs. The Athens Lions Club contributes $500 to $800 per year. See table for District 18-D.

Other Districts have begun to respond to the letters the from the President of the Athens Lions Club.

GEORGIA LIONS EYE BANK, INC.

Purpose of Eye Bank: (1) Provide corneal tissue for anyone who can have vision restored with corneal transplant, (2) continue our research and, (3) educational program for public hospitals, doctors and others.

Lion Y. T. Abernathy, Chairman Board of Trustees, Georgia Lions Eye Bank, Inc. Emory University and a member of North DeKalb Lions Club has done an excellent job of promoting and expanding the services of the Georgia Lions Eye Bank. Because of his good work he was named Vice President of the Eye Bank Association for the Southeastern Region.

TRANSPLANTS

A letter sent out to supporters of the Eye Bank by Y. T. Abernathy, Chairman Board of Trustees and Ms. Janie Benson, Executive Director, reported the 1980 total transplants through October stands at an all time high of 485.

Janie Benson gave a report for the Eye Bank (not by Districts) for transplants as follows:

Lions International Foundation

Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) grants are available to Lions Clubs and Districts seeking to provide services in three areas: major disaster relief, such as floods and earthquakes; vocational assistance for developing countries to improve living conditions through agriculture and nutrition training; humanitarian services, such as eye surgery and other medical support.

The grant applicant must justify the need and have the ability to insure the success of the project.

Contributions from Lions, Lionesses and Leo Clubs and other individuals are sources of the funds.

Hearing Aid Bank

In 1972-73, Athens Lions Club inaugurated a Hearing Aid Bank in cooperation with the University of Georgia. In 1973-74, it was expanded to the District level in 18-D. In 197&-75, the Athens Lions Club bought an audiometer.

At the State Convention, 1974 in Columbus, Frank Hollberg, President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, appointed Ed Synder, Chairman of Hearing Conservation in Georgia. The work spread rapidly throughout the state.

During the year 1975-76, a grant of $1,000 from the lighthouse was given to the University of Georgia for a study to determine the hearing needs and the projected costs to conduct a program of aid through the Lighthouse.

The Hearing Aid Bank is located in the office of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia. It is under the guidance of Chairman Ed Snyder, Athens, and his excellent leadership in hearing conservation. Other civic clubs and other states are asking for information about the Georgia Lions Hearing Conservation Program.

Rosa’s Van

Rosa's Van valued at $14,185.46 in the U.S.A. and purchased by Lions for crippled children in VITRA School, Buenos Aires, Argentina, was made possible by the work of Lion Sam Hale during 1978.

Lion Sam Hale, a member of Athens Lions Club, has been a Lion since August 1935. On October 19, 1979, Lions International made him a Life Member.

This humanitarian act was made possible by funds from sources as follows: (1) Lion San's own club made a contribution; (2) about half the members of his Club made a personal donation; (3) many Lions Clubs in District 18-D made contributions; (4) some business people made donations; (5) a check for $5,000 was received from L.C.I.F. (Lions Club International Foundation); and (6)Lion Sam Hale paid the balance and made the trip to Buenos Aires to see the Van come off the boat and being delivered to the School for crippled Children.

The Van was equipped with an elevator to lift crippled children in wheelchairs from the ground up into the van and later unload them after the trips to school.

50 Sewing Machines for Equador

Donald K. Enzmann, Past District Governor 18-D, at the Cabinet Meeting held in Gainesville, February 6, 1972 announced they had over 50 sewing machines and 30 commercial machines being shipped to Ecuador from New Orleans. This was a District Project in lnternational Relations.

Lion Don spent time in Ecuador, made colored slides of schools and projects sponsored by Lions and presented these slides to fellow Lions and others when he returned home.

Toccoa Falls Institute Disaster

Sunday, November 6, 1977, at 1:20 A.M. during a rain storm Kelly Dam, above Toccoa Falls, burst. In the path of the flood below was Toccoa Falls Institute where approximately 40 persons drowned in the flood water coming upon them while they slept in the night.

The Governor, George Busbee, his Civil Defense team and other department heads rushed to the scene of the disaster. President Jimmy Carter, a Lion, sent his wife Rosalynn to Toccoa Falls to view the disaster. The U.S. Government gave over one million dollars, the State of Georgia helped with road repair, clean-up the debris and other jobs.

Lions Clubs throughout Georgia sent contributions to Toccoa Falls Disaster Fund. Humanitarian needs is where Lions serve. Lion Willard Kimsey, a member of Toccoa Lions Club, reported 20 Lions Clubs gave $2,834.00 to Toccoa Falls Disaster Fund.

Barbara Shirley, Honorary Lioness

Barbara Shirley of Clarkesville, Georgia went before the Lions Convention at Jekyll Island in June 1975 and told us that she grew up in Toccoa, went to Chattanooga to school and while there found that she could not see to read and called her dad to come get her.

She never knew the 72 year old eye donor of the cornea she received in the transplant at Emory University Hospital. Because of this gift she dedicated her life to helping develop a Georgia Eye Research Center second to none. She went before group after group to tell movingly of her personal miracle, the gift of sight.

In recognition of Barbara Shirley's crusading, the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation for the Blind made her an honorary lifetime director. The Atlanta Eye Bank put her on its Advisory Board.

Jim Corbett

Jim Corbett worked in accounting for the Southern Railroad for 25 years before he was struck with total blindness. He came from Albany to Atlanta to be the Executive Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.

During Jim Corbett's leadership of about 20 years, the Lighthouse grew from regular contributions of a few thousand dollars to $93,000 reported for the year 1972-73. This was exclusive of the Peach Bowl and memorial Fund.

On the morning of April 5, 1973, Jim attempted to arise and get ready for work. He could not because of complete paralysis on his left side. The Lighthouse could not purchase retirement or hospitalization for Jim due to his physical impairment.

Jim's per day cost at Wesley Moods was $37.00 per day or $1,110.00 for 30 days. Add that to his apartment and living expenses for his loyal, devoted and faithful wife, Myrt.

During the Annual Meeting in Macon at the Lions Convention, the Lighthouse President appointed a special committee to devise ways to help Jim and Myrt. The Committee recommended immediate help of $1.00 contribution from each Lion in Georgia on a free will basis. The Decatur Lions Club members gave $1.00 each to the Jim Corbett Fund to supplement income from Social Security and financial help from Medicare.

Lionism is a humanitarian service. This was a special way to help.

On a cold rainy night, December 30, 1968, the first game was played in Grant Field, Atlanta. A suggestion from Atlanta Journal Sports Editor, Furman Bisher, caused Jim Corbett, Executive Director of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation to move in the direction of sponsoring a bowl and use the proceeds for the blind and for sight conservation. Jim Corbett was blind himself.

KEY AWARDS

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT'S AWARD

Past District Governor and President of the Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation, Inc., Ken Massingale, was awarded the lnternational President's Award by International President William C. Chandler at the 18-D District Convention in Gainesville February 22, 1981.

State Historian Eugene Sanders was presented the International President's Award by International President Lloyd Morgan at the annual Banquet of the Past District Governors in Macon February 16, 1980. The Awards in both cases were presented by International Director Edwin C. Daniel for the lnternational Presidents.

Past lnternational Director Joe B. Davis received his first International President's Award from International President Edward M. Lindsey in 1967 at the State Convention at Jekyll Island. He was presented the lnternational President's Award in 1968 by International President Jorge Bird at the State Convention in Atlanta, his third in 1970 by Past International President W. R. Bryan, and a fourth in 1977 by lnternational President Joseph M. McLoughlin at the forty-fifth anniversary meeting of the Decatur Lions Club.

AMBASSADOR OF GOODWILL AWARD

In 1970 lnternational President W. R. Bryan presented Joe B. Davis with the Ambassador of Goodwill Award. A president can make only twelve of these awards in the whole world of Lionism. State Secretary Alcee Maxfield delivered the Award for President Bryan at a Ladies Night meeting of the Decatur Lions Club.

THE MELVIN JONES FELLOW AWARD

President Jimmy Carter was presented the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, also known as the Lions Clubs International Foundation Award. On Saturday, March 31, 1979 the Past District Governors of District 18-D and their Lionesses were among 134 Past District Governors and their Lionesses from over Georgia who were the guests of the Carters at the White Rouse. President Jimmy Carter was District Governor of District 18-C in 1968-69. As an expression of our love and appreciation for Lion Jimmy and Lioness Rosalynn, we past District Governors of Georgia presented the Melvin Jones Fellow Award to Jimmy and a plaque to Rosalynn.

State Historian Eugene Sanders was presented the Melvin Jones Fellow Award by his Decatur Lions Club in 1978. Lion Gene is respected and affectionately known as state Historian for more than a decade. In 1952, he was selected as Georgia's Outstanding Lion.

LIFE MEMBERS

Lion Sam A. Hale, Sr., was presented the Life Membership Award at the 55th Anniversary Banquet of the Athens Lions Club, October 19, 1979. Lion Sam has rendered outstanding service to Lionism in raising 22unds, procuring Rosa's Van, and work as Chairman of Conventions. William C. Chandler, First Vice President Lions lnternational, was speaker at the Athens Lions Club 55th Anniversary and presented the Award.

Lion Hugh A. Inglis was presented the Life Membership Award by William C. Chandler, First Vice President Lions International, who was the speaker October 19, 1979 at the 55th Anniversary celebration of Athens Lions Club. Lion Hugh served in many ways as: District Governor, lnternational Youth Exchange Chairman, Trustee Lions Lighthouse Foundation, winner four years out of five as Editor, Athens Lions Tales, in State Bulletin Contest, and District Librarian since February 4, 1979.

Past District Governor Carlos A. Shaw, member of Winder Lions Club, who has rendered outstanding service in Lionism as a member of his club and as District Governor of 18-D, has been awarded Life Membership.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EXCHANGE

1970-71 Dr. Irving Hellenga, Chairman -- Four applications received. Hosts: Lavonia Club - 2; Gainesville Club - 1; Toccoa Club - 1;

Sponsors: Toccoa Club sent Judy Morris to France; the Gainesville Lions Club was host for Jussi Salo and Karo Kennemon from Finland; North Dekalb sent Judy Daniel to England

1971-72 Lion Tom Jackson, Chairman. Participating Clubs were: Athens, Lavonia, Toccoa, Carnesville, Laurel Ridge, Gainesville, and North DeKaIb.

1972-73 Lion Byson Tanner, Chairman. There is a bond of friendship when these youth get to travel and visit in our homes, that is never forgotten. Participating clubs were: Druid Hills, Lilburn, Toccoa, Dunwoody, North DeKalb, Laurel Ridge, and Snellville.

1974-75 Lion Jim King, Chairman.

Sponsors: Laurel Ridge Club sent Richard Worrell and Mike Summer to Ontario, Canada Henderson Mill Club sent Susan Pizzatola to Ontario. Clayton Club sent Ben Marchman to Ontario. Host Club to Canadian Visitors were: Clayton, Classic City, and Towns County.

Lion Wilworth "Bill" Frankum transferred from the Carnesville Lions Club to the Athens Lions Club reported direct that all his children had participated in the International Youth Exchange Program as follows: David Frankum to Finland; Adel Frankum to Sweden (1972); and Lynn Frankum to Switzerlaud (1976). Visiting in the Frankum home from Finland were: Jussi Salo and Kari Kenneman (1970). Visiting in the Frankum home from Switzerland was Laurence Delzut (1977).

STATE AWARDS

Minutes of Georgia Lions State Convention May 16-18, 1980, Jekyll Island has a long list of 32 Awards. Out of the six Districts, about one-third of the Awards came to District 18-D. For details you may refer to Annual Meeting Minutes of the District 18 (Georgia) Lions State Convention. A summary of State Awards is found in only a few of the District 18-D Annual Reports as:

CLUB ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

The 50th Anniversary of the Athens Lions Club was celebrated November 22, 1974. The Athens Lions Club received its charter on August 29, 1924. The speaker for the 50th Anniversary was International Director William C, Chandler, Montgomery, Alabama, who in 1980 was elected President of Lions International.

The Athens Lions Club is one of the oldest and most active Clubs in Georgia. In 1935-36, William T. Ray was Chairman of the International Board of Governors.

In 1937, he presented a report at the Albany convention that divided Georgia into Districts 18-A, 18-D and 18-C. On July 28, 1932, W. T. Ray presented the Charter to the Decatur Lions Club.