February 2004
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The 5M-5 Informer
February 2004 Volume 1, Issue 6
Dear Lions, Lioness & Leos, The Mid-Winter con-vention was again a success with good seminars, good fellowship, good food, good speakers and most of all, all of the Lions, Lioness and Leos that attended. The at-tendance was up for all meals. The convention is valuable for all in our district. We had five clubs that did not send any delegates. Of the clubs participating we had 119 registered delegates, plus 14 PDG’s. Out of this we had 107 that voted. New this year was the Women in Lionism seminar with Lions Renae Bradley and Lynda Thorfinnson as presenters. They had a great presentation. Also new was the Leo Forum with Lion Bob Becker, our Leo Chair hosting interaction with the Leos that got up early to attend. The hospitality rooms were bursting with food, beverages, and people, which went on into the wee hours of the morning. Luckily most were able to get up to attend the seminars. The seminars allow us to really see and hear what we do and can do with our time and money. I sincerely thank all the Lions, Lioness and Leo’s that attended. There are many that worked behind the scenes that I also thank. A lot of planning and work go into putting on a convention for all of US. In comparing our Lion year to a sport game, then our convention is like going into a half-time. We have been working to accomplish much, come to the convention for the pep talk by our coaches and are now ready to continue our goals of Lionism work. Our goal for membership is at the top of the list. Even though reports keep saying that membership is down, we are continuing to bring in new members. Somehow we do have members going “out the back door”, therefore it is very important to try to find out why, and see what needs to be done to keep them.
I do apologize that the Pin Traders were left out in the wings. I had heard that 5M5 does not have many traders, but I felt that with the newer members there would be new interest. So I requested in the Informer for interested pin traders to let me know what the interest was. However I heard from no one. Turns out we do have Lions interested, maybe next year. Remember to invite someone to visit your club, let someone know what Lions do, be positive, and be INNOVATIVE in your approach. Yours in Lionism, Lion Jackie Morlock, District Governor
* * * “HE WOULD BE SO PROUD”
In a letter thanking the PDG Fellowship for establishing the John Lutter Merit Award, Eileen Lutter, widow of Lion John stated, “He would be so proud.” She continued, “I don’t think the committee could have come up with a recipient that would have pleased Johnny more. Jim and he had a special friendship and mutual admiration for each other.” The ‘Jim’ referred to by Eileen is Lion Jim Ebert, who received the first John Lutter Merit Award at the Mid-Winter Banquet. The Lutter award was established in honor of John, and also to recognize a Lion who exhibits the qualities of integrity, enthusiasm, honesty and leadership which John Lutter valued. The nomination form for Lion Jim Ebert stated: Jim is simply ‘Mr. Lions’ to Brooklyn Park. He is also ‘Mr. Brooklyn Park’ to the wider community. He works tirelessly and cheerfully to both promote Lionism and the betterment of the community. For the Lions, Jim has served in many capacities as club president and chair of countless committees, as chair or member of many zone and district committees. Jim’s service and dedication have not been unnoticed. He is a Melvin Jones Fellow (twice), has been club Lion of the Year multiple times, and holds the Community Service Award. Since 1975 he has held 45 or more positions within the club. The community has honored Jim as well. Most recently, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Brooklyn Historical Society. He has also received the City’s Community Service Award. Jim represents the best of Lionism and our club is proud to nominate him.
Warm wishes, and heartfelt congratulations from all of 5M-5 to Lion Jim Ebert upon receiving the John Lutter Merit Award.
Here are some of the additional ‘STARS’ honored at the 2004 Mid-Winter Convention for their work in Lionism. Congratulations to every one of them!!
Lion Bob Lenzmeier, Minneapolis Lions Club, was presented with an International Leadership Award medal from visiting Director Bond at the Governor’s Banquet. Lion Bob is Leadership Co-Chair on the MERLO Team and for several years has done an super job organizing the Lions – Who we Are and What we Do Mid-Winter seminar.
Lion Cabinet Secretary Joan Andrew, Chanhassen Lions, received an International President’s Certificate of Appreciation from ID Bond.
Lyn-Lake Lions presented a Helen Keller Award in memory of Norm Kirchner to Mrs. Kirchner.
Lion Ellie Reitmeyer, St. Louis Park Lions, received the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation from Director Bond.
Lioness Edith Jaspers, Mpls. Lyn-Lake re-eived a Helen Keller Award from her club.
Lion Bob Jechorek, Brooklyn Center Lions received the International President’s Certificate of Appreciation from Director Bond.
Vice District Governor-elect 2004-2005 Jack Hines. Congratulations and good luck, Jack and Carol.
Bob Jechorek and Wayne Harkness who announced their candidacy for Vice District Governor 2005-2006! * * *
The Mid-Winter Brunch Parade of Checks graphically demonstrated “Who we Are and What we Do” as representatives from Lion and Lioness clubs came forth with their club’s contributions to these totals: Friendship Ventures $ 400.00 Camp Courage 75.00 Youth Outreach 450.00 Quest 2,300.00 Diabetes 12,750.00 LCIF 10,585.00 Hearing Dog 12,945.00 Leader Dog 13,800.00 Eye Bank (MAC) 6,725.00 Eye Bank 12,665.00 Children’s Eye Clinic 1,175.00 Hearing Foundation 13,300.00 Habitat for Humanity 225.00 Informer 50.00 Total $87,445.00 Tail Twisting by Brooklyn Ctr. Lions (approx) $ 332.00
THANK YOU ~ LIONS, LIONESS & LEOS! “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed ~ it is the only thing that ever has.” IT’S A CONTEST FOR VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR IN 2005!
Lion Wayne Harkness, a member of the Hopkins Evening Lions, Club has been endorsed by his club for the position of Vice District Governor 2005-2006. Lion Harkness has held the offices of President, Secretary, Tail Twister. He has also served on the District Cabinet for 5 years as Zone Chair and Membership Chair. He is working with PDG Bucky Hartkopf and PID Ross Thorfinnson to form a new Latino Club in Minneapolis, as a Certified Guiding Lion. Lion Harkness will be making visits to the clubs asking for their support. Lion Bob Jechorek is unanimously supported by the Brooklyn Center Lions in his candidacy for Vice District Governor 2005-06. A member since 1991, Lion Bob has served as chairman of numerous club committees and projects, as secretary, vice president, and president. He has served on the District Cabinet four years, currently as Region Chairman. He believes these experiences have helped prepare him for the role as Vice Distinct Governor. Lion Jechorek is honored to be a Melvin Jones Fellow. He and his wife Cheryl have three children.
* * * IMM. PDG LARRY LINDQUIST PRESENTS AWARDS EARNED DURING HIS TERM
100% Club Secretary Awards 2002-2003 ~ Hal Liljenquist, Edina; Mike Grathwohl, Maple Grove 2001-2002 and 2002-2003; Sonjia Wagner, St. Louis Park; and John Dodson, South Shore. Club President’s Excellence Award 2002-2003 to three outstanding club presidents ~ Lorraine Shinnick of Brooklyn Center; Mike Gruidl of Eden Prairie, and Carolyn Hughes of Maple Grove. Leader Dogs for The Blind awards were presented to District co-chairs for 2002-03 Jim Ebert and PDG Harley Morlock with gratitude for 5M-5’s contri-butions to the Leader Dog Training Program. Recognition Awards were presented to IPDG Larry’s secretary, Joel Princeton, and treasurer, Leon Miller in recognition of their distinguished and un-selfish service as key district officers 2002-2003. Appreciation Awards were given with appreciation to two Lions who contributed much to IPPG Larry’s successful year ~ PDG Charley Williamson, the lead man in setting up our District website and Informer Editor, and ~ PDG Bucky Hartkopf for answering all the IPDG’s “how to” questions.
~ IN REMBRANCE ~ Lion Thomas Geldert, a member of the Osseo Lions Club passed away in early January.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! It is great to welcome these new members that have joined our organization. Do your best to make them feel welcome! – Governor Jackie
Gary Rapp Dayton Balasubramanian (Balu) Iyer Eden Prairie Marcell Johnson Edina Mike DeRoma Edina John Bianchi Bloomington Lonnie Whitlock Brooklyn Center Michael Meyer Brooklyn Center Dick Olson Brooklyn Park Don Oman Brooklyn Park John Nagy Hopkins Evening Vicki Trumble Hopkins Evening Gerald Knutson Wayzata Gary Ostrand Wayzata * * *
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1st (Super Bowl Sunday) 8:00 am – 12:30 pm BROOKLYN CENTER HIGH SCHOOL 65th & Humboldt Avenue North Adults $5.50 – Kids 6 thru 12 $3.00 Children under 6 – FREE
SECRETARY ASSUMES PRESIDENCY
The secretary of the Golden Valley Lioness Club is also the new president of the club, Pauline Mariucci, phone number 763-545-4471.
25th ANNUAL SUPER BOWL PANCAKE BREAKFAST SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST 7:30 AM – 1:30 PM Adults $4.00 ~ Children $2.00 Seniors Free Minnetonka Community Center Minnetonka Blvd. & Williston Rd.
GOV’S CALENDAR & UPCOMING EVENTS
February ‘04 1 So Tonka Pancake Breakfast 1 Brooklyn Center Pancake Breakfast 4 Dayton Lions Visit* 7-8 5M-8 Convention 10 Crystal Lions Visit* 12 Brooklyn Center Lioness Visit* 14-15 5M-2, 5M-3, 5M-10 Conventions 19 Golden Valley Lions Visit* 20-23 5M-13 Mid-Winter Convention March 11 Robbinsdale Lions Visit* 19-21 Council of Governors, Mahnomen 29 Cabinet Meeting – Camp Edenwood * Governor’s official visit Ten clubs have not yet scheduled the District Governor’s visit. You know who you are!
Remember to check for a listing of up-to-date events at our website www.5M5.org.
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AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE ON “GIVE KIDS A SMILE DAY”
Smiles will be the order of the day February 6 & 7 as the new Mpls. North Lions sponsor free dental exams, cleanings, x-rays, sealants, tooth fillings and extractions for North Minneapolis children aged 3-17 at no cost to families if not covered by insurance. If families have insurance their insurance company will be billed. These free exams will be conducted at Pilot City Health Center, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm each day on February 6 & 7, 2004. They hope to serve about 100 children each day. The event is co-sponsored by Pilot City Health Center, Metropolitan Health Plan, MN Dental Association, American Dental Assn., Greater Mpls United Way and Crest. If you would like to help out with registering the patients or in other ways as needed, please contact Lion Carla McMorris, Pilot City, at 612-302-4720.
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THE MINNESOTA LIONS EYE BANK NEEDS THE HELP OF YOUR CLUB.
This time it’s not money ~ it’s time. Because of budget cuts occurring through every Department of MN State Gov., the MN State Patrol has been forced to discontinue the transportation of eyes destined for the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank (MLEB) to enable Troopers to devote the necessary time to accident prevention and law enforcement. This was a very important and necessary service. However, this presents a unique opportunity for Lions to fill the bill. The MN Lions Eye Bank is in the process of setting up a “Lions Relay System” whereby Lions would pick up eyes from funeral homes or hospitals and relay them from hospital to hospital until they reach the MLEB at the University of Minnesota. In order to use the eyes for transplant, they must arrive at the MLEB within 12 hours of death. Obviously, eyes from throughout the State of MN will be funneling down toward the Twin Cities area. We would expect that eyes would be coming into the MLEB from all of Minnesota’s Lions 5M Districts. Since the eyes must be to the Eye Bank within 12 hours of death, Lions may need to do some transportation in the middle of the night. We hope, however, that if sufficient Lions sign up to be transporters, no Lion would have to transport more than one set of eyes per year. How it Will Work
· A Lion Transportation Coordinator designs and heads up the project for each District, assigns a Lions Club or Clubs to each eye donor facility, coordinates relay pick up/drop off points, trains clubs and troubleshoots. · Each club assigns a Dispatcher who coordinates transporters, assures coverage by means of on-call shift schedule, provides the MLEB lab with the on-call schedule for his/her district, provides trans-porters with detailed instructions and maps for driving to each assigned pickup/drop off location and Lions Relay System (Continued) assures that eyes arrive at MLEB within 12 hours of death and consults with MLEB Donor Coordinator if a delay occurs. · Each Club has several Transporters who transport eyes in a district-to-district relay during his/her shift. If eyes originate from his/her Club’s facility, starts relay immediately upon receiving call, or if eyes originate from another district’s facility, promptly meets eye transporter at a dispatcher-assigned pick-up location and relays eyes to next point or to MLEB. · MLEB Donor Coordinators who contact Dispatchers when transportation is required, calls the originating facility’s on-call transporter or calls dispatcher for that facility, provides all information necessary to start the relay, receives the eyes at the MLEB lab and helps dispatcher trouble-shoot if there are problems in the relay. Please contact your MLEB Director, Lion Charlie Johns (763-421-8108) or PDG Tom Shin-nick (763-560-0273). They would be happy to come to a meeting to explain this relay system further. Sounds like a perfect mission for Lions & Lioness.
NORTHEAST MPLS LIONS
Wednesday, March 10 Jax Café in N.E. Minneapolis.
Ticket @ $150 includes dinner for 2 and chance to win cash in 5 drawings. Silent auction items will also be on-site for bidding. For tickets – call Lion Pres. Robert Miller @ 763-571-6049 or email Lion Todd McDowell at tmcdowell@erdmanautomation.com
LION’S 5M HEARING FOUNDATION (AND YOU) RECEIVE THANKS FROM MINNESOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
The following letter was received from Dianne Mandernach, Commission Minnesota Department of Health and directed to the Lion’s Hearing Foundation: “The Lion’s 5M Hearing Foundation has long been recognized for contributions to projects which promote the well-being of individuals who have vision or hearing loss. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) wishes to recognize your recent contributions to promote universal newborn hearing screening in Minnesota. Specifically, we thank the Lion’s Multiple District 5M Hearing Foundation for financial support through the University of Minnesota that has provided:
“Your support has enabled Minnesota to increase hearing screening rates from 8% in 1998 to over 90% in 2003 with 104 of the 111 hospitals having newborn hearing screening as a standard of care. More importantly, your contributions and support have assisted countless families in obtaining needed service for their children. “Hospitals have been extremely grateful for the grants and for the technical assistance of an audiologist, Kirsten Coverstone. She has also served as a consultant to our state Newborn Hearing Screening program. Families have expressed their gratitude for the hearing aid loaner program, which has allowed their children to be fit with hearing aids without delay. Many of these children were newborns identified in the screening programs across the state and will therefore reap lifelong benefits. “Please extend our appreciation to your clubs statewide. We look forward to continuing this beneficial public/private partnership to promote early hearing detection and intervention in Minnesota. ”
* * * WHAT HAPPENS WHEN LION & LIONESS CLUBS DON’T KEEP THEIR PROMISE?
Club secretaries will soon be receiving invitations to tour the Lion’s Eye Bank & Hearing Foundation at the U of M. You’ll have a choice of the Spring or Fall tour. Because of the popularity of this event, clubs must get their reservations in as soon as possible. Unfortunately, many clubs are told the event is full, and their reservation can’t be honored. Last year 270 Lion/Lioness members registered to attend ~ but only 150 showed up for the tour. That means there were 120 Lions/Lioness who could have attended. If you discover you will have fewer attendees than you reserved for, why not call a neighboring club and ask if any of their members would like to join your group for the tour. It’s a great tour and hopefully one in which every Lion & Lioness member will be able to participate ~ at least once. DID YOU KNOW?
According to Lions International, did you know ~ · 5M5 has over 1600 members · We also have about 100 more members with the six Lioness clubs · We have about 70 members with the three Leo clubs · We are recruiting members at the University for a new Campus Club · We are working on three new clubs · Lioness clubs can convert to be an all female Lions club · Females becoming Lions, International will waive the dues · The difference between a Lion and Lioness is that a Lion member pays International dues, can vote, serve on the Cabinet, hold District, Multiple & International positions of leadership · All involved in Lionism have the same goals - WE SERVE!! * * *
The Edina Lions Club and ABC Foundation
ANNUAL PANCAKE BREAKFAST 8 AM to 1 PM on Feb 29, 2004
Southview Middle School on 58th & Concord in Edina. Tickets - $4.50
If approaching from Hwy 100, exit on Benton Ave going east across Hwy 100 to frontage road by Edina Community Center to stop sign. Turn right on Southview Lane to Concord. Turn right and go one block to 58th. Parking lot is on the right. Parking, cafeteria, facilities and music are courtesy of the Edina public schools
How Does Your Garden Grow? International Director Lowell Bonds and his wife, Carolyn, were our guests at the recent Mid-Winter Convention. I suspect there must be someone at Oak Brook with a perverse sense of humor who recommend the new District Governor-elects from Multiple 5M choose a director from the Deep South as their Mid-Winter speaker. No doubt the Bonds are very thankful they were in Minnesota during our relatively “warm spell” and not during this last week of January. During his address at the Governor’s Banquet he alluded to “growing members in your club.” The following is an article I found that contains similar thoughts.
If you have ever gardened, you know producing a bountiful harvest take much more effort than just putting seeds in the soil. A new member in a club is like the first sprouts in our garden. We are very hopeful they will mature into active, involved, fun loving Lion leaders. However, it does not just “happen”. Membership development requires: Soil Preparation: Invite prospective members to visit the club, make sure they feel welcome and are treated as guests. Plant the Seed: Induct member into the club with a respectful meaningful ceremony. Fertilize the Plant: Conduct a meaningful orientation, continued support from Lion sponsor. Sunshine and Water: Involve in projects, gradual increase in responsibility, do not want to burn or drown out. Weed: Avoid the negative, follow up on missed meetings, offer to pick up. Make sure they know the club “culture”. Harvest: The new member is now mature and is sponsoring a new member, the cycle is complete.
Our Lions greatest resource is our membership, remember “We Serve” includes our own.
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HOPKINS LIONS AND HOPKINS NOON-TIME LIONS Co-sponsor The Metropolitan Boys Choir
Saturday, April 3rd, 7:00 pm Hopkins Center for the Arts Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by contact any member of either club
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