June 2005

Multiple District MD5M Newsletters

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June 2005 Volume 2, Issue 10

Governor Ole and Lion Karen’s Travels Through

Service & Membership:             

What a GREAT DAY!!!!! 

Dear Lions, Lioness and Leos - Where has this Lions year gone? This has been a very rewarding year for Lion Karen and me. We have traveled a lot and have met wonderful people.  As Vice District Governor, I was trained with 11 other Governors in our Multiple.  We have grown in leadership and as Lions. We have seen how each of the Districts in the Multiple are run.  We all have our own style, but when it comes right down to it, we all have one common goal: We all want to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

      District Governors of 5M have had our share of illness and loss. Our loss of Governor Wes Sideen hit us all very hard. We have missed him dearly. But through the misfortunes we have come together even stronger than before by working together and supporting one another.  We have made friends and started friendships that will last a lifetime. For this we are truly blessed.

      When this Lions year started, I had some pretty aggressive ideas of what I would like to see done in the District as far as membership goes.  I ran these ideas by members of the Merl team. Our thought was, how are we going to grow and retain our membership numbers? I must admit that I thought “The Plan” would take off a bit faster than it did. Little did I realize how much work this was going to be. We first had to lay the foundation for “The Plan”, this took many more meetings than you can imagine. The Merl team had 5 meetings before the Lions year even started. We decided that in order to gain members, maybe we should be educating our clubs, extending our boundaries within our District to meet the needs of our ever changing demographics, find ways to retain our members and develop a leadership program.  Did we get all of this accomplished? Not completely, but we have a strong foundation on which to build.  At this point, I would like to thank the Region and Zone Chairs, Membership and Extension Chair, the Women Member-ship and Development team, PID Ross and Lion Lynda

for the many hours that they put into “The Plan”.  It’s not done yet.  We will still be working through District Governor Elect Jack’s year and Vice District Governor Elect Bob’s year.  My hope is that this Plan will keep moving, changing and modifying as needed.

      We have had many highlights this year.   Our Mid-Winter had to have been one of our biggest. It just goes to show that when something comes along that is not in our control, we can all pull together to make it happen.  I would like to thank all who were involved with the convention and those who attended.  This was one of the largest conventions in a long time, with the largest amount of delegates.  You made this a success. 

      We added the New Ambassadors Lions Club to our membership.  This club is growing by leaps and bounds. We will be chartering a new club, the Minnetonka South Lions Club. This club is a combination of Minnetonka and Minnetonka Dandy Lions.  St. Bonifacious Lions has come with a large increase in membership. On a more solemn note, I received a letter from the Golden Valley Lions that they will be dissolving at the end of this Lions year.  I would like to thank each and every one of those Lions for the 52 years of dedicated and unselfish service.  It is my hope that these members will join an existing club and keep their tradition of Lionism alive. 

      At the Multiple Convention in Brandon MB, I read the list of 28 Lions that had passed away this Lions year.  It was sad and yet humbling to read these names of dedicated Lions, knowing how much they gave of themselves to help others.

            This is my last official newsletter and I would be remiss if I did not thank several individuals for their confidence and support throughout this year. To my secretary, Lion Lorraine Shinnick and my treasurer Lion Leon Miller, thank you for all you have done to make my job easier; my home club Brooklyn Center whose support help me decide to run for District Governor; Lion Marilyn Lieb who has worked tirelessly on the Informer…you all have done a wonderful job!  Special thanks to my cabinet…you have gone above and beyond the call of duty.  Thank you!

            Now, I would like to let Lion Karen write a few words . . .

Karen writes:

Dear Friends,

      I would like to thank you all for making this a wonderful experience for us.  Your hospitality and friendship were freely given and for that we thank you. Your generosity has left us speechless.  There wasn’t a visit that I went on with DG Ole that I didn’t feel welcome and accepted. Thank you. 

      This Lions year has really been an educational one for me. I saw clubs working together, helping one another with pancake breakfasts, gathering food for World Service Day, sharing their time and talents to make life just a little bit easier for someone else. 

      I saw the progression of how the clubs fit into the Multiple picture and how the Multiple picture fits into the International…What marvelous work we do not only on the club and multiple levels but the International as well. It was overwhelming to see how much money was taken in for the Tsunami relief effort. I know that we, as Lions, will also do the same for Sight II.  That’s what we do, WE SERVE. 

*   *   *

      On every visit we have had words of encouragement and support.  Thank you again for letting us serve you as your representatives of District 5M5.  Lions of 5M5, we thank you.

            Yours in Lionism,

Dist. Governor Ole and Lion Karen

      Hearty congratulations to the Lions of 5M-5 who were honored at the recent Multiple Convention in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada.  Lion Lynda Thorfinnson (Brooklyn Center) was presented with the President’s Leadership Award and PDG Bucky Hartkopf (Osseo) received the Presidential Achievement Award.  Both are well-deserved awards for these outstanding Lion members.  PDG Bucky was also awarded the Cap Award by the Past District Governor’s Association.

      In addition, Past Int’l. Counselor Bud Setzler (Osseo) was one of 22 deserving Lions inducted into the Multiple 5M Lions Hall of Fame.  PID John Lutter (Hopkins Evening) was posthumously recognized as a member of this same esteemed group.

      From reports I’ve received, the greater Brandon area Lions presented a fine convention.  Housed in the brand new CanadaInn Hotel, our delegation was not bothered by the rainy weather since it was attached to the Brandon Convention Center  The excellent musical groups from area high schools that performed at various functions brightened the spirits of everyone, and the out-standing seminars energized the Lions to even greater service. 

      On the business side of the weekend, the fifty cent dues increase for administration of the 5M office passed as did the $2 temporary increase (July 2005-July 2008) to fund the campaign for 2^nd Vice President.  PID Ross Thor-finnson, Jr. was unanimously endorsed by the delegates for this position.

      Keynote speaker PID Dennis Tischner spoke to the true identity of the heroes who are worshipped…and they are not the sports figures, but the Lion members who quietly go about holding their fund-raisers, doing good in their communities, and serving others.

       THANK YOU, Gov. Ole, and First Lady Karen for your year of service as 5M-5 District Governor.  All the Lions, Lioness and Leos in 5M-5 join in expressing our gratitude for your leadership, and our pride and our deep affection for you.  You represented District 5M-5 with honor and graciousness.  You delighted us with your ever-present sense of humor.  You challenged us, inspired us and encouraged us to take a good look at ourselves and vow to do better in honoring our commitment to the Lions motto of  “We Serve”.  

      Well done, good and faithful servants!

      The Minnetonka Lions Club and South Tonka Dandy Lions Club have become . . . the Minnetonka South Lions.  Please join us in welcoming this new club on Tuesday, June 14, 2005 at Camp Edenwood (just off Hwy. 62) for some enjoyable social time at 6:00 pm and dinner at 7:00.  Cost is just $17.50 a person.  Please RSVP by Thursday, June 8^th to Kay Elliott 952-920-1905 or Roger Badenhop 612-721-1625.  The new club respect-fully requests that there be no gifts.

            Submitted by Lion Roger Badenhop

      Check your calendar and join us at this summer’s Special Olympics and make the healthy athlete program a success.  The shifts for this year are:

·   Fri., June 24^th  - 8:30 am until 12:30 pm or 12:00

     Noon until 4:00 pm

·   Sat., June 25^th - 8:30 am until 12:30 pm or 12:00 pm                    Tear down & pack up 

      We will need approximately 15 to 20 volunteer for each of the 4-hour shifts.

      For an unforgettable experience with these athletes contact Roger Badenhop at 612-721-1625 to volunteer!

by Lion Lynda Thorfinnson

      At this year’s first Cabinet and All-Zone meetings, many of you heard about what we affectionately refer to as “The Plan”: Our Goals and Strategies for Growing, Healthy Clubs in 5M-5.

      The need for “The Plan” is based on the following:  Our Lions Mission of effectively serving our district’s communities by providing humanitarian services to those in need.            

      Although 5M-5 Lions are providing important, valuable humanitarian and community service, the need for our services is growing significantly due to increasing population with new and diverse needs; and cut-backs in government-sponsored support.  In addition, the number of clubs and active Lions serving our communities’ needs has “stagnated” over the past several years and 5M-5 Lions are “maturing.”

     Passing on the gift of Lionism to new people is essential to continuing our 5M-5 legacy of service and fulfilling our mission. 

      Just to refresh your memory, the goal of 5M-5 district’s Plan - which is an on-going effort that will continue for several years beyond 2004-05 – is to continue to effectively serve our communities by increasing membership through addition of service-minded people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives; meaningful orientation for new members and retention activities for existing members, formation of new clubs in areas and communities not currently served by a Lions Club, and leadership development.

      Here are highlights as to what’s taken place in regards to “The Plan” during Governor Ole’s 2004-05 Lions year:

      Club Assessments:  Zone chairs have worked with over 60% of the 5M-5 Clubs to complete assessments designed to help each club see its strengths and weaknesses.  The results are being used to develop specific tools to address “problem” areas that need attention.  All the following are items that directly focus on resolving the identified “problems”.

      Membership Recruitment Workshop is available as a specific tool to assist clubs with their membership efforts.  Two-member teams are trained to conduct the workshop and assist individual clubs with their specific recruitment plans.  Three clubs are “trying out” the workshop and follow-up assistance.  

      An Orientation Program is available for all 5M-5 Clubs and district meetings.  The program provides key information about the history of Lionism, Lions Clubs International’s organizational structure, and the amazing projects Lions do throughout the state, country, and world to help those in need.  The Orientation Program helps new and existing members to really learn what being a Lion is all about. 

      The Orientation Program was presented at this year’s opening cabinet meeting, the September All-Zone meeting, 2005-06 new club officers training, and at two club meetings as part of the club’s program for perspective new members.   As a result, the Plymouth Lions successfully recruited nine new members (a 35% increase) and St. Boni Lions added six new members (a 17% increase).  Great work!!!!!

      The Traveling Lion, a program promoting fun and interaction between clubs, was started after the first All-Zone meeting.

      This year’s Cabinet Meetings include information about the district’s goals and objectives.  For example, “The Plan” was presented at the cabinet meeting to make sure all members were familiar with the district’s goals.

      This year’s zone chairs, Tom Anderson, Bernie Braeglemann, Jan Cariveau, Mike Gruidl, Dave Reach, and Kevin Walsh, have worked very hard to plan for and make zone meetings fun, informative, and relevant to club presidents and secretaries. 

      The All-Zone meeting included presentation of “The Plan” as well as the Orientation Program

      At the November All-Zone meeting, presidents and secretaries heard from a Leader Dog recipient who explained what a difference his dog, provided by Lions funds, has made in his life.  A review of the Club Membership Workshop was presented for comment and to make sure club officers were familiar with what’s being done to assist their clubs. 

      This is just the beginning of “The Plan” and all 5M-5 Lions’ efforts for “Growing, Healthy Clubs”—District Governor Elect Jack Hines and his team are already working on plans for the 2005-06 Lions year.

DISTRICT 5M5 CALENDAR

Jun 2-5    Eden Prairie Schooner Days

Jun 11      Champlin Lions 4^th Annual Car Show

Jun 14      Minnetonka South Lions Charter Night

Jun 17      NE Mpls Lions Annual Golf Tournament

Jun 18-19 Brooklyn Park Tater Daze Softball Tournament

Jun 19      Crystal Lions Pancake Breakfast

Jun 24      Special Olympics, Bierman Field U of M

Jun 26-Jul 1 - Int’l. Convention, Hong Kong, China

Jul 4        Eden Prairie Celebration

Jul 15-17  New Hope Duk Duk Days

Jul 16       Maple Grove Corn Feed

Jul 17       Eden Prairie Lioness Garden Tour

Jul 17       Dayton/Champlin Golf Tournament

Aug 6      Eden Prairie Corn Feed

Sep 21-24  - USA/Canada Forum, Peoria, IL

by Jennifer Holm, Development Assistant, Friendship Ventures

      Camp New Hope (CNH) and Friendship Ventures (FV) hope to complete a merger of the two organizations by June 1, 2005. FV currently operates two other camps: Camp Friendship (near Annandale) and Eden Wood Center (in Eden Prairie). The mission of both organizations is very similar: To provide high quality educational, recreational and social programs for children and adults with mental retardation and other disabilities. Our goal is take the best of both programs and make it even better for people with disabilities and their families. People like Tisha Tench and her grandson, Jacob.

            “They were going to lose him, I just knew it”.  This was my thought when Jacob went to Camp New Hope for the first time three years ago.  For a nine year old boy with autism, life is a struggle, but the counselors kept him safe and Jacob loved every minute of his camp experience. I am Jacob’s Grandma, and my husband and I are raising him. Jacob starts asking about camp next year soon after he returns. “When can I go back, Grandma?  I want to see my friends.”  How do you turn down a child who has so few friends?  Thanks to your support of the Scholarship Fund, I don’t have to say, “No”.

      Like Jacob’s grandmother, parents and care providers continue to express a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for the services provided by CNH and FV. Lions Clubs in your District continue to provide scholarships for needy children with disabilities.

      If you have supported CNH and/or FV in past, we hope you will once again support our mission. If you would like to learn more about how we impact the lives of children and adults with disabilities through a tour or program, please contact Ed Stracke or Catherine Barbre at (952) 852-0101.

        The Camden Lions have undertaken a great volunteer opportunity and are hopeful some of the 5M-5 Lions clubs are willing to give them a hand.  They need at least 75 volunteers for each day of the 2-day National Log Rolling Championship July 16-17, an event in conjunction with the Minneapolis Aquatennial.  When Minneapolis Park Board President Jon Olson was looking for volunteers he naturally turned to his Camden Lions Club.  After all, no group is more willing to help out – and have a good time – than the Lions. 

      What a great opportunity for a group of members from each club to lend a hand to the Camden Lions at this event.  It could be a good time for all.

      The Camden Lions look forward to hearing from all their Lion friends in 5M5 by June 30 to volunteer some time for this event. There is a volunteer sign up sheet at their new web site, www.camdenlions.org, or you may contact Lion Tom Bain at 612.701.5379 (tombain@mn.rr.com) or Lion Bill Moore at 612.522.0784.

       The Loretto Lions have been contacted by Belinda D. whose previously donated kidney is failing.  Her first transplant occurred 8 years ago and her health is now deteriorating as her kidney functions decrease.

      She cannot live without a new kidney.   Her only hope is if a matching kidney becomes available, or someone is willing to donate one of their healthy kidneys.  If you or anyone you know would consider being tested, or would like more information, please call Healthwise Referral Center at 612-672-7272 or 1-800-328-5465, option 1.  Healthwise is associated with the Fairview University Transplant Center where Belinda is a patient.  All calls are confidential and all costs are covered.

 Can’t you just taste the buttery, tender corn these young ladies are enjoy-ing?  Maple Grove Lions Corn Feed  is July 16 at the M.G. Community Center on Weaver Lake Rd.  If you don’t get your fill there, you’ll find all the tasty corn you can eat at Eden Prairie Lions Corn Feed, August 6^th at Round Lake Park, north of Hwy. 5 on Cty. Rd. 4.  They’ll be ready for you, so COME AND GET IT!

·          Deadline for the July/Aug  issue of The Informer is July 12, 2005.  Send articles or ads to me at informer@dfti.net.  If you want to publicize an August or later fundraiser in the July-August issue I’ll need to receive your information by July 12.  Send me a note, or give me a call!

·         Huge Rummage Sale at Birchwood Care Home, 15 W. 31st Ave. So., Mpls., 651-823-7286 May 26^th - 9-6 May 27 - 9-3; furniture, clothing, collectables. All proceeds benefit resident council fund.

      No report from the Gov.-elect this month.  Instead we offer this picture of the fetching Mrs. Hines en-joying the night life at the Brandon Convention!

Member                Club                              Sponsor      

Vince Barrett          Edina Lions                Brad Gruhot

Wendy Waldner      Edina                               Al Thiel

Ed Myslivecek        Edina                 Harold Liljenquist

Larry Friedrichs      Edina                   Richard Johnson

George Johnston      Edina                   Richard Johnson

Frank Supple           Edina                   Richard Johnson

Tom Jensen            Edina                         Brad Gruhot

James Wilkinson      Edina                       Reno Backus

Jim Van Driel          Eden Prairie       Dean Schmandke

Bruce DeMaris       Osseo                      Stan Getchell

Lynn Floyd              Osseo                          Mike Dyer

Tom Geldert Jr.       Osseo                        Al Lindquist

Bob Liestmann        Osseo                     Joel Princeton

Glenn Stickney        Osseo                    Brian Salisbury

International Convention 2009 website

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