March 2005

Multiple District MD5M Newsletters

March 2005 Volume 2, Issue 7

Governor Ole and Lion Karen’s Travels Through

Service & Membership:

   A GREAT DAY, A GREAT WEEKEND, A GREAT CONVENTION ….That’s the good news!  The bad news was the snow and ice….but the Lions of 5M5 came through like the GREAT DISTRICT that they are. Friday night started out rather slow…it was time for the Memorial Service and there was no minister, the talent for the evening was stuck in Chicago, the Scout Troup was late for the flag ceremony…we waited…and waited…finally the Scout Troup came in from Anoka (took them 4 hours).  The evening called for FLEXIBILITY (to adapt).  

      Our own PID Ross stepped up and gave the homily, ID Earnest Young said a few words and then finally about 8:30 our singer for the evening, Jamel Morson, got to the hotel and put on a spectacular half hour of song and testimony. 

      Could we have done anything about the chain of events of Friday evening?  No, we were all at the mercy of the weather. Was this the memorial service we had planned so long for?  No, but we were together remembering those Lions who served us so well. The Lions that could make it, made it …..Thank God everyone was safe.

      Saturday was a different story. Sun was shinning and it was a Great Day !  Cabinet meeting at 7:30 went off on time and set the day in motion with seminars at 9:00, Presidents Luncheon and then the Business meeting in the afternoon. At the business meeting we passed the dues increase of $2.00 per year for our District, and the Lions of District 5M5 gave PID Ross their endorsement for 2^nd Vice President of Lions International. The next step will be seeking the endorsement from the entire Multiple 5M in Brandon Manitoba on May 6. 

      Our Saturday Governors Banquet was wonderful.  Many of the District Governors that we serve with in the Multiple were there along with several of the Vice District Governors and their spouses, as well as two of our children and their spouses. International Director Ernest Young gave a wonderful talk on membership and leadership.  ID Young made sure he was available for questions during the seminars and at the business meeting. 

      The brunch on Sunday was amazing.  I had mentioned at several of the visits I had before the convention that the Plymouth club was going to issue a challenge to the other clubs to put in $1,000.00 to the Tsunami Relief  at the tail-twisting.  It was said that if your club would like to make a donation to the Tsunami Relief in $1,000.00 increments, this would qualify for a Melvin Jones.  YOU ARE TRULY AMAZING…..that morning, we took in $9,639.00.  This is over and above the other monies you gave….the total for the “Fruits of our Labors” was just under $100,000.00

      There are several people that I need to thank for the success of the convention, but when you start naming people, sure as heck you will miss someone….so, thank you to the convention committee, the master of ceremonies, the Lions that put on the seminars, our guest speakers (Eye Bank and Hearing Foundation), our International Director Ernest Young, PID Ross and Lion Lynda, to Lion Wayne Harkness and Lion Bob Jechorek….and most of all…….YOU !

      I welcome any feedback on the convention or if you have any questions or concerns, just call, write or e-mail…you will receive a response…

      Lion Karen and I have been to several other conventions in Multiple 5M. We have not been able to make them all but our brother Governors know that they have been in our thoughts.  It has been a hard month. You see, we lost one of our brother Governors, Lion Wes Sideen of District 5M6. His passing has left a void.  He was a gentleman and a wonderful Lion.  He will be missed.  Our friend Wes would say, “Make it a Great Day!”  Please do that . . . in memory of Wes.

Yours in Lionism,

DGOle

Although bad weather impacted attendance for Friday evening events at last month’s Mid-Winter Convention, the weather didn’t dampen the spirits of the Lions of 5M-5 at their gathering.

     Despite the heavy snowfall, weather reports indicate stars were shining brightly at the 2005 5M-5 Mid-Winter Convention.

First and fore-most was Gov. Ole Nelson who handled every unexpected aspect of his convention with his usual ease and good humor.  First Lady Karen proved to be the perfect partner-in ser-vice to Gov. Ole during his year as Governor.  What a great couple! You’re both terrific!

Int’l Director Ernest Young was friendly, re-laxed and easily accessible to all Lions and had a fine message at the Saturday evening banquet.  We are  grateful to have had him as our guest.

WooHoo! Kudos to the four outstanding Lions pictured below who received International Presi-dent Certificates of Achievement from Director Young.  These outstanding Lions are (L to R). . . .

Lions Kevin Walsh (Mpls. Hiawatha), Roger Badenhop (Hopkins Noon), Bernie Braegelmann (Hopkins Even-ing), and Jan Cariveau (Maple Grove) are all high achievers in their Lion clubs.   Congratulations, all!

Lion Alan Lindquist of the Rogers Lions Club whose masterful job as Master of Ceremonies during the Saturday evening Governor’s Banquet kept the crowd entertained, and occasionally in suspense as we wondered what would happen next.  Great job!

Vice Go-vernor Jack Hines was elevated to Gover-nor-elect following his election on Sat-urday.  

We wish Jack & Carol, the very best. 

Lion Bob Jechorek was elected 5M-5 Vice District Governor 2005-2006.  Lion Bob and his wife, Cheryl, will do a fine job.  Lion Bob and Lion Wayne are to be commended for the fine race they ran. 

    Lion Norm Gustafson, pictured above with Eileen Lutter, was the recipient of the John Lutter Memorial Award.  This award is given by the 5M-5 PDG Fellowship to a Lion who best represents the Lion values of Past Int’l. Director Lutter.  Lion Norm, a member of the Hopkins Lions Club for more than 60 years, was a do-er and many considered him the backbone of the club.  He was instrumental in starting the Christmas wreath project which was the major fundraiser of the club for many, many years.  He held numerous offices of his club and was named a Melvin Jones Fellow.  In addition to these activities, Norm was active with the Elks and in the Men’s Club at Gethsemane Lutheran Church of Hopkins. 

      Eileen Lutter, her son and daughter-in-law were present to see Norm get the award and were so happy with his selection.  Eileen said, “How wonderful for not only such a good Lion, but for such a dear friend to receive Johnny’s award..” 

      What a fitting tribute to an outstanding Lion.  Thank you, Lion Norm, for all of your years of service.  You are definitely a 365 days-a-year Lion, and to quote Eileen, “Johnny would be so proud!”

The results of the generous donations made by the clubs at the Sunday Brunch is listed below:

         Hearing Foundation                          $16,230

         Hearing/Service Dog                        $14,600

         Informer                                                $50

         Eye Bank/Children’s Eye Clinic        $23,600

         LCIF                                                 $6,000

         Leader Dog                                     $16,600

         Diabetes                                          $13,750

         Quest                                                $1,100

         Camp Courage                                     $600

         Restricted Funds                                  $800

To the Lions & Lioness of District 5M-5:  The Mid-Winter Convention was truly the place to be in January.  The Sheraton was a wonderful facility, good meals, good fellowship and hearing and seeing what we do first hand.

      It was a delightful surprise when DG Ole presented me with a beautiful plaque from District 5M-5 for my year of service as District Governor.  I am truly honored.  It was because of the clubs’ promptness in reports and dedication for the services of Lions International that I was able to earn the coveted 100% District Governor Award.  I applaud each and every one of you.       

      It was my honor to give out Certificates of Appreciation in two new categories.  One to the Bloomington Lions for establishing a program working with the blind, and the other to the Youth Exchange chair Lion Brenda Reeves. 

      Also, with information received from clubs, a Certificate of Appreciation was given to the Robbinsdale Lions for highest % net growth per member.  And to the Bloomington Lioness Club for the highest % volunteer hours per member.

      Last, but not least, a plaque to the Cabinet Treasurer Dave Apold, Cabinet Secretary Joan Andrew and Region Chair Bob Jechorek.  Each had difficulties to overcome and came through.  Thank you one and all for your support.

      Lions and Leos from 5M-5 will cross the river and join hands with their counterparts in District 5M-6 to sponsor a concert benefiting LCIF (Lions Clubs International Foundation).  The event will feature the Augsburg Centennial Singers in concert at Augsburg College.

      There are only 500 tickets available, 250 for each  district, and tickets cost $40.00 each.  Order forms were available at the Mid-Winter Convention.  When you order your tickets, enclose a check and self-addressed stamped envelope and the tickets will be mailed to you.  Tickets are available on a first come first served basis.

      Sponsorships to underwrite expenses of the concert will be available to clubs in 5M-5 & 5M-6.

      Immediate Past President and LCIF Chairman Dr. Tae-Sup Lee has agreed to attend the event and will accept a check on behalf of LCIF.  We are hoping to raise $20,000 that night.  Let’s have a great response from the Lions and Lioness of 5M-5 for LCIF.

      If you have questions in regard to the singers, the event or the program, contact VDG Jack Hines. 

The Rogers Royals Leos Club donated 4 benches to a Rogers senior housing project.  Money was raised by selling pop, candy, hot dogs, hamburgers at a softball tournament last summer at Rockin Rogers.  When talk about donating the bench at Autumn Trails came up, the Leos were excited to help out.  This was a very good project.   Way to go, Rogers Leos!  To view a picture of the Leo members on one of the new benches, open the newsletter as a pdf file by clicking here.

Member                   Club                           Sponsor      

Rick Bonine                   Plymouth Lions                Bonnie Deters
Mike Schik                    Plymouth Lions                  Kris St. Martin

DISTRICT 5M5 CALENDAR

Feb 27        Edina Lions/ABC Pancake Breakfast

Feb 28        Chanhassen Lions Official Visit

Mar 11       Hopkins Lions Spaghetti Dinner II

Mar 19       Hearing Centre/Eye Bank Spring Tour

Mar 20       Bloomington Lions Pancake Breakfast

                  Crystal Lions Pancake Breakfast

                  Mpls. Ft. Snelling Pancake Breakfast          

                  Osseo Lions Pancake Breakfast

                  St.Louis Park Pancake Breakfast

Apr 8          Brooklyn Center Lions 50^th Anniversary

Apr 9          North  Mpls Lions Pancake Breakfast

Apr 9          LCIF Benefit Concert Augsburg College

Apr 10        Hiawatha Pancake Breakfast

May 1         Hopkins Eve/Noon Club Spring Concert

May 15       Hopkins Eve Belgium Waffle Breakfast

by Roger Badenhop

      Shortly a notice and reply card will be sent to the secretaries of each club in MD5 regarding the Hearing Center and Eye Bank Tour.  The date for the Spring tour is March 19^th & the Fall Tour is November 19^th.

      The tour will include short presentations and demonstrations by physicians and researchers in the Eye Bank, the Children’s Eye Clinic, the Macular Degeneration Center and some of the labs in the 5M Hearing Center.  We invite you to come see and hear how your contribution dollars are being spent.

            The event starts at 9:00 am and concludes at 1:30 pm and includes a box lunch. Your club will receive this mailing shortly and the slots are filled on a first come basis so be prepared to return your reply card immediately.

*   *   *

"Wally the Lion is ready and willing to help you celebrate your festival, parade, or your special event!  Give Lion Leon a call at 763-427-8918.  Osseo Lions, 60 years of service – and having fun doing it!

      We lost a true friend and Lion in January from neighboring district 5M6, District Governor Wes Sideen.  DG Wes always challenged everyone he came in contact with “Dare to Dream”.  DG Wes was working on the LCIF BENEFIT CONCERT being held at Augsburg College, on Saturday April 9.  This concert meant a lot to him, and he Dared to Dream.

      By the time you read this newsletter Carol & I will have attended six midwinter conventions.  By attending these Conventions we get to see what other district do at their conventions.  We have also attended club meetings and pancake breakfasts.

      March 8 thru March 11 Carol & I have our last training for DG until we go to Hong Kong.  We start out with a tour of the Minnesota Eye Bank, Hearing Foundation, and the Diabetes Center.  We have been invited to sit in on the MD5M March 12 Council Meeting.

      Lions Club International is a great organization, so let’s take the advice of DG Wes and “DARE TO DREAM”.

                        Lion DG-elect Jack

It’s that time of year again!

           submitted by Lion Mike Gruidl    

      Many Lions clubs have had  Charles Lindberg as a guest speaker this past year.  Chuck is a World War II veteran and is most well-known as one of the original six Marines who raised  the American Flag  on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima.  The 60th anniversary of this historic event is  Wednesday, February 23rd. 

      Thanks to the efforts of some Eden Prairie Lions, Governor Tim Pawlenty  declared  the week of February 20 through February 26, 2005, as CHARLES W. LINDBERG WEEK  in the State of Minnesota.  Watch for articles about Chuck on the History Channel during the week.

by VDG-elect Bob Jechorek

      Join us May 5-7 at the 86^th Annual Multiple District 5M Convention! 

            The Multiple District convention is just around the corner, and it is a great opportunity to make new friends and renew acquaintances.  This year, the convention will be held in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, May 5-7, 2005 at the Keystone Center.  The convention will be hosted by Brandon area Lions. 

            The convention hotel is the Canad Inn, which is attached to the Keystone Center.  Room rates for regular rooms are $89.99 (CDN).  Each person is responsible for making their own room reservation.  The hotel phone number is 1-888-332-2623.  Mention account #10 when making your reservation.  RV parking facilities are available (including electricity and water) for $18/night.

            Hospitality books, which cover all meals and entertainment, are $99 (CDN).  Cancellations will be accepted before April 15, 2005, for a $20 charge.

            Make your plans to attend the convention now.  Below is a list of additional hotels in the area.

The Victoria Inn 3550 Victoria Ave. West 1-800-852-2710; The Royal Oak Inn & Suites 3130 Victoria Ave. W 1-800-852-2709; Lakeview Inn & Suites 1880-18th North 1-877-355-3500; Days Inn- Brandon 22130 Currie Blvd 1-888-213-2192; Colonial Inn 1944 Queens Ave. 1-800-665-6373
Redwood Inn 348 18th St. N. 1-877-728-2200; Comfort Inn 925 Middleton Ave. 1-204-727-6232; Super 8 1570 Highland Ave. 1-204-729-8975

·         Deadline for the April issue of The Informer is Monday, March 14^th.  Send articles or ads to me at informer@dfti.net  Please put LIONS in the subject line of email so I’ll know it’s not junk mail. 

·         Happy St. Urho Day to our Finnish Lions, and happy St. Patrick’s Day to all the Irish!

Yeah!  I posed for those cupid pictures.

Ya got a problem with that?

·         Please note:  If you have not scheduled your club’s visit from District Governor Ole, please do so as soon as possible in order to schedule a time convenient to your club.  Call Ole or Karen at 763-566-4925 or email them at oknelson@usfamily.net.

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