LION TALK – April 2012

LION TALK - A Newsletter for the Freeport, Illinois Lions Club – April 2012

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District Governor Presentation

District Governor Paul Lindstrom (center in red sport coat) visited our club at the March 13th meeting. He challenged us to make every member feel important to the club. He also mentioned that so far our district has planted 346 trees with more this spring. Six point nine million have been planted world wide. Governor Lindstrom discussed the problem of membership. ln 1990 our state had about 25,000 members. ln2}12we have 17,000 memberships. Our district is the only district in the state with a positive membership number this year. There maybe changes coming in the number of districts in our state, as each district is supposed to have 1250 members. Some districts, particularly in the south, no longer have that number. We thank District Governor Lindstrom for his visit, his interesting information and his encouragement.

L-R seated: Lions Roland Caruso, Duane Smith, Rebecca Shrive, Darla VanBuskirk, Brian Burke, Paul Tormohlen; standing Joe Serafini, Rich Montgomery, David Snyders, Paul Rampanthal, Gov. Lindstrom, Bert Kersten, Dennis Zimmerman, Terry Anderson)

New Member Induction 

 New member Lion Roland Caruso (center) was officially inducted into the club and recognized by Lions Joe Serafini and District 1-D Governor Lindstrom.

Income to Help Us Serve Others

During the meeting Lion Terry Anderson passed out the summary report of the 2011 mint sales. The report included the summary for the past 5 years. The 2011 income amounted to $3522.25, one of the top collection years. and a very significant amount that funds our club's charitable activities. The Lion candy displays are in nearly every place of business in town which also publicizes the work of Lions. Thanks very much Lions Terry and Dennis Zimmerman for all your good work - great service which requires a great deal of time and effort.

Spreading The Word 

Special Thanks to Lions Montgomery and Anderson for the excellent display they created and displayed at the Stephenson County Visitors Center. It will also be displayed at the District Convention and at other places in the future. Thanks, good Lions.

Cancer Center Donation
Freeport Lions 2011-2012 President Bert and a group of other Lions presented Terry Egan, FHN Foundation Executive Director, a check for $3,000 as our club's contribution to the Ferguson Cancer Center fund drive for the Center expansion. This occurred on March 21^st. It is certainly a very worthwhile way to be of service to the people of our community and Northwest Illinois.

 Standing in front of the newly-constructed wing of the Ferguson Cancer Center with a check for $3,000 are Freeport Lions Rich Montgomery, Brian Burke, Darla VanBuskirk, Terry Anders, Bert Kersten, Roland Caruso, Rebecca Shriver, Paul Tormohlen, FHN Foundation Executive Director Terry Egan, Furst-McNess President and CEO Martha Furst, and FHN CEO Dr. Michael Perry

YMCA Programs Explained

Matt Mullen of the Freeport YMCA spoke to us at our March 27^th meeting. He is their Youth and Family Services Director. The "Y' is a great facility and offers many programs for all ages. We enjoyed Matt's visit. Lion Richard Montgomery arranged this month's informative program.

YMCA's Matt Mullen fields questions from Lions as Lions Joe Serafini, Paul Tormohlen, Duane Smith and Terry Anderson listen attentively.

Miscellaneous "Board' action of March 28th 

• Lion Paul Rampenthal informed us that we didn't win a weekend for the CUB FOOD BRAT STAND - better luck next year.
• Give Lion Dave Snyders your Sight and Sound Sweepstakes by April 10.
• Diabetes Awareness Week will be May 18 and 19.
• Hearing Screening van will be at the Senior Center May 23rd.
• We approved a motion to send the Lions Clubs International Foundation $350 for its Measles vaccination program.
• We voted to give John Deere Birdies for Charity 3 cents per birdie again this year, the same as last year.