Membership Info - Contact Joe Sarafini (815) 275-8737 or Terry Anderson (815) 566-7977

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

2013 CANDY DAY PREPARATIONS

Lions Candy Day Jamboree

Lions will be roaming your neighborhood soon asking for Candy Day donations. On Tuesday, August 26, 2013, a contingent of Lions from Freeport Lions Club joined other Lions Clubs from District 1-D in Mount Morris IL for “Candy Day Jamboree”. Cases of the famous Lions flavored candy rolls and mints were distributed to the various District 1-D clubs in preparation for “Candy Day” to be held in October. Lions of Illinois Foundation Executive Director, Van Stone, provided entertainment as he explained the purpose of volunteers having fun while helping raise funds for people of all ages with vision and hearing impairments. Other clubs represented were from as far east as Belvidere and Kirkland to as far west as Prophetstown and East Dubuque.



Freeport Lions in their Candy Day vests and blues shirts are Dennis Zimmerman, Brian Burke, Darla VanBuskirk and Rich Montgomery. They are joined by District Governor Fred Peska and Gary (in costume) Meyers.

Lions Chase the Wolf


District 1-D Charity Golf Day

The Lions chased the Wolf on Thursday, August 8, 2013, when Lions District 1-D held its annual golf outing at Wolf Hollow Golf Course in Lena IL.  After a shotgun start with well wishes from District Governor Fred Peska, participants from many District clubs enjoyed a good day outdoors within sight of the Eco Grove Wind Farm in the nearby hills. Freeport Lions Club sent a foursome consisting of Lions Roland Caruso, Joe Serafini, Jack Grigsby and Terry Anderson. This foursome started their 18 holes on Tee Box 16, a par 4 hole. The weather started out in the low 70’s with no handicap, similar to the ambitions of most golfers’ scores. The team came in 2nd place at 7 under par, losing to the Roscoe Lions team and their score of 9 under par. A fun time was had by all.



Shown in their best humor BEFORE the first tee off are Freeport Lions Roland Caruso, Joe Serafini, Jack Grigsby and Terry Anderson. (photo Lion R. Montgomery)

Friday, August 9, 2013

LION TALK - AUGUST 2013



At the July 9, 2013, meeting a special program entitled “Affordable Healthcare” was presented by Stephen Lafferty, Lafferty Insurance Agency, Freeport IL (a division of Dimond Brothers Insurance, Paris IL). Mr. Lafferty explained the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA), and how it helps those who cannot afford health insurance or qualify for it because of pre-existing conditions. Some factors that can affect employee and individual coverage range from company size, hours worked, and various income levels. 

There was a brief but good question and answer exchange including specifics about state-funded insurance benefits in Illinois, as several members who are retired from the school system are affected.
 
The bottom line is that people who once could not afford or did not qualify for health insurance coverage will now be able to improve the quality of their lives. When the program becomes fully enforced in 2014, coverage for screening and devices for low vision and hearing-impairments, as well as dental services will be available to people of all levels of income in our society, not simply those who can afford it today. Staying informed on this very important topic is just one more way that “We Serve” as Lions. Members can email stephen.lafferty@dimondbros.com for additional information. Thank you, Lion Rick Eastman, for arranging this program for the club.
 
2013 Leadership Award
 

On July 9, 2013, Lion Terry Anderson, Immediate Past President, was presented with a “Leadership Award” plaque for “appreciation and recognition of outstanding club leadership and dedicated service as President” of the Freeport Lions Club during the fiscal year 2012-2013.

Freeport Lions Club Secretary, Joe Serafini, presents Immediate Past President, Terry Anderson, with the “Leadership Award” plaque.

 
 2013 Distinguished Service Award
On July 9, 2013, Lion Richard Montgomery was presented with a “Distinguished Service Award” plaque for “devoted service to our club and Lionism” during the Freeport Lions Club’s 2012-2013 fiscal year. Lion Montgomery composes/publishes the club’s Blog and Facebook pages, submits regular photos and articles for publication in local and Lions District news media, and undertook a successful “twinning” project together with members of the Lions Club in Katmandu, Nepal, coordinating efforts with the Lions Club International office.

Lion Montgomery also accepted a “100% Attendance” pin. Other Lions who received the same attendance award at the  June 25th meeting were Brian Burke, Roland Caruso, Rick Eastman, Kevin Grande, Troy Pettis, Paul Rampenthal, Rebecca Shriver, Duane Smith, Dave Snyders, Paul Tormohlen, Dennis Zimmerman, Terry Anderson, and Joe Serafini. No photos were available from that meeting. Great commitment to all!
Freeport Lions Club Secretary, Joe Serafini, presents 1st Vice President, Rich Montgomery, with the “Distinguished Service Award” plaque.

July 2013 Activities / Communications

Pink Heals Tour
Lion Richard Montgomery and wife, Andrea, attended several functions for the "Pink Heals" tour to spread the word about fighting cancer. The Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center held a dedication ceremony for donors of brick pavers in their "Garden Walk" on July 25, 2013. Lion Rich was asked to do a radio interview for one of the local radio stations, and told how the Freeport Lions Club serves the community by sponsoring efforts of businesses such as the cancer center on behalf of patients, survivors and those who have died. Pink-painted fire trucks and emergency vehicles travel across the USA to attract attention to the fight against cancer, and to give people a chance to sign each truck and meet the former firefighters who drive the vehicles and head up the program. Lion Rich (Andi) Montgomery are pictured with "John", one of the Pink Heals volunteers, an ex-fireman from Oklahoma.