Sight & Hearing Meeting/Tour November 2011

On the heels of a successful Lions Rose Day on October 29, Freeport Lions and guests had an opportunity to learn, first-hand, where Rose Day donations go.  The Center for Sight & Hearing, Rockford IL http://www.rockfordcenter.org/  hosted a dinner meeting and tour on November 8, 2011. CSH President, Diane Jones, said they employ a staff of 22 with doctorates, masters and bachelors degrees; all professionals with high desires and passions to improve lives of visually and hearing impaired people of all ages. She told of many heartwarming success stories, especially for children who may have heard their own footsteps, or saw shapes and faces clearly, for the very first time.

The CSH Computer Lab currently has 18 to 19 students from northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, and communities as far East as Crystal Lake and West to Freeport and Carroll County . Lab goals:

• Provide instruction to people who have vision loss and who are seeking employment or are employed and needing additional technology skills
• Teach impaired people to use verbal-to-text and text-to-verbal computer software; verbal command program global positioning systems (GPS), and verbal command telephones.
• Train visually impaired persons to use a number of different software programs such as “OpenBook” scanning and reading software, “Jaws” screen reading software, and “Dragon Naturally Speaking” verbally-activated software for those who cannot use a keyboard.
• Help people learn how to use email, perform Internet searches, and use word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software products.
• Assist with converting Braille to voice for business and personal uses.
• Provide off-site training throughout northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin in public libraries and schools if no computer is available in a person’s home.

Assistive Technology Specialist, Hina Altaf, briefs Betty Tormohlen, Rick Eastman, Paul Tormohlen, Dennis Zimmerman, Darla VanBuskirk and other Freeport Lions in the CSH Computer Lab.

 

The Center also provides impaired people with Home Training Services using teleconferencing and sign language when necessary. The Center's “Simple Solutions Center” has a multitude of products available for visually and hearing impaired people such as amplification/listening devices and phones; writing products, check writing guides and letter templates; magnification screens, closed circuit TVs, and handheld magnifiers; talking products such as timepieces and alarm clocks; and large print calendars and playing cards.

CSH President Jones conducted a tour of the Kitchen Training Facility, illustrating how they match people with comfort areas so they can learn how to identify switches, control knobs, etc. Raised surfaces, audible notification, bright colors, and contrast between light/dark are some of the methods utilized. Floor and countertop surface variations between smooth and rough denote nearness to hazards such as a range top. Large print or even Braille labels can be used to fit the degree of the impaired person's needs.

The Center graciously receives donations and gifts from various organizations. A particular one they are proud of is a wood relief by Blackhawk Woodcarvers that took 2 years to complete. Each square was carved by individual artists, assembled by the group, and then donated to the Center.

The Freeport Lions Club thanks Diane Jones and The Center for Sight & Hearing for their dedication and perseverance in enriching the lives of those less fortunate.

L-R, Rich Montgomery, Rick Eastman, Nick Thomas, Dennis Zimmerman, Bert Kersten, Roland Caruso, Darla VanBuskirk, Joe Serafini, Andi Montgomery, Brian Burke, Paul Rampanthal, Betty Tormohlen, Paul Tormohlen, Diane Jones, Center for Sight & Hearing President, Anita Caruso, Nancy Serafini

November 2011 Lion Talk

LION TALK - A Newsletter for the Freeport, Illinois, Lions Club - November, 2011

Wind Energy Roars

Our speaker for our October 11th meeting was Dave Vrtol, Wind Turbine Technology Instructor, Highland Community College. Their program began with a $1,000,000 grant from the National Science Foundation is meant to serve as a model to start similar programs at other colleges. The HCC program is going well. Graduates are finding job opportunities in many states. Over the last 3 years, 34 of 44 graduates gained steady employment; 10 of them are local jobs in Northwestern Illinois.

(Dave Vrtol, Wind Tech Instructor and Club President Bert Kersten)

            There is great potential for wind energy-related industries and jobs in our area and throughout the world. The biggest challenge has been the struggling economy. For farmers who choose to have one or more towers on their property, however, Dave noted it is a like another cash crop, earning farmers up to $4,500 per turbine, per year, regardless of the weather.

            The turbines themselves are costly to install Therefore, they are programmed to shut themselves down if wind gets above 44 mph. Also, if one blade goes bad, they must replace all 3 blades which can cost upwards of $700,000.. Dave invited us out to see the facility at H.C.C. We should make the most of the opportunity. Thanks, Lion Brian Burke, for arranging a very interesting program and speaker.

Rose Day

Fourteen Lions met at Lion Paul Tormohlen's business early on Saturday, to get roses for delivery. At that time we had sold 560 dozen roses of the 600 dozen we had ordered. Lion Joe Serafini will give his final report soon. Thanks again to Lion Joe for all his work to manage our major fundraising project. Great job!

(L-R, Drivers Rampanthal, Snyders, Montgomery, Kryder, Zimmerman, Serafini, Anderson)

We also make special note of Lion Steve Kryder who comes back each year from Peoria to help, and also, former Lion Jeff Cowman helps deliver every year as well. We appreciate and need your help. Thanks to drivers Carter, Cowman, Thomas, Smith, Montgomery, Rampenthal, Grigsby, Kryder, Serafini, Anderson, Snyders, Burke, Zimmerman and Kersten.

November Outing

Our club will visit the Center for Sight and Hearing in Rockford IL November 8^th.. The plan is to meet at the Eagle's Club at 5:15 p.m. to carpool. A dinner will be served at 6:30 PM followed by a tour of the facility. The tour will last about 45 minutes. Spouses and quests are most welcome. We'll see you there.

Like Us On Facebook

Our club switched into 21st century technology by developing an Internet Facebook site for Freeport IL Lions Club over the past several months. Lions Clubs around the world are being encouraged to move in the direction of social media as another means of reaching out to more people. Many thanks, Lion Richard Montgomery,  for your efforts. If you have a Facebook account, you can read our Club’s pages at this web link: https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Freeport-IL-Lions-Club/181458685261615  This site is updated periodically with local and worldwide Lions news and information.

Log into Our Blog

The general public can also check out a reproduction of our Club’s monthly “Lion Talk” at our new blog site: http://freeportlionsclub.blogspot.com/ This site is updated once a month and includes a summary of the previous month’s Club business.

Gift Received

We were pleased to receive a gift of $200 from Lion Lilian Osran last month to purchase eye glasses for those in need. The gift was in memory of her husband Lion Dr. Ed Osran. Lion Dr. Ed was a long time and very active member of our club and one of the top all time salesman for roses each year. We miss Lion Ed and miss his wit and high ideals that kept us focused to serve the less fortunate. Thanks Lion Lil for the memorial.

Upcoming Dates

• Nov 08 Center for Sight & Hearing tour/dinner meeting
• Nov 21 Zone Meeting- Pearl City
• Nov 22 6PM Board Meeting
• Nov 23 7:00 - Regular Meeting
• Dec 12 AII Service Club Luncheon
• Dec 13 Holiday Party
• Dec 25 Merry Christmas
• Dec27 NO MEETING - Have a safe and Happy New Year

September 2011 Lion Talk

Our September 13 meeting was somewhat different.

We met first at 5:15PM at the Leonard Ferguson Cancer Center for a tour. Employees Michelle Golz and Ben Fellows split us into two groups for tours of the facility. (photo: Michelle and Lion President Bert Kersten stand beside the building expansion plans)

Many thanks to Michell and Ben for explaining the diagnostic and treatment methods and equipment, as well as outlining the facility's expansion plans. (photo: Ben explains a radiation therpy control room panel)

Following the tour we went to the Eagle’s club where the regular meeting took place at the usual 7:00PM time. Our guest speaker for the evening program was Sheryl Wolf, Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, Freeport Hospital Network. 

(photo: Sheryl holds a teddy bear made from clothes of a special family member) From infants to the elderly, Hospice is a family-orinted program aimed at bringing comfort to families of the seriously ill. Sheryl's program sponsor was Lion Nick Thomas. Everyone enjoyed this informative meeting. Winner of the 50/50 drawing was Joe Serafini.

District Governor Paul Lindstrom sent his newsletter which informed us that for the second year in a row our area has received a Disaster Relief Grant from Lions International for the recent flood damage received. This year the areas of East Dubuque, Galena, Hanover, Pearl City and Savanna were hardest hit by the torrential rains. Lion Governor Lindstrom noted that you often hear that Lions International never does anything for us, but this proves, once again, that this comment is not valid. This area and this club has received help when needed two consecutive years.

District Awards have been awarded for last year. Did you realize, our club received a “4 Star” rating which is very good? Past President Lion Darla Van Buskirk received a 100% President award for her good work last year, and Lion Joe Serafini received a 100% Secretary award again. Lion Joe does a great job every year. Congratulations Lions Darla and Joe. Congratulations all Freeport Lions for your help in making this a great club.

Our Board voted to grant $120 to a program called “Keepers of the Land”, a cooperative program of the University of Illinois and the Freeport Park District for all third graders, taking place at Oakdale or White Eagle nature areas.

Continuing along the nature line — our District 1D pledged to plant 100 trees as part of the Lions International goal to plant 1,000,000 trees. Lions Montgomery and Van Buskirk will check with the Park District to see if they need trees, and will research forestry suppliers.

Mark October 7 & 8 on your calendar as this year’s “Candy Day.” Lion Terry Anderson will check to see if a group of Freeport High School students might be available to help. FHS has been a great help to us in recent years.

Our Board granted Lion Terry authority to authorize eye exams at Wal-Mart or ShopKo if needed since free eye exams are not being given due to Dr. Wadhwa’s retirement. We hope his replacement (Dr. lsawa) will start free eye exams again.

Lion Kevin Grande is working on establishing a club website, the costs etc. Our district is also suggesting “Facebook’ and this blog by Lion Montgomery as mediums to attract new members. Social media and the world-wide web have generated interest in joining Lions in other communities.

Lions Rose Day is October 29, 2011. One dozen roses may be purchased for $18.00 from any member or by mailing a check and the Freeport Journal Standard newspaper ad to: Lions Roses, 2225 Mallard Dr., Freeport IL 61032

HISTORICAL INTEREST: From our Newsletter of September, 1986: Rose Day was held October 25 in conjunction with the Noon Lions Club. Orders were placed by October 10, ordered from Colorado at a cost $5.75 per dozen, and sold $10.00 per dozen.

This blog is respectfully submitted by Lion Rich Montgomery.

"Lion Talk" August 2011 - A Newsletter for the Freeport, Illinois, Lions Club

July 2011 Wrap-up

At our July 12 regular meeting Lion President Bert reminded us that we will need programs for the first meetings of each month. Lion Rick Eastman informs us that he has a program for our August 9 meeting. Dr. Matt Marine of Chiroworks will speak to us about developments in his profession.

At our July 26 board meeting Lion Anderson informed us that Dr. Wadhwa was leaving the clinic in November. He will be replaced, but Lion Terry doesn’t know if the new doctor will continue the 1/2 day of free eye exams each month. In the meantime, he may need to allow a few eye exams for those in need. The board approved needed exams.

Lion Grande has been checking out “websites” and believes it should not cost too much for us to have one. Some other clubs do. He will continue to explore the matter.

Lion Serafini reminded us that the annual Rose Day sale is drawing near. He has checked with the Journal Standard and they will allow us free ads up to $550. Great for Them! Lion Joe will have tickets and past sales lists for us at the next meeting. He would like all good Lions to consider being a driver to help deliver roses on Rose Day, October 29. The more drivers we have the shorter the routes can be for all. Some routes have been getting too long.

The board approved renewing our little advertising spot at the Stephenson County Visitors Center. The cost is $80 each year. Lions Anderson, Grigsby and Serafini will also work on refurbishing our benches around town. Good for them! The benches need work and do reflect our club image. The board reviewed the policy that a current member will receive a free meal when they bring a possible new member to a meeting. It was agreed to continue that policy.

Past District Governor, Duane Shaw, Warren IL, was our guest speaker at our July 26 meeting. Lion Duane gave us a run down of basic club organization, officers and their duties, and our important foundations that do much of our charitable work, world wide. Lions of Illinois Foundation (LIF), Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) and Center for Sight and Hearing (CSH) were all explained. Thanks, PDG Duane, for reviewing the basic structure of Lions.

Mark Your Calendars

President Bert has made arrangements that our November 8 meeting will be held at the Center for Sight and Hearing in Rockford. We will have dinner and a conducted tour of the facility. You will find this a most interesting evening. Guests will be most welcome. Bring your spouse, friend or a possible member.

How To Join Freeport Lions Club

Would You Like to be a Lion? If you are interested in knowing more about the Freeport Lions Club, we will send you a free informational brochure. Simply fill out the following information for us.

NAME:                                                                                                          

ADDRESS:                                                                                                    

PHONE:                                                                                                         

EMAIL:                                                                                                          

Please print and mail to:

Freeport Lions Club -

2225 Mallard Drive -

Freeport, IL 61032

Or email the information to: rm61087@hotmail.com

FREEPORT LIONS CONTRIBUTE TO THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS

• Lions of Illinois Foundation
• Freeport Little League
• Freeport Senior High School
• Lincoln Douglas Debate Society
• The Salvation Army
• Sight First 2
• RAMP
• Malcolm Eaton
• Freeport Arts Center
• Center for Sight and Hearing
• University of Illinois Youth Program
• Leader Dog for the Blind School
• Illinois Eye Research Center
• Freeport Park District
• Stephenson County Historical Society
• Lions Club International Foundation
• Freeport Area Church Cooperative
• All Veterans Memorial Park
• FHN Festival of Trees
• Mother Hubbard’s Kiddie Cupboard
• FHS District 145 Vision Screening Equipment

FREEPORT LIONS CLUB PARTICIPATED IN RECENT COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

• Provided funds and labor for a handicapped-accessible playground in Read Park which continues to grow.
• Provides free prescription glasses for those in need, especially school aged children.
• Freeport Lion Dr. V. K. Wadhwa conducts free monthly eye vision testing.
• Promotes Diabetes Awareness in cooperation with the American Diabetes Association.
• Sponsors a Little League Team.
• Contributes to the Center for Sight and Hearing located in Rockford which serves our area.
• Provides free Diabetic Retinopathy/Macular Degeneration Screening.
• Provides free Hearing Screening.
• Collects and recycles used eye glasses / hearing aids for use by the poor throughout the world.
• Sponsors children to Camp Lions — camp for sight and hearing impaired children
• Purchased a Color Electronic Magnifier for the visually impaired in our community.
• Contributed to the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Site Development project.
• Participates in Lions of Illinois Foundation Candy Day.
• Sponsors annual Rose Day - our major fundraising project.
• Sponsors ongoing Lions Mint Sales fundraising project.
• Donated funds to support the Tyler Justice Center.
• Provides college scholarships for graduating high school seniors who plan to attend Highland Community College.
• Sponsors NIE (Newspapers in Education).
• Sponsors a Peace Poster Contest in conjunction with Lions International.
• Provided financial aid to needy citizens through LCIF (Lions Club International Foundation) Flood Disaster Relief.
• Rings the Bell annually for the Salvation Army.
• Sponsors the Lions Quest Program in schools to promote Drug Awareness.

New Officers Installed

The June 28 meeting was our Installation of Officers and Guest Night. The social hour was at 6 p.m. with a buffet meal at 6:30. Second Vice District Governor, Fred Peska, Cedarville Lions Club, was the installing officer. New member, Brian Burke, was initiated into our club and was sponsored by Lion Rick Eastman.  

Annual Golf Outing Held

Our 2011 annual golf outing and steak fry was June 14. Three foursomes participated in the best ball format. Enjoying the outing were: Jack Grigsby, Leo Bonin, Terry Anderson, Joe Serafini, Paul Tormohlen, Rick Eastman, Nick Thomas, Paul Rampanthal, Rich Montgomery, Nelson Julius and Roland Caruso.

New Members Announced

Freeport Lions Club welcomes its new members, Brian Burke and Rebecca Shriver. Brian, son of former Lion Tom Burke, is a graduate of SIU-Carbondale and works with the family at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home. Rebecca is long-time and well-known speech therapist for School District 145. We welcome you both.

Monthly Meetings

The Freeport Lions Club meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday each month at 6:30 p.m. in the Eagles Club, 1200 West Galena Avenue, Freeport, Illinois. The 4th Tuesday meeting is preceeded by a Board Meeting. Call one of the officers listed in the "about me" section of this blog if you are interested in becoming a member.