"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.