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.