2013 CHRISTMAS GREETINGS FROM KATHMANDU

Dear Lion Richard,

It is our great pleasure to share our club activities with you and your club.

 

We just distributed some food to an orphanage home in Kathmandu.

 

And our Past Multiple Council Chairperson Lion Ram Bhandari Chhetri PMJF had participated in these program.

Please, giving our best wishes to you & all members. HAPPY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR 2014.

Thank you so much.

Best Regards,
Lion Sunit Shrestha
International Relationship Chairperson
Lions Club of Kathmandu Gliese
Putalisadak-33, Kathmandu, Nepal

The email above was received by Lion Richard Montgomery, Freeport Lions Club, on December 23, 2013. We Serve.

GARLAND FROM GLASSES

 LIONS CLUB TREE garland made from collection of OVER 300 PAIRS used glasses, ornaments from rolls of mints that we sell, paper roses represent the 600 dozen real ones we sell each October, and a year's worth of saving lion toys found in local thrift shops - WE SERVE to improve quality of life for the visually- and audibly-impaired. Join Lions and have some fun helping the less-fortunate!

Lions Terry Anderson, Rich Montgomery (kneeling) and Troy Pettit decorate for the FHN Festival of Trees.

Vote for our tree as the PEOPLES' CHOICE AWARD. Voting began December 8th.

BELLS, CHOIRS & MAGIC

December 7 Bell Ringers

Freeport Lions Club volunteers braved freezing temperatures and rang the bell while collecting donations in the red kettle for The Salvation Army in front of Sullivan's Foods.

December 9 All Service Luncheon

Freeport Lions Club gathered at the Masonic Temple ballroom with fellow community service organizations such as Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs at the Salvation Army's annual All Service Recognition Luncheon. Lion Darla VanBuskirk took attendance at the entry table, and our club president, Paul Rampanthal, sat at the head table acting as master of ceremonies. After a light lunch, the talented Freeport High School Choir entertained with Christmas carols. About $1300 in donations were collected for the Salvation Army when the baskets were passed around.

December 10 Annual Christmas Party

We look forward to our annual Christmas party on December 1Oth at the Freeport Eagles' Club. We will meet at 6:00 PM for a social time with a buffet meal being served at 6:30PM. We will be entertained following our meal by Magician Cy Crothers. Lion Roland Caruso has been in charge of arrangements. Thank you Lion Roland.

 

 

2013 PEACE POSTER CONTEST WINNER

Middle School Student Places in District Art Contest

 



Terry Anderson, Freeport Lions Club, Nick Swords, Freeport Middle School Principal, contest winner Laila Al-Shwaili, 6^th Grade Student/Artist, and Melinda Cook, Art Teacher.

Freeport Lions announced the end of 2013 District 1-D Peace Poster Contest, "Our World, Our Future",  and subsequent award of 2nd Place Winner awarded to 6th grade Freeport Middle School student, Laila Al-Shwaili. The award presentation took place on the morning of December 5, 2013, during a 6^th grade assembly in front of Laila’s fellow students who broke into applause when Principal Nick Swords made the announcement. Art teacher, Melinda Cook, said that she is very proud of her student’s thoughts and efforts put into this winning poster.

The artist's beautiful poster depicts a heart-shaped earth floating on a field of twinkling stars and wrapped in a ribbon of flags from different nations.

 

The Freeport Lions Club congratulates Laila Al-Shwaili and all Freeport students who submitted their artwork for evaluation and judging. The poster was chosen by Lions District 1-D judges from 9 finalist posters submitted by Lions clubs throughout northwest Illinois. Congratulations!

PAUL TORMOHLEN PASSES HIS TORCH

We received sad news at the end of last week. Senior member, Paul Tormohlen, died suddenly. He was active in many community service and fundraising projects, most recently volunteering to collect donations for visually- and audibly-impaired people on our annual Candy Day on October 5th, 2013, in front of Sullivan's Foods. Following is Lion Paul's complete obituary.


Lion Paul with fellow Lion Troy Pettis in front of Sullivan's Foods


PAUL HARVEY TORMOHLEN FREEPORT - Friday, November 29, 2013, Paul Harvey Tormohlen put his hand in God's and walked into Glory, just the way he walked here on earth, trusting his heavenly Father completely. Paul was born Feb 21, 1923, in Kansas City Mo. The third son of the Rev. Harvey F. Tormohlen and Beatrice (Wilcox) Tormohlen, Paul was predeceased by his older brothers D. Phillip and J. William Tormohlen. The family moved to the Rockford area in 1926. Paul graduated from East High School in 1940 and attended the University of Illinois before he entered the Army in 1943. He was stationed in the South Pacific, seeing action in the Mariana, Philippine, and Okinawan Islands. Upon his honorable discharge, Paul resumed his automotive career, which began May 15, 1940 with Roy Carlson Hudson in Rockford. In 1947, he opened Hudson Beloit Company in South Beloit IL, becoming the youngest Hudson Dealer in North America. Upon the demise of Hudson Motor Corp., he founded PT Auto Sales, a used car dealership on 6th Street in Rockford. It was then that he met the Love of his Life, Betty J. Magnuson. They were married September 8, 1956 at Zion Lutheran Church in Rockford. Paul closed PT Auto Sales and managed several dealerships in Rockford and Decatur before becoming the General Manager of Bachrodt Chevrolet in Freeport in February of 1972. In 1976, he purchased the dealership from Lou Bachrodt III with his friend Virgil Bocker. Tormohlen Bocker Chevrolet was the 8th dealership in the Nation to receive Chevrolet's highly coveted Service Supremacy Award. In 1983, Paul sold his share of the dealership to Virgil and purchased the Chrysler franchise in Freeport. Tormohlen Motor Sales was an award winning, family run dealership and a staple in the Freeport business community for 20 years. The Tormohlen's continued in the used car business, operating Tormohlen's Good People Automotive in Freeport and Monroe WI. Paul actively worked in the business until his death. Thousands of customers and many employees benefitted from his strong belief in ethical behavior and top notch customer service. Faith in God was paramount in Paul's life. He always kept a Bible in his desk, and referenced it frequently. He was a 40 year member of First Lutheran Church in Freeport where he enjoyed regular fellowship and Bible Study. Paul believed in helping others, and was very active in a number of service clubs. He was a 49 year member of the Lion's club, having helped build their Center for the Sight & Hearing in Rockford IL. He opened his automotive shop every year for Rose Day so Freeport Lions could sort hundreds of dozens of roses into delivery routes.  He was also a member of the YMCA Men's Club, Freeport Shrine Club, High Twelve Club, the Freeport Chamber of Commerce, the YMCA Board of Directors, the Illinois Automobile Dealers Association Insurance Trust Board, and the Hudson Essex Teraplane Antique Auto Club where he was a Past National Director. Paul became a Mason in 1969, and was active in both the Scottish and York Rites. He was a 32nd degree Mason. Paul had many hobbies and interests. He was a member of the Civil Air Patrol in the 1950's, and rekindled his love of flight when he again earned his pilot's wings in 1978. He owned several airplanes with Virgil Bocker. He loved antique cars, particularly Hudsons, and enjoyed attending car shows and meets where he could reminisce with fellow enthusiasts. He had several old Hudsons in his garage at the time of his death. Paul also enjoyed fishing and camping, taking many memorable family and "boys" trips over the years.

Third from left at 2010 Lions Golf Outing

He was an enthusiastic golfer, but enjoyed his fellowship with his golf buddies more than his score. Paul is survived by his loving wife, of 57 years, Betty; his two sons, Gordon (Lauri) and Thomas Tormohlen; grandchildren, Barrick and Karina Tormohlen, all of Freeport; and many beloved Nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Thursday, December 5, 11 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 303 South Galena Ave., Freeport. The Rev. Keith Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 4, from 3 to 7 p.m. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home, and December 5, from 10 a.m. until time of service at First Lutheran Church. Burial will take place at Burritt Township Cemetery in Winnebago County. A memorial fund has been established. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign his online guestbook and to share memories. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/journalstandard/obituary.aspx?pid=168313847#sthash.JTOfANsl.dpuf

NOVEMBER 12. 2013, LIONS DEN TOPICS

NEW MEMBER BOYER INDUCTED

Last month Liz Boyer, Information and Resources Specialist with RAMP, attended one of our meetings as a guest of past president Terry Anderson to see what Lions do and to see if she might like to join. At the November 12, 2013, meeting, Lion Liz Boyer took the oath and was inducted into the Lions International organization by District 1D Governor, Fred Peska. She was presented with her gold vest and member pin by her sponsor, Lion Terry Anderson. Congratulations and Welcome Aboard, Lion Boyer!

Newly inducted Lion Liz Boyer shows off her new vest and first membership pin as her Lions Terry Anderson and District 1D Governor, Fred Peska, cheer her on. Welcome, Liz!

GUEST SPEAKER LAMBERT, SENIOR CENTER

Guest speaker for the 11/12/13 meeting was Susan Lambert, Executive Director for the Senior Resource Center (SRC). Susan briefed the members on all that the staff of the SRC do on a daily basis. From advising seniors on healthcare issues and Medicare enrollment, to eldercare abuse cases, to transporting them door-through-door not just door-to-door, the staff of SRC go the extra mile to ensure quality of life for seniors in both Stephenson and JoDaviess Counties. The Stephenson SRC is located inside the Lincoln Mall on West Galena Avenue. The JoDaviess office is located in the middle of downtown Galena.

The SRC has two buses equipped with lifts/ramps for seniors in wheelchairs. The buses make about 9,000 pick-ups a year throughout both counties. Just last month one of the buses was out of commission for a new transmission ($4,000) and a new wheelchair lift ($1,000) at the same time. Because the SRC is funded by Illinois state grants and donations, unexpected expenses like these can place severe stress on an already tight budget.

Lions Club President Paul Rampenthal presents guest speaker Susan Lambert, Senior Resource Center, with a token Lion ink pen as thanks for her informative presentation.  Lion Rich Montgomery arranged the program. We hope Susan will join us again, perhaps as a Lion herself.

BARQ – BARQ – BARQ!!!

Lions District 1D Governor, Fred Peska, and District 1D First Lady, Sharon Peska visited our meeting to promote their 2013-1014 fundraising project, Leader Dogs for the Blind. In honor of DG Peska’s project, Freeport Lion, Troy Pettit, surprised the DG and First Lady by presenting them with two decorated Barq’s (barks) bottles made to look like furry dogs.

 

For more information on District Governor Peska’s Leader Dog promotion, visit  the District 1D website: http://www.district1dlions.org

Lions Fed and Sharon are traveling around the District with a rather LARGE jar, asking for your small change to help him achieve one of their dreams. They to see District 1D raise $25,000, just about enough money year to pay for one Leader Dog.

Approximately $60 was raised through Freeport Lions Club member donations at the 11/12/13 meeting.

A DOLLAR A DAY FEEDS A LEADER DOG -

 

Lion Darla Buskirk distributed Leader Dog for the Blind coin saver cards to each member to collect quarters for additional donations for DG Peska’s Project. This is how they should look - FULL - before they are turned in.

 

 

Next regular meeting is scheduled for November 26, 2013, at 6 p.m. at the Freeport Eagles Club on West Galena Avenue. Plan to attend, and bring a guest to dinner. The Board meets at 5:30 p.m. Come early and socialize with another Lion.

 

 

 

 

LION TALK - NOVEMBER 2013

OCTOBER 8th GUEST SPEAKER - Lion Roland Caruso introduced our guest speaker for the evening, Tom Willison. Tom is an active member of our local Toastmasters Club. The Toastmasters formed to help its members become better public speakers which in turn helps them be more effective communicators in their workplace and community. Tom gave a great talk and we thank Lion Roland for making the arrangements.

 

GUESTS ALWAYS WELCOME - On October 22nd Lion Terry Anderson introduced his guest, Liz Boyer, Information & Resource Specialist with RAMP (Regional Access & Mobilization Project), who joined us for the October 22 dinner meeting just to see and hear what our club does in the community and around the globe. We welcomed Liz, hope she considers joining our club, and give her an application that we hope she returns.

VISION CENTRAL - Lion Joe Serafini reported that he, along with Char Goode, Vision Impaired/Mobility & Orientation Teacher, took a Lincoln-Douglas School 3rd grader to Rockford for an eye exam on 11/8 to a low-vision screening from the Center for Sight & Hearing in Rockford IL. The program is supported by the Lions of Illinois Foundation (LIF). It was thrilling to see our good work come to fruition as this young girl received a free screening, immediate equipment such as a monocular and a lighted magnifier, and get new eyeglasses all within 30 days. It was Lionism in action, and we should all be proud! The student will now receive glasses and also received vision assisting devices. Many thanks Lion Joe for your concern and effort. If you know someone whose quality of life could benefit from vision or hearing devices, but whose financial situation severely restricts obtaining one, please contact one of our members as shown in the margin of this blog.

EYEGLASSES DONATED – The Club received a “thank you” letter from Lions Illinois Foundation Executive Director, Van C. Stone, thanking us for our recent donation of 520 pair of eyeglasses. These glasses are donated by people throughout our community. Donation drop boxes are located in strategic public gathering places such as clinics, banks, nursing homes, etc. Used hearing aids are also accepted.

HEARING AID REQUEST FULFILLED - Lion Terry Anderson says our Club paid around 50% of the total cost, and the Quota Club also paid ½ of the total cost of a hearing aid for an anonymous recipient. If you know someone whose quality of life could benefit from vision or hearing devices, but whose financial situation severely restricts obtaining one, please contact one of our members as shown in the margin of this blog.

ROSE DAY Chairman, Lion Joe Serafini, reports that at this writing Rose Day sales were slightly better than last year. He will offer a detailed report in the near future. Thanks to all good salesmen and saleswomen and also to our drivers who rose early on October 26"' and devoted hours to drive the miles and make the delivery of all our roses. The roses were beautiful as usual.

CANDY DAY Chairman, Terry Anderson reported a record collection for our October 4th and 5th Candy Days. The club, with the help of the thirteen Freeport High School Student Council student volunteers, collected over $2000. Sixty per cent of the total will be sent to the Lions of Illinois Foundation with the remainder staying with our club for our local projects. Thanks to all who worked, especially our student helpers, and, of course, to Lion Terry for all his effort. He gets a gold star on his report card.

CAR SHOW - Lion Rick Eastman reported that the “Cruizin’ For a Cause” event committee has worked out many details for a car show. They received an event application and completed the necessary paperwork. Union Dairy sponsors paid for the application. Plans are for a Saturday, May 10^th date with a $10 registration fee. Tickets for the event’s 50/50 drawing should go on sale around January 1, 2014. District Governor, Fred Peska, said he would like to have Leader Dog Program puppies as an event display. The show should not require a very large work force. Rick will keep us all informed.

 

_______________________________________________________

“I think I'm going to Katmandu, that's really, really where I'm going to. If I ever get out of here, that's what I'm gonna do.”

 -- Bob Seger, Katmandu

_______________________________________________________

Kathmandu Lions stand under framework where a new temple roof is ready to be installed.

IF I EVER GET OUT OF HERE… - Lion Richard Montgomery forwarded an e-mail message with many photos that he received on the internet from Sunit Shrestha, and members of our twin Lions Club in Kathmandu, Nepal. The message told of the many good things the Kathmandu-Gliese Lions Club has done recently. They built a roof for a temple, continued construction on the floor and painted the wall.

Picture of completed new roof

They also contributed to the local school to make extra classrooms and distributed food, clothing and school supplies for underprivileged students. They obviously are a very active club and doing many good things.

It was nice to see the many happy faces of the children in the photos receiving their sweets treats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLUB AWARDS - At our October 22d meeting President Rampenthal had the honor of presenting a District 1-D 100% President Award to immediate Past President, Terry Anderson.  Paul also presented a 100% Secretary’s Award to our club secretary Joe Serafini. Our club also received a 100% club award for last year. Congratulations to good Lions Anderson and Serafini. The recognition was well-deserved.

 

HOCKEY OUTING SCHEDULED - The sign-up sheet for the February 22nd ICE HOGS game was again passed. Tickets are fifteen dollars of which five dollars will go to District 1-D. President Paul Rampenthal says to sign up if you interested in tickets. He needs to let Past District Governor, Paul Lindstrom, know our numbers by November 1st. It'll be fun, just like last year.

BELL RINGERS - We will again ring the bell for the Salvation Army red kettle. This year it will be December 7^th from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sullivan's Market. The Shopko was bell-ringing opportunity was already taken by another group. A sign-up sheet will be passed around at the 11/26 meeting.

HEALTH FAIR FOLLOW-UP - We received a letter thanking us for our participation from the Freeport Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Thanks Lions Rich Montgomery and Troy Pettis for setting up our table that day and answering questions for the public. The Rehab Center asked for any suggestions for next year, and also if we plan to participate. The Board discussed the matter and will reply to their inquiry, but will hold off committing resources to a 2014 event until a later time.

ZONE MEETING – More to follow at later date. A Zone Meeting is scheduled for 11/11 in Forreston. Freeport Lion, Darla VanBuskirk, will be there as Zone Chairman. Freeport Lions Brian Burke, Troy Pettis, Terry Anderson, and Paul Rampenthal also plan to attend.

LION DUANE'S NOTABLE QUOTABLES:

Did you hear that they have dumb blonde "guy" jokes now?
“A blonde guy shouts frantically into the phone, "My wife is pregnant and her contractions are only two minutes apart!"
"Is this her first child?' asks the Doctor.
“No!" he shouts, "This is her husband!"

(groan)

* "Some never learn to relax - others never learn anything else.” - Arnold H. Glasow

* “It doesn't require the Darwinian Theory - men make monkeys of themselves.” - Arnold H. Glasow

* A good nun once said, "Before you speak consider three things. Is it true, is it kind and is it necessary?"

Online sites: (click link on or copy into browser window)

BLOGGER: https://freeportlionsclub.blogspot.com/

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/FREEPORTLIONS 

CALENDAR DATES TO REMEMBER

11/11 - Zone Meeting @ Forreston 7PM

11/12 - 6:00PM Regular Meeting

11/26 - 5:30PM Board Meeting
11/26 - 6:30PM Regular Meeting
12/7 - Salvation Army Bell Ringing
12/9 - All Service Club Luncheon
12/10 - Holiday Christmas Party
12/25 - MERRY CHRISTMAS
01/01/14 - HAPPY NEW YEAR

Invite a guest to a Lion's dinner meeting. 

2013 PEACE POSTER CONTEST

 

Local Peace Poster Contest

Our local Peace Poster Contest efforts in Freeport, Illinois, continue at Tri-County Christian and Freeport Middle Schools.

DID YOU KNOW that District 323D2 Lions (India) held a mega Peace Poster Contest with more than 39,500 students participating? (Facebook October 31, 2013, LCl)

An Annual Art Contest for Kids

Each year, Lions clubs around the world proudly sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in local schools and youth groups. This art contest for kids encourages young people worldwide to express their visions of peace. For 25 years, more than eight million children from nearly 100 countries have participated in the contest.
The theme of the 2013-14 Peace Poster Contest is "Our World, Our Future." Students, ages 11, 12 or 13 on November 15, are eligible to participate.

Promoting the Arts

Each year's art contest for kids consists of an original theme incorporating peace. Participants use a variety of mediums, including charcoal, crayon, pencil and paint, to express the theme. The works created are unique and express the young artists' life experiences and culture.

Spreading Peace and International Understanding

Twenty-four international Peace Poster entries are selected each year, representing the work of approximately 400,000 young participants worldwide. Posters are shared globally via the Internet, the media and exhibits around the world.

Peace Poster Contest Judging

Each poster is judged on originality, artistic merit and expression of the theme.

Posters advance through several judging levels: local, district, multiple district and international. At the international level, judges from the art, peace, youth, education and media communities select one grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners.

Peace Poster Contest Awards

International winners will be notified on or before February 1.

• One international grand prize winner will receive US$5,000 and a trip to a special award ceremony with the sponsoring club president and two family members at Lions Day with the United Nations (subject to change).

• Each of the 23 merit award winners will receive a cash award of US$500 and a certificate of achievement.

Peace Poster Contest Past Winners

Past Peace Poster Contest grand prize winners have come from Brazil, Guadeloupe, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Lebanon, Malaysia, Martinique, Peru, Philippines, South Africa, Multiple District 300 Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and the United States.

Peace Poster Contest Participant Information

To learn more about the Lions International Peace Poster Contest, please view our brochure, contest rules and deadlines, call 630-203-3812 or contact the Lions Clubs Audio Visuals & Events Department.

“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me”

We can create a climate for world peace starting in our own homes and schools.

Read more: Christmas Song - Let There Be Peace On Earth Lyrics | MetroLyrics

Let there be peace on earth And let it begin with me. Let there be peace on earth The peace that was meant to be. With God as our father Brothers all are we. Let me walk with my brother In perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me Let this be the moment now. With every step I take Let this be my solemn vow. To take each moment And live each moment With peace eternally. Let there be peace on earth, And let it begin with me.

LION TALK - OCTOBER 2013

BIG BROTHERS & SISTERS

Sharon Mockridge, Big Brothers and Sisters Director, receives a warm “thank you” from Club President, Paul Rampanthal.

Our guest speaker at our September 1Oth meeting was Sharon Mockridge, Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Illinois (Stephenson and Jo Daviess County). Big Brothers Big Sisters matches volunteers with boys and girls in need of a positive role model. The mentor and the child engage in work and play activities they both enjoy and develop confidence and a good attitude. Young people with a big brother or sister are much less likely to become involved in harmful activities. If you could become a Big Brother or Big Sister contact Sharon at 815-599-7il4. Twenty boys are now waiting. If you want, you could also make a donation at Big Brothers Big Sisters of N.W. Illinois c/o FHN Family Counseling Center, 421W. Exchange Street, Freeport, IL

The Candy Day volunteer sign-up-sheet was passed around. Lion Terry Anderson, Candy Day Chairman, mentioned that only three major collection points are available this year - Cub Foods, Sullivan’s Foods and Shop-Ko. Three cheers for those good volunteers! We will hope for good weather for Candy Day on October 4th and 5th. Candy Day collections are October 4th and 5th. Chairman Terry says all times to collect donations are signed for but don't forget your time now. Thanks to all who help.

COMING UP ROSES

Rose Day Chairman, Lion Joe Serafini, also informed us that the Journal Standard will donate four nice newspaper ads for Rose Sales in the paper September 22, 25, 29 and October 2. Hooray for the Journal Standard! We may have to consider a future donation to their “Newspapers in Education” program as part of the Lions International drive for worldwide literacy.

Lion Serafini announced that 100 dozen rose tickets had been turned in - a good start. Our supplier reserved 600 dozen roses for us. Lion Joe asked for delivery drivers for the morning of October 26. Please volunteer if you can. More hands mean lighter work for all, and we don't want a couple of our delivery people still working into the afternoon.

AWARD PRESENTED

 Good Lion Terry Anderson received a very important honor from Lions lnternational at the September 24^th meeting. Club President, Paul Rampenthal, presented Lion Terry with a KEY AWARD for bringing in five new members to the club. A great Lions Roar for Lion Terry! It would be great for our club if some more of us could duplicate his efforts. We had good attendance at that meeting. It’s a great meeting when more of us can make it.

 

BRATS

Lions Troy Pettit, Brian Burke, Joe Serafini, Terry Anderson and Dennis Zimmerman were one of several crews that took turns selling brat, hamburger, hot dog and steak sandwiches to the public.

Our CUB FOODS BRAT STAND project on September 13 and 14 was a success. Donations were not quite as good as the last time, but that previous time was a club record. The board discussed factors that might make a difference, such as which month, weather, competing events, etc., but in the end, who knows? Thanks to all the good Lions who helped, especially Club President, Paul Rampenthal, who chaired the project from beginning to end. Great job everyone! See more photos on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/FREEPORTLIONS/photos_stream.

 

DIABETIC SCREENING REPORT

Chairman Troy Pettis reported that only 10 people took advantage of the Diabetic Retinopathy program. That is disappointing, especially after all the work Chairman Troy put into the program. The board discussed whether it was worth the effort. But, our club and the Lions of Illinois did offer the people here the opportunity. Lions were "serving" which is, of course, our motto.

LEADER DOG DONATION

The board voted to donate $200 to our District Governor’s project to support the Leader Dog program. Lion Darla Van Buskirk has also put some collection containers for that project around town. Thanks Lion Darla.

POTENTIAL CAR SHOW

Lion Rick Eastman reported that the Malcolm Eaton Center gave up their car show fundraiser and wondered whether our club might take over the activity. Lions Rick, Bert Kersten and Rich Montgomery attended a kickoff committee meeting with sponsors, Union Dairy and Total Touch-up, and set a potential date of May 10, 2014. More to come... 

TWINNING UPDATE

Lion Richard Montgomery received a very nice ‘Thank You' e-mail from the Kathmandu-Gliese Lions Club in Nepal for the goodwill gift package our club sent them with Freeport items such as Mrs. Mike's Potato Chips and Freeport Pretzels. Members with email were forwarded the email with an explanation.

Goodwill gifts from Freeport IL Lions Club, USA, to Kathmandu-Gliese Lions Club, Nepal

Kathmandu-Gliese Lions visiting a local temple to offer help for structural repairs

Kathmandu-Gliese Lions visiting local school and presenting 'sweets' to children

NOTABLE QUOTES:

* How many retirees does it take to change a light bulb? Only one, but it may take all day.

* "All I remember about my wedding day in 1967 is that the Cubs lost a double header." - George Will

* 'Play'in third ain't so bad if noth'in is hit to you." - Yogi Berra

* "Lord, keep your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth. Amen.”

 

 

VETERANS JOIN FREE

Dear Lion,   On behalf of International President Barry Palmer, I am pleased to share with you that Lions Clubs International's Board of Directors has approved a special pilot program to waive the charter or entrance fee for U.S. Veterans of all ages.     The Involve a U.S. Veteran program is being offered only in the United States. The program waives the charter or entrance fee for any qualifying veteran who joins a new or existing Lions club between July 1st, 2013 and June 30th, 2015.   Eligible veterans include retired U.S. military personnel or honorably-discharged members of the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard Services, Marines, National Guard, Navy or Reserves.  Those currently serving in the National Guard or Reserves are also eligible.  Lions Clubs International will provide an entrance fee waiver of $25 ($30 for charter members) to the first 5,000 qualified U.S. veterans that join a local Lions club.   Veterans have made so many great contributions and sacrificed so much to serve our country.  As service members are honorably discharged from the military, let's offer them an opportunity to get involved in their communities.     Click below to learn more about this special program.  You'll find a program fact sheet, promotional flyer, certification form and a sample press release you can use to promote this program in your community's news outlets.   Veterans Day is November 11th, just two weeks from today.  Make plans now to reach out to veterans in your community and offer them the opportunity to make a difference and change lives as Lions.   Sincerely,   Peter Lynch Senior Executive Administrator Lions Clubs International   Lions Clubs International & LCIF | 300 W. 22nd St. | Oak Brook, IL | 60523 | USA

2013 CANDY DAY A SWEET SUCCESS

LIONS CANDY DAY A SWEET SUCCESS

Freeport Lions Club collected Candy Day donations for visually- and hearing-impaired people in front of Cub Foods, ShopKo, and Sullivan’s Foods on October 4 and 5, 2013. Candy Day Chairman, Terry Anderson, said the combination of good weather and special retail sales at the participating stores helped draw the public, and achieved a record total donations compared to each of the last 10 years.

Lions volunteering and taking turns at each of the three locations during the 2-day collection period were Terry Anderson, Brian Burke, Roland Caruso, Rick Eastman, Kevin Grande, Bert Kersten, Rich Montgomery, Troy Pettis, Paul Rampenthal, Joe Serafini, Rebecca Shriver, Dave Snyders, Paul Tormohlen, Darla VanBuskirk and Dennis Zimmerman.

In addition, thirteen Freeport High School Student Council volunteers gave their time freely. Thanks to all.

 (Left) Freeport High School Student Council members, Madison Kielsmeier and Grace Berchtold, left, help Lions collect donations at Cub Foods.  

  

(Right) Student Council members Hannah Mekelska and Tiffany Hoops helped collect donations at Sullivan’s Foods.

(Left) Lion, Dennis Zimmerman is resupplied with candy by Candy Day Chairman, Terry Anderson in front of the Shopko department store.  

 

 

 

 

(Right) Lions Paul Tormohlen and Troy Pettis greeted shoppers and collected donations in front of Sullivan’s Foods.

  

Lion, Brian Burke, gives donator Teresa Toomsen a hug in front of Cub Foods as she leaves with her groceries and takes time to drop some money in the donation jar.

  

Lions Rich Montgomery and Lion Rick Eastman greeted shoppers in front of Cub Foods and Shopko, respectively.

 

A big “thank you” to Cub Foods, Shopko and Sullivan’s Foods for again allowing our organization to collect our 2013 Candy Days donations on their property for a worthy cause.