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.”