Lion Talk December 2011 - January 2012

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

December, 2011 – January 2012

Regular Meeting

The Freeport Lions journeyed to Rockford for our November 8th meeting at the Center for Sight and Hearing. Eleven members and four guests enjoyed the informative tour of the facility with an-explanation of the services that take place. A good meal was also provided. We're proud that Lions originated this facility and the services provided for the sight and hearing impaired.

Board Meeting Notes

T\he Board voted to donate funds to the following organizations:

(1)   $1500 to the Center for Sight and Hearing, our largest donation yet to the Center.

(2)   $3000 to the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center for their new building addition.

(3)   $150 to the Freeport Community School Fund for the purpose of helping fund a trip for 6^th graders next spring to Medieval Times.

(4)   $200 to FHS Choir.

(5)   $200 to FHS Jazz Band.

(6)   $150 to Salvation Army..

We are happy to contribute to these important assets that help so many unfortunate people from our community.

A free eye exam was offered on the third Wednesday of last month with our new sponsoring ophthalmologist, Dr. Isawi. We are also pleased with the cooperation received from Shopko and Wal-Mart in providing glasses for those in need. Thanks to Lion Terry Anderson for coordinating our club’s Eye Care Project.

Lion Anderson has also been working to meet a request for a hearing aid needed by a local man. A reconditioned aid is available for under $500. Our local “Quota Club" will pay $190 toward the hearing aid. We decided that we will add what is necessary to get the hearing aid, up to $300.

Club Activities

Freeport Lions rang the bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle on Saturday, December 3d from 8AM to 3PM. We are always happy to help the Salvation Army, a great organization.

Shown are Lions Rick Eastman, Rich Montgomery, Joe Serafini and Duane Smith.

The All Service Club Luncheon was held on 12/12/2011 at the Masonic Temple. Members, spouses and guests were treated to entertainment by the Freeport High School Chorus to help give everyone a dose of Christmas Spirit.

Our annual Lions Christmas Party was held on 12/13/2011 at the Eagle's Club. Following social hour and dinner, members, spouses and guests were to entertained by the Freeport High School Jazz Band, about twenty excellent young artists and performers whose effort were enjoyed by all.

This group is not sponsored by the school district, plays on their own time, and raises their own money for instruments and expenses. Thanks to Lon Paul Rampanthal for making the evening’s arrangements.

Feedback from our Club’s Facebook and Blog postings has been positive. The Club wants to establish and continue to improve this wave of future communication with hopes of a younger, growing audience leading to increased membership.

Click HERE to download Lions Club High School Scholarship Form.

2012-2013 SCHOLARSHIP FORM AVAILABLE HERE!

Click HERE to Download Scholarship Form:

 

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FREEPORT LIONS CLUB

$1000.00 SCHOLARSHIP / 2012 - 2013 GRANT PROGRAM

BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ELIGIBILITY

A. Student must currently be a senior in a Freeport High School and after seven semesters of high school must have a minimum "C" or better GPA. This Scholarship Grant will be given to help underwrite the costs of full-time courses of study after high school.

B. No later than the 1st semester of the year following high school graduation, the student must enroll at Highland Community College.

1. The course of studies selected must have the student carrying no less than ten (10) semester credit hours.
Student must maintain a "C" or better GPA at the end of each semester to qualify for full scholarship payment. "GPA Pay Out Table"shows pay outs based on GPA average:

GPA Pay Out Table
2.5 and above = $1000 2.0 - 2.24 = $400
2.25 - 2.49 = $700 < 2.00 = $0 Paid

C. The "APPLICATION FORM" and a "TRANSCRIPT OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADES" must be returned to Freeport Lions Club at the address or email(s) shown below postmarked or emailed no later than April 13, 2012. Late applications will not be considered.

FREEPORT LIONS CLUB
% Terry Anderson - Scholarship Committee
2328 Swan Drive
Freeport, Il 61032
or email to:
andersontg@aol.com  and serafini77@comcast.net 

 Freeport Lions Scholarship committee shall select the recipient of this award and
will present the scholarship certificate during awards ceremony at their school.

D. Payment of this Scholarship will be made in one-half increments. Student will be paid first installment of $500.00 upon submitting verification to Freeport Lions Club on completion of his/her first freshman semester. Student will present copy of their transcript for that semester’s earned credit hour grade report (GPA). Student will receive final installment of $500.00 upon submitting a copy of their transcript of the second freshman semester’s earned credit hour grade report (GPA).

E. The Scholarship Grant will be canceled if the Applicant is arrested or charged with the use of drugs or alcohol at any time during the year.

F. If the student withdraws or transfers from Highland, any Scholarship payment made is expected to be repaid to the Freeport Lions Scholarship Fund.  

All questions on the APPLICATION must be answered completely and truthfully. If answers are found to be not true, the Scholarship Grant will be void. If more room is needed to answer any questions, use another sheet and attach to  

Application Form.

G. HUMANITARIANISM
This award shall be made to the student who practices, through their expressed thoughts and actions in their daily life, concern for the welfare of the human race, regardless of creed, race, sex or ethnic background.

LEADERSHIP
Shown an interest in college by participating in extra-curricular activities.

DEDICATION
Active dedication to promotion and growth of high school/church/community.

COMING SOON! 2012 College Scholarship Information.

High School Students, Parents and Teachers,

Watch our Facebook page as well for important Scholarship Application information.
Here's our link:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Freeport-IL-Lions-Club/181458685261615

Click HERE

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.