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.