First, let me tell you what makes Lions and Lioness of District 1-CN so special. On the Tuesday morning prior to our District convention, my mother-in-law (Pat’s mom) went into the hospital with pneumonia. That afternoon she had a stroke. For a while nobody really knew what condition she was in. All we knew was that she was a very sick lady. So sick that Pat and I had to make a choice. It was decided that Pat would stay with her mom and I would continue with the convention. If she was lucky (and she was) she would get to attend the Saturday night banquet. I would stay in touch with her through modern technology and leave my cell phone on at all times. Well it was not long before most at the convention knew what was going on. Lions and Lioness were filling in for Pat when needed and many were stepping in to assist with other responsibilities. Our guests, PID Carl and Ruth Battistone, were quite understanding. The Lions and Lioness of District 1-CN soon proved to the Battistone’s that they were not just a guest of the Governor, but, as should be, a guest of the District and many stepped forward to make sure that their needs were taken care of. Yes, we were interrupted several times by cell phone calls, but that wasn’t a problem either. On Monday after the convention, Pat’s mom had major surgery and as of this writing (3/31) is still in the hospital. Pat and I would like to thank everyone for all their kind words and prayers. We are lucky to be associated with such fine people. Pat also requests that we keep her mother in our prayers since the road to full recovery will be a long one.

This year’s convention was filled with many special moments and several “firsts” for the District. The following are just a few of the highlights:

* There were 189 people registered, with 136 Lions and Lioness from District 1-CN attending. We had 19 Lions clubs and 2 Lioness clubs from the District represented.

* 159 people attended the banquet Saturday night and 86 people attended the business meeting and awards brunch on Sunday.

* Over 50 people attended the seminars on Saturday afternoon during which time we were treated with a marvelous program by Forest Gump (Zone Chairmen Jason Artman of District 1-K), SVOSH president Ms. Amanda Strom, and Council parliamentarian PDG Bud Wahl of District 1-K.

* Attendees at Saturday night’s banquet were entertained by Gilligan, the Skipper, and the Professor (Lions Mike, Eric, and Gerald of the Olney Lions) who brought us a message about membership. Then we were graced with the presence and talents of twelve year old Ms. Kari Kinnet, who is blind and autistic and simply sings like an angel.

* Radio Information Services chairperson Edwina Bogacki was presented $250 in checks for RIS in the name of PID Battistone and from Governor Hall

* $1500 was raised in five minutes during the Governor’s “Special Auction”. All proceeds to benefit District 1-CN.

* Lion Charlie Steuer of the Belleville Midtown Lions was presented the first Lions of Illinois Foundation Distinguished Service Award for District 1-CN.

* Lion Jessie Hickman of the Cahokia Lions received the Lions Clubs International Leadership Medal.

* International President’s Certificates of Appreciation were awarded to PDG Jerry Clemens of the Mt. Vernon Lions and PDG Ralph Michael of the Hoyleton Lions.

* Winners of the Governor’s point contest were: the New Baden Lions (large clubs), the Belleville Midtown Lions (medium clubs), and the Olney Lions (small clubs).

* Best newsletter award went to Editor Barbara Taylor of the Lebanon Lions.

* Governor’s Appreciation Awards went to: Lion Jessie Hickman of the Cahokia Lions (sponsor of most new members), Lion Dan Holstlaw of the Olney Lions (most impressive individual effort), Lions Jim and Dorothy Douglas of the Collinsville (Noon) Lions (efforts put forth as convention committee and fund raising committee), Lion Jim and Sandy Beimfohr of the Swansea Lions (convention chairmen), Lion Ted Turner of the New Baden Lions(efforts put forth as Cabinet Secretary), Lion Glenda Turner of the New Baden Lions (efforts put forth as Cabinet Treasurer), Cahokia Lions (for sponsoring Kari Kinnet and donating the shotgun for this year’s raffle), and the Smithton Lions (home club support of Governor Hall).

* Governor’s “Umbrella of Shelter” award for unselfishly helping others went to Lion Lynda Middlecalf of the Olney Lions.

* Lions International “Outstanding Club” of the District went to the Waterloo Lions.

* VDG Jim Hauenschild of the New Baden Lions was elected as Governor for 2003-2004.

* Trustee Bill McKinney of the St. Jacob Lions was elected as Vice District Governor for 2003-2004.

* PDG Jerry Clemens of the Mt. Vernon Lions was elected as Foundation Trustee for 2003-2005.

* ZC James Middlecalf of the Olney Lions announced his intent to be a candidate for Vice District Governor for 2004-2005.

On behalf of the District, I would like to thank all the Clubs, all Lions and Lioness, and all the Guests who participated in this years convention in any way. I also thank you for putting up with all the “glitches” that happened along the way. This event could not have been a success without your support and help!

Remember: “Good Things Happen to Good People” and that is why “WE SERVE” Governor Jim Hall

Governor's Travels

April 4-6  District 1A and 1J Conventions  

April 9  Alma Governor's Night  

April 11-13  District 1B Convention  

April 19 Clay City Governor's visit  

April 25-27  NACLF, Bloomingdale  

May 2  Carmel Pop Day  

May 2  District 1-CN Night at the Races, Fairmount Park  

May 10  District 1-CN Dinner Auction, New Baden  

May 15-18  State Convetion, Springfield  

May 26  Bad Pants Open, Indian Hills, Bloomingdale  

Governor Apologizes…again

We tried….but we still were not perfect. Deceased member of the Breese Lions, Lion Kenneth Kellermann, was inadvertently left off the list of memorials made for the necrology service during the convention. I am terribly sorry that this happened, especially since President Mark Timmermann made a special effort to be present at the service on Sunday. A memorial has been made and will be presented to the Breese Lions. Once again, please accept my apologies for this oversight.

Convention Booklets Available

If your club did not receive a District 1-CN convention booklet or you have a need for an extra one, please contact Cabinet Secretary Ted Turner (588-4620). A limited number of extra copies are available for distribution.

District 1-CN Portfolio

This year’s registration packets contained a special Lions of Illinois District 1-CN red portfolio. Extras are available for purchase at $2.50 each. These would make excellent “Thank You” gifts for your new members. Please contact Governor Hall if interested in obtaining additional portfolios.

Father - Daughter Presidents

Although too difficult to confirm, it is quite possible that District 1-CN is part of Lions history of “firsts”. During the 75^th Anniversary of the Brownsburg Lions of Indiana celebration, Lion Angela Ratterman will be inducted as president for 2003-2004. Lion Angela, who got her start as a Belleville Lion, is the daughter of Lion Larry Heaton who will be president once again for the Belleville Lions for 2003-2004. Since Lions have only been inducting women since 1987, it may be possible that this is the first time that a father and daughter have served as president of a club during the same year. Lion Larry and his wife Joyce are quite proud of their daughter and this accomplishment.

Attention International Convention Attendees

As part of the International Convention in Denver, there will be the traditional Illinois-Hawaiian Luncheon for the Illinois and Hawaii attendees on July 3, 2003 at the Illinois delegates hotel. Tickets are $30 each (for a Sirloin Steak Plate) and are available from the State Office. Please contact Lion Betsy or David at the State Office at 877-534-7776 by June 1^st.

Attention Presidents and Secretaries:

Elections of officer’s for the year 2003-2004 and the submission of PU101’s must be completed by April 30^th. Originals should be sent to this Governor, with copies sent to Cabinet Secretary Turner and Vice District Governor Hauenschild. Secretaries, this is also a friendly reminder that you should be sending in your Monthly Membership Reports to International by the 10^th of the month. Thanks!

Lioness/Lions Caramel Pop Day

The 2003 Carmel Pop Day will be Friday, May 2nd. It can also be held on a different date with Foundation approval. Like Candy Day, this is an excellent fund raising event that your club can participate in and like Candy Day, the Foundation gets 60% of your net while your club gets to retain the other 40% for your local vision and hearing impaired activities. I would hope your club will take advantage of this excellent opportunity not only to support the growing needs of the Foundation, but also the needs of your own club. Might I suggest that you get permission to collect in the town nearby you that does not have a Lions club. You can even suggest to that town that in exchange you will try to bring one of our Foundation's programs (like the Hearing Bus) to their community. Perhaps this will lead to the start of a new club. Please contact the Foundation today! The following is a letter sent to the community of Lawrencville by the Olney Lions. Lawrenceville have agreed to let the Olney Lions collect in their community.

OLNEY LIONS CLUB FOUNDATION, INC.

P O Box 362, Olney, IL 62450

March 24, 2003

Mayor Iddie Ryan

City of Lawrenceville, Illinois

Dear Mayor Ryan:

We are the Olney Lions Club, Member of District 1-CN of the International Lions Clubs with clubs in over 190 countries around the world. Lions Clubs are service clubs hence our motto “WE SERVE”. Helping our communities with eye exams and glasses, hearing exams and hearing aids. We can also help with eye surgeries to certain qualified individuals. Two of the many services that we support through The Lions of Illinois Foundation are the Hearing Bus, which gives free hearing test and Diabetic Retinopathy Screening, which takes a photo of the retina for early detection of this disease. This test is also free.

In order to provide these free services we need public support. We hope to enlist your support and that of your local Wal-Mart. Since there is no longer a Lions Club in the Lawrence County area we are requesting permission to solicit donations for our Carmel Pop Day to be held some Saturday in April. In return we would be willing to schedule your community with the services we have listed above. These services are offered on a rotating basis in alternate years.

Our Long-range goal would be to charter a Lions Club in your community to take over this service.

We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Lynda Middlecalf

Carmel Pop Chairman

618-395-8696

DISTRICT 1-CN

DINNER AUCTION

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 2003

NEW BADEN AMERICAN LEGION HALL

DINNER 6:30 PM

AUCTION IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING DINNER

COST: $15 PER PERSON

PROCEEDS FROM AUCTION TO BENNEFIT DISTRICT 1-CN

ADMINISTRATIVE FUND AND PROJECTS

FOR TICKETS OR TO MAKE A DONATION CONTACT:

LION BOB WUEBBELS: 588-7273

CABINET SECRETARY TED TURNER: 588-4620

GOVERNOR JIM HALL: 939-9847

Each club should have received a letter describing the District Dinner Auction. With the need of at least 75 auction items it is imperative that we get each club to donate at least one item. The next two newsletters will give recognition to those clubs that have donated items. The following clubs have already made a donation (this does not include donations from individual Lions or Lioness): Caseyville, Belleville, Cahokia, Swansea, Waterloo, Smithton, Okawville, and Summerfield. Please help to make this auction a success by donating an item and attending. If you need ideas or suggestions, please contact me. Thanks!! Gov. Jim

From the District Diabetes Coordinator

Fellow Lions,

We have only 15 clubs that have responded to the American Diabetes Association showing their intent to hold a Diabetes Awareness event.  Some of the clubs have sent money. The money is certainly appreciated.  The money will go toward research, and sending kids to camps where they can learn that there is a life with Diabetes.  Lions have always been generous with their money, and it’s wonderful.

But sending money doesn’t warn the people of your area of the dangers of Diabetes.

Sending money alone doesn’t help the people in your area recognize the warning signs and risk factors that may lead them to a physician to diagnose Diabetes.

Only through education and awareness can we help identify to our friends and townspeople the danger of Diabetes and the results of ignoring the disease – Blindness!  As Lions we are committed to prevention of blindness.  Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness today.  We must be committed to seeking out those that are at risk, and getting them the information that may save their sight.

One club that registered is planning to include the Risk Strips with every chicken dinner they serve at an upcoming fundraiser.  Could your club do something like that?  You don’t have to stand on a corner or in front of a store with a money bucket passing out sugar free candy.  Just get the information out. The Risk Strips are FREE!

Fellow Lions, thank you for all your support, time and money. They are truly appreciated.

If I can help your program in any way, please call or write.

Lion Bob Homan

Diabetes Coordinator.

(618) 537-2823

[email protected]

Wabash Region
ZC Elias Simpson 501 W. King Fairfield, IL 62837 618/842-2035,
ZC James Middlecalf 403 N. Fair Olney, IL. 62450 618/395-3637

DISTRICT RAFFLES

The lucky winner of the shotgun raffle drawing was Ms. Betty River of Collinsville, IL. The alternate cash prize of $350.00 was selected by Ms. River. The winning ticket was sold by Lion Dorothy Douglas of the Collinsville Noon Lions Club. Congratulations and thank you for participating in our fund raiser.

This year, clubs purchased 44 $100 district raffle tickets which gave us a prize fund of $2,200. Winning tickets were drawn by Ms. Ruth Battistone, wife of PID Carl Battistone, our convention speaker. Congratulations to the winners and many thanks to all the clubs participating in the raffle.

• 1^st Belleville Eve            $550.00
• 2^nd Mascoutah Noon      $440.00         
• 3^rd Breese                      $220.00         
• 4^th Waterloo                   $220.00       
• 5^th Collinsville Noon        $220.00        
• 6^th Lebanon         $110.00
• 7^th Carmi             $110.00
• 8^th Olney         $110.00
• 9^th Lebanon        $110.00
• 10^th Carmi            $110.00

Here is something to think about for next year. It is hard for a club to be competitive in the Governor's contest if you don't send in your reports.  The winners in each category are in bold type.  Thank you for participating and good luck for next year. Next year's contest will run from Mar 03 thru Mar 04 so be sure you send me your Mar, Apr, May & Jun reports.

If the above points do not match your totals it means I have corrected possible errors. Please call me at 588-4620 if you wish to discuss your monthly point totals.

Cab Sec Ted Turner

“THE STATE OF THE DISTRICT”

District 1-CN Business Meeting

Mariner’s Village, Carlyle

March 23, 2003

MEMBERSHIP

The most current statistics from Lions Clubs International (12/31/02) shows District 1-CN with 42 clubs and 1332 members, which is a loss of 18 members since July 1, 2002. During this time the District gained 45 members but dropped 63. Individual club statistics show the Cahokia Lions with a net gain of 6 new members, which is high for the District, followed by Carlyle and Summerfield with 4. MD-1 totals for this same period show a total of 635 clubs with a membership of 21,516 which is down 214 from 21,730. MD-1 has added 4 new clubs but dropped 5 clubs. There have been 900 new members added but 1114 dropped in this state. Unfortunately the review of incoming MMR’s indicate that the loss of members for this District will be greater. This month each club president should have received a letter form President Kay K. Fukushima stressing the need for retention and ideas to incorporate into your plan. Please contact me if your club did not receive this mailing.

The District has not chartered a new club which was a goal that International set for this Governor; however, your MERL team members have had three organizational meetings in Trenton, have developed a list of interested names in St. Libory, and are still searching for that needed “key” person in Shiloh. Good news is that with the help of the PDG Association, the Hoffman Lions are back together. Not as many as before, but they are active. The District needs to support the Hoffman Lions in an effort to make them stronger. This Governor considers a club “saved” just as good as a club “gained”. The East St. Louis club, showing a membership of 8, has not met regularly in almost 2 years. The cabinet continues its efforts to save this club, but unfortunately the end appears near. Please contact ZC Rich Schiefer if you can help in this effort. The Olney and Waterloo Lions have had several LEO organizational meetings and continue to strive to create 2 new LEO clubs.

INTERNATIONAL DUES INCREASE

Due to inflation, worldwide economic conditions, declining membership revenues and increasing costs, decreasing club and district sizes, and diminishing cash revenues, the Board of Directors have proposed the following dues increase to be voted on by the delegates at the International Convention in Denver:

2003-04: raised to $28.25 (an increase of $4.25)

2004-05: raised to $33.20 (an increase of $4.95)

2005-06: raised to $39.00 (an increase of $5.80)

Currently Kiwanis members pay $37 per year and Rotary members pay $51.25 in comparison.

Funds from the dues increase will: restore depleted cash reserves, eliminate service charges for membership rosters, etc., expand service programs support and resources, expand Youth Programs, increase DG travel reimbursement, invest in membership development, and expand leadership training and education. If the dues increase does not pass, there will be reductions in Member Services, Public Relations Program, Leadership Education and Training, and Service Programs Support and Resources.

LIONS OF ILLINOIS RESOLUTIONS

As listed on page 8 of the Jan/Feb 2003 issue of the Illinois Lions/Lioness Magazine, there will be 5 resolutions to be voted on by the delegates on May 18^th at the MD-1 State Convention in Springfield. These include Resolution #3: To Amend the District Revenue:

WHEREAS, Our Lions of Illinois Constitution provides revenue for the Administrative expenses of each District by an annual per capita District Administrative Fund tax of not less than two dollars ($2.00) and not more than four ($4.00) dollars, the specific amount to be determined by each District Governor and his/her cabinet at the first cabinet meeting of each year, and, WHEREAS, some Districts are not able to operate on the maximum four dollars ($4.00) allowed by the constitution; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of Governors propose that the delegates in attendance at the 2003 State Convention the following resolution for adoption: That Section 1, Article VII, of the Lions of Illinois Constitution be amended by deleting the words “of not less than two dollars ($2.00) and not more than four dollars (4.00).”

This resolution will allow each District to determine the amount of district dues. A dues increase will still require a vote by the Cabinet. There is no action at this time to increase the dues of District 1-CN.

MMR’s and MONTHLY ACTIVITY REPORTS

Each month this District has about 14 out of 42 clubs delinquent in not sending in their monthly membership reports to International by the 10^th of the following month. Each month the Governor is required to address how they corrected this problem. Club’s failure to send in their MMR’s causes International to have inaccurate information, which in turn can cause problems with the amount you owe in dues, members receiving information from International, and delays in well earned awards by your club members. Please send these in on time and please don’t forget to fill in the month and year and check your “math” to make sure all numbers are accurate. Your activity reports are necessary to keep the District informed about your club. They are also used by the Governor’s to award clubs that have been most active. Since we are still having problems with many of the clubs filling these out correctly, this Governor will request a review of the current form to see what changes can be made so that clubs will uniformly fill out these reports.

ELECTIONS

Today you will elect a Governor, Vice Governor, and a District Trustee. These positions have many responsibilities and require much effort on the officer’s part. They can’t do it alone. If we fail to support these offices to the best of our abilities, then we fail as a District. Please support these candidates and contact Incoming Governor Jim Hauenschild today regarding serving on his Cabinet. Speaking of leadership, District 1-CN has an abundance of leaders in their District. This was evident during my club visits and in the many successful projects your clubs have completed. But these individuals just won’t step forward. Please help your District by convincing these individuals that they have what it takes to be a governor of District 1-CN. Do it today!

DISTRICT ACTIVITIES

Friday, May 2, 2003: District 1-CN “Night at the Races” at Fairmount Race Track. Cost: $20 per person, includes Steak and Shrimp Buffet, Admission, and Program. Come out and have some fun! Two lucky individuals will get their picture taken with the winner of the Governor’s race. Gates open at 6:00pm. Order form can be found in the March District Newsletter.

Saturday, May 10, 2003: District 1-CN Dinner Auction at the New Baden American Legion. All clubs have been mailed information requesting attendance and donation of at least one auction item. Auctioneer Lion Bob Wuebbels promises an exciting evening of good food and auction entertainment. Dinner begins at 6:30pm. Cost: $15 per person.

Thursday, June 5, 2003: District 1-CN Night at the Cardinal’s baseball game. Terrace reserved seats are $15 each. Game time against the Toronto Blue Jays is 7:00pm. Plan on bringing the entire family. Order forms will be in the April District Newsletter.

May/June 2003: District 1-CN Golf Tournament to be run by the Central City Lions. Details to be forthcoming.

WHY DISTRICT FUNDRAISERS NEED YOUR SUPPORT

In order to support annual expenses of over $45,000, it is necessary for the District to raise approximately $10,000 each year. Currently this is done by selling roses, shotgun and District raffle tickets, ads in the convention booklet, and by hosting events like going to the races, the ballgame, the dinner auction, and a golf tournament. Yes we need you and your money, but hopefully we make these events enjoyable and worth your support. Please support your District today!

LETS GO TO THE BALL GAME

Who: District 1-CN

What: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Toronto Bluejays

Where: Busch Stadium

When: Thursday, June 5th, 2003 (Gates open @ 6pm, races start at 7:30pm)

Time: 7:10PM

Cost: $15.00 per person

Proceeds to support Lions District 1-CN

Name_______________________________________

Phone Number_______________________________

Adress__________________________City________________

State_______________Zip_____________

Number of Tickets ______ x $15.00 =________ Total Due:
Deadline May 1, 2003

Please send this order form and a SASE to: Lions Jim and Dorothy Douglas 304 W. Washington Collinsville, IL 62234

Make Checks Payable To: District 1-CN

(For office use)

Date Paid________

Check No. ________

Ticket Nos. Issued____________

Let's Talk "Early Bird" Peace Poster Contest

The Poster Kits have been on sale since January 15th. Now is the time to order.

Why??-Starting early will allow the contestant ample time to choose from several options they may be considering.

Several clubs last year could not get the Peace Poster Kits in time ti meet the deadlines. Due to lack of time, we have been unable to display the Posters in our hometowns and let the talents of the young artist be known.

Presidents, you must plant the seed (IDEA) for your incoming President and Peace Poster Chairman, whoever that may be.

The Lion International magazine, February 2003 - page 32, has all the info. Let's mke this project bigger each year.

Peace Poster Chairman

Gene Laux