Happy New Year and welcome to 2003. The start of a new year seems to be the time to reflect on the past and focus on the future. Whether your memories for 2002 were good or bad, I hope you never forget them. The good memories will bring you smiles and laughter. The bad memories will strengthen you as you deal with today’s problem; perhaps realizing that things are not as bad as they seem. I personally wish each and every one of you a healthy and prosperous New Year.

What is in store for us as Lions of District 1-CN in 2003 and what do we need to focus on? Membership, Extension, Retention, and Leadership. Hey, that was 2002! And by golly, it will also be 2004, 2005, 2006, and so on. The more members we have, the stronger your club and the District will be. The easier it will be to get the activities completed, the more people we can help, and the more good Lions will do.

Extension is the “long arm” of membership. New clubs mean more members and I just told you what more members means. We have yet to accomplish this year’s goal of creating at least one new club in District 1-CN. Will it be Trenton, Shiloh, Germantown, or elsewhere? I need your help! Please step forward and contact Extension Chairman George Ballard or myself and help us accomplish this goal.

We need to retain our current members. Don’t let them leave so easy. We cannot prevent deaths and transfers, but we can do something about the others. Make an effort and find out why they no longer want to be a Lion or Lioness. Every member saved is like adding a new member and by now you should know what increased membership means.

Your club and the District cannot survive without leadership. But leadership is not just the Lion who is president or governor. Leadership is every Lion and Lioness doing what they can to help accomplish the goals of your club and the District. Speaking on behalf of District 1-CN, I need the help of every Lion and Lioness so that this District continues to be structurally and financially strong. Did you read my “Christmas Wish List” in the last newsletter? I hope so. I hope you and your club have picked out one or more of these items and are planning on calling me soon (because I have not heard from anyone yet). But if you didn’t, it is not too late because they just so happen to be my “New Year Wishes” for the District for 2003 and can be found under my Governor’s Tid-bits. I thank you for supporting this Governor and District 1-CN.

Remember, “Good Things happen to Good People” and that is why “WE SERVE”. Governor Jim Hall

Governor’s Tid-bits:

New Year Wishes

If you read my article under “From the Governor’s Desk”, you may be asking yourself how can I or my club help out this Governor.  Below you will find some of my “New Year Wishes” as Governor that you or your club can choose from if you care to assist:

* I hope each club is blessed with greater membership and successful activities.

* I hope that District 1-CN grows by at least one new club this coming year.

* I hope we have better attendance at zone meetings.

* I hope that all clubs send in their Monthly Membership Reports to International by the 10^th of each month (with a copy to the Governor).

* I hope that each club sends in their Activity Reports each month to the Governor, Cabinet Secretary, and their Zone chairman; letting all of us know what a great club they have.

* I hope each club will support the District Raffle by purchasing both of their tickets.

* I hope each Lion and Lioness will purchase at least one of the shotgun/cash raffle tickets (see a Cabinet

member).

* I hope that at least 50 more Lions and Lioness attend our District convention March 21^st - March 23^rd.

* I hope that at least 100 “working” Lions and Lioness put their professional business card in this years convention ad booklet (cost is only $15), not only to help support the District, but so that in our private lives we know who to turn to when we need a particular service (like a lawyer or a doctor or a plumber or insurance or a new car, etc. etc.).

* I hope each club will submit an item of $10 value or more for this years “Special Auction” at the convention (may I suggest asking the restaurant you meet at regularly for a gift certificate).

* I hope that at least 75 Lions or Lioness call this Governor and say I have an item for your Spring public auction to benefit the District (more details to follow).

* I hope that at least 100 people will attend the “District 1-CN Lions/Lioness Night Out” to benefit Radio Information Services.

* I hope that at least 100 kids and adults attend a fun night out at District 1-CN “Night Out at the Ball Game” this spring.

New State Secretary/Treasurer and Office Employee Hired!

Betsy Miller of Auburn, Illinois, has been hired as the new Lions of Illinois secretary/treasurer. Her employment started December 9, 2002. As of January 3, 2003, David Miller of Petersburg, Illinois has been hired as a part-time employee at the State office. He will be performing office duties as needed, general building maintenance, snow removal, lawn care, and landscape work around the building. The Council of Governors feel that both Mrs. Miller and Mr. Miller will be assets to the Lions of Illinois operations. Please welcome both and wish them the best in their new positions.

State Office Mailing Address Has Changed…

Effective immediately, the Lions of Illinois mailing address is: R.R. 4, Box 100 Petersburg, Il. 62675

Will You Dine and Dance for R.I.S.?

At this Governor’s request, a committee of Lions led by Zone Chairman Gail Adams have created a “Lions/Lioness Night Out”. This will be an evening of entertainment on Sunday, February 2, 2003 in Collinsville (details elsewhere in this newsletter) with proceeds going to Radio Information Services. I ask that you support this project and come have a good time. There will be no talk from a Lions dignitary, just a bunch of people (including Lions and Lioness) having a good time for a good cause. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

District Convention Updates

I am pleased to announce that Past International Director Carl L. Battistone has agreed to be the guest speaker at our convention to be held March 21-23, 2003. PID Battistone is a retired United States Marine Corps fighter pilot from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania. Plan on attending this years convention and see what PID Battistone has in store for us. SEND IN YOUR REGISTRATION TODAY!

It has been a tradition in the last few years that each Lion or Lioness that has passed away during the year past is recognized at the necrology service on the Sunday of the convention. During this service, a memorial bearing the member’s name is picked up by a club member to be passed on to the honored loved ones. I would hope that each club who has had a member pass away this past year will honor them by sending representatives to participate in the necrology service and receive the memorial. SECRETARIES: This is just another reason why it is important that your Monthly Membership Reports and Activity Reports should be sent in on time and accurately filled out each month. With out the names of your deceased members, we can not properly honor them.

I hope each club is planning on sending in a summary of the clubs activities for the past year to Cabinet Secretary Turner by February 21, 2003. These are printed free of charge in the convention ad booklet each year. Let the rest of the District know what your club did during 2002-2003 and send in your article today.

WILL YOUR CLUB CONSIDER BUYING A FULL PAGE AD THIS YEAR TO HELP SUPPORT THE PROJECTS OF DISTICT 1-CN?

A complete schedule of convention events, activities, seminars, etc. will appear in next month’s newsletter. Any questions at this time should be directed to Convention Chairpersons Jim and Sandy Beimfohr (277-7112).

EYEGLASSES NEEDED NOW!

The Lions of Illinois Foundation is seeking the help of all Lions clubs. They need glasses! This past year they sent overseas about 500,000 pair of glasses and they are out. Please get in touch with Mario at your Foundation for any pick-ups or information about the program. You can also bring them to the District Convention (only Friday or Saturday). Eyeglass counter boxes are also available from the Foundation.

Annual NACLF Meeting Comes to Illinois

The 13^th annual North American Conference of Lions Foundations will be held April 25-27, 2003 at the Indian Lakes Resort, Bloomingdale, Illinois. Many activities have been planned and Illinois Lions get a special rate! See the November/December issue of the Lions Share or contact Trustee Bill McKinney or this Governor for specifics.

The Lions of Illinois Foundation Distinguished Service Award

Each year each district’s trustee can nominate up to two individuals for this new award that will be presented to men and women who have served those who live with visual and hearing impairments. To be nominated by the District Trustee and then selected by a totally independent committee beyond influence, must truly be considered the greatest recognition and honor that can be received.

THANKS!!!

Gov. Jim

Governors Travels

Jan 2  Smithton Christmas Party  

Jan 5  Foundation Committee Meetings  

Jan 15  Mascoutah Noon Governor's Visit  

Jan 15  Troy Governor's Night   

Jan 17 State Police Retirement Dinner    

Jan 21  New Baden Governor's Night  

Jan 22  St. Jacob Governor's Night  

Jan 23  Smithton New Members Induction  

Jan 24 Smithton Movie Night  

Jan 25   Cabinet Meeting, Hoyleton  

Jan 29 - Feb 1  Governor in Florida  

Feb 2  Lions/Lioness Night Out, Collinsville  

Feb 7-9  Council Meeting, Springfield  

Feb 11  Mt. Vernon Governor's Night  

Feb 13  Enfield Governor's Night  

Feb 14-16  Foundation Meeting, Dekalb  

Feb 26  Lebanon/Summerfield Governor's Night  

Feb 28-Mar 2  District 1-D Convention, Rockford   

Northwest Region
ZC Rich Schiefer P.O. Box 115 St. Jacob, IL. 62281 618/644-5744,
ZC Pam Carroll Hopper 1710 Raab Ave. Belleville, IL 62221 618/277-4369,
ZC Gail Adams 307 N. Clinton St. Collinsville, IL. 62234 618/345-0593

Convention Program Ad Book - 2003

The sale of Convention Program Ad Book space is a vital part of Convention financial security. Each club is urged to participate as generously as possible.

Any club selling five (5) full page $65.00 ads, may retain $65.00 for the club and submit $260.00 to the District. All ads must be received prior to the deadline, Feb 21,2003 and all five ads must be submitted at one time.

A "free" write-up of each club's ACTIVITIES is provided in the Convention Ad Book at no cost to the club. CLUB SECRETARIES should provide a written article of the activities for the 2002-2003 year and it will be printed. Clubs not submitting activity articles will be listed by name only.

CONVENTION PROGRAM ADS and club write-ups must be received no later than Feb 21,2003, to be included in the Program Ad Book. Submit all ads/write-ups to:

Cab Sec Ted Turner, 305 N Third St.,New Baden, IL 62265-1120

Mary Bryant Home may close

40 blind people would have to move

By JOHN REYNOLDS
STAFF WRITER Springfield Journal-Register.

The Mary Bryant Home for the Blind, open in Springfield since 1946, could close by mid-summer without additional funding, its administrator says.

According to the home, the overhead for each of its 40 residents amounts to about $1,550 per month. Most residents receive only Social Security or public assistance, and their incomes average about $850 per month.

The difference has led to a shortfall of nearly $300,000 a year for the home at 2960 Stanton St.

"For many of our residents, the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind is the only home they've known for many years," administrator Jerry Curry said in a prepared statement. "Some residents have been here more than 20 years. The problem is they've run out of money, so they've had to go on public aid, and that simply doesn't pay enough.

"Most people think we're government-supported, but we do not receive state or federal funding."

The Mary Bryant Home operates on contributions, bequests, estates and resident income. Recently, however, the home has seen fewer contributions and increased overhead.

Such costs include meals, laundry, transportation, health care, special activities and staff to provide care 24 hours a day.

"Operating at a deficit has made it difficult for us to fund needed maintenance projects," Curry said. "We are using our limited savings to make up for our budget shortfalls. We also have worked to reduce our expenses, including cutting back on staff positions."

The home employs 20 people.

The Illinois Council of the Blind hopes to help the Mary Bryant Home find new funding sources, private or public.

"If the residents are forced out of the Mary Bryant Home, many will be forced to move into nursing homes, costing about $3,090 per month," a resolution approved by the council says. "These residents will not enjoy nearly the same quality of life that they now enjoy."

To offset the budget problems, Mary Bryant representatives are contacting area legislators and applying for grants. Curry said the home is also asking that people support its efforts by contacting elected officials or anyone in a governmental agency who might have ideas on how to keep the facility open.

Donations can be sent to the Mary Bryant Home for the Blind, 2960 Stanton St., Springfield, IL 62703.

Curry said the home's residents come from across Illinois, as well as neighboring states.

The Mary Bryant Home for the Blind is one of only two sheltered-care facilities in Illinois designed specifically for the blind and visually impaired.

Bryant was born partially blind in 1842. An orphan, she graduated from the Illinois School for the Blind (now the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired) in Jacksonville. She couldn't find a job after graduation and began working for the school. She died of tuberculosis in 1921.

Her dream was to have a home built for the blind, and after her death, the alumni association at the school for the blind discovered she had left it $3,500.

In 1946, with that money and additional funding, the first Mary Bryant Home for the Blind opened at First and Scarritt streets. As the home grew, it moved to larger sites at 107 E. Lawrence Ave., then 1100 S. Fifth St., and finally to its present location on Stanton Street in 1983.

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

AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION
LIBRARY PROGRAM FOR LIONS

What is the Library Program for Lions? In order to provide diabetes publications for libraries throughout the nation, the American Diabetes Association is providing a package of 10 books at deeply discounted prices to Lions Clubs.  The books are selected to reflect the topics of greatest interest and value to people with diabetes.

Upon order by a Lions Club the 10 book set will be shipped directly to the club.  Included with the set will be ten bookplates that can be used to announce the Lions Club purchase and donation of the books, as well as a sample press release.

What books are included in the FY2002 Library Book Set for Lions?

• ADA Complete Guide to Diabetes

• Month of Meals Classic Cooking

• Uncomplicated Guide to Diabetes Complications

• The Commonsense Guide to Weight Loss

• The " I Hate to Exercise" Book

• The Diabetes Carb and Fat Gram Guide

• Women and Diabetes

• The Ten Keys to Helping Your Child Grow Up with Diabetes

• Diabetes Meal Planning on $7 A Day or Less

• The New Soul Food Cookbook for People with Diabetes

What is the cost for each set of 10 books?

1-100 sets of 10 books****. Each set $89.38 +  10% of total order for shipping

101-500 sets of 10 books *** Each set $81.25 + 10% of total order for shipping

The cost of these books if not ordered by a Lions Club at the reduced rate would total $165.50 (plus shipping and handling.)

How to order Library Program Book Sets for Lions. Complete an order form and return it to the American Diabetes Association, Book Order Department, PO Box 930850, Atlanta, GA 31193-0850 or call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-232-6733.  You must identify yourself as a Lion, reference number LIB0902, and tell them you want to order the Library Program Book Set (or a number of sets.)  Credit has been extended to all Lions Clubs - no payment with orders is required.  Your club will receive a bill for the ADA Library Program Book Set(s) with their shipment. Included with each shipment will be 10 bookplates and an implementation guide with a press release to announce your club's participation in the program.  Please allow 60 days for delivery.

Lion Bob Homan

New Member Orientation: December, 2002

This article is the first in a series planned for January – May, 2003, about Orientation of New Members.

Orientation of every new member may NOT seem overly important, but consider the following:  “Imagine belonging to an organization and having only a vague idea of its goals, the responsibilities of membership, its programs, history or traditions.”

Does this sound familiar?  Of course it does.  You have probably not received much in the way of Lion’s Orientation, yourself.  Many new members, having little real information, wonder why they joined the organization at all!

New members, with good information, are more likely to feel comfortable and to become actively involved in their club right away.  This “properly” informed Lion is one who is most likely to remain a member through the years.  Good information helps the member understand how the club functions, what his/her role will be and gives the big picture of the association.  Consider inviting your seasoned members to attend new member orientation as a refresher.  It can help renew their enthusiasm.  The most important factor isn’t how you choose to present information, but rather making sure you are presenting thorough, consistent information to each new member that joins your club. 

What Makes an Orientation Effective?

• Conduct the orientation promptly.  (within one month)
• Present a manageable amount of information.  (highlight & refer)
• Limit the length of each session.  (under 2 hours at a time)
• Keep the pace lively & interesting.  (Q&A, breaks, AV)
• Allow plenty of time for questions.  (while topic is fresh)
• Give a new member packet.  (Club, International, District material)
• Direct new members to sources for additional information.  (www.lionsclubs.org)
• Use visuals if possible.  (Club Supplies Catalog has a list.)

Give your Zone Chairman a call.  You will get the help you need to provide a top quality Orientation for you club.  Don’t wait too long!

Next month’s article – “Suggested outlines/checklists for Orientation Sessions”

Jerry R. Clemens, 1-CN Orienting Lion

Peace Poster Contest Winners

Judging October 27 2002

1. Andrea Bolt - Smithton

2. Tyler Unverfehrt - Hoyleton

3. Mandy Jo Hetland - New Baden

4. Amanda Marshall - Olney

5. Sanli Brandmeyer - New Baden

6. Tatiada O'Brien Hardin - Waterloo

7. Steven Pieszchalski - Nashville

8. Jill Knapp - Nashville

9. Jayne Spearing - Smithton

10. Jennifer Conway - Waterloo

11. Lori Hanenberger - Nashville

I want to thank the above named contestants who participated in the Peace Poster Contest. I also want to thank the clubs that sponsored the contest and the judges who gave of their time October 27 to select the winner.

Gene Laux / Peace Poster Chairman