As I write this article, it is Friday, August 30 and the start of the traditional Labor Day holiday weekend. A holiday that has different meanings to different people. Yes, to many it is the last big "summer weekend" before the seasons change or the kids start another year of school. However, I think it is only fitting that this article is being written at this time, for I wanted to reflect on the last two months of activities and tell you how proud I am of the Lions and Lioness of District 1-CN. Your "efforts of labor" have made the events of the District so far a tremendous success.

We had at least ten clubs attend the Dubois Camp Lions during the third week of July and help with treats or the open house. At the State committee meetings held July 27 in Petersburg, every committee of District 1-CN was represented. At the first Cabinet meeting on July 28, forty members were in attendance. Candy Day Jamboree was well attended with representatives from at least twenty-seven clubs and over eighty-five Lions, Lioness, and guests. Lions College had twenty clubs participate with over fifty club officers attending. At the second State committees meeting held in Petersburg, we had all but one committee represented (and that chairmen was halfway there before getting sick and having to return home). And the next day in Bloomington at the Foundation meeting, all committee chairmen or their representative were present. At the meeting of Zones 1 and 2 of the Northwest Region, we had seven out of eleven clubs present, as well as nineteen different cabinet positions represented. Let's also not forget all the club activities that have gone on during this summer, to include all those picnics, festivals, and homecomings that you have held or participated in.

The above numbers are simply "awesome" in the eyes of your Governor. Members of District 1-CN are "laboring" to make their clubs and the District the best it can be. More importantly, it is evident that you realize that it takes hard work (labor) and commitment to accomplish the goals of your clubs and the District. For this I say "thank you" and praise you by saying:

"Good Things Happen To Good People" and that is why "We Serve".

Governor Jim Hall

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

LIONS OF ILLINOIS INFANT HEARING SCREENING PROGRAM

Hearing loss at any age is a serious misfortune. However, hearing loss in young children is especially tragic. Children born with a hearing loss and those who acquire hearing loss within the first three years of life can suffer significant delays not only in speech and language, but in cognitive, social, and academic functions as well.

Experts in child development have identified the first three years of life as the most critical period for learning. During this time, the child will develop the foundation for speech and language and the ability to organize thoughts and ideas. If a child is unable to hear correctly, he/she will not develop these communication skills properly. However, if the hearing impairment is identified early and followed with proper intervention, the severity of these problems can be reduced significantly.

Unfortunately, the average age of identification of hearing loss in this country is approximately two years of age, well past the critical period of learning. However, with the recent development of a fast and accurate test called otoacoustic emissions, the possibility of identifying all children with hearing loss as early as one-day old has now become reality.

SPEECH AND HEARING IN CHILDREN
(adapted from "How Does Your Child Hear and Talk?" by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc.)

0 - 3 months

• Does your child turn when spoken to?
• Does your child recognize your voice (i.e. stops crying)?
• Does your child repeat the same sound (i.e. cooing)?
• Does your child cry differently for different needs?
• Does your child smile when he/she sees you?

  4 months

• Does your child respond to changes in your tone of voice (i.e. "no")?
• Does your child try to locate new sounds (i.e. dog barking, doorbell)?
• Does your child notice toys that make sounds?
• Does your child tell you when he/she wants you to do something (by sound gesture)?
• Does your child's babble include speech sounds like p,b, and m?

  7 - 12 months

• Does your child turn or look up when you call his/her name?
• Does your child listen when spoken to?
• Does your child imitate different speech sounds?
• Does your child use speech / non-crying sounds to get and keep your attention?
• Does your child say 1 or 2 words (dada, mama, bye-bye) although they may not be clear?

  1 - 2 years

• Does your child recognize words like "cup", "shoe", "juice"?
• Does your child point to his / her body parts when asked?
• Does your child follow simple commands?
• Does your child put 2 words together (more juice)?
• Is your child saying more and more words every month?

  2 - 3 years

• Does your child continue to notice sounds (i.e. phone, TV, knocking at the door)?
• Can your child follow 2 requests *(get the ball and put it on the table)?
• Does your child have a word for almost everything?
• Do you understand your child's speech most of the time?
• Does your child use 2-3 word sentences to talk about or ask for things?

  3 - 4 years

• Does your child hear you when you call from another room?
• Does your child hear TV or radio at the same loudness as other family members?
• Does your child use a lot of sentences that have 4 words or more?
• Do people outside your family understand your child's speech?
• Does your child answer simple "who", "what", "where", and "why" questions?"

  If you have answered "no" to 3 of the 5 questions in your child's age group, you should have your child's hearing tested. It is important that this be done as early as possible so treatment can begin at the critical age of between 6 months and 3 years.

SCREENING

Otoacoustic emissions are small sounds that are generated by a normal, healthy ear. By placing a soft plug into the ear canal, we can record these sounds and display them on a computer screen. If these small sounds (otoacoustic emissions) are present, this suggests that the child has normal hearing.

Audiologists throughout the state have been trained on how to use this equipment so they will be able to screen children who would most likely not be tested until later in life.

Results and recommendations are sent to the children's parents or legal guardians. Children who fail the screening will be referred to local hospitals / clinics for further hearing tests and appropriate management.

For more information on how to have your child tested, please contact us.

Lion of Illinois Foundation

2814 DeKalb Ave.

Sycamore, IL 60178

815/756-5633

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

Governor's Tid Bits

A college without teachers?

Of coarse not. Without Lions taking the time to train other Lions, we would not have a Lions College. The District owes a big "THANK YOU" to PDG Ted Medcalf (addressing the presidents), Cabinet Treasurer Glenda Turner (addressing the treasurers), and Secretary Morris Ritzel of the Okawville Lions (addressing the secretaries) for their presentations. These Lions spent much time preparing a program on their subject matter that was educational, informative, and inspiring. We also need to thank PDG Jerry Clemens, Lion Jay Colbrook and the Nashville Lions for their efforts in organizing this event. Great job Lions!

Membership Bad News!

On July 1, 2001, District 1-CN had 44 clubs with 1399 Lions. On July 1, 2002, District 1-CN had 42 clubs with 1350 Lions. This is a loss of 2 clubs and 44 Lions. Not good news. Just think where our numbers would be if we did not have 108 new members last year. But what is worse, there was not a single district in Illinois (MD1) that had a net gain of members last year. In fact, MD1 lost 14 clubs and 842 Lions, even with 1,585 new members last year. With October being membership month, I encourage each club to hold a membership drive next month. Contact District Membership Chairman PDG Bob Healy, he will be glad to assist you in any way he can. Let's see if District 1-CN can lead MD1 and have a net gain in members this year!

Leader Dogs Visit

On August 17 and 18, First Lady Pat and I had the opportunity to attend Leader Dogs for the Blind in Rochester, Michigan. This is an annual visit made by each new governor. We were given a tour of the facilities, briefed on procedures and costs, and even got to pretend that we were blind and needed the assistance of a Leader Dog. I thank God that I only had to pretend. Did you know that it takes 2 1/2 to 3 years to train a Leader Dog? Or that the Leader Dog "puppy program" is strictly volunteer? And that a Leader Dog recipient spends four weeks at Leader Dog school learning to handle their dog? Did you know it costs $29,000 to train a Leader Dog? I could tell you more, but that is the job of Leader Dog Chairman Bob Wobbles. Please invite him to one of your meetings and get the latest on Leader Dogs!

In Memory of:

District 1-CN has lost three dedicated Lions this month:

• August 10 Lion Steve Stark, Charter Member of the Olney Lions

• August 20 Lion Stuart Billiards, New Baden Lions

• August 29 Lion Sid Miller, Charter Member of the Swansea Lions

Please keep these Lions and their families in your prayers. On behalf of the District, I praise them for all their years of service and know that they will be missed.

Leo Clubs Chairman

How are your membership drives coming along? Tough to find new members who understand what "We Serve" and community involvement is all about? Don't you wish you could plant a Lion seed, grow new Lions, and reap a bountiful harvest in the years to come? Guess what? You can! Sponsor a Leo Club and you will have a supply of community service oriented individuals who just may join your club some day. At the very least, you will have introduced some youngsters to the rewards of service above self and, even if they don't join your club, that is certainly a worthwhile endeavor.

Leo Club members are between the ages of 12 and 28. Worldwide there are over 139,000 youthful volunteers who call themselves Leos in over 5,000 Leo Clubs. Do you know how many of those 5,000 Leo Clubs are in District 1CN? None. Nada. Zilch. Zip. On one hand, that makes my job as District 1CN Leo Chairman easier since I am supposed to hold bi-annual meetings with all district Leo Club advisors. I had my first meeting last week and all I did was argue with myself! On the other hand, what a waste of potential for your club, your community, and the youngsters themselves.

Sponsoring a Leo Club takes commitment. I won't try to sugar coat that. First, there is monetary involvement. Every Lions club that sponsors a Leo Club pays a one-time organization fee of $100. This fee covers 20 Leo new member entrance fees (Leo new member kits complete with lapel buttons and membership cards); a Certificate of Organization; a Leo club officers' kit; and a Leo club sponsor kit. The club also pays a $5 new member fee for each new member thereafter. In addition, each year, all Lions clubs that sponsor Leo clubs are assessed an annual levy of $90. This is a flat fee and the number of Leos in the club doesn't matter. Lions Clubs may use their activity or administrative account to pay these fees. Also, a Leo Club can agree to reimburse the sponsoring club for the annual levy and the new member fees and this should be negotiated and spelled out in their charter.

The biggest and most rewarding commitment is your time. Your club must guide and supervise the actions of your Leo Club. One Lion is appointed as a Leo club advisor which guarantees that both clubs are aware of the actions of the other. Supervision is exercised in one of three ways. One or more of your club members must attend every Leo Club or board of directors meeting. A monthly joint meeting may be held with three representatives from each club. Or having the Leo Club send meeting minutes to your club for review and the prerogative to call a meeting of the clubs if required. This supervision is intended to guide the Leos, help with organizational issues, suggest community involvement, etc. The Leos run their club. The sponsoring club is there to assist.

So why sponsor a Leo Club? Participation in Leo activities and projects helps young people prepare for the future by developing leadership, organizational and social skills. Members experience increased self-esteem and personal growth as they meet challenges and accept responsibilities. By volunteering their time and talents for the benefit of others, Leos learn firsthand the value and rewards of service. Leo club involvement can start young men and women on a lifetime of helping others. By sharing in service activities, a Leo club can increase a Lions club's effectiveness in helping others. Leo projects within the community also contribute to a Lions club's visibility and good reputation. Working with young people can help Lions club members experience renewed interest and enthusiasm for projects and activities. If Leos are sons or daughters of Lions, club involvement becomes a "family affair." Leo clubs can also grow new Lions. Leo projects contribute to the well being of the community. Improving the environment, promoting drug awareness, offering health services, visiting the elderly and providing food, clothing and supplies to the needy are some of the ways Leos improve the quality of life for others.

I am available to discuss Leo clubs at any time. Just let me know when and where and I'll come to a meeting and provide a presentation. My single goal as Leo Club chairman is to establish one Leo club in District 1CN this year. If your club has thought about forming a Leo Club but were afraid of the time involvement, I have a solution. Two or more clubs can team up and sponsor a single Leo club and thus share the commitment! Is there a club out there who is willing to be the first Leo sponsor in the District or a couple of clubs who would agree to do so if there were other clubs to help? Think about it and give me a call at 566-8332 or e-mail at [email protected]. I would be glad to discuss the possibilities with you and assist a club in sponsoring a Leo Club or orchestrate the joint sponsorship of two or more clubs. Together, we can make this happen!

Leo Chairman Gary Laakko

LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION

What is LCIF?

It is the charitable funding arm of LCI.

OBJECTIVES OF LCIF:

1. Humanitarian Services

2. Vocational Training

3. Major disaster relief.

The chairperson of LCIF is the Immediate Past International President of LCI. The Board of Trustees has 38 members. Administrative expenses amount to approximately 8% of the revenue. This is paid from interest on the corpus. No percent of donations go to administrative expenses. Items of interest from our District pertaining to LCIF are (these facts are from 7/25/02)

Contributions were received from 30 out of 44 clubs in District 1CN.

There are 153 MJF's from 1,371 Lions in District 1CN.

Last year total contributions amounted to $7419.

4 MJF's were given this past year. Surely there are deserving lions in your club, a person who has made a contribution to your community through Lionism.

PDG Don Dietz District 1CN LCIF Chairman

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

Club Briefs

The Belleville Lions Club is sponsoring a COUNTRY TIME JAMBOREE, from Branson, Missouri on Wednesday, September 25, 2002 at 7 P.M. in the Intramural Gymnasium at Southwest Illinois College.

Tickets are $6.00 in advance, $8.00 at the door. Children (12 and under $3.00) Preschool FREE Tickets are on sale at:

• West Pointe Bank - 2020 N. Belt East, Belleville, IL
• Belleville Optometrists - 22 N. Jackson, Belleville, IL and 2801 West Main,
• Belleville, IL Eagle Collectibles - 22 East Main, Belleville
• OR Richard Klemm -235-6969

PLEASE COME AND HAVE A GOOD TIME.

Directory Corrections

pg. 6 Lions of Illinois mailing address is: RR 5 Box 100 Petersburg, Illinois 62675 e-mail is:[email protected]

pg. 8 Secretary Gail Adams (Collinsville Noon Lions) ph# should be 618-345-0593

pg. 11 Valmeyer President Walster ph # is 618-935-2991

pg. 14 Smithton Secretary Dale Blaes ph # is 618-235-4016

From the VDG

Rose Day: Don't forget the date of September 14th. You need to have your Rose Day Chairman selected by then and your initial order per dozens. Final orders must be in no later than October 2nd. This is where you can contact me.

VDG Jim Hauenschild, 530-4784 cell, 566-9503 home, or [email protected] or [email protected]

M.E.R.L. The first M.E.R.L. meeting is going to be Sunday September 29th 10:00 AM Mt.Vernon Airport Meal approximately $6.50

Attention All Clubs --- Please book your Governor's Night visit as soon as possible

Request for District Governor Visit

Club Name_________________________

Contact Person______________________

Address_____________________________________________

Phone Number____________________Fax Number___________________________

Date (1st Choice)______________(2nd Choice)_____________(3rd Choice)____________

Location of Governor's Night visit & directions if required___________________________________
__________________________

Please mail back to Governor Jim ASAP

Lions Leadership

District 1-CN

As promised last month, this Leadership article will focus on PLANNING.The phrase,"Plan YOUR work and work YOUR plan", seems appropriate for any Lion in a leadership role, but especially so for those of you who have been elected President of your club.

Before developing the "planning" aspect of this piece, it is necessary to ask the following question: "Lion President, why did you agree to take on this challenge?" If you haven’t thought about this already, please take a moment to do so now. Got an answer? Good! Does it really matter what your reason? No. But it is essential that YOU know why!

The ability (and willingness) to set goals, establish a sense of priorities, make an action plan and manage one’s time are essential to any Lion leader.These skills are absolutely mandatory to the President, Zone Chairman, District Governor, etc.

Because a leader is the person with vision(Governor Jim’s slogan,"Vision the Future See the Success"),she or he needs plans to organize, guide and evaluate actions. Our Governor obviously recognizes the importance of vision to successful leadership. Let’s face it, a successful event results only when a good plan comes together. The odds of a poorly planned project ending on a positive note are not very good. Also, good planning gives the leader confidence and makes him/her reliable in the eyes of fellow Lions. What happens when you don’t plan? Nothing happens in leadership by accident. Nothing falls into place unless we put it there. The following are possible results of not having a formal plan for your project:. You will forget some important details.

Those anticipated problems will occur..Your fellow Lions will think you are either impulsive, unorganized, or not sure when you are leading them. You should avoid anything that lessens your credibility as a leader. Good planning can do a lot to strengthen your goal to be a good Club President. Your fellow Lions will be the judge of your Year’s success, or lack of same.

Next time -(Making a Plan & What Goes into a Plan?)

Remember, your Zone Chairman is there to help you. Also, invite a District Committee Chairman to one of your meetings. You won’t be disappointed.

Jerry R. Clemens, PDG

Governors's Travels

Sept 17 Northwest Region Zone 3 Meeting, Waterloo

Sept 24 Governors Night - Carlyle Lions

Sept 27 Smithton Community Blood Drive

Sept 29 MERL/ Impact Team Meeting, Mt. Vernon/International Reception and Dinner, Chicago

Oct 11-12 Candy Day

Oct 17-18 "Reward Your Partner in Service Day" Rose Deliveries

Oct 19-20 District 1-E Convention

Oct 26 State Committee Meetings, Petersburg

Oct 27 Cabinet Meeting, Central City

Oct 30 Governor's Visit - Collinsville (Noon) Lions