122485 Lion Mag SepOct - mdalionsmdalions.org/pages/uploads/Events/may-jun2016.pdf · The 2016...

M.D. “A” Edition May/June 2016 www.lionsclubs.org

Preparations areunderway in Fukuoka, Japan

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Senior Editor: John DanielsPublisher: Herb Thompson

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The LION May/June 2016

POSTMASTERSIf unclaimed, email us at:

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GOVERNORS’ COUNCIL 2015-2016Council Chair John Johnston (Dianne Piggott) 128 Robin Ridge Drive Belmont, Ontario N0L 1B0 519-558-0068 mailto: [email protected] Mike Tuxford (Barb) 206 George Street, P.O. Box 822 Lucan, ON N0M 2J0 519-227-2252 mailto: [email protected] Stewart Patterson (Nancy) 2019 Main Street, South Jarvis, ON N0A 1J0 519-587-2772 mailto: [email protected] Janet Marissen (Harry) 10 Carla Court, P.O. Box 645 Wellington, ON K0K 3L0 613-961-0990 mailto: [email protected] Kristina Schulz (Michael) 5329 Driscoll Drive Manotick, ON K4M 1E3 613-692-8266 mailto: [email protected] Gerry Bertrand (Catherine Walton) 363 Marion Street Sudbury, ON P3E 3H3 705-674-4251 mailto: [email protected] Harold Hobson (Pat) 13395 Heritage Road Caledon, ON L7C 1V1 905-702-9216(h); 416-706-7000(c) mailto: [email protected] Joanne Klonikowski (Andy) 273 Boulton Street, P.O. Box 526 Palmerston, ON N0G 2P0 519-343-2553 mailto: [email protected] Richard Ratensperger (Mary) 59 Christopher Avenue Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 1S4 705-812-2906(h); 705-429-8731(c) mailto: [email protected] Diane Smith (Paul Shutsa) 1079 Floradale Road Elmira, ON N3B 2Z3 519-669-1465(h); 519-574-0485(c) mailto: [email protected] Susan Tate (Barry) 12 King Street, P.O. Box 543 Fenelon Falls, ON K0M 1N0 705-887-5220 mailto: [email protected] John Stewart PDGTreasurer Dave Hewitt PDG

EXECUTIVE OFFICERSPresident Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada, Minokamo-shi, Gifu-ken,Japan;Immediate Past President Joseph Preston, Dewey, Arizona,United States; First Vice President Robert E. Corlew, Milton, Tennessee,United States;Second Vice President Naresh Aggarwal, Delhi, IndiaContact the officers at Lions Clubs International, 300 W. 22ndSt., Oak Brook, Illinois, 60523-8842, USA.Second Year DirectorsSvein Ǿystein Berntsen, Hetlevik, Norway; Jorge AndrésBortolozzi, Coronda, Argentina; Eric R. Carter, Aukland, NewZealand; Charlie Chan, Singapore, Singapore; Jack Epperson,Nevada, United States; Edward Farrington, New Hampshire,United States; Karla N. Harris, Wisconsin, United States; RobertS. Littlefield, Minnesota, United States; Ratnaswamy Murugan,Kerala, India; Yoshinori Nishikawa, Himeji, Hyogo, Japan;George Th. Papas, Limassol, Cyprus; Jouko Ruissalo, Helsinki,Finland; N. S. Sankar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; A. D. DonShove, Washington, United States; Kembra L. Smith, Georgia,United States; Dr. Joong-Ho Son, Daejoon, Republic of Korea;Linda L. Tincher, Indiana, United States.First Year DirectorsMelvin K. Bray, New Jersey, United States; Pierre H. Chatel,Montpellier, France; Eun-Seouk Chung, Gyeonggi-do, Korea;Gurcharan Singh Hora, Siliguri, India; Howard Hudson, California,United States; Sanjay Khetan, Birganj, Nepal; Robert M. Libin,New York, United States; Richard Liebno, Maryland, UnitedStates; Helmut Marhauer, Hildesheim, Germany; Bill Phillipi,Kansas, United States; Lewis Quinn, Alaska, United States;Yoshiyuki Sato, Oita, Japan; Gabriele Sabatosanti Scarpelli,Genova, Italy; Jerome Thompson, Alabama, United States; RamiroVela Villarreal, Nuevo León, Mexico; Roderick “Rod” Wright,New Brunswick, Canada; Katsuyuki Yasui, Hokkaido, Japan.

Contents M.D. “A” Edition May/June 2016

We Serve

Welcome to the May/June Edition of The Lion. To submit stories, photos, comments or suggestions, please

contact your District Reporter (Pg 26) and please remember to check your camera settings to ensure

highest resolution pictures.

Agreement Number is:41805020*

[email protected] Serve

President’s Message...........................................4Convention Call.................................................4Executive Summary International Board of

Directors Meeting........................................5-6Official Notice ..................................................6Candidates for Second and Third Vice President....7LCIF High Marks for Lions Quest in Finland ...........8U.N. Day Focuses on Gender Equality .................8Serve Youth in your Community this August ..........8Lions on Location – Service Abroad.................9-10Touchstone Story..............................................10A Best Friend – In Multiple Ways ..................11-13South African Boy Wins Essay Contest ...............13Sweet Dream ..................................................13Multiple District A (all Ontario) Effective

Speaking Finals ...........................................13Convention in Japan Rounds into Form ...............14Fostering a Life Partner .....................................15Lions on Lions .............................................16-20Where do all those used eyeglasses go? ............21Lions McInnes House........................................23MDA Directory Information ...............................24Important Dates ...............................................24Resource Centre Website ..................................26District Reporters..............................................26Moving Soon?.................................................26Fort McMurray Assistance..............................OBC

Belwood Lions Club ..............................................IBCBurford Lions Club .................................................23Cambridge Highlands Lions Club ............................21Campbellford Lions Club .......................................23Cowansvill Lions Club ............................................22Club Lions de Knowlton ..........................................24District A5 Lions Clubs............................................23Fisherville District Lions Club ...................................24Galt Cambridge Lions Club..................................6,23Keene Lions Club...................................................23Knowlton Lions Club ..............................................22Lakefield and District Lions Club ........................25,IBCLeaside Centennial Lions Club ...................................6Lucan Lions Club....................................................25Lynden Lions Club .......................................22,23,IBCMarkham Lions Club ..............................................25New Hamburg Lioness Club....................................23Plattsville Lions Club ...............................................23River Hills Lions Club..............................................20Rockton Lions Club.................................................22Shawville Lions Club ..............................................25St. George Lions Club .......................................21,26Temagami Lions Club .............................................20Toronto Bangladesh Lions Club..................................6Toronto Netrayla Lions Club ......................................6Toronto Beaches Lions Cub .......................................6Toronto Central Lions Club ........................................6West Coast Lions Club ..........................................26

Management Committee Lion MagazineLion John Stewart PDGLion Dave Hewitt PDG

On the cover: The 2016

InternationalConvention begins

on June 24. Formore information,see pages 4 and 14.

The LION Magazine, official publication of Lions ClubsInternational, is published by authority of the board ofdirectors in 20 languages - English, Spanish, Japanese,French, Swedish, Italian, German, Finnish, Korean,Portuguese, Dutch, Danish, Chinese, Norwegian,Icelandic, Turkish, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian and Thai.

4The LION May/June 2016

As a neurosurgeon anda hospital director, Ialways have had a deepdislike of bureaucracy,hierarchical institutionsand anything that standsin the way of patientcare. I try to put patientsat the axel of a wheel,and professionals in themedical field are the

spokes that drive patient care. This teamwork among medical professionals is a

great lesson for Lions. Lions clubs are remarkablebecause they pool talents and resources. The more we

collaborate in clubs and among clubs, particularlythrough LCIF, the more service we can provide. As ourfounder Melvin Jones said, “Alone we can do so little;together we can do so much.”

There is another lesson I have carried with me frommedicine to Lions. In operating rooms I saved lives.Perhaps I saved 100 lives per year and maybe in thecourse of my career I will save 4,000 to 5,000 lives.But think about LCIF’s measles initiative. In the pastseveral years, tens of millions of children have beenprotected from a disease that is potentially fatal. Youand I as Lions have made that happen. As proud as Iam of what I do as a doctor, I am immensely satisfiedand fulfilled to know what we accomplish as Lions.

So let’s renew our commitment to teamwork as

Lions. Our harmony translates into saved lives,opportunities for children and restored vision. And let’scherish our membership. How else can you sowonderfully impact the world than as a Lion? As onewho wields a scalpel as loved ones anxiously await andwho understands how important a day’s work can be,I also deeply appreciate the importance of Lions clubs.Thank you for all you do as a Lion and please continueto serve for years to come.

Dr. Jitsuhiro YamadaLions Clubs International President

Dr. Jitsuhiro YamadaLions Clubs International

President

We’re Lions – People Who Matter

Many Japanese admire the teachings of Confucius,particularly his thinking about Onko Chishin. Thismeans “he that would know what shall be mustconsider what has been.” Though elegantly expressedin the writings of Confucius, the concept is simplycommon sense, a sentiment appreciated by peopleworldwide. In fact, the idea is even incorporated intothe longstanding Lions logo. One of the Lions on thelogo looks back while the other looks forward.

As I enter the last month of my presidency, I findmyself looking both back to the past and forward intothe future. This year we built upon the success of Lionsin the past. We continued to save lives through themeasles campaign. We kept saving sight. We improvedour communities in countless ways.

Lions also continued to be great champions andprotectors of children. At the start of the year I urged

Lions to reach out to children as part of my theme topromote Dignity, Harmony and Humanity. Sadly, thewaves of refugees are a human tragedy the world hasnot seen in decades. Lions are responding with vigor,supplying food, water, necessities and kindness afterkindness.

Looking to the past to prepare for the future hasbeen especially meaningful for Lions this year as wenear our centennial. Lions have made great progresstoward achieving our Centennial Service Challenge ofserving 100 million people by June 30, 2018. I don’twant to jinx us, but I am utterly confident we willeasily surpass that goal.

We also need to have the courage to change andsometimes even need to end longtime traditions. Ourassociation needs to evolve to stay relevant to theneeds of society. It may come with pain, but we must

always have the next generation in mind.It’s been a great privilege to serve as international

president. On our frequent journeys Toshiko and I havemet thousands of warm and gracious Lions whoexemplify the best of the human spirit. We Japanesetake pride in our hospitality, but Toshiko and I learnedthat nothing tops Lions’ hospitality. We also have beendeeply impressed and inspired by Lions’ dedication toservice and their importance and accomplishments intheir communities. Please continue to serve—theworld needs us as never before in the last 100 years.


Take a Bow, Lions, for Incomparable Service

In compliance with Article VI, Section 2 of theInternational By-Laws, I hereby issue the Official Callfor the 2016 International Convention. Our 99thInternational Convention will be held in Fukuoka,Japan. It begins at 10 o’clock June 24 and ends June28. The purpose of the convention is to elect apresident, a first, second and third vice president and17 members of the International Board of Directorsand to transact such other business as may properlycome before the meeting.

Fukuoka is a charming, graceful city thatmarvelously balances the old and new. Fukuoka is thehome of the oldest Zen temple in Japan yet it iscelebrated for its cutting-edge gourmet food. This cityhas an abundance of fresh seafood, traditional festivalsand the most yatai (street food stalls) in all of Japan.

Historically, it is the merging of two cities: thepicturesque castle town of Fukuoka and the bustlingport city of Hakata.

The five days will feature inspiring speakers, world-class entertainers and native music, dance and food.Lions also will enjoy convention traditions such as thegrand parade, the swearing-in of the new internationalpresident and three plenary sessions that demonstratethe amazing range and scope of Lions’ service. KailashSatyarthai of India, a human rights activist and the2014 Nobel Peace Prize winner, will give the keynoteaddress. Doctors Without Borders will receive the2016 Lions Humanitarian Award. Another highlight isthe announcement of the Peace Poster and EssayContest winners.

Convention Week is a wonderful, remarkable

experience packed with fellowship, fun and learning.The Lions of Japan will embrace visitors withomotenashi, the spirit of hospitality. I stronglyencourage Lions to strengthen their commitment toBring Dignity to Others by joining tens of thousandsof your fellow Lions in Fukuoka.

Signed by me in Oak Brook, Illinois, United Statesof America, this 2nd day of May 2016.

Warmest regards,


Convention Call

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS COMMITTEE1. Established the Ad Hoc Committee to Review

Third Vice President and International Directorcandidate requirements with seven (7) membersappointed by the Executive Officers andrequested further review by our successorConstitution and By-Laws Committee.

2. Empowered the Executive Committee to fix bycontract the duties, term of office andcompensation of a treasurer.

3. Revised the District Governor Suspension Policyin Chapter XV of the Board Policy Manual torequire a majority of the clubs in good standingin the district to request review under the policy.

4. Revised Chapter III, Paragraph E.6. of the BoardPolicy Manual to reflect the new LCIF Board ofTrustees structure.

5. Revised Chapter XV, Paragraph C and ParagraphL of the Board Policy Manual to removeunnecessary language.

6. Revised Chapter XV of the Board Policy Manualto make it consistent with previous changesrelated to the reinstatement of the office ofInternational Third Vice President.

7. Revised the District Governor and First andSecond Vice District Governor ElectionsProcedure in Chapter XV of the Board PolicyManual to allow for more flexibility in who mayfile a complaint and to allow for the formalcomplaint documents to be filed by electronicmeans.

8. Revised the definition of good moral characterand reputation in one’s community in ChapterXV of the Board Policy Manual to allow clubs todecide if a member of their community meets therequirements to be a member and, in certaincircumstances to preserve the image of theassociation, to authorize the Constitution and By-Laws Committee and the International Board ofDirectors to review club membership.

9. Adopted a resolution to be reported to the 2016International Convention to amend theInternational By-Laws to change the name of thePublic Relations Committee to the MarketingCommunications Committee.

CONVENTION COMMITTEE1. Revised convention bid policy to allow the

association to select the convention site seven (7)years in advance.

2. Selected Montreal, Quebec, Canada, as the siteof the 2021 Lions Clubs InternationalConvention.

DISTRICT AND CLUB SERVICE COMMITTEE1. Extended protective status to the Tabubil Lions

Club of District 201-Q2 (Australia) throughSeptember 4, 2016.

2. Extended District 351 (Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq)to include the State of Palestine.

3. Approved an amendment to the redistrictingproposal submitted by Multiple District 3(Oklahoma), which was approved on October 5,2015, to change the names of the new districts toDistrict 3-E, District 3-SW and District 3-NWand delay the redistricting one year so that thenew districts take place at the adjournment of the2017 International Convention.

4. Approved a resolution to merge District 305-S1,District 305-S2 and District 305-S3 to createDistrict 305-S (which will take effect at the closeof the 2016 International Convention) andinstructed the members within these districts tohold an election to elect a district governor toserve during the 2016-2017 fiscal year.

5. Approved the Lion leaders who wererecommended by the local Lions from theprovisional districts to serve as district governorsfor the provisional districts for the 2016-2017fiscal year.

6. Revised the Board Policy Manual by amendingthe Standard Club Constitution and By-Laws toinclude a club LCIF Coordinator.

7. Revised the Board Policy Manual to include theState of Palestine and the Republic of Kosovo asofficial countries of Lions Clubs International.

8. Revised the Board Policy Manual to allow theInternational President to deny expenses for theInternational Convention if the DistrictGovernors-Elect does not attend the full DistrictGovernor-Elect Seminar.

FINANCE AND HEADQUARTERS OPERATION COMMITTEE1. Approved a change of General Fund Investment

Policy to match the asset allocation of theEmergency Reserve Fund Investment Policy.

2. Approved the FY 2016 3rd Quarter Forecast,reflecting a deficit.

3. Approved amendment to the Defined BenefitPlan Funding Policy.

4. Approved amending the General FundInvestment Policy Statement contingent upon theadoption of the proposed resolution at the 2016International Convention to amend theInternational Constitution related to theEmergency Reserve Fund.

5. Approved additional funding for the combinedbudget of the October/November andMarch/April 2017-2018 board meetings and

approved an exception to the Executive OfficerTravel and Expense Reimbursement Policyallowing up to two additional days for addedtravel time.

6. Approved increasing New Member EntranceFees and Charter Fees to US$35 each effectiveJuly 1, 2017.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE1. Approved funding, beginning in 2016-2017, in

the amount of US$2,000 per year for the nextthree years to support club level training for theLions of Papua New Guinea.

2. Contingent upon approval of the 2016-2017proposed budget, approved curriculum andlimited funding to support two Emerging LionsLeadership Institutes (ELLI) during 2016-2017for qualified Lions of Africa. All planning andimplementation will be handled by the GLT ofAfrica.

3. Contingent upon the approval of the 2016-2017proposed budget, approved the addition of oneFaculty Development Institute (FDI) to the 2016-2017 Lions Leadership Institute schedule forqualified Lions of the ISAAME area.

4. Contingent upon approval of the 2016-2017proposed budget, approved the addition of oneFaculty Development Institute (FDI) to the 2016-2017 Lions Leadership Institute schedule forqualified Lions from the USA, its affiliates andCanada.

5. Contingent upon approval of the 2016-2017proposed budget, approved the design,development and implementation of a newCertified Lions Instructor Program beginning in2016-2017.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE1. Revised the Leo to Lion and Student Membership

board policy to remove the language to supportthe change of respective applications being adependency on the acceptance of eithermembership type.

2. Revised board policy manual to include the word“Awards” in the title to be “Membership AwardsPrograms.”

3. Revised board policy manual related to KeyAwards to remove the language specific to awardreporting and processing details.

4. Removed the GMT District CoordinatorExtension award from board policy.

5. Removed the award requirements listed inChapter X of board policy for the CharterMonarch and Monarch Milestone Chevrons.

6. Revised board policy to add the new sectionrelated to Chevrons in Chapter XVII.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYINTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

Savannah, Georgia, USAMarch 1-4, 2016


We ServeWe Serve


7. Revised board policy to remove the countries thatwill be affected by the sunset provision.

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE1. Approved Second Century program with changes

recommended by the LCI marketing team andPublic Relations Committee to be reflected in thefinal program draft for review by the ExecutiveCommittee.

2. Proposed amendment to change the name of thePublic Relations Committee to “MarketingCommunications Committee.”

SERVICE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE1. Awarded the 2014-2015 Top Ten Youth Camp and

Exchange Chairperson Awards.2. Updated Chapter I to reflect current practices.3. Updated Chapter XXII to reflect current practices.

4. Discontinued the Lions Environmental PhotoContest at the conclusion of 2016-2017.

5. Adjusted the Leo Club Program Advisory PanelTerm.

For more information on any of the above resolutions, pleaserefer to the LCI website at www.lionsclubs.org or contactthe International Office at 630-571-5466.

ITEM 1: A RESOLUTION TO REMOVE THEPROVISION RELATED TO THEEMERGENCY RESERVE FUND TO ALLOWFOR MORE FLEXIBILITY IN FUNDINGPROGRAMS AND SERVICES. (THISAMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTIONREQUIRES A 2/3 VOTE TO ADOPT)

SHALL THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION BEADOPTED?

BE IT RESOLVED, That, effective beginningwith the 2016-2017 year, Article IX of theInternational Constitution shall be deleted in itsentirety and the remaining Articles renumberedaccordingly.

ITEM 2:A RESOLUTION TO REVISE THEDESIGNATION OF ADMINISTRATIVEOFFICERS. (THIS AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS REQUIRES A MAJORITY VOTE TOADOPT)


BE IT RESOLVED, That, effective beginningwith the 2016-2017 year, Article III, Section 3 ofthe International By-Laws shall be amended bydeleting the phrase “senior executiveadministrator and/or executive administrator,treasurer and secretary, and such other” andreplacing it with the term “administrative”.

ITEM 3:A RESOLUTION TO RENAME THE PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE TO THE MARKETING COMMUNICATIONSCOMMITTEE. (THIS AMENDMENT TO THEBY-LAWS REQUIRES A MAJORITY VOTE TOADOPT)


BE IT RESOLVED, That Article IV, Section 1(i)of the International By-Laws shall be amendedby deleting the phrase “Public Relations” andreplacing it with the phrase “MarketingCommunications”.

Official Notice2016 International Convention, Fukuoka, Japan

The following proposed amendments to the International Constitution and By-Lawswill be reported to the delegates for vote at the 2016 International Convention.

We ServeWe Serve

Community Living Cambridge is the proud ownerof an absolutely beautiful wheelchair accessible vanthat replaces the van stolen in the summer of 2014.Community Living Cambridge provides services andsupports to those with developmental disabilities.Many of those individuals also have mobilitychallenges as well and that van was a critical need formany people to access the community, health care, dayprograms and just be able to live a full life in theircommunity. Replacing the van was going to be anoverwhelming challenge and was only possible due tothe generosity and kind donations in our ‘Trick OurRide’ campaign. The turning point to achievingsuccess was a large donation of $20,000 from the GaltCambridge Lions Club in addition to $30,000 from privatecitizens and business and the insurance moneyreceived for the stolen van. The new van is the top ofthe line and a proud addition to our fleet. It is also thefirst (but not the last) of our vehicles to have theagency name on it, along with recognition and thanksto our donors.

A rainy March 23 was the day the van was officially

christened by members of the Galt Cambridge LionsClub, the CLC Board of Directors and ExecutiveDirector, Denise Gruber.

All who haveseen it or driven itare thrilled with thenew model andstyle. It is easy touse, comfortable todrive and utilizes aramp out the reardoor to loadpassengers. No lift!

A joint venture of lions participated in the TorontoWheelchair Relay Challenge on September 20, 2015.

The challenge takes place this year on Sunday,September 18, 2016 -9:00am to 1:00pm.

Our Ride Has Arrived! “Wheelin’ Lions”Multi-Lions Club

Henry Dharmadasan (Leaside Centennial Lions Club), Tanzeem Salehaand Rubaidur Rahman (Toronto Bangladesh Lions Club), Sandy Heeralal-Judhan, (Toronto Netralya Lions Club), Don Price, Carol McCague, andNolly Haverhoek (Toronto Beaches Lions Club), Slava Tsvetkov (TorontoCentral Lions Club)


As of press time, there were three candidates for theoffice of second vice president and six for third vicepresident. The election is scheduled for June 28 at the99th International Convention in Fukuoka, Japan.

Second Vice President CandidatesSalim MoussanSalim Moussan of

Beirut, Lebanon,served as aninternational directorfrom 1997 to 1999. Amember of the BeirutSt. Gabriel Lions Club,he has twice been aboard appointee andgroup leader and haschaired several leadership forums. He is fluent in three languages, hasvisited 91 countries and has attended 27 consecutiveinternational conventions, 62 area forums and morethan 40 regional conferences.

Walter R. “Bud” WahlWalter R. “Bud”

Wahl of Streator,Illinois, served as aninternational directorfrom 2003 to 2005. Aretired risk managerand foundationcoordinator in thehealth care field, he is acharter member of theStreator HardscrabbleLions Club. A Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, Wahl is also activein many professional and community organizations.He has served as chairperson of the 2011 USA/CanadaLions Leadership Forum, as a national coordinator forCampaign SightFirst, as chairperson of the 2012Elections Committee and has been a presenter at LCInational and international seminars.

Gudrun Bjort YngvadottirGudrun Bjort

Yngvadottir ofGardabaer, Iceland,served on theinternational board ofdirectors from 2010 to2012. A member of theGardabaejar Eik LionsClub, she is the vicedirector of the Instituteof ContinuingEducation at the University of Iceland and has served as a facultymember and presenter at many Lions LeadershipInstitutes and international conventions. A ProgressiveMelvin Jones Fellow, she is active in several

community and professional organizations and hasreceived many LCI awards.

Third Vice President CandidatesJung-Yul ChoiJung-Yul Choi of

Busan, Republic ofKorea, served as aninternational directorfrom 1996 to 1998.The president of a realestate company, he hasbeen a member of theBusan Jaeil Lions Clubsince 1977 and washost committeechairperson of the 95th International Convention and chairperson of the 39thOSEAL Forum. He is a Progressive Melvin JonesFellow with a humanitarian partnership and therecipient of the Ambassador of Goodwill Award andhas been a director of the Busan Sports Associationand vice chairperson of the Dong-A University AlumniAssociation.

Patricia ‘Patti’ HillPatti Hill of

Edmonton, Canada, isa psychologist and amember of theEdmonton Host LionsClub. An internationaldirector from 2007 to2009, she has been acommittee member ofthe USA/Canada LionsLeadership Forum, amultinational coordinator for Campaign SightFirst II, a past directorof the Lions Eye Research Institute of NorthernAlberta and a presenter at multiple forums andconventions. A Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow andGLT Constitutional Area 2 Leader, Hill received theInspiring Woman Award and is active in manyprofessional and community organizations.

Rosane Teresinha Jahnke Rosane Teresinha

Jahnke served on theinternational board ofdirectors from 2008 to2010. A member of theJaraguá do Sol LionsClub in Brazil, she wasa teacher and is alawyer. A ProgressiveMelvin Jones Fellowand a Helen KellerKnight of Sight recipient, she has participated in 18 internationalconventions and 13 FOLAC forums. Active in many

community and professional groups, Jahnke promotesthe rights of children with special needs and cancerprevention awareness.

Carolyn A. MessierCarolyn A. Messier

of Windsor Locks,Connecticut, served asan internationaldirector from 2011 to2013 and a boardappointee from 2014 to2015. She is the retiredexecutive director ofthe Lions Low VisionCenters and a lowvision therapist who joined the Windsor Locks Lions Club in 1990. AProgressive Melvin Jones Fellow, she has presented ormoderated at six USA/Canada forums, is active in theNew England Lions Council and is the recipient of theAmbassador of Goodwill Award as well as numerousother professional and LCI recognitions.

Fabrício Oliveira Fabrício Oliveira of

Catolé do Rocha,Brazil, served as aninternational directorfrom 2006 to 2008. Heis a businessman andbusiness administrator,and has been a memberof the Catolé do RochaLions Club since 1985.He is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow and has received the GlobalVision Medal Award, the Ambassador of GoodwillAward and 10 International President’s Awards. Twicea District Governors-Elect seminar group leader,Oliveira is also active in many professional andcommunity organizations.

Steven D. ShererSteven D. Sherer of

New Philadelphia,Ohio, has been amember of the DoverLions Club since 1980.A licensed publicaccountant and retiredfinance officer/CFO ofNew PhiladelphiaPublic Schools, he is aProgressive MelvinJones Fellow and has received numerous Lions and professional accolades.Sherer served as an international director from 2006to 2008, was a GMT area coordinator for four yearsand currently serves on the LCIF Quest AdvisoryCommittee.

Candidates for Second and Third Vice President


Social-emotional learning has been proven todecrease problem behaviors such as bullying andsubstance use and increase positive behavior patternssuch as self-discipline and conflict resolution. LionsQuest is LCIF's social-emotional learning program(SEL), and the Lions of Multiple District (MD) 107 inFinland have successfully implemented Lions Quest.The Finnish government has recognized MD 107’sprogram as a leader in educational curricula forchildren, and the Ministry of Education and Cultureeven awarded MD 107 a grant to conduct teachertraining workshops.

Local Lions’ involvement is key to Lions Quest’ssuccess, and over the last 20 years Finnish Lions haveraised more than US$6 million to support and growLions Quest. Since the first workshop in 1991, morethan 16,000 teachers have been trained to implementthe program in Finland. Eight certified trainers hostteacher training workshops throughout the country.Teachers are trained to work in multiculturalclassrooms, focusing on diversity and addressing theeducational needs of refugee children.

Finnish Lions have expanded Lions Quest beyondthe traditional classrooms to focus on youth sports.Trained in much the same way teachers are, coachesencourage good sportsmanship, teamwork and conflictresolution.

Understanding that the needs of today’s students areever-changing, the Lions also created a guide toInternet safety and cyber-bullying prevention.“Responsibility is Mine” teaches children not onlyhow to keep themselves safe online but alsodiscourages them from hurting others.

Taking the program even further, Finnish Lionshave become global leaders in the research of SEL. Incollaboration with the University of Helsinki, MD 107conducted a study that showed that Lions Questtraining is effective at building teachers’ ability todevelop social and emotional skills in their students.This research was published in the European Journalof Social and Behavioural Sciences.

Lions leaders in Finland work with local Lions onLions Quest, serving as an example of what can beachieved when Lions are committed to a goal.

High Marks for Lions Quest in Finlandby Cassandra Rotolo

The largest attendance in its history, more than 700Lions, Leos and others gathered at the 38th AnnualLions Day with the United Nations in March in NewYork. Speakers focused on promoting peace and genderequality, and International President Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamadasigned a memorandum of understanding between Lionsand the UN Women department to work together toending gender-based inequalities and discrimination.Other speakers included Thomas Gass, an assistantsecretary-general of the U.N.’s Department ofEconomic and Social Affairs who spoke on the U.N.’sSustainable Development Goals; Past InternationalPresident Jim Ervin, who detailed Lions’ partnership withThe Carter Center; and Syed Mahmood Kazmi ofPakistan, a youth and human rights activist. Thewinners of the Lions International Essay and PeacePoster contests were announced: Joel Greek of CapeTown, South Africa, and Yumo Zhu of China,respectively. Hosting the event was Past InternationalPresident Al Brandel, the Lions’ representative to theUnited Nations. In 1945, Lions helped formulate thenon-governmental section of the U.N. charter.

U.N. Day Focuses onGender Equality

Lions worldwide will help children in theircommunities by hosting service projects Aug. 8-14during Lions’ Worldwide Week of Service for Youth.From health and education initiatives to helpingfriends and neighbors meet children’s basic needs,there are countless ways to impact youth in yourcommunity and around the globe. It’s also a great wayto help achieve the Lions’ centennial goal to serve100+ million people.Learn more byvisiting theWorldwideWeek ofService forYouth page atLions100.org.

Serve Youth in yourCommunity this August

LCIF LCIF

In Finland, youth hockey coaches bring Lions Quest lessons alive on the ice

Recording artist Tennille Amor sings at U.N. Day. One of her songs was“Lion.”

A Message from OurChairperson

A recent visit to a large school in Quito,Ecuador, reminded me of how powerful LionsQuest can be. It was amazing how Lions Questhas improved the attitudes and performance of thestudents there.

A key to their initial success is the unwaveringsupport of the school board. All of the teachershave been trained. What is unique about theirapproach is that they also trained all theircounselors and school nurses and someadministrators. They even trained some parents,which means the lessons continue at home. Whena problem surfaces, everyone involved caneffectively deal with the situation.

One of the greatest things about Lions Quest isits flexibility. The curriculum is grade-specific,and can be taught with other subjects or on itsown. It can be taught daily, weekly oroccasionally. Lions Quest can be adapted to meeteach school’s needs.

In my opinion, this flexibility is also theprogram’s greatest weakness. It is taughtsporadically while other classes are ongoing andbuild upon previous lessons. It might beimplemented only for a year whereas othersubjects are taught in every single grade. I worrythat, when used on a part-time basis, the programdoes not reach its full potential.

I am grateful to schools, no matter how theychoose to teach Lions Quest. But for maximumimpact, please encourage your schools to make alonger term commitment to teach Lions Quest ona regular basis and at multiple grade levels.

As Lions, we should be proud of Lions Quest.We just need to spread it to more schools andclassrooms so that we can reach and positivelyimpact more of our young people. I hope readingthis story about Lions Quest in Finland inspiresyou to become more involved in your localprograms.

Joe PrestonLCIF Chairperson 2015-2016

Immediate Past International President


Lions on Location – Service AbroadEverything But a Kitchen SinkMOROCCO – A club in Casablanca pulled out all

the stops in traveling from its city to serve villagersin a remote rural area. Members of the Casablanca Arcen Ciel Lions Club formed a “medical caravan” toprovide diabetes screening and education anddistribute medicine to people living in the JakhmaBerrechid region. But the Lions also handed out toys,clothes and sweets to 140 children, passed out clothesto 120 adults and gave pasta, sugar, oil and other fooditems to 20 families as well as holding creativeworkshops on drawing and singing for children. Theeffort was led by President Meriem Dahrat and 416District Governor Salwa Abourizk.

Women Trained to Defend ThemselvesINDIA – Women in Bhubaneswar, a city of

650,000, are learning martial arts to defendthemselves against predatory men in classes taught bythe police. The self-defense classes are sponsored bythe Bhubaneswar Premium Lions Club.

Violence against women has drawn increasedattention in India. Chartered in August 2014, theBhubaneswar Premium Lions Club has three womenamong its 24 members.

Held at police stations, the three-week trainingclasses will help shatter “the perception of women thatthey are weak and defenseless,” according to the club.The classes include strength training and boxing.

Where the Out-of-Ordinary is CommonplaceNEW ZEALAND – The entrance fee is a $1 gold

coin. The items for sale are just as quirky: piglets,calves, fencing wire, yachts, chairs, motorbikes, evenkitchen sinks and vintage freezers. For 35 years, theAshhurst-Pohangina Lions Club smallholders auction hascatered to small landholders with something to selland curious customers looking for a bargain.

“Originally it was set up for people like me, whohave a smallholding, to be able to sell theirlivestock—one or two sheep, a calf, chickens,whatever, because it wasn’t possible, at the time, tosell small numbers at the big auction places,”according to a local blogger who is a farmer.

Last year the club raised $10,000 from sales and

another $2,000 at the gate, which was designated forthe Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter. The auctionis held at MacDonald’s farm in Pohangina Valley. Inkeeping with the offbeat flavor of the event, an officefor the auction is set up in a scruffy woolshed.

Textile Workers’ Vision StudiedSOUTH AFRICA – Textile workers in South Africa

such as machinists, cutters and button sewers performclose-up tasks that become more difficult as eyes ageand vision declines. Yet a study done in the Durbanarea showed that 93 percent of people who reporteddifficulties in reading or seeing parts of objects nearthem lacked eyeglasses.

An LCIF SightFirst project is studying the problemwith the hope of showing workers the value of eyescreenings and adequate vision, persuading employersthat vision screenings and vision corrections at theworkplace would increase productivity andconvincing government leaders of the need to includeeyeglasses as part of national health insurance. Theproject also aims to develop eye health materials suchas pamphlets and posters.

SightFirst approved a grant for $89,315 for theAfrican Vision Research and the Brien Holden VisionInstitute to examine the vision of 600 KwaZulu-Nataltextile factory workers. The study will identify whatworkers suffer from vision problems, provide themwith eyeglasses and then assess the change in theirproductivity.

The decline in vision happens progressively topeople as they age. The lens becomes less flexible,and near vision becomes blurred. The inevitable agingof the eye is called presbyopia.

Anecdotal evidence exists that uncorrected visiondecline decreases work productivity, but publishedevidence is lacking. According to the grant proposal,“For many, a simple pair of spectacles couldsignificantly improve their lives and increase their fullpotential to perform everyday near-tasks, improveeducational opportunities and increase their economicproductivity.”

Youth Camp Houses RefugeesSWEDEN – A Lions youth camp in Sweden was

recently canceled. But there were few complaints.Lions decided the camp was needed to house refugeesfrom Syria and Afghanistan.

As many as 80 refugees will live at Lions GreenCamp, located about 75 miles southwest ofStockholm. The living quarters are spacious and cleanwith a kitchen, dining room, showers and a washingmachine and dryer.

The Swedish government had urged its citizens toaccommodate the stream of refugees pouring intoSweden, which welcomed 160,000 refugees in 2015.“It gave Sweden and its towns an enormouschallenge,” says Lion Mats Granath, chairperson ofYouth Camp and Exchange in Sweden. “We don’t

know how long they will stay [at the Green Camp]. Itdepends if they get permanent permission to stay inSweden.”

Fifty youths from 29 nations were scheduled to stayat the camp. Most youths should be able to sign up foranother youth camp elsewhere, says Granath.

“We’re sorry for their situation, but Swedish Lionsare convinced we are doing the right thing,” saysGranath. “This is Lionism—helping people.”

Imagine There’s No NeedBELGIUM – Thirty-six years after his death, John

Lennon remains beloved across Europe and especiallyin Brussels, where people are proud of theirindependent spirit and creativity. The Brussels ImagineLions Club, named after the ex-Beatles anthemic hit,enjoys doing untraditional projects – such as its recentcollaboration with artists who painted and sculptedusing old doors and window frames.

Fifteen artists created, well, it’s open tointerpretation what they depicted. There was aMadonna-like mother and child (a refugee family?),a bundle of sticks and wood and an iron woman madefrom discarded brass and steel. Displayed at an oldwarehouse, the art fetched US$12,000. Typically,Lions split the selling price with the artist.

Two years ago, partnering with the club, artistscreated paintings on old beer barrels. Proceeds fromboth fundraisers went to a home for adults withdisabilities.

The club was formed in 2010, the 30th anniversaryof Lennon’s death. None of the 11 members areartists: there are lawyers, an insurance agent, anentrepreneur and a firefighter. But the club does meetat an interesting place: the Youkounkoun Palace, arestaurant named after the world’s biggest diamond.

Teamwork Blooms Between ClubsSWITZERLAND – For 60 years, until it ended in

1957, the Fête des Narcisses was an iconic spring eventin the Riviera District. The Feast of Narcissuscelebrated the blooming of the narcissus, known as the“May snow” for its brilliant appearance on hillsides.Last year, with the help of two disparate Lions clubs,the festival returned after a hiatus of 58 years.An auctioneer takes bids for a stuffed emu at the Ashhurst-Pohangina

Lions Club smallholders auction

An artist created this work of art for Lions to sell


The Montreux and Riviera-Chablais Lions Clubs entereda flower-strewn float in the colorful parade and hosteda food booth. Founded in 1951, the Montreux club,located where the famous jazz festival is held, is all-male. The Riviera-Chablais club, chartered just twoyears ago, is all-female.

The clubs worked side-by-side to help make thefestival a success. They served croissants andHighland beef raised in the heights of Montreux androasted on a spit for 14 hours. More than 500 patronsdined on the beef.

Mysterious Donor Helps HospitalINDIA – The mysterious caller never disclosed his

identity. Or explained why he wanted to provide theLions’ hospital with several dialysis machines. He evenbecame angry when a Lion suggested he should be thespecial guest at a ceremony unveiling the machines;instead the unknown benefactor berated Lions for notplanning to immediately use the machines as a fittingend to the ceremony.

The donor’s last contact with Lions about his initial

donation in 2012 was just as mysterious as his first.When Lions emailed him photos of the ceremony, aresponse came back: “I thank you for giving me achance to be of service of mankind. This email will bedeactivated today.”

The LNM Lions Hospital in Bhuj has the motto “forthe people, by the people.” Thanks to the 11 donatednew dialysis machines, worth more than an estimatedUS$1 million, the hospital is able to meet patients’needs. It has done 57,500 dialysis treatments since2006.

The telephone calls from the unknown benefactorfour years ago came to Past District Governor BharatMehta, the hospital administrator. Mehta told the callerfive machines were needed. He had agreed to forwardthe reports on the hospital’s dialysis treatments evenwhile the two spoke on the phone. “He was impressedthat it took less than a minute,” recounts Mehta. “Heobserved that this meant we hadn’t edited or altered thereports to our advantage in any way.”

The hospital began with two dialysis machines in2006 and eventually acquired 27, but 12 were discardedas they aged. Mehta said the Lions “would have beenoverjoyed to receive even just one more dialysismachine” from the unknown benefactor. Instead, fivemachines were delivered from Germany within 15 daysof the benefactor’s call. Three years later, in 2015, afteranother brief phone call from the benefactor, six moremachines arrived.

“This is true story,” says Mehta, who shakes his headin wonder at how odd and wonderful the story is. Hestill knows nothing about the donor, other that he isreligious. The last email from him read: “God bless youall. May God bless you and your team with the strengthto continue to be of service to the poor and needy.”

Satirist Draws a CrowdPOLAND – Polish Lions elicited laughter,

auctioned several paintings and raised funds for itscharitable causes. Sopot Lions hosted AndrewPoniedzielski, a popular satirist, poet and songwriter.

Lionism began in Poland in 1989. The country has1,057 Lions in 56 clubs. Sopot is a seaside resort townon the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in northernPoland with a population of nearly 40,000. Charteredin 1996, the Sopot Lions Club has 20 members.

The Lions’ float was decorated with 13,000 flowers

The dialysis machines at the Lions’ hospital are in constant use

Satirist Andrew Poniedzielski entertains the crowd

Jim Ervin was just a few weeks into his career as aLion in 1977 when fellow members of the AlbanyLions Club in Georgia tapped him for an importantjob: selling brooms and mops to raise funds for theGeorgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation.

“We'd go around knocking on doors,” recalls Ervin,who became international president in 1999. “It wasadvertised through the radio and TV when the Lionswere coming. So many people would wait until thattime to buy their brooms and mops.”

Community spirit flourishes as neighbors cometogether at Lions’ fundraisers from pancake breakfastsand barbecues to fish fries and sausage roasts. Somelocal Lions projects have developed into full-scalenational programs that raise millions of dollarsannually. Consider the humble fruitcake, whichentrepreneurial Lions in Australia, Canada and SouthAfrica have turned into gold.

Selling Lions fruitcakes during the Christmasseason began in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, in 1951.

Initially baked at home and sold to family, friends andneighbors, Canadian Lion fruitcakes are now producedby large commercial bakeries, packaged with holidaycolors and the Lions emblem, and marketed over theInternet.

Starting in 1965 with the Lions Save-SightChristmas Cake, Australia’s program has become acherished holiday tradition. Under the direction of theNational Cake Committee, the product line hasexpanded to include Christmas puddings, and annualsales have grown to more than 6 million Australiandollars.

From raffles to rubber duck races, Lions have alsoshown a flair for special events that bring communitiestogether and keep the fun in fundraising. Lions held abenefit elephant soccer tournament in Nepal anddressed up as Smurfs—donning blue face paint andfuzzy blue coveralls—for a canoe race in Epping, NewHampshire.

Selling items that people need, such as brooms,

mops and light bulbs, not to mention items that peoplecrave, such as mints and candy bars, has been a stapleof Lions’ local fundraising efforts for decades.

“Like they say,” says Ervin, “where there's a need,there's a Lion.”

Read the rest of the 100 Touchstone stories written forLions’ centennial at Lions100.org.

TOUCHSTONE STORY Brooms, Pancakes and Fruitcakes: Lions Are on the Prowl

Children pile high the pancakes at a Lions’ breakfast in East Weymouth,Massachusetts, in 1964


Say “service dog,” and most people picture a guidedog for the blind. Truth is, service dogs can make lifeeasier, bigger and brighter for people with many typesof health conditions, from peanut allergies to post-traumatic stress disorder. And Lions are very muchinvolved. Here are eight Lions-supported dogs that aremaking a difference.

Joint Base Andrews and BradWhen U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Brad

suspects that something’s not right with a person underhis command, he takes the appropriate militaryaction—putting his head in their lap.

Brad, a facility therapy dog, is trained to detectemotions that humans might not notice. As he makeshis rounds at the medical clinic of Joint Base Andrewsin Maryland, he’s on alert for any patient who seemsespecially sad or troubled. If he finds one, he rests hishead in their lap and looks at his handler, Chief PettyOfficer Bobby Long.

“Then I say to them privately, ‘Maybe there’ssomething you’d like to talk about,’” Long says. He’llthen refer the person to a behavioral health careprovider. Since the base has begun employing a facilitydog, its suicide rate has dropped.

Brad was trained by Southeastern Guide Dogs, aFlorida nonprofit that counts both the Lions ClubInternational Foundation and many individual Lionsclubs among its supporters. In addition to detectingemotions, Brad helps patients perform physicaltherapy exercises (by playing fetch or tug-of-war),helps them get in and out of wheelchairs (by standingfirm like a crutch) and generally lowers blood pressurethroughout the base (by wagging his tail and beingpetted).

“We have a psychiatrist who tells everybody thatBrad does his job better than he does,” Long says witha smile.

Sage Bowles and Peppermint PattyTo 3-year-old Sage Bowles of Auburn, California,

the family dog is just a good-natured playmate. But toSage’s parents, Patricia and Luke Bowles, that sweetLabradoodle is what stands between their daughter andpotential death.

The dog is Peppermint Patty, trained by theColorado nonprofit Angel Service Dogs to checkSage’s environment for traces of peanuts and tree nuts,to which the little girl is terribly allergic.

“Once my cousin was eating mixed nuts and kissedhis mother. Then his mother kissed Sage, and that’show we ended up in the hospital,” Patricia says. “Nowthat we have Peppermint Patty, she can check aperson’s hands and clothes and breath, and she cancheck environments like grocery stores andamusement parks. If she senses something, she’ll sitand point with her snout to where it is.”

The Bowles were able to raise the $20,000 neededto bring Peppermint Patty home with the help of theForesthill Lions Club, which held a pancake breakfastand a raffle to raise funds.

“I am so grateful for all of the Lions’ help,” saysPatricia. “This never would have happened withoutthem.”

Buddy Hayes and AndyA decade ago, due to the effects of multiple

sclerosis, Lion Buddy Hayes’s body decided to, as sheputs it, “sit down for the rest of its life.”

Now a wheelchair user, Hayes, a member of theSanta Fe Capital City Lions Club in New Mexico, alsoworks with a service dog, Andy. Provided by CanineCompanions for Independence, Andy can doeverything from help her get undressed and take therecycling bin to the curb to turn down her bed linensand vacuum. (If you’re having a hard time picturingthat last one, it’s a stick vacuum he holds in his mouth.)

Andy’s latest skill: fetching a tissue when Hayessneezes. “Now he wants me to sneeze all the time,”she says. “If he could learn something new every day,he would.”

Without Andy, “I’d have to ask people to help me,which I absolutely detest,” Hayes says. “Like droppingmy car keys. If they go underneath my wheelchair, it’shard to back up, not run over them, get them and pullmyself back up. To call someone for every little thinglike that, I wouldn’t feel right.” With Andy at her side,she doesn’t have to.

Christine Goodier and RayleneMany people with hearing loss isolate themselves.

Christine Goodier of Cedar Point, North Carolina, canempathize.

“It’s exhausting, struggling to hear all day,” saysGoodier, a semi-retired travel writer who lost nearlyall of her hearing to auto-immune inner ear disease asan adult. “It becomes easier to just stay home.”

Easier, that is, before 2014 when she got Raylene—a black Labrador trained by the Oregon-based, Lion-supported organization Dogs for the Deaf to alertGoodier to important noises such as door bells,microwave and smoke detector beeps, and ringingtelephones.

Raylene also helps Goodier avoid hazards: “If thetwo of us are walking down a sidewalk and her headsuddenly jerks to the right, I know I’d better stopwalking too, and notice the garage door opening andthe car about to back out in front of us.”

Goodier has traveled with her husband, Bob, in theirRV as she tackled writing assignments that took themfrom Yellowstone National Park and the AlbuquerqueBalloon Fiesta to the Florida Keys and the Mainecoast. “Raylene is a good traveler and a greatconversation magnet, which is always helpful for awriter,” says Goodier.

A Best Friend – In Multiple Waysby Anne Ford

Brad is a soothing presence for Navy Captain Patrick Mcgroarty as hevisits the dentist at the Naval Health Clinic Patuxent River's Dental Clinicin Maryland photo by Bobby Long

Sage Bowles and Peppermint Patty

Buddy Hayes and Andy


Not only that, but Raylene’s presence helps peoplerealize that Goodier has a disability and may needadditional assistance. Raylene and her service-dog vestserve as what Goodier calls “a visible symbol of aninvisible disability.” It’s all part of why she is able tosay: “I feel happier, safer, friendlier and more like myold self since she came into my life.”

Jason Corning and NikoBoth profoundly deaf and legally blind, Jason

Corning of Baltimore works for the federalgovernment, serves as president of the MetroWashington Association of the DeafBlind, will receivehis master’s in management information systems inMay from Johns Hopkins University and has traveledoverseas.

Corning’s companion in all these adventures? Hisyellow Labrador guide dog, Niko, with whom hecommunicates using hand signals.

“Niko guides me around and makes sure I stop atcurbs, avoid poles and am not surprised byskateboarders or bicycles passing by,” Corning says.“Also, he’s a great travel companion, since having apersonal guide or a friend to travel with me can beexpensive. Since getting a dog, I am more independentand have more confidence in traveling on my own.”Indeed, Corning took Niko’s predecessor, Spencer,with him on a trip to Ireland several years ago.

Spencer and Niko were given to Corning by LeaderDogs for the Blind, a Michigan nonprofit founded by

three Detroit-area Lions in 1939. Since then, thanks todonations from thousands of Lions clubs and otherorganizations and individuals, it has provided morethan 14,500 guide dogs to clients all over the world—free of charge.

Abbi Roman and PaluaIn the old days, the Roman family didn’t go

anywhere together—not to the store, not to arestaurant, not to church, not on vacations.

That was because Eric and Christine Roman’s 18-year-old daughter, Abbi, has autism. Abbi is easilyoverwhelmed by things that most people tune out, suchas the noise of a shopping cart or the hum of an air-conditioning system. “We could be in a store formaybe 10 minutes and then she would completely meltdown,” remembers Eric of Antioch, California.

In an effort to block out external stimuli, Abbi alsooften kept her head down and refused to engage inconversations. Then one day Eric noticed her chattingaway to the family’s pet dog—and got an idea.

Thanks to Canine Companions for Independence,the Roman family now includes Palua, a Lab-retrievermix whose presence helps Abbi stay calm in difficultsituations, fall asleep at night, refrain from self-harming behaviors such as hair plucking and evenengage in friendly conversations with others.

“She’s not the kid with autism now. She’s the kidwith the dog,” Eric says. “Palua acts as a social bridge.She lets people see Abbi as a person.

“Now the dog goes everywhere with us, and Abbican go everywhere with us,” he adds happily. “Servicedogs are supposed to be liberating for the recipient, butreally, Palua gave our whole family independence.”

Alette Coble-Temple and ReddyCerebral palsy may keep Alette Coble-Temple in a

wheelchair, but it doesn’t keep her from much else,thanks in part to her service dog, Reddy. A professorof clinical psychology at John F. Kennedy University,Pleasant Hill, California, Coble-Temple has workedwith service dogs since her own college days. All ofthem have been supplied free of charge by thenonprofit Canine Companions for Independence(CCI), which is funded in part by the Lions Project forCCI. That group has donated $3 million to CCI.

“It’s been life-changing,” she says. “Before I had adog, I was eager to be social, but very self-conscious

about my speech. [Like many people with cerebralpalsy, Coble-Temple has some speech impairment.]But when I got my first dog, he was all about makingconnections, and he really worked to invite people in.He loved to shake; if anyone walked by, he’d extendhis paw.”

Like her previous dogs, Reddy is more than just asociable, furry face. Among his many jobs areretrieving items Coble-Temple drops, acting as aphysical support to help her transfer in and out of herwheelchair, and occasionally even pulling her in thechair (via a vest with a handle).

“Being able to navigate airports with my dogpulling me feels so independent and exhilarating,” saysCoble-Temple, who is a frequent traveler. “Having adog makes this a happier life.”

Morgan Watt and FoleyAs a Desert Storm veteran, a former bomb-dog

handler for the Secret Service and an airline pilot,Morgan Watt was used to challenging situations. Butin 2013, he began facing new, even more formidableenemies: post-traumatic stress disorder, migraines,vertigo, anxiety and depression.

“That’s when I started having an existential crisis,”Watt says. “Things got really dark for a while.”

Enter Foley, a golden retriever-Labrador mix trainedby Canine Companions for Independence to assist Wattin several ways. If Watt is experiencing vertigo, he canask Foley to retrieve items, so that he doesn’t riskfalling. Foley often knows before Watt does when amigraine is coming on, and will lick Watt’s head to cuehim to take his medication. If Watt feels claustrophobicin a crowd, Foley will block people to keep them away.

And when Watt wakes up disoriented from a

Christine Goodier and Raylene

Abbi Roman and Palua

Alette Coble-Temple, who was named Ms. Wheelchair America 2016,and Reddy photo courtesy of Andrew Zhou

Morgan Watt and FoleyJason Corning and Niko

nightmare, “there’s nothing more comforting thanhaving a dog right there with you, snuggling andbreathing real slowly right next to you to help groundyou,” he says. “I feel like I have a furry psychiatristright here.”

Anne Ford is a Chicago-based journalist and radioproducer who makes her living asking a lot of perfectlynice people a lot of very nosy questions.

A Quick Service Dog PrimerCan any dog be a service dog? No. Service dog

organizations typically breed their own dogs, so thatthey can select for crucial traits such as confidence,intelligence and work ethic. The most common breedsare Labrador retrievers, golden retrievers and Germanshepherds. Some organizations may source their dogsfrom shelters instead.

What sort of training does a service dog undergo?As puppies, potential service dogs are generally raisedin the homes of volunteers, who socialize them andget them acquainted with different environments suchas restaurants, sidewalks and parks. At about 15months, the dogs return to the organization for severalmonths of formal training. If they’re found to havehealth or behavioral problems that disqualify themfrom working as service dogs, they may becometherapy dogs, agility dogs, search-and-rescue dogs orsimply happy household pets. If they do becomeservice dogs, they are carefully matched with theirusers according to needs, strength, size andtemperament. Each user then undergoes several weeksof training in tandem with his or her dog.

How can Lions help people who need service dogs?It can cost upward of $20,000 to train a single servicedog. Lions clubs can raise funds for service-dogorganizations such as Leader Dogs for the Blind,Canine Companions for Independence, Dogs for theDeaf, Southeastern Guide Dogs and many others.Some organizations also maintain “wish lists” to allowsupporters to donate material goods such as dog foodor dog toys. Lions can serve as volunteer puppy raisersor provide homes for breeding dogs. Lions also canhelp spread the word about service dogs by invitingguest speakers to their clubs, too.


Art is open to interpretation, but Yumo Zhu, 14, ofChina, seems to suggest that, like a cake oozing withdelights, peace is a sweet deal—that comes withcherries on top. In any case, Yumo was named thegrand prize winner of the 2015-16 Lions InternationalPeace Poster Contest. The contest’s theme was “SharePeace.” The theme of the 2016-17 contest is “ACelebration of Peace.” Students ages 11, 12 or 13 onNov. 15 are eligible toparticipate. For more than25 years, millions ofchildren from nearly 100countries haveparticipated in thecontest, sponsored byLions clubs at schoolsand youth groups. Formore details visitlionsclubs.org.

Sweet Dream

The grand prize winner of this year’s essay contestfor blind youth lives in a backyard in South Africa andlost his sight as a result of a brain tumor discoveredwhen he was 6 months old. Joel Greek, 12, is thewinner of the 2015-16 Lions International EssayContest for visually impaired youths. A sixth-graderat the Athlone School for the Blind, he wrotea 500-word essay on the importance ofsharing peace by eliminating inequality anddiscrimination. “I myself am a young boywith a disability, the only one in my family.Yet they accept me knowing I am capable ofanything. We have an opportunity to changethe world,” he wrote. Joel, who is blind inone eye and has partial vision in the other,will receive $5,000 and be honored at the99th International Convention in June in

Fukuoka, Japan. The award was announced in Marchin New York at Lions Day with the United Nations.The ceremony was attended by Joel, his mother, asecretary from his school in Cape Town and JamesLang, president of the sponsoring Gordons Bay Lions Club.

South African Boy Wins Essay Contest

Joel Greek reads his essay at Lions Day with the United Nations in March

Held in Ottawa at Algonquin College.41 speakers from around the province

impressed and entertained 150 adultswith their speeches.

The following were the winners.

Junior English – 1st – Ethan Smolders A711 2nd – Jaclyn White A12 3rd – Wake Purdy A16

Junior French –1st – Naomi Hackner A152nd – Malcolm Carr A3 3rd – Andrea La Penna A9

Intermediate English –1st – Claire Allen A12 2nd – Sara Liaghati A16 3rd – Johann Liveta A15

Intermediate French –1st – Jemima Nsenga A42nd – Bruce Hackner A15 3rd – Olivia Cyr A2

Senior English –1st – Ashtyn Ribble A42nd – Kelly Wilks A1 3rd – Rosa Chen A16

Senior French –1st – Rostam Kjeddi A16 2nd – Tobi Dadjo A43rd – Arjun Pandey A15

As the MDA Effective SpeakingChair I was so proud and impressed byall these amazing speakers. Listed arethe ones who placed. Such a greatprogram!

submitted by Lion Barb Ennis

Multiple District A (all Ontario) Effective Speaking Finals


Convention in Japan Rounds into FormYear after year, the international convention is

Lions writ large—crowds of Lions, a spectacularparade, gala shows and, woven into events andmeetings, exuberant expressions of Lions’ spirit andservice. This year promises to be more of the same—and then some.

Nearly 31,000 Lions, Leos and guests are alreadyregistered for the 99th International Convention June24-28 in Fukuoka, Japan. That figure dates from earlyMarch. Registrations are running far ahead ofregistrations from the same date for the conventionsin Honolulu in 2015 (15,123), Toronto in 2014(14,061) and Hamburg in 2013 (19,087).

A great part of the appeal of convention is theenergy, fellowship and sharing of ideas thataccompany a gathering of Lions. Expect Fukuoka tobe a memorable experience for Lions, who will enjoytime-old traditions such as the parade and experienceentirely contemporary Lions’ events such as thecontinuing celebration of the impending centennial ofLions Clubs in 2017.

The Parade of Nations promises to be particularlycelebratory. Assembled by U.S. state or nation and inmany instances accompanied by a marching band,upbeat Lions stroll in formation while singing,chanting and amiably chatting with spectators, Lionsand non-Lions like. The diversity of Lions Clubs is onfull display. This year, not always the case, the paradewill occur on the city’s main street, Meijii Dori. Lionswill pass curious office workers and onlookers, cross

a river and end in scenic Tenjin Park, the site of aLions festival. More than 80 stores and food vendorswill provide a broad array of dishes.

Lions in Fukuoka will feel especially welcome bythe Japanese, who take great pride in their sense ofhospitality—omotenashi. At department storesattendants in well-tailored uniforms sometimeswelcome customers at an elevator bank with a bowand polite greeting. Staff at nice restaurants oftenstand in a line and bow at the end of the meal andescort diners to the sidewalk. The graciousness stemsfrom omoiyari, an acute sensitivity to other people.

A charming, relaxed city, Fukuoka promises to bean ideal venue for Lions. Like Lions, it’s traditionalyet also encompasses the new and the modern. Thecity is the home of the oldest Zen temple in Japan, yetit is celebrated for its cutting-edge gourmet food. Thiscity has an abundance of fresh seafood, traditionalfestivals and the most yatai (street food stalls) in allof Japan.

The three plenary sessions will be packed withworld-class entertainers, inspiring speakers and Lions’business and updates. The entertainment includes theJoy Club, a renowned disabled performing troupe; astirring drum show; a 1950s singing and dancingshow; and a musical celebration of Lions’ centennial.The first plenary will include the farewell address ofInternational President Dr. Jitsuhiro Yamada, asegment on the centennial and end with the traditionalflag ceremony and a military flyover. The second

plenary includes speeches by candidates forthe international board and a segment onLCIF. The final plenary includes theannouncement of the election results, theswearing-in and inaugural speech of the newpresident and the oath of office by 2016-17district governors.

A highlight of the plenary sessions will bethe keynote speech of 2014 Nobel PeacePrize winner Kailash Satyarthai of India.Satyarthai, 62, is a human rights activist. Hisgroup, Bachpan Bachao Andolan (known inEnglish as “Save Childhood Movement”),describes itself as “the largest grass-rootsmovement against child labor, childtrafficking and child servitude.” He sharedthe Nobel with Pakistan teen-ager MalalaYousafzai, who was shot by a Talibangunman.

The international show will be held at thespacious Yahuoku! Dome, a baseballstadium that has hosted Michael Jackson, theRolling Stones and Madonna. The headlineris Shini Tanimura, an acclaimed Japanesesinger-songwriter. The Kyushu SymphonyOrchestra will accompany him. A fast-pacedtaiko drum show featuring Drum Tao also ispart of the lineup.

A convention highlight will be the presentation ofthe 2016 Lions Humanitarian Award to DoctorsWithout Borders. Born during the protests in Paris in1968 amid a group of young doctors, the organizationhas treated more than 100 million people. With officesin 29 nations and employing more than 30,000 people,it operates on the belief that all people have the rightto medical care regardless of gender, race, religion,creed or political affiliation and that medical needsoutweigh respect for national boundaries. A $250,000grant from LCIF accompanies the HumanitarianAward.

Another convention highlight is the announcementof the Peace Poster and Essay Contest winners. Ifpresent, the contest winners are recognized during aplenary session, and a presentation and reception isheld later. The humility and joy evident in the youngwinners are memorable moments.

Three service opportunities will be available at theconvention. Lions can take part in a graffiti removalproject, visit the Fukuoka Children’s Hospital anddonate art supplies to the hospital.

Leos will find a warm welcome at the convention.Besides marching in the parade and otherwise takingpart in regular convention events, Leos can attendskill-building workshops and enjoy numerousnetworking opportunities.

The seminars at the convention focus on LCIF,Lions Quest, Leos, the centennial and other aspects ofLions. The seminars enable Lions to return to theirclubs with knowledge and skills to take their club toa new level of service.

This year’s tours are especially appealing.Scheduled are a bus tour that includes Japan’s longestand tallest suspension bridge, gorgeous Beppy Bayand a Japanese set lunch; a bus tour of the sweepingKusasenri Plain and its wild horses, majestic Mt.Nakadake, an animal park and Laputa Road, the “roadin the sky”; and a tour of historical Karatsu Castle, theformer Takatori Estate and Hikiyama Exhibition Halland its whimsical giant floats. The tours are a greatopportunity to appreciate the culture and history ofFukuoka and Japan.

Never ones to be unprepared or outworked,Japanese Lions are diligently preparing for asuccessful convention. Japan is a place where Lionismis particularly strong. Lions here are among the firstto respond to any disaster worldwide; their serviceprojects in Japan are reliably efficient and effective.

A convention in Japan will fall into a similargroove: well-run, organized and distinguished byattention to detail and earnest courtesy. Lions canexpect five days of unparalleled fun, fellowship andfruitful learning.Digital LION • Get a complete list of the convention’s seminars, toursand service opportunities at lionmagazine.org.

The Tochoji Temple in Fukuoka dates from 806. The carving of the seated Buddhastatue, one of the largest of its kind, began in 1988 and took four years


“I don’t know how you let them go.” “I couldnever do what you do.” “I would love them too muchto be able to give them back”. These are statementsthat foster families for the Lions Foundation ofCanada Dog Guide puppies hear wherever they go.No matter how often you foster a puppy or where youtake them, there are always people who cannotunderstand how anyone would/could raise a tiny 6-7week old puppy until it is 9-14 months old and thentake it back to the Foundation when the call comes into say it is time for “college” training to start. WhileI cannot speak for all foster families, I do believe thatmost of us share a passion for dogs and puppies inparticular, and a desire to do something that will makea difference in the life of someone which that personcannot do for him/herself.

Maybe if I tell you about what we do from the pointof view of our latest foster puppy, you will gain someunderstanding of our role in the provision of a “lifepartner” for some Canadian child or adult who willbecome the “forever person” for Ivan, if all goes well.

“I was born on May 10, 2015 at Breslau, thebreeding and training facility of the Lions Foundationof Canada Dog Guides. Although I never met him,they tell me that my dad was Petro. My very busyMom was Fame. There were 10 Puppies in my litter.All of us were named with names starting with theletter “I”. Apparently that way they can keep track ofwho we are related to and when we were born. Forthe first 4 weeks we just slept, ate and played with ourlitter mates. Sometimes we were able to play withsome Labrador retriever puppies too. There are a lotmore of them than there are of us poodles! Guess weare special!

When I was six weeks old, my first foster momcame and picked me up. She tried hard not to fall in

love with mebecause she told meI would not bestaying with hervery long. She didnot succeed andsoon I had my waywith her. When Iwas 7.5 weeks oldshe took me back toBreslau and anotherman and ladypicked me up. Theywere very happy tomeet me. It was avery long drive totheir home. When Igot there I met threeother big poodleswho thought I was anew toy. I showed

them. The lady said I was “feisty”. After a few days when I settled in and had my own

crate and toys and was just thinking life was going tobe easy, out came a leash and jacket! What dog wearsa coat in the summer? Apparently I do. The lady tookme everywhere she went. She didn’t seem to realizethat my legs were much shorter than hers and I havefour to move. If she went shopping, so did I. If shewent out for coffee, so did I. If she went dragonboating, so did I. I didn’t get to go in the dragon boatthough, just watched from shore with my foster Dad.

Wherever we went, people would stop us and askquestions about me. My foster Mum told them that Iwas learning to behave properly wherever I wentbecause some day I would be a service dog forsomeone with a disability and that I needed to knowall I could about places and things. She deliberatelylooked for things that might frighten me and surpriseme. I was a cool dog though and not much botheredme. Air brakes of big trucks driving by were a littleunnerving but soon even they didn’t worry me.

I was introduced to the staff at the local shoppingmalls who were pleased to meet me and be a part ofmy training. Sometimes we went for a big car ride toKingston where I learned to go up and down onsomething called an escalator. I think it should becalled a “cookie machine” ‘cause when I walked righton and off, I got the best treats ever!

Every few months, we would drive to Pickering orOshawa and meet a lady named Allison who works atthe Foundation. She was checking to see how I wasprogressing. Of course I was perfect! Allison wouldtalk to my foster Mum about new things to do andwould check that I could walk properly beside ashopping cart, go up and down on escalators andelevators and steep steps and that I could ignoredistractions. I was not very good at that. I lovechildren and if they are crying or unhappy I wasalways worried about them. I know that I could havehelped a lot if they would have let me.

When I first arrived at my foster home, I wasalways put in a crate when my foster family could notkeep a very close eye on me. Once I was a little olderand I knew that I had to do my ‘business’ outside, theylet me have more freedom in the house. That way Icould play with my foster brothers. We loved to runoutside and play tag and chase the ball. Inside wewere expected to be more quiet. I did not have to wearmy jacket in the house - I was just a dog, one of thefamily, at home.

When I was about 7 or 8 months old, I was trustedto sleep outside my crate if I wanted to do so at night.My crate was always open for me if I wanted thecomfort and security of it but I soon discovered that Icould really stretch out if I slept on the floor like myfoster brothers did. I was not permitted to get on the

furniture though. I still don’t know why the cat getsto sleep wherever he wants and we are relegated to thefloor.

When I was just over 11 months old, my fosterMum got what I heard them call “That” phone call.Boy did she get mushy for the next three weeks! Wewent around to all the places we have been and shekept telling all the people about my going to college.She even let them pat me and snuggle me when I hadmy jacket on! I knew something was about to happen!

On April 18, 2016 we took another very long drivetogether. My foster Mum was very sad and keptwanting to cuddle me on her lap. That isn’t very easywhen you realize that I now weigh over 60 lbs! Wearrived at Breslau. It smelled vaguely familiar. Myfoster Mum and Dad took turns taking pictures withme in from of the sign for the Lions Foundation. Afterthat, my foster Mum slowly walked with me into a bigbuilding. I heard lots of dogs barking and I saw a cat.The nice young lady put a new collar and leash on meand gave the other one back to my foster Mum. Shedid not seem very happy and turned and walked outthe door. She had lots of tears in her eyes, I think.

I haven’t seen my foster Mum since that day. Mylife now is very different but my trainer whose nameis Sarah says that I am doing really well and she thinksI will be a great Autism Assist Dog Guide. I am notsure what that means but I do like Sarah. I have akennel mate and lots of other dogs to play withsometimes. We are practising lots of things that Ilearned with my foster Mum but we are also learningsome new things that Sarah says we will need to knowwhen we meet our “forever person.” I don’t knowwhat that is either but she says it with a smile in hervoice so I think it is good.

Sarah also tells me that I will see my foster familyone more time when I graduate. I think that is a goodthing. I would like to see my foster family againthough the “forever person” sounds even better!

Fostering a Life Partnerby Janet Marissen

My foster Mum giving me last minute instructions before I headed offto college

This is my foster family's favourite pictureof me


Lions—and Leos—riff on the joys and challengesof membership.

Aaron Madar, 41Markham Lions Club, Ontario, CanadaMadar has the rare

distinction of havingbeen both the oldestand youngest memberof his club. He startedout with a group ofyoung professionals inthe Toronto TrilliumLions Club and thentransferred to the moretraditional MarkhamLions Club. “With myformer club, we had alot of new ideas andevents for a youngercrowd, like an all-daysports charity event.Meetings were informal, and we would go out todinner afterward if people wanted to. My current clubis more traditional, with a lot of longstanding eventsand more formal dinner meetings. It took time to adjustto the differences,” says Madar, a marketing manager.Active on social media since the ’90s, he has 4,000Facebook friends and 1,000 Twitter followers. Hebelieves there’s a lot of untapped potential inmillennials. “If LCI really wants membership to go up,we need to start more new clubs for youngprofessionals,” he says. “Lions have got to be moreactive on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. It takes alot of practice to build a following and figure out thetypes of posts they respond to, but it’s the bestmarketing for the younger generation.”

—Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtAmanda Gehring, 30Kerrville, Texas, USGehring was the

youngest member ofher club in Delawareby far when she joinedat age 23. But thetransition was smooth.She had attendedLions events in NewYork with her father,David, since she was5, and as a speechtherapist, she wasaccustomed tointeracting with peopleolder than her.Besides, Lions immediately put her to work. She ranthe pancake breakfast and served as eyeglass collectionchairperson. “I did all the things Lions 30 years olderthan me do. They made me feel confident,” she says.

Gehring recently moved to Kerrville, Texas, wherethere are four Lions clubs from which to choose. She’smet Lions from all over Texas at a cleanup of the TexasLions Camp in Kerrville. She was so enthusiasticabout Lions and the camp that a work colleague hasalready asked about becoming a Lion.

—Pamela Mohr

Anthony Martinez, 51Parlier Lions Club, California, USIt took only one

incident, just one yearafter becoming a Lion,for Martinez tobecome irrevocablycommitted to Lionism.On an eyeglassmission to Mexico, hetranslated for anelderly woman whowas overcome withemotion at being ableto see clearly for thefirst time in her life.He also was moved atwitnessing her joy.“And that’s when I ‘earned my whiskers’ and becamea Lion for life,” says Martinez, a Fresno policelieutenant. That sort of inspiration was not exactlywhat he expected when he joined in 1997. “What’s aLion?” Martinez had asked. “My sponsor said it was abunch of old guys that got together, drank beer and atetri-tip.” Martinez soon discovered that was a joke. Theservice component of membership complemented hisdedication to police service—he’s delivered twins onthe job and received an award for risking his lifesaving someone trapped in a burning car. He’s proudof Lions’ teamwork and cohesion. “No one dominatesthe group. Everyone is encouraged to give their input,”says Martinez, an immediate past district governor.“They made my year as governor run as smooth aspossible.”

—Pamela MohrClaire Davies, 16Hood River Valley Leo Club, Oregon, USDavies is a self-

described risk taker.She is a freestyle andalpine skier. For herschool, she competesin track and field. Shecommutes 60 miles toPortland four to sixtimes a week to playfor two soccer clubs.“I’m extremely happyand outgoing. I’m notafraid to embarrassmyself in front of a

group. I like to have fun,” she says. But being a Leostill has lent a little edge to her game. “The leadershipopportunities I’ve had as a Leo have helped mebecome a leader on my soccer teams,” she says. “If itwasn’t for Leos and Lions, I wouldn’t have met someof my best friends I have today.” Her proudest momentas a Leo is a project she created and chaired to collect800 pairs of shoes for Soles4Souls. Her Leo meetingsnow draw at least 25 youths. “For our small town,that’s a huge turnout!” she says. Lions may be olderthan her, but she can relate well to them. “I loveworking with them because they’re always so funnyand cheerful. I’ve already learned so much,” saysDavies, who wants a career either in medicine orsoccer. “The Leo club is such a good fit for me.”

—Pamela MohrCurt Wentzell, 60Sackville Lions Club, Nova Scotia, CanadaA 40-year veteran

of the Royal CanadianMounted Police,Wentzell finds thatvolunteering gives his life balance.“Volunteering helpsme keep a positiveperspective about thegeneral population,”he says. “If any policeofficer doesn’t want to serve others in a civilizedsociety, well, then, they’d better seek differentemployment.” But it took two years of arm twisting bya friend to get him to join in 2008. “He kept tellingme about all the projects they’d done and how proudhe was to be a Lion. The only thing I knew about Lionswas that the club provided free meeting space for mysons when they were in Cub Scouts,” he says. NowWentzell is the one being persistent in recruiting. “Irocked my club by sponsoring three new members inone evening—all ladies!” he proudly says. His favoriteproject is supporting Camp Brigadoon, a new camp inDistrict N 2 for children with chronic health problems.He’d like to see more clubs use social media. “Toomany clubs are afraid or reluctant to embrace thisopportunity,” he says.

—Pamela MohrDarnell Little, 66Spenard Lions Club, Alaska, USLittle’s wife, Yvonne, a fellow Lion, likes to tease

him: “You can’t save the world.” His retort is: “Yes,you can—one person at a time.” He feeds homelessveterans, screens children’s vision, dresses up in a pinksuit to raise funds to fight breast cancer and helpsvictims of domestic violence. He’s walked in the coldand rain to raise money for the hungry. “I’m alwaystrying to show people that tomorrow’s a better day thantoday,” he says. Little is a born adventurer. A native ofMontgomery, Alabama, he’s long since left the Lower48 behind and never looked back. “Alaska is my

Lions on Lions


everything. It’sbeautiful, bold, wild,exciting and free. Ittakes a certain type ofperson to live here. Itwas the spot that Godput me, and I’m lovingit.” Little says he’sonly been tested byAlaska’s brutal wintersonce—“the winter of1980 when I rode abicycle to three jobs. But I truly enjoyed it.”

He became a Lion shortly after his wife and mother-in-law did because he saw how they made a differencein others’ lives. “Now I dress up as Santa and deliverthe gifts and get to see the smiles on their faces. I’mthe only 150-pound Santa for miles around!” He is aLion to help others, but he fully understands what ithas meant in his life. “I’ve learned to love people morebecause my club has expressed love to me and ourcommunity,” he says.

—Pamela MohrGreg Simpson, 53Hood River Lions Club, Oregon, USSimpson is not one

to vent about the“good old days” orworry about the nextgeneration. He mentors60 Leos, and he’sconvinced the future isin good hands. “TheseLeos are top-rung. I sitback and watch themproblem-solve andrefine their ideas into afirst-rate finishedproduct. I think theseyoung adults arecapable of a lot of great things on their own,” saysSimpson, a firefighter/paramedic. He’s willing to walkan extra mile or two for Leos—literally. While inHawaii last year for the international convention, heand Lion Tom Schaefer twice walked the parade route,once with Leos and then with Oregon Lions. “I toldmyself I wouldn’t do that ever again, but I’m sure I’llforget that by Chicago 2017,” he says with a smile.Simpson was once asked by a past internationaldirector when he became a Lion. “I piped up and saidApril 1999. He said, ‘No, I mean when did you feel inyour heart that you were a Lion?’” It was when he firstbegan screening children’s vision. “Without us, thesekids might have been left behind, embarrassed becausethey just didn’t understand something,” he says.Service runs in his blood: he’s a second-generationLion. “Even before my parents were Lions, they werea great example of service to their community,” heexplains. “I think you get out of a club what you’rewilling to put in, maybe even a little bit more.”

—Pamela Mohr

Greta SalsburySpringfield Gardens Lions Club, New York, USOriginally from St.

Kitt’s in the WestIndies, Salsbury movedto New York in 1986.She learned aboutLions through herchurch, joining in1992. “Being a Lionhas opened up somany doors for me tobe able to helppeople,” she says witha soft, lovely islandlilt. “I just like helping people.” Salsbury says herfavorite club project is supporting a shelter for womenand children who are victims of domestic violence.“They need to know that people care about them. Wetell them that when you come upon hard times, it’s notthe end of the world. You can still rise up. And manyof them do.” says Salsbury, whose own life istestament to upward mobility. A retired statistician forthe United Nations, she first received a degree fromElmira University in upstate New York and thenearned her MBA in international business fromRutgers. Salsbury also mentors Leos, some of whomshe hopes will eventually become Lions. “We needyoung people. They learn from us. Leos help at theshelter, too. We’re there to guide them and help them,but we also learn from each other. I think we need torealize that if we work with others, we can just getmore done.”

—Pamela MohrJanet B. Quinto, 73San Diego Executive Lions Club, California, USQuinto relishes

being a Lion becauseshe can help herhomeland. A clinicallaboratory scientist,Quinto traveled onthree Lions medicalmissions to thePhilippines. Then fatesteered her toschoolchildren in direneed. On a trip to visitfamily with herhusband, Lion Alex,also from thePhilippines, they met ateacher. The encounter was pure happenstance. Theschool was so remote that the teacher rarely left hisvillage but happened to be on a break at a gatheringwith the Quintos. So in 2014 the Quintos made anarduous trek to the island of Castilla. “We traveled byplane, boat and by land with the aid of a walking stickto climb a mountain until we reached Dulanganelementary school. It was really challenging to walkthrough the rain and on such slippery roads,” Quintorecalls. A crowd of excited children, parents and

teachers greeted them. “They were all so emotionaland joyful,” she says. Lions brought donatedbackpacks brimming with school supplies and sandalsfor the barefooted children. The 81 students learn inclassrooms with no electricity, but that may changesomeday. Now retired, Quinto says supporting theschool will be an ongoing club project.

—Pamela MohrLorne Beaudette, 62Salt Spring Island Lions Club, British Columbia, CanadaA retired supervisor

in the oil industry,Beaudette finds Lionsto his liking—and hiswife’s. “I learnedleadership and publicspeaking skills on thejob—invaluable whenit comes tocoordinating theefforts of a bunch of‘Type A personality’volunteers,” saysBeaudette, twice a pastpresident. “My wifesays that I need to bethe boss of something, and she’s just happy it’s nother.” Beaudette joined Lions in 2010 after hisretirement. He and Charlene were out enjoying a cupof coffee and noticed a Lions emblem on a couple’scar. “I asked them what Lions were all about. Theyinvited us to a couple of meetings,” he says. Beaudetteis proof you can be a Lion after a career and still rideoff into the sunset. With Charlene riding on the back,Beaudette has piloted his motorcycle all over NorthAmerica. “We’re a motorcycle club of two,” he says.

—Pamela MohrMason Romero, 19Hood River Valley Leo Club, Oregon, USStudying

kinesiology at OregonState University,Romero says being aLeo changed him in anunexpected and deeplypersonal way. “I’vebecome much moreaware of the amount of need we still havein this country, andI’ve become morecompassionate as aresult,” he explains.He’s fed the hungry,participated inenvironmental action projects, provided waterfiltration systems to poor families in Nepal, collectedmoney to fight cancer and participated in dozens ofprojects that help people and the planet—all as ateenager. “Leo clubs offer so much to anyone whoparticipates. When you’re young, there’s no better wayto help others than as a Leo,” says Romero, a


windsurfer, kite boarder, rock climber and hiker whoalso enjoys photography. He believes his club’sdiversity is what makes it successful and engaging tomembers. “So many people of different backgroundsare able to come together and help the community,” hesays. “Our club has a fairly casual atmosphere, sonobody feels scared to contribute at meetings.”

—Pamela MohrPamela Williams, 62Marietta Lions Club, Georgia, USWilliams attributes

her can-do spirit as aLion to her 21 years inthe Army providinglogistics support fortroops in Iraq andAfghanistan. “I justjump right in there andtry to get thingsmoving. I don’t standaround waiting fororders,” she says witha laugh. She retiredfrom the Army, but notfrom service. Sheworks at the Centersfor Disease Control in Atlanta, sending medicalpersonnel overseas. She treasures her two rescue dogs,Dozer, a big Husky, and Max, a little Pomeranian.“They travel with me everywhere I can take them,” shesays. She became a Lion after learning more aboutthem from her uncle, Lion Clarence. Her biggest hopeas a member is to see more women as well as peopleof color in leadership positions. “What Lions do iscritical to a healthy society,” she emphasizes. “But weneed to reach out to more people.”

—Pamela MohrParveen Sandhu, 34North Delta Lions Club, British Columbia, CanadaSandhu has a very

special reason forbeing a Lion. Everysummer from the ageof 6 to 18 the Lionssponsored her at theEaster Seals Camp inSquamish, BritishColumbia. Born withspina bifida, she uses awheelchair. “I couldforget about beingdisabled and just havefun with the other kidsand teenagers,” sherecalls. Her husband,Malcom Jones, has been a Lion since 1987, andSandhu took the oath three years ago. As a Lion shehelps feed the hungry. “At the end of the day, I’m justfeeling proud to have done something for mycommunity and help put a smile on people’s faces,”she says.

—Pamela Mohr

Søren Stensgaard, 55Greve Lions Club, DenmarkA district governor

now, Stensgaard mayhave very well quitLions if his club hadnot been flexible. Bothhe and his wife, Helle,work demanding jobsat a major Europeanbank, and their twogirls were teenagerswhen he became aLion in 2002. “Wewere an active familyand had limited freetime. My club knew Ihad to prioritize andcouldn’t participate in all the activities,” he says.“Members should know that sometimes everyone, forvarious reasons, can’t make the same effort.” Hawaiilast year was his first international convention. “It wasoverwhelming. It was a true experience of diversity tosee so many people from different parts of the world,”he recalls. He liked it so much that he plans to attendthe 2017 international convention in Chicago tocelebrate Lions’ centennial.

—Pamela MohrJudith Witter, 51Tropical Gardens Lions Club, Grand CaymanWitter’s club is

atypical. When shehelped charter her club in 1993, themembership wascomposed solely ofwomen. “We welcomedour first male Lion threeyears ago, and now he’sclub president,” shesays. He’s one of threemen in the 44-memberclub. Priorities haven’tchanged. The club’ssignature projectremains breast cancerawareness. A campaign runs the entire month ofOctober. Members issue about 500 vouchers everyyear for mammograms to women not covered byinsurance and also organize a Memorial Walk/Run,Dress Down/Dress Pink Day and a breakfast for breastcancer survivors. Witter says she loves being a Lionbecause she gets to meet new people and has made somany friends—“not just locally, but internationally aswell. And I get to make a difference in so many lives.If I wasn’t a Lion, I wouldn’t have the opportunity tobe involved with projects that touch so many lives inmy own community and beyond.”

—Pamela Mohr

Ian Hill, 57Plymouth Lions Club, EnglandHill says he’s so

involved in Lionsactivities that Dawn,his wife, complainsshe never sees him.She’s only kidding—he thinks. A zonechairman, he also issecond vice presidentof his club. He stillworks full-timehelping people withlearning disabilitiesafter spending 24 yearsin the Royal Navy,sailing the world. Buthe flew 8,000 miles to Hawaii last year for theinternational convention. The best thing about it wasmeeting Lions worldwide. “Lions are the friendliestgroup. Some people are just born to care. Those arethe people who become Lions,” he says. His bestmoments as a Lion are helping to feed the homeless, aproject he suggested to his club four years ago. “Thisis one reason I became a Lion, to help people. Youcan’t beat the friendships in this club, either.” Hebelieves that the biggest challenge to clubs today isattracting younger members. “We’re an agingorganization,” Hill maintains.

—Pamela MohrBarry Allen, 69Manchester Lions Club, Michigan, USTwenty years as a

Navy pilot followedby an 18-year stintflying with UnitedAirlines drew Allen toLions. “My eyesight isextremely important tome, so I know howimportant it is toothers. Having seenmuch of the world, Iunderstand the povertyand hardships peopleface,” he says. Since2007 he has rotatedthrough all of hisclub’s leadership positions, but found serving ascharter president to be the most rewarding. “In mostcases, the president is handed the reins and can adjustthe direction of the club. But as charter president youneed to envision where the club will be in five to 10years,” says Allen, a past district governor. As thedistrict centennial coordinator, Allen visits clubs withhis wife, Peggy, the district governor. “I’ve readseveral books on Melvin Jones, and I’ve worked up apresentation on him,” Allen says. His Lions family hasgrown over the years through hosting 29 youths fromnine countries through LCI’s Youth Exchangeprogram. They stay in touch through a Facebook group

The LION May/June 2016 19

Allen created, and he and Peggy visited several of their“kids” in Australia and New Zealand. “Every studentis special to us. We treat them like grandkids. Unlessyou’ve done it, you don’t realize what an honor it is toshow young people our wonderful country.”

—Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtDan Goodwin, 52Sacramento Senator Lions Club, California, USGoodwin played

rugby in college, butnow he gets hisexercise as a Lion. Herakes bamboo leaves,trims trees and paints ashed in helping tomaintain the sensorygarden for the visuallyimpaired at theSacramento Zoo and anearby Japanesegarden. “It’s great tobe outside, enjoy thecompany of otherLions and have a senseof accomplishment,” he says. A vice president ofhealth and human services systems, Goodwin is hisclub’s membership chairperson. “We’re a hands-onclub, so the best way to let someone know what beinga Lion is like is to have them work alongside us,” hesays. A recent experience exemplifies this approach.“A friend from work would come to fundraisers butnever showed interest in joining. He finally came to aJapanese garden workday—he joined after that.”Goodwin also takes an active approach towardrecruiting younger members. “We Lions have to getout into the community and make sure young folks areaware of who we are. And once they join, we’ve gotto get them engaged and really listen to their ideas,”he says. “Some clubs and districts aren’t willing tochange or try something new. That can deter new Lionsfrom becoming leaders. In my club, a lot of peoplewho joined in just the past couple of years are takingon leadership roles.”

—Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtHelene V. Thompson, 52Satellite Beach Lions Club, Florida, USLionism is all about

the fellowship forThompson. She feltawed carrying theFlorida state flag in the parade inHamburg, Germany, at the internationalconvention in 2013.“There was such atremendous sense ofcamaraderie on theparade route. To be ina city with 20,000Lions is amazing. Youfeel like you’re all

friends, even if you haven’t met yet,” she says. Shejoined the Danbury Lions in Connecticut as a youngmother of two daughters in 1999. Her club was family-friendly. “I could serve the community and be a parent.My club found projects I could do with my children,like bell ringing for the Salvation Army. And as mychildren grew, I grew as a Lion,” says Thompson, aregion chairperson. Now that her children are older,Thompson keeps the family atmosphere alive in herclub. “I find the constant pressure to add members tosometimes be counterproductive. I think the focusshould be on keeping and building what we alreadyhave.”

—Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtHilary Wickenhauser, 18Cologne Leo Club, Minnesota, USAlthough her

mother, Cologne LionAnna Wickenhauser,helped sponsor a newLeo club, HilaryWickenhauser, then 13 years old, wasreluctant to join.Participating in herfirst service projectchanged her mind.“Being a Leo becameone of the mostimportant parts of mylife,” saysWickenhauser, acollege freshman. “In a world with so many problems,Leoism has helped me be optimistic because I can seethe ways to help people.” She is passionate about thepower of books, and her favorite project was a Lions’book drive that collected more than 20,000 books.“Something as simple as providing someone with abook can be a key to success,” says Wickenhauser,who helped launch a summer reading program. “Thechildren are excited to have teenagers interacting withthem, and the Leos love encouraging reading and alsobeing silly with the kids,” she says. Becoming a Leochanged her life. “In high school I struggled withdepression and anxiety. Being a Leo provided me witha positive outlet to do good and friends to rely on. Isaw the joy we brought to others and redirected thatback to myself, helping me to be motivated andthrive—even when I didn’t think I could. I canhonestly say I would not be the person I am today hadI not been a Leo.”

—Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtNigel Malkin, 51Ambleside Tiddlycove Lions Club, British Columbia, CanadaMalkin isn’t a Lion for the recognition. “At multiple

district conventions there’s a little too much back-patting and not enough discussion about service.Starting a few years ago, I refused to accept any moreawards. It’s nice to have recognition, but that’s notwhat it’s about for me,” says Malkin, who runsbusinesses including a commercial laundry companyand a dry cleaning store.

Malkin alsobelieves clubs need tomove away from oldways to draw andretain members. “Newmembers don’t seemto stay longer than afew years because theydon’t like formalmeetings and the oldermembers don’t letthem get involvedenough. I hope thischanges,” he says.A“roll-up-your-sleevesLion,” Malkin has an affinity for his club’s moreintimate projects. “My favorite projects are the smallerones, like our barbecue. But we raise the most fundsthrough our big projects like our Christmas tree sales.”

Stefan Kaufmann, 52Rüsselsheim Lions Club, GermanyKaufmann reveres

his club’s 54-yearhistory. “Our club hasa legacy, which makesus all proud. I get towork with Lions whocan look back on 40years of Lionism,”says Kaufmann, clubsecretary. But he alsoenvisions how Lionswill advance into thefuture. An ITconsultant for morethan 20 years,Kaufmann is co-chairof Lions SMiLE (Social Media Including LionsEverywhere, lionssmile.org), a global, volunteer-ledproject that helps Lions use social media. “Despitesome progress, Lions still need to improve onembracing the Internet. Online tools are today’splatform for sharing news, attracting new membersand supporting collaboration among Lions,” he says.Through SMiLE, Kaufmann leads seminars at forumsand conventions to take the guesswork and fear out ofthe Internet. He loves connecting with his “globalcommunity of friends.” At one convention he assistedan 80-year-old Lion who wanted to use social mediato improve her club’s fundraising for a diabetesproject. “It was fantastic to see a senior Lion open tonew ways to serve and reach her community,” he says.

—Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtSteve Anthony Simmonds, 40Brooklyn Metropolis Lions Club, New York, USHis motto is “Metropolis Rocks!”—and Simmonds

is a big reason for his club’s energy. With an infectiousenthusiasm for life and serving, Simmonds finds joyin giving back and sharing camaraderie with his 55-member club. “My club is a great mixture of peoplewho love to work together and socialize. The oldermembers keep us grounded, and the young make sure


to keep the club busy.We have a greatconnection,” saysSimmonds, originallyfrom Jamaica. Hisfavorite project is theclub’s Thanksgivingdinner. Members meetthe night before toprep the food, decoratethe hall, play musicand enjoy oneanother’s company.“The next day, we’reready to serve—350people. Their smilesare priceless. It’s a great feeling to see the faces ofpeople I gave my heart to,” he says. “Growing up inJamaica, my mom fed and clothed everyone she cameinto contact with. That’s where my passion to servestemmed from,” says Simmonds, who is teaching his5-year-old son about the value of service.

—Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtTom Garriss, 68 and Lynne Garriss, 65Coppell Lions Club, Texas, USMarried for 40

years, Tom and Lynnereadily admit theyapproach servicedifferently. Hetypically thinks aboutthe big picture, and sheoften focuses on thedetails. But they claimthe same favoriteproject: their club’sholiday toy and fooddrive. Students in localschools make blankets,and classes competeon collecting the mostfood. “It’s kids helping kids,” says Tom, a GlobalLeadership Team member. Adds Lynne, “We’re ableto directly help people rather than just making amonetary contribution.” Tom is active in buildingLions leaders through the annual District 2 X1 LionsUniversity. He sees a need to improve membershiprecruitment. “We need a flexible approach for each

district,” says Tom, who spent his career as aconstruction manager. “We may need to form morebranch clubs that are less traditional for millennials orconsolidate smaller clubs.” Meanwhile, Lynne staysbusy with club activities. “That way, as a family, wecan make sure we’re active in the club as well as thedistrict,” she says. Adds Tom, “And it gives us roomto do our own thing and not stumble over each other.”After 14 years as an “unofficial” Lion, Lynne took theoath last year. “I joined because I retired from teachingand also because a female Lion encouraged me to joinher. But really, Tom made it happen—he filled out themembership form for me!”

—Jennifer Gilbert GebhardtZsolt Istvan, 47Miskolc Lions Club, HungaryEvery holiday

season, Istvan staffshis club’s small,wooden hut at thecity’s ChristmasMarket, talking withpassersby and sellingmulled wine. “It’sgreat to meet peopleand tell them aboutwhat Lions do in thisfestive atmosphere,”says Istvan, a districtgovernor. “We raisemoney for the blindand have a lot of fun.We don’t notice howcold it is when wedrink warm wine.” A mechanical engineer in wastemanagement, Istvan loves that as a Lion he can helppeople directly, alongside friends who feel the sameway. A club outing with 20 blind people to a vineyardembodied his favorite aspects of being a Lion. Thegroup picked more than 1,500 pounds of grapes forwine, later sold at an auction. “It was a great daybecause most of the blind people had neverexperienced a grape harvest before. We got to knowthem and learned about their daily life. That helped mebe a better Lion.”

—Jennifer Gilbert Gebhardt

During the summer and fall of 2015 the TemagamiLions Club conducted a Raffle contest with threeprizes, the first prize being a built Cabin/Storage Shed,donated in part by a local business in Temagami –Peacock Woodcraft & Ez Log Structures. This Shed ismade of a pine board interlocking material and is verynew and unique to the Northeastern Region.

The proceeds of this Raffle draw, which was heldon Sunday January 31st, 2016 at our annual Men’sHockey Tournament, went towards the TemagamiLions Club continuing pledge to the North BayRegional Health Centre (Hospital) Foundation for theSeeing More Clearly campaign (OphthalmologyDept.) for an MRI machine and more. This pledge,made over a 5 year period, was for a total of $25,000and the Raffle in 2015 raised a final tally of $4,611.00to complete this pledge. This pledge was matched byan equal pledge ($25,000) over this same period oftime to the Temiskaming Hospital in New Liskeard topurchase various medical equipment over the years(e.g. during a Radio-Thon held on February 13th, 2016at Riverside Place, New Liskeard, raising fundstowards a new diagnostic Ultra Sound machine –Temagami Lions Club gave $2,000).

The Cabin/Storage Shed was won by AndyChaisson of Temagami. The second and third prizes -a 3 day weekend Vacation package at Bay-Lee-MacCamp (won by Laurie Hartley of New Liskeard) and aFramed Art Print (won by John O’Sullivan ofTemagami) completed the Raffle program.

For a small Club of currently less than twentymembers we are very proud of our achievements in theTemagami Community, as the only service club intown.

This year marks the 62nd anniversary of this Club,first formed in 1954. In 2015 this Raffle was one of 10such events and fundraisers we worked on, provingthat volunteerism and community spirit is alive andwell in Temagami!

Temagami Lions Club –Project Seeing More

Clearly a Clear Success!

L to R: Lion Bob Sykes (Past President), Peter Nietlispach of PeacockWoodcraft, Shari & Andy Chaisson, Raffle Winner, Lion Brian Koski(Treasurer) and Lion Ike Laba (President 2016)

The Leader River Hills Lions Club tackled a step intheir centennial service challenge. A cleanup atMillennium Park was completed May 6, 2016, whereseveral members and volunteers came out to give ahelping hand. The Park was overhauled getting rid ofthose piles of leaves, garbage picked up, trees andshrubs trimmed and perennials resurfaced to growanother year. The gazebo was stained as well. All thiswork, improving the overall appearance andenvironmental state of the park, making it a cleaner

and healthier place for people to enjoy!

Centennial Project


Each year Lions from the US visit (at their owntravel expenses) Puerto Vallarta in Mexico to hand outfree eyeglasses to those who cannot either afford norhave access to new ones. They bring with them eachtime anywhere from 5-8000 used eyeglasses that havebeen repaired if necessary, cleaned and tested toidentify each pair’s prescription information.

The visiting Lions include one or moreOphthalmologists and often plus one or moreOpticians; this year was no exception whenapproximately twenty Lions, from different clubs inNorth Dakota were hosted by the local Puerto VallartaLions for 5 days and distributed glasses to over 800people.

Each individual goes through a structured eyeexamination which includes a test for both distant andreading for each eye, a visit to the Ophthalmologist ifthese earlier tests indicate serious problems, and thena visit to the Optometrist for determining which of theeyeglasses on hand best suit the patient. The patient is

then given one or more appropriate glasses to try onfor both fit and determine if they enable them to seeboth at a distance and/or for reading.

As in previous years both Monica and I had theprivilege again this year of helping for two days and,as in the past, came home with several stories to tell –perhaps the most moving was when a lady, appearing

to be in her 60’s, put on a pair of glasses and whenshown a page to read her whole face lit up – apparentlyshe had been a teacher up until about 15 years agowhen she had to stop teaching because she could nolonger read the textbooks and now, after all that time,regained the ability to enjoy reading. Now that, I thinkyou will agree, is what Lions is all about.

Where do all those used eyeglasses go?by Dick Peel

On February 24, our club was treated to apresentation given by Lion Barbara Melara, a memberof our club. She has been to Bangladesh numeroustimes and is involved with an organization called theAmarok Society. This organization has devised aprogram to teach the mothers to read and write inBengali and English. The mothers commit to teachchildren these skills. Education reduces vulnerabilityand gives them the opportunity to attain better jobs anda higher education.

Lion Barb touched us all by telling us about theschool she supports, “Libby Women’s School”, namedin honour of her mother. This school and her work with

Amarok Societyis Lion Barb’sway ofhonouring herparents whilesatisfying herneed to be ofservice.

Many thanksLion Barb forreminding us allof the need forservice beyondour community.

St. George Lions Club At our January 27th meeting we were fortunate to

have Lion Joanne McQuiggan, Executive Director ofLions Quest Canada, speak to our membership. LionJoanne, a member from the K-W Community Spirit Clubhas deep roots in St. George. Her grandfather, LionW.D. Taylor, was our charter president and her father,Lion Bob Taylor, was Club President in our 25th year.Lions Quest’s mission is to foster the positive potentialin all young people. Joanne related real life storiesabout the impact our everyday actions can have onyoung people.

You can check out the Lions Quest Facebook Pagehttps://www.facebook.com/LionsQuestCanada/?fref=ts

The website for Lions Quest Canada ishttp://www.lionsquest.ca

St. George Lions

The Cambridge Highland Lions have completedanother successful and rewarding year helping with theDistrict A15 Vision and Hearing Screening Programin Cambridge Public Schools. This program was afeatured event at the recent Cabinet Meeting onFebruary 9th. Dr. Daphne Maurer from McMasterUniversity spoke on how important it is to keep thisprogram going in our schools.

Lion Richard Green organizes the Monday andTuesday screening programs. Along with othermembers and their wives, time is given willingly forthe welfare of the young JK and SK children.

Parents are alerted for any early vision or hearingproblems. It is then up to the parents to take theirchildren to their Optometrist or doctor.

Of the 1,521 students screened for vision in 2015-2016, 265 were referred (17%). Of the 1,566 screenedfor hearing, 120 were referred (8%).

Cambridge HighlandsLions

Lion Jim Harris and wife Peggy, Lion Richard Green, Lion Ted Strepelwith wife Marlene and Lion Marg de Boer


Recently, four members of the Rockton Lions Clubdonated their time and cooking expertise to serve aham dinner with all the trimmings to guests at theMark Preece Family House in Hamilton.

The facility provides a “home” for those familieswho have loved ones at any of the Hamilton areahospitals and need a place to stay that is a welcoming,affordable residence during such a difficult time. TheHouse serves people from all over the province. We’vemet people from Thunder Bay, Fort Francis, Chatham,Bracebridge, Niagara and many more. Our effortswere very much appreciated! The Rockton Lions haveidentified the Mark Preece Family House as a localcharitable organization that needs our help. Eventhough members from our community would probablynot use their services, we feel it is important to supportsuch an important service in our community. The

House can accommodate up to 50 people and often itis full. It does not receive any government funding andrelies totally on charitable donations to survive. Guestspay a nominal fee.

Rockton Lions

Community wide Garage SaleOnce again this year the Knowlton Lions Club will

be holding their very successful annual garage sale.This community centered activity has become atradition since its inception in 2004. It’s springcleaning time; think of us.

The sale will take place Saturday June 4th, 8 a.m.to 2 p.m. at the Dépanneur Rouge, 483 Knowlton Rd.We will be accepting donations at our trailer locatedon the parking lot behind the Dépanneur Rouge onFridays May 20th and 27th from 2 to 8 p.m. andSaturdays May 21th and 28th and June 2nd and 3rdfrom 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For those who wish toencourage us, we accept just about anything in goodcondition: toys, curios, crockery, sporting andgardening equipment etc.

Health Fair in KnowltonThe first Health Fair in Knowlton was on April 9th

at the Community Centre. One hundred and fiftypeople took part in this daylong event organized byThe Brome-Missisquoi, Haut-Richelieu DiabeticSociety (DBM-HR) in cooperation with the Knowltonand the Cowansville Lions Clubs and the Town of BromeLake. The free event’s objective was to inform theparticipants about various health topics such as diet,

screening for colorectal cancer and diabetes research.They had access to 14 information booths manned bybilingual health professionals, all are members of aprofessional Association or Order. Seven conferences,

on subjects relating to recent healthstudies were given by Healthprofessionals.

Dr. Bob Seymour, head of thecommittee for the Knowlton Lions Clubsaid "It is important to inform peopleabout a healthy lifestyle and the healthservices available in the region shouldbe known." According tohim, health information,evaluation and screeningtests have evolvedconsiderably in recent

years and people should be informed.He illustrates his point with the fact thattoday we recommend colonoscopiesmuch less frequently than before.

Diabetes Brome-Missisquoi andHaut-Richelieu had already organizedthis type of event before in the Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu Shopping Centre,and offer services in the region with

nurses and nutritionists from the office inBedford, but wanted, according to itspresident, Robert Fontaine to reach further."We wanted to extend health informationand to involve other associations, saysFontaine. He added that the goal was morethan achieved. There were several otherspeakers who wanted to participate andother health care providers, who requestedbooths as well but there was not enoughspace available.

The Knowlton Lions Club will consider repeatingthe event next year and would like to thank all thosewho helped make this event a success.

Brome County Historical SocietyAt a recent meeting the members of the Knowlton

Lions Club agreed to give a contribution to the BromeCounty Historical Society (BCHS). Incorporated in1898, the Society’s objectives are to preserve the pastfor future generations. The Board, Volunteers and Staffare to be commended for their excellent work.

The local Lions Club has been a regular supporterof the institution over its sixty years of service to thecommunity.

Knowlton Lions Club

Four Lions were recognized at a recent LyndenLions Meeting. Lions Amanda Renton, Rosie Brooks,Eldon Mannen and Jack Brooks received perfectattendance awards for the 2014-2015 year. All havecontributed significantly to the club as well as showingtheir dedication by their attendance. It is Lions suchas these who keep our club healthy and active.

Lynden Lions

Part of the information booths

At the cheque presentation, from left to right Donald Gray-Donald, president of the BoardBCHS, Lion member Bev Crandall, Arlene Royea, managing director BCHS and Lion memberErrol Fréchette

L to R Lions Joanne Nichols, Doug Cassan, Pat Evangelisto, Ryan Judd

A sample of the items that were at a previous sale


Cordwood Bonspiel held at Keene Arena, was firstorganized 48 years ago and held annually by KeeneLions Club. 170 elementary school children fromOtonabee South Monaghan Township participated ina day of curling March 26th, 2016. Every childreceived three games of curling, lunch and snacks fora nominal entry fee. Trophies were awarded for High3-game, High 2-game, High 1-game winners and mostSportsmanlike teams.

Keene Lions Club

District A-5 Lions purchased a $106,000.00RetCam for Health Sciences North Sudbury’s NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit. This standalone systemtakes images of premature and full term infants’ eyesfor physician evaluation of Ocular Disease. No longerwill families in the North have to travel to majorcentres to have this type of imaging done. District A-5 is committed to continue being "Knights Of TheBlind".

Great Job Lions of District A-5

District A5 Lions

On February 26, the Galt Cambridge Lions Club25th Annual Lions Curling Bonspiel was held at theGalt Curling Club in Cambridge.

The local club was joined by seven teams from thesurrounding vicinity. Although not all of theparticipants were experienced curlers, they enjoyed theday both on and off the ice. A delicious lunch anddinner were provided by members of the Galt CurlingClub. Prizes were awarded to all the curlers.

Galt Cambridge Lions

Zone Chair Lion Peter Armour inducted 2 newmembers into the Campbellford Lions Club.

Campbellford Lions The District Governor

visited the PlattsvilleLions Club on February18th.

During the meeting,DG Dianne Smithpresented Lion GabriellePaff with a certificate inrecognition of her twentyyears of service.

Plattsville Lions

New Lions Erin Caron and Mike Caron, sponsoring Lion PDG EricHolmden, Campbellford Lions President Carol Lee and Zone Chair LionPeter Armour

The New Hamburg Lioness hosted a bake table atthe Interfaith Counselling Centre's Silent Auction,April 30th. Lioness Chair Karren Faulkner announcedwe raised $1,326 for Interfaith.

New Hamburg Lioness

Lioness Joan Bilinsky, Tricia Miller, Erma Godber, Marjorie Heimpel, JennyNeubauer and Reta Klaassen

Lions McInnes House is a unique communityprogram in Brantford, Ontario. The building wascompleted in February 2000, thanks to the generousfundraising of Lions & Lioness of Ontario.

The building is a one-level accessible apartmentsetting, specifically designed to meet the needs ofpersons with deafblindness.

The house provides a continuity of services for the

individuals residing here, as they meet further physicaland aging challenges.

Lion Zoltan Dohar (Chairman) and Lion John Lackey(Treasurer) of Lions Homes for Deaf People presentedLaurie Marissen, Executive Director of Lions McInnesHouse in Brantford with a cheque for $45,000.00 topay for the renovations and enclosing of the summer

pavilion. The pavilion will now be a four season spacethat will be used by the 13 Deaf and Deaf/Dlindresidents of Lion McInnes House.

There are three members from A15 on the Board:Lion Gary Eves, Burford Lions Club, Lion/Lioness JanetDawson Brock, New Hamburg Lioness, and Lion JohnPepper, Lydon Lions Club.

Lions McInnes House

Pavilion from outsideLioness Mary Lou Krestel A2, and Hearing Chair A15 Lion John Pepper, Lynden Lions

Members of the Board for Lions Homes for Deaf: Executive DirectorLaurie Marissen, Lioness Sue Flanigan A3, Lioness Janet Dawson BrockA15, Lion Gary Eves A15, Lion John Lackey A9

Salon santé à KnowltonLe premier salon santé à Knowlton a été tenu le 9

Avril au Centre Communautaire. Près de 150personnes ont pris part à cet événement d'une journéeorganisée par L’Association Diabète Brome-Missisquoi et Haut-Richelieu (DBM-HR) encoopération avec les Clubs Lions de Knowlton et deCowansville et la Ville de Lac-Brome.

L'objectif de l'événement gratuit étaitd'informer les participants sur divers sujetsse rapportant à la santé tels quel'alimentation, le dépistage du cancercolorectal ou de la recherche sur le diabète.Les visiteurs avaient accès à 14 kiosquesd'information tenus par des professionnelsde la santé bilingues, tous sont membresd'une association ou d’un ordreprofessionnel et à 7 conférences, sur dessujets relatifs à des études récentes sur lasanté donnés par des professionnels de lasanté.

Dr. Bob Seymour, responsable du comité pour leClub Lions de Knowlton a déclaré: « Il est importantd'informer les gens sur un mode de vie sain et je penseque les services de santé disponibles dans la régiondoivent être connus »; Selon lui, la santé et les testsd'évaluation sur celle-ci ont considérablement évoluéau cours des dernières années et les gens doivent enêtre informés. Il illustre ses propos avec le faitqu’aujourd'hui, on recommande des colonoscopiesbeaucoup moins souvent qu'auparavant.

Diabète Brome-Missisquoi et Haut-Richelieu a déjàorganisé ce type d'événement à sept reprises, maisceux-ci se déroulaient généralement à Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu et offrent déjà des services dans la régionavec les infirmières et les nutritionnistes de leur bureauà Bedford, mais il voulait, selon son président, RobertFontaine aller plus loin. « Nous voulions étendre notre

porté, d'impliquer d'autres associations. Il y avaitd’autres conférenciers et professionnels de la santé quivoulaient participe sauf que la salle ne le permettaitpas ».

Le Club Lions de Knowlton examinera lapossibilité de répéter l'événement l'an prochain etvoudrais remercier tous ceux qui ont contribué à fairede cet événement un succès.

Le Club Lions de Knowlton appuie la Société Historique duComté de Brome

Lors d'une récente réunion, les membres du ClubLions de Knowlton ont convenu de remettre unecontribution à la Société Historique du Comté deBrome (SHCB). Incorporée en 1898, la société acomme objectif de préserver le patrimoine pour lesgénérations futures.

Le conseil d'administration, les bénévoles et lepersonnel doivent être félicités pour leur excellenttravail.

Le Club Lions a appuyé régulièrement cetteprécieuse institutionpendant ses plus desoixante années au servicede la communauté.

Le Club Lions de Knowlton

Une partie des kiosques d’information

MDA Directory InformationCouncil of Governors’ Meeting Dates

• Council Meeting – Convention - May 26-29, 2016


IMPORTANT DATES

MDA Convention2015/16 North Bay, ON May 26 - 29, 20162016/17 Kitchener, ON May 11 - 14, 2017

International Conventions99th Fukuoka, Japan June 24 - 28, 2016100th Chicago, Illinois, USA June 30 - July 4, 2017101st Las Vegas, Nevada, USA June 29 - July 3, 2018102nd Milan, Italy July 5 - 9, 2019103rd Singapore, Singapore June 26 - 30, 2020

USA - Canada ForumsSept 15 - 17, 2016 Omaha, NebraskaSept 21 - 23, 2017 Portland, OregonSept 20 - 22, 2018 Columbus, Ohio

Lors de la présentation du chèque, de gauche à droite : Donald Gray-Donald, président duc.a. BCHS, Bev Crandall, du Club Lions, Arlene Royea, directrice générale BCHS et ErrolFréchette du Club Lions .

Lions Jim and Raymond Rohrbach of the FishervilleDistrict Lions Club, both Past District Governors and bothrecipients of the Harry Newman Award from the CDA,are seen with a unique pin.

This pin originally belonged to Lion Harry Newman,the first Canadian LCI President, of Pickering. Hepassed it on to his son, Bill Newman, former MPP andMinister of Agriculture of Ontario. After Bill passedaway, his wife Molly gave this pin to the late Lion AndyDashner, who was a roommate of Bill Newman at theOntario Agricultural College and a charter member ofthe Fisherville District Lions Club. Bill’s wife roomedwith Beverly Dashner while studying at MacDonaldInstitute in Guelph for 4 years. This pin has now beenpassed to Lions Jim and Raymond Rohrbach, bothPDGs from District A-2. Lions Jim and Raymond areshown with the unique pin and the Harry NewmanAward.

Lion Harry Newman


Lions Mark Carrington, Donna Doherty, President Bryan Gray and VPBarry MacDonald

On April 16th at the District A4 Convention inCornwall, Lion John Musgrove was presented with anInternational President’s Award, the second highestaward presented to a Lion by Lions ClubsInternational.

Lion John joined the Shawville Lions Club in 1972, isa great supporter of the community, and a leader andmentor to many Lions in the Shawville Lions Club andDistrict A4.

Lion John was not able to attend the Convention forhealth reasons, so a group of Lions including Carl andElizabeth Young, Jerry and Karen Cockwell and JamesJohnston decided to venture up to Shawville, Quebecto present the award to him. Lion John was delightedby the visit of friends and was totally surprised withthe presentation of the award.

Congratulations Lion John!!!

International President’s Award

On February 4, the Markham Lions presented acheque in the amount of $7,000 to Donna Doherty ofMarkham Stouffville Hospital.

Markham Lions Club

Lion Jerry Cockwell, Past District Governor A4 1984-1985; Marion Musgrove; Lion John Musgrove; Lion Carl Young, Past International Director;Lion Karen Cockwell; Lion James Johnston, Past District Governor A4 2006-2007

Lucan Lions Club

At a meeting early this year, Lucan Lions Club inducted nine new members: Bruce Jackson, Jerome Macko, Rick Heywood, Dean Van Arenthals,Steve Wickens, Marty Van Praet, Shawn Morrison, Shawn Smith, and Mac O'Neil. Welcome guys!

Lakefield and District Lions receiving certificatesfor 70 years of service from District Governor LionJanet Marissen - (left to right) President Lion Bob Elliot,District Governor Lion Janet & 3 Vice Presidents Lions GordMacLeish, Barry Hunt & George Payton.

Lakefield and DistrictLions


WE AT THE LION CANNOT CHANGE YOURADDRESS, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR CLUBSECRETARY TO HAVE YOUR ADDRESS

CORRECTED AT LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL

The “MD‘A’ Lions Resource Centre”website is available for your use. Its goalis to provide a “one-stop-shopping” websitefor Lions resources, ideas and tools in allaspects of Lionism, including recruitingnew members, keeping the members wealready have, revitalizing clubs, fundraisingideas and club and district operations.

The MD‘A’ “Lions Resource Centre”website may be viewed by going to theMD‘A’ website at www.mdalions.org andclicking on “Lions Resource Centre” on theleft side of the page.

MD “A” Lions Resource Centre

Website

MOVING SOON?To ensure that the next MD “A” Lion magazine reaches your new residence, please complete this form and MAIL ENTIRE FORM TO:

Circulation Manager, LION Magazine300 W 22nd Street

Oak Brook, IL 60523-8842or e-mail your information to: [email protected]

New address will be (Please Print):

Name (print): _____________________________________________________New Address: _____________________________________________________City: ____________________________________________________________Province: ________________________PC: _____________________________Club #:__________________________Member #: _______________________Date of Change: ___________________________________________________

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION District ReportersWe have appointed District Reporters for the Lion Magazine. Their job is to assist the Magazine Editor and you the Lions. Their job is to collect new photos with stories, anything that you would like to submitto the Magazine for consideration. Please be aware anything for the Magazine should now go to the District Reporter in your District as follows:Please remember when sending your articles to your Reporter to indicate if it is for the Governors District Newsletter or the Lion Magazine.

Lion John Daniels, Editor Lion Magazine email: [email protected]

A1 Lion Barb Tuxford email: [email protected] Lion Wayne Scott email: [email protected] A3 Lion Wilma Bush email: [email protected] Lion Sandra Baldwin email: [email protected] Lion Liam Brennan email: [email protected]

A711 Lion Ilkka Ahola email: [email protected] Lion Mike Murphy email: [email protected] Lion Lety Dudgeon email: [email protected] Lion Bob Pearson email: [email protected] Lion Mark Carrington email: [email protected]

HOW TO GET INTO THE LIONContact your District Reporter

St. George Lions Cheryl and Kevin Hewitson andRoy Steedman recently attended the Dog Guidesgraduation ceremony, at the Lions Foundation ofCanada, in Oakville.

With them, is the Canine Vision dog Meg, and hergrateful recipient Angela. The St. George Lions Clubwere the sponsors of the dog.

St. George Lions

Lion Barry Ames of the St. George Lions Club joineda group from First United Church of Cambridge on atrip to the Dominican Republic. It was not an ordinarytrip south. Barry and the rest of the crew worked withThe Samaritan Foundation to build a home that willhouse thosewho arestruggling witha d d i c t i o n s .They also tookschool supplies,clothing andfood to thepoorest of thepoor.

Our Own GoodSamaritan

Lion Barry shovelling fill into the wheelbarrow

The West Coast Lions Club recently donated fiveOsmos tablets to the Grand Bend Public School.Principal Lynn Douglas and 3 students with LionsGeorge Jenkins, Marg Steadman, Peter Bourgoeis, CharlesMacDonald and Jodie Chernowak made the presentation.

West Coast Lions

On March 17th a Helen Keller Award waspresented to Lion Eldon Mannen. He has anenviable attendance record and is alwaysavailable for club functions. Lion Eldon is astrong member as was recognized for hiscontribution to the local club and Lionism ingeneral. He is shown accepting the award fromLion John Pepper.

Lynden Lions

L to R: Lions Julian Vines, Linda Vinette, Gord Hufnagel and Todd Wilson

District Governor Lion Janet Marissen thrilledLakefield & District Lions Club by presenting acertificate from District A3 and one from MDAwith congratulations and in celebration of theLakefield & District Lions Club’s 70thAnniversary.

Lakefield andDistrict Lions ClubTwo Melvin Jones Fellowships were awarded at the

February 16 dinner meeting of the Belwood andDistrict Lions Club at Belwood Community Centre.Past Council Chair Todd Wilson of Elmira and BelwoodClub President Julian Vines presented the worthyrecipients, Gordon Hufnagel and Linda Vinette, with theirMelvin Jones plaques and pins. Both Lions are pastpresidents and have been very instrumental in themany successes of the Belwood Club. They are wellknown in the community for their caring andcompassion to others.

Belwood Lions

May 4th, 2016

. At this point over 1,600 buildingsbeen told to evacuate.

to assist in the ultimate

Donations can be made to

c/o PDG Margaret Young

403-460-6448 and e-

drpattihill.comline.

.

Agreement Number is:41805020*

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