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August 2005
(Click Here for Newsletter Archives)
Governor Leon's Log |  |
We have just returned from the Council of Governors in Kerrville and I must say, everyone is in a very excited mode. This is the year we elect a Texan as President of Lions International. That has not been done in 24 years, and you and I will be a part of it. So - let this great year begin.
Lion Nancy and I leave for Leader Dog this Thursday. We will tour the facilities and come home with much information to share with you. Don't forget that Sandy Griffin, State Leader Dog Chairman, will be in Canton for our cabinet meeting. She will bring her new pup that she will pick up just a few days before the 20th.
I have been visiting clubs almost daily since returning from Hong Kong. I have never met such hospitable friends. You are the greatest! I have been to fine lunches at country clubs, dinners in restaurants, and home cooked meals in community centers and even the homes of Lions. Wherever the place, the people have all been wonderful. I marvel at the wonderful things you do to serve your community. You work long, hard hours to earn the money you need for your charities and your projects, and you never lose your enthusiasm. You are truly Lions wanting to serve humanity. I, for one, thank you.
Please remember that one of our district objectives is to increase our membership. We lost quite a few members last year and we need to turn that direction around. International has a special award for all clubs that end the year with "+1" in membership. I would love to see all our clubs earn that award.
We also want to have all of our charities paid on time. All charities need to be 100%. We, especially, want to be sure that each club donates $2.00 per member to Texas Lions Foundation. Remember, this is the organization that aids the people of Texas when disaster strikes. This organization serves Texans. The money we give stays in Texas for Texans.
Please check with our website often. Many pictures have been added to the events page. You never know when you will appear on the website. Special announcements will also be listed. Check frequently in order to keep abreast of the happenings.
Again, for those clubs I have visited, I thank you for your hospitality. For those I have not, I look forward to seeing you soon.
- Governor Leon
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Special Points of Interest
- A new message is included in this edition. Our chaplain Lion Conley Keasler will be giving a message each month.
- Meet our new webmaster in this edition.
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Becky's Bits |  |
Dear Fellow Lions:
Several Lions from District 2-X2 just got back from the Council of Governors and Texas Lions Camp meetings. This was my first "official" council meeting as Vice District Governor and what an exciting time it was for me. I am still excited about things that are coming up of which you need to be aware. Then you, too, will want to join in on all the fun and excitement that is about to happen.
As most of you know the 1st Vice President of Lions International, Jimmy Ross, is from Texas. He will be elected as President next Aug in New Orleans, LA. This will be an exciting time for all Lions here in Texas. We have not had a President of Loins International since in the mid-80's. It's time, and Lion Jimmy is the man who will represent all the Lions of Texas and make us proud to be a Lion.
One of the first things of which you need to be aware is that we are going to need lots of help in New Orleans during the week of Aug 10-14. Here are some Highlights:
- Monday 10th - Get the lay of the land; shop, relax, and have fun.
- Tuesday 11th - Parade. The Jimmy Ross committee wants 1000 Lions, family and guests from Texas to walk in this Parade.
- Wednesday 12th - Blue Bell Ice Cream Social - Texas Lions will help serve and be greeters for this event. Blue Bell is making a special trip to New Orleans just for us.
- Thursday 13th - Governors sworn in and other activities.
- Friday 14th - Election of Officers and Victory Party for Lion Jimmy - All Texas Lions are invited.
- Saturday 15th - head home, or stay and relax another day.
Second, we will be looking into chartering a bus for X2 for that week. Lots of details are still being worked out and will be forthcoming as soon as we know them. But, we need you and your club to start planning on attending the next International Convention.
Third, hotel space downtown is limited and the Texas Lions have 350 rooms reserved. They will only hold these spots until December 30th. The Texas Delegation Hotel is the Wyndham New Orleans at Canal Place (504-566-7006). The International Hotel is the Riverside (504-561-0500). The room rate for both hotels is $139. I suggest that you go ahead and reserve your room now if you are interested in going at all. If you change your mind, you can cancel it or we might need it for someone else. Conventoin registration forms will be at all Distrit meetings this year and you will need to state which hotel you want.
Come and enjoy the fun that we will have electing the next President of Lions International from Texas.
Serving you in Lionism,
VDG Becky
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Spotlighting Club Membership
Atlanta: 31
Yantis Lake Fork: 39
Henderson: 49
Judson: 30
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News Around the State |  |
Texas is gearing up for the International Convention in New Orleans next Aug. We will be placing Lion Jimmy Ross from Texas in the office of International President.
In order to have a bigger and better parade and inauguration than ever before, the State Committee for the Election of Jimmy Ross will be asking for support from every district.
The inauguration committee will be asking our district to sell 100 tickets at $50 each. Those will go toward the chance of winning a new pick-up. For District 2-X2, that is about 2 per club. Let's support this effort in order to make a great showing in New Orleans. A district committee will contact each club with more information.
District 2-X2 Governor Leon was appointed parade chairman. The Texas delegation will be led by the famous Cowboy Band from Hardin Simmons University and their 6 white horses. Negotiations with the Kilgore Rangerettes are in the works. Each district will be asked to contribute $2500 to transport the band members and other participants for the parade and demonstration.
We will also want to show our support by attending the convention. More information will follow.
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Did you know?
- L = liberty,
- I = intelligence,
- O = our
- N = nation's
- S = safty
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News From International |  |
News from the desk of LCIF Chairperson Clement Kusiak gives the following report concerning support for the people of the tsunami-ravaged areas in Indonesia:
- local Lions have built 205 homes in the North Aceh province of Indonesia. The homes contain 2 bedrooms and electricity and were paid for by LCIF and funds mobilized by local Lions.
- Indonesian Lions and LCIF will collaborate on 150 homes in Banda Aceh.
- a Lions village with 150 homes will be constructed in Tanah Pasir.
- Lions in Sri Lanka plan to build 3,000 homes with 500 currently under construction. Most will be 550 square foot homes for fishermen and their families.
- LCIF dispersed US $900,000 for Lions in Thailand to build a Lions village on the devastated Lanta islands.
New Members Needed in 2-X2!
We lost 3 clubs and 153 members in our district last year. The first objective listed for our district this year is "+1 in 2005-2006. I hope you will begin working on meeting that objective immediately and bring in new members. Get your membership pin now.
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Birthday Greetings Across the District
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Aug 4 - Ann Mills
Aug 4 - Clifford Dodson
Aug 5 - Jackie Childress
Aug 7 - Jeff Warr
Aug 8 - Daisy Norwood
Aug 8 - Tina Ingram
Aug 10 - Al Coleman
Aug 10 - David Miller
Aug 10 - John Buffington, Jr.
Aug 12 - Don Hamilton
Aug 12 - Mitchel Whitington
Aug 13 - Delbert Johnson
Aug 13 - Dennis Fowler
Aug 15 - Betty Rodgers
Aug 18 - Gladys Gibson
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Aug 18 - Jana Stewart
Aug 19 - Kathy Yancey
Aug 20 - Dick Gillis
Aug 21 - Kathryn Burnett
Aug 23 - Glenda Clements
Aug 23 - Joe Stephens
Aug 23 - Joel Harlow
Aug 25 - Betty Hanna
Aug 26 - Bill Dipprey
Aug 27 - Van Hawes
Aug 30 - Bob Reese, Sr.
Aug 30 - Chub Milner
Aug 30 - Nancy Smith
Aug 31 - Linda Standley
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Do you know Zeb Love, Hazel Champlain, Dr. Bobby Ragan, or Patrick Owens??? I have no birth date for these Lions.
Lion Facts: Today there are 40,000 Lions Clubs in 194 countries and geographical areas with the same mission: "We Serve".
 | Lions Roar - 2-X2 Club Activities |
Dodd City Lions Club just held a barbecue fundraiser and have donated funds for eye glass exams.
Marshall Noon Lions Club had a program given by Marl Madden on Habitats and by Jeff Holloway from E.T.B.U. They are making plans for their October barbecue.
Wake Village Lions Club has collected 910 pairs of used eye glasses and have visited 6 other Lions Clubs.
Region 1, Zone 1 has recently held a meeting. The members discussed parking cars at football games for a fundraising plan. They also discussed the next International Convention.
Edgewood Lions have raised $7000 for civic projects. Good job!
Henderson Lions Club members participated in a block outhouse race. They did very well in the event.
Cypress Springs Lions have completed one of their fundraising activities - manning 2 fireworks stands!
Mineola Lions Club is planning its silent auction to be held September 24.
 | Youth Events and Happenings |
We have had a lot of clubs pick up Peace Poster information. It is looking like we will have more than 2 this year. we do have a Leo Club in our District. The Emory Lions Club sponsors one. For information on how to start one, call our Leo Chairman Lion Allan McLarry of Yantis at 903-383-2323. He will help you. This might be a good program for your club. Our goal for the district is to have 2 active clubs started this year.
Governor's Contest
There will be a Governor's Contest this year. There will be three categories:
Category 1: for clubs with membership less than 20.
Category 2: for clubs with membership from 21-41.
Category 3: for clubs with membership of 41 and up.
There have been some minor changes in the contest form. Please notice those changes for this month's entry. We have received several for July and hope that all clubs will submit their forms monthly.
Remember there will be awards given to the highest scoring clubs in 3 different categories. The awards will be given at the District Convention in April.
Special Events
Our first cabinet meeting of the year will be on Aug. 20 in Canton. The Canton Lions Club is planning a great day for all of us. Please get your reservation in for lunch immediately so they will have a head count. Registration is from 7:30-9:00. An agenda will be available on the day of the meting. However, you have a lot in store. PDG Bubba Hirsch will be there to install officers. Sandy Griffin from Leader Dog will have her new pup and will share experiences with us. Her husband Hal, president of Texas Lions Camp, will also share some exciting news with us. See you there! Email Nancy for reservations: nancyv43@yahoo.com
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Lions Club Charters
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Nash - 1985
New London - 1949
Tyler - 1931
Marshall Noon - 1938
Chaplain's Corner
Because God gives dreams and visions, the person starting the Lions Club was given a means to help others. Perhaps he didn't perceive the magnitude, but for a beginning, coming together as a unit with one purpose in mind, he could solve issues within his community. This person prayed, received a vision, and created the resources to meet that need.
Our District Governor had a vision. He continues to carry that vision through the steps he accomplished before his administration. Only through vessels (YOU) can his vision be accomplished. He knows what can be accomplished through District 2-X2 to support the bigger picture, but do you? He had a dream, he made plans, but can you see where you are in the bigger picture? This "bigger picture" has you involved. Our District Governor, Vice District Governor, and your Club President see you in the "bigger picture". If you confess that you don't see yourself, perhaps some quality time with your Club President could "sharpen your lenses".
Each person that signed on the (dotted) line, agreed to become a participator. I encourage each Lion to become more involved at every level of Lionism. If you remain solely within your Club, you are shortsighted. Life on the outside is just as important.
I realize that I missed the 1st issue regarding an article, but I do want to introduce myself. I am a pastor and a chaplain. Through Chaplain Lions Bill Hogan, I have been welcomed as a chaplain at Marshall Regional Hospital where I've served for over 2 years. I have attended the programs that were offered through the Chaplaincy Program at Marshall. Although I have been a Lion for over a year, I've enjoyed serving as District Treasurer for my 1st year as well as working on a second year as club secretary.
"You" are my focus! As District Chaplain, I desire to know each and every person involved in District 2-X2 and will be available for you. My email address is: chaplainck9@hotmail.com
My address is: 1001 Hayes, Marshall, TX 75670.
Thank you,
Lion Conley Keasler
Looking for an Avenue of Service?
A fund-raising program continues at Mar-Tex Evening Lions Club, in which al clubs are welcomed to become involved. A Chapel is being built at Marshall Regional. It will be a memorial to the Lions Clubs. Through used ink cartridges and cell phones, District Governor Leon VanAlstine and Lion President Bill Hogan discovered a "rebate" program. If your club desires to become involved, contact Lion President Bill Hogan at Mar-Tex Evening Lions Club or Hillcrest Baptist Church, 903-935-5530 in Marshall.
Meet Your Webmaster
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Mitchel Whitington is our new webmaster. He is a member of the Jefferson Lions Club. The following is a list of his accomplishments:
- He is an author of short stories, books and articles.
- He is a publisher.
- He is a public speaker (and is very willing to speak to your club).
- He is a tour guide along with his wife Tami for their home The Grove, a historical home in Jefferson.
We are fortunate to have Mitchel's support in this area. To enter news, plese email: sectreas@jeffersonlionsclub.org.
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The District 2-X2 Newsletter
Sincerely Appreciates Our Sponsors:
To submit stories and photos or place an ad, please contact the Newsletter Editor Nancy VanAlstine. The newsletter goes to print on the 15th of each month. All news needs to be submitted by the 10th of each month.
Contact:
Nancy VanAlstine
email nancyv43@yahoo.com
District Governor
Leon VanAlstine
email martexlion_leon@yahoo.com
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