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September 2005
(Click Here for Newsletter Archives)
Governor Leon's Log |  |
Hello, Team - We have just had our first cabinet meeting in Canton. Let me tell you, Canton did a FINE job in hosting the meeting. The building was a great plant and well decorated. The organization of registration and breakfast was top-notch. The food was terrific. The music was great. THANK YOU, Canton Lions.
Our speakers were also very good. We were especially honored to be the first group of Texas to see Lion Sandy's new puppy. I'm sure he will be in many photo albums.
Now, we are down to some routine jobs. Please remember to send in your dues by the end of September. All dues become delinquent after September 30. Also, remember, you are billed according to Internationals enrollment figures as of July 1.
However, that isn't all you need to remember. Charities are important. TLC (Texas Lions Camp) needs the help each club can give and this camp helps OUR children.
LCIF (Lions Club International Foundation) sends money to disaster areas. They immediately awarded $200,000. for Hurricane Katrina relief and will be awarding grants to districts affected by the hurricane. Your charities help in this effort.
TLF (Texas Lions Foundation) sends money to Texas communities in need. This money is for Texans only. We can not afford to ignore this charity so that these funds are available when needed.
LWSB (Lions World Services for the Blind) is in Arkansas but serves many Texans. They need our support to continue this.
Leader Dog serves individuals that need vision help. Texans in need receive help from this organization also. We need to help those who help our citizens.
Texas Eye Bank provides services for Texans in need of eye care. Shouldn't we help?
Eye Glass Recycling takes those old glasses and provides assistance to people all over the world. That sounds good to me.
So, clubs - be 100% in your charity giving. Your club will be making a "world of difference" to people in need.
For some good news!! District 2-X2 was one of only 2 clubs that ended July with a + in membership. We dropped 12 but enrolled 19 for a +7. The only other district with a + was 2-X1. Let's do this every month and we will end the year with a much larger membership than we have had in some time. There will be a special ceremony at the 2nd cabinet meeting for those who bring in a new member. Be there!
MMR reports are not getting reported on time. Please be sure to do that. I will begin calling clubs that are delinquent.
Let's remember the Hurricane victims in our prayers and our donations.
Yours in Lionism,
Governor Leon
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Special Points of Interest
- The registration form for the State Convention passed out in Kerrville had incorrect information. Go to the State website for a correct form, or just click here.
- LCIF has designated a fund for Hurricane Katrina Relief. Donations may be sent to LCIF at 300 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook, IL 60523
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News Around the State |  |
Dear Fellow Lions:
I am writing at the request of the President, in order to bring you an update as to the status of Texas Lions Camp becoming a shelter for those displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
Yesterday, the Executive Committee met via conference call in order to receive reports and discuss courses of action. State agencies we have contacted such as TX Child aqnd Family Protective Services, LA Child and Family Protective Services, TX Department of Health Services and the local chapters of the Red Cross and Salvation Army have not resulted in identifying a need for an additional shelter at TLC.
After considering all of the data and reports from these sources and members of the Executive Commitee located near the large service centers, it does not appear that opening a shelter is what is most needed from Texas Lions Camp at this time.
In fact, given the pace at which pelple are leaving the larger service centers, and our distance from them, it is doubtful that facilities at Texas Lions Camp will be called upon by agencies engaged in the relief effort.
Consequently, the official action taken by the Executive Committee is recorded in the minutes of the meeting as follows:
By acclamation, the Executive Committee agreed not to officially open Texas Lions Camp as a shelter independently of relief agencies such as the Red Cross, but would evaluate formal requests for assistance by such agencies if they arise in the future.
I knew that you would want to know the status of this effort, and invite you to contact me with questions or comments.
As always, it is a rewarding experience to see the hearts of Lions in action, seeking ways to best be of service to others.
Sincerely Yours,
Stephen S. Mabry, CAE, CFRE
Executive Director
Texas Lions League for Children, Inc.
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Spotlighting Club Membership
Longview: 57
Naples: 33
Wake Village: 14
Cooper: 12
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News From International
A Message From President Mehta
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Dear Lions of the United States,
In the early morning hours of Monday, August 29th, residents of the Gulf Coast area of the United States - from Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle - were het with the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina. The category 4 storm, with 145 mile-per-hour winds, a foot of rain, and a 20-foot storm surge, ravages coastline areas, causing enormous loss of life and catastrophic damage to homes and businesses. The city of New Orleans, host of our 2006 International Convention, is currently 80 percent under water. Even as I write this letter, the devistation is still being assessed. It may be weeks before we know the true magnitude of this storm. The Convention Committee is monitoring the situation very closely. Updates will be posted on the Lions Club Internation Website.
Lions everywhere join the world community in expressing our deep condolences as you come to terms with this tragedy. You are not alone in your grief, nor are you alone in your efforts to put affected communities back together and provide for survivors of nature's wrath.
LCIF is standing by, ready to assist with both short and long-term needs. A special fund has been established. Lions wishing to donate should write "Hurricane Katrina Relief" on the meno line of their checks. Updates will be provided on both the LCI and LCIF web sites. Please be sure to read the message from LCIF Chairperson Kusiak on Hurricane Katrina.
We are all deeply saddened by the enormous loss of life and overall devastation. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you as you work to rebuild lives and communities.
Sincerely,
Ashok Mehta
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Did you know?
The world's first eye bank, The Eye-Bank for Sight Restoration, was established in 1925 by Dr. R. Townley Paton with the assistance of the Staten Island Central Lions. We celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first corneal transplant this year.
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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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Sept 1 Jimmy Brown
Sept 1 Tammy Lovett
Sept 2 Gwen Stirman
Sept 6 Harvey Kenemore
Sept 7 Adrian Andrews
Sept 7 Jeff Fisher
Sept 7 Jim Perkins
Sept 7 Rodger Johnson
Sept 9 Carl Moss
Sept 9 Edwin Rasco
Sept 11 Smokey Stevens
Sept 12 Lynn Jackson
Sept 14 Glenn Thompson
Sept 16 Joann Coker
Sept 17 Kendall Martin
Sept 18 Sandy Bullard
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Sept 19 Andy Reese
Sept 19 Ed Wenger
Sept 20 Bill Eaton
Sept 20 Mark Taylor
Sept 20 Texie Gooch
Sept 21 Mal Fowler
Sept 23 Gail Taylor
Sept 23 Randall Childress
Sept 24 Tony Crow
Sept 25 Charles Calhoun
Sept 26 Jam Barnett
Sept 26 Ray Ashlock
Sept 28 April McCright
Sept 28 Tony Pena
Sept 30 JaLorne Keesler
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Lion Facts: Our colors are purple and gold. Purple stands for loyalty - to country, friends, one's self & to the integrity of mind & heart. It is the color of strength, courage & dedication to a cause.
(For gold, read the October newsletter)
 | Lions Roar - 2-X2 Club Activities |
Mineola Lions Club held their annual Labor Day Roadblock on 9/3. The activity set a record for donations: $2690, of which $1345 will be sent to LCIF for Hurricane Katrina relief. The rest will go to replenish the club's eye exam/eyeglass fund.
Marshall Lions Club held a hamburger supper for evacuees from Hurricane Katrina. They fed about 250.
Windom Lions Club raised approximately $800 from its annual turkey shoot and will be providing eye exams and glasses for Honey Grove residents.
Cypress Springs Lions Club donated $2844. to the Meals on Wheels program as well as providing eye care to community members.
Dodd City Lions Club has been busy providing eye care for the members of its community.
The Region 1, Zone 1 meeting of the New Boston Evening Club heard St. Representative Stephen Frost and Judge James Carlowe. They also presented a $500. scholarship to a local student.
The Region 1, Zone 1 meeting of the Nash Lions Club heard St. Representative Stephen Frost and Kenny Icenhower from the Dept. of Transportation. They also made plans for a bucket shake to be held on 11/2.
Region 1 Zone 1 meeting of Wake Village heard St. Representative Stephen Frost and Kenny Icenhower. They also made plans for a pancake breakfast on 10/15 and a bucket shake on 11/2.
Yantis-Lake Fork is gearing up for their "Glo-Booth" every Fri. & Sat. night in Oct. Also every 2nd Sat. of each month, they have a Bargain Den at the community center in Yantis. They make $200-400. each month on donated items. They supply many services such as scholarships. They are promoting the Peace Post Contest in local schools. GO!
 | Youth Events and Happenings |
These topics were approved by the District Governors. For this year, the Diabetic Essay topic is "How Does Becoming a Diabetic Affect a Person's Life as a Youth Verses That of an Adult".
The Drug Speech Topic is "How Do Young Adults Deal with Peer Pressure and Substance Abuse".
The entry fee remains the same of $200.00.
Can we have some participants this year?
Roll Call!
Roll Call will be taken at every Cabinet meeting. The following clubs were represented at the First Cabinet meeting in Canton. We hope all clubs will be represented at the 2nd Cabinet meeting in Linden.
Dodd City
Longview
Linden
Tyler
Pittsburg
Wake Village
Kilgore
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Canton
Chapel Hill
Judson
Mineola
Mar-Tex
Edgewood
Jefferson
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Cypress Springs
Henderson
Yantis-Lake Fork
Mt. Pleasant
New Boston Eve.
Marshall Noon
Hughes Springs
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A Message from PDG Bill Hurst
Ross' Rangers Raffle
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As part of the fund raising efforts to install Texas' own Lion Jimmy Ross as the President of Lions International, a great raffle is being held by the Texas Lions. Tickets are $50.00 each and gives each one a chance to win one of the following prizes:
- 1st prize-2006 Chevy Full Size Pickup1/2 T Extended with LS pkg.
- 2nd prize-42" Plasma TV
- 3rd prize-Compaq Lap Top Computer
- 4th prize-Nikon Digital Camera
The drawing to determine the winners will be held in Kerrville at the February Council of Governors meeting. Winners are responsible for all taxes, title transfer and license.
I will be happy to send tickets to each club for you to sell to club members and friends. Just think, you could drive up to the 2006 International Convention in a new Chevy Pickup!!!
Thanks,
PDG Bill Hurst
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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Chapel Hill - 1976
Sulphur Springs - 1937
Windom - 1974
Cooper - 1922
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The Pledge to the Texas Flag
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We hope that you will make the Pledge to the Texas Flag a part of your Lions Club meeting. It is really quite simple and easy to remember:
Honor the Texas Flag.
I pledge allegience to thee, Texas, one and indivisible.
Chaplain's Corner
Looking around at the latest development regarding "volunteering", our entire nation is at hand to assist with the Hurrican Katrina situation. Doesn't this speak volumes about Lionism? Each participant in the Lion's organizations is a volunteer at heart.
Every Community around our area, as well as major cities throughout our country, is involved in a refugee assistance program. Every person involved has talents, skills, and compassion for the "homeless" coming from the disaster. But what about the "homeless" in our immediate areas before Katrina entered our lives?
How many Lions are in clubs just for the meal? I have been to several cabinet meetings and work shops during my time in the Lions organization and have seen very few folks participate. What is the level of interest of your club? How can you learn about "Lionism" if not involved? How can you respect and support other clubs, if you don't know what is being considered? Are we part of the problem-pointing fingers, being critical, condemning leadership, refusing to participate, judging others capabilities, holding on to past hurts; or are we part of the solution-accepting all without judging, uplifting, promoting, forgiving, teaching, honoring the positions (even if not in agreement). Meetings are planned for reasons. It is important that everyone go to scheduled meetings for development and bonding, whether it is Zone Meetings, Cabinet Meetings, Workshops, or Women's Meetings (which are for men as well, as good information is made available). Ask your president or secretary about the time for the next meeting and plan to attend.
How many regufees really feel like they are "somebody" due to a disaster? Until now the poor lived all their lives in poverty areas, and no one cared enough to provide a meal or a place to sleep. Poverty is all around us - the type may be unknown.
Is your Club poverty stricken? No one cares enough to promote the organization? We have seen membership drop in our District, but what is the reason? Lions are truly a giving people-of time, money, & resources. Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself". Can you imagine what would happen if we were concerned about our neighbors and helped as there was a need?
Is our Spiritual life struggling in poverty? Jesus came that we might have life and more abundantly. It isn't a promise but a choice.
Are our relationships with loved ones or lion members in poverty? How much time have we spent with the ones closest to us? Have we passed by the suffering and not even been aware? Been too busy to notice the wrongs?
Lions are at their best during disastrous times. Their strengths rise to the occasion and victory is immediate. Each community is encouraged by
Thank you,
Lion Conley Keasler
District Convention News
Due to Easter holidays, our District Convention has been changed to April 28-30. It will still be in Marshall at the East Texas Convention Center adjacent to the LaQuinta Motel. However, Kilgore will continue to hold their 75th anniversary on Friday, April 7.
Always Wanted To Take A Cruise?
Now is the time, according to the Paris Founders Lions Club. The club has scheduled a 7-day Western Caribbean cruise leaving from Galveston on May 7, 2006, as a club fundraiser. The sailing will be on Carnival Cruise Line's ship The Elation. The cruise is open to everyone, not just Lions Club members.
The first port of call is Progreso, the gateway to Mexico's Yucatan, home of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world as well as fascinating Myan ruins. Next is Cozumel, a gorgeous tropical island with a wealth of beaches, sightseeing attractions and duty-free shops. The final destination is Belize, a country renouned for its wildlife sanctuaries, world-famous zoo and breathtaking ocean vistas.
Cabine prices are from $548 per person for an interior cabin, $648 for an oceanview cabin, and $1318 for a balcony cabin. Prices include all accommodations, meals, and shipboard entertainment. There are reduced prices available for third and forth persons in a cabin. For those who may be traveling alone, arrangements can be made to share a cabin.
The first deposit of $50 per person is due by September 30, the second deposit of $200 is due December 6, and the balance is due February 19. Deposits may be made by check, cash, or credit card.
Arrangements are being made for a charter bus to and from Galveston for a slight fee (guaranteed to be lower than the cost of gas and parking for a private vehicle!).
Detailed information is available from Lion Mike Pendleton at Paris Travel Consultants, 903-785-0017.
 | Thank You, Lion Warren Proctor |
Lion Warren has served L.W.S.B. since 1990. That is 15 years of service. He has given money generously; but the one thing that outshines that is his generous giving of his time. He has traveled about 39,000 miles and has given 20 programs yearly for a total of 450 hours. We will miss his service since he has resigned his post, but he will be a great mentor for Lion Pat Guy. Thank you, Lion Warren!
Obituary
- Ilene Penick of Gladewater, widow of PDG Chester Penick (1976-77)
- Father Ben Comisky of Marshall, PDG (1970-71)
- June W. Johnson, partner in service of Lion Jack Johnson of White Oak (see August newsletter)
Memorials can be made in their names to Texas Lions Camp.
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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