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December 2005
(Click Here for Newsletter Archives)
Governor Leon's Log |  |
Hello, Team - There are some very important flyers in this newsletter. Please look each page over carefully so that you will get all the information you need to have. Fill out any registration forms that meet your needs and get them sent in. Early registrations usually save you some money so try to get them in soon. Also, please look over the Governor's contest form. I would really like to see more involvement in that contest. It is never to late to enter, even for the past months. If you need forms for the previous months, let me know and I will send them to you.
We had a successful Cabinet meeting yesterday in Linden. The Linden Lions Club was a great host. They were very cordial and treated us all to a wonderful meeting place and great food. I, for one, am very thankful for their hospitality and for the hospitality of the Linden United Methodist Church.
We heard one of Texas' great Lions, PID Lion Mike Butler and his wife, Lion Annette, from Kerrville were there. Lion Mike inspired us to keep moving forward. He congratulated our District for its growth in membership but reminded us that we needed to do more. It was a great opportunity to visit with old friends and to make new ones. Won't you come and be a part of our meeting next time?
One very exciting bit of information released at the meeting was the addition of a new Lions Club in District 2-X2. We will be planning a charter night celebration soon for a new club in Ore City. They are enthusiastic and anxious to begin. The Lions attending the Cabinet meeting showed their enthusiasm by pledging their support to this new group of soon-to-be Lions. Many of their needed supplies have been promised as well as the support to be on hand for the charter night celebration. Some good-natured challenging was given and accepted, so you might want to plan to be there to see those events happen. At any rate, we want to welcome those individuals who want to join this elite group called Lions.
In addition to that, you really need to plan to come to the Mid-Winter Conference. When PDG's Jack Wakin and Smokey Stephens get their head together to plan an event, you know it will be fun. Look for that flyer for more info.
Begin making your plans for the International Convention now. Time will fly by with the holiday season near. We need you in Boston!
One pressing activity is the youth events. We will have speech and essay contests at the Mid-Winter Conference. Look at the Youth Events article to find your topics and deadlines. Let's take some of our kids to the State competition this year.
I want to thank you all. This year is flying by but it is truly a wonderful experience.
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.
- Meet yoru LWSB Chairperson. Find out about her experiences and her dedication to helping the visually impared in this newsletter!
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Becky's Bits |  |
Dear Fellow Lions:
We are just a few days from our next cabinet meeting and while I know this will not get to you in time for it, I hope that you will be there. Meetings! Ever get tired of them? I know that I do and so does everyone else that has attended more than 5 or 6 meetings in their life. Some are funny, some are boring, some inspire, some put you to sleep, some are educational, and some of you are so smart that you already know what the meeting is all about. Some meetings are important and others are not, but the bottom line for meetings is that they need to be held, folks need to come to learn and find out what's going on and what can, could and will happen. Some meeting may not be of interest to you, but please don't just throw the information away. Share it with others in your club. Keep the following in mind and call if you have any questions on them.
International Convention:
New date, times and location. It will no longer be held in New Orleans, but in Boston, Mass, June 30-July 5. The International Parade will be on Saturday, July 1. Voting and elections will be Tuesday, July 4. The celebration for our new International Officers will be Tuesday night and all the Lions of Texas are invited to attend. Why? Because we will be electing our first President from Texas in over 20 years. It is very exciting and important to all the Lions of Texas and I encourage each club to try and send someone from their club to attend this year's International Convention. Registration and Hotel deadlines have been extended until January 31, 2006. Go to www.lionsclubs.org for more information.
Texas Lions Leadership Forum:
This is a great 2 day forum for incoming officers. It is held in Austin on March 11-12. It starts about 11:00 AM Saturday and ends after lunch on Sunday. The first 100 registered will have one night's stay free. A couple of meals are included in your registration fee. Go to www.lions2x2.org. Click onto links and then click on Texas Lions. Go to calendar of events and download the registration form and agenda. Hurry! They should have 100 folks sign up by mid-December if not sooner.
Mid-Winter Conference:
This will be held in Texarkana on January 14. Wake Village and Nash Lions Clubs are hosting this event. Mid-Winter Conference is for all the Lions in our District to come for good fellowship, some light training, and good speakers. Go to the district website at www.lions2x2.org or call PDG Jack Wakin for more information.
If you have any questions, please go to the District website as listed above, or call Governor Leon or myself. Thanks for all that you and your club are doing in your community.
LIONS - WE SERVE
VDG Becky Whitenack
News Around the State |  |
Technology is being encouraged. Various useful information, forms, notices, and much more can be found in the association's website. All districts should promote the use of the website and email communication to the district and among clubs. Lions clubs are strongly encouraged to file the MMR's electronically. MMR's can be filed online through the new membership site. Starting in 2006-7, no blank paper forms of the MMR will be provided to Lions Clubs that file MMR's electronically on a regular basis. To the clubs still using MMR's, 12 copies of blank paper forms will be sent in the Club's Secretary's Kit.
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Spotlighting Club Membership
Jefferson: 24
Linden: 73
Nash: 10
Tyler: 53
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News From International
A Message From President Mehta
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LCIF/Lions Aiding Victims of Katrina
Lions and LCIF are helping victims of Hurricane Katrina on a grand scale. Lions in the affected areas are staffing shelters and collecting funds, food and supplies. Lions elsewhere are donating money to LCIF and gathering supplies. LCIF has committed US$270,000 so far for hurricane relief and is coordinating the relief effort. LCIF also has a sample press release to help Lions clubs publicize their relief efforts.
LCIF awarded a US$200,000 Major Catastrophe Grant within days of the disaster. LCIF is focusing its short-term relief in three areas: 1.) providing shelters with unmet substantial needs such as food, clothing, personal hygiene items and bedding, 2.) offering health services such as eyeglass distribution, and 3.) meeting needs of Lions camps and facilities housing victims of the disaster.
LCIF also has awarded seven US$10,000 Emergency Grants for Lions in the affected areas to issue vouchers for food, water and clothing to hurricane victims.
LCIF has set up a designated fund for Lions and others who wish to help the hurricane victims. LCIF's normal policy is that Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) recognition is not allowed for designated donations. To encourage donations for Katrina victims, the LCIF Board of Trustees has amended this policy. Donations sent to LCIF for Hurricane Katrina relief from Aug. 29 to Nov. 30, 2005 (postmarked by Nov. 30), are eligible for MJF recognition. To count toward an MJF, the donation must be a single US$1,000 payment from a donor. The Melvin Jones Fellow does not have to be named when the donation is made.
LCIF has received US $1.4 million from Lions for Hurricane Katrina Relief.
LCIF Chairperson Clement Kusiak has appointed a steering committee of four leading Lions from the four states most affected by the tragedy to serve as liaisons between LCIF, Lions in the disaster areas and Lions who want to help. LCIF also has set up a Web-based Help Link to connect Lions who want to volunteer time or donate goods with Lions in the affected areas who are staffing shelters or otherwise helping victims.
Note: District 2-X2 was awarded one of the grantions mentioned above. We only have 30 days in which ot use the money and then the unused portion will have to be returned to LCIF. Send your receipts to Governor Leon immediately for a refund.
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Did you know?
Mission Statement of Lions Clubs International: "To create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation."
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Chaplain's Corner
by Lion Conley Keasler
District Chaplain |  |
How often are we blessed and don't take the time to give thanks? When God is in control (instead of self), the journey is peaceful.
Notice that I mentioned "peaceful" instead of smooth. Bumps continue to be ahead of us occasionally, for the sole purpose of "building character". (And some of us are absolute "characters")
Be encouraged to "lift" others up with smiles, words of praise, and instruction. Lions are incredible people for supporting each other. Ideas for community projects just absolutely flow from you, and so many are blessed.
Since this is the month of Thanksgiving, begin with self, THEN EXPAND! Of course yes, we can get stuck on "self"; however, greater blessings come through memories of others. But the greatest blessing comes from thankfulness from the heart (not the head) for all that God has done for us.
Sometimes, God allows flat tires to rob death of our presence. Do we praise Him in all situations? Are we really thankful, or do we just "mouth" what we expect others want to hear? Are we so complacent that the joy of the Lord does not affect us? Are we so numb to sin around us, that we ignore subtle warnings of "drowning and going down for the 3rd time"?
Lions offer change, involvement, excitement, and results; but most of all, Lions offer people who care. Without people, Lions would remain animals.
We truly have a lot to be thankful for.
Be blessed!
Chaplain Conley Keasler
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 Aug. Newsletter)
Lion John Dilworth, President of Longview Lions Club
Memorials can be made in their name to Texas Lions Camp
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Birthday Greetings Across the District
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Oct 2 Mackey Guest
Oct 3 Charles Norwood
Oct 4 Robert Marsh
Oct 6 Bob Bostick
Oct 7 Carey Endrizzi
Oct 7 Lloyd Holcomb
Oct 8 Dianne Endrizzi
Oct 9 George Philpot
Oct 10 Sheila Nicklas
Oct 11 Francene Van Os
Oct 12 James Tyler
Oct 12 Robert Urban
Oct 14 Howard Skelton
Oct 14 Ray Skelton
Oct 15 Roger Purdy
Oct 15 Summer Smith
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Oct 16 Jean Rullis
Oct 17 Kimberly McLarry
Oct 18 Boyd Gilbreath
Oct 18 Warren Attaway
Oct 19 Juanita Attaway
Oct 20 Dianne Hellen
Oct 22 T.R. Mills
Oct 25 Bob Fowler
Oct 28 Debra Granstaff
Oct 28 Judy Morris
Oct 28 Kyle Morrison
Oct 28 Rickey Granstaff
Oct 29 Sandy Stevens
Oct 30 Ann Miller
Oct 31 Barbara Bailey
Oct 31 Pennye West
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Lion Facts: Our colors are purple and gold. Gold stands for the sincerity of purpose, liberality in judgement, purity in life, and generosity in mind, heart and purse toward mankind.
 | Lions Roar - 2-X2 Club Activities |
Tyler Lions Club has manned its major fundraiser of parking cars at the East Texas State Fair from Oct 22 - Oct 1.
Region III meeting was held on Oct 15. State Leader Dog Chairperson, Lion Sandy Griffin really roused the Lions, after several presentations by district chairpersons and attending clubs. Thurs. night's Region III meeting was hosted by the mineola Lions Club. 45 Lions from all over the district were in attendance.
Marshall Noon Lions CLub has heard from Richard Bozeman (Hearts Program). Joe Black (Harrison County D.A.), Boo Chaler (Percy Johnson Burn Foundation) and Jerry Hansen (KMHT Radio). They have collected 1072 pairs of glasses and made donations to several local foundations.
Dodd City & Windom Lions Clubs heard a presentation from Ms. Janice Mills from Hannah's Horseshoes of Hope, a program she founded in which horse riding therapy is used primarily with disabled children.
Pittsburg Lions Club donated $1000 to LCIF for Katrina relief.
Sulfur Springs Lions Club has made several donations during the last month and are 100% in Lions Charities.
Wake Village Lions Club has worked with the city to collect and sell aluminum cans. The members have been busy attending other clubs.
LIONS - Keep up the good work!
 | Youth Events and Happenings |
Sight Night - Welcome to Sight Night! Each year on Sight Night, "ghouls" and boys spook up used eyeglasses for the Gift of Sight Foundation. Glasses collected on Sight Night are used for our international missions to developing countries, such as Mexico, Bolivia, Thailand, and more. This year, we'll travel on 12 international missions, helping around 20,000 people on each trip.
This is a great activity for schools, scout troops, or anyone interested in helping others. Log on to www.givethegiftofsight.com/youcanhelp for a sight night kit, or call 1-877-605-4242.
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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Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar!
Mineola Lions Club postponed their bar-b-que dinner due to Hurricane Rita. It is now scheduled for October 15.
Longview Pancake Breakfast at the Gregg Co. Extension Office will be held October 15.
Paris Founders Lions Club hosts Charles Woodfin Memorial Golf Tournament, 1 PM Tee Time at Elk Hollow Golf Club.
October 15 Wake Village hosts a pancake breakfast at the Wake Village Fire Department.
Marshall Noon Lions will host its 30th annual BBQ on Oct. 25 at the Civic Center.
Region I will have its meeting on Nov. 10 at 6 PM in New Boston at the CCU building.
Wake Village & Nash Lions Clubs are hosting a bucket shake on Nov. 12 at the intersection of Hightway 82 and Kings Highway from 10-12.
Nov. 15 is the deadline for a club sending its winning peace poster to Governor Leon.
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Lions Club Charters
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Paris Founders - 1921
Wake Village - 1953
Mineola - 1952
Naples - 1969
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Meet your District LWSB Chairperson
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Hello. I am Patricia Guy from the Pittsburg Lions Club. My husband, Bill, retired from Baylor Hospital in Dallas in 1998 and we moved to 50 acres of (mostly) woods which we happily share with the squirrels, birds, raccoons, deer and our resident bobcat!
I have been a Braille textbook translator for 17 years, working as a contract braillist out of my home for the past seven years. It is truly one of the passions of my life. Incidentally, that is how I became a Lion. I was invited to present a program on my brailling experience and walked out of the meeting with an application.
We joined the Pittsburg Lions Club in April, 2004, and have been actively involved in all meetings and fund-raisers since. I realize that we are very new to the organization and have a lot to learn, but we have been very pleased of our association with the Club. I have participated in the Walks for the Texas Lions Camp for 2 years, attended Women's Development meetings, and Cabinet & Zone meetins, gaining knowledge at each event.
I was very honored to be named Committee Chairperson for LWSB by Governor Leon VanAlstine. Lion Warren Proctor served this committee well for many years, and I realize the size of the shoes I am attempting to fill by his passing of the baton. I look forward to serving in this capacity, and visiting the clubs in District 2-X2 with a program on Lions World Services for the Blind.
Feel free to contact me at pguy@bluebonnet.net or (903) 572-5104.
Newsletter Editor's Note:
By the way, Lion Pat confided in me at the Cabinet meeting that she is very anxious to be called to serve your club. Just pick up the phone! She is Ready!
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.
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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