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January 2006
(Click Here for Newsletter Archives)
Governor Leon's Log |  |
Hello, Team - Our District suffered a time of true sadness when PDG Garvis Gilbert passed away. He was a true Lion and we will all miss his leadership. If you or your club are interested in making a memorial for him, think about the Lions Camp. That was one of his true loves. He always sponsored a hole at the Harry Wickersham Golf Tournament. For your club to sponsor a hole in his memory would be a great tribute. Look for the sponsor form in the newsletter.
There are some very important events coming soon. First, Mid-winter will be Sat, Jan 14 at Wake Village. We will be honoring the oldest active Lion in the State of Texas. He is in our District and a member of the Bogata Lions Club. There will be a special presentation. Our youth contestants and peace poster winners will be there for you to meet. Then our charity chairpersons will entertain us with their own presentation. I know it will be a great afternoon. We have two wonderful speakers for the noon and evening meals. And of course, the food will be great. So – see you there!
I hope you are planning to make the Council of Governors’ meeting in Kerrville and the Texas Lions Leadership Forum in Austin. There will be an abundance of information presented. Don’t miss those two events.
Then our District Convention will be in April. We are trying to have something for everyone. Please look at the information in this newsletter and then pass the newsletter on to someone else so they, too, can make plans to come. Marshall Noon Lions have offered to make your convention weekend start out right with a FREE barbecue at the pool. It will be very casual. Each meal Saturday will bring a new look to the convention room with great food and good entertainment. Saturday morning will be casual, Saturday noon will be business attire, and Saturday night will be formal. Great fun is planned for Saturday afternoon. All you have to do is make your wishes known and be there to enjoy it. Watch the early registration deadlines. There are dollars to be saved by getting in your registration early.
We are asking all clubs to advertise in the District Convention Program. This is a District convention so all clubs should be represented. The ads can be purchased by Lions celebrating the success of their own club or by businesses advertising their services or wares. All clubs are encouraged to purchase 2 ads.
Remember, Convention time is voting time. Anyone seeking election or re-election to a position must turn in their resolution to be published in the newsletter. Also, remember, to have a voice in the management and policies of the District, you must vote. Make sure your club has a vote in all district matters by having a representative at the convention.
Even before the Convention, there is a very important deadline that ALL clubs must meet. Election of your club officers must be held so you can get your PU 101 forms to International. If your club had trouble getting into the international website to report, it was because you did not turn in a PU 101. VDG Becky all needs this form. She will be trying to get her directory set up to go to the printer. She can not do it without your list of officers. Help out and get it to her on time.
As a final request, I ask you to consider sending some of your club members to Kerrville for camp work days. I will be going all three week-ends and desperately need some help from other Lions from our District. If you can help me in this area, please contact me and tell me the week-end that fits your schedule. Let’s do all we can to get the camp in tip-top shape for our kids. (AND don’t forget to be lining up campers. We have 40 spaces to fill.)
For all that have not heard. We have a new club in our District. Welcome, Ore City Lions Club. We look forward to your Charter Night.
Yours in Lionism,
Governor Leon
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Special Points of Interest
- Need some help in starting a Leo Club? Call Canton Lion Jimmy Strickland.
- Learn more about your Leader Dog Chairperson. She is anxious to serve your club.
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Becky's Bits |  |
Dear Fellow Lions:
By the time you receive this newsletter, 2006 will be underway. Did you make any resolutions for 2006? While some resolutions work for a few of us, most of us have good intentions to follow through with them but they fade away never to be thought of again. I hope that this year, you will take a few minutes to reflect on your community and the support you and your Lions Club have given to it. Without you and your club where would things be? What else can you do for your community? I ask that you make a commitment to Lionism… a real commitment and see what a difference you and your club can make in your community and to those in need.
Recently we lost a wonderful Lion, PDG Garvis Gilbert from the Cypress Springs Lions Club. Lion Garvis was one of the first Lions (along with PDGs Wakin and Ashlock) that I met from X2 when I first joined Lions about 15-16 years ago. I was still in another district (E2) and I can remember Lion Garvis driving his motor home to the International Conventions by himself and never thinking anything about it. He would just go and go anywhere his vehicles would take him. He was always at district meetings and camp meetings and when he was unable to drive, he got someone to take him. Lion Garvis loved the camp and what it has to offer so many kids with special needs. Lion Garvis was truly a Lion inside and out. He not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk.
While I was a camp director a couple of years back, we renamed the walk-a-thon to the "PDG Garvis Gilbert – Texas Lions Camp Walk-a-thon". This year at our District Convention, we will be holding this annual walk. In honor of Lion Garvis, I encourage you and your club to sponsor someone from your Lions club to walk or sponsor someone who is walking. Checks can be forwarded to Camp Directors, Jackie Bowling or Barbara Duncan. And, I am sure they will have more details at Mid-Winter.
Camper applications will be out after the first of January. You can download them or call the camp office or one of our camp directors and applications will be mailed to you. This would be another great way of honoring Lion Garvis and his dedication to the Texas Lions Camp. I challenge each club to go out and sponsor one new camper this year. There are children out there who would greatly benefit from the camp. We are not making an effort to find them. Yes, it is hard work to find those kids, talking with the parents and getting that application in, getting it approved and getting them on that bus. But if you don’t do it… who will? It is up to all of us to help these kids get to camp. They are depending on you. Make this y ear the biggest year of sending kids to camp.
Sponsoring a camper and/or making a donation to the walk-a-thon for Lion Garvis would be a great way of honoring a man who loved the camp and who was a remarkable person, a great friend and an outstanding Lion. We love you and will miss you!
VDG Becky Whitenack
News Around the State |  |
Texas Lions Leadership Forum 2006
The Sixth Annual Texas LIONS Leadership Forum and LIONS Clubs International Regional Leadership Institute is in Austin on March 11 - 12, 2006, in the Hilton Austin Airport Hotel Southpark.
Registrations closes March 1, 2005.
Click to print a Forum Application
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Spotlighting Club Membership
Bogata: 32
Canton: 113
Gilmer: 19
Hawkins: 10
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News From International
Lions Day With the UN 2006
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Join your fellow Lions at the 2005 Lions Day with the UN as wecommemorate the 60th anniversary of the signing of the UnitedNations Charter. On that historic day in 1945, Lions were presentand a longstanding partnership with the UN began that continuestoday as we strive to meet the humanitarian needs of the world.
The form and additional information can be found at the website below - just click:
http://members.aol.com/dist14r/Special/unday.pdf
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Did you know?
LCIF has awarded more than $330 million in grants since the foundation began awarding grants in 1972. LCIF often returns to countries in the form of grants as much or more than was donated by that country.
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Chaplain's Corner
by Lion Conley Keasler
District Chaplain |  |
A New Beginning
Wow! What a year!! Some folks are certainly ready for a fresh start, a new beginning. Yes, last year was fast, furious, and (for some) not a good year. However, there were some tremendous moments to keep as good memories.
Lions of District 2-X2 faced some challenges within their families, clubs, and zones; again, they met the challenges and worked thru. Yes, District Governor Lion Leon and District Secretary Lion Nancy really worked through challenges, created a GROWING DISTRICT 2-X2. Increase began in 2005, change was a "happening thing" and blessings flowed for all who were involved. "INVOLVED" is certainly a catchy word. In all that we do, whether it is personal, spiritual, or worldly, it is really amazing that involvement is required. Life can be just an existence or it can be "LIFE". Since this is the 1st of the year of 2006, perhaps, the question should be, "how do I see life"? Am I just content to sit in front of the "tube", be a "couch potato", narrow my focus to just see ''me'', or is there more to life the just about me?
Lions signed an application which gave an indication that there should be more than just the "volunteer'' concept when they got involved. What is there about active involvement that is not understood? District 2-X2 has really been involved in steps pertaining to increase. After a session with Lion Wanda Mitchell and Lion Jackie Bowling, involvement has a whole new meaning. These Lions have really spent a great deal of time developing experience and knowledge. They have a great deal to be proud of, and I know that all of District 2-X2 is extremely proud of them. Each of the Lions who are involved in leadership positions and represent a specific organization, charity, or club, have responsibilities to be aware of others who may view them as mentors. While we serve in the Lions organizations, are we in it for others, or for self? Are we looking for credits or serving others?
We have a new year, a new beginning in life for 2006, but Lions have just a half of a year to change things around, if this is your desire. Our year starts in July.
Our prayers continue to be with families that have lost family members this past year; with those who serve our country for the greatest privilege of living in a country that allows freedoms; for growth of Lions International, one of the greatest organizations within the world that contributes to sight for the blind; for our country, to live in peace; for Lions of District 2-X2, that your service continues to build hope, restoration, and outreach in every area of your community; and for love to be shown to your neighbors as well as each other.
Looking forward to spending some time with you.
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
Lion John Dilworth, President of Longview Lions Club
Glen Wallace, Canton Lions Club
Terry Stephens, Linden Lions Club
L.W. Bassett, Jr., Paris Lions Club
Thomas Hunt, Jr., Paris Lions Club
James Walker, Paris Lions Club
W.D. Milner, Tyler Lions Club
Jimmie Janeway Jr., Windom Lions Club
Ronny Ables, Winnsboro Lions Club
PGP Garvis Gilbert, Cypress Springs Lions Club
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Birthday Greetings Across the District
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Jan 5 Mark Bosold
Jan 6 Joyce Kenemore
Jan 7 Aline Coker
Jan 7 Norman Abla
Jan 8 Bob IDearman
Jan 9 Paul Beaty
Jan 10 D.J. Haines
Jan 13 Maurice Barnes
Jan 14 Brandon Largent
Jan 14 Richard Penn
Jan 15 Scott Abla
Jan 18 D'Ann Fowler
Jan 18 Ernie Barbee
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Jan 19 Jay Tyler
Jan 20 Joan Houser
Jan 21 Dennis Clarkson
Jan 22 Barbara Johnson
Jan 23 Mary White
Jan 24 Kama Bozeman
Jan 27 Jane Hawes
Jan 27 Kathy McCullough
Jan 29 Judy Peoples
Jan 29 Robert Brown
Jan 31 Dale Miller
Jan 31 Diane Milliken
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Lion Facts: The Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF) is the grant-making arm of Lions Club International. Every dollar donated goes toward a grant and are commonly matched by local funding.
 | Lions Roar - 2-X2 Club Activities |
Mt. Pleasant Lions club has purchased 7 permanent memberships to the Texas Lions Camp.
Cypress Springs Lions Club contributed $1900.31 for Angel Tree gifts and food banks in Dec.
White Oak Lions Club distributed 40 Christmas baskets to families less fortunate and have shipped 365 pair of eye glasses to the Recycling Center.
Dodd City Lions have been visiting other clubs, most recently the Cooper Lions Club.
Hughes Springs Lions Club elected a new president. That is Lion Frank Edwards.
Technology is one of our District 2-X2 goals. Mar-Tex Lions Club now has a website. You can too. Call Lion Nancy and she will walk you through it. It's FREE!!!
Yantis-Lake Fork Lions Club has been giving aid to the elderly and homeless.
Windom Lions CLub has donated money to the Honey Grove Nursing Home and watched a slideshow by Lion Mark Pickett.
Mineola Lions Club has been busy providing eyeglasses and providing assistance to local charities.
Marshall Noon Lions help with the "bell ringing" for the Salvation Army during the holiday season and are now busy planning their spring horse show.
Quitman Lions Club delivered 45 gifts to the Wesley House Residents during December.
Sulphur Springs Lions Club sponsored their annual parade.
 | Youth Events and Happenings |
On Wed. Dec 14, Governor Leon got the following email:
"In case you haven't heard, the Canton Leo Club has submitted their paperwork. As of today, they have 77 members!!!! Lion Jimmy Strickland reported today that the plan is to have a pizza party/installation ceremony in January, possibly the second Friday." Lion Rhita Koches
Welcome New Members
Atlanta - William Taylor, Corey Graf, Bill Tyson
Bogata - B.G. Bowden, Danny Efaw
Bonham - Carla McKelva-Antrich
Canton - Carol Franks, Kathy Baugh, Jerry Robbins, Corley Ragle
Cooper - Herbert Brookshire, Chad Barnes
Detroit - Misty Looney. Arthur & Sherry Castleman, Darrel Adkison, Samual Looney
Emory - Jerry King
Gilmer - Danny Weems, Jeremiah Tharp, Barbara Fluellen, Gloria McLuckie
Grand Saline - Lew Cohn
Henderson - Thomas Crawford, Rachel Hale, Mike Smith, William Ackerman
Hughes Springs - Thomas Nance
Kilgore - Dixon Morton, Brandon Stone, Nell Bell
Linden - Gene Bobo, Bart Wilson, Barbara Weems, Marion Richardson, R. Lane
Marshall - John Taylor, John Ready, Karla Strachan, Patrick O'Day, Patrick Smith
Mar-Tex - Dee Farmer, Cathy Ditmore
Mineola - Joyce Ferguson, Mark Hooton, Gaynell Clowers
Mt. Pleasant - Lana Downs, Joe Minissale
New Boston Evening - Zulema & Paul Schorr
Pittsburg - Brenda Brabaw, E. Definger
Sulphur Springs - Silvestre Murillo, Katie Colburn
Tyler - Randy Wells, Quincy Beavers, Harvey Collen
Wake Village - Adrian Andrews, Elvin Nothey, Spencer Roberts, Amanda Yarborough
Windom - Roger Skipper, Neal Wray, Michael Hicks
Winnsboro - Judy Snider
Yantis - Lake Fork - Teresa Weeks
Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar!
Jan 14 - Mid-Winter Conference in Wake Village
Jan 20 - Environmental Photo Deadline to Governor
Feb 3 - Council of Governor's Meeting in Kerrville
Feb 3 - State Youth Conference in Kerrville
Feb 18 - 3rd Cabinet Meeting in Paris
Mar 10 - Lions Day with the U.N. in New York
Mar 11 - Texas Lions Leadership Forum in Austin
Apr 1 - Deadline for all resolutions for candidacy to be printed in the newsletter to be eligible for election
Apr 15 - PU 101 Reports Due to Vice District Governor and Lions International
Apr 28 - District 2-X2 Convention in Marshall
Apr 29 - Lions Worldwide Induction Day
May 25 - State Convention in Abilene (registration required)
Jun 30 - International Convention in Boston
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Lions Club Charters
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Paris Founders - 1921
Wake Village - 1953
Mineola - 1952
Naples - 1969
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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