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March 2008
(Click Here for Newsletter Archives)
From the Desk of
District Governor Jim Merritt
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Greetings fellow Lions!
I hope those of you who are reading this March Newsletter are doing well. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Bogata Lions Club for all their hard work that went into making our Cabinet meeting in January a success. Thank you for your support Lions of Bogata!
I know that I am on the road to recovery here in March. The month of March is important to your club and to District 2-X2.for several reasons.
(1) Our 64th Annual District Convention is coming up April 18-19-20, 2008 in Paris, Texas. Enclosed in this Newsletter are registration forms and information for the convention that you will need to look over carefully, complete and send on to our Paris Lions Lowry or Brunette. We are so looking forward to this event. Our speaker is going to be International Director Leland Kolkmeyer and his wife Marcia.
(2) For your club to be able to vote at the District Convention, you must be current with all dues paid to LCI, District, State and TLC. This election is very important to Texas Lions this year and it will effect Lions nationwide, so we would request your dues be up to date so you may participate!
(3) Your club should be working on a new slate of officers for 2008-2009. After the new officers are elected, it is of most importance to file your PU 101 with LCI, DG, and VDG. VDG John Samples needs the information to add your club officers into the District Directory that comes out in July 2008.
(4) Your Texas Lions Camp is sponsoring an Advanced Diabetic Retreat at the Camp in Kerrville on Saturday, April 26, 2008 from 8 am to 4pm. This event is designed for children ages 7 and up who have diabetes and their siblings who do not have diabetes, parents and grand parents. All will benefit from attending this event. It is also my understanding we will have Lions going down for a working weekend also to make camp ready for the kids.
(5) We have our First Annual Benefit at Sacred Spur Ranch on May 31st. We need all Clubs if possible to participate in this exciting day.
My thanks go out to each one of you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your District Governor.
Texas Lions Camp Work Day
District 2-X2 has 10 spaces available for the Texas Lions Camp Work Day. Officers are asked to inform their club and see if there are any members interested in going. It is a great time to get to see the camp and also a chance to help get the camp ready for the sessions.
PDG Leon VanAlstine is going and is trying to get a van for travel. Our group would stay in the dorms at the camp, and the camp will provide breakfast and lunch on Saturday. Anyone going would only need to be prepared to buy dinner on Fri. and Sat. nights.
When we know who is going, a meeting place will be planned. The van will probably leave between 2-3 pm on Friday and return Sat. evening.
Remember, there are only 10 spaces so it will have to be on a first come first served basis.
We would appreciate your help in this project. Contact Lion Nancy VanAlstine if you are interested at leon_vanalstine@yahoo.com or call 903-938-1829.
Quips and Quotes
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Our thanks goes to the Bogata Club for that wonderful District Cabinet Meeting. Lion Governor Jim was a little under the weather, but he started to feel better. His wife and Partner in Service Linda kept recharging Lion Governor Jim to get him through. We look forward to the 64th Annual District Convention in Paris on April 18-19. Lions Jim Brunette, J.B. Lowry and the Paris Founders promise a good time. Thank you for hosting.
PREVENT BLINDNESS TEXAS (Also known as Texas Society to Prevent Blindness): The mission of PREVENT BLINDNESS TEXAS is to prevent blindness, preserve sight and enhance and extend the quality of vision life for all Texans.
For more than forty years, PREVENT BLINDNESS TEXAS (PBT) has been directly responsible for saving the sight and enhancing the visual quality of life for thousands of men, women and children in Texas through its programs and services. These services include free vision screenings for preschool children and visual field screenings for adults; eye health and safety programs for industry and schools; specially structured eye safety programs for farms, homes and sports; support groups and materials for adults; and vision preservation workshops, literature, seminars and audiovisual aids. Since its inception, PBT has provided free vision screenings for more than 800,000 Texas preschool children and more than 600,000 adults. PBT eye health and safety programs have reached nearly 23.5 million Texans.
Approximately 1,000,000 Texans suffer some form of visual impairment. Among people 40 years of age and older, nearly 120,000 are visually impaired with 50,000 of these individuals testing out as legally blind. Another 4,000 Texans will lose their sight this year- roughly 10 a day-- if steps aren't taken to reduce this number now. Nearly one-half of all sight loss in Texas is preventable with proper education, diagnosis and treatment.
Eye Health and Safety Concerns: One in 20 preschool age children is affected by vision problems before the age of 6. In Texas, over 800,000 children are between 3 and 5 years old. Over 40,000 of these children need vision services.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma accounts for approximately 12% of all cases of blindness in the State of Texas.
Cataracts: Cataracts are a leading cause of blindness among adults. Approximately 730,000 Texans, or one in every seven cases of blindness in people age 45 and older is caused by cataracts.
Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic Retinopathy is an eye disease that harms blood vessels in the retina. 300,000 Texans have diabetes-related vision problems. 550 people become blind each year from this.
AMD: Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common cause of vision loss and strikes people age 50 and older. It strikes a small spot in the central area of the retina in the back of the eye. Blind spots develop.
Accidents: Approximately 95% of eye injuries that occur every day are preventable. PBT sponsors eye health and safety programs to nearly 1000 corporations within the state.
New Members
The following is a list of new members for District 2X2 for the month of February:
- Bobby Terry - Chapel Hill
- Harold Spruce - Hallsville
- Peggy Rogas - Henderson
- Anthony Berry - Henderson
- Guy Smith - Henderson
- Joyce Polley - Henderson
- Larry Bennett - Judson
- Cheryl Jennings - Quitman
- Jason Tully - Sulphur Springs
- Travis Owens - Sulphur Springs
- Robert Graebner - Tyler
- Dorothy Philpott - Yantis-Lake Fork
Eye Bank Nominations
WHEREAS Lions Jackie Childress, Jim Chewning and Conley Keasler have been active in promoting corneal tissue donation education in Lions District 2-x2 and have expressed a desire to continue in this important work in carrying out the LIONS Motto "WE SERVE"
and
WHEREAS these individuals have agreed to continue to serve for the next biennium 2008-2010, The2007-2009 members of the Northeast Texas Eye &Tissue Bank Committee do endorse and nominate for the (2-X2 Eye Bank Committee)
the following :
for region 2 zone 1 -Lion Jackie Childress
for region 3 zone 1 -Lion Jim Chewning
for region 5 zone 1 -Lion Conley Keasler
Respectfully submitted,
NETLETB Chairperson
Lion Wanda Mitchell
A Word From the International President
Unless you are an accountant or a mathematician, you may think that numbers are boring. Most people think they have better things to do than listen to someone quote a string of statistics – and if you are a Lion, you do!
But I have some numbers to share with you that I think are very exciting and I think you will, too. For the first time in many years, all measures of recruitment and retention show a positive trend. Through January 2008, LCI shows a net membership increase of 4,283, which is the best first six-month period we have experienced in many years. Most importantly, all constitutional areas and most districts are showing great improvements over historic trend.
Due to the many community service projects that are conducted in the first half of the calendar each year, membership traditionally grows by the thousands between January and June, it will be truly exciting to watch the membership total as it is documented by our new, timely reporting system. With your help, I believe that we will be able to have an increase in overall membership. What an outstanding legacy that would be for our leadership year!
But achieving this goal will not be easy and it requires that you take action immediately. The next two months have traditionally been a time for club recruitment drives. I urge you to take the next two months as an opportunity to intensify your efforts to bring high quality new members into your club. By now I am sure that you realize that the projects you have identified and planned will benefit greatly from additional hands to share the work. A successful effort this month will enable your club to take part in Worldwide Induction Day in April, which in turn will be an excellent way to create even more interest within your community.
As you work to strengthen your membership, please remember that we have successes on which to build.
The number of women and family members has reached an all-time high of 240,000, due largely to the family membership program. These groups should remain a primary focus of your recruitment.
I am proud to say that more districts will be receiving awards for establishing new clubs than any time in recent memory. Through January, the number of new clubs worldwide stood at 570. Keeping in mind that the majority of new clubs are reported in between January and June, I am confident that we can establish more than 1,250 by the end of our leadership year. Nurturing the potential for new Lions Clubs, Club Branches, Campus Club, and even Leo Clubs is an important part of contributing to our worldwide extension. The excitement surrounding the formation of new clubs can also help to energize and expand your own club.
These are wonderful numbers and clear evidence that our membership initiatives are achieving results. But even more important is what the numbers represent. They show that Lions and Lions Clubs are brimming with new confidence, eager to accomplish our mission and proud to show the world that, “We Serve.”
I am grateful for the part your leadership has played in establishing this new confidence.
Mahendra Amarasuriya
International President
LCIF Updates
Dear Fellow Lions,
I would like to update you on recent news in LCIF. I ask that you share this information with your club and district to help promote LCIF.
CSFII Surpasses Goal
Campaign SightFirst II has surpassed the $150 million minimum goal. On Worldwide Report Day February 20, National and Multi-National Coordinators’ telephone calls and reports revealed that Lions have raised more than US$157.9 million for CSFII. With four months remaining, Lions are now looking ahead to the additional challenge goal and helping ensure the future of SightFirst through continued and expanded efforts to eliminate preventable blindness worldwide. Lions’ support of CSFII is crucial in the remaining months. Visit the CSFII Web site for more information on the campaign and fundraising ideas.
LCIF #1 NGO Ads Available
In a special report released in July, LCIF was ranked the number one non-governmental organization worldwide. From 34 global organizations, LCIF came in first. As a result of the ranking, LCIF has received a great deal of media coverage and has also placed special ads in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and several other nationwide daily newspapers around the world. These ads are available to download online for Lions to use in their local newspapers as well. To localize the information, simply add a local telephone number and club Web site. The press release of this announcement is also online to share with your local media.
Milestone in Trachoma Treatments
LCIF reached a major milestone in trachoma treatments January 23 when LCIF Chairperson Jimmy Ross distributed the 10 millionth dose of azithromycin (Zithromax®) to 16-year-old Messeleche Tilahun. The antibiotic, donated by Pfizer Inc, is a main strategy in the fight against the blinding disease in poor, rural areas. Messeleche lives in the Awi Zone in Ethiopia, the most trachoma-endemic part of the country, where an estimated 18 million are at risk. Representatives from The Carter Center, Lions clubs of Ethiopia, Pfizer, the national trachoma program, government of Ethiopia, and other partner organizations joined the celebration and are a part of the coalition working toward elimination of trachoma in the region by 2012. Lions in Ethiopia have been integral to achieving remarkable results in the country. The 10 millionth dose comes after just 18 months of full scale intervention and points toward meeting the elimination target date. Through SightFirst, LCIF has awarded numerous grants for trachoma control, outreach and training projects in Ethiopia and elsewhere in Africa.
SightFirst Grants Awarded
The SightFirst Advisory Committee Meeting awarded nine grants at its January meeting. This included grant funding to continue the childhood blindness project with the World Health Organization, which has established 30 need-based centers around the world. Other grants included cataract surgery campaigns, upgrading a Lions eye hospital and establishing and equipping a teaching hospital. A total of US$9,554,378 was awarded, US$3,580,708 of which represents grants from undesignated SightFirst funds. The full list is available online.
Grants Approved for Lions Quest
Seven grants totaling US$364,872 were approved at the January Lions Quest Advisory Meeting. The grants enable Lions Quest programs to expand in countries currently participating in the program or to begin the program in new countries. Japan, Kenya, Canada and Turkey received grants to implement and expand the program. Pakistan and Sri Lanka became the newest countries to launch the program. The full list of approved grants is online.
Lions Join Coalition
Lions Clubs International has joined the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) as a sustaining member and partner to enhance the work of local communities and help youth resist alcohol and other drugs. Lions will support their mission to build stronger capacity for anti-drug efforts through the 5,000 community coalitions nationwide. Through Lions Quest, Lions can teach youth how to avoid drugs and make responsible decisions. A letter announcing the partnership was sent to the 500 other organizations in the coalition encouraging these organizations and communities to work with their local Lions club on drug-free programs. LCIF also had a booth at CADCA’s annual convention this month, the largest training conference in the U.S. for community coalition activists and substance abuse professionals.
New Giving Publication
A new publication, ForSight in Gift Planning, is available to those Lions wishing to increase their support to LCIF. It provides an overview of various donation programs, news updates and stories of those helped through Lions’ contributions. The publication is available online or by contacting LCIF Development Staff.
Increase Your Support Through an MJF
Have you considered becoming a Melvin Jones Fellow or extending your generosity through a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow? Fellows are a group of dedicated philanthropists who have changed the lives of hundreds of millions of people worldwide. To increase support for CSFII in the final months, President Mahendra Amarasuriya has issued a challenge to raise the number of Melvin Jones Fellows to 300,000 total. One Fellowship can save the sight at 167 individuals, each with a story, a family and a face. The application form is available online or credit card donations can be made securely online.
Cruise with the Chairperson
Support LCIF while soaking up the sun in the Caribbean. Join the LCIF Chairperson and fellow Lions from around the world for the 9th annual LCIF Cruise, which will set sail November 9, 2008 for 12 nights in the southern Caribbean. The cruise visits with local Lions in ports of call and there is a special Melvin Jones Fellowship reception on board. All of the cruises are open to the public and US$1,000 of every cruise is tax deductible. The cruise has raised over $300,000 for LCIF. To learn more about the cruise, download the brochure or email lcifdevelopment@lionsclubs.org. Space is limited.
Lions’ support and promotion of LCIF is crucial. I thank you for your continued dedication to LCIF.
Serving Through LCIF,
Jimmy M. Ross
Chairperson, LCIF
Zone Chairman Resolution
Lion Rhita Koches has resigned her position of Chairman of Zone I, Region III due to career obligations. District Governor Jim Merritt has reluctantly accepted her decision, and announces in her place, Lion Jimmy Strickland of the Canton Lions Club. Lion Strickland has graciously accepted and agreed to serve in this position effective 2/11/08. His address is 1443 VZCR 4203, Canton, Texas 75103 and his phone is 903-562-4543. Our thanks and best wishes go to both of these excellent Lions!!!
District Calendar Of Events
March 25 - Region 1 Zone 1 Meeting, Nash & Wake Village
April 4 - Early Registration Deadline for District Convention
April 5 - Camp Work Day, Kerrville, TX
April 12 - Bucket Shake, Nash & Wake Village
April 18-19 - 64th Annual District Convention of District 2-X2 hosted by the Paris Founders Lions Club
April 30 - PU-101 Forms Due to International and District Governor Elect
May 15-17 - MD-2 Texas Lions State Convention, Amarillo, TX
June 23-27 - 91st Lions International Convention, Bangkok, Thailand
July 31 - Harry Wickersham Golf Tournament, Fredericksburg
Have your Club's events listed here: email Lion April McCright at aprilm128@aol.com
District 2X2 Obituary
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Lion Neal Brooks, Charter President - Edgewood
Lion Leon Slaughter - Edgewood
Lion Gordon Barlow - Edgewood
Lion Phil Bird - Jefferson
Lion H. R. Slack - Marshall
PDG Jim Williams - Marshall
Lion Martin Foye - Pittsburg
Lion Howard Skelton - Tyler
Lion Ronald Serber - Tyler
Lion Wayne Ward - Paris
Lion W. P. Hanson - Pittsburg
Lion Joe Hughey - Marshall
Lion Helena McCoin - Detroit
Lion argee Beckett - Paris
Lion Bernard Boon - Linden
Lion Dickson Hamiter - Waskom
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