Official Minutes of the District 14-F Cabinet Meeting
November 23, 2008 hosted by the Meadville Lions Club at Vernon Twp. Hose Co. in Meadville , PA
King Lion Karen Faivre of the Meadville Lions Club welcomed everyone to the 2nd. Cabinet Meeting.
A. The November 23, 2008 District 14-F Cabinet Meeting was called to order by DG Becky Eldridge at 1:30 P.M. PDG Jim Eldridge of the Warren Lions Club lead the singing of the first verse of “ America ”, the pledge to the flag and the invocation.
B. DG Becky set protocol and welcomed everyone who attended.
C. Roll Call was taken from the sign-in sheets: 8 Past District Governors, 56 Lions, 2 Lioness for a total of 64 in attendance
D. Approval of the minutes of the August 17, 2008 Cabinet Meeting on the motion of Lion Eric Keiser of the Waterford Lions Club, 2nd by PDG Jim Eldridge of the Warren Lions Club as they were distributed. Motion carried.
E. Financial Report:
1. Cabinet Treasurer Lion Mike Downing gave the financial report from July 1, 2008 to November 22, 2008 . Motion by Lion Vic Mallory of the Waterford Lions Club, to accept the financial report as presented with a 2nd. by PDG Dutch Dine. Motion carried.
F. District Governor’s Report:
1. DG Becky reported that she attended Multiple District 14 State Council meeting in State College , PA, several important items were addressed. A.) Rules for the election of the 1st. VDG and the 2nd. VDG were adopted at the International Board of Directors Meeting. B.) A new International logo was adopted. C.) A new “Brand Renewal” project was announced. D.) Campaign Sight First II contributions have reached a new total of $202,000,504. E.) Lions International Board of Directors have made changes to the Constitution and By-Laws. All Districts are encouraged to update their Constitution and By-Laws to be in accordance with International. F.)The Women’s Membership and Development Chairperson title has been changed to Family and Women’s Membership Development Chairperson. G. Former President Jimmy Carter has nominated Lions Clubs International for a Nobel Peace Prize. H.) The State MERL Chairperson term ends on June 30, 2009. I.) The State Convention will be held at Camp Hill on May 14-17, 2009. International President Al Brandel will be the speaker.
G. REPORTS:
1. VDG Scott Preston attended the State Council Meeting at State College . Had articles in the District Newsletter concerning the duties of the Zone Chairman and the next newsletter will have the duties of the /region Chairman.
2. Cabinet Secretary Lion Robert Moore thanked all the Secretaries for sending in their membership reports. Made some corrections on the District Governor’s Contest. Reported that only 19 of the 43 Clubs in the District are participating in the DG’s Contest and is only receiving 30 of the 43 Clubs Membership Reports.
3. Cabinet Treasurer Lion Mike Downing reported that all the Clubs but 3 have paid their District dues. Dues for the 2nd. half will be sent out in late December or early January. To date we have received $500 to help defray the cost of the District Newsletter from individuals and Lions Clubs. Treasurer Mike also stated that if any Club needs the District Tax Exempt Number to contact him. Treasurer Mike also stated if Clubs need to show that they have Liability Insurance, contact Lions International and they will give you all the information.
4. Beacon Lodge Chairman Lion Bill McElhaney reported the camp season this year had a total of 441 campers; 73 children, 368 adults. Our District sent 15 campers. The proposed budget for the 2008-2009 year is $651,600. To date $667.75 has been sent to Beacon Lodge from our District for the “500” Club.
5. King Lion Bob Potts of the Townville Lions Club gave a report of the Blind Bowlers Tournament in the absence of Chairman Lion Nick Mihailoff. There were a total of 88 bowlers. To date we have received $2,545 in donations from 15 Lions Clubs and 3 Lioness Clubs.
6. Constitution and By-Laws Chairman Lion Bill McElhaney had no report.
7. Convention Chairman Jim Eldridge reported that the District Convention is scheduled for April 18, 2009 at the Holiday Inn of Warren, PA. Registrations forms will be in the next District Newsletter.
8. Diabetes Awareness Chairman Lion Nancy Yergin was absent.
9. District Pin Chairman was absent but Cabinet Secretary Lion Robert Moore gave his report. The 2009 District 14-F Convention Pin has been designed and ordered. A copy of the pin is available for members to view. Also PDG Rodax, Ladner, and Smith Pins are still available.
10. Environmental Chairman PDG Scott Ladner reported that there will be A District 14-F First Annual Environmental Contest. The Clubs in the District are to promote good stewardship of the land within their Clubs and Communities and make suggestions as to how this can be accomplished. Clubs are to report to the Chairman what they are doing and provide newspaper clippings and photos by the end of March, 2009. The winning club will be awarded the SUPER GREEN AWARD at the District Convention in Warren in April.
11. Eyeglass Recycling Chairman Lion Ervin Myers was absent.
12. Eye Surgery Trust Fund Chairman Lion Robert Moore reported that $1,236.62 has been donated from 5 Lions Clubs and 1 Lioness club to date.
13. Hearing Research Chairman Lion Joanne Smith reported that 5 Lions Clubs have donated $752.50 to date. Chairman Lion Joanne reminded the Clubs to send in their donations for Hearing Research.
14. Keystone Blind Association Chairman PDG Ollie was absent but Cabinet Secretary Robert Moore gave his report. Donations to date have totaled $1,436.64 from 10 Lions Clubs. The Region IV Lions Clubs are conducting their annual gun raffle for the Keystone Blind Association.
15. LCIF Chairman PDG Frank Smith reported that Lions Clubs International and CNN are joining force to honor volunteerism and community service in the U.S. and throughout the world. CNN Heroes:An All-Star Tribute recognizes ordinary citizens whose extraordinary deeds are making a difference in their communities. You have the opportunity to help choose which of the 10 Honorees will become the CNN Hero of the Year. You can vote by visiting www.cnn.com/heroes. The winner will be announced on Thursday November 27, at 9:00P.M. on CNN Anderson Cooper Program. PDG Frank reported that he has only received to donations for LCIF.
16. Leader Dog Chairman Lion Jean Weber reported that “Marnie” a 5 month-old Golden Retrieve is currently being raised by the Weber family as a future Leader Dog Puppy. To date, $1,486.62 has been donated by 7 Lions Clubs and 1 Lioness Club. In celebration of Leader Dogs 70th. Anniversary, all Lions Clubs making a donation $70 more than last year’s regular club donation will receive a commemorative “70 for 70” patch for the club banner and a “70 for 70” pin for each club member.
17. Leader Puppy Program Chairman Lion Jean Weber reported a total of $352.50 has been donated to the Puppy Program from 4 Lions Clubs.
18. Leo Club Chairman Lion Bev Kennedy reported that we are losing one Leo Club in District 14-f, the Conneaut Valley Leo Club is turning in their charter. Chairman Bev is working with the Greene Twp Lions Club to help keep their Leo Club alive. Townville Lions are working to start a Leo Club in Maplewood High School .
19. Lioness Chairperson Cathy Morse was absent.
20. Lions Eye Bank of NW PA, Inc. Chairman Lion Jim Robinson reported that 134 corneas were donated, 27 for local transplant, 69 exported domestically and 15 overseas. Total tissue transplanted was 111. Lion Mary Lou Dubowski presented a check to the Lions Eye Bank of NW PA, Inc. for $12,661 from the 2008 Harley Raffle. Lion Mary Lou also presented a complete breakdown on the 2008 Harley Raffle. The winner of the Harley was Charles Fuller of Linesville , PA. Lion Mary Lou sold the winning ticket. A report will be sent to each Club that participated in the Harley Raffle. Lion Mary Lou thanked all the Clubs that participated to make this a successful project.
21. Lions of PA Foundation Chairman PDG Jim Eldridge reported that 5 more PA Lions Fellows have been added to the District for a total of 70. The 2009 Rockers are now available.
22. MERLOW TEAM-Membership Chairman Lion Dave Hollern reported that the current membership for the District is 1,401. Gains since July is 96, losses since July is 124. Chairman Dave has visited 8 Lions Clubs and presented programs for 3 Zone Meeting and 2 District Cabinet Meeting since July, 2008. Extension Chairman Lion Bob Mitchell reported that the MERL TEAM met in Corry and went over a list of problems and ideas they would like to see happen. Lion Arlene Rigby has given a list of names and addresses of potential Lions from Corry. The MERL team is planning on having a speaker come in for schooling on starting a new club in Corry. The MERL would like to start a club again in Sharon . Retention Chairman PDG
Tom Pessia was absent. Leadership Chairman VDG Scott Preston reported the MERLOW TEAM is working together to determine what makes a number of the Clubs in the District so successful and transfer that information to the Clubs that are struggling. Orientation Chairman PDG Dutch Dine reported that the Orientation Class went very well this morning and a number of new members attended. PDG Dutch thanked all the Clubs that have supported VOSH/PA with their monetary contributions, used eyeglasses and baseball caps. Women & Family Membership Chairman Lion Nancy Bliese was absent.
23. Parliamentarian PDG John Crone had no report to give but had a clarification on the Constitution & By-Laws Committee. Lion Bill McElhaney of Region IV is the Chairman and not PDG John Crone. Also the Policy Committee is the same Committee as the Constitution & By-Laws but PDG Bill Lupher of Region III is the Chairman.
24. Peace Poster Contest Chairman Lion Bill Hamill reported that there were 3 poster submitted. A vote was taken at this time to determine a winner. Lacey Rzodkiewicz an eight grader at Fort LeBoeuf was the winner. A $50 check from the District will be sent to Lacey.
25. PA Eye Research Chairman Lion Dan Gorman sent in his report. $1,495 has been donate to date from 4 Lions Clubs and 1 Lioness Club.
26. Public Relations Chairman Lion Vic Mallory reported, Excitement, does your Club have any? Routines can become boring without this ingredient. New members with new ideas, contacts and friends are the key to making the ordinary new. As we strive to continue building our club history, we need to infuse it with new blood in order to continue its vitality as we continue to meet the needs of tomorrow while handling the current needs of today.
27. Quest-Youth Chairman Lion Bev Kennedy reported that Lions Quest programs are demonstrating that the programs are working in schools. Research is showing that Quest has significantly improved test scores, grade point averages, and attendance in students where Lions Quest Programs are in place.
28. USA Canada Forum Chairman PDG John Salak reported that the USA/Canada Leadership Forum for 2008 was held in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada . It was a very informational, inspiring and motivational three day session. There 6 from the District attending. The 2009 Forum will be held in Memphis , Tennessee . Clubs should consider sending a person to the forum, it is well worth the money.
29. Vision & Blindness Resource Center Chairman Tyco Swick sent in his report. To date, 5 Lions Clubs and 2 Lioness Clubs have donated $1,952.50.
30.Webmaster Ernie Huffine resigned his position as Webmaster. He will help the new Webmaster that DG Becky will appoint.
31. Western PA Hearing Foundation Chairman PDG Bob Minnis was absent.
32. Western PA School for the Blind Chairman Lion Bob Blake reported that there have been two Lions Club donations and two donations from the pull tab recycling program since the last Cabinet Meeting. The donations totaled $589.65
33. White Cane Chairman PDG Bill Green reported that 7 Lions Clubs collected $11,622.09 in 685 man hours for White Cane Days.
H. REGION CHAIRMAN REPORTS:
34. Region I Chairman PDG Jim Eldridge had no report at this time.
35. Region II Chairman Lion Tom Owen reported that he and Region I Zone I Chairman Lion Jim Day have agreed to work together since there is no Zone II Chairman. A Region II meeting was hosted by the Waterford Lions Club on November 11, 2008. Attendance was low with only 4 Clubs in attendance-Greene Twp., Summit , Waterford and Union City . Region Chairman Tom and Zone Chairman Jim also visited Edinboro, Erie , Lawrence Park/Eastlake and Summit Lions Clubs.
36. Region III Chairman Lion Major Garth Faulds reports that all 6 Clubs in Zone I have turned in their reports. Zone I had a Zone Meeting on October 20, 2008. All 6 Clubs in Zone II have turned in their monthly reports. Zone II had a Zone Meeting on September 8, 2008 and the next Zone Meeting is scheduled for November 24, 2008.
37. Region IV Chairman Lion John Rodgers was absent.
I. ZONE CHAIRMAN REPORTS:
38. Region I Zone I Chairman Lion Bob Hopkins was absent.
39. Region I Zone II Chairman PDG Jim Eldridge had no report.
40. Region II Zone I Chairman Lion Jim Day was absent but Region II Chairman reported that all Clubs in the Zone have been very active. Union City Lions installed their first female member. Most of the Clubs held White Cane Days.
41. Region II Zone II report was given by Region II Chairman Tom Owen. Monthly reports were received from 3 of the 5 Clubs in the Zone. Albion Lions Club named a Melvin Jones Fellow Award.
42. Region III Zone I Chairman Lion Rob Sharp reported that all 6 Clubs in the Zone are very active. A Zone Meeting was held on October 20, 2008 at the Vernon Twp. Lions Club. The guest speakers were PDG Scott Ladner who spoke on the USA/Canada Forum and MERLOW Team Member Lion Dave Hollern who spoke on membership. The Zone Meeting was attended by 27 Lions.
43. Region III Zone II Chairman Lion Arlene Rigby reported that all Clubs are up to date on monthly reports. All Clubs are busy with activities within their communities.
44. Region IV Zone I Chairman Lion Ernie Bell reported that Zone I and Zone II held a combined Zone Meeting on November 10, 2008 hosted by the Jamestown Lions Club with 77 Lions in attendance. Three out of the five Clubs have turned in their M & A reports. Zone Chairman Lion Ernie, Lion Dave Hollern and PDG Dutch Dine of the MERLOW Team visited the Cochranton Lions Club to talk to them about increasing membership.
45 Region IV Zone II Chairman Lion Gary Shelhamer reported that 3 of 4 Clubs in Zone II attended the combined Zone Meeting in Jamestown on November 10, 2008. The Zone is presently down 2 members from July 1, 2008. 3 out of the 4 Clubs have
been busy with fund raisers and activities. Fredonia Lions Club celebrated their 60th. Anniversary in September with International Director Harold Ott as the keynote speaker. International Director Harold started his Lions carrier as a member of the Fredonia Lions Club.
J.OUTSTANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS:
1. None
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
1. PDG Bill Green reported that PDG Scott Ladner, PDG Ollie Rodax and himself meet with Titusville Cross Creek Golf Club Manager for the purpose of holding the District Convention in a central location within the District. The convention will be the 3rd. week of April starting in 2010. This years convention will be in Warren , PA. A 3 year contract was obtained with a room rate of $65 a night for 3 years. Each Region will host the convention, starting with Region II in 2010. Motion by Lion Tom Owen of the Waterford Lions Club, 2nd. by Lion Eric Keiser of the Waterford Club to go to the Cross Creek Golf Club in Titusville for 3 years starting in 2010. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Parliamentarian PDG John Crone stated that since the District Convention is now going to be at the same location for 3 years the Constitution and By-Laws have to be amended. The constitution currently stated that each Region in the District will hst the convention in their Region. Motion by PDG Jim Eldridge, 2nd. by Lion Dave Hollern to amended the Constitution & By-Laws be amended to allow the District Convention to be held at a central location within the District. Motion carried. Constitution & By-Laws Chairman Lion Bill McElhaney will call a meeting of his Committee and have the amendment ready for a vote at the next Cabinet Meeting. Chairman Lion Bill will also have an amendment to reflect the change in the International Constitution & By-Laws that added a 2nd. Vice District Governor.
2. Lion Linda Torres of the Conneautville Lions Club won the 50-50. A Chinese Auction was also held.
3. The meeting was adjourned at 4:10P.M. on the motion of Lion Vic Mallory of the Waterford Lions Club, 2nd. by Lion Eric Keiser of the Waterford Lions Club. Motion carried.
Respectfully Submitted:
Robert W. Moore, Cabinet Secretary