The Beacon District 24-B

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1 District 24-B GREAT LEADERSHIP AND AWARDS!!! Great Leadership is recognized in many ways. The way a Leader gets a message across, the way the Leader directs a team to achieve a goal, and the Leader s positive attitude. These and many other qualities will be addressed during this year s Incoming Officer s Training Schools that might contribute to your club having an outstanding year. For your convenience, we ve planned two schools this year. The first will be on Saturday, April 18th in Lynchburg at The Templeton Senior Center 225 Wiggington Road. On Sunday, April 19th, the training will move to Richmond at The Virginia Rehab Center for the Blind 401 Azalea Avenue. A coffee social will open each session at 9 a.m. and classes will run from 10 Noon. Excellent instructors will share a wealth of knowledge and experiences with you and we re hoping new and returning officers will attend one of these training opportunities. One of the ways a good Leader can motivate members is by recognizing Lions that have excelled. This typically done during an awards ceremony held during a club meeting. This year, however, I also recognized outstanding Lions and Lionesses by presenting 89 District Governor Atta-Boy/Girl Awards during my club visits for significant contributions made to their clubs and communities. The Lions of Virginia also offers three awards as well as contests for club within the state competing for Scrapbook and Website awards applications and Information for all of the contests is available at this url: I would like to see every club receive a State Achievement award, a 100% Secretary award and a 100% Treasurer award. If your club has submitted an entry for any of these awards in the past, and have not heard anything back, please send me a copy of the entry form and I will be glad to check into it for you. I would like to also encourage everyone to attend the State Convention in Tysons Corner. Information about the State Convention is in this issue of the Beacon on page 13. Remember, your club is entitled to one (1) vote for every 10 members. Please see your President if you would like to be recognized as a voting delegate from your club. That s all for now. See you at the State Convention. REMEMBER MEMBERSHIP. JUST ASK ONE Lion Ray Mueller 24-B District Governor

2 LIONS FAMILY AND FRIEND MONTH April is Lions Family and Friends Month. This is the month to invite your family and friends to serve, celebrate and learn about your Lions club. It is suggested that you host a lunch or picnic, organize a service project or hold an open house which will provide an opportunity to introduce your family and friends to Lions. A motivator for people to serve is their children. Volunteering and serving together as a family is a rewarding experience. Studies show that volunteering as a family passes on family values, helps them pick a good path in life and develop new skills for both children and adults. The experience Increases communication and problem solving abilities. Our three grandchildren, Lion Jane and I sell peanuts for our Lions Club each December at Kroger s in Midlothian. The children love the experience of serving the community for which they get community service credits at their school. They love meeting the people, selling peanuts, collecting the money and most of all working with us on a project. The best part is going out for Pizza after our shift is over. Encourage family members to join your club. There is a special discount on membership dues when a family joins the same club through the Lions International Family Membership Program. Family and Friend Resources available from the Lions Clubs International Member Center: *Family Membership Brochure *Family and Friends Project Ideas *Family and Friendly Lions Club Concept How to Guide *Club Program Flyer *Family Unit Certification Form Don t wait. Download these resources and develop an action plan that works for your club. Lion Lee Winder First Vice-District Governor 2

3 MEMBERSHIP AND CLUB REPORTS March 2015 Activities Altavista Lions Club Membership: 26 (No report submitted) Amelia Lions Club Membership: 18 (No report submitted) Amherst County Lions Club Membership: 26 A program on Lions Club and our sight screenings was presented to Amherst County DAR. Donations included: Crime Stoppers ($200), Boy Scouts ($250). Madison Heights Youth Baseball ($375). Income included a donation from DAR ($21) and an additional $500 from our 2014 golf tournament. Appomattox Lions Club Membership: 34 The club made donations to the Central Virginia Alliance for Community Service (Seniors Group) and the Appomattox County After-Prom Party. Club members will be volunteering with the Appomattox County Historical Society during the Sesquicentennial Re-Enactments in April. The second Appomattox Pro-Am Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, June 1st at Falling River Country Club. Our club will host the May 14th Region I Zone I meeting at the Museum of the Confederacy. Ashland Lions Club Membership: 12 White Cane days are planned at ABC for Friday, May 1st between 10am 6pm and Saturday, May 2nd between 11am 5pm. A Certificate of Recognition was received and will be forwarded to our Leo Sponsor. The board was elected and the PU-101 report was filed. Donation Thank You letters were received from LCIF, LOVF, Conexus, and Hanover Interfaith Free Clinics. Donations included: LCIF ($50), Leader Dog ($50), Lions of Virginia Foundation ($50), Virginia Center for the Blind ($50), Virginia Voice ($50), Prevent Blindness Mid-Atlantic ($50), Burkeville Lodge ($50), Old Dominion Eye Foundation ($50), Richard Bland Memorial Scholarship ($50), Diabetes Awareness ($50), Hanover Interfaith Free Clinic ($750), and Hanover Christmas Mother ($100). Our Installation Dinner is planned for June 24th at the Hanover Country Club. Our guest speaker on March 26th was Wanda Trexler from the Virginia Senior Medicare who spoke to the group about Medicare fraud and how to read Medicare bills. Blackstone Lions Club Membership: 11 (No report submitted) Bon Air-Manchester-Midlothian LC Membership: 36 Guest speaker, FVDG Lion Lee Winder, discussed Leader Dogs for the Blind. Peanut sales continue. Vision support included collecting 242 eyeglasses for recycling; one eye exam voucher issued ($50) and five Lenscrafter eyeglass vouchers issued ($210). White Cane Days are planned for April 10th and 11th (Friday/Saturday) at Krogers in Midlothian and April 16th and 17th (Friday/Saturday) at Krogers at Bellegrade. Bowling Green Lions Club Membership: 13 (No report submitted) 3

4 MEMBERSHIP AND CLUB REPORTS (continued) March 2015 Activities Brandermill-Midlothian Woodlake LC Membership: 30 (No report submitted) Brookneal Lions Club Membership: 15 (No report submitted) Brookville-Timnberlake Lions Club Membership: 35 Members volunteered with Virginia Baptist Hospital Auxiliary, met with the Campbell County Planning Commission an HOA Board, local churches, assisted residents of a local retirement center during monthly bingo games, and provided support to Lynchburg SARP/Telecare crisis lines and Lynchburg Hospice. One member met with a Boy Scout Court of Honor and participated during an adult scout meeting. Food was delivered to Meals on Wheels recipients, eyeglasses were purchased, and recycling continued. Four members and one guest attended the third District Cabinet Meeting in Farmville on March 21, and LOVF raffle tickets and brooms were sold. Buckingham County Lions Club Membership: 23 The club donated $100 to the Buckingham High School After Prom Party. One member picked up litter along a stretch of county road. Five members participated in the Read Across America Program (Hats Off to Reading) by reading to classes at Buckingham Preschool and Buckingham Primary School. The club provided two pairs of new eyeglasses to Buckingham County residents and donated $100 to help fund one Buckingham High School student s participation in the American Legion Auxiliary s Virginia Girl s State Program. Collection of paper, plastic, and aluminum continued. Charlotte Lions Club Membership: 23 Eye exams and glasses were provided to local residents and $500 was donated to Meals on Wheels. Chase City Lions Club Membership: 15 (No report submitted) Chatham Lions Club Membership: 16 (No report submitted) Chester Lions Club Membership: 32 (No report submitted) Chesterfield Prevent Blindness LC Membership: 16 Our 10th annual pancake breakfast fundraising event was held at St. David s Church on March 13th. 201 pairs of eyeglasses, five hearing aids, and seven cell phones were collected. Clarksville Lions Club Membership: 18 Eye screenings were provided during the Clarksville Lake Festival. Fundraising activities included White Cane Day ($800 collected) and the sale of Clarksville Lions Birthday Calendars ($2,895 raised). Our 1st Vice President and Secretary attended the third District Cabinet Meeting in Farmville. 4

5 MEMBERSHIP AND CLUB REPORTS (continued) March 2015 Activities Colonial Heights Lions Club Membership: 25 Our March 12th program was presented by Colonial Heights Lt. Joe Boissbau, addressing fire safety. Two eye exams were provided ($90), two pairs of eyeglasses were purchased ($90), and 25 eyeglasses were collected. Food was donated to the Colonial Heights Food Pantry, nuts were sold and will be sold during the Ft. Clifton Arts Festival on Mother s Day weekend. A spring White Cane event is being planned at a new location. We are sad to report the passing of two valued members: Lions David Crowder and Charlie Page. Crewe-Burkeville Lions Club Membership: 11 (No report submitted) Danville Host Lions Club Membership: 31 (No report submitted) Danville Morning Lions Club Membership: 12 (No report submitted) Dinwiddie Lions Club Membership: 17 (No report submitted) Farmville Lions Club Membership: 52 (No report submitted) Glen Allen-Short Pump Lions Club Membership: 12 (No report submitted) Goochland County Lions Club Membership: 7 (No report submitted) Gretna Lions Club Membership: 20 (No report submitted) Hopewell Lions Club Membership: 32 (No report submitted) Kenbridge-Victoria Lions Club Membership: 19 Two club activities included Lions picking up salvaged food from a local food store and driving 150 miles roundtrip to a regional food bank to purchase 800 1,000 pounds of salvaged food for the local Salvation Army pantry. Members transported a blind person to and from a local hospital for needed medical care and transported a veteran 150 miles round trip to a regional VA Hospital for out-patient surgery. Lions collected and delivered two hearing aids to the District Hearing Aid Bank and participated in the monthly District Mobile Medical Unit Steering Committee meeting. One member attended the monthly Mobile Health Unit meeting and attended the third District Cabinet meeting in Farmville. Lawrenceville Lions Club Membership: 42 (No report submitted) Lynchburg 7 Hills Lions Club Membership: 23 (No report submitted) 5

6 MEMBERSHIP AND CLUB REPORTS (continued) March 2014 Activities Lynchburg Host Lions Club Membership: 33 (No report submitted) Mechanicsville Lions Club Membership: 16 (No report submitted) Mecklenburg Lioness Club Membership: Unknown (No report submitted) Petersburg Lions Club Membership: 24 (No report submitted) Powhatan Lions Club Membership: pairs of eyeglasses were collected. An eye exam and new eyeglasses were provided for one individual. Donations were made to: Virginia Rehabilitation Center for the Blind ($250), American Legion Post 201 for Boys & Girls State ($700), and Powhatan High School National English Honor Society ($200) Richmond Battlefield Park Lions Club Membership: 22 (No report submitted) Richmond Host Tuckahoe LC Membership: 26 (No report submitted) Richmond James River Lions Club Membership: pairs of eyeglasses were collected and eyeglasses were given to five individuals. Friday night bingo games continued as one of our fundraising projects and non-lcif donations totaled $7,075. Richmond West Breakfast LC Membership: 50 Our program on March 9th was presented by Ms. Mona Saeed, DPT, Certified MDT, on the Physical Therapist s Scope of Practice. Our March 23rd program was presented by Ms. Kelly Green, Bloonsfield Employment Specialist from the St. Joseph Villa, addressing villa programs to help homeless find jobs and provide special, alternative and non-traditional education and care for children ages 6 weeks through high school. Three Lions worked 24 hours on the Wheelchair Ramp Construction project. 12 Lions worked the concessions at the University of Richmond for three hours per night for four women s basketball games and six Lacrosse games. Six Lions worked four hours each helping at the Richmond area s Special Olympic Victory Games on March 14th for wheelchair bound children ages Five Lions worked four hours each at the Bizarre Bazaar at the Richmond Raceway Track. Donations included: Canine Companions ($1,000), Virginia Voice ($1,000), VRCB Volunteer Council ($500), Eyeglass Recycling Center ($500), Hearing Aid Bank ($400), Virginia Lions Hearing Foundation ($300), Bland Memorial Fund ($1,000), Mobile Health Unit ($510), LAMP ($500), LOVF ($750), and LCIF ($500) officers were elected. Two eye exams were provided ($70) and 250 eyeglasses were collected. 6

7 MEMBERSHIP AND CLUB REPORTS (continued) March 2014 Activities Rustburg Lions Club Membership: 19 One pair of eyeglasses were purchased and a donation was made to an upcoming zone event ($143). South Boston Lions Club Membership: 24 (No report submitted) South Hill Lions Club Membership: 28 (No report submitted) Varina Lions Club Membership: 39 We welcome new member, Lion Wayne Chenault, soon to be installed. 420 pairs of eyeglasses were delivered for recycling. Our annual community auction raised $3,113; $2,500 was donated to the Chickahominy, $250 has been set aside for LAMP, and the balance will be kept for future community needs. Our March 17th meeting was the first Varina Lions Bland Contest with five instrumentalists participating. Due to scheduling conflicts, first place winner, pianist Tim Sierk, will not advance to the District contest but will be replaced by Caroline Haines, Cellist, playing Die Moldau board elections and a guest speaker are planed for April 7th. Our annual spring membership drive and steak feast is planned for April 21st and White Cane days are planned for April 25th and 26th. MEMBER NEWS We Welcome Lion Kim Boswell Joined: 03/03/2015 Farmville Lions Club 704 First Avenue, Farmville, VA Sponsor: Lion Helen Persons Lion Reeves Laroche Joined: 03/03/2015 Farmville Lions Club Francisco Road, Farmville, VA Sponsor: Lion Thomas Young Lion James E. Payne Joined: 03/03/2015 South Boston Lions Club 1185 White Oak Trail, Halifax, VA Sponsor: Lion Richard Shepherd and Remember Oliver K. Nelan Hopewell Prince George Lions Club Warren E. Sandidge Petersburg Lions Club 7

8 CABINET ACTIVITIES March 2015 District Governor Lion Santa Ray Mueller Club Visits: 02/09 DG Visit to Glen Allen Short Pump Lions Club 02/23 DG Visit to Richmond West Breakfast Club Meetings: 03/11 Attended Region III Zone I Meeting Blackstone, VA 03/14 Attended Mobile Health Unit Meeting Farmville, VA 03/21 Presided over 3rd Cabinet Meeting Farmville, VA 03/27-18 Attended Council of Governor s Meeting Roanoke, VA 1st Vice District Governor Lion Lee Winder Club Visit: 03/19 Presented Leader Dogs for the Blind Program to the Bon-Air-Midlothian LC Meetings: 03/11 Presented Leader Dogs for the Blind Program at Region III Zone I meeting Blackstone, VA 03/14 Attended Mobile Health Unit Meeting Farmville, VA 03/21 Attended 3rd Cabinet Meeting Farmville, VA 03/26 Attended Council of Governor s Meeting Roanoke, VA Other: 03/14 Attended Chesterfield Prevent Blindness LC Pancake Breakfast 03/27 Attended DGE MD-24 Training Session 2nd Vice District Governor Lion Heather Jones-Lancto No action to report at this time. Region I Zone I Chair Lion Ronald White No action to report at this time. Region I Zone II Chair Lion Winston Harrell (No report submitted) Region II Zone I Chair Lion Robert Pratt The third and final region/zone meeting was held April 1st at the Rumbleseat Grill, Richmond. Region III Zone I Chair Lion Richard Speights A region/zone meeting was held on March 11th at The Herb Garden in Blackstone. A Leader Dog of the Blind presentation was given by FVDG Lion Lee Winder. Guests included DG Ray Mueller and wife Lion Helen, FVDG Lion Lee Winder and wife Lion Jane, and SVDG Lion Heather Jones-Lancto and husband Lion Chris Lancto. Region III Zone II Chair Lion Nathaniel Hutcheson, Jr. (No report submitted) Region IV Zone I Chair Lion Heather Jones-Lancto (See 2nd Vice-District Governor s Report) 8

9 Dear Lion, We re on our way to reaching our goal of helping 100 million people through the Centennial Service Challenge. And thanks to you, we ve helped 20 million people in just the first six months, and we re looking forward to serving millions more. To keep the momentum going, I am inviting you to join me for a special Centennial Service Challenge event in May. The Worldwide Week of Service brings Lions around the world together for a special week of service during May You can join us by hosting a service project that benefits youth, vision, hunger or the environment. If you re looking for another great way to serve, consider hosting a project to help children in need in your community. The Centennial Service Challenge is a great opportunity to strengthen your community, showcase your club and earn recognition. Be a part of our once-in-a-lifetime Centennial celebration. Don t miss out...start planning your Worldwide Week of Service project today! Joe Preston Your International President Celebrate Family and Friends Month in April Invite your family and friends to serve and learn more about your club at a special Family and Friends Month event in April. Show family and friends how much they meant to you, and how much your club means to the community. Here are some great ways to make your event a success: Plan an open house so family and friends can learn about your club and the difference you are making. Organize a service project for family and friends so they can feel the satisfaction of service. Host a picnic or barbecue to celebrate your club s achievements. Join the Worldwide Week of Service in May Here s how your club can be a part in this special Centennial Service Challenge event: 1. Plan your project Host a service project that benefits youth, vision, hunger or the environment during the week of May Promote your project Invite your community to serve with you to showcase your club and the power of service. 3. Report your project Report your service on the MyLCI Service Activity Report to earn a Centennial Banner Patch for your club. Download the event flyer and share it with your club today. Then start planning your Worldwide Week of Service project in May! Start planning your Family and Friends Month event today! 9

10 Dear Lions, As Chairperson of your Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), I have the privilege of traveling the globe to see the amazing work Lions are doing. Every day, you provide disaster relief, empower our young people and serve our communities. You also remain committed to saving sight. Whether you are conducting vision screenings, providing eyeglasses or medicine, you are giving the gift of sight. Together with LCIF and partners like The Carter Center, Lions have helped to restore sight to 7.7 million people through cataract surgeries; prevented serious vision loss for more than 30 million; provided over 271 million treatments for river blindness; built or expanded 660 eye care hospitals and clinics; and trained 681,000 eye care specialists and eye health workers. Congratulations, Lions! As we celebrate these achievements, know that there is still much work to be done. With your contribution, LCIF will be able to support Lions all over the world who continue making a positive impact in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired. Thank you for commitment to saving and restoring sight. Sincerely, Barry J. Palmer Chairperson, Lions Clubs International Foundation RAP AND ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS Lions around the world are addressing children s literacy needs through the Reading Action Program. Take your RAP volunteer work outside by organizing events related to April s theme of environmental awareness. Consider organizing a book-swap or nature themed story time at your local library or community center. Sponsor a family reading room with books about local wildlife and plants at a nearby nature preserve. Host a nature themed poetry competition for youth. However you serve, don t forget to report your activity on MyLCI! Happy reading! Each April, Lions around the world focus on Protecting Our Environment. Your club can get involved in the Centennial Service Challenge and celebrate Earth Day on April 22 by organizing special projects throughout the month that raise awareness and protect our planet. Ideas include planting trees, organizing a beach or roadside clean-up, establishing a recycling program, and hosting an environment-related seminar or workshop. Environmental projects are a great way to engage the entire community in hands-on volunteer work that makes a big impact. Start planning today for a greener tomorrow! 10

11 MARCH HEARING AID PLACEMENTS The Lions 24B Hearing Aid Foundation gave FREE hearing aids to people within districts in the following zip codes: (2) (3) (3) Thanks to the clubs for used aids to make this possible. Lion Art Somers Lions 24B Hearing Aid Foundation OOPPS #1 In the March Beacon, I incorrectly listed the organization s name on page 12 (February Hearing Aid Placements) and 13 (Lions Work With Sight and Sound). President Lion Art Somers called the errors to my attention and I DO apologize to him, the Lions 24B Hearing Aid Foundation members and Beacon readers too. LAMP/RAM EVENTS You ve heard about LAMP/RAM, haven t you? NO? Well, Virginia Lions participate in two LAMP/RAM events each year in Petersburg and Norton, Virginia. Volunteers from all over the state join together to help hundreds of people seeking medical care that might not be available elsewhere. The best that you can give will be needed, and you will give it. When you return home, you ll be tired but proud of what you ve done for others. It s a known fact that once you ve worked a LAMP/RAM event, you re hooked. You ll return again because this is what Lions do we help others. Our first event begins this weekend at the Virginia State University campus in Chesterfield. The second and largest event is planned for the third weekend in July in Norton, Virginia at the Wise County fairgrounds. me at jmccaf8853@aol.com to volunteer or to learn more about these life-saving events. Give your name, contact information, and service(s) you can provide and I will get back to you as quickly as possible. In the meantime, consider scheduling a date for me to visit your club to discuss the LAMP/RAM program further. I will share amazing facts and stories that will touch your heart. PDG Joey McCaffrey LAMP/RAM State Chair 11

12 Lions of Virginia District 24-B BLAND MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP CONTESTS Our District Lions Clubs contests are underway. Below, please see the calendar for the schedule of remaining District 24-B events: Date Time Club Location Completed 2 PM South Boston Lions Club The Prizery Completed 7 PM Lawrenceville Lions Club Lawrenceville United Methodist Church Completed 2 PM Hopewell Lions Club Powers Memorial Baptist Church Sanctuary Completed 7 PM Varina LC/Region II Contest Four Mile Creek Baptist Church Sanctuary Completed 1 PM BMW, BAMM, RJR Lions Clubs Brandermill Community Church Sanctuary Saturday, April 18 2 PM District 24B Contest Farmville United Methodist Church Sanctuary Friday, May 15th 7 PM Lions of VA State Convention Sheraton Premier (Tysons Corner) Vienna It is not too late to donate your financial support for the Bland Music Scholarship Program. The estimated cost for the District contest follows: Cost 2015 District 24-B Total Expense Fee or donation for Facility Use Minimum $100 $100 First Place Vocal and Instrumental Winners $50 $100 each $150 Second Place Vocal and Instrumental Winners $50 $75 each $100 Judges: 2 Vocal and 2 Instrumental $50 $75 each $300 Printing Certificates and Program $50 $50 Refreshments for Judges, Participants, Audience $50 $100 $50 TOTAL : $750 The District asks that each Lions Club in 24-B send a donation of $3 5 per member to support the District Contest. All charitable donations received that are in excess of the estimated budget needed above for the district contest will be forwarded to the Bland Music Scholarship Foundation to help fund the $28,000 in scholarships awarded to the participating students during the state convention s Bland contest on May 15, 2015 in Tysons Corner. Thanks to Richmond West Breakfast and Ashland Lions Clubs for their 2015 contributions. Please mail your club check (denoting District and State Bland Contests) to Lion Ann Ragland at 6799 Osborne Turnpike, Henrico, VA 23231, or to Lion Calvin Easter, District 24-B Treasurer at Hilbington Road, Henrico, VA

13 92ND VIRGINIA STATE LIONS CONVENTION May 14 17, 2015 Sheraton Premiere (Tysons Corner), Vienna, Virginia You should have received your State Convention packet by now. All convention packets were ed to the club Secretary, however, I mailed a few packets to some clubs that do not have as a way of communication. The only mailing you should have received was your club s Delegate Credential Form (Form B.) Be sure you get that mailed back to PDG Lion Doug Cross, State Credential Chair. The sooner you do that, the sooner you will get it back. Get your reservations in early. One item not listed on the convention form was the price of the hotel room $118 plus tax. You must call the hotel directly ( ) to make your reservations. Time is running short, the convention is only five weeks away. Let us have a good turnout at this year s convention. PDG Rich Evans State Convention Chair ZONE MEETINGS Region I Zone I May 14, 2015 Host: Appomattox Lions Club Museum of the Confederacy Region II Zone I May 6th Host: Goochland Lions Club Region I Zone I PediaVision Committee April 13th, July 13th, and October 12th. Legacy at Linden Park 1000 Misty Mountain Road, Lynchburg PARTNERING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST MEASLES There is still a lot of work to be done in the fight against measles, but Lions have the power to help eliminate this disease. Your donations to the One Shot, One Life: Lions Measles Initiative are saving the lives of children in countries where measles remains a heavy public health burden, causing vision and hearing loss, brain damage, pneumonia, encephalitis and even death. 13

14 JOIN LIONS HELPING CHILDREN IN NEED THIS MAY Children are some of the most vulnerable members of society. This May 16 22, join us for the Lions Worldwide Week of Service, where Lions all over the world will host projects to improve the lives of youth in their communities. Visit the Worldwide Week of Service website for project ideas and resources to help share your event with friends and family. And remember, no matter how you choose to serve, use the hashtag #LIONS100 in all your communications. Your club s photos could be featured on the LCI Facebook page! MAY WORLDWIDE WEEK OF SERVICE Is your club hosting a Lions Worldwide Week of Service project in May? Lions around the world are planning their service projects for May This year, President Preston made serving children in need a priority, so consider joining the Centennial celebration by sponsoring a service activity benefitting youth in your community. Visit the Centennial website for project ideas and resources. And no matter how you choose to serve, remember to use the hashtag #LIONS100 in all your communications. We ll share our favorite photos on the LCI Facebook page. LIONS RECYCLE FOR SIGHT MONTH IN MAY The month of May provides an opportunity for your club to build awareness about the importance of eyeglass collection in your community. Order LCI eyeglass recycling boxes to establish new community collection sites, or check your current locations to make sure your containers are in working order. Publicize your eyeglass collection campaign and consider sponsoring a local contest between clubs or districts to collect the most eyeglasses. You can also participate by approaching local businesses or organizations to start a collection for their employees. Don t forget to collect sunglasses, too! And remember to report your activity on MyLCI to receive Centennial Service Challenge recognition! OOPPS #2 You may also have noticed another error in the March Beacon. The Virginia Lions Hearing Foundation & Research Center s logo/pin was incorrectly placed with the wrong article on page 12 (February Hearing Aid Placements). Thanks, PDG Rich Evans, for calling this to my attention. I ve moved the logo/pin to where it should be for future articles from you. 14

15 Registrations are being accepted now via the Forum website at Be aware that there will be NO on-site registration for this event, so if you want to participate, you must register in advance. To better help participants find their way during the convention, an app will be available to help! The GRAND Forum will have its own mobile app, available for iphones, ipads, and Android devices with details about each seminar and presenter, detailed maps of the facility to allow you to customize your schedule while attending the Forum. Check the Forum website for the app and more details. Before the doors open for dinner on Thursday and Saturday nights, great pre-show entertainment will be provided beginning at 5:30. On Friday, a series of special seminars focusing on campus clubs and the younger men and women involved in the Lions movement will be offered along with special activities that evening for the younger members. STATE AND INTERNATIONAL EVENTS OF INTEREST Virginia State Convention Sheraton Premier Tysons Corner, Vienna May 14 17, 2015 International Convention Honolulu, Hawaii June 26 30, 2015 USA/Canada Leadership Forum Grand Rapids, Michigan September 17 19, 2015 International Convention Fukuoaka, Japan June 24 28, th International Convention Chicago, Illinois June 30 July 4, 2017 International Convention MGM Grand Resort Las Vegas, Nevada June 29 July 3,

16 LETTER FROM LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL Dear Lions Club Officer, Fiscal year is quickly approaching! There are three beneficial reasons to report your club s new officers as soon as they have been elected: Find A Club (the locator on the association s website) will display the new officers The new officers will receive timely mailings from international headquarters and the district The new officers will be able to access and utilize the MyLCI site Reporting the newly elected officers using MyLCI is easy. Click Reporting Next Year Club Officers to review a three minute video demonstration. When your newly elected officers are reported, using MyLCI, the information is immediately available to your district, as well as international headquarters. Alternatively, the newly elected officers can be reported using the paper Club Officer Reporting form. (Mailing instructions can be found on the form.) While reporting next year s officer assignments, it is an ideal time to verify the new officer s mailing preference (home address or other address) as well as the contact information for the elected officers. Should you have any questions, please contact us. We will be happy to assist you. Member Service Center Lions Clubs International MemberServiceCenter@lionsclubs.org Phone: (630) Fax #: (630) A gentle reminder Take time to check your club s information too! The Club Directory will use the information listed for your club s meeting days, time, and location. Make sure everything is current!. EARN CENTENNIAL RECOGNITION FOR YOUR CLUB When you sponsor a service project benefitting Youth, Vision, hunger or the Environment, your club can earn a special Centennial Banner patch with a progressive gemstone design. Go for a diamond-level patch by participating in all four campaigns. Remember to report your activities through MyLCI to earn your recognition. Start planning your next project today, and visit Lions100.org for Centennial news and updates throughout the Centennial Celebration. 16

17 CLUB HEALTH ASSESSMENTS THROUGH MARCH 2015 Club Name Current Mbr Count YTD Mbrs Added YTD Mbrs Dropped YTD Net Growth Mbr Count 12 Mos Ago Altavista Lions Club Amelia Lions Club Amherst County Lions Club Appomattox Lions Club Ashland Lions Club Blackstone Lions Club Bon Air-Manchester-Midlothian LC Bowling Green Lions Club Brandermill & Midlothian LC Brookneal Lions Club Brookville-Timberlake Lions Club Buckingham County Lions Club Charlotte Lions Club Chase City Lions Club Chatham Lions Club Chester Lions Club Chesterfield Prev. Blindness Morn Clarksville Lions Club Colonial Heights Lions Club Crewe Burkeville Lions Club Danville Action Lions Club Danville Host Lions Club Danville Morning Lions Club Dinwiddie Lions Club Farmville Lions Club Glen Allen Short Pump Lions Club Goochland County Lions Club Gretna Lions Club Hopewell Prince George Lions Cl

18 CLUB HEALTH ASSESSMENT THROUGH MARCH 2015 (continued) Club Name Current Mbr Count YTD Mbrs Added YTD Mbrs Dropped YTD Net Growth Mbr Count 12 Mos Ago Kenbridge-Victoria Lions Club Lawrenceville Lions Club Lynchburg 7 Hills Lions Club Lynchburg Host Lions Club Mechanicsville Lions Club Petersburg Lions Club Powhatan Lions Club Richmond Battlefield Park LC Richmond Host Tuckahoe LC Richmond James River LC Richmond West Breakfast LC Rustburg Lions Club South Boston Lions Club South Hill Lions Club Varina Lions Club CALLING ALL PAST DISTRICT GOVERNORS In next year s District Directory we would like to include any Past District Governors that did not serve as a District Governor in the State of Virginia. If you can get the information to PDG Lion Richard Evans at LionRichE@yahoo.com it would be greatly appreciated. We are aware that there are a few PDG s that have moved to our district (24-B) in the past few years. We would like to include you all as part of our district and give you the recognition that comes with the office. The information we would like to have is the District you served as Governor, your address, home phone number, and address. PDG Rich Evans MESSAGE FROM BEACON EDITOR Attention Lions: If you would like to advertise in next year s 24-Beacon, contact PDG Susan Evans at (804) or susanlj100@yahoo.com for prices and the size of your ad. 18

19 FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY RICHMOND JAMES RIVER LIONS Every Friday Weekly BINGO fundraiser at the Bishop Ireton Center off Courthouse Road at 6 pm. It s a wonderful and great way to support the club and community. Make sure to get there well before 7 pm to purchase your bingo cards. THE $2.99 SPECIAL An elderly woman met her lady-friends for breakfast one morning at a restaurant where the senior s special was two eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast for $2.99. Sounds good, the woman said. But I don t want the eggs. Then I ll have to charge you $3.49 because you re ordering a la carte, the waitress warned her. You mean I d have to pay for not taking the eggs? the woman asked incredulously. YES! stated the waitress. I ll take the special then, the woman said. How do you want your eggs? the waitress asked. Raw and in the shell, the woman replied. She took the two eggs home and baked a cake. 19