The 201Q2 District Governor s Bulletin Issue 1 July 2011 District Governor Gary Kenny The 201Q2 District Governor s Bulletin Issue 6 December 2013 Barry Palmer, that Ted became emotional saying: I never expected this! Congratulations Ted, you are an inspiration; may you maintain good health and well being for many years yet. Greetings Lions and friends, It is hard to believe that December is with us with Christmas not too far away. Where has the year gone? In the position of District Governor, special occasions arise and it was a wonderful privilege on 6 th November, to join with the family and club members of a 55 year Lion from Cairns Club, Ted Simms, to help celebrate Ted s 100th birthday. What a remarkable gentleman is Lion Ted; he still drives a car, often into the business he formed, Simms Group, just to keep an eye on the old workplace. Ted stood upright to make a small speech, telling yarns whilst reminiscing and pointing out a number of people who meant a lot to Ted in his business and as friends. Along with the very special messages of congratulations from HM the Queen, the Governor General, the Prime Minister, the Governor and Premier, it was when I presented Ted with a special letter and Certificate from our International President At our District Convention in Mackay in October, our Club delegates elected Gordon Bailey of Townsville Cleveland Bay as District Governor for 2014/15, along with Kathleen Scully of Malanda and Brian Hewett from Townsville Ross Valley as 1 st and 2 nd VDG s for 2014/15. Congratulations to each of you and Gordon, I wish you and your team great success in leading this District forward next year. My thanks go to Ralph Gradidge who also nominated for 2VDGE. In addition, delegates approved a bid by Cairns Barrier Reef Club to host Convention 2015. Well done and we look forward to returning to Cairns for a District Convention! - 1 -
After a hiatus from Club visits in October due to a huge International and District program (see last Bulletin), Audrey has returned to work after 5 months leave and I have continued the Club visit schedule. Audrey will not now be available for mid week visits. At the time of writing this, I have visited 44 Clubs with another 13 scheduled by the 2 nd week of December. These visits have been spread throughout the District, but I am happy to have completed all Western, the Tableland, Cooktown and most Cairns clubs prior to the upcoming wet season. Coming up we have celebrations at Proserpine for 45 years and Home Hill for 50 years of providing service to their community. Earlier we celebrated 50 years at Lower Herbert Halifax. Congratulations to all Clubs celebrating milestones across the year. Lions, I recognise there are many calls on our hard earned dollars raised from the community, but I ask Clubs to fully consider support to our own Drought Assist Appeal, the recent Bushfires in NSW and of course, now an LCIF Appeal in response to the Super Typhoon Haiyan, the national calamity in the Philippines. Thank you to those Clubs who have already supported these Appeals. Tom Braes President Mareeba Lions, Gary David, Secretary Bulwai Cultural Heritage Lions Club (the newest club in the District), DG Gary, Yvonne Vogler President Mareeba Lioness, Doug Stratford President Kuranda Lions pictured at a recent visitation. Audrey and I wish all Cabinet Members, Club Presidents, their Members and all their partners, a wonderful, relaxing and safe Christmas celebration with family and friends. District Governor Gary Thank you to all Presidents of clubs visited so far, and especially to those Lions who have provided accommodation to myself and Audrey. Again, I am constantly surprised and energised by the wonderful range of projects and support that clubs provide to their local communities. I will provide a mid year report in the January Bulletin, with photos of projects and presentations. - 2 -
District Lioness Chairperson Report My second year as Lioness Chairperson is going quickly. So far I have enjoyed visits to 7 of the 13 clubs in the district. As always the ladies are busy, involved, supportive and all this while having fun. I enjoy every one of these visits, but one highlight was being able to congratulate Lioness Helen Ogden as she celebrated a special birthday at my recent visit to the Mission Beach Lioness Club. Helen is much loved by all her friends. The afternoon generated a donation of $10,000 to the Queensland Cancer Council. The ladies rely on the students from the local high school for assistance on the day. I think this is a brilliant idea, as the students learn catering skills and an awareness of health issues relating to cancer. Along with organising Biggest Morning Teas, assisting with major sporting events, cooking meals for street kids, organising craft fairs, catering for public functions, to mention but a few, Lionesses are a vital part of the Lions family. I would urge any Lions clubs who do not have a Lioness Club in their town to consider sponsoring one. Tully Lioness Club is busy planning Breakaway 2014, and I urge all Lioness members to attend this fun filled weekend. "Lioness Helen Ogden celebrates a special, significant birthday with friends at the November meeting of the Mission Beach Lioness Club" I have had very good feedback on the effectiveness of the Lioness involvement in the planning and working of the recent International Board meeting in Port Douglas. Visiting International Spouses were delighted with the presentation packs organised by the Cairns Lioness and contributed to by several of the clubs. Very special congratulations to Lioness Rachel Davey on receiving an international President s Award at the International function. An award well deserved. At the recent Convention in Mackay, IPDG Doug left most of us with wet eyes as he related the work that the very isolated and unique Lae Lioness Club undertakes in the hospital there. Fund raising capacity is limited in PNG, but the ladies do an amazing and important job. Although the Lioness forum at Convention was a small one, it generated ideas and knowledge sharing, where some of the experienced Lionesses were able to share information with the newer Lionesses. It was with pride that we saw Lioness/Lion Kathleen Skully elected as 1 st Vice District Governor Elect. Kathleen is a member of the Lioness Club of Yungaburra. Well done Lionesses, and continue with your vital work upholding our motto We Serve Too. Wishing each and every one a wonderful Christmas season. Lioness Ronda Gleeson District Lioness Chairperson To mention all that these amazing ladies do, would take up more room than the editor will allow me, but among one of the highlights was another very successful Pink Garden Party held by the Mareeba Lioness Club. - 3 -
What is a Club Branch? A club branch enables a small group of people to form a Lions club and start making a difference in their community sooner. Branch members are part of an existing parent club, but hold independent meetings and select their own projects and activities. Forming a branch creates an opportunity for Lions clubs to expand in communities where it is difficult to reach the 20 member minimum necessary to charter a new club. Who are Lions? Lions are groups of service-minded men and women who are interested in improving their communities. The 1.35 million members that serve in over 45,000 clubs from over 200 countries make Lions Clubs International the world s largest service club organization. Lions are gest known for preventing blindness, but also partipate in different kinds of projects ranging from assisting the underprivileged to providing supplies to victims of natural disasters. What are the Benefits? There are many reasons to form a club branch or to become a club branch member. You will have all the privileges and responsibilities of a Lion and will receive advice and support from a parent Lions club. You will be able to help your community and make a difference in the lives of others while gaining valuable skills and networking with Lions in your community and around the world. Being part of a club branch will allow you to have fun while growing personally and professionally. What does Being a Lion Offer? Lions offers new experiences and the opportunity to help others and make a difference in the community. To become a - 4 - Lion is to become an active volunteer, a member of a respected international organization, a leader in the community and a friend to people in need. As a Lion, you will use your time and talents to make an impact locally and around the world. Volunteering your time not only helps those in need, but also energizes your life and allows you to be part of something bigger than yourself. How is a Club Branch Formed? Lions club branches get started when members of the community are invited to join. Lions volunteers host informational meetings to continue building membership and to discuss possible project ideas that are meaningful to the community. A club branch requires a minimum of five members to open and elects a president, secretary and treasurer. The parent club appoints a branch liaison to serve as the gobetween for the parent and branch and provide assistance to the branch. Together, these individuals make up the executive committee. The Notification of Club Branch (CB-1), along with a one-time entrance fee of US$25 per Lion, is submitted to Lions Clubs International to open the club branch. The parent club can either submit a Branch Membership Update (CB-2) along with the notification, or add new branch members using MyLCI. Annual International dues of US$39, in addition to any local and club dues, are billed to the club bi-annually. Entrance fee exemption and reduced international dues are available to qualifying family members, students, graduating Leos and young adults with proper certification. Once the club builds to 20 members, the branch may charter a new Lions Club. Editors Note DG Gary has presented the concept of Branch Club of Youth at all Club visits (44 clubs), at ICOS and at Convention. Who is going to be the first Club to take up this suggestion in DG Gary s Year?
To register for CEP, Contact Membership Chair Terry Clark or your Zone Chairman. - 5 -
District Health Group B Chairperson Report HEALTH PROJECTS B Health Projects B involve working to improve Lion members knowledge of Lions Medical research Foundation, Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation, Australian Drug Awareness Foundation, Lions Australia Spinal Cord Fellowship and Australian Lions Children s Mobility Foundation. Articles of these Lions Projects have been inserted in the Northern Lion for Lions to read, I have had a display at District Convention where a very small amount of interest was shown but those who did come up and talk to me received items / brochures on all of the projects. I have attended 7 out of the possible 9 meetings at LMRF Brisbane and have a regular hook up with ALCCRF each month. ALCMF. There is a possibility of a walker going into the Cairns area, we are just waiting for a bit more funding there. ALDAF is regularly promoted in the Lion Magazine and the Lions who attended the Convention and heard Lion Barbara Owen LASCF speak, should have been moved to contribute to that Fellowship. The projects in the portfolio are wonderful and should be considered by each Lions Club for some support no matter how big or small it is. If each Club donated $50 each to those Foundations that would be about - 6 - $3500 to each of them which would help there ongoing work. If you are looking to help and are interested I still have some Christmas Pins for ALCCRF $5, LASCF Pins $5, Biros ALCCRF $5, Recipe Books $15 LASCF, T. Shirts ALCMF $20, ideal Christmas Gifts Lion Aussie Lanphier ausandtoni@bigpond.com (07) 4779 9756 The ALCCRF Christmas Pin The Lions Australia Spinal Cord Fellowship Trading Pin
201Q2 Lions attend Leadership Institute in Adelaide on 8 th to 10 th of November I had the pleasure of attending the Lions Leadership Institute held in Adelaide on 8th 10th of November. Along with 33 other Lions from all over Australia, I learnt about conducting effective meetings, working in teams, diversity and public speaking amongst other things. It was a great weekend run by PDG Tim Irvine. Thanks to District Q2 for allowing me to attend. Irene Braddick Tully Lions Club DG Gary s visit to Mareeba Lions, Mareeba Lioness, Kuranda Lions and Bulwai Cultural Heritage Lions (Kuranda) DG Gary delivering a well-received speech at the combined Club visit. DG 201C1, Ken Bradford, presenting Lion Irene with her certificate of Leadership at the Lions Leadership Institute in Adelaide DG Gary presenting IP Barry s certificate to Mareeba Lioness President Yvonne Mareeba Club President Tom Braes presents DG Ken Bradford with a Mareeba Lions Club banner at the Lions Leadership Institute. Zonie Chris Symonds addresses the meeting - 7 -
Yungaburra Lioness Members Raising Funds for the Drought Relief Appeal Our overall winner was Rachel Askew. That night the School Art Show was held and all 33 of our entries were on display there, with a sign explaining that this was a Lions Project that the school was involved in. Great Publicity for Lions! All students received an Honourable Mention Peace Poster Certificate for entering in our clubs local Peace Poster competition for 2013. Lioness Jackie Stein and Lioness Ronda Gleeson of the Yungaburra Club, seen here selling two $100 boards in support of the current Drought Relief Appeal. Sales were well supported by members of this rural area. Whitsunday Lions Peace Poster selected as District 201Q2 Winner The Winners were finally announced to some very eager & excited students on the 29th October at the school's assembly. We had a staggering 33 entries this year from our local Whitsunday Christian College. As the Peace poster co - coordinator for this year I was totally blown away with this year s entries from the school. Our club awarded 7 prizes due to so many entries. President Warwick pictured presenting Rachel with her District Winner s Certificate on behalf of DG Gary Kenny Winning students with Rachael Askew in front row holding certificate, Whitsunday Lions President Warwick McAllistar on the right & Peace Poster Coordinator Lion Sue Gravelle on the left. Rachel s Winning Entry - 8 -
Items Wanted for District 201Q2 Website Hi all District 201Q2 Lions, After discussion with a couple of inspirational Lions, I am aiming to add a project page to our Q2 website. In addition to showcasing a variety of projects across our district, the aim is to provide information to other clubs who may be looking for some inspiration in regard to achieveable projects regardless of club size. There are many fantastic projects out there. Whilst there are projects highlighted in the Northern Lion, I would appreciate any photos and information you want to share in regard to your club projects no matter whether big or small. Use this opportunity to share your projects with the other clubs in Q2 and other Lions and the public. Who knows it may inspire some other clubs to action as well as some potential membership enquiries. I am looking forward to your interest and ultimate support Audrey Kenny Q2 District IT & Webmaster Sound System for Bohlevale State School On behalf of Bohlevale State School I would like to thank Lion Hearing Dogs for the kind donation of a Sound Field System. The use of the Sound Field System that you have provided our school will help with the acoustic environment in the classroom where it will provide the learners with an optimum listening environment. It will improve the clarity of the speaker s voice and rise above all background noises. This will have a significant impact on the learning of not only students with a hearing impairment but all children. The device will be used in the classroom with the children with highest needs (one of the children with a severe hearing loss). Thank you once again for the kind donation and we appreciate your support. Funding for these sound systems is provided from the Beth Klugh legacy left to Lions Hearing Dogs in 2006. Interest from the Legacy provides funding for the provision of Sound Field Systems for a number of Primary Schools in each District each year. Each system costs around $1,500.00 Who benefits from a classroom sound system? All students benefit from a classroom sound system however it has special benefits for children who are deaf or hearing impaired and for those who suffer from the various attention deficit disorders. Increased on-task behaviour Seventy-three percent of teachers noted increased on-task behaviour, with learners remaining on-task for longer periods. Off-task behaviour was reported as easier to address as the teacher used a friendly voice at a lower volume. Children remained on-task for longer periods when using the system and it was easier to refocus when they went off-task. Lions Club Involvement President Phil presenting the Sound System to Jackie Somerville at Bohlevale School Townsville Castle Hill Lions Club President, Phil Highland, recently presented a classroom sound system to the Bohlevale State School. In a thank you note to the Club Jackie said, The local Lions Club will act as the Hearing Dogs representative and, following installation, will formally present the equipment to the school involved. The local Lions Club is not requested to assist in funding the installation and is representing Lions Hearing Dogs Inc. in ensuring that the equipment has been installed to the satisfaction of the school involved. - 9 -
- 10 -
- 11 -
- 12 -
- 13 -
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS IN THE LIONS FAMILY On behalf of the family of Lions of District 201Q2, a very warm welcome to the following new members who have recently joined our organisation. Trinity Beach Michelle Clyne Sponsored by Valerie Hollander Alan Maxwell Sponsored by Judith Pearcey Tully Hayley Christensen Sponsored by Jennifer Ottone Michelle Christensen Sponsored by Michael Ottone We wish you all many enjoyable years of Lions Service. Aitkenvale Business Cassandra Evans Sponsored by Don Hamilton Bulwai Cultural Heritage Zenith Bonner Henry Brim William Brim Melina Clark Gary Davis Matthew Gilkerson Peggy Gilkerson Kara Ross Michael Stanley Ruth Young Dianne Brim Joanne Brim William A.I. Brim Anne Clarke Nicko Djeric Nova Gilkerson Deborah Graeme Mike Schmidt Rhondda Young A special welcome from all in District 201Q2 to Bulwai Cultural Heritage Lions Club Home Hill Brett Smith Sponsored by John Donald Mackay Jill Brabon Sponsored by Ray Hansen Joyce Senini Sponsored by Ray Hansen Townsville Castle Hill Alligator Creek Branch Colin Holmes Sponsored by Helen Holmes Brett Pritchard Sponsored by Simon Boden NEWSLETTER INFORMATION If you have any items you would like included in next month s bulletin (space permitting) this must be received NO LATER than 15th of the month by mail or email. If possible please forward items by email with pictures in JPEG format to The Editor Graham Fraser 20 St Davids Close Kirwan 4817 Or Email: gfmf@bigpond.net.au Phone: 4773 4452 New Contact Details District 201Q2 Cabinet Treasurer PDG Tom Becker New email address :- tom.becker@bigpond.com District 201Q2 Cab Secretary PDG Barry Brockbank NEW address is :- 1/21 Molokai St., Burdell. Townsville 4818 We haven't connected the phone yet so please call me on the mobile :- 0409 896 999 Mission Beach Lions Club New email address:- missionbeachlions@gmail.com - 14 -
SANTA'S SECRET WISH Are homes filled with peace, and with giving, and love And boys and girls gifted with light from above. It's a very hard task, my smart little brother, To give toys to some, and to give prayers to others. But the prayers are the best gifts, the best gifts indeed, For God has a way of meeting each need. On Christmas Eve, A young boy with light in his eyes, Looked deep into Santa's, to Santa's surprise, And said as he nestled on Santa's broad knee, "I want your secret, tell it to me." He leaned up & whispered in Santa's good ear, "How do you do it, year after year?" "I want to know how, as you travel about, Giving gifts here & there, you never run out. How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys, You have plenty for all of the world's girls & boys? Stays so full, never empties as you make your way From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large & small, From nation to nation, reaching them all? And Santa smiled kindly & said to the boy, "Don't ask me hard questions. Don't you want a toy?" But the child shook his head, and Santa could see That he needed the answer. "Now listen to me," He told the small boy with the light in his eyes, "My secret will make you sadder & wise. "The truth is that my sack is magic inside It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride. But although I do visit each girl & each boy I don't always leave them a gaily wrapped toy. Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad. Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad. Some homes are broken, & children there grieve. Those homes I visit, but what should I leave? "That's part of the answer. The rest, my dear youth, Is that my sack is magic, And that is the truth. In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day More love than a Santa could e'er give away. The sack never empties of love, or of joys 'Cause inside it are prayers, and hopes. Not just toys. The more that I give, the fuller it seems, Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams. "And do you know something? You've got a sack, too. It's as magic as mine, and it's inside of you. It never gets empty, it's full from the start. It's the centre of lights, and of love. It's your heart. And if on this Christmas you want to help me, Don't be so concerned with your gifts 'neath your tree. Open that sack, call your heart, & share Your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care." The light in the small boy's eyes was glowing. "Thanks for the secret. I've got to be going." "Wait, little boy," said Santa "don't go. Will you share? Will you help? Will you use what you know?" And just for a moment the small boy stood still, Touched his heart with his small hand & whispered, "I will." "My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff, But for homes where despair lives, toys aren't enough. So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl & boy, And pray with them that they'll be given the joy Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives In the heart of the dear child who gets not, but gives. If only God hears me & answers my prayer, When I visit next year, what I will find there - 15 -