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General Meeting Minutes for 2014
Grand Island Lions General
Meeting
January 08, 2014
Attendance: in attendance
9) Tom Witkowski, Dick Crawford, Paul Bassette, Brooks Rimes, Fred Ruocco,
Norm Hahn, Donna Lavallee guests: DG Daniel Dunn and Cheryl Dunn
Lion President Brooks Rimes called the
meeting to order at 7:12 PM
Split Club: Lion Dick: Total
in the split club is $145 $145 Guest DG Dan Dunn drew Mark Frenztel, Absent, Dan
Morobito, absent, Donna Lavallee, Lion Donna drew the Ace of Hearts!! We
will start the split club over for 2014.
10 Chevron awards
presented by DG Dan Dunn:
Lions Chevron Awards - 10 members will
receive awards
DG Dunn read a copy of the letter that the recipients with
receive from the International President Barry Palmer
10 year awards:
Lion Henry and Lion Annette
15 year awards: Lion Gerry Dubiel, Lion Norm
Hahn, Lion Dick Planavsky and Lion Tom Rusert
20 year award: Lion Tom
Witkowski
25 year award: Lion Pat Wiles and Lion William Wiles
35
Lion Pat Patterson.
Membership: DG Dunn addressed the
membership. The state lost 15 clubs and 20N lost 3 clubs, Blasdell Woodlawn, and
2 others. Our club has lost 3 members. Support is available to all
clubs. The district has 23 guiding lions to help clubs with membership.
April 2014 has Family Lions and Worldwide Induction Day, the goal is to induct
as many Lions into clubs as possible. There is a lot of information on the
website regarding these 2 events. Word of mouth is important, conversation
about Lions is the first step towards increasing membership.
Committee Reports:
Christmas Tree update: Lion Dick
knows that there were only about 12 trees left. A report will be
forthcoming.
Vision Beyond Sight Foundation: The VBS has a big
event coming up on March 1, 2014, the “Eye Ball” with a Mardi Gras theme
at Babeville Asbury Hall at 341 Delaware Ave. Tickets are
$150/person. Requests for donations for silent auction and baskets. Money
raised will go toward the purchase of equipment to improve the services to the
doctors and patients at the Ross Eye Institute. Lion Tom requested a
donation from the club for $100 to go towards the purchase of a basket.
Donations are appreciated. Donations and the price of the tickets are tax
deductable.
Spaghetti Dinner: The dinner will be on April 28,
2014. Lion Dick will be sending letters out to our normal sponsors.
Members that were present received their 10 tickets. Please start sell
tickets ASAP.
Lion Paul: Lion Paul addressed issues that the club needs
to be aware of for those in the GI community that need glasses. The club
needs to fully investigate the need and insurance options. Lion Dick suggested
that the club review the policy with the school nurses who is our point person
in the school district.
Next meeting will be January 22, 2014
it will be a board meeting but all members are welcome at the Buffalo Launch
Club. Motion to adjourn Lion Paul seconded by Lion Dick; Meeting adjourned
at 8:36
Respectively submitted by Lion Donna
Lavallee
Grand
Island Lions Club General Meeting
April 23, 2014
Attendance: (12 in attendance)
Tom Witkowski, Al Ackerman, Paul Bassette, Henry Lobl, Annette Lobl, Tom
Rusert,
Dave Chervinsky, Brooks Rimes,
Fred Ruocco, Earl DeGlopper, Donna Lavallee, visitor
Sheri Shaw
Lion President Brooks called the
meeting to order at 7:05 PM. Lion President Dave led us in the pledge,
Lion Annette
led us in a patriotic song and Lion
Paul led us in prayer.
Noimiating Committee: reporting Lion
Paul Bassette. The slate of officers is as follows:
President:
Donna Lavallee
1st Vice President: Tom Rusert
2nd Vice P Mike
Steinagel
Treasurer: Dick Crawford
Corresponding Secretary:
Annette Lobl
Recording Secretary: Tom Witkowski
Tail Twister:
Fred Ruocco
Lion Tamer: Al Ackerman
Director for 2 years: Norm
Hahn, Dave Chervinsky
Director 1 year: Anne Fahning, Paul
Bassette
Motion that the ballot be accepted by Lion Paul, seconded by Lion
Annette, all in favor motion passed.
Spaghetti Dinner: Lion
Annette: Set up is Sunday 4/27 at 3 PM for core set up table and chairs,
silverware wrapping
etc. Monday is at 10 AM Lion Dan
and Tom will be preparing the sauce and we need salad prep work. Lion Dave
will
be picking up food. Lion Tom will
be setting up table for the organizations. There will be 9 organizations
using 5 tables.
These tables will be set up adjacent to
the stage. Baked goods are needed.
Next Meeting: Speaker for
Byblos meeting will be Kevin Kulikowski from Young Life.
Presentation: Sheri Shaw;
Director of Vision Rehabilitation Olmstead Center for Sight
Sheri clarified
that The Olmstead Center is separate from the Ross Eye Institute. The
Olmstead Center used to be the
Blind Association of WNY. The
center offers new technology, books, a full service of Braille and
rehabilitation services
for all ages. When an
Ophthalmologist can no longer help an individual they refer to the Olmstead
Center. Dr Simmons
at the center works with patients who
have vision impairment. Patients are eligible to come to the center when
their
vision is 20/70 on up. They help
in all areas of daily living to maintain independence using anything from
magnifiers to
strategies that improve a person’s
quality of life. The center helps empower individuals. New
technology has emerged
with television, iPads and portable
magnifiers. Senior vision services have home visitation. There were
760 senior
individuals that were helped in
2013. Appeals for funding through agencies help maintain these
services. Service
agencies like National Fuel, United Way
and Verizon work with the center. Questions were fielded. LP Brooks
presented Sheri with a pin from our
club.
Committee Reports:
Correspondence:
Letters from Doctor
Andy’s Day, Special spaces and Young Life.
Inner city Lions Club tickets for
sale for an Oldies but Goodies dinner dance on May 17.
Kenmore Lions
Club is celebrating 85 years, May 6th at Aquas.
Kenningston Lions looking for
sponsors for their next event.
SABAH: Fantasy Island at May 10
looking for contributions or participation for those interested
Community
foundation for greater Buffalo. Our club is eligible to get $1000 back;
Lion Annette will file this for us.
Finger Lakes Region Hearing Foundation
appeal, Lion Donna will send hearing aids so that they can get salvage
credit.
Freedom guide dogs: This organization is in our in our budget
lion Tom R will pass this on Lion Dick. We budgeted
$100.
LP Brooks made a motion to
support their mission. Lion Tom made a motion to sponsor at $100, seconded by
Lion Al,
all in favor. Lion Annette would
like the club to consider sponsoring annually to this.
Cabinet Recognition dinner for the
outgoing DG
See Tom Witkowski if you are interested in
attending.
·Peace Poster: Meeting to
recognize the Peace Poster winners May 2. Letters have been sent
out.
PDG asked about support for golf
tournament. We supposedly sent a check last year and they never received
it. Would
we like to support them this
year?
Lion Henry asked for an internal audit
of dispensed checks.
Motion to adjourn, Lion all in favor.
Respectively submitted by Lion Donna Lavallee
Grand Island Lions
Club Regular Meeting Minutes
May 14,
2014
Attendance: Lions Tom Rusert, Dave
Chervinsky, Jerry and Diane Dubiel, Anne Fahning, Dick Crawford, Al
Ackerman, Donna Lavallee, Tom Butler,
Tom DeCarlo, Dan Morabito, Earl DeGlopper, Fred Ruocco, Paul Bassette,
Tom Witkowski, Shelia Ferrentino; and
guest speaker Ken Kulikowski from Young Life.
Call to Order: Lion 1st VP
Lavallee called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
Pledge to the Flag: Led by Lion
Fahning
Patriotic Song: Led by Lion
Chervinsky
Invocation: Led by Lion
Bassette. Moment of silence requested due to death of Past President
Charles H.
Meyer (1980-1981).
Introduction of guests: Lion 1st
VP Lavallee introduced Mr. Ken Kulikowski, Area Director of Young
Life.
Release of Tail Twister Lion
Ruocco.
Split Club: Lions Ross Kaiser, Brooks
Rimes, Mike Steinagel not present. Lion DeGlopper drew Ace of Diamonds
with
pot valued at $10.00.
Dinner
Speaker: Mr. Kulikowski briefly
described the history of Young Life since its’ founding in 1939. Young
Life came to our
community in 1969 and enjoys a
population 80 – 90 children and young adults. The group’s purpose is to
bring
definition to their lives and where God
fits in. Ken calls their group “organized chaos” with all the activities
its members
get involved with. Young Life
already is a part of Trinity and St. Stephen’s with aspirations of being in
every high school
Committee reports:
Spaghetti Dinner: Chairman
Crawford reported gross receipts total over $4,000. A thank you was
received from the
Golden Age Center for the dinner
leftovers. Over 212 dinners were served. Generally, it was felt to
be one of the best
the club has ever held.
Special Kids’ Picnic: No report
due to the absence of Chairperson Boies-Lobl.
Christmas Tree Sales: Lion Sean
Kelly reported to Lion Crawford that we should expect approximately
$1,600.
Items for discussion:
Annual dues: are now due. Letter
of notice has been sent out.
Leadership training: The district’s
annual Leadership Forum will be held Thursday, May 22 at St. John Vianney
School,
2950 Southwestern Boulevard, Orchard
Park, from 6:30 pm to approximately 9:30 pm. The $20 fee covers the entire
club. Lion Lavallee is attending
with Lion Witkowski who will speak on the Club Excellence Program in two
separate
programs. Carpooling is
recommended.
The Nicaragua Eye Care Project, headed by Pendleton Lion Jim
Carlins, is scheduled for January 2015. Nicaragua is
the second poorest country in the
western hemisphere, second to Haiti. Any interested Lion who simply wants
to help
this mission is encouraged to
participate.
Invitation to Kenmore Lions Club’s 85th
Anniversary was received and announced along with several other
invitations.
Lion Rusert reported that Lion
Wind is in his 40th day after his treatment for leukemia.
Lion Crawford reported that the
club audit will be performed in September 2014.
Next meeting will honor the two
Peace Poster Contest winners. 9 to 11 family members will be
attending.
Chairman Bassette requested all members
to attend.
Scholarship committee: Chairman
Bassette reported that someone has been selected for the one $1,000
scholarship along with three $500.00
winners. The $1,000 scholarship is going to an entrant who displayed
outstanding
community service along with
maintaining high scholastic grades.
Lion Witkowski reported:
one more volunteer to deliver Meals On
Wheels is needed for Friday, May 16 in addition to Lion Fahning. Lion
Bassette
graciously volunteered.
Krista, wife
of the next Melvin Jones awardee needed to know cost to invite guests at the
Installation Dinner. Lion
Crawford is the contact. Lion
Witkowski will notify Krista.
initial construction of the Miracle League
Playground will occur on June 14 and 15 with completion at a later date.
Volunteers are needed - any skill level
is OK. Tools and food will be provided. To volunteer, contact Dan
Drexelius at
481-5411.
Miracle League Lions Day
will be held Sunday, August 3rd at 2PM. Buddies and simply supporting the
players is
requested of all Lions.
our club is
one of the winners of the district's club contest based upon a variety of our
activities throughout the past year.
A banner patch will be received at a
later date.
at one of the State Convention seminars in Lake Placid, we
learned of the potential for tax liabilities at our fundraisers;
i.e., collecting and paying state taxes
on all sales. The district leadership has been informed of this and will
be working
on a resolution to this situation with
the state and International.
he has been invited to speak at an LCIF
luncheon next year regarding our work in securing the $75,000 grant for Miracle
League. He has also been invited
to assist a downstate club near Elmford in starting an ML field in their
community.
our $2,000 request to the Brandel-Murphy foundation for the
Miracle League playground was approved with the check
presented to Lion Witkowski at the
Cabinet Recognition Dinner last Friday. Check was given to Lion
Crawford.
evaluated three vision screening cameras with the $7,000+ SPOT
being chosen incorporating technology using no film
and providing on-the-spot
results. It is also self-aligning, -focusing, and -calibrating. He
is working on a proposal to the
club and the school district to
co-purchase one with help from fundraisers and grants.
Members Picnic:
cannot be held on Lion Anne and Bob’s boat this year due to pending
maintenance. Lion Chervinsky
suggested we have our picnic on Beaver
Island for this year. Lion Crawford reported he has the necessary tent if we
choose to have it on Lion Fahning’s
property.
Fourth of July parade: Lion Fahning
reported that she has filed paperwork for our club participation in the parade
this
year. Lion Witkowski will handle
getting wheelchairs and collection containers for eyeglasses and hearing aids to
collect
these items as we march down Grand
Island Boulevard. He will also handle an announcement for the
Dispatch.
The offices of Fichte, Endl, and Elmer
have indicated they need eyeglasses to be picked up at both locations.
Lion
Witkowski will contact the Amherst and
Town of Niagara Lions Club to arrange collection and pickup.
Motion to adjourn made by Lion
Bassette, seconded by Lion Ferrentino. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at
8:45pm.
Respectfully
submitted,?
Lion Tom Witkowski
Grand Island Lions Club
General Meeting
May 28, 2014
Attendance: (14 in attendance)
Brooks Rimes, Tom Witkowski, Dick Crawford, Tom Butler, Paul Bassette,
Donna
Lavallee, Annette Lobl, Henry Lobl, Tom
Rusert, Al Ackerman, Dan Morobito, Dave Chervinsky, Gerry
Dubiel, Diane
Dubiel 9 guests; Katie Gibbons, and
parents Sylvia Kaptien and Will Gibbons, McKenna Davis and parents Eric and
Amy, grandmother Kay, brother and best
friend.
Lion President Brooks Rimes called the
meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
Lion Dave led us in the Pledge to the
Flag, Lion Paul led us in prayer and Lion Annette led us in a patriotic
song.
Announcements – Lion Paul introduced
our Peace poster winner, Katie Gibbons and runner up McKenna Davis and
their parents.
Lion Dick called the split club,
looking for the Ace of Hearts; $16 in the kitty, Lion Tom Rusert drew the 6 of
diamonds.
Program: Peace Poster chair Paul
Bassette: Lion Paul gave a quick background on the history of The Peace
Poster
contest which has been conducted for
the past 26 years. The contest is for young people ages 11-13. This year’s theme
was “Our World, Our Future”. We
had 15 Peace Posters submitted this year. The judging criteria are based on use
of
theme, artistic ability and
originality. Second place $50 winner Miss McKenna Davis from Connor Middle
School
described her poster. Miss Katie
Gibbons was the first place $100 winner from Connor Middle School presented her
poster to the club. The posters
will be display for 1 year at the Grand Island Public Library. We also had
4 honorable
mention winners that each received
$25. Marla Crawford will frame the winning posters.
Respectively submitted by Lion
Donna Lavallee
Grand Island Lions Club Regular Meeting Minutes
September 10,
2014 Byblos-Niagara Hotel and
Spa
Attendance: Lions Donna Lavallee, Dave
Chervinsky, Dick Crawford, Al Ackerman, Tom Rusert, Tom Witkowski, Fred Ruocco,
Earl DeGlopper, Paul Krupa, Shelia Ferrentino, Diane and Jerry Dubiel, Henry
Lobl and Annette Boies-Lobl, Dan Morabito, Tom DeCarlo, and Lion Candidate
Honglin Fan.
Call to Order: Lion President
Lavallee called the meeting to order at 7:10 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance was
led by Lion Jerry Dubiel.
Patriotic song was led by Lion
Ferrentino.
Invocation made by Lion Boies-Lobl.
Lion Paul Krupa was welcomed back to
the club by President Lavallee.
Lion Candidate Honglin Fan was
introduced by Lion Witkowski.
Lion Jerry Dubiel told a
joke.
President Lavallee started “Wayback
Wednesday” with two old photos of current members. Members are to guess
who the Lions are and what they have in common. Lion Chervinsky correctly
guessed Lions Witkowski and Crawford. Their commonality is that they are
Lions. Lion Chervinsky still received the bottle of wine as a prize
although President Lavallee stated that they now have no hair.
Tail Twister Ruocco was released by
motion of Lion Ferrentino.
Split Club: Lion Candidate Fan picked
Lion Ferrentino’s stick for $24.00. She picked three of
clubs.
Committee Reports:
Membership update: We have 32
members. They are some President Lavallee has never met. We will
continue our work in gaining members.
Upcoming calendar: President Lavallee
requested as many members attend our next meeting that will feature DG Mike’s
visitation. Date was moved up to accommodate our snowbirds. The following
meeting will be Merritton’s visit to us at the Knights of Columbus.
Everyone has been requested to bring a raffle item. Town Supervisor Mary
Cooke will be at our October 22 meeting. November 12th meeting will
feature Curt Nestark from the Grand Island Historical Society. Our annual
Christmas Party will take place on December 10.
Committee Chair update: Club is doing
well. President Lavallee will be contacting Sean Kelly regarding Christmas
Tree sales. Membership is the responsibility of everyone to invite people
to become members. Publicity chair is open. Everyone is welcomed to
serve on that committee
President Lavallee complimented our newsletter
editor/publisher Lion Chervinsky on the job he is doing. President
Lavallee will be talking with PDG Bob Shively regarding the eye-screening
program. Per Lion Chervinsky, club does have a Facebook page. Social
networking has become popular in getting our name out there and what we
do.
3rd Vice-President position:
President Lavallee had talked with Lion Lobl regarding the position and that he
would remain in a supportive capacity as needs arise. The board had
previously elected not to fill the position at this time. It is not in our
constitution and by-laws that we must fill it.
Special Kids Picnic wrap-up: Lion
Boies-Lobl stated that we had about 800 kids and staff, 110 volunteers, and that
everyone had a good time. Boats ran smoothly. Thank you notes will be sent
out.
BonTon update: Lion Lobl reported
Community Days would be held Friday and Saturday, November 11 and 15. We
earned $700 last year. 75 books must be sold. If each member sold three
books, this would be more than enough. Their cost is $5.00 each.
Selling to friends and family will also help.
White Cane report: Lion Lobl and Lion
Hahn organized the drive. $2,547.25 was collected – a record!
Several stories were exchanged. Lion Lobl reported that since all the
spots were covered they were critical to its success. Some donors didn’t
know we were going to be out there. Better PR effort will be
done.
Lions Club International initiatives:
Involve a Vet: President Lavallee
stated there is an effort to get veterans to become members of Lions
Clubs. If members were at the VFW, for example, it would be a good thing
for them to be involved.
Strengthen the Pride: President
Lavallee stated this is International President Joe Preston’s theme. A
membership growth award is in October and April 2015. Pins and banner
patches are available if clubs grow.
100 Million Acts of Service: IP
Preston’s theme is for all clubs to report a total of 100 million acts by LI’s
100th anniversary in 2017. The key for our club is to notify Lion
Boies-Lobl of service acts we perform. Question was raised that if thirty
club members worked at the Special Kids’ Picnic, would this be 30 acts of
service. Lion Witkowski responded that it would.
Loan closet: Lion Crawford
discussed the need to clean the closet due a prevailing odor of urine and the
excess of donated items starting to accumulate. President Lavallee
suggested we set a date to inventory the items and donate to the Tuscarora
nation. We advertise in the Dispatch about the availability of items to be
loaned. President Lavallee suggested we set a date where we can go there
to take care of the conditions existing there. Lions Crawford and Ruocco
stated that the items do have a nice turnaround so we do know the community is
using it.
Lions S.E.E. Program: President Lavallee is still working on
to learn if we can borrow a screening camera to get our project going. She
is talking to the president of Grand Island Cooperative who has expressed
interest in the program but not right now. She would also approach Denise
Dunbar about the program also. She questioned if we should have our own
camera at a cost of $7,000 and perhaps getting a matching grant. She
hasn’t had a returned email to several requests for information and it has been
difficult calling them. Lion Lobl suggested we explore working with PDG
Bob Shively. Since the Ross has children referred to them that it would be
in their best interest to be more responsive. President Lavallee said that
if we needed to borrow the Town of Niagara Lions Club’s camera that we could
reimburse them $100.00 for using it. Lion Lobl suggested a three-step
program: borrow it, have a presentation by the Ross, then approach obtaining a
matching grant. President Lavallee said that would be a great initiative
regarding sight.
District Zone report: Lion
Witkowski limited the discussion to cabinet meeting items relevant to all
Lions. He reported on particulars on the Journey For Sight, Cycle For
Sight, C.R.O.P. Walk, Peace Poster Contest judging, Sub-District Convention on
October 11 at Ripa’s Restaurant in Lancaster. We will be discussing the
state tax issue and distributing checks from the Journey For Sight. Lion
Witkowski stressed the importance of attending at least for the tax issue.
Continuing, Lion Witkowski discussed the proposed fundraiser for the three state
projects. One issue is how will an Uplinger Award be received if all funds
go to one entity. He discussed the closing of Ellicott Creek Five Senses
Trail and the movement of the sign and associated funds to Town of Wheatfield
Lions Senses Park. Camp Badger is having its annual fundraiser at Bristol
Harbor in Canandaigua on September 19. Our sub-district convention will be
held on October 11. The state convention will occur April 24-26 in
Binghamton. Lion Witkowski has been invited to speak at the convention
about our involvement with the Miracle League since numerous clubs have
been contacting the district and Miracle league anxious to learn what it takes
to start one in their own communities. The convention is looking for help
in various committees. The Council of Governors is suggesting that all
clubs should start putting their thinking caps to do something special
community-wise for Lions 100th anniversary in 2017. Lion Witkowski
requested that if any club member knows of anyone affiliated with Canisius
College to contact Sheridan Drive Lion Rick Battaglia. He is attempting to
start a campus club there and will need at least 20 individuals to form the
club. Lion Lobl asked if alumni can join, others asked if employees could
join. The answer was yes to both questions. PDG John Shaffer thanked all
clubs who participated in the replacement of the roof of the Town of Wheatfield
Lions building. Lion Witkowski closed with stating that next year he may
not have any job in Lions. .
If members want to move up in
Lionism, he will step aside from his zone chairmanship
September 24th is DG
Mike’s visit and that everyone should attend. Copies of the minutes were
made available.
Olmsted “Eye Opener” tours: President
Lavallee is holding tours. The tours are held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
in the early afternoons. She has requested the Olmsted to hold an evening
tour for our club since the afternoons do not fit well in her
schedule.
Joint fundraiser with Rotary:
President Lavallee has been approached by Rotarian Gary Roesch to solicit
interest in a golf tournament sponsored by our club, Rotary, and Zonta. At
the last board meeting, President Lavallee stated she’d be more interested in a
Oktoberfest in that it would be more fun and inclusive of others who may or may
not play golf. Consensus is no to the golf idea.
Eyeglass collection boxes:
President Lavallee has placed boxes around in very locations. Their cost
is $86.00 for 10 boxes. Lion Witkowski stated Elderwood is interested in
obtaining a box. President Lavallee states that hers fills up very quickly
and suggested we can find places to put them. A motion by Lion Rusert to
purchase the boxes and a second by Lion Ferrentino but it was not voted
on. President Lavallee approached Lion Tom Butler to coordinate
collection. Lion Witkowski volunteered to get boxes for free from his
former employer and install logos. We’ll start with five.
Taste of Grand Island: President
Lavallee will be out of town on Saturday, September 27. We will look into
that next year.
C.R.O.P Walk: President Lavallee
stated it is being held September 28 that benefits not only local food banks and
assists with hunger relief around the world. Participant information was
made available.
For the good of the club: Lion
Witkowski presented Lion Candidate Fan to talk about her desire to become a
member of our club.
Motion to adjourn by Lion Crawford,
second by Lion Jerry Dubiel. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at
8:43 pm.
Respectfully
submitted,
Lion Tom Witkowski
Grand Island
Lions Club Regular Meeting
Minutes September 24, 2014
Buffalo Launch
Club
Attendance: Lions DG Mike Lawkowski, PDG
Bob and Lioness Joan Shively, PDG Kimberly Stribing, Norm Hahn, Donna Lavallee,
Dave Chervinsky, Dick Crawford, Al Ackerman, Tom Rusert, Paul Bassette, Tom
Witkowski, Fred Ruocco, Brooks Rimes, Earl DeGlopper, Paul Krupa, Tom Butler,
Shelia Ferrentino, Mike Steinagel, and Lion Candidate Honglin Fan.
Call to Order: Lion President
Lavallee called the meeting to order at 7:20 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance was
led by Lion Witkowski
Patriotic song was led by Lion Chervinsky
Invocation
made by Lion Bassette
Dinner
Tail Twister Lion Ruocco was released
upon motion by Lion Witkowski, seconded by Lion Bassette.
“Wayback Wednesday” featured early
photos of club members Lions Ruocco and Chervinsky correctly guessed by Lion
Bassette who won a bottle of wine who then donated it to be raffled at our twin
meeting with the Merritton Lions Club.
Lion Candidate Fan selected Lion
Witkowski’s stick to draw the Ace of Hearts. He picked the ten of
spades.
Introduction of guests was done by Lion
Witkowski.
Committee reports:
Calendar update: Per President
Lavallee:
October 8: Merritton meeting at Knights of
Columbus. Please bring raffle item.
October 22: Grand
Island Supervisor Mary Cooke will speak at Buffalo Launch Club. Board
meeting will follow regular meeting.
November 12: Curt Nestark
from the Grand Island Historical Society will speak at regular meeting at
Byblos-Niagara. Board will meet if necessary due to Thanksgiving holiday
occurring the day after our second meeting.
(November 26: NO
MEETING)
December 10: Christmas Party at Byblos
Membership update: President Lavallee
was pleased to announce Lion Candidate Fan will be inducted at the October 11th
Sub-District Convention by ID Mike Molenda.
BonTon update: President Lavallee
stated that Community Days would be held 11/14 and 11/15. Several members
have already purchased books. Coupons are not as restrictive as they used
to be.
Correspondence: Lion Corresponding Secretary Boies-Lobl could
not attend meeting. All President Lavallee has is emailed
correspondence.
Treasurer’s Report: Lion
Treasurer Crawford reported that our banner has been approved for display at the
Miracle League Field. Our commitment is $500.00 per year. The banner
will honor past, present, and future players. Our account balances
are
Welfare as of 8/1/14: $11,718.05
Welfare as of
8/27/14: $5,432.29
Welfare as of
9/17/14: $3,678.54
General as of
8/1/14: $2,685.80
General as of
8/27/14: $1,650.75
Lions S.E.E. Program:
President Lavallee yielded the floor to PDG Shively for an overview of the
screening program. PDG Kimberly Stribing had started it because our area
already had the Ross Eye Institute. 50,000 children have been screened
thus far with 10,000 being referred to an ophthalmologist. A case in point
was one girl being referred with a tumor found behind an eye causing her to lose
it. PDG Shively described the advantages of the SPOT camera that his Town
of Niagara Lions Club recently purchased since the MTI screeners are no longer
repairable. HIPAA laws prevent us telling the client’s parents what the
problem is, if any, thus, they are notified by the Ross. President
Lavallee has left it up to the membership if they would like to keep the
Merritton meeting casual or allow PDG Shively to present the camera at that
meeting. The consensus was that we should. She also commented on
getting the project going with the schools to accept the screening.
Journey For Sight: Chairman
Witkowski reported the Journey has returned to the Journey On-The-Road with
Niagara County Lions as the hosts. A total of over $4,000 was raised and
with the funds from the 2009 Journey never claimed, the grand total was over
$5,000 that will be split among four beneficiaries. Next year is Erie
County Lions turn.
Eyeglass collection boxes: President
Lavallee reported that boxes are available from the International for $186.00
for 10. Lion Witkowski reported large black tote containers were obtained
from his last employer to be cleaned and painted for use as collection
containers. Lion Rusert who has also volunteered to collect the eyeglasses
from our collection locations.
Loan closet: Lion Chervinsky received a
check for $30 from a client who a walker was loaned out to. President
Lavallee requested anyone who performs an act of service or who signs out a Loan
Closet item to report it to Lion Boies-Lobl, as it will count toward the 100
million acts of service promoted by IP Joe Preston. President Lavallee
stated we need to schedule time to clean out the closet. Lion Crawford
reported that it is not as bad has previously thought. We have no
walker/scooters with seats and we are down to two walkers with wheels. The
biggest problem is we have wheelchairs without footrests. He, followed by
Lion Steinagel, will report donated items to Lion Boies-Lobl.
DG Mike was introduced by Lion ZC
Witkowski. DG Mike has raffle tickets and state pins available. DG
Mike questioned the club if we have a website, contribute to LCIF, receive the
DG Niagara Frontier Lion and state newsletter. As of the 19th, the club
was in arrears for its’ state dues. Lion Crawford responded he did receive
the email but couldn’t find it. DG Mike will send him the email.
Lion Crawford questioned where we get notice for our district dues. DG
Mike responded it is found in the DGNFL. DG Mike began talking about the
visibility of Lions resulting in being helpful in recruiting. Other
visible projects we do are Buffalo Kids News Day, White Cane, Special Kids
Picnic, along with Miracle League. The four projects that IP Preston would
like us to focus on between now and Lions centennial in 2017 are in the areas of
youth, hunger, vision, and the environment. Bottom line, report all we
do. IP Joe’s theme is Strengthen the Pride which not only includes
increasing membership but also in pride that we exhibit as Lions. He
stressed that we have a plan to give potential members something to do.
Great speakers are a great way to welcome new members. He commented on the
great speakers we have coming up. Partnering with other service groups and
invite them to a meeting to coordinate the functions we all do. He stated
opportunities are available for members: the Sub-District Convention will allow
Lions to discuss what is available to them for additional service
projects. Membership goals should be set. The state and
international conventions occur in April and June. The USA-Canada Forums
are populated with great speakers that provide more nuts-and-bolts things that
will help us become better
Lions. Leadership opportunities also exist
for those who want to advance as Lions: region and zone chairs, committee chairs
such as Diabetes Awareness, Sight, Journey For Sight. The district will
help find slots for those who want to become better Lions. DG Mike brought
chevrons to honor Lions Bill Wind (15 years), unintelligible (15 years),
Anne Fahning (15 years), Dan Morabito (unintelligible), Crawford (25
years), Bassette (40 years). He commented on recruiting. He
suggested leaving Lion Witkowski home. DG Mike learned that Lions should
leave their most enthusiastic member home because after he or she relates all
that we are famous for, potential members will simply state they are too
busy. DG Mike suggests we approach a candidate by saying: “I from the
Grand Island Lions Club. My name is Mike, and I would like you to be a member of
the Grand Island Lions Club. What do you know about Lions?” The
person will say something about your eyeglass collections, or a sign at Miracle
League Field, or know someone who was a Lion, or maybe their grandfather was a
Lion; he may even know nothing about Lions. What you tell the person is
this: “We are a community based group looking to make the places we live and
work a better place. Would you like to be part of something like
that?” Then invite him or her to a meeting. It may not always work
but asking someone you know just might. He then thanked the club for its
hospitality.
Sub-district Convention and Cabinet
Meeting: President Lavallee mentioned it and invited members to
attend.
Cycle For Sight: President
Lavallee mention it being held in Lancaster’s Come Lake Park on Sunday,
September 28th.
Lions International Photo Contest: Lion
Witkowski reported that all members could submit any amount of photos at our
next meeting. Only one can move forward to the judging at the Sub-district
meeting. All information is in the DGNFL. He reported that Lion
Chervinsky and he are looking for competition.
Motion to adjourn by Lion Ferrentino,
second by Lion Butler. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at
8:44pm.
Respectfully
submitted,
Lion Tom Witkowski
Grand Island Lions Club Regular Meeting
Minutes
October 8, 2014 Byblos-Niagara Hotel and
Spa
Attendance:Town of Niagara Lions PDG Bob
Shively and Paul Peters f, Donna Lavallee, Dave Chervinsky, Dick Crawford, Al
Ackerman, Tom Rusert, Tom Witkowski, Fred Ruocco, Brooks Rimes, Earl DeGlopper,
Paul Krupa, Shelia Ferrentino, Jerry and Diane Dubiel, Henry Lobl and Annette
Boies-Lobl, Anne Fahning, Dan Morabito, Tom DeCarlo and 17 Merritton Lions
headed by Lion Chief Bob Flynn.
Call to Order: Lion President
Lavallee called the meeting to order at 7:09 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lion J.
Dubiel
O, Canada was led by Merritton Lion Scotty Girotti
Patriotic song
was led by Lion Witkowski
Invocation made by Lion Crawford
Toast to the
Queen of England and President of the U.S.
Tail Twister Lion Ruocco was
released.
Committee reports:
President Lavallee announced:
Grand
Island Supervisor Mary Cooke will speak at Buffalo Launch Club. Supervisor
Cooke wants a head count to assure she has enough information to hand
out.
“Wayback Wednesday” featured early
photos of club members. If the owner of the ticket pulled guessed who the
early pictures of the featured Lions were, that individual would win a bottle of
wine.
Lions International Photo Contest
entrants from our club were to be voted on. Winner moves on to district
level voting at the upcoming sub-district convention.
BonTon update: Lion Boies-Lobl has
Community Day books available. She is asking each member to buy a minimum
of three books. Community Days will be held 11/14 and 11/15.
A thank you card from DG Mike was
received thanking the club on his visitation at the last meeting.
Correspondence: Lion
Corresponding Secretary Boies-Lobl reported receiving a thank you note from a
woman who received a walker. A check from the Community Foundation for
Greater Buffalo was received totaling $1,120 as part of the club investment in
the former Buffalo Blind and Charity Fund.
Loan Closet: President Lavallee
reported that Lion Witkowski provided her the information regarding our
donations of excess equipment to the Tuscarora Indian Nation Health
Clinic. Lion Chervinsky stated he would take care of it.
Sub-district Convention and Cabinet
Meeting: President Lavallee mentioned it and invited members to
attend. Presentations of the vision screening cameras will be made.
Lion candidate Honglin Fan will be inducted at that meeting.
100
Million acts of service: President Lavallee requested that Lions report any act
of service they perform to Lion Boies-Lobl as part of the International’s
efforts to reach that goal by Lions’ 100th Anniversary date in
2017.
The SPOT Vision Screener was presented
by Lions PDG Shively and Peters. The Town of Niagara Lions recently
received their screener through a matching grant from the New York State and
Bermuda Lions Foundation. It is very easy to use and takes about 10
minutes to learn how to use it. Its’ primary purpose is to take pictures
of children’s eyes in their formative years; i.e. between 1 and 5 years of
age. Unfortunately, the lighting in the room prevented the camera from
taking a test subject photo. Lion Peters reported taking over 50 photos in
less than an hour. The camera also displays the photos taken and their
results. Cost for the camera is approximately $7,000. 10 – 15% of
the photos taken indicated that children needed further ophthalmologic
care. One child that was referred had her sight saved because of the
camera. All children in the head Start program must have their eyes
examined using the camera. The program’s nurses receive the reports from
the Ross Eye Institute and they follow up with the parents. 50,000
children statewide have been screened thus far with 10,000 being referred to an
ophthalmologist. Two non-repairable MTI cameras are available to be used
as trade-ins. The key in using it is the environment it will be used
in. The Ross will also evaluate photos obtained from older adults who may
not be able to afford eye exams. The cameras are useable on clients
between three months and 100 years of age.
Raffle was then held.
Lion Chervinsky was the winner of the
club portion of the Lions International Photo Contest with his photo of
“Gennyfur.”
Merritton Lion Linda announced her
club’s Sight Awareness Bowl-A-Thon being held on November 8, 2014.
Lions Krupa and Rimes were correctly
guessed in the “Wayback Wednesday” contest.
Motion to adjourn by Lion Brooks,
second by Lion Fahning. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at
8:56pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lion Tom Witkowski
Grand Island
Lions Club Meeting, Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at
BLC
Attendance: Lions Ackerman, Bassette, Chervinsky,
Crawford, De Carlo, De Glopper, Diane and Jerry Dubiel, Fahning,
Ferrentino, Krupa, LP Lavallee, Annette and Henry Lobl, Morabito, Rimes, Rusert
and Guest Speaker Town Supervisor Mary Cooke.
Meeting called to order by LP
Donna at 7:05 pm
Pledge led by Lion Krupa
Song led by Lion
Annette
Prayer given by Lion Bassette
Dinner served.
50/50- Lion Al’s
name drawn. He pulled the Ace of spades. Jackpot continues.
Introduction of
Guest Speaker Town Supervisor Mary Cooke by LP Donna.
Mary acknowledged the
great benefit that the Lions Loan closet has and the impact on the residents of
Grand Island.
Mary talked about the state of the town’s fiscal health. There
has been a refinancing of debt thru loan consolidation. Expenditures must be
kept under 2%. The town’s is currently 1.83 %. The Moody rating of Aa 2
has been maintained. Challenges of owning and operating water and sewer plants
and roads while maintaining fund balances despite unforeseen breaks etc was
presented. Explanation of the 4 yr. cycle reassessment process with the goal of
achieving equity was discussed. There has been permits granted for 33 new single
homes. There is a 32-unit apartment building being constructed on Grand Island
Blvd. NOCO is building a 35,000 sq. ft. building. Mary distributed a
PR booklet titled Make It Your Business to know Grand Island-Your Bridge to
Success. These are available at Town Hall. The current town population is
20,374. The vision for the future is to keep sound spending and to look at long
range plans.
Committee Reports:
Bon Ton- we need to sell more books
75 must be sold to allow the club to sell on the sale days of 11/14 and
15. We are asking each member to buy 2 books each.
Correspondence:
We
received a check for $50. From the Westfall family to thank us for use of
equipment.
Request from the Olmsted Center for donation.
The Radio reading
Service is planning a fundraiser at Salvatore’s’ Italian Gardens on Dec. 03 at 7
pm. Tickets are $20.
The Evans Lions Club is sponsoring a free film
“Driving Blind” at the Angola Theater on Nov.18.
Cabinet Meeting report was
given by Annette.
Quest Lions program-, which is based in the schools, was
explained. This program improves children life skills thru the fostering of
Lions ideals. D 20 N is applying for a $1000 grant to approach school
districts about this project
Vision Beyond Sight Foundation – 2/3 of the
equipment has been obtained . the foundation is now using Lions money to help
families pay their deductibles. at the Ross Center.
New
Business:
Lion Dick was informed by Byblos that they are closing the
kitchen down from October thru April. We will need to find other places for our
meetings and the spaghetti dinner. Board to handle.
Motion to adjourn
by Lion Shelia, 2nd by Lion Earl.
Respectfully submitted by Lion
Annette
Grand Island
Lions Club Regular Meeting Minutes
November 12, 2014 McMahon’s
Restaurant
Attendance: Donna Lavallee, Dave
Chervinsky, Dick Crawford, Al Ackerman, Tom Rusert, Tom Witkowski, Fred Ruocco,
Brooks Rimes, Earl DeGlopper, Shelia Ferrentino, Henry Lobl and Annette
Boies-Lobl, Anne Fahning, Tom DeCarlo.
Call to Order: Lion President
Lavallee called the meeting to order at 6:58 pm.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by
President Lavallee
Patriotic song was led by Lion
Witkowski
Invocation made by Lion
Crawford
Introduction of guests Curt Nestark and
Alice Gerard of the Grand Island Historical Society by President
Lavallee
Dinner
Tail Twister Lion Ruocco was released
after motion by Lion Fahning and second by Lion Ferrentino.
Committee reports:
BonTon update: Community Days will be
held Friday and Saturday, 11/14 and 11/15. President Lavallee thanked all
those who are participating in the sale. 91 have already been sold with 75
the minimum.
Correspondence: Lion
Corresponding Secretary Boies-Lobl reported receiving our banner patch from the
Ann Stadelmeier Fund.
Banner and patches: President
Lavallee reported she has a patch from the Vision Beyond Sight Foundation and
that Lion Boies-Lobl has two more. President Lavallee stated that our
current banner has no more space for the aforementioned patches and that it is
appearing shabby at the bottom. Lion Boies-Lobl will look into getting a
price and presenting it before the board.
Curt Nestark started off by presenting
trivia questions to the group. He passed out information regarding
locations of historical importance. Mr. Nestark gave a brief history of
the town and displayed numerous antiques such as a stereopticon, bed warmer, egg
grader, and a salt keeper amongst others. The most unusual one was a
“tussie mussie” used to hold fragrant flowers to hide odors from a person or
their clothing since both weren’t washed as frequently as we do
today.
Committee reports, cont’d:
Audit: President Lavallee
reported it has been completed with the task taken on by Lions Lobl, and
Rimes. Everything was in order. Lion Lobl reported the amount of
work put into the recordkeeping was exemplary. He suggested that journal
entries be summarized quarterly. The Finance Committee should be
reinstituted with Lions Crawford, Lobl, Rimes, and Fahning as part of the
committee. Lion Lobl recommended an audit be performed every six
months.
Miracle League 50/50 tickets: President Lavallee
reported that volunteers are needed at the Sabres game on November 22.
Lion Crawford has sent out emails seeking volunteers.
Christmas tree sales: President
Lavallee stated that the club would not be getting any money for the sales at
Kelly’s. The store has elected to support a woman in need of medical
assistance and the Shriner’s organization. This has created a shortfall of
$1,500 that was budgeted as income. Two options are to raise more money,
readjust the budget, or little of both. President Lavallee suggested a
“garage sale” type of event by using the community center at the Nike
base. It is a big job pricing but her experience with her church’s youth
group, over $3,000 was raised. It could be held in the early spring
possibly before the spaghetti dinner.
Spaghetti dinner: With the future
of Byblos in question, we may The club voted that it will be held on April
27.
Family Fun Night: It was good
thing to be involved. Lion Witkowski suggested making it more attractive
to kids. President Lavallee has already secured a gift basket from soma
Cura for the spaghetti dinner.
PDG Leadership Achievement Award:
Nominations are due by December 5th by notifying President Lavallee. It is
an annual award presented to a Lion who has performed exceptional service to the
organization.
100 Million acts of service: Lion
Chervinsky delivered a wheelchair and a walker is scheduled for tomorrow.
President Lavallee wondered if the time five Lions spent at the family Fun Night
counted. Lion Witkowski said it would since youth were involved with
it.
Christmas Party: Lion Ruocco
informed the club that the theme this year would be an ugly Christmas sweater or
ugly Christmas outfit. It will be held at the Buffalo Launch Club.
The Good Neighbors Foundation and the SPCA are the beneficiaries of the
party. Checks can be made out to the Foundation.
Lion Fahning has a digital camera that
she has offered to anyone who wants it. It was suggested to save it for
the proposed garage sale.
Lion Lobl suggested that we could hold
another BonTon coupon book sale in the Spring to earn more money for the
club. Also, he suggested another fundraiser through Wendy’s; we raised
about $200.00 at our last one.
Motion to adjourn by Lion Fahning,
second by Lion Ferrentino. Motion passed. Meeting adjourned at
8:51pm.
Respectfully
submitted,
Lion Tom Witkowski