Lions Share

The official newsletter of the Lions of Illinois Foundation

CONGRATULATIONS ILLINOIS

Recently, in Louisville , Kentucky , three Illinois Lions were elected to the Board of Directors of the North American Conference of Lions Foundations (NACLF). Past District Governors Bruce Summers 1-CS and Joyce K. Schroeder 1-L (Past Foundation President) along with Executive Director Van Stone attended the 15 th Annual Conference of the North American Lions Foundations and were elected to the Board thereby further validating the perception that the Lions of Illinois have developed one of the finest small eleemosynary institutions in the vast panoply of charitable organizations. However, the good news does not stop with the election of these Lions to the Board of Directors. Lion Schroeder was also elected to the office of Treasurer and Executive Director Stone was elected to the office of Vice President. Put into perspective, Illinois now has 25% of the membership of an organization which represents over 1,300 independent Lions Foundations managing nearly a billion dollars of assets.

During the conference, Executive Director Stone was presented a plaque for his years of service as Vice President and President. The importance of these elections and recognitions lies in the perception that our Foundation continues to warrant an honored position of leadership. What it further suggests is that the Lions of Illinois should support their Foundation in its quest to assist as many visually and hearing impaired children and adults as possible. The Lions of Illinois have created a great Foundation recognized everywhere and now is the time to “grow” it into the legacy to which we have subscribed.

Madison County Students Have the Key(s)

The LIF is once again the proud recipient of the collective work of Madison County students. Each year under the guidance of Anne Linenfelser, Madison County 's Recycling Coordinator, students throughout the county collect eyeglasses, keys, and other recyclable products.

Executive Director Lion Van C. Stone will present our thanks and Certificates of Appreciation at a dinner to mark this achievement on May 17 th .

Pictured: This Madison County student is all smiles as he displays the over 20,000 keys he collected on his own.

In My Opinion

Lion Van C. Stone , Executive Director

IT'S TIME TO UNITE!

As the state convention looms closer, it would seem appropriate to remind every Lion that regardless of the issues that may come before us to decide, the only guidance we should seek is the clarity to see the best interest of the Lions and the people we serve. Sometimes, in discussing the various issues confronting our beloved organization, it is easy to forget that we, as Lions, are united by the famous charge of Helen Keller to become “knights of the blind.”

There are five resolutions for consideration at the state convention and we urge every Lion to exercise his/her right to vote on Sunday, May 22, 2005 , in Springfield , Illinois . One of the issues involves the structure of our Board of Trustees and we believe that it is the absolute right and responsibility of every Lion to register his/her preference as to how our Foundation is to be governed. The only issue which we should consider is whether our Foundation is bettered served by reducing the turnover rate on the Board and increasing coverage within the Districts by having the Lions elect two trustees or continuing with the present construction.

The point of this reminder is that regardless of one's position on any of the issues to be determined in Springfield, when all is said and done, we should remain united as brothers and sisters dedicated to the proposition that as Lions, we have a God-given opportunity to build a great legacy to the human spirit—a Foundation that will last beyond our earthly terms that will help those whose lives need caring assistance. Come to Springfield , vote, and make a pledge during the Parade of Pledges. It is important!

BIRDIES FOR DIGNITY!

It never ceases to amaze this observer that the Birdies for Charity program represent an opportunity of epic proportions for our Foundations and, more importantly, the people we serve and yet, every Lion in Illinois does not participate in this fundraiser. The numbers are staggering! If every Lion and Lioness in Illinois would pledge or secure a pledge from someone else of only one penny (1 cent), over $400,000 would be raised each year for our Endowment Fund. If one projects the income earned from this amount assuming a 5% return, $20,000 would be earned each year resulting in hundreds of visually and hearing impaired children and adults receiving critically needed services. Whenever the lives of those who must deal with the effects of blindness and/or deafness are improved, the pledges for pennies for birdies shot at the John Deere Classic become “birdies for dignity.” Please, pledge at least a penny per birdie and take your chance to win a car or some other prize. Seek others to participate. It is easy to do! You will be a winner and so will the people we serve. If you have not made a pledge contact your District's Birdies for Charity Chairman:

District 1-A - Harry Barber , PDG

District 1-B - Chris Luttrell

District 1-CN - Ron Newsome

District 1-CS - Bruce Summers, PDG

District 1-D - Robert Niblo, PDG

District 1-E - Glenn Long

District 1-F - Footloose

District 1-G - Earl Steiner PDG and John Thien , PDG

District 1-H - Mush Kojima, PDG

District 1-J - Leo Smith , PDG

District 1-K - Rick Tonozzi , PDG

District 1-L - Joyce K. Schroeder , PFP, PDG

Now there is 3 Times the Fun!

New this Year — the “No Excuse Celebration”

THREE Open House Celebrations,
one close to you, now you have no excuse!

NORTH — Camp Reynoldswood, Dixon, IL — August 5

CENTRAL — Camp East Bay near Bloomington IL — JULY 22

SOUTH — Camp Dubois, DuBois, IL — JULY 29

At Camp Lions kids with vision & hearing impairments enjoy summer,
make new memories & lifelong friends. Come see for yourself how the gift of Camp Lions has changed their world!

Open House Celebrations begin at 2pm & ends at 8pm.

Take a tour & get a chance to see Camp Lions kids as they enjoy archery, swimming, fishing, arts & crafts, sports, and other activities that make this camp such fun!

Dinner served at 5pm—Donation $7.50 per person age 10 & up.
Menu: Burgers, Dogs, Chips, Lemonade, & Dessert.

Please reserve your seat at the festivities by submitting the form below, two week prior to the celebration you will be attending, to the Camp Lions Registrar at:

Camp Lions/Open House
2814 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, Il 60178-3117

NAME____________________________________

CLUB___________________________________

PH.#_________________________ NUMBER IN GROUP____________

I (WE) WILL ATTEND:

_____DIXON _____BLOOMINGTON _____DUBOIS

NUMBER EATING__________

CHECK AMOUNT ENCLOSED___________

The Camp Lions experience is a unique program to enrich and empower visually & hearing impaired children through self-discovery, challenge, and new friendships.

At Camp Lions children quickly become friends as they share in the fun of swimming, boating, horseback riding, nature walks, archery, and many more camp activities. They learn that having a sight or hearing impairment need not limit them from any of summer's opportunities. At Camp Lions children are encouraged to develop their independent skills and to grow in ways that will help them throughout the rest of their lives.

ADOPT-A-CHILD TO CAMP LIONS

In order to be sure that as many children as possible may have the opportunity to attend Camp Lions and benefit from these wonderful experiences, the Lions of Illinois Foundation is asking every Lion and Lioness Club in the state of Illinois to help by “adopting“ at least one child to Camp Lions with a donation of $525. This donation will help to defer some of the total costs associated with those attending. These costs include: lodging, food, recreational fees, and qualified staff to lead and inspire campers, just to name a few.

A picture & hand-made thank you created by your camper will be sent to your club along with our appreciation so that you can be familiar with the child you adopt to Camp Lions . (Be sure to specify the name(s) if you have a particular child in mind.)

Please adopt a child to attend Camp Lions this summer. Feel good that you have enriched the life of a child. Help us so we never need to turn away any deserving child from the wonderful experience that Camp Lions can offer them. Please make any and all contributions to the Lions of Illinois Foundation/Camp Lions of Illinois and send to :

Lions of Illinois Foundation, Adopt – A – Child, 2814 DeKalb Avenue , Sycamore , IL 60178 .

Thank you for your generosity,

Mario Gumino, Camp Lions Administrator

mgumino@tbc.net

Enclosed is a check for $_________ to adopt _______camper(s) to Camp Lions for Summer 2005.

Club Name_______________________________________________District_______

2005 CAMP LIONS SCHEDULE
June 26-July 2 –Camp Reynoldswood, Dixon, IL
July 10-16 –East Bay Camp, Bloomington, IL
July 17–23 –East Bay Camp, Bloomington, IL
July 24-30 –Camp DuBois, Dubois Center, IL
July 31-August 6 –Camp Reynoldswood, Dixon, IL

To be eligible a camper must be between the ages of 7 - 17 & have either a visual or hearing impairment as described:
HEARING IMPAIRMENT: auditory loss which adversely affects speech & language development and communication abilities, requiring the use of a hearing aid, or cochlear implant, sign language, finger spelling, or lip reading.
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT: loss to be in the range between total blindness and 20/200 in both after correction.

Do you know a child that would benefit from the Camp Lions experience?
If you do, ask them if they are interested in having a week of fun & friendship at Camp Lions.

For More Information Contact:

Alan Wilson, Camp Registrar
Camp Lions of Illinois
2814 DeKalb Avenue
Sycamore, IL 60178-3117
adwilson@tbc.net

815-756-5633 V * 815-748-9088 TTY * 815-748-9087 Fax

Camp Lions Treats

One of the daily events our campers look forward to is treats. Not just for the delicious surprises, but the visits from Lions, Lioness, & Leos . So each night, around 7pm , they eagerly wait, mouths watering, for the people they love, Lions!

How about being one of these visitors? It is simple to arrange, just contact the Camp Registrar @ 815-756-5633 extension 231 and say, ” I want to treat the camp!”. You will be given the dates still available, or dates that can be shared with another Club. Hurry the dates fill fast, but you will never get your fill of Camp Lions !

Interview with 2005

Camp Lions Director Darcy Schulte

Camp Lions is proud to introduce Darcy Schulte as the 2005 Camp Lions Director. Here are a few questions she answered about herself & her goals for the camp.

Q:Tell us a little bit about who Darcy is.

A: I am a Senior at MacMurray College in Jacksonville , IL . I am getting my Bachelors Degree in Deaf & Hard of Hearing Teacher Education and have an Associate of arts in Sign Language Interpreting. I was a Camp Lions Counselor last year (2004), and am excited to be Camp Director this year.

Q: Have you worked with kids anywhere other than Camp Lions?

A: I grew up working with kids, my first job was babysitting. I have also worked at various camps for the past 4 years. I now work at the Illinois School for the Deaf as the Assistant School to Work Coordinator.

Q: Why be Director at Camp Lions?

A: I am excited to be Director of Camp Lions, above any other camp, because it is unique and has unique children involved. I want to give each camper an unforgettable week away from home, the focus is on FUN! I am bound and determined to make positive changes to the program which campers will enjoy.

Among the many faces at Camp will also be Carole Ruiz, as the Assistant Director & Camp Health Officer, Laura Schuh, who will review all camper health forms, oversee camper self-medications, and provide basic first aid care.

LIF Staff Directory

Staff

Van C. Stone , Executive Director – Ext. 227

Mario J. Gumino , Accounts Manager/Camp Administrator – 224

Dianne Ortega , Receptionist - Ext. 221

Joanne Delby , Development Coordinator – Ext. 222

Sherry A. Radek , Assistant to the Exec. Dir. - Ext. 223

Alan D. Wilson, Camp Lions Registrar - Ext. 231

Susan F. Young , Programs Coordinator – Ext. 240

Nancy L. Lazzaro, Office Assistant – Ext. 250

Joe Krenkel, Hearing Bus Driver/Screening Tech. - Ext. 224

Joy Knollenberg, Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Tech. – Ext 240

Main Line : 815-756-5633

TTY: 815-748-9088

Fax: 815-748-9087

For immediate assistance

during business hours Dial “0”

The LIF Office is open 8:30am to 4:30pm,

Monday through Friday, except holidays

Text Box: 12 Annual Golf Classic Needs Your Help We are collecting items to be “door prizes” for the golf classic. Anything works – caps, mugs, or a convertible car. (Okay, the car is a bit much.) If you can help, please contact Mario Gumino @ 815-756-5633 ext. 224 or by e-mail at Mgumino@tbc.net. Text Box: LIF events & news items are always welcome for publication in the Lions Share. Send articles & photos to: Alan Wilson, 2814 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL. 60178-3117. Material may also be submitted by e-mail to adwilson@tbc.net. All submissions are subject to space availability & subject matter.

Upcoming LIF Events …

Mark Your Calendar

May 19-22, 2005

Board of Trustees Meeting/ State Convention

Hilton Hotel, Springfield , IL

June 5, 2005

1 st Annual Night Walk

Danada Equestrian Center , Wheaton , IL

July 22, 2005

Camp Lions Open House

East Bay Camp, Bloomington , IL

July 22, 2005

Incoming Board of Trustees Refresher Course

The Chateau, Bloomington , IL

July 23-24, 2005

Board of Trustees Meeting

The Chateau, Bloomington , IL

July 29, 2005

Camp Lions Open House

Camp DuBois Center , DuBois , IL

August 5, 2005

Camp Lions Open House

Reynoldswood Camp , Dixon , IL

August 6, 2005

12 th Annual Golf Classic

Railside Golf Course

Gibson City , IL

August 7, 2005

Coordinators Meeting

The Chateau, Bloomington , IL

October 14(15), 2005

Lions Candy Day

Join the Parade of Pledges

Step on up & join the parade of pledges at the LIF Annual Meeting May 22, 2005 .

Help meet our goal to aid the nearly one million Illinois residents with vision & hearing loss!

2005 – 2006 CLUB OFFICER REPORTING FORM

THIS FORM MUST BE RETURNED TO THE FOUNDATION BY JUNE . 1, 2005 LIONS OF ILLINOIS FOUNDATION

2814 DeKALB AVENUE

SYCAMORE , ILLINOIS 60178-3117

(LIF Receptionist E-mail: dortega@tbc.net )

815-756-5633 V * 815-748-9087 FAX

District_______________ Club# __________________ Club Name _______________________________________

PRESIDENT