Greetings Fellow Lions,
As part of a worldwide service organization, we have numerous opportunities to serve. On Saturday, January 28, Lion Marsha, Lion Barbara, and I attended the District 22-C Cabinet meeting in Temple Hills, Maryland. The theme of the day was Leave a Trail of Service. This luncheon meeting proceeded like most of our meetings. We gathered, we ate, and then we got down to business.
The secretary’s report reminded us of things we have done and information about what is coming up.
Cabinet Treasurer Lion Lee Wilson gave a financial report. (Copies of the report are available upon request). The activity account has a large balance. Lion Lee asked for guidance about moving funds for best use. A proposal was also made by the treasurer to consider purchasing a bond to cover future expenses. A $10,000 dollar bond would come at the cost of $2.30 per member. A $15,000 bond would come at the cost of $2.65 per member. A $20,000 bond would come at the cost of $3.00 per member. Local clubs are requested to discuss this proposal and share opinions with the treasurer.
Committee Reports
The Lions Vision Research Foundation was founded in 1988 for the purpose of raising funds for research at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins hospital. The LVRF is working on ways to cut waiting time for patients. The waiting time has been cut from 3-4 weeks to one day. Tiffany Chang has been chosen as the LVRF Fellow for 2012. Our district donation goal to the LVRF for this year is $34,500. The total contributions from local clubs now stand at $12,000.
PDG Ted Ladd reported that our district membership is 1,615. This total reflects a 3.5% decrease in our membership.
Clubs were reminded that additions to the District Honor Roll are due to the VDG Don Beeson by April 1.
VDG Don Beeson reported on the proposed redistricting plan to reflect the change in membership. Currently, we have 6 regions that will be realigned into 4 regions. Montgomery County Region will have an eastern zone and a western zone.
VDG Don Beeson also reported on efforts to get a commemorative coin minted in honor of the Lions Club. We need 190 representatives and 50 senators in favor of this initiative by March in order to bring the proposal to congress. Lions are encouraged to contact our representatives and senators to request their support for our request.
The annual leadership training at Emmitsburg attendance has been decreasing. The required minimum this year is 75 students. At the time of the meeting the registration was 37. At the time of this report, the deadline has passed. I have no information as to whether the registration will be extended.
PDG Bill Lynch reported thatCampMerrickwill offer a day camp this summer. More good news is thatCampMerrickis on solid financial ground. A financial report including costs and budget will be available on March 31. The camp has been closed for the winter that helps cut overall costs and is in the process of being winterized. A clean-up day is scheduled in April. All lions are invited to help out.
Lion Joe McClelland requested donations from local clubs for band and music scholarships for the District 22C Honors Band. Musicians selected by each club will rehearse on April 1 to perform at the 22-C Night in April.
The 2012 USA-Canada Forum is scheduled for September 13-15 inTampa Bay,Florida. Twenty-five to thirty thousand lions are expected to attend this gathering.
IPDG Sandi Halterman reported that the deadline for nominations for the Bull Throwers Award is April 1. Nominees must have at least 10 years of service. She also reported that our Volunteers for LCOF were present at local health and county fairs.
Leader Dogs have visited 24 clubs this year. They are available to give programs to local clubs upon request.
The 2012 District 22-C convention will be held inSalisburyon May 9-12. The 2013 convention is scheduled for May 12-17 inOceanCity.
District Governor Rich Barb reported that donations to LCIF are down. We also need a chair for LCIF. The term for this office is 3 years. He also noted that Melwood needs help to recycle glasses donations.
Cabinet Treasurer Lion Lee Wilson gave a financial report. (Copies of the report are available upon request). The activity account has a large balance. Lion Lee asked for guidance about moving funds for best use. A proposal was also made by the treasurer to consider purchasing a bond to cover future expenses. A $10,000 dollar bond would come at the cost of $2.30 per member. A $15,000 bond would come at the cost of $2.65 per member. A $20,000 bond would come at the cost of $3.00 per member. Local clubs are requested to discuss this proposal and share opinions with the treasurer.