Edition No. 2004-01                             January 2004                             Editor: Dana Mansell   

THE PREZ SEZ:   

 Happy New Year to all of you.  Seems like ages since we had a meeting.  Look forward to our meeting on Friday, January 9th.   We want to extend our sympathy to Joyce and Hunter Garbee in the death of Joyce’s mother as well as one of our members, Muriel Frickbohm.  I hope that we are all rested and ready for the activities coming up this year.  We feed the homeless again in January and Bill LeFeber has a sign up sheet.  If you have volunteered, be sure you keep the date of January 17^th in mind for the project.  Just a reminder that the State Convention is early again this year.  The convention is in Fayetteville the first weekend in March and reservations are due in February.  Jim and I will have some copies of the registration form at the meetings if you are interested.

The third District 31-C cabinet meeting is Saturday, January 10, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. at the Gaston College Campus in Lincolnton, NC.  Anyone is welcome to attend the cabinet meeting.

 There will be a Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at 7:15 a.m. at the Fairview Plaza Restaurant.  Please note that the meeting time if 7:15 a.m.—not 7:30 a.m.  Hope to see all Board Members and anyone else interested.  We need to make plans to attend so that a quorum will be present.

Thanks for your support.  See you at the meetings.

Shelia

CONGRATS TO LIONS ON THEIR JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

We have several members who will be celebrating their birthdays this month.  Give them congratulations for their big day!

Lion Dan Drum – January 25          Lion Hunter Garbee – January 9     

Lion Elvira Lopez – January 1         Lion Ralph Sullivan – January 14

LION YASMIN KRISTENSEN RUNNING MARATHON FOR LEUKEMIA

Lion Yasmin Kristensen will be running in Charlotte’s Run for Peace Marathon Saturday, January 10^th as a fund-raiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Lion Yasmin has already raised more than $1800 for this important cause with the help of individuals at the Lions Club as well as others.  Congratulations to Lion Yasmin for that fantastic effort in her fund-raising!

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training^® (TNT) is the world's largest endurance sports training program. They provide athletes with the coaching and training to make athletic goals a reality.

 In exchange for training and support, you raise money toward cures for leukemia, the leading disease killer of children; Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the largest group of blood cancers; and myeloma, a nearly incurable cancer that particularly strikes the elderly and African Americans.  This year the Society will support more than 30,000 runners, walkers, cyclists and triathletes who will participate in the world's major marathons and centuries. TNT has raised millions of dollars toward finding cures for leukemia and the other blood cancers

Check out the Marathon’s website at www.runforpeace.active.com for more information and the course map.  Spectators are more than welcome and Lion Yasmin estimates her time to complete the course will be approximately five hours.  So if you have a chance to go out and cheer on our fellow Lion please work around that time frame. 

We all wish Lion Yasmin GOOD LUCK for her race and applaud her outstanding efforts!

PARTNERSHIPS EXEMPLIFY SPIRIT OF LIONISM

Never tested for hearing, the nine-year old Mexican girl cried as Lion Bill Klingensmith gently hooked her up to the audiometer. She sobbed while the hearing aid was fitted. And the tears didn't stop when her mother began speaking to her. Only this time her crying was not because of fear or stress.

"She was just so, so happy," recalled Klingensmith. "She was smiling through her tears."

Klingensmith and the Clawson Lions of Michigan brought the gift of hearing in May of 2001 to impoverished residents of Rioverde San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Two hundred thirty-nine people were fitted with hearing aids.

"It was something to see the joy of children and adults when for the first time they could hear voices, birds, traffic sounds," said Klingensmith, president of the Clawson Lions at the time and past district governor of 11-A2. "I've been a Lion for 35 years and never had the opportunity to go on a mission. This was so gratifying."

LCIF provided a US $10,000 international assistance grant for the project between the Lions of Rioverde and Clawson. Rioverde Lions assisted with logistics, transportation, customs clearance and publicity. Rioverde Lion Dr. Ismael Suarez fitted the hearing aids. Assisting him was Ken Nielsen, third vice president of the Clawson Lions and a licensed hearing aid dispenser.

- Article from LCIF News website

MAKING SPECIAL OLYMPICS EVEN MORE SPECIAL

Athletes at Special Olympics now bring home glasses and sports goggles as well as medals, thanks to LCIF. The benefits of participation now go way beyond boosting self-esteem: it saves some competitors from an entirely new disability--blindness.

Owing to a partnership with LCIF, athletes at select Special Olympics games receive free eye exams, and, if needed, free glasses and sports goggles on the spot.

They also are checked for glaucoma and other eye diseases. The screenings have resulted in better vision in a chronically underserved population and have prevented blindness through early detection of disease.

LCIF awarded a three-year grant of US $3.3 million in 2001 for the Special Olympics/Lions Opening Eyes program. Opening Eyes vision screenings occur at select Special Olympics sporting events worldwide. In the first year of the partnership, screenings were held at 26 events in the United States and at eight competitions abroad.

Lions play a crucial volunteer role. They help with registration, color vision testing, visual acuity tests and distribution of glasses and protective sports goggles. Lions also conduct some of the actual vision tests. Over half the optometrists donating their time at a screening in Michigan were Lions.

Special Olympics athletes are in particular need of eye testing. Research showed that 68 percent had no eye exam in three years, 37 percent needed glasses and 18 percent wore clinically incorrect glasses.

Special Olympics were founded 30 years ago by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to provide sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with mental retardation. LCIF is a most welcome partner in its mission. "We are honored to be chosen as one of the causes of the Lions Club International Foundation," said Special Olympics President and CEO Timothy Shriver. "We are grateful for the resources and the volunteers Lions will provide. Together, we can inspire greatness and help Special Olympics athletes optimize their abilities."

The Opening Eyes program was a Core 4 grant, given to projects that preserve sight, combat disability, promote health or serve youth. Opening Eyes has its eye on the future. The program will grow to 47 sites in 2002, including needy populations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. The program also will teach professors and optometry students how to better care for those with mental retardation, ensuring that the fundamental objectives of the grant are fulfilled long after the money is gone.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 - Article from LCIF News website

NEWSLETTER NEWS

Please be advised that Lion Dana Mansell will be stepping down from editing the South Park Roar as soon as a replacement is found.  Lion Dana will be relocating to Denver, CO sometime in 2004 and therefore will be resigning from the club. If you’re interested in helping with the newsletter, please send Lion Dana an email (danamansell@yahoo.com).

JDRF WALK TO CURE DIABETES

Get ready to raise money and walk for a GREAT cause! The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s annual 5-mile walkathon fund-raiser will be held this year April 3, 2004 at Carowinds.  Last year our club raised over $2500, which went towards the “Lion Strutters” team achievement of raising over $25,000.  That in turn went to the Charlotte Chapter of JDRF’s record-breaking total of OVER $1 million! This year our goal will be to BEAT last year’s numbers!

More than one million Americans have type 1 diabetes, a disease most often diagnosed in childhood that strikes suddenly, lasts a lifetime, and carries the constant threat of deadly complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation. JDRF's mission is constant: to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. Thanks to dramatic research progress, a cure is now within our reach.

Like last year, the South Park Lions Club will be combining with other Lions Clubs across the Carolinas to under the team name Lions Strutters.  There are several ways for members of our club to get involved in this with the main ones being:

1.     WALK – Have a fun-filled day at Carowinds with fellow Lions and friends while contributing to a great cause by only your presence.

2.     RAISE MONEY – Our club will use the letter-writing format used last year for the main fund-raising opportunity.  This is EASY – just mail a letter (provided by Lion Dana) to family, friends, and colleagues that would be interested in donating. The time commitment on your end is quite small and only costs envelopes and stamps

Please contact Lion Dana Mansell via email (danamansell@yahoo.com) for more information as to how to get involved. Also, a lot of good information is available on the JDRF’s website at www.jdrf.org. 

STAY CONNECTED!

Keep on top of things by logging onto the following links:

·       www.southparklions.org – The club’s webpage

·       www.nclions-31c.org – The district’s webpage

·       www.lionsclubs.org – Information on what Lions do

·       www.nclf.org – Information about Camp Dogwood

Edition No. 2003-12                                        December 2003                                          Editor: Dana Mansell                             

 CALENDAR

              DAY                DATE             TIME              WHAT

            Friday              12/5                 7:30 AM          TBA – Lion Yasmin Kristensen

            Friday              12/12               7:30 AM          TBA – Lion Yasmin Kristensen

Tuesday           12/16               7:15 AM          Board Meeting at restaurant

            Friday              12/19               7:30 AM          Monthly Business Meeting

            Sunday             12/21               7:00 PM          Club Christmas Party - See Calendar for details. 

            Thursday          12/25               All Day       MERRY CHRISTMAS!

            Friday              12/26               N/A                NO MEETING 

            Friday              1/2                   N/A                 Meeting not yet confirmed

___________________________________________________________________________________

THE PREZ SEZ:    

Hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  We all have so much to be thankful about.  Those of us who volunteered for the first Homeless Shelter program certainly saw first hand how blessed we are.  Thanks for participating.  Those of you who will help in December will certainly be blessed by serving others.  November was very eventful with several opportunities to help others.  We also have a full month coming up in December.  During all of your busy times this month, take some time out to do something extra for someone.  The third Saturday of December is another opportunity to volunteer your time at the Men’s Shelter.  The Christmas Child project is underway and there are still some times to volunteer to help at the warehouse.

Jim and I wish each and every one of you and your families a joyful and happy Christmas.  Blessings to all of you.

Lion Shelia

 CONGRATS TO LIONS ON THEIR DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS

We have several members who will be celebrating their birthdays this month.  Give them all a hug for their December birthday.Lion Amr Swede – December 10                     Lion Dick McLaughlin – December 5   

GATES JOINS CARTER AND LIONS FIGHTING RIVER BLINDNESS

The Atlanta-based Carter Center has received a $10 million grant to fight the parasitic disease known as river blindness from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant also challenges the Center to raise $5 million in matching funds. The money will be used to halt transmission of onchocerciasis (river blindness) in the Americas, where a half million people are at risk for the disease and 180,000 are infected in Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico and Venezuela.

 The Gates Foundation joins Lions Clubs International and the Carter Center in the battle to fight this major cause of preventable blindness. River blindness has infected 18 million people. Half a million are visually impaired and 270,000 are irreversibly blind because of the disease, according to the World Health Organization. The estimated economic burden of global blindness is more than U.S. $25 billion. 

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, an active Lions Clubs member, said, “Fighting blinding diseases has profound significance, not just for me as an interested observer, but for the child who will never go blind and for his parents and grandparents, who now have hope their lives can improve.” On October 15, 2003, Lions Clubs International and the Carter Center celebrated the delivery of more than 50 million Mectizan treatments in 11 countries in Africa and the Americas since 1996.

Lions Clubs International Foundation using the money provided by Lions around the world has provided The Carter Center with U.S. $24.1 million in grants since 1996 to help achieve this goal. With the donation of U.S $10 million and accompanying challenge to match U.S. $5 million, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation have provided welcome support and reinforcement to a successful public-private partnership.

In 1987, Merck & Co., Inc. announced its decision to donate Mectizan in whatever amounts are needed to prevent onchocerciasis, for as long as necessary! Other partners in the project are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, African Programme for Onchocerciases Control, and the national programs of each country involved.

Lions everywhere should welcome the Gates Foundation to our fight against blindness. As Helen Keller said, “…together we can do so much!”

LIONS! Let’s not wait until we are asked to help meet that challenge grant of U.S. $5 million! Each individual club can designate a contribution to LCIF for that specific purpose. Remember, “WE SERVE!”

                                                                                                                   - Submitted by VDG HunterGarbee

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD –  A Presentation

Deirdre Martin of the Samaritan’s Purse organization gave the Lions Club a presentation about Operation Christmas Child in November.  People (individuals, clubs, schools, churches, etc.) donate gift-filled shoeboxes for needy children around the world.  Last year Operation Christmas Child collected 6.2 million shoeboxes for children living in desperate situations in over 95 countries.  The boxes were brought to 1,366 collection sites nationwide, taken to one of seven processing centers across the country (one of which is located in Charlotte), prepared for overseas shipment by volunteers, then transported to their destinations. 

Ms. Martin showed a video of children receiving their boxes and the logistical operation involved.  The joy on the children’s faces was evident as they each got their packages filled with toys, school supplies, hygiene products, and snacks.  All these items which can be taken for granted in lands of plenty such as the US, are rare and special treats for these children.  What a fun way to share the spirit of the season!

It’s not too late to get involved in this wonderful chance to give a less fortunate child a bit of Christmas cheer.  There are several ways you can help.  One way is to make up a shoebox full of goodies for a child (reference guidelines below).  This is an EASY way to contribute – spend fifteen minutes and a few dollars at the Dollar General for example and bring joy to a suffering child. 

Another way to help is to volunteer your time.  Contact Lion Felix Smith who is coordinating times for the Lions to volunteer together.

You can also make a tax-deductible contribution.

Guidelines for Shoebox Contents:

            Suggested Gifts:

·        Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, yo-yos, jumpropes, Slinky

·        School Supplies: pens, pencil and sharpener, crayons, markers, coloring books, paper pads

·        Hygiene Items: toothbrush and paste, soap, comb, washcloth

·        Other: hard candy, lollipops, mints, sunglasses, flashlights with batteries, socks, ball caps, toy jewelry, small picture books, watches, etc

Do NOT include the following:

·        Used items

·        War-related items: toy guns, knives, etc

·        Chocolate or perishable food items

·        Liquids: shampoos, lotion, bubbles, etc

·        Medicines: vitamins, cough drops, ointment, pain relievers, etc

·        Breakable items: mirrors, china dolls, snowglobes, etc

Volunteer Information:

            Hours:              9am – 10pm Monday through Saturday

            Dates:               November 24 – mid December

            Location:          2345 Township Road, Charlotte, NC  28273

How:                To schedule a time to volunteer, contact the Operation Christmas Child office at (704) 583-1463 or email occcarolinas@samaritan.org

Donation Information:

            Send check made out to Samaritan’s Purse and sent to

                                    Samaritan’s Purse

801 Bamboo Road

                                    PO Box 3000

                                    Boone, NC  28607

JDRF PROJECT REMINDER!

For your information the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes will be held April 3, 2004.  Lion Dana Mansell will be advising more in January so we can have another successful year!

COUNTY COMMISSIONER DAN RAMIREZ VISITS THE LIONS

At the November 21^st breakfast meeting, County Commissioner Dan Ramirez addressed the group.  His current position as a local politician in the US is a far cry from the barrios (ghettos) of Bogota, Colombia where he was born.  When he immigrated many years ago, he arrived in Texas with his wife and baby carrying $70 in one pocket and a handful of dreams in the other!  Being elected in 2002 after living in Charlotte for 28 years was one of those dreams.

Given his Latino origins, he says there is sometimes the assumption that he ran for office to champion just for the Latinos.  However, he made it clear that he is determined to serve ALL people in his district, regardless of their heritage and not sectionalize his jurisdiction.Many of Commissioner Ramirez’ goals focus on education.  His mother had taught him to always study and learn because once you have knowledge that cannot be taken away from you.  His intention is to identify creative ways to avoid tax increases and use resources such as buildings that are still viable (he gave the analogy of keeping a car with 100,000 miles that still runs well versus buying a brand new car).

The Southpark Lions thank Commissioner Ramirez for taking the time to meet with and speak to the group

SERVING A HOT MEAL ON A COLD NIGHT – Lions Help Out

On a chilly December 15^th, a group of Lions met at the Emergency Men’s Homeless Shelter uptown to serve dinner to the homeless.  This organization is considered the “last resort” for homeless as it will accept men in that may have been turned away from other homeless shelters for reasons such as being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  The men are frisked upon arrival and may not bring in cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, or weapons of any kind onto the premises. 

Once they’re through the initial checkpoint, the men enter the room where the Lions served.  First they check in with registration and then they receive a ticket for a hot meal and a ticket for a blanket to sleep with that night.  The Lions worked the registration ensuring all the men were updated in the database and then served hot beef stew, bread and rolls, and cake and pastries.  All of the men were pleasant and polite and seemed quite grateful for the meal and shelter that night. 

The interior of the building where they eat and sleep will by no means win any decorating contests.  The walls have holes, patches, and are crumbling in places, there’s no décor of any kind, the rooms are bare with stacks of thin cot-sized mattresses for use with the blankets which themselves are clearly worn and frayed.  But there’s light, heat, bedding, food, and some fellowship with others in the same situation.

While the men got their basic needs met, it was a humbling experience for the Lion volunteers that night.  What opportunities to see just how good we all have it!  Many thanks to Lion Bill LeFeber and his wife Reta for getting the Lions involved. They donate quite a bit of their time and resources to this group throughout the winter months.  Contact Lion Bill for more information and to get involved, as the Lions will be hosting dinner once a month through the whole winter.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. TAE-SUP LEE,

President, The International Association of Lions Clubs

Every Lion can benefit from the Lions Learning Center that is accessed through the association’s Web site.  Here, state-of-the-art training techniques and technology are employed to make members better aware of our history and goals and to sharpen their own leadership capabilities.  The center continues to expand in order to better identify the educational needs of Lions and to provide them with the very best services possible.

LIONS SERVICE PROGRAMS

At its April 2003, the Lions Clubs International Board of Directors identified the following seven categories for Lions service programs:

·        Community Services

·        Diabetes Awareness

·        Environmental Services

·        Hearing and Speech Action and Work with the Deaf

·        International Relations

·        Lions Opportunities for Youth

·        Sight Conservation and Work with the Blind

The Adopted Service Programs of Lions Clubs International (IAD-223) details the seven program areas.  Lions can download the publication from the Lions Web site (click into “Resources,” then “Publications,” then “Activities and Programs”).

- Information from THE LION Magazine (October 2003)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

12/6     Volunteer for Operation Christmas Child (contact Lion Felix Smith for other info and other dates)

            12/20   Volunteer at the Emergency Men’s Homeless Shelter

STAY CONNECTED!

Keep on top of things by logging onto the following links:

·        www.southparklions.org – The club’s webpage

·        www.nclions-31c.org – The district’s webpage

·        www.lionsclubs.org – Information on what Lions do

Edition No. 2003-11                                        November 2003                                          Editor: Dana Mansell                             

 CALENDAR

              DAY                DATE             TIME              WHAT

            Friday              11/7                 7:30 AM          “Operation Christmas Child”

Tuesday           11/11               7:15 AM          Board Meeting at restaurant – NOTE NEW DATE!

            Friday              11/14               7:30 AM          Monthly Business Meeting – NOTE CHANGE!                                   

            Friday              11/21               7:30 AM          Speaker - County Commissioner Dan Ramirez

            Thursday          11/27               All Day            HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

            Friday              11/28               All Day             NO MEETING – Happy Shopping and Turkey Leftovers!

___________________________________________________________________________________

 THE PREZ SEZ:   

  Wow! What a way to end the month of October.  The 31-C District Convention at Camp Dogwood is now past.  But what a weekend.  Thanks go out especially to Hunter and Joyce Garbee and thanks also to many others who also helped.  There was something to keep you busy all day long Saturday and Friday’s Fun night was special. 

 Then we started November off with a bang with the Theater Project Sunday evening.  The food was great and the play was wonderful.  Fun was had by all.  We didn’t sell as many tickets as we wanted but those in attendance had a great time.

 There are several opportunities for service in November and I sincerely hope that you will take advantage of the opportunities to Serve Others especially during this month when we celebrate Thanksgiving.  Operation Christmas Child is underway and we should be getting our shoe boxes together.  We will also be helping with feeding the homeless on November 15^th.  We will need about 10 volunteers for this project.  If you will not be available on that date, don’t worry.  We will need 10 people each month during the winter for this project.  On November 22^nd we will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army and selling brooms.  Opportunity knocks—will you answer????

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Lion Shelia

 CONGRATS TO LIONS ON THEIR NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

 We have several members who will be celebrating their birthdays this month.  Give them all a hug for their November birthday.

 Lion Thomas Crates – Nov. 27        Lion Rebecca Fairchild – Nov. 7          Lion Ed Galway – Nov. 15      

Lion Cindy Garbee – Nov. 30         Lion Felix Smith – Nov. 8                     Lion Ranjana Sontakay – Nov. 15  

 OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD -  A Great Opportunity to Make a Difference

 This is a wonderful chance to give a less fortunate child a bit of Christmas cheer.  There are several ways you can help.  One way is to make up a shoebox full of goodies for a child. See Lion Celeste Kimbrough to get a box (guidelines below).  This is an EASY way to contribute – spend fifteen minutes and a few dollars at Target or Walmart for example and bring joy to a suffering child.  Another way to help is to volunteer your time.  Volunteer information is listed below.  Additionally our club will establish some times to volunteer together (times TBA).  You can also make a tax-deductible contribution.       

Guidelines for Shoebox Contents:

            Suggested Gifts:

·        Toys: small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, yo-yos, jumpropes, Slinky

·        School Supplies: pens, pencil and sharpener, crayons, markers, coloring books, paper pads

·        Hygiene Items: toothbrush and paste, soap, comb, washcloth

·        Other: hard candy, lollipops, mints, sunglasses, flashlights with batteries, socks, ball caps, toy jewelry, small picture books, watches, etc

 Do NOT include the following:

·        Used items

·        War-related items: toy guns, knives, etc

·        Chocolate or perishable food items

·        Liquids: shampoos, lotion, bubbles, etc

·        Medicines: vitamins, cough drops, ointment, pain relievers, etc

·        Breakable items: mirrors, china dolls, snowglobes, etc

 Volunteer Information:

            Hours:              9am – 10pm Monday through Saturday

            Dates:               November 24 – mid December (excluding Thanksgiving Day)

            Location:          2345 Township Road, Charlotte, NC  28273

How:                To schedule a time to volunteer, contact the Operation Christmas Child office at (704) 583-1463 or email occcarolinas@samaritan.org

 Donation Information:

            Send check made out to Samaritan’s Purse and sent to

                                    Samaritan’s Purse

801 Bamboo Road

                                    PO Box 3000

                                    Boone, NC  28607

LIONS DISTRICT CONVENTION

On a beautiful day, one hundred sixty seven (167) Lions and special guests gathered last Friday and Saturday at Camp Dogwood on Lake Norman. It was one of the best attended conventions in recent years, attracted mostly by a stimulating program focused on the theme, “Innovation, Encouraging and Serving!”

 Fourteen (14) SouthPark Lions and four (4) Charlotte Central Lions took part in a program that included panel discussions, equipment demonstrations, and challenging speakers. International Director John Rabideau, from Churchville, New York, and our own Past International Director Sid Scruggs, from the Vass, NC Lions, delivered the messages from Lions International with enthusiasm. Ms. Astrid Chirinos, sister of Lion Nestor Chirinos, kept the audience spellbound with her presentation on changing demographics in North Carolina and what the Lions should be doing to adapt to, adopt, and accept the changes that are not only coming, but already here!

 The formal District Cabinet meeting was opened with a motivational message from VIP Cathy Harris. Eighty (80) Lions attended the Cabinet meeting where reports were received from Zone and committee chairpersons. As part of New Business, the District adopted a resolution endorsing Past International Director, Lion Sid Scruggs for Second Vice President of Lions International. Lion Sid will be nominated at the next International Convention in Detroit/Windsor next June.

 The convention began and ended on notes of song and friendship. Friday night Ms. Stacey Adkins, a marvelous local cabaret singer, and comic magician Lion Charles Stevens, from the Lincolnton Lions club entertained us. The food was good, the entertainment the best, and the challenging messages well received! A good time was had by all.

- Submitted by VDG Hunter Garbee

 LIONS ROAR AT THEATER CHARLOTTE

 On Sunday night more than one hundred (100) Lions and guests attended a performance of Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” at Theatre Charlotte. After a barbecue supper, the audience enjoyed what the critics acclaimed as a “Dazzling” production of Coward’s time tested comedy.

 The Charlotte Eastern, Central, SouthPark and University City Lions clubs sponsored the program. Proceeds from the project will go to Lions Services of Mecklenburg County, Inc., and the North Carolina Lions Foundation. Lions Dave Shimberg, Raul Farroch and Pete Givens deserve special applause for chairing the project and overseeing the food, table service, Lions informational display, and ushering effort on Sunday. Lots of individual effort went into this project, so thank you all. Next year we’ll pick a better date and work harder to assure a full house and our best Lion support of Camp Dogwood and the Eye Clinic at Lions Services.

 - Submitted by VDG Hunter Garbee

VISION VAN DAY AT CPCC – Lions Help Out with Eye Screenings

 On September 30 the Southpark Lions volunteered at the CPCC’s Levine Campus with the Vision Van.  The Van travels all over North Carolina to give people a chance to get their eyesight checked, to get tested for disease such as glaucoma, and to meet with a eyecare professionals.  Mike Howard is the full-time manager of this project sponsored by the Lions. Many people who take advantage of this opportunity have not had their eyes checked for years and may be living with limited vision without even realizing it!  This provides them a chance to get assistance, education, and direction to improve their vision that they likely never would have had.

Special thanks to those Southpark Lions who participated – Jim and Shelia Sasser, Hunter and Joyce Garbee, Cindy Garbee, Raul Farroch, Amr Swede, Ed Galway, Roger Cooper, Dan and Anne Drum, Miguel Cerba, Victor Benavides, Hugo Lagraba, and Dana Mansell.

 A MESSAGE FROM DR. TAE-SUP LEE,

President, The International Association of Lions Clubs

FOURTEEN YEAR OLD HONORED AT CONVENTION

The 2003 Humanitarian Award was presented to fourteen year old Gregory Smith of Keswick, Virginia.  A college graduate with a degree in mathematics, a guest of television talk shows and a two-time nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize, he is the founder of International Youth Advocates which promotes peace and understanding among young people the world over.  He has personally organized humanitarian projects to benefit orphans in East Timor and youth in Brazil and established the first public library in Rwanda and peace schools in Kenya.  A Phi Beta Kappa, his goal in graduate school is to earn four PhDs.

“When we look on the world as family,” he said in his acceptance speech, “we will never be able to turn our back on humanity.”

 “We must teach children the sanctity of life,” he insisted.  “We must work for the time when children can believe in their dreams.”  He concluded by telling the Lions that “We need your cooperation, your help and your leadership.”

President Fukushima then presented the young humanitarian with a check in the amount of $200,000 from LCIF to help further the work of International Youth Advocates.

- Article from THE LION Magazine (October 2003)

 HOW BIG WAS THAT FISH?

 On October 13-15, Lions Joyce and Hunter drove to the Outer Banks to take part in the North Carolina Lions Fishing Tournament for Visually Impaired Persons. It is hard to describe the joy we witnessed. The four hundred eighty-eight (488) VIP’s were housed, fed, entertained and given the rods and reels to ‘catch the big ones’. Two hundred fifty (250) Lions were on the scene to help bait the hooks, remove and weigh the fish, and help concoct REALLY BIG fish stories.

 Hurricane Isabel could not dampen the spirits of anyone attending, even though the damage to the area was plain to see. We were originally supposed to have four (4) piers to fish from, but we only had one left after the storm. The citizens, merchants, government officials, and Lions of the Outer Banks came together to make sure this annual event would be a success.

 This club and others like it provide the funds to make this event possible. It is just another way “WE SERVE” as Lions. Tears of joy were common among the VIP’s, as this may have been the only chance they ever get to fish, smell the sea, dance, and meet old friends. And that is the truth, not a fish story! Plan on going next year yourself. 

 - Submitted by VDG Hunter Garbee

 MARK YOUR CALENDAR

11/22   “Bells and Brooms” combination broom sale to benefit Lions’ projects and bell ringing for

Salvation Army projects (see Lion Dick McLaughlin for more info)

            11/24   11/24   Operation Christmas Child begins

 STAY CONNECTED!

Keep on top of things by logging onto the following links:

·        www.southparklions.org – The club’s webpage

·        www.nclions-31c.org – The district’s webpage

·        www.lionsclubs.org – Inf. on what Lions do

·        www.nclf.org – Information about Camp Dogwood

                       Calendar       

Friday, Oct.  3 – 7:30 AM        VDG Hunter Garbee will discuss District 31-C Fall Convention and USA/Canada Leadership Forum

Friday, Oct. 10 – 7:30 AM       Chip McDonald will present a program about the Safety and Health Council of North Carolina.                                    

Tuesday, Oct. 14 – 7:15 AM    Board Meeting              

            Friday, Oct. 17 – 7:30 AM       Regular Monthly Business Meeting

Friday, Oct. 24 – 7:30 AM       PDG David Shimberg will present a Lions Orientation Program

Friday, Oct. 31 – 7:30 AM       NO MEETING – This is the first day of our District 31-C Fall Convention and those who attend the convention either Friday or Saturday (or both days) will be credited as having attended our regular weekly meeting   

___________________________________________________________________________________

THE PREZ SEZ:   

     Three months of this Lions’ calendar year have passed already and I hope you are feeling as good about our club as I am.  We have opportunities for all members to participate in a project or projects that would be of interest to each of you.  Being a Lion means SERVING fellow men.  In October we have our District 3l-C Fall Convention at Camp Dogwood.  This will be held on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1.  We all need to plan to be at the convention to show support to Lion Hunter, our Vice District Governor who is the chair of this convention and to Joyce as well.  Then, on Sunday, November 2 we will help host the theater project at Theatre Charlotte on Kings Drive.  This project also requires help from a number of members.   Lion Raul is our club’s ticket chairman, so see him if you need tickets.  Also in November, besides the theater project and others, we will be ringing the Salvation Army bells and having a broom sale.  AND, beginning in November we will be serving the meals at the Men’s Homeless Shelter on the third Saturday evenings. 

     We ask all members to participate in some or all projects.  You will be amazed at the wonderful feeling you will receive from helping others. 

     See you at the meetings and our projects.                 LION SHELIA 

  CONGRATS TO LIONS ON THEIR OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

Yes, we have several members and “about to be members” who will be celebrating their birthdays in October.  Give them all a hug for their October birthday.

Lion Raul Farroch – Oct. 4 Lion Joanna Durham – Oct. 9               Maria Bhagrattee – Oct. 12     

Lion Lexie Thomas – Oct. 21          Lion Jerry Reed – Oct. 22                    Lion Canan Abayhan – Oct. 27  

  CAMP DOGWOOD TICKETS - Camp Dogwood tickets are a bargain!

     Where else can you spend a dollar, support a great camp for the sight/hearing impaired and have a 1 in 120,000 chance of winning a $25,000 vehicle?  If you sell 12 individual tickets the book is $12.  If you sell the whole book of 12 tickets to one individual the book costs $10.00.  Such a bargain!     

     North Carolina Lions Foundation (LCIF) is encouraging every Lion to sell three books of tickets this year.  The proceeds from the sale of the tickets are used exclusively for the maintenance of the camp.  Any money not used this year for maintenance will be used towards the replacement of the present Belk dormitory.  If you haven’t seen the camp yet, the District 31-C Fall Convention on October 31-November 1 would be a good time to see what a great place this is for the blind and visually impaired to spend a week in the summer.  It is also used for many different affairs during the rest of the year, which generates income for the camp. 

     If you haven’t gotten your books of tickets yet please see Lion Pete Givens.  If you have sold your books please give him the stubs and a check made payable to SOUTHPARK LIONS CLUB. 

  LEO CLUBS -  A visit from the Independence High School Club

            Our club was given a profile of Leo Clubs – a branch off the Lion Family Tree that extends to today’s young people in their schools.  We had the pleasure of Scott Jeffers from the Mint Hill Lions Club accompanied by three Independence High School seniors tell us about the organization, what they’ve done, where they’re going, and what it’s meant to them. The Leo Clubs give students opportunities to serve their communities and make a difference.  This club has so far helped children through the Mall Angel Tree, hosted a senior citizens luncheon, and had various fundraising events for charities. This club just started up in December 2002 with an initial membership of 18.  Less than a year later there are more than 50 students now interested!

            Encouraging young people into community service is a vital part of ensuring organizations the Lions International serve well into the future.  Additionally, it enriches a student’s experiences making him or her more aware of the world he or she will soon be a part of as an adult.

            The key to getting a Leo Club off and running in a school is to find a teacher that wants to do more than teach.  If you know of any such teachers that have the enthusiasm for giving high schoolers such a great opportunity, please contact Lion Scott Jeffers.  Getting kids involved now is great training for future Lions!

  MISTY MEADOWS MITEY RIDERS – Miracles on Horseback!

            Lion Cindy Garbee gave the club a presentation about this innovative organization that offers therapeutic horseback riding to disabled children.  This center provides students with the opportunity to develop balance, coordination and confidence.  Riders with challenges like cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, spina bifida, or autism benefit from relationships formed with other students, volunteers, and even the horses. Lion Cindy herself is a volunteer for the Mitey Riders.

            Lion Cindy showed a brief video of some of the students riding.  Their beaming smiles and joyful faces needed no words to convey the pure delight the riders experienced.   It’s well summed up in John Anthony Devies’ poem “I Saw a Child,” a portion of which is below:

                                    I saw a child who could only crawl

                                    Mount a horse and sit up tall.

                                    Put it through degrees of paces

                                    And laugh at the wonder in our faces.

            If you are interested in volunteering your time or making a gift to this organization, please contact Lion Cindy or Misty Meadows directly at 704-841-0602. 

LIONS THEATER PROJECT – “Blithe Spirit” A Comedy by Noel Coward

In “Blithe Spirit” tables rise, vases fly, and doors bang in this masterpiece of witty repartee where the spirit world collides with the English drawing room. Sir Noel Coward, debonair master of sophistication and satire, outdoes himself with ingenious plot twists and unforgettable characters in this sharp and sparkling comedy of manners. Novelist Charles Condomine's household is host to a ghost when a séance goes wrong and a sublimely eccentric medium unwittingly brings forth Elvira, the mischievous ghost of Charles' first wife.

            As President Shelia said in her remarks, we need your help! Your support of this Lions project benefits the North Carolina Lions Foundation (NCLF) and Lions Services of Mecklenburg County, Inc. (LSI).  The play is Sunday, November 2 at 7:00 p.m. (or 5:30 for dinner).  See Lion Raul for more information.

A MESSAGE FROM DR. TAE-SUP LEE – President, The International Association of Lions Clubs – article from THE LION Magazine (September 2003)

This year, as you know, I am continuing to emphasize the crucial need for membership and club growth, for strengthening the capacity of Lions clubs to answer needs in their own communities and whenever possible of less fortunate people worldwide. Although every Lions club is obligated to have a functioning Membership Committee, it is nonetheless the responsibility of each member to invite into the club individuals they believe will become dedicated and quality Lions.

By applying the spirit of our 2003-2004 theme, "Innovation: Gateway To Our Future," to membership recruitment --- and retention --- we will help to remedy a condition that has been a concern of this association for quite some time. Admittedly, growth is more of a problem in some of our areas than in others, but I caution you to realize that there is no location where improvements couldn't be made. Innovative means are needed if our numbers are to grow, and this year I am emphasizing that special attention be given to two groups that I am certain will fortify the ability of clubs to further enhance the significance of "We Serve."

LIFE ON THE FAST TRACK, or WHAT’S UP WITH THE VDG

Submitted by VDG Hunter Garbee

          Past District Governor Jim Sasser warned me before I was elected to the Vice District Governor’s (VDG) job, that my appreciation for free time would increase considerably! Lion Jim was right. Since becoming VDG I have attended VDG orientation at Camp Dogwood, attended the Lions International Convention in Denver, participated in the USA/Canada Leadership Forum in Portland, Oregon, visited ten Lions Clubs and attended three North Carolina Lions Foundation (LCIF) cabinet/committee meetings. And I am not even the District Governor.

          I must say it has been fun and rewarding. For every problem or challenge that seems to arise I have experienced twice that number of positive, almost thrilling, examples of North Carolina Lions at work serving. I have found the size of the Lions club makes little difference in their level of accomplishments; it is their ATTITUDE that makes achievements possible.
          The next thirty days will find me visiting six additional Lions clubs and taking part in the VIP Fishing tournament on the Outer Banks. Just to remind you, VIP means Visually Impaired people. Six hundred fifty of your North Carolina Lions will host five hundred VIP’s at the Outer Banks! This project WILL move forward despite the best efforts of Hurricane Isabel. At the end of October I will chair the fall convention of the

THREE NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED INTO OUR CLUB RECENTLY

Welcome to Lions Nestor Chirinos, Mario Troya and Agusto Espinosa. As you know, the Lions' motto is "WE SERVE" and we're looking forward to having you do this with us. Please be sure you are at our October 24 meeting when PDG Dave Shimberg gives an orientation to Lionism.

FEEDING THE HOMELESS

Article submitted by Joyce Garbee

On January 25, 2003 the Charlotte SouthPark Lions and the Charlotte Central Lions joined together to feed the men at the Emergency Winter Shelter and we have been asked to take on this humanitarian service project again through this coming winter. The Emergency Winter Shelter houses the overflow from all other community programs to assist the homeless men. Our club has agreed to furnish the food and serve the meal to approximately 200 men on the 3rd Saturday of the months November 2003 through March 2004. The Shelter is located at 427 N. 4th Street and we will need 10-12 volunteers and a pick up truck to transport the food each month. Our club will be responsible for preparing and paying for the food which will be prepared the day prior to each of the Saturdays. We will prepare the food at Sharon Presbyterian Church on Fridays after our weekly meeting. Bill LeFeber has agreed to be our chairman to see to it that we have 10-12 of our Lions "SERVE" the dinner, and his wife Reta has graciously agreed to oversee the cooking of the meal. Three cheers for Reta who is ALWAYS stepping up to the plate (pun) when needed. SO - when Bill starts to send around the paper to sign up to participate in this needy situation, please step up to the plate (pun, again).

FALL CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS !
Fall is in the air and so it is time for the District 31-C convention. It will be held at Camp Dogwood on Friday, October 31 and Saturday, November 1. This is the ideal location for this time of year! Here is just a short list of what you can expect:

·        Music on Friday night by cabaret singer Stacey Adkins.

·        Magic and fun from Lion Charles Stevens.

·        Songs to fill the night by the “Lionaires”.

·        Start your Saturday with a motivational message from VIP Cathy Harris.

·        Town Hall meeting with International Director John Rabideau from Churchville, NY, and our own Past International Director Sid Scruggs.

·        At lunch be entertained by the “Lionaires”, a Tail Twister appearance and an auction!

·        In the afternoon session we will learn more about what the ingredients of a successful Lions club are, starting with special guest, Ms. Astrid Chirinos, who will speak to the group on the subject, “Meeting the Challenges of Today”. Ms. Chirinos is chair of the Latin American Chamber of Commerce, and president of several consulting firms. She was recently named BusinessWoman of the Year!

·        Special presentations will follow including:

1.      Leo Clubs and OUR Future!

2.      Women in Lionism, today and tomorrow.

3.      Orientation: What you and others don’t know about Lions.

4.      Demonstration of high-tech visual aid equipment for the VIP.

5.      Planning and conducting community fundraisers.

6.      Picking a partner for success: the winning TEAM!

Our evening will conclude with a traditional banquet and inspirational message from a great International Director, John Rabideau, a message you WILL want to hear.

Biography of International Director – John E. Rabideau

Article taken from Lions Club International Website

John E. Rabideau, of Churchville, New York, USA, was elected to serve a two-year term as Director of the International Association of Lions Clubs at the Association’s 85^th International Convention, held in Osaka, Japan, July 8-12, 2002.

            Director Rabideau is an independent insurance agent and a veteran of the United States Navy.  A member of the Churchville Lions club since 1974, Director Rabideau has held many offices within the association, including club bulletin editor, club secretary, club president, zone chairperson, region chairperson, district governor, and council chairperson.  He also served on the multiple district Policy Manual Committee, the Long-Range Planning Committee as chairperson, the Nomination Committee and the Election Committee.  In addition, he has served as chairperson of the International Campaign Committee, chairperson of the Finance Committee, trustee and president for two years of the NYS & Bermuda Lions Foundation and in different capacities at training seminars and USA/Canada Lion Leadership forums.

            In recognition to his service to the association, Director Rabideau has received numerous awards, including the 100% Club Secretary Award, the 100% Club President Award, the Club Career Lion Award, the Club Lion of the Year Award, the Past District Governor Organization Leadership Award, the International Extension Award, the International Membership Key Award, three International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, the International President’s Leadership Award and three International President’s Awards.  He is also a life member of the Churchville Lions Club and a Melvin Jones Fellow.

            In addition to his Lion activities, Director Rabideau is active in numerous professional and community organizations.  He is a member of the New York State Independent Insurance Agents Association and a

member, director, and past president of the Churchville Chamber of Commerce.  In the past, Director Rabideau served as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Planned Giving Committee and as a chairman of the Churchville-Chili Central School District Redistricting Committee.

            Director Rabideau and his wife, Bernadette, also a Lion, have a daughter who is a Lion, a son and two granddaughters.  

BE SURE TO REGISTER FOR THE CONVENTION NOW!

The agenda is outlined below and the registration form is attached and to reserve your rooms call Camp Dogwood. Have a problem? Contact Lion President Shelia, PDG Jim Sasser, and Lion Joyce Garbee or convention chair, Lion Hunter Garbee. See you there!

North Carolina Lions District 31-C Fall Convention Agenda

Camp Dogwood at Sherrills Ford, NC

“Innovation, Encouraging and Serving!”

Friday, October 31, 2003

10:30 a.m. Lion’s Golf Tournament at Mooresville Municipal Golf Course

$25/player including cart.

3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration in Camp Dogwood William Joyce Lodge.

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Pin Traders meeting in Camp Dogwood Stickley Building canteen.

.

3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. INNOVATION = Hi-tech Equipment Display for VIP’s and other displays

in the Coleman-Cates room.

6:30 p.m. – Family Fun Night: Camp Dogwood dining area, lounge and Coleman-Cates room.

7:30 p.m. – Entertainment: “The Magic of Song!” with cabaret performer Stacey Adkins. Magic and

mystery by Lion Charles Stevens. Occasional song by the “Lionaires”.

Saturday, November 1, 2003

8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Breakfast in dining area.

9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Registration in Camp Dogwood Lodge.

8:30 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. Lions “Town Hall” meeting with International Director John Rabideau

and Past International Director Sid Scruggs.

Past District Governor and Past Council Chair, James Sasser, Moderator.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. District Cabinet Meeting in Coleman-Cates room.

Noon –1:30 p.m. Lunch at the Vice District Governor’s Cook Out, Tail Twister Torment and Auction.

Lion Mike Milholland, auctioneer, and Lion Hunter Garbee, lead tormentor.

Background music by the “Lionaires”.

Saturday Afternoon Sessions

2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. A Recipe for Successful Lions!

Any successful recipe requires many ingredients! Presented today are a number of ENCOURAGING ‘ingredients’ intended to help your club succeed.

·        Why me? Why get involved at all? VIP Cathy Harris, presenter.

·        Changing in Changing Times! Astrid Chirinos, presenter.

·        Leo Clubs and OUR future. Lion Scott Jeffers and Independence HS Leos.

·        Women in Lionism, today and tomorrow. A panel of concerned Lions.

·        Demonstration of high-tech visual aids by VIP’s. By Lion Robin Makky.

·        Tax Exemption for your Lions Club? Led by Mooresville Lions club members.

·        Orientation: What you THINK you know about the Lions! Lion Ken McFarland.

·        Planning community fundraisers. A panel led by Lion Dick Darlington.

·        Picking a Partner for success: the winning TEAM. By the Shimberg/Garbee Team.

3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Hospitality Room in White Building – “Take a Lions Break!”
4:00 – 5:00 p.m. Trading pins display and ACTION! - “What Pin Trading is all about” DG Paul Smith
6:00 p.m. District Governor’s Banquet

Coat and Tie/Dress Requested.

Speaker: International Director Lion John Rabideau

“SERVING”.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

10/12-14    -    VIP Fishing Tournament in Kitty Hawk, NC (contact Lion Hunter if interested)

10/1-11/1   -    District 31-C Fall Convention to be held at Camp Dogwood (details in this newsletter)

11/2           -    “Blithe Spirit” – fund raiser sponsored by Charlotte area Lions at Theater Charlotte

            (see Lion Raul for info and tickets)       

11/22         -     “Bells and Brooms” combination broom sale to benefit Lions’ projects and bell ringing for

Salvation Army projects (see Lion Dick McLaughlin for more info)

STAY CONNECTED!

Keep on top of things by logging onto the following links:

·        www.southparklions.org – The club’s webpage

·        www.nclions-31c.org – The district’s webpage

·        www.lionsclubs.org – Info on what Lions do

·        www.nclf.org – Information about Camp Dogwood