February 2018

Volume 21 Issue 8 5M9 Service Journal Inside This Issue

DG Tom / LBLC Skates 2

VDG Rose / Help Wanted 3

2nd VDG Sandy 4

Club Activities 4-7

Upcoming Events 8-13

5M9 Mid Winter 14-20

DG Tom Visit Form 21

MD5M Convention 22

DG Travels 22

Contact Info 22

DISTRICT GOVERNOR—TOM PLAGMAN

Participating PDG’s

Back Row L-R: Jim Arvidson, Bert Nelson, Dick Stebbins, Bill Wilson, Don Hendrickx, Jim Neuerberg, Eldon Bergman, Peter VanErp, Larry Schul, Dick Labraaten

Front L-R: Jack Riordan, Linda Albrecht-Norby, Judy Brasgalla, Margaret VanErp, Jim Dullum, Carroll Kukowski, Adolph Kukowski, Steve Swantz

2018 Service of Remembrance Past District Governors from District 5M9, along with the invaluable assistance of Lion Jim Johansen, once again hosted a beautifully, heartfelt Service of Remembrance at the Mid-Winter Convention.

38 Members from 24 Clubs were honored by the participating PDGs and Lions in attendance.

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District Governor Tom Plagman In case you missed it, the 5M9 Mid-Winter Convention is a thing of the past. Our guest International Director Joyce Middleton was able to make it all the way to Mahnomen, Minnesota in spite of a winter storm in her home state of Massachusetts. We had a great time with ID Joyce and her hus-band Martin. A very special part of the weekend was the fact that our International Director Bruce Beck was in her home District while she was visiting us. Through the miracle of technology we were able to share a few moments with the two Districts connected electronically at our Saturday Night Banquet. As they say in Massachusetts, “what a wicked (great) opportunity”.

As part of the elections process, PDG Adolph Kukowski of the Bay Lake Lions was elected to the MD5M Hall of Fame. Congratulations Adolph!

In other business, our officer team advances. Rose Puckett is our District Governor Elect, Cassandra “Sandy” Remington is our First Vice District Governor Elect, and Bonnie Genin is our Second Vice District Governor Elect. With any luck, sitting DG Tom will become IPDG Tom (Immediate Past).

At the Saturday Night Banquet, we gave out many well deserved awards: International President’s Award—PDG Rodger Palmer; International President’s Leadership Award—PDG Jay Norby; International President’s Letter of Appreciation—Lion Jim Johansen, PDG Linda Albrecht-Norby, Sister Char Grossman, Lions Larry and Zelda Novak, and Lions Carroll and Joy Janzen and IPDG Dick Stebbins.

Please go to pages 14-20 to see more on these awards and other activities at Mid-Wiinter.

Whether you were able to attend Mid-Winter 2018 or not I wish you a successful and prosperous New Year.

DG Tom Plagman

Dear 5M9 Lions,

The LBLC (aka Laporte-Benedict Lions Club) has a deal for you!!!! We lost our place to have weekly roller-skating for our area youth but have all of our skates just taking up storage space. We have no further options to hold roller skating and this is hopefully where you can come into play!

We would LOVE to donate our roller skates to a Lions Club who will be able to utilize them for the betterment of their community. We would just ask that you pick them up, otherwise they are yours for the taking!

Please discuss with your Club if you could adopt our skates :)

Many Thanks

LBLC Secretary, Jessica laportebenedictlionsclub@gmail.com

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PRAISE—ENCOURAGE—EDUCATE—HAVE FUN

District Governor Elect

Rose Puckett

Thank You Perham and Vergas Lions for hosting the 5M9 Mid Winter Convention this year. You did a great job. It was so nice to visit with so many of our members and also make some new friends.

The remainder of January was a time to “Just Breathe” and reflect on upcoming tasks and training opportunities that are fast approaching. As District Governor Elect I am grateful for your support as I continue my journey.

The subject of member retention has been on my mind for some time. Approximately 200,000 members leave Lions Clubs worldwide each year. That means 14 million lives are not impacted by our service efforts. The majority leave because Lions does not meet their expectations or provide members with positive experiences.

Some reasons are listed as:

Long boring meetings with the same members talking to each other They could make a difference if they would only be given a chance Feel unappreciated Would like to do more service projects One more thought to share. Have you been thinking about someone who, during our Minnesota winter months, may be ill or isolated? Is there anything you can do to help? Remember – WE SERVE! Stay safe and healthy, District Governor Elect, Rose M. Puckett

Executive positions with some travel opportunities available July 1, 2018 serving with our District 5M9 Cabinet.

Needed: Zone 4 Chair

LCIF Program Chair – east side

Lions MD5M Hearing Foundation Program Chair – west side

Youth Exchange Program Chair – west side

Please contact District Governor Elect Rose M. Puckett at 218 851 8380 if you would like to be part of our AMAZING TEAM! Pay rate is negotiable.

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VICE DISTRICT GOVERNOR ELECT

SANDY REMINGTON

January was certainly a busy month. 2018 is starting off in a great way! I have so many dreams, hopes and goals for this year. I am both thrilled and scared at the same time. Personally, I have a lot of first time events headed my way. First time out of the country. First commercial air flight. 1st Vice District Governor Elect! Convention was a lot of fun. I always have a good time at these events. Thank you to Perham and Vergas Lions for hosting this year's event. I'm already looking forward to Verndale's festivities next year. In the mean time, we have Spring Zone Meetings to look forward to, Club events throughout the District, and many Clubs waiting for snowbirds to come home. I have talked to several people who were at the convention and in the week after, have developed a respiratory flu. I'm in that number, but have recovered nicely. I had the flu vaccine and am glad I did. I can't imagine I would have been able to stay home and fight it off if I hadn't. Breathing was not easy for 2 days, and if I had any respiratory problems, I think I would have been in the hospital. Be careful. It is a nasty flu. If you haven't already been vaccinated, please consider it. If you have had or currently have the flu, you have my prayers for strength to overcome it. Measles is another disease we can vaccinate against. We almost had it eradicated, but reluctance to vaccinate children has allowed the disease to resurge again. I know everyone has their own views on vaccinations, but please be educated when making your decisions. Blindness, mental and physical disabilities as a result of measles are some pretty severe side effects. Lions are working with other foundations to provide measles vaccines to once again attempt to wipe this disease off the face of the earth. Consider supporting this effort at your next meeting. If every Club donated their Tail Twisting for one month to measles vaccines, we could do a lot of good for our own children and the children of the world. One dollar = one vaccine. How many can your Club donate? Yours in Lionism, 1st VDGE Cassandra Remington

On January 23, 2018 the Deerwood Lakes Lions

started their Cancer Blankets for Kids. The Lions attending

the first workshop were Donna Sapa, Diann Bates and Cathy

McDougal with Nancy Campion taking this photo. The group will be meeting again on February 7th with many more workshops

to be planned so they can complete all of the blankets

they plan to make.

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TAYLOR & KARLIE

2017

Right: The Underwood Lions and Riverside Fergus Falls Lions Clubs

again partnered with Walmart at Fergus Falls for Walmart Wellness

Day on Saturday, January 20. Walmart customers are encouraged to take advantage of free Blood Pressure,

Body Mass Index and Glucose Screenings as well as an opportunity to get their Flu Shot. 49 screenings were completed by 1:30pm. They ran out of supplies so had to stop early. Walmart reports the number of screenings has increased greatly since partnering with the Underwood and Riverside Fergus

Falls Lions Clubs.

The Deerwood Lakes Lions had a great time at the 5M9 Mid Winter Convention in Mahnomen, MN.

Left: Lion Diann Bates got into the fun at Friday’s Hoe-Down by competing in the Milking Contest.

Below Left: Lions Donna Sapa, Diann Bates & Nancy Campion were honored to have their photo taken with visiting International Director Joyce Middleton and her

husband, Lion Martin Middleton. Below Right: PDG’s Carroll (Deerwood Lakes Lions) &

Adolph Kukowski assisted during the Service of Remembrance and PDG Adolph (Bay Lake Area Lions)

was nominated for the MD5M Hall of Fame. Congratulations PDG Adolph! This honor is well deserved.

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The Bluffton Lions Club has been very busy the last few months. Above: They hosted their Annual Trunk and Treat event for community children on Halloween. The adults and kids all had a great time! Below: December 8th they hosted their Annual Santa Day. Santa and Mrs.

Claus (aka Lions Dale and Betty Johansen) are pictured with an area youngster. 4 bikes were given away at Santa Day. One winner from the 7-12 group was Aulani Johnson.

Right: Underwood Lion Allen Enquist manned the Salvation Army Red Kettle outside Mills Fleet Farm in

Fergus Falls. The Underwood Lions organize Bell Ringers for this site including Lions Members, Community

Members and youth organizations including Underwood High School’s Music Department, Speech Team, Interact

Club and Sverdrup 4-H. These groups rang bell for 44 hours, 30 Lions rang bell for 170 hours, & 18 community

members rang bell for 50 hours. The total collection at the Fleet Farm site for 2017 was $25,020. This equals $94.77

per hour and is 3 times the national average. The Underwood Lions have worked this location for more

than 15 years collecting $255,022 during that time.

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The Palisade Area Lions recently welcomed some new members to their Club. Above: Lions Evie Ladd (left) and Steve Ladd (right) sponsored New Lions Janet and Joe Pipp. Below Left: New Lions Gail and Don Tatreau were sponsored by Lion Casey Mindrum (not pictured). Below Right: Lions ID Bruce Beck (left) and Erin Beck (right) sponsored New Lions Kent and Heidi Olesen. Bottom: The group is all together.

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I AM LOST!

Can somebody PLEASE help me to

find my owner?

I have gambled away ALL of my money and just want to go home!

PS Please send

money so I can get home.

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Verndale lions prime-rib comedy night Welcomes….C willi myles

America’s everyday comedian February 17, 2018 Social—6:00 pm Prime-rib dinner—7:00 pm Tickets—$30 Verndale lions Community center

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INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S AWARD 2ND HIGHEST AWARD

This award is for Lions who distinguish themselves for exemplary service that significantly strengthens their community or our Association by: being personally involved in Club service projects, being supportive of the programs of Lions Clubs International, being supportive of LCIF and having sponsored at least one new member. Additionally, consideration should be given for any Lion who has contributed to the retention of members and the reduction of membership losses.

PDG Rodger Palmer was recognized for his exceptional leadership and willingness to lead not just District 5M9 but also MD5M. When it was time for DG Tom to name a Global Service Team Chair PDG Rodger Palmer eagerly volunteered for the job. He arrived with a plan ready to go. This all made it easy for DG Tom to recommend PDG Rodger for the position of MD5M GST Chair.

INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP MEDAL 3RD HIGHEST AWARD

This award should be considered for Lions who make significant contributions to leadership development and results within our association. Quality leadership is essential to our association in that it affects membership growth, the service that we provide and the impact that service has on our communities and on the overall quality of the Lions Clubs membership experience.

PDG Jay Norby was recognized for his ceaseless energy and dedication to providing leadership to District 5M9 as well as training New Leaders in District 5M9. Jay is currently District 5M9’s Global Leadership Team leader and has acted as an invaluable guide and advisor for District Governor Tom as well as for all Lions from the youngest Leo to those more seasoned Lions.

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INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT’S CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION

This certificate, the 4th Highest Award, recognizes outstanding accomplishments, especially in providing full support to Club Presidents or District Governors in their efforts to operate and build up the respective Clubs and District. They are awarded to Lions who provide support in conducting meaningful humanitarian services or meaningful actions. These awards were presented by ID Joyce Middleton and DG Tom Plagman.

Lions Joy & Carroll Janzen were recognized for their outstanding dedication as Guiding Lions to the Malmo Area Lions Club.

IPDG Dick Stebbins was recognized for his efforts and dedication to Lions as District Governor of District 5M9 2016-2017.

Lion Sister Char Grossman was recognized for her quiet faith and her leadership of District 5M9.

Lions Zelda & Larry Novak were recognized for their dedication to Lions and their willingness to volunteer to be LCIF Co-Chairs when needed.

Lion Jim Johansen was recognized for his extraordinary commitment to Lions as 5M9 Diabetes Chair, Web/Technology Master and organization of the Service of Remembrance.

PDG Linda Albrecht-Norby was recognized for her quiet, confident leadership of District 5M9 in the many & varied roles she has held.

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“The Future of Peace” Left: 1st Place: Olivia Trout sponsored by

Fergus Falls Riverside Lions Below: 2nd Place: Audrey Ruckheim sponsored by

Parkers Prairie Lions

Youth Outreach Scholarships

9 - $1000 scholarships were awarded from District 5M9. Pictured above with Lion Evie Ladd (left) and Lion Pat Hendrickx (right) are

Natasha Maninga from Menahga, Marissa Jahnke from Wadena / sponsored by Verndale Lions, Ella Von Ruden from Perham / partial sponsor by Frazee Lions, Marissa Kinzer from Aitkin / sponsored by Nisswa Lions, Katelyn Peterson from Fergus Falls, Sara Thieschafer from Underwood / partial sponsor by Underwood Lions. Not pictured: Lisa Anderson from

Aitkin, Hope Johnson from Park Rapids, Sara Christensen from Battle Lake. Inset Picture: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

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1st place 5m9 Youth Outreach

poster Contest

Allie George Battle lake

School 6th grade

2nd place 5m9 Youth Outreach

poster Contest

Olivia lamke

McGregor school

6th grade

3rd place 5m9 Youth Outreach

poster Contest

Lilly malachi

New York mills School

8th grade

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Above; Lion Ken Schoon presented the Traveling Trophy for highest percentage of Club membership attending the convention

to Perham Lakes Lions & Lake Park Lions. The Clubs tied and will share

custody of the trophy.

Above: The District 5M9 PR Contest had six entries which were judged by visiting ID Joyce

Middleton and her husband Martin. Awards were: 1st Place—Menahga-Gateway Lions (center) 2nd Place—Verndale Lions (left) 3rd Place—Bay Lake Area Lions (right).

Right: MD5M Centennial PR Contest winner from District 5M9 was the Vergas Lions Club for their Zoo Picnic

Shelter. This entry was entered at the Multiple Level and is eligible to win a plaque and $500. Each District can submit 1

entry. The winning entry will be announced at the MD5M Convention in Winnipeg.

Below: These Lions were honored and excited to receive from ID Joyce Middleton her Feather Pin. They were selected for their contagious enthusiasm and positive attitudes for Lions.

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FIRST TIMERS AWARDS

Winning LEO’s First Timers were L-R 3rd Place $15 gift card—Octavia Barker-Peterson, 2nd Place $25 gift card—Emma True, 1st Place $50 gift card—Dylan Tacket. As you

can see in the picture above, LEO Dylan flipped when he heard he had won.

Above: Winning Lions First Timers were L-R 3rd Place-Jennifer Holzer/Perham, 2nd Place-Julie Cline/Hackensack, 1st Place-Jeanne Ciffra/Nevis

Above: The Club with the most First Timers attending the Convention was the Nevis Lions Club.

Below: The LEO’s Minion's Diabetes “Stride Walk” raised $$$ for Diabetes and entertained participants. Drawing winners were Tracey Buhl, Thomas Johansen & Jim Johansen.

Above: Project New Hope Awards were presented to: Cormorant/Red, Deerwood Lakes/Blue, Emily Outing 50Lakes/3 Reds, Hewitt/Gold, Hill City/Blue, Ottertail/Red, Perham/5 Reds, Pine River/Blue, Sebeka/Blue, Underwood/Red, and Walker/Red.

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Club Excellence Awards were presented to the following Lions Clubs. Cuyuna Range, Elizabeth, Hill City, Longville, Nevis, Nisswa, Pillager Area, Riverside Fergus Falls, & Vergas

Below: DG Tom Plagman presented Thomas Johansen (pictured with his dad Lion Jim Johansen) a photo of Edina Historic Tugboat in Two Harbors to show his appreciation of Thomas’s participation in Lions events throughout his childhood

Cub Scouts Thomas Johansen (pictured below) and Brendan Sanvik assisted the Color Guard.

Left & above: The LEO’s presented visiting ID Joyce Middleton, Lion Martin Middleton, DG Tom Plagman and Lion Michele Plagman with their very own Minion Hats.

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FEBRUARY

1—Perham Lakes Lions Visit 2-4—5M8 Convention @ St. Cloud 4—Brainerd Leos 9-11—5M2 Convention @ Mankato 12—Parkers Prairie Pride Club Visit 14—Pine River Club Visit 15—Underwood Club Visit 16-18—5M3 Convention @ Morton 20—Dunvilla Club Visit

MARCH

1—Frazee-Wolf Lake Clubs Visit 2—Hewitt Lions Club Visit 9-11—Council of Governors, Minneapolis 12—Breckenridge-Campbell Clubs Visit 19—Longville Lions Club Visit 26—Brainerd Lions Club Visit

5M9 Service Journal

This publication is of, by, and for the Lions, Lioness, & Leos of

District 5M-9

District Governor Tom Plagman (Michele) 38292 Deer St Aitkin, MN 56431 H: 218-927-3544 C: 218-839-1177 tplagman@hotmail.com

District Governor Elect Rose Puckett 14850 Pinewood Trail Deerwood, MN 56444 H: 218-764-3108 C: 218-851-8380 apuckett@brainerd.net

Vice District Governor Elect Sandy Remington 2778 18th St SE Backus, MN 56435 H: 218-587-2327 C: 320-333-6798 purplesandy07@gmail.com

Cabinet Secretary Margaret Van Erp (Peter) 38214 610th Ave Bluffton, MN 56518 H: 218-385-3446 C: 218-639-5040 petemarg@arvig.net

District Treasurer Dennis Ganz (Shelly) 5079 County 40 NW Hackensack, MN 56452 H: 218-675-5404 C: 218-244-4232 dsganz@tds.net

Newsletter Editor/Diva Tracey Buhl (Randy) 28000 Redhead Drive Underwood, MN 56586 C: 218-841-1877 5m9newsletter@gmail.com

Please submit stories and photos by the 15th of each month for the following months newsletter. When possible, send photos in jpeg format and articles as a word document.

Use of pdf is also acceptable. Contact me for assistance or with questions. Thank You Tracey Buhl

DISTRICT GOVERNOR TOM’S CALENDAR

Winnie the Pooh is taking registrations for the 2018 MD5M CONVENTION at his home, Winnipeg, Manitoba and is hoping to hear from you soon! Visit www.md5mconvention.com to register before the next deadline of March 1st. Hotels are filling up fast with over 300 registered already for this GREAT event. Winnie can’t wait to meet you!