DISTRICT 20-Y2 LIONS CLUBS 2013-2014 FALL CONFERENCE / 2ND CABINET MEETING Stephen C. Lynch – District Governor SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2013 Marianne Lynch – 1st Vice District Governor LONGFELLOW’S RESTAURANT Paula Flisnik – 2nd Vice District Governor SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY PDG Dave Harris – Cabinet Sec. / Treas. MINUTES ATTENDENCE: DG Stephen Lynch Carol Quantock Adam Pandori PDG Joe Jarvis 1st VDG Marianne Lynch Michael O’Brien Holly McXConchie PDG Ed Stano 2nd VDG Paul Flisnik Vicki Adler PDG Joan Scott Elizabeth Stano PDG Dave Harris, CST Jerry Gordon Mary Claire Noakes Verna Plummer Jim Winkler – Region L Cheryl Stuart Denise LaRose Robert Snell PDG Orville Curtiss – Region I Eileen Holzwarth Karen Rager Katrina Plummer PDG Dave Ramsey – Region O Michele O’Hare Scott Rager Cathy Chandler Harry Petersen – Reg. I / Zone A PDG John Samples Phil Jessen Connor Ferris Fred Chambers – Reg. I / Zone B Valerie Kevlin Sandie Clark Michelle Mayhew Tom Snowdon – Reg. O / Zone B William Suchy PDG Linda Walsh Karen Hoffman Jim Clark – Reg. N / Zone A Brad Paulson Norma Cozzolino Karen McLain Jim Griffith – Reg. N / Zone B Judy Curtiss Val Baez Dawn Grant PDG Richard Ralston PDG Robert Montenaro Dione Ramsdill Maria Geizer John McDonald Larry Alheim Everett Quackenbush Lewis Smith

In all, 21 clubs were represented along with several special guests of the district. In addition, representatives from eight district related organizations were on hand with displays and materials available to attendees before and during the session. Groups included District 20-Y2 PDG Assiciation, Freedom Guide Dogs, Glens Falls Association for the Blind, NABA, CABVI, SSNENY / Lions Eye Bank at Albany, 20Y2 Peace Poster/Essay Contest, LCI Environmental Photo Contest, 20Y2 Hearing Conservation Society, and Camp Abilities Saratoga. We thank them for taking the time to be with us. International Director Lawrence “Larry” Dicus was our special visitor from Lions Clubs International.Director Dicus was elected during our International Convention held this past summer in Hamburg, Germany. He is a retired vice president of sales in the information technology field and lives in Whittier, California where he is a member of the Whittier Host Lions Club. He has received numerous awards and is also active in many professional and community organizations. It was a great pleasure to have him with us for the weekend. At the invitation of 2nd VDG Paula Flisnik, the district was also pleased to welcome special guest Hermin Garic who suffered serious injury during the war in Bosnia and lost the use of his legs when he was only four years old. Although confined to a wheelchair, he has earned quite a reputation as an athlete with the Sitrin STARS adaptive sports program, and a competitor in the Boilermaker 15K Road Race. His regimen includes daily treks of 30 or more miles. In 2012, he finished second in the Boilermaker wheelchair division, with a time of 38:07. This is faster than any able bodied runner has ever finished the race. Hermin works with Lion Paula at CABVI and she presented him as a potential new member of our great organization. The meeting was called to order by District Governor Stephen Lynch at 10:10 AM. The salute to the flag was led by Lion Scott Rager. PDG Robert Montenaro led us in the Lion’s Prayer. DG Steve welcomed all for attending and noted the presence of our partner organizations and the Boy Scouts of America as well. He then invited forward Eric Loori, Executive Director of Freedom Guide Dogs who needed to leave early, to address the assembly. Eric thanked the Lions for their continued support during 21 years in operation and cited Freedom’s work with soldiers during that period. He noted that programs and facilities at Freedom continue to expand and grow.

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Cabinet Secretary’s Report Cabinet Secretary PDG Dave once again reminded those in attendance that the voting cabinet consists of IPDG, DG, 1st and 2nd VDG, Zone and Region Chairs, Club Presidents (or Club Secretaries in the absence of the club president). He also reminded those presenting reports to submit written copies before leaving. He also thanked those who now submit reports by email as a common practice before the meeting. He submitted minutes of the 1st Cabinet Meeting held on September 14, 2013. DG Steve asked for approval of those minutes. A motion to approve was made by Fred Chambers, seconded by Jim Winkler and passed by the voting cabinet. Cabinet Treasurer’s Report PDG Dave Harris / Cabinet Treasurer

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REGION / ZONE REPORTS

Jim Winkler – Region L Chair

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REGION I / PDG ORVILLE CURTISS, REGION CHAIR PDG Orv emphasized his “Lions Helping Lions” campaign by noting that clubs throughout Region I are supporting each other by working on club projects, exchanging newsletters, sharing ideas and helping each other in various ways. He noted that OctoberFest raised $7000.

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REGION O / PDG DAVE RAMSEY, REGION CHAIR Work is moving forward to establish a branch club in Cobleskill. I have talked with a few people and even some of the former members of the old Richmondville-Cobleskill club. I will be placing an ad in the local newspaper to see if I can get people interested and also reach a larger audience. Zone meetings have taken place as noted in reports of our Zone Chairs. Respectfully Submitted, PDG Dave Ramsey, Region O Chair REGION N / ZONE A Lion Jim Clark, Zone A Chair The clubs of Zone A have decided to adopt and sponsor our “Area Lions Clubs Flying Fingers” group of young people originally formed by the Association for the Hearing Impaired in Glens Falls. Lion Sandie Clark is pursuing a matching grant from the NYS & Bermuda Lions Foundation using funds already contributed by clubs in Zone A. These funds ($2200) will be used to purchase new uniforms with the Lion logo and equipment needed for the children to perform in our communities. A schedule of performances include Dec. 4: Hadley-Luzerne Lions Club / Dec. 6: Queensbury Hotel, Glens Falls / Dec. 7: Crandell Library / Dec. 8: Festival of Trees / Dec. 15: Saratoga Library. To schedule a performance in your area, contact Lion Kassey Granger at 409-1944 or email at lionsclubflyingfingers@yahoo.com. SAVE THE DATE: The next Zone A meeting will be held with the Granville Lions Club, Nov. 21. Camp Badger has notified us that our Region O / Zone A has been put on their schedule for clean-up and repair duty for May 2-4, 2014.

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Region O / Zone A Club Activities Glens Falls Lions Club: The club has been very active during October. On Oct. 13, we held our 2nd Annual Duathlon (5K Run; 30K Bike;5K Run) fund raiser at SUNY Adk college. We had 61 volunteers including The support of “Lions Helping Lions” from the Saratoga Lions Club, Schuylerville Lions Club and Waterford Lions Club is greatly appreciated. PDG Dick Nason inducted one new member and reinstated another at our recent dinner meeting during which our newly formed “Area Lions Clubs Flying Fingers” performed the Monster Mash, Ghostbusters and Thriller. They also performed in downtown Glens Falls. The evening ended with Halloween trivia, word search and maze activities. An Adopt-A-Highway community service activity was held on a brisk Saturday in Oct. The club is adopting a family with four boys for Christmas. Hadley Luzerne Lions Club: The club contributed $800 to the “Area Lions Clubs Flying Fingers.” 55 Dictionaries and Atlases were distributed to 6th grade students in the Stuart Townsend Middle School. In a joint effort with the Hadley Luzerne Lioness Club, a Halloween Party for children of the Hadley Luzerne School District was held. The club is sponsoring students to participate in the Peace Poster Contest. The club distributed one eyeglass voucher and one hearing aid voucher. The club will be preparing Christmas baskets for those in need in the community. We will be adding four new members at our December meeting. Granville Lions Club: At our Oct. 1 dinner meeting, Lion Vicki Adler, Executive Director of our Sight Society of NENY, Inc / Lions Eye Bank at Albany, spoke to the club about the programs offered at their facility in Albany. PDG Dave Harris, Chairman of the Board at the Eye Bank, introduced Lion Vicki to members. The club has undertaken a project to upgrade 5 sign boards at town entrances with emblems representing Lions, Lioness, Leos, Rotary, VFW, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. The sign boards were painted and the service clubs purchased new signs. Lions club members installed the new signs. There were 22 Leos installed at the November 5 Leo’s night dinner. The Lions club will be hosting a joint dinner meeting of Lions, Lioness and Rotary Clubs on November 19. A common project for the three clubs will be discussed. There will be a Lions/Leo Blood Drive at the Granville HS on Nov. 25 from 1-5 pm. Our annual Kids Christmas will be held on Saturday December 7. Lions and Leos take 20 Local children shopping for Christmas presents for family members. The Lions club will have a Christmas Tree decorated with a Lions theme at the Slate Valley Museum’s Festival of Trees on December 6. This is part of the First Friday at the Slate Valley Museum and Pember Library and Museum program. The village will be decorated and the Festival of Trees is a great event for adults and children. Donations since the last cabinet meeting include: furniture to Haynes House of Hope for fund raiser; Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind; American Legion Basketball Tournament and $150 for Flying Fingers insurance. REGION N / PDG DICK NASON, REGION CHAIR PDG Dick is presently enjoying the Serengeti Plains and viewing wild game in Africa. He did submit a summary of activites in Zone A and B of his clubs, details of which can be found in Zone reports above and below.

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COMMITTEE REPORTS

Convention and Meetings / Mary Claire Noakes, Chair Lion/Lioness Mary Claire noted those attending with special recognition of PDG Robert Montenaro, at 94 years old from the Greater Amsterdam Lions Club, our oldest member present. She outlined the schedule for the remainder of the day and announced that the 3rd Cabinet meeting will be held on Sat. Feb. 1 at the Ramada in Queensbury; 4th Cabinet Meeting on Sat. March 29 at the Holiday Inn in Gloversville and Governor’s Testimonial on Friday, May 16 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.

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Environment / Lion Adam Pandori, Chair Adam noted that submissions to the LCI Environmental Photo Contest are due soon. He plans to explore the possibility of implementation of a District Environmental Project this year possibly in the Spring at Camp Badger. He encourages clubs to take part in cleanup projects; nature trails, water ways, debris cleanups re:disaster relief efforts, recycling. Hearing Preservation, Awareness and Action / Lion Sandie Clark, Chair Thank you to the Albany and Troy Lions Club for bringing numerous used hearing aids today to be recycled. The next meeting of our 20Y2 Hearing Conservation Society will take place on Monday, November 2t5 at the Galway Lions Building, 2167 East Street, Galway. Speaker for the evening will be Lion Grady Aronstamm who will discuss how the Lions Hearing Aid Program works efficiently for the Saratoga springs Lions Club along with tips on how to implement it in your club. Since HEAR USA no longer participates in the Lions program, it is important for clubs to develop relationships with local audiologists willing to work with them in providing care. Please follow protocol in making requests by asking clients to contact clubs or zones first. Information Technology / Lion Jerry Gordon, Chair and Web Master Lion Jerry cited statistics and noted that there have been few changes of those Lions signed up with the district website to receive notices on a regular basis. He encouraged those who have not as yet signed up to do so soon.

At this point in the program, DG Stephen Lynch introduced and invited International Director Lawrence “Larry” A. Dicus to the podium to address those assembled. ID Dicus brought regards from International President Barry Palmer and discussed IP Palmer’s theme this year of “Follow Your Dream.” He gave instances in which Lions make dreams come true. In his comments, he noted that our international organization has experienced an overall growth in membership now for 6 straight years. Being from Whittier, California, close to Pasadena, ID Larry’s Lions Club is very much involved in constructing the International float used during the annual Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. He described some of the efforts involved in this project. Following our luncheon, 2nd VDG Paul Flisnik introduced special guest Hermin Garic and discussed some of his personal history and especially with his involvement with wheelchair basketball.

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At this point in the program, DG Steve introduced Eagle Scout Connor Ferris from Greenfield Center who was inducted as a Lion into the Town of Greenfield Lions Club by International Director Dicus. ID Dicus reviewed the history of Lions and our mission of service to those in need in our communities and throughout the world. Lion Connor’s sponsor is PDG Joe Jarvis. We welcome this, our newest member, into the world’s largest and best service organization. In addition, ID Dicus presented certificates of completion of requirements for certification as Guiding Lions to Tom Kevlin, William Suchy, PDG Orville Curtiss, 1st VDG Marianne Lynch, DG Stephen Lynch, 2nd VDG Paula Flisnik, Verna Plummer,PDG Dave Ramsey,Tom Snowdon and Rick Brisee. Green Achiever awards were presented by ID Dicus to Tom Kevlin, Bill Suchy, Paula Flisnik, Marianne Lynch and DG Stephen Lynch. ID Dicus then presented International President Barry Palmer’s Certificate of Appreciation to Tom Snowdon, Fred Chambers, Karen Rager Paula Flisnik and Marianne Lynch for their outstanding contributions to leadership in Lionism.

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Lions ALERT / Everett Quackenbush, Chair Lion Everett thanked all those involved in completing our LCIF Fort Plain Flood Relief Grant effort, submission of the final report, and closing of the project. He also noted that unrestricted funds of approximately $3000 remain in the district’s emergency flooding relief fund. The need for further rebuilding and repair efforts in the affected areas is being examined. Plans to establish and open an emergency equipment/material storage facility at Lions Camp Badger in Spencer, NY are proceeding for next Spring.

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Public Relations & Lions Information / Brenna Uline, Chair

DG Steve read a brief report submitted by Lion Brenna. Distribution of information about Lions and their service activities through outlets available continue being explored. Lion Brenna has helped several clubs in setting up their own websites. Sight Preservation, Awareness and Action / Michael O’Brien, Chair Lion Mike reports that 625 persons recently benefited from programs at VISIONS Center on Blindness. The facilities at VCB are still recovering from storm damage due to Hurricane Sandy. Updates will follow as soon as they become available. Lions Opportunities for Youth / Larry Alheim, Chair Lion Larry has been concentrating efforts at promoting our Peace Poster Contest. He met with teachers and students at Schuylerville Central School to discuss details of the program. Students were very enthusiastic, submitting 150 pictures. A team of judges was formed to evaluate the art work. He mentioned the importance of Leo Clubs and hopes to encourage more of our Lions clubs to promote and sponsor Leo clubs of their own. Youth Camp and Youth Camp Exchange / PDG Joseph Jarvis, Chair A handout was provided listing Special Needs Camps and other youth camping programs. In addition to our own Lions Camp Badger, Vacation Camp for the Blind and Camp-abilities Saratoga, in New York State there are 97 Residential Camps of various types, 9 4-H Camps, 4 Environmental Conservation Camps, and 38 Day Camps for boys and girls. More information on Special Needs Camps and Youth Exchange will be available at our February meeting. Lions Quest / PDG Rick Quick, Chair I am trying to find out which school districts in our area are using the Lions Quest program. If Anyone knows if their school is using it, please email me (rquick@nycap.rr.com ) with that information. There are many brochures available through the Lions web site that may be used at any of your events. The Super Bowl raffle for our Brandel/Murphy Youth Foundation is now underway. The cost is $20 per ticket or 6 for $100. If anyone would like to purchase tickets, please contact me and I will get them to you. Thank you. PDG Rick Quick Leo Clubs / John Choi, Chair The Shenendehowa Leo Club, Lion John Choi, Advisor, has 40 members and continues to grow. The club has been very active with recent activities including: Sept. 29 – Volunteered with “Nick’s Fight to be Healed 5K” Oct. 30/31 – Distribute UNICEF boxes at school Oct. 1 – First monthly visit to Beacon Pointe Assisted Living Nov. 5 – Second monthly visit to Beacon Pointe for elderly with Alzheimer’s (crafts) Nov. 21 – Volunteer for Key Club’s “Thanksgiving Oct. 12 – Volunteered “Angel Names Memorial Walk” Saratoga Dinner for the community. Oct. 18 – Volunteered with “Operation Adopt a Soldier Halloween Event. Games & Haunted Hay Ride

Lion John is communicating with other Leo Clubs in planning a joint gathering/dinner meeting.

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Global Membership / Leadership Team – William Suchy, GLD Coordinator

Lion Bill and GMD Coordinator Tom Kevlin, continue their presentations to club and zone meetings. The new LCI Veteran’s program was noted which waives the entry fee for veterans. Lion Bill also mentioned that the facility of our Lions Foundation at Albany, located in Slingerlands, is available to clubs for meetings. Their “Knight of the Blind” program continues and the Foundation will be starting their annual Bunny sales shortlyOO good news if you are looking forward to Easter.

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ASSOCIATED ORGANIZATIONS

Sight Society of NENY Inc. / Lions Eye Bank at Albany – Vicki Adler, Executive Director Lion Vicki reports that our Lions Eye Bank continues to expand its facilities and services with the introduction of pre-cut tissue being made available to physicians soon. Camp Abilities Saratoga / John McDonald Beginning in August 2014, Camp Abilities Saratoga, modeled on several programs in the state, Will take place at Skidmore College in Saratoga. This will be a one week sports camp for the blind, visually impaired and deaf/blind children. This will be a major service project of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club. The cost per students is $3500 and the approximately $73,000 needed to run the program is now being raised. Lion John will be visiting clubs soon to explain and discuss the program. Please go to our website at www.campabilitiessaratoga.org for more information. Closing Statements: 2nd VDG Paula Flisnik wished to thank the district for their support in making it possible for her to attend the MD20 Lions Leadership Institute held in Binghamton this past Fall. International Director Larry Dicus congratulated everyone for their outstanding display of leadership in the service of others shown by the many wonderful reports presented throughout the day. In place of the usual “Friendship Banners”, ID Dicus presented several Lions with his personalized 2013-15 tote bags featuring landmarks from his District MD4 in California. The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 PM Respectfully Submitted,

PDG Dave Harris Cabinet Secretary/Treasurer 11/13/2013 Shenendehowa Leo Club 2013-14

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