FELLOW LIONS OF DISTRICT 29-I:The very first task for me in this newsletter is to thank the many special Lions who made the

District 29-I Fall Conference a great success. Every Lion that I spoke to had positive remarks about theweekend. Conference planning started over one year ago and my Conference Chairperson, BarbaraFishel along with my wife, Lion Sue, worked diligently to assure that every Lion in attendance was notdisappointed. They made the weekend spectacular. A special thanks to the Mineral County Lions,particularly the Fort Ashby members, who worked to make the conference a weekend to remember.

I was very pleased at the number of clubs represented at the conference. Well over fifty percent ofthe district clubs sent representatives. Of those clubs sixteen participated in our Parade of Banners toopen the Saturday evening Banquet. I was truly inspired by this.

I especially want to thank all clubs who participated in our annual “Parade of Checks.”At last count 40 Lions clubs and one Lioness club participated to support humanitarian efforts in theamount of $ 49,456. I thank you for your tremendous generosity to those in need. I would also like tothank all Lions who donated food items to the Tucker County Food Bank.

All Lions who participated in the “Silent Auction” seemed to have a grand time. Bidding was furiousover some of the items. I hope that everyone that participated came away with something to remember.

I would like to send out a very special “Thank You” to International Director John Pettis, Jr. whosehumor and wisdom made this a memorable learning experience for all. I truly hope that his stay in WestVirginia was enjoyable and that he will return with wife Liz to vacation at some future time. It is anhonor for WV lions to call you a mountaineer!

To all of you that attended the conference I look forward to seeing you again at next year’s event andfor those who did not join us, please come and see what great fellowship you are missing.

At this point in our Lions’ year we are already one fourth of the way on our journey to“Strengthening the Pride.” How are You Doing? As for me, I believe that my year has been successful,but we still have room for improvement. Remember every day to “ASK 1” and “Reach One.” Many clubsoften experience membership drops toward the end of the calendar year. As Lions, we need to “Be theBest that we can be.” Let’s work hard to insure that this does not happen to your club!As winter draws near I would encourage you to consider the “Blueprint for a stronger club” and the

club excellence program. Take time to assess your progress, re-visit your goals and implement recruitmentplans.In closing, I have completed over 40 annual club visits to date and look forward to seeing each and

every one of you. As always, thank you for “Guiding through Service. “

Until next month,District Governor Doug

DISTRICT GOVERNOR’S MESSAGE

District 29-I Newsletter

Volume 1 Number 5 - November 2014“Guiding Through Service”

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Lions in District 29-I and throughout the Multi-District converged on the Canaan Valley to celebrate the DistrictFall Conference. The weekend started off on Friday evening in grand fashion with an American Fair Buffet featuring B-B-Q Chicken, Jumbo Beef hot dogs, Beef Brisket and the “world’s best baked beans.” Lions werepleased to try their hand at bingo and place starting bids on a huge variety of silent auction items.

Saturday started off with the normal district cabinet meeting followed by lunch. The Luncheon speaker, Brad Fordinvigorated the group by teaching us how to be kids again while doing Lions’ work. The highlight of the luncheonwas listening to Frankfort Middle School’s Teal Steel Band! What an amazing group of young musicians.

The Saturday evening Banquet featured a keynote address from International director Lion John Pettis Jr. LionJohn mixed humor and fun with an impressive message about the great things Lions accomplish when performingwith the “Heart of a Lion.” A variety of awards were presented including two Melvin Jones Fellowships and threePresidential Certificates of Appreciation.

The only adversity to the entire weekend was the poor weather on Saturday that forced our Diabetes Stride Walkindoors. Please consider leaving a weekend open for next year’s event.

DISTRICT FALL CONFERENCE

ID John Pettis presents the Melvin Jones Awardto DG Doug Long. Pictured l-r: DG Pettis,PDG Steve Glass, DG Doug and his wife Sue

Parade of Club Banners

Lions Ken Shahan, Sue Long, PID Steve Glass and Al Cox participate in

motivational demonstration.

"Teal Steel" provided lunch time entertainment.They are from Frankfort Middle School in Short

Gap, WV

DG Doug Long, FVDG Al Cox, PDG CindyGlass, ID John Pettis and Lion Sue Long

Attendees at Cabinet MeetingDG Doug Long leads the

Cabinet Meeting

Fort Ashby Lions ClubPresidential Certificate of Appreciation presented to

Rusty Mall, Diabetes Chairman

ID John Pettis presenting Ron Brockett,Cabinet Secretary-Treasurer the

Melvin Jones Award. Pictured also is his wife, Kathy. Presidential Certificate of Appreciation

presented to Ron Brockett.PDG Steve Glass presenting the PresidentialCertificate of Appreciation to Lion Sue Long

International Director, John Pettis,Jr. from Merrimac, Massachusetts

Seminar speaker, Lisa Dudleyof the WVU Eye Institute

Brad Ford giving a motivational speech at the District Conference lunch

DISTRICT GOVERNOR'S 2014 - 2015 CALENDER

NOVEMBER3 Short Gap7-8-9 District 29-N Conference - Pipestem Resort

(Council Meeting)10 Elkins/Elkins Lioness - 6:00 p.m.18 Inwood/Bunker Hill - 6:00 p.m.

DECEMBER4 Romney - 6:30 p.m.9 East Lewis, Jane Lew @ Jackson’s Mill

JANUARY3 Council of Governor’s meeting - Charleston17 Cabinet Meeting - Adamston (Clarksburg) - 10:00 a.m.20 Charles Town - 6:30 p.m.30-31 Leadership School - Flatwoods

FEBRUARY1 Leadership School Closes

MARCH14-15 District L Conference, Wheeling19 Adamston

APRIL16 Hedgesville/Pikeside 20 Moorefield/Petersburg

MAY1-2-3 MD State Convention, Charleston

Please make an attempt to schedule your official visit early in the year. I believe that early year visits make it easier for your club to set realistic goals!

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - VDG AL COX

Hello District 29-I Lions!

It’s hard to believe, but we have completed one third of this Lions year underthe great leadership of our DG, Doug. As some say, “Time flies when you arehaving fun”! And, I hope all of you are having fun participating in your cluband providing service to your community.

Speaking of fun, we had a wonderful time at our District Conference at Canaan Valley in October. It was both fun and informative and I’ve only heard good comments from those attending. A specialthank you to our PDG & PCC Barb Fishel who served as chairperson of the conference and her Lionhelpers on a job well done.

I’ve been busy attending club meetings and going on several visits with our District Governor. I alsohad the pleasure of going to a DG night at the Doddridge County Lions Club in West Union. Theyare in District 29-L and their DG, “Gene” Saunders gave an excellent speech.

In late October, Lion Billie Nichols and I made a presentation on how to use thePlusoptix children’s eye screening equip-ment to Lions clubs located in the area of WV’s northern panhandle. They received a grant to purchase their ownPlusoptix unit. The event was hosted by the Chester Lions and otherclubs attending were: Weirton, New Cumberland, Newell and East Liverpool, OH. The East Liverpool Review newspaper covered the meeting with a front page story and photo. Great publicity for Lions!

I was invited to attend a meeting of the Zone 8 Lions clubs held in Clarksburg at the end of October.All clubs in the zone were represented and was I was impressed by the quality of the meeting. Zonechair, Ken Shahan did an excellent job in leading the session and was well prepared with pass out information. Also making presentations at the meeting were PID Steve Glass and PDG and DistrictGLT coordinator Cindy Glass.

We have some very good zone chairs in our District and let’s all support them by attending zone meetings. It’s a great way to keep informed on what’s happening at the Lions international, state, and local levels. In addition to good fellowship you can learn and exchange ideas about programs,fund raising, activities and projects of clubs in your zone. It also provides an excellent opportunity toplan joint projects with other clubs in the zone.

Don’t forget the Leadership School is coming up January 30-31 in Flatwoods. I hope to see you there!

Thanks for all you do to “Strengthen the Pride”!

Albert Cox (left),of the Clarksburg,WV Lions Club, explains the PlusOptix mobilevision screenerThursday to TomHineman, of theChester, WVLions Club. (Photo courtesy of the East Liverpool Review)

Albert Cox, of the Clarksburg, WVLions Club, demonstrates the PlusOptix mobile vision screener Thursdayby testing Martha Elder, president ofthe Newell, WV Lions Club. (Photocourtesy of the East Liverpool Review)

DO YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LCI AND LCIF?

Every Lion is a member of the Lions Clubs International (LCI) founded by MelvinJones nearly 100 years ago. Although started in Chicago, headquarters are now located inOak Brook, IL. Under the auspices of LCI are many divisions including, but not limited toClub Supplies, Convention, Administration, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF),and many others.

Reports and dues are sent to LCI. Reports are also sent to other divisions as necessary and/or required. These divisions are listed in the front of your directory and areavailable for viewing on the website.

LCIF receives and distributes money for a wide variety of projects, grants, and programs. Most, but unfortunately not all, clubs make a donation to LCIF yearly, usually atthe club’s conference or convention during the parade of checks. EVERY dollar donated isused for LCIF distribution. There are no administrative costs in this division. WV has received more money back into the state than we have contributed. Every dollar countsand I urge your club to make a donation this year to LCIF even if it’s $5.00. Let’s showLCIF our gratitude for all they have done for us.

Personal donations are also accepted by LCIF and appreciated. For every $1.000donated, either at a club level or personal level, a Melvin Jones Fellowship can be presented.

Every month the 4 District LCIF Coordinators and I receive monthly reports listingclub and personal donations. Many of the clubs throughout the state have more than$1.000 to their credit. Therefore, they are entitled to present a Melvin Jones Fellowship. If you are not aware of your club’s present contributions, please contact yourDistrict Coordinator or me for the information. The fourDistrict Coordinators are: L- PDG Harry Schramm, I- PDG Glenn Ryburn, O- PDG Jim McMillon, and N-PDG Dick Brockway.

Always a Lion,MD Coordinator Connie McMichaelwvconnie@gmail.com

Formerly Known As:

PDG Connie Dorscheid has legally changed her name to her maiden name as of October 15th. She is now Connie McMichael. Now begins the process of notifying all who need to know.

19TH ANNUAL WV LIONS LEADERSHIP SCHOOL

The 19th Annual West Virginia Lions Leadership School will be held January 30 – February 1, 2015at Days Inn in Flatwoods, West Virginia. Planning is well underway and the committee is puttingtogether an event that will be memorable.

The keynote speaker for Friday’s banquet will be E. Gordon Gee, currently serving his term aspresident of West Virginia University. Prior to his current term at WVU, Dr. Gee served as president of the University of Colorado, Ohio State University (two terms), Brown University, andVanderbilt University. Dr. Gee is a graduate of the University of Utah with a doctorate and law degrees from Columbia University. Dr. Gee has been a member of several education-governance organizations and committees, and is past chairman of the American Council on Education’s Commission on Higher Education Attainment. In 2011, he was appointed to serve as secretary onthe Board of Directors of Ohio’s economic development program.

At Saturday’s luncheon, the keynote speaker will be Nikki Bowman, founder, publisher and editorof seven West Virginia-themed publications. A 1992 graduate of West Virginia University, Mrs.Bowman has nearly 15 years of experience editing magazines in Chicago, Washington, DC andMississippi, winning several industry awards. Travelling throughout the Mountain State, she frequently speaks about the need for West Virginians to become invested in their communities andto take pride in their heritage.

Past International Director Judy Hankom will be the keynote speaker at Saturday’s banquet. Amember of the Hampton, Iowa Lions Club since 2001, PID Hankom served on the InternationalBoard of Directors from 2012-2014. She served as chair of the First Women’s Symposium in Iowaand also as a faculty member at the Great Plains Lions Leadership Institute. PID Hankom has received five International President’s Certificates of Appreciation, three International President’sAwards, the International President’s Leadership Medal and the Ambassador of Good Will Award,the highest award to be bestowed upon a member. PID Hankom is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, as is her husband, Ron.

Sunday’s luncheon will feature Sheltered Reality. Sheltered Reality has dedicated itself to being ayouth-oriented project, where youth members use music and education as a way to reach out to audiences, motivating them to advocate for those in need, especially children and families. Sheltered Reality employs the power of music to engage and motivate audiences to make positivechanges both in themselves and the world in which they live. Through stories of hardship and triumph, and a sequence of Steps of Success, Sheltered Reality teaches personal empowerment andcharacter building, and then encourages the application of these abilities to its primary focus of advocacy for youth in crisis.

Registration fee for this year’s Leadership School is $115 if paid before January 15, 2015 and $135after that date. Hotel rooms at the Leadership School rate can be secured by calling Days Inn at304-765-5055. Make certain you tell the hotel representative that you are with the LeadershipSchool.

Robert Stigall

WEST VIRGINIA LIONS LEADERSHIP SCHOOL

What, When, Where and How Much?The West Virginia Lions Leadership School will be held January 30 -February 1, 2015 at

the Days Hotel in Flatwoods. The Early Bird registration fee of $115.00 covers your choice ofseminars and four meals. A motivational speaker or group is featured at each meal. Your room isnot covered in the registration fee, but the hotel offers complimentary breakfast if you are a hotelguest. Call Days Hotel to reserve your room – rate is $89.10.

Why is WVLLS held at this time of year? Yes, weather can be a travel factor in late January, but this is also a time of year when

schedules are not so busy, and when there are no conflicts with district conferences.

Why Should I Attend West Virginia Lions Leadership School?To be a more effective Lion – to enjoy yourself – to LEARN – to get MOTIVATED!

WVLLS is a great opportunity to learn more about being a Lion and about how to be an effectiveLion Leader at whatever level you choose. It’s also a fun and relaxing weekend with opportunitiesto renew acquaintances and make new Lion friends.

Cost Concerns? District 29-I is offering up to five scholarships to First Time Attendees. The scholarships

will cover the registration fee, not the room. Contact PDG Cindy Glass at 304-203-2006 or at scjglass@aol.com if you want to apply. The application for the First Timers Scholarship and theWVLLS Registration Form are also available on the 29-I website (e-district.org/sites/29i). If youare not eligible for a First-Timer Scholarship, ask your club if they will pay or subsidize your Registration Fee, especially if you are a current or upcoming officer. Every club is encouraged tosend one or more members to WVLLS. You may also want to consider sharing a room with another Lion if you are not attending with a spouse.

An exciting line-up of speakers, presenters and seminars is planned. Details will be finalizedand publicized soon. Please be part of the 2015 West Virginia Lions Leadership School!

Submitted by: PDG Cindy Glass

West Virginia Lions Leadership School

DAYS HOTELFLATWOODS, WEST VIRGINIA

JANUARY 30, 2015 - FEBRUARY 1, 2015REGISTRATION FEE $135 – A DISCOUNT PRICE WILL BE $115 IF PAID BY 1/15/2015

PPRRIINNTT OORR TTYYPPEE CCLLEEAARRLLYY

Lion_________________________________________________________________________Name Name for Tag

Lion or Guest_________________________________________________________________Name Name for Tag

_____________________________________________________________________________Address: City State Zip Code

____________________________________________________________________________Home Phone Business Phone E-Mail

________________________________________ _______________________ Club Name District

_______I am a first time attendee

MMAAKKEE CCHHEECCKKSS PPAAYYAABBLLEE TTOO::WV Lions Leadership School (Note: Credit cards will not be used)

If you have special dietary requirements, please list below:

____________________________________________________________________________________

Mail Completed Registration to:PDG Eva Dague105 Sandy Avenue

Moundsville, WV 26041

Please contact: PCC Kris Pinkerman with any questions:(H) 304-638-4096 akpinkerman@gmail.com

Call Days Hotel Flatwoods for hotel reservations.

MULTIPLE DISTRICT DEAF AND BLIND RECREATION PROGRAM“BUY A BIKE CAMPAIGN”

At the Council of Governors meeting at West Milford on July 26, 2014, I presented before the Council of Governors my proposal to purchase new bikes and helmets for the students at the RomneySchools for the Deaf and Blind. As the Multiple District Chairperson of the Deaf and Blind Recreation Program (formerly called the Blind Ski Program), I was approached by a school employeeasking if the Lions would be willing to purchase some new bikes for the school or help in buying partsto repair old bikes. On a spring visit to the school at Romney, I saw firsthand the pile of bikes thatwere in various stages of much needed repairs. I then made the decision to pursue the idea of purchasing new bikes. Along with new bikes we also need to purchase new helmets not only becauseof safety precautions but because of health reasons too.

I spoke with my contact at the school this week and he informed me that 28 bikes (and helmets) areneeded. This would provide a bike to students in both the elementary and high school. My goal isstill the same – to provide as many bikes and helmets as the Lions of West Virginia can. As I writethis article, we now have $1750.00 designated strictly towards the bike campaign. Ten Lions Clubs,one Lioness Club, and one individual have donated towards this program. We still need more supportif we are to meet our goal.

We plan to go to the Moorefield, WV Walmart on Sunday, November 2 to begin choosing the bikesthat we need. Our goal is then to be able to have all of the bikes purchased and delivered to theschool the week of December 15. We will invite interested Lions to join us and also intend to havethe local newspaper there as well. This may well be one of the best Christmas gifts that these kidshave ever been given.

If your club or any individual is interested in sending a monetary donation towards the “Buy A BikeCampaign” please send your check to the “MD Deaf & Blind Recreation Program” and mail it to meat: Barbara Fishel, P. O. Box 41, Mt. Storm, WV 26739. Make sure you note on the check that thedonation is towards the bike campaign.

Thank you for your support of this program. December 15 will be here before you know it. If youwish to make a donation, I urge you to do it soon.

PCC Barbara FishelMD Deaf & Blind Recreation Program Chairperson

ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTO CONTEST:I would like to remind all clubs in the District of the annual Lions International Environmental Photo Contest. We will have more details later on categories and criteria, but each Lions club can select one photograph to be submitted to the District by mid/lateDecember of this year. Categories will include animal life, plant life,weather phenomenon and your urban or natural landscape. Entriesmust be an original taken by the Lion member. (Can be a photofrom his or her immediate surroundings taken anytime of the year).

A REMINDER FOR THE LION’S PEACE POSTER CONTESTDEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 15

We would like to invite all the clubs in District 29I to sponsor The Lion’sPeace Poster Contest in your local schools. This contest is sponsoredeach year to encourage children around the world to express their visions for peace. The theme for this year’s contest is “Peace, Love and Understanding”. Students who are 11, 12 or 13 on November 15 are eligible to compete in this contest. The club must submit one winningentry to the District Governor by November 15. If you have never donethis contest the best place to start is with the art teacher at your localschool. This age group would encompass students in grades 5-8 for themost part.

Mike FunkhouserLeo/Peace Poster Chairpe

Last year’s winning poster submitted by Tongbram Mahesh Singh,

a 12-year-old boy from Manipur, India

Commemorating a partnership of 70 years, Lions Day with the United Nations (LDUN) gives Lionsthe opportunity to learn and discover how the UN and Lions together can continue helping those inneed on a global scale.

Held at the UN Headquarters in New York City, approximately 450 Lions, UN diplomats and otherkey representatives discuss targeted humanitarian challenges in engaging panel discussions; celebratethe year’s winner of the International Peace Poster Contest and more.

Mark your calendar to attend the 2015 Lions Day with the United Nations on Saturday, March 7,2015.

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LLOOOOKK WWHHAATT’’SS IINNSSIIDDEE::DG Doug’s MessageCalendar of EventsConference PhotosBuy A Bike CampaignLCIF NewsWV Lions Leadership School

...Lots of Lions News

REMINDERS FROM THE GOVERNORʼS DESKNewly elected club officers should consider attending WV Lions Leadership School In Flatwoods January 30, 31 & February 1. The district will be giving 5 scholarships to first timers!

Clubs should be: developing an annual budget, holding board of director meetings and setting goals!

All Lions clubs can visit the Lions Clubs International web site at www.lionsclubs.org and do things like: Register for Club Excellence (CEP), or the Blueprint for success.

Clubs should be considering how to best help their membership afford to pay theirdues.

LET’S STRENGTHEN THE PRIDE TOGETHER!!!!!

Another of our PDG's has passed away..Norville Ellison of Mt. Hope who was DG in 1969-70 Let's keep his family in our prayers.

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